Monkey Madness Monday: Indie Publishing, Getting Closer

Received my second round of the formatted version of Dissected. Oh, it's so pretty. Found just a
couple more things that needed changing, so the next version should be it, then guess what. I make it a printed book! MEEP!!!!

What comes next? I need to come up with a sale price, set up distribution and get my bar codes in place.

As far as the sale price...the book is about 246 pages. A bit longer the Never Eighteen, which was $7.99. And I'm thinking about upping the book up a buck so I can donate some to my favorite charity, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital for every sale. So, I'm thinking $9.99 or $10.99. What do you think? Is the latter too much?

Then Lori, who is formatting my book will format the e-book version for me. She's been a God send, as have many others in this crazy process. I could not have done this on my own. Well, I could have but I'm sure it would have been a fiasco. :)

I also still have to design and order buttons and I need to get postcards designs and sent to bookstores, libraries, and schools. I'm wondering, do I mention the fact that the book is indie published? Hmmm, what have you other indie authors done if you've actually published in print?

Um, little behind on posting this week.

Okay, here. Here's a cute monkey. There. That makes up for Monday.

Let's see, yesterday I was going to write about playlists for books. Songs usually pop into my head when I'm writing. As I've been writing Dissection (formerly Sliced, which was formerly Sad) I've had a few songs come into my mind. The first was Hurt. Now, I'm hedging toward the Nine Inch Nails version, but one cannot discount the oh so awesome Johnny Cash version either.

The other song I have so far is Lights by Ellie Goulding, about depression and about how the lights are calling her back home. Likey.

Also kind of thinking Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotya. Not sold yet.

That brings us to Wednesday. I stupidly started another book, well, a series to be exact. I say stupidly because I still have to finish my revisions on Dissection, which have been like pulling the teeth from a lion. And I gave myself a deadline of *cough* the end of this month to finish. Um, that gives me four days to get through 160 pages. sigh. I'm not going to say I'm not going to do it. I'm really going to try like hell.

But I am really excited about this series. I kind of took a book I'd already written and twisted it all up, and then through in this storyline about the integration of church and state along with a dystopian setting and BAM! Book series. not going to say any more than that for now, or give away the name. Maybe when I get further along I'll share some of the writing. :D

Happy Hump Day ya'll!

Monkey Madness Monday: Beautiful Women Month

So, I've heard it's Beautiful Women Month. I'm not sure if this is accurate or not. I did a search and I've seen pretty much every month have a Beautiful Women Month post. But ya know, maybe every month should be Beautiful Women Month.

Many of them share the same Audrey Hepburn quote though. I will as well, because I do think it's brilliant.

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others."

Yes, beautiful brilliant quote by the truly lovely Audrey Hepburn.

This comes at a most apropos time for me, as last night I wrote my first poem in forever. I was inspired by a new friend that told me I'm a diamond, I am a rare beauty, and I need to realize it and own it (not the exact words, but close enough). So I thought I would share my poem with all you beautiful women out there.

It's a first draft, keep that in mind. It still needs work.

I am a diamond,
not transparent as plate glass nor spring water
not flawless, but exceptional in my imperfections
profoundly rare, I’m singular in every way.
not perfectly symmetrical,
my facets may not always sparkle,
no matter my clarity, color, carat, or cut
I'm blemished, but beautiful, radiant, resilient.
I am a diamond.

Monkey Madness Monday

Yes, it is Monkey Madness Monday!!  I've turned over a new leaf. (again) of course I had some serious motivation this time.  I was watching some of the old chronicle videos I've done, and i was skinny.  I want to be that girl again without all the mental problems. :)

So this weekend was my last hurrah, I ate pizza and last night had some Francis Ford Coppola wine.  I also got on the elliptical twice and just finished Jillian Michaels yoga torture this morning.

Back to the good carbs and fiber.  I even ate breakfast this morning ( I never do).  I am going to lose this weight before my release.  Holidays be damned!

Life is getting more normal, school soccer is over, I'm almost done with my to-do list for my release other than party details.  Life is good.

What goals are you shooting for before the end of the years?

Monkey Madness Monday

I love this monkey.  He appears to be forlorn about something.

So, it's Monday.  The weekend was half crazy, half quietly productive. If you subscribe to my youtube channel, you probably know part of the craziness that was my Friday night.  If not, you can watch it here.

Two soccer games, two wins.  Lots of fun. A friend came over Saturday night.  I was exhausted and a little tipsy and fell asleep on her (not literally on her, but you know what I mean).  She still loves me though.

And I caught up with blog posts (almost) and work for the Class of 2k12.  I have a few more things to do to get ready for my book release.

