Memory Lane

Hey loves!

Hope everyone has been having a lovely time in my absence. I've just been mooching around, trying to refill my artistic battery so I can get to work on the MT sequel (hello X-men: Days of Future Past). Have to say, there is another little plot bunny in the works, as of now tentatively titled Gods' Hollow. Right now I'd maybe pitch it as a Supernatural Romance, but it keeps morphing on me and wanting to change into something with decidedly more plot. We will see what happens with it. I love playing with different mythologies and while the Time Archivist series is, as of now, set in a more Greco-Roman world, I think GH would give me some more room to play.

Anyway, I found a post on tumblr the other day. Thought I would share.

Original post here.

It gets me thinking about how much time I have really wasted trying to convince myself to do something I don't love to do. And how unhappy, over the years, that it has made me. I'm not saying there is something wrong with a little fiscal responsibility: Obviously if you are going to be a writer, you won't make money overnight. But there is something freeing about the idea of really pursuing a dream.

If you really want something, than make the sacrifices to make it work. And I finally feel like this is advice I can give. There is little glamor in being a waitress with a law degree; every one looks at you like you're  a little bit crazy. But I'm starting to care less and less. There is nothing wrong with being a waitress, it has me paying the bills. And if it gives me the time to write and pursue this crazy little dream of mine, then I'm all for it. So I'll ask you a question: Would you like a refill on your soda? ;)

To end on a less serious note, although the video itself is a little serious, I thought I would share with you a fan video I put together right after college. I'm still inordinately pleased with it, even now. I think it's because it's a product of one of those times when I just let myself be who I am. The artistic, imaginative, and yes, a little silly, girl who just wants to tell her stories to the world.

Loves, JD.

And Another One Bites the Dust

Hey y'all!

Just a quick little update for those of you who have been following my progress in the ABNA contest. Welp... you ain't gotta follow it any longer?

Good book and movie, by the by.

Okay, really. No tears. I'm doing alright. A little sad initially when I read my Publisher's Weekly review, but I'm ready to move on. After entering the contest, I did do quite a bit more editing on the manuscript before I published it. So maybe that's why it is so easy for me to move on? Although I'm still searching that review to find the positive bits ...

Haha! I found one. The initial concept holds promise. THAT'S IT. Reading no further. Honestly, it was such a treat to get this far in the contest. There are a number of amazing writers who entered this year, and I plan to keep updated on the contest to see if any of my favorites win.

And really, I've already been so blessed by ABNA, it would be a little selfish for me to ask for anything else. When I walk away with all I've learned, all the wonderful friends I've made ... and the best darned writing group a girl could ask for, I'm definitely not a loser.

So I'm sorry I don't have more exciting news for you. But with out the Sword of ABNA-Damocles hanging over my head, I can get working on that sequel. And prove those Publisher Weekly guys wrong. 

Love you all! And to leave you with something funny, enjoy, Drunk Sherlock and Watson!

**P.s. Edited to include "The Review." Mostly I just wish I could remember what state the original manuscript was in. Of all the things I thought I'd get dinged on ... Oh well. Chocolate is remarkably restorative in these moments. ;)

• As anticipated from the title, mirrors predictably serve as portals in this novel of time travel. Gwen, a recent college graduate, defers her acceptance to law school (despite enviable LSAT scores) and applies for a seemingly drab job filing legal documents in the Archives. Pleased to be hired on the spot, her boss Alistair cryptically warns of occasions when “an Archivist is expected to perform in a matter that may be outside the job description.” A child of divorce but raised by her loving aunt Margaret, Gwen finds a kindred spirit and flirting partner in Rafe, a mischievous time-traveling, reality-evading thief and a regular at the Archives. In this mystery novel rife with haunted mirrors, time travel, sleepwalking, the secrets of the Archives, and the Guardians who protect the time threads, the story still never succeeds in picking up steam. Everybody comes with baggage and trust issues and an unlikely trio forms between the main characters. Their development, however, is shallow, even with plentiful dialogue, making it difficult to care about the outcome of their mission. Although the initial concept holds promise, the bond of the characters just doesn't work.

Sunny Rays, Lazy Days

Hey guys. A bit of an embarrassed wave from me, as I feel like I've been neglected this blog a teeny, tiny bit. But I promise I've been productive.

As you know, I'm lucky enough to be part of a wickedly talented group of writers, The WorldWiseWriters group. We decided to make it official and have just launched our new blog here! I greedily took over all the introductions, and I'm having such a fantastic time introducing these wonderful writers to ... THE WORLD (dramatic echo)! It's pretty flipping exciting!

The blog is still in it's baby stages, but I promise it's going to quickly become a happening place. We've got lots of great ideas to make it a super fun read. And with me there, I promise things will always be silly.

