Apparently, I suck at this whole blog posting thing. I mean, seriously, it's been like five weeks since I posted? WTF? I deserve to be shot. Or beaten. Or maybe just chastised very harshly.
But, I have been busy lately. And not just the normal day job from hell busy either. I finished the next Hell House story. It's called Fairy Fury, and it features surly teenage fairy Sora Starwind, who I introduced in Holiday Hell House. It's been polished and sent off the publisher, waiting for a yes or no. (yes, please)
I've already started on the next one in the series, featuring teenage zombie Zoe Talbot. I promise lots of laughs and much zombie shenanigans! No title yet, but I'm working on it!
I've also been working on a fantasy story about water nymphs, demons, and fairies. Tentatively titled Through Hell and High Water, I hope to have it finished and submitted by the end of the month as well.
So, you see, I have a genuine excuse for not posting! You can now put away your weapons.
AND, Sapphire Blue Publishing has made our books available at Barnes and Noble! I'm on the Nook! (insert happy dance here) Check it out! My Book Page
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
To Read, Or Not To Read
One of my fellow authors, Lisa Pietsch, posted a blog recently about a children's book that had caused a bit of a stir at another author's school board meeting. The book in question was Newberry Award Winner The Giver by Lois Lowry.
Apparently, some of the parents were concerned that this book was on the reading list for the fifth graders at that school, and felt it was too mature for that age group and requested the book be removed from the list.
I am always one to take the side of the book, but I wanted to find out about it before I made my decision. So, I picked up The Giver from my local B&N and settled in for what I hoped to be a good read.
The book blew me away.
I was sucked in to the story at once, fascinated by the world Lois Lowry created. The Giver takes place in a futuristic "utopian" society where everything is organized and controlled. There is no worry, no hunger, no war. But in trade, there is also no individuality, no joy, no love. People make no decisions for themselves. The young hero, Jonas, is about to turn twelve and get his job assignment for the rest of his life. He is chosen to be the community's new Receiver of Memory. All memories of all life before will be transferred to Jonas to bear alone, so that society may continue to exist without the burden. Jonas discovers many things that he can't belive have been "lost" to the community, such as colors, music, snow - but he also finds out what pain is, loss, and in the end discovers the hipocrisy that this utopia is built on, driving him to make the first and possibly final choice in his young lifetime.
There are so many things to spark discussion for young people in this book. The topic of what utopia means, or world peace, or what sacrifices might have to be made for a society to run without trouble. What emotions really mean, and how can we say someone is wrong if they have never been shown another way? Not to mention the underlying theme of how a world would be if no one was treated as an individual - complete and total equality. I would have loved to have read this book as a student, and I see no problem with the 7-12 year age rage it is rated.
I think parents that get up in arms over books that obviously were chosen for their literary contribution to the learning process should step back and take a real look at why they are uncomfortable. Turn it around. TALK about it with your kids. Use the opportunity to get to know your child better and how he or she thinks.
That's the power of books for children.
Use it.
Apparently, some of the parents were concerned that this book was on the reading list for the fifth graders at that school, and felt it was too mature for that age group and requested the book be removed from the list.
I am always one to take the side of the book, but I wanted to find out about it before I made my decision. So, I picked up The Giver from my local B&N and settled in for what I hoped to be a good read.
The book blew me away.
I was sucked in to the story at once, fascinated by the world Lois Lowry created. The Giver takes place in a futuristic "utopian" society where everything is organized and controlled. There is no worry, no hunger, no war. But in trade, there is also no individuality, no joy, no love. People make no decisions for themselves. The young hero, Jonas, is about to turn twelve and get his job assignment for the rest of his life. He is chosen to be the community's new Receiver of Memory. All memories of all life before will be transferred to Jonas to bear alone, so that society may continue to exist without the burden. Jonas discovers many things that he can't belive have been "lost" to the community, such as colors, music, snow - but he also finds out what pain is, loss, and in the end discovers the hipocrisy that this utopia is built on, driving him to make the first and possibly final choice in his young lifetime.