I can't believe it's getting so close.  I don't think I'll ever feel ready.

Oh, yeah, and there's that pesky work in progress to revise.  I'd like to have it done by November 1st, but I'm not sure that's realistic.

Don't forget, it's Teen Read Week.  Get your teens to their local library and have them pick out something to read for fun!!!

Monkey Madness Monday

I'm back after a short hiatus from regular blogging.  I'm coming off my exhaustion (I think). I was tested for Anemia and Hypothyroidism, and it's neither of those things.  So I think my doc was right and it's just a case of exhaustion.

I'm still tired, but the last day I had to sleep half the day was last Wednesday, and I've not napped since the week before last.  I'm hoping that I can get back to the exercise and getting healthy.  I'm so tired of being tired.

Enough about that.  Yesterday I was on a panel at Northwest Bookfest with my fellow Harbingers of Doom Marissa Burt (Storybound), J. Anderson Coats (The Wicked and the Just), and Danny Marks (Velveteen).  Our panel was about the Terrible Truth from Conception to Publication.  We had a big crowd and had lots of questions asked.  So, I think it was a success.  The Harbingers had fun looking at the booths and talking to other writers and editors.

It made me excited about revisions again.  I'm really slogging through them, but I'll get them done.

One more thing, I don't know if you guys know I vlog, but I'd love to have more subscribers on my youtube channel.  I've got a couple advice videos, some book reviews, I vlogged my journey to publication, and now I'm vlogging about my middle aged angst.  Click here for my channel.

If you subscribe, I'll send you a signed bookmark.  Just comment below and I'll get your details.

Catch ya later,

Megan

Monday Monkey Madness

I almost forgot it was Monday!  I'm back from seclusion.   A weekend at the beach where mostly I just worked worked worked, with intermittent walks on the beach and a trip to the casino.

I wrote out 169 postcards, dropped bookmarks off at the local bookstore and library, edited the 2k12 video, finished a first draft of a discussion guide for teachers and book clubs, wrote out lists for my release parties, wrote a poem, caught up on all my emails, and packaged up swag, books, etc, to send out.  The postcards were the big think.  Glad to have those all written out.

The walks on the beach really offered me not only exercise, but clarity.  I've been in a little bit of a haze lately, and though maybe I've not solved  anything, I'm thinking more clearly I think.  And the big, bloated, dead seal is still on the beach and I accidentally got downwind of it.  Ew!  Stink!

I think that's all I've got today.  Have a glorious Labor Day.  Rest your butts off!  I'm going to.  I've done enough work this week.  It's sunny and warm here in Tacoma.  I'm going to enjoy it because it could change at any given moment.  I mean, it IS September.

Peace Out.

Megan

Monkey Madness Monday

So, my daughter made me watch the MVA's until I was too tired and had to go to bed.  First off, there were like a jillion episodes of Jersey Shore on before it.  I for the life of me do not see the appeal of that show.  These are stupid people, doing stupid things over and over.  How many times do we have to see them fight, drink, and get laid before it runs out of steam?

Okay, MVA's first thought, Lady Gaga is a freak.  I don't like most of the music I've heard of hers.  Yes, she's talented.  I get it.  But if you have the kind of talent she does, why do you have to be so weird?  I mean, she even accepted one of her awards in her cross dressing get up? Of course, it was better than what she wore later in the night (I'm looking this all up, I did not stay awake for most of it.

And is Nicki Minaj Lady Gaga's mini me?  I mean, it's one thing to be creative and original, it's another to look like you live in Candy Land.

Two, there are times I love Katie Perry, and times I hate Katie Perry.  I hate the song E.T.  The only good part of the song is Kanye, and then I always change the station.  The rest of the collaberations were way better than that.  And I'm telling you, if "Look at me Now" didn't win anything, travesty of justice.

Loved Kanye and JZ, except the sound was horrible on their song.  And I felt sorry for the Price Tag girl having to sit in that chair all night singing other peoples songs.  Way too little performances though in the time I watched the show.

Brittany Spears looked great.  And her music is one of my guilty pleasures.  Don't judge me.

Best New Artist.  Um, yeah, I love watching someone throw up in their video. ew.  Over Big Sean and Foster the People.  No. 

The last thing I watched was Male Artist of the Year.  Um, Bieber over Eminem, Kanye, Cee Lo, and Bruno.  No.  I understand the tweens and teens are the ones who watch and vote, but um, this is just wrong.


Thank God people like Adele, Foo Fighers, and Beastie Boys are still winning video awards.

Of course, these awards are not for people like me, I know.  I just wish our youth was a better judge of talent.  It makes me frightened for the future.

That is all.  Enjoy the monkey.