In other news, I'm really working on forcing myself to start Fractured Time. I'm a little terrified that the magic is somehow gone. As if whatever made me able to write the first book, has now abandoned me. But the only way to see if my Muse has stuck around, is to try my hand at writing again. So off I go. Open new Word document, save as FracturedTime.doc. And away I go.

Okay ... away I will go ... eventually ...

JD's Tips on How NOT to Publish a Novel

Hey Loves!

To save you all the trouble (and hopefully amuse you non-writers out there), I've decided to share with you my list of things NOT TO DO when you decide to publish a novel. Because I'm sweet and helpful like that.

#1 Write Only ONE Book

One Book to rule them all, One Book to find them, One Book to bring them all, and in the Darkness bind them.

JD's Thought: I'll obsess over this one book for months and months, because the most IMPORTANT thing is to publish this for all my adoring fans my mom.

Real Tip: Always, always keep writing. I don't care if it is your sequel, a short story, a secret diary post, a haiku or a blog post. Just keep writing. It's super difficult not to get caught up in the daily drudgery of editing and the excitement of getting your first novel into print. But the best way to become a successful writer: Have things people can read. And I mean thingssssssss. One book is great, and a terrific start. But the more little links you have next to your name, the more people can read, and the better of a chance you have of people falling in love with your writing style.

#2 Read One TERRIBLE Article on Formatting

No, Buster. No one would ever do that.

JD's Thought: Hey, this article seems like it knows what it is talking about. And the internet is always truthful! I'll follow this Joe-Schmoe's advice!

Real Tip: Get advice. And lots of it. Find a community of writers, email any one you know, ask questions on Facebook. Whatever you do, talk to someone who has done this before. And get real, honest advice, before you spend all your time formatting a book incorrectly. Because believe me, having to go back and fix all the mistakes you made the first time is time consuming and will make you crazy. (Helpful formatting book here. Thanks Hannah!)

#3 Expect Things to Happen Quickly

JD's Thought: 12 hour review periods? Pah! I spit on your bourgeois ideas of waiting. As soon as I hit the publishing button, my work will magically appear on the internet!

Real Tip: Always factor in extra time. For writing, for editing, for publishing. When CreateSpace and KDP tell you there will be a 12-24 hour review period, they may be exaggerating. But they also MAY be telling the truth. Especially that first review period: It will take the longest. So the real tip: Pick a release date for your book, and then tell everyone your book will be out 2-3 days AFTER that date. Because something will go wrong. (Probably ... maybe it's just me?)

#4 Wait for your Success, You deserve it!

I'm pretty fetch.

JD's Thought: My book is super awesome. I'm kind of a big deal. Everyone is obviously going to buy my book. I mean look at that "INSERT BOOK HERE" series. It isn't even THAT good. I'll be famous. :sits back and watches her sales:

Real Tip: Independent publishing is scary, hard, and success isn't going to come from it overnight. I'm sorry. It upsets me too. You will have to research ways to get your book noticed, work really hard ... and even then, success isn't guaranteed. It sucks big time. But if you are doing this for the money, then maybe think of a different profession. Do I want to be successful enough at this so I can do it full time? HELL YES! Have a quit my day job? Sadly no. As much as overnight success would be amazing, 99.99% of the time, it isn't going to happen.

So, to come full circle: Back to the first tip.

Write, and then write more. And when you 100% can't write anymore, go outside. Talk to people. Step away from your computer/notebook/paper and pen, until it no longer looks like a prison. And when the words start coming, run back and ... you guessed it: Write more.

We all have stories inside of us that we desperately want to tell. And as much as we want people to read them, our job is to write them, do our best to get them out there so people can find them ... and then write the next story.

This isn't an easy job, being a writer. And sometimes, even though I love it always, it's not so fun. And it can be discouraging. But if you truly love it, you'll be able to 'keep on swimming.'

Those stories inside of us? They deserve to be told.

Love you all, you can do it!

Amazons, Greek Goddesses and Magic Rings, oh my!

Hey hotties,

How y'all doing? Okay, I have something share with you. Because you know what?

It's true!

Therefore, I care very much about your mental health. And I have to say, reading books is good for you.

Okay, maybe not reading this book.

But I do have an EXCELLENT series of books for you to read: They are good for your health and fantastically amazing!

Maybe the book series?

Introducing: Andrea Domanski's The Omega Group series. And right now there is not one, but TWO books in the series to read: Crossfire and Greco.

Crossfire introduces us to Mirissa, a seemingly normal teenage girl. Well, that is until she finds out she is an Amazon warrior and everyone is counting on her to save the world. No big deal, right?  Greco follows the story line: A delicious little teaser (until we get Rogue) that gives us more back story into Mirissa's deliciously hot trainer, Greco.

Domanski's characters are the right mix of serious, witty and spunky. They could fit in with Buffy's gang and not miss a bit. I love when a character can deal with life-threatening danger, then turn around and deliver a biting, hilarious one-liner. Domanski excels: Mirissa is just the heroine modern readers are looking for. She's funny, smart, and an amazing warrior. But most importantly, she is someone the reader can relate to and care for. The author's ability to mix action, humor and drama means the Omega Group series is a seriously fun read. I'm impatiently waiting for the next book. Come on, MORE PLEASE?