There are so many things to spark discussion for young people in this book. The topic of what utopia means, or world peace, or what sacrifices might have to be made for a society to run without trouble. What emotions really mean, and how can we say someone is wrong if they have never been shown another way? Not to mention the underlying theme of how a world would be if no one was treated as an individual - complete and total equality. I would have loved to have read this book as a student, and I see no problem with the 7-12 year age rage it is rated.
I think parents that get up in arms over books that obviously were chosen for their literary contribution to the learning process should step back and take a real look at why they are uncomfortable. Turn it around. TALK about it with your kids. Use the opportunity to get to know your child better and how he or she thinks.
That's the power of books for children.
Use it.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Snow, Snow, Snow
So, there's been a lot of snow in my neck of the woods lately.
And I mean A LOT.
So much, that the hubby and I couldn't even get to work on Monday this week. We live in a cul-de-sac, and it gets plowed last, making it difficult to venture out in bad weather.
It's funny, because as a child, I adored the snow. I would stay out and play in the white stuff for hours on end, making forts, angels, and having snowball fights with my friends. Now, it's just a nuisance that prevents me from getting things done.
I wonder when that changed - when I lost my childlike wonder of the snow.
I can't think of anything specific that caused that shift in my outlook.
I guess it's just part of the whole "being a grown up" process that we all must go through.
Kinda sucks. I miss that about myself.
On a positive note, being stuck indoors has made me spend some quality time writing, which I need to get back into the habit of doing more regularly. Oh, and I've read like four books in the past two weeks as well.
So maybe the snow isn't so bad after all.
And I mean A LOT.
So much, that the hubby and I couldn't even get to work on Monday this week. We live in a cul-de-sac, and it gets plowed last, making it difficult to venture out in bad weather.
It's funny, because as a child, I adored the snow. I would stay out and play in the white stuff for hours on end, making forts, angels, and having snowball fights with my friends. Now, it's just a nuisance that prevents me from getting things done.
I wonder when that changed - when I lost my childlike wonder of the snow.
I can't think of anything specific that caused that shift in my outlook.
I guess it's just part of the whole "being a grown up" process that we all must go through.
Kinda sucks. I miss that about myself.
On a positive note, being stuck indoors has made me spend some quality time writing, which I need to get back into the habit of doing more regularly. Oh, and I've read like four books in the past two weeks as well.
So maybe the snow isn't so bad after all.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
New Year, New Ideas, New Obstacles
So the new year has hit me like a ton of bricks.
I just finished peak season at my day job, and they threw inventory hell on top of that. Add one messed up shoulder and you have a recipe for aggravation.
Regardless, I've been nursing some story ideas in my head. I'm working on a new vampire erotic story called Blood and Moonlight. Also, I'm working on the next Hell House story, which happens to be surly Sora's story, called Hell House: Fairy Fury. I'm excited about my Hell House characters the most. There's so much to pull from, and it's Sapphire Blue's first young adult release as well.
The only thing is, it's a little difficult to type when your shoulder is screaming at you to stop. So, things are a little slow until I'm back at 100%.
But I have faith that I'll be back on track soon!
I just finished peak season at my day job, and they threw inventory hell on top of that. Add one messed up shoulder and you have a recipe for aggravation.
Regardless, I've been nursing some story ideas in my head. I'm working on a new vampire erotic story called Blood and Moonlight. Also, I'm working on the next Hell House story, which happens to be surly Sora's story, called Hell House: Fairy Fury. I'm excited about my Hell House characters the most. There's so much to pull from, and it's Sapphire Blue's first young adult release as well.
The only thing is, it's a little difficult to type when your shoulder is screaming at you to stop. So, things are a little slow until I'm back at 100%.
But I have faith that I'll be back on track soon!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Preditors and Editors Poll
My two short stories, Summon Me Swiftly and Holiday Hell House are nominated in the Preditors and Editors Poll!