F³A: The first author event

Yes, so tonight is my first author event and I'm scared out of my wits.  I'm doing a five minute reading and bringing a bunch of swag.  Wish me luck I don't mess up or puke or something.

I'm also thinking about running my first giveaway.  What does everyone like to get? Arcs, marked up arcs? Never Eighteen swag? Skype visit? Um, other crap? Let me know. 

(The pic of Aaron Johnson is just because I had no picture to post and I want him to play Austin in the move version of Never Eighteen, if that ever were to happen)

I think that's all I have today, except for the Nibbles of course:

Random iPod shuffle song: Story of My Life by Social Distortion.  Love it.

Book of the week:  Still OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy.  I will read this weekend.  I just haven't had the time!!!

Netflix of the week: Monk.  I'm loving it.

Quote of the week:  "The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.

— George Jessel

Monkey Madness Monday: Traveling to the UK and other things.

Um, yeah, how cute is that?  First things first, Sundays Mustang count: 18.

Okay, I posted on Facebook that Never Eighteen was on its way to one of the most prestigious schools in the UK.  People wanted details so here they are.  They're a bit fuzzy, so bear with me.

One of my parent's best friends is British.   A couple Sundays ago, my dad  called me and told me to come over to her house, he and my mom were there that she'd extended the invitation to me.  I grabbed some Never Eighteen bookmarks, because I'd just received them in the mail, and headed over.

When I arrived, I found out it wasn't just a intimate gathering, but a full blown party.  A couple relatives of Lesley, that's the British gal, were in town and she wanted everyone to meet them.  I was a little embarrassed by the bookmarks, but showed them to my parents and Lesley.  Then my dad starts making a big deal about the book.

I was mortified at first, and then people started making me feel like a rock star, so, you know, it ended up being kind of cool.  Lesley's relatives, David and Val, seemed particularly interested.  We talked about it for a little bit.  I gave them one of the bookmarks and a button.  They asked if it were available in the UK, and I told them it was on the Amazon UK site for pre-order.

End of story.

Until Saturday.  My parents had a party (it was my brother and Lesley's birthdays), inviting me and my siblings, Lesley, and David and Val.  It was their last night there.  Val starts talking about the book again, and I come to find out (and this is where it gets fuzzy) that she is major high up in ranking at one of the most, if not the most prestigious schools in the UK.  The word Chancellor was thrown in (that would be like the principal).  I don't think she's the chancellor, but perhaps a step below. 

So, my mom tells me to go home and give her an arc, which I jumped at the chance, and conveniently my parents only live about six blocks from me.  The next day, Never Eighteen was headed to the UK.

So there you have it.

Monkey Madness Monday

First off, here's my cute Monday Monkey.  Secondly, I have to correct something here on my blog. 

Remember back when I talked about Goodread reviews?  Well, apparently the reviewer I spoke about in general commented on that blog, and for some reason it did not post.  She thought I deleted it, which, those of you who know me know I wouldn't do.  I've been known to delete an entire blog of mine, a million facebook posts of mine, but never a blog comment.  I respect other people's opinions even if I don't like them or agree with them.

She  blogged about it, thinking I'm a disgrunted writer, which I don't blame her for, thinking I deleted her comment.  I'm linking to that blog here. In my original blog was more making a point about Goodreads reviews and respecting others opinions.

I'm linking to her blog because she was very eloquent and made some good points.  And now that is all I'll say on the subject.


I want to talk about my writing retreat.  It was great.  Only four of us.  Kristin Kendle talked about grammar and punctuation, Janet Oakley spoke on historical research.  I gave an totally unorganized (my style) presentation about the publishing process. 

I want to make it an annual event.  We have given it a name, as shown in the following logo (TSS for short).  I would to get more people involved, even though we want to keep it small.  We decided on eight people, though I would probably take it up to ten.  I already have people interested. 

If you're interested, it's at Ocean Shores, Washington, the third weekend of July.  If you want to come, respond to this blog, or send me a direct email.  Also, expect to give a presentation on a writing subject, expect to do some cooking, cleaning, and expect to learn and have fun.  Participants will be chosen by presentation proposal.  I want people who will be a good fit, not just first come first serve.

If I get a lot of interest, I may expand to those who just would like to learn rather than present.  But right now, we're tiny.  So, if you're interested in the learning process alone, let me know that too.  I'll see how many people are interested and go from there.

I wouldn't mind presentation from bloggers and famous writers either *cough Jay Asher cough Brent Hartinger cough Elizabeth Scott*  Excuse me.  Must have had something caught in my throat.

That is all for today.

Catch you on the flip side.