So take a look at this beautiful covers (designed by the talented Rebecca K. Sterling, who also created my fabulous cover). And then click on the links to go buy. And remember: comment. We self-published authors really need your comments and feed back- it opens a whole new world of promotional services to us. Plus, it makes us just love you even more!

Stunning!

Buy Crossfire here. And Greco here. Want to learn more about the fabulous author? Visit her site here.


Love you all! Thanks for reading!

An Update

Hiiiii (Imagine it said in the solemn voice of Ross from Friends),

Just kidding. That was me yesterday. After a day battling evil internet goblins, trying to figure out how text went missing from my manuscript and trying to make 12 hour review periods go faster ... well, I was having a bit of a rough spot.

I mean I kept it pretty cool. You know ... waiting. 

Okay, maybe I was a tiny bit more impatient. Because I just wanted my book released. Maybe it was more like this.

FINE! You're right. I wasn't patient in the LEAST!!

That's probably way more accurate.

The truth is, I am definitely being taught a lesson in patience. And probably failing miserably. But I so want MIRRORED TIME to be out there, and I so want you all to enjoy it: It just broke my heart to think that A) I didn't live up to my promise of when it would be released and B) somehow a product got out there that wasn't 100% perfect.

Honestly? I need to learn something important, something I really should have grasped. I'm not perfect, I will never be perfect, and I should stop trying to be perfect. The said can be said for MT: I have put my heart and soul into this book, and I love the story. But perfect? Nooope. Although that's okay, because I can learn from my mistakes, and create even better novels in the future.

So where's the update? Right here. TL DR: I'm not going to post any links, or make any announcements about MT until I'm certain both the print and kindle copy are available and in as good as shape as I can make them. I'm fighting the urge to give you a date, but I don't want to make promises. Hopefully, early next week.

This is the part where I forgive myself for the mistake, promise next time I will be smarter with the book release, and move on. And I'm trying. I just love y'all too much and am way to excited to know what you think.

But I'll chill. Until then, stay tuned for some exciting book reviews of the lovely WWW ladies. First the Omega Series, and then Death Wishes. I promise I'll let you know when MT is ready to go.

Love you all!

For those of you who have already bought it: Chapter 5 may have some missing text (the bad version ends chapter five- "running down a narrow..."). If you have the bad kindle version this is your steps:

1) Ask to return it (Amazon gives you a 2 week period to return kindle books) and you will get a refund. Then, you can repurchase when the copy is fixed.
2) Email me at timearchivistnovels@gmail.com and I will send you the full chapter 5.
3) I am working with Amazon to update the kindle versions already bought to the new one (you just have to convince them, so it will take a while). When that happens, they will send out an email saying I've updated the content, or I will let you know.
4) ... throw a shoe at me?? (Please don't!)

Ok... this is where I let it go now. ;)

 

That moment you eat an entire loaf of bread ...

Hey loves!

I hope you had a quite marvelously frabjous day!

So, if you don't know me very well, let me tell you something about myself. I stress. A lot. Literally about everything. I'm that type of girl that stares at her ceiling at night, trying to sleep, but really obsessing about everything that happened during the day. "Why didn't I say that? That would have been so cute and funny. And ew ... did I really have spinach in my teeth all day? Omg, no one will ever love me!"

You think I'm joking. Which is sweet. Thanks for thinking I'm a nice, sane, normal person. But honestly, I've been known to stress about things that happened YEARS AGO. Like that "One Time," when I wore white pants on a field day in elementary school. Goal: Kick the football. Setting: muddy field. Outcome: Do I even need to say it? Man... I called my mom, on her way to a job interview, and cajoled and pleaded until she brought me new pants. So yeah, calm acceptance of life? Really not my thing.

Which is why this book release is killing me. Like ... "buying a Costco size batch of antacids and eating massive amounts of bread" killing me. Mostly because I so, so, SOOOOO want you all to love my book. And I really hope you do.

But here's the point: In my obsessive searching on Amazon to see if they've secretly released my book without telling me, one item keeps coming up. It's not my book. It has nothing to do with my book. Like... nothing to do with my book. 

Just the same, there it is.

A little elephant toy. And maybe it's silly, and you'll roll your eyes, but it helped me. My grandpa's favorite animal was an elephant and God knows, I wish I could have him here right now.

But maybe he's not as far away as I think. And that silly little woobly elephant somehow is calming my heartbeat, and letting me push that loaf of bread away. And letting me breath again.

So thanks, Amazon. For whatever silly search engine glitch that got me that little elephant. And thanks readers, for taking the time to scan my silly little blog post.

Love you all. And I promise I'll share my bread buy you a new loaf because this one's all gone.