Summon Me Swiftly is in the Sci Fi/Fantasy short story category. You can vote for it here:
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/shortstorysf.shtml
Holiday Hell House is in the All Other Short Stories Category.
You can vote for it here:
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/shortstory.shtml
(Voting is open until January 14, 2010. There are lots of other categories with great books as well, so look around and have a voting party!
Summon Me Swiftly is in the Sci Fi/Fantasy short story category. You can vote for it here:
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/shortstorysf.shtml
Holiday Hell House is in the All Other Short Stories Category.
You can vote for it here:
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/shortstory.shtml
(Voting is open until January 14, 2010. There are lots of other categories with great books as well, so look around and have a voting party!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
New Holiday Release - Holiday Hell House!
I have a new release for the holidays!
Blurb:
There’s no place like Hell House for the holidays…
At least that’s what Danielle Stewart hopes for as the director of Hellsner Halfway House for Troubled Paranormal Teens. But all her plans come to an abrupt halt with the help of bickering teens, unannounced zombies, and a portal to hell among other things.
When the arguing leads to things quite literally going up in smoke, will Danielle find that her true calling lies elsewhere, or will the help of an unexpected angel show her the family she has longed for is right before her eyes?
Available from www.sapphirebluepublishing.com and many other e-retailers!
(It's already a best seller at All Romance Ebooks!)
Happy Holidays!
Blurb:
There’s no place like Hell House for the holidays…
At least that’s what Danielle Stewart hopes for as the director of Hellsner Halfway House for Troubled Paranormal Teens. But all her plans come to an abrupt halt with the help of bickering teens, unannounced zombies, and a portal to hell among other things.
When the arguing leads to things quite literally going up in smoke, will Danielle find that her true calling lies elsewhere, or will the help of an unexpected angel show her the family she has longed for is right before her eyes?
Available from www.sapphirebluepublishing.com and many other e-retailers!
(It's already a best seller at All Romance Ebooks!)
Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Most Craziest Time of the Year
I'm a bit stressed. November flew by, and December is here. That means Christmas is now less than a month away.
I work in retail, so this time of year gets crazy at my day job. Our business doubles, even triples some days. I enjoy being busy, but keeping up with deadlines can be hectic! Not to mention, the orders get more complicated and take more time to do, since people like to give shadowboxes as gifts. I usually end up sewing and pinning things until I can't feel my fingertips!
I always have grand plans on things I want to give as gifts. I want to crochet scarves and hats, draw portraits, make jewelry. And yet, every year, I find myself scrambling to make things at the last minute, or breaking down and buying something instead.
Apparently, I suck when it comes to planning.
However, one present I am giving myself this year is the completion of a holiday short story, which Sapphire Blue has picked up for publication. I've always wanted to write a holiday story, but never forced myself to take the time for follow through. We are in the editing process, and hope to have it out later this month. I can't wait to see what they come up with for the cover!
I'll share more as the details come in!
And now, on to more craziness...
Christle
http://www.christlegray.com
I work in retail, so this time of year gets crazy at my day job. Our business doubles, even triples some days. I enjoy being busy, but keeping up with deadlines can be hectic! Not to mention, the orders get more complicated and take more time to do, since people like to give shadowboxes as gifts. I usually end up sewing and pinning things until I can't feel my fingertips!
I always have grand plans on things I want to give as gifts. I want to crochet scarves and hats, draw portraits, make jewelry. And yet, every year, I find myself scrambling to make things at the last minute, or breaking down and buying something instead.
Apparently, I suck when it comes to planning.
However, one present I am giving myself this year is the completion of a holiday short story, which Sapphire Blue has picked up for publication. I've always wanted to write a holiday story, but never forced myself to take the time for follow through. We are in the editing process, and hope to have it out later this month. I can't wait to see what they come up with for the cover!
I'll share more as the details come in!
And now, on to more craziness...
Christle
http://www.christlegray.com
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