Monkey Madness Monday

Tamarin monkeys

Look at these monkeys <-------- They're so cute they look like stuffed animals.

So, I had an eventful weekend.  A writer meetup with my fellow Harbingers of Doom, Danny Marks, J. Anderson Coats, and Marissa Burt -- two 2K12er and an Apocalypty. 

Then I got a bout of the 24 hour flu.  Good times.  I hate being sick.  I'm not good at standing still, especially when there is so much to do.  It was hard to walk by a weed without pulling it, look at the dishes in the sink, see the mound of laundry.  But I always overdo it when I'm sick, prolonging my illness.  I was a good girl this time.

Then I stressed, panicked, and nearly collapsed over my option book.  If you don't know what an option book is, it's when your publisher has right of first refusal over  your next novel.  It's a lot of pressure.

On a more positive note, I'm taking an HTML class today.   My goal: to be self sufficient at producing websites and maintaining the one at my day job.  I bought a book, but I'm much better at being shown how to do something.  So I'm very excited.  Then I have a four day writer's retreat I'm conducting at the ocean with four friends.  We're each giving a presentation, writing, having fun, and socializing.  I'm really looking forward to it.  We're going to come up with a pithy name for it and do it annually.

That's about that for a Monday.

How's your Monday so far?

Monkey Madness Monday

So, it's Monday again.  It's been raining here for four days straight.  In the middle of July.  I mean, I know I live in Washington, but we usually get July and August sun.  This is ridiculous.  I bought a pool we've only been able to use twice, I left a bunch of crap outside on the last sunny day, not even able to fathom that rain was coming.  And I'm tired.  And cranky.  And frustrated. sigh.

I need to get rich so I can buy a place in AZ and hop a plane whenever the weather is like this.  I'm accepting donations (kidding).

On top of the rain, I just had a busy and frustrating weekend.  Teenage overload, one of which broke my elliptical.  I'm fatter than ever, I've GOT to get my ass working out and stop eating as if the world is ending tomorrow.  There were so many events I was supposed to attend it made my head spin out of control.  Did I mention the rain?  I had to drive about 30 miles to a soccer game on Friday, traffic was horrible, it poured down rain during the drive there, the entire game, and the drive home.

Even a Monday can't be as bad as all that.

At least I have cute monkeys to make me smile.

Monkey Madness Monday

Sometimes it is so hard to pick a monkey pic.  There are so many cute ones out there.

So, I decided on an impromptu trip to the ocean to gets some much needed R & R and some writing done.

I left on Saturday, the weather was perfect for the drive, blue clear skies, sun shining down on my hamster mobile.

I sang at the top of my lungs to the radio the whole way down, sunroof open, driving a little faster than I should have.

I arrived around 2:00 pm, and after debating fun vs. work, decided to get right in on the writing.  I accomplished a few things in the hours I wrote.  I cut about 3oo words from the novel, went through pages and pages of research, and got some words in.  The word count doesn't really reflect the work that was done, but I did put a lot of time into it. 

The novel took a turn I didn't expect, and now I find myself doing a lot of research on teen psych facilities.  It's interesting for sure, but also very sad that teens find no recourse than to turn to violence, self harm, addictions, and eating disorders to get them through the day, landing them in these kinds of places.  I expected someone like my main character to perhaps spend a few days in a place like this, but come to find out the average time for someone like her is about four months.  Sad indeed.

Anyway, the day I got here was perfect, I worked, got a little sun, won money at the casino, took myself to dinner, and watched True Grit (I loves me some Coen brothers films).

Day two was mostly writing and research with a shopping trip in the middle.  Birthday presents, gummy butterflies and salt water taffy, and monkey candle holders.  I closed up shop around 4:00 pm, bbq'd myself a Gorgonzola burger and made homemade fries, then watched an SVU marathon into the night.

Here I am today.  Cleaning the place up, catching up on email and facebook, then back to writing for a couple hours before heading home.

A perfect quiet weekend.  I wanted to catch up on some other stuff too, video, blog posts, reading, but was immersed in my novel to do anything other than write (and the fun stuff).

Happy Monkey Madness Monday to you all, I hope you have a productive and fulfilling week.

Peace out,

Megan

Monkey Madness Monday

So how cute is this little guy to the left?  I want one!!!!

It's Monday.  I'm in AZ.  Went to an SEO (search engine optimization) conference.  These guys knew what they were talking about.  This will not only help me at my day job, but with my writing life as well.

I leave today to go back to the lovely gray, rainy Pacific Northwest, apparently having missed the two days of heat and sun while gone.

However, I can't wait to get back and test out my new internet skizzizles.

Have a wonderful Monkey Madness Monday everyone.  Enjoy life.