It's IWSG time!
Every first Wednesday of the month, this group of writers come together to offer support, advice, encouragement or simply to let out frustrations and woes. Writing is a tough journey, and we don't have to go it alone.
Thanks goes to the brain behind this group, Alex J. Cavanaugh! If you want to join in or find out more (because there is so much more to this group) then head on over here.
Special thanks goes to this month's co-hosts:
Raimey Gallant,Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan, and Michelle Wallace!
Hello, February! I have a feeling it's going to be very, very short. It's amazing how much has to get done before Music Boxes' release day (March 5th!), and I'm not sure I'm really staying on top of everything anymore. I keep telling myself that the first time is the worst, and every release after this will be a breeze. Right? (Just lie to me and tell me it's true.)
So, off to this month's question:
Besides writing, what other creative outlets do you have?
Lately? Well, I'm making tons of bracelets (2000) as swag for school and bookstore events.
Usually, I sew and paint and garden and construct all sorts of things and glue and write music and...
It's a very long list. I don't like to sit still and love to try new things. Granted, writing has taken up much of my extra time, but I still like to work with my hands when I can.
What about you? What creative outlets do you have?
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I'm adding this to the post because I just got it done and am super excited to show everyone!
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Today, I'm happy to shout-out the new box set from a writer friend...
From USA Today bestselling author Ilana Waters:
Now, on pre-order.
Coming February 8th!!! Only $1.99 for the first week (until February 15th)
Vampire. Witch. Hero. Monster.
Titus Aurelius is all of these things. Ever since he rose from the ashes of ancient Pompeii, this former Roman general has fought for survival.
A few millennia later, bloodseeker Titus isn’t looking for trouble—just a quick meal. But when his path crosses the witch Abigail’s, that plan gets shot to Hades. They find out the Paranormal Investigation Agency (PIA) is plotting something monstrous—something that involves exploding gas mains, lethal bird-shifters, and sadistic vampire minions.
Will they uncover the PIA’s murderous secret before every supernatural in its path is destroyed?
And what is Titus and Abigail’s connection to the mage who, almost twenty years later, is exiled to a paranormal boarding school? Can this mage solve a mystery concerning a stolen potion and ghostly figure before students—including him—wind up dead?
Together for the first time, the Mage Tales Prequels: Books 0-II are action-packed, edge-of-your-seat suspense stories shot through with a megadose of snark. If you love authors like Kevin Hearne, Lev Grossman, and Ilona Andrews, give these a try! This box set contains one novella and two full-length novels:
When Darkness Falls
Blood and Magic
Mage Lessons
You can pre-order here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/
★ ★ ★ ★ “The literary equivalent of a blockbuster movie. Fast-paced with lots of action, humor, and a bit of romance that should appeal to urban fantasy fans. Grab your bowl of popcorn and prepare to be entertained!” ~LaffingKat
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I’m completely blown away and speechless!” ~Kristen Lewendon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “A page-turner you'll remember!” ~R. Alexander
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Intrigue, battles, love, and all sorts of excitement and adventure.” ~Tonja Drecker
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “If you like witches and vampires, evil plots, plenty of action, and a bit of romance, this is for you.” ~Brad Friedlander
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “I sat down to read it, got sucked in, and wasn’t putting it down until I was done.” ~Amazon reviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “If you want magic, mayhem, and mystery, then what are you waiting for? Click the buy button!” ~Amazon reviewer
And here she is...
I write urban fantasy for those who like it fast, funny, and fierce. If you're into cross-blended creatures (think witch-vampire hybrids and half-breed mages) and supernatural ass-kicking, I'm all over that. Ditto if your book turn-ons are equal parts creepy and action-packed (think ancient cities and crypts combined with beheadings and bombs).Sign up for my newsletter here, and I'll give you a free book: http://tinyurl.com/zp7q9u8
Wow! You're making a lot of bracelets. Good luck with your release!
ReplyDeleteI bet the bracelets will go over big! Good luck with the release and the events!
ReplyDeleteTwo thousand bracelets? Whoa!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'll just lie to you...
Natalie - Thank you! Luckily, bracelets can be knotted while binging my favorite shows. Lol! Work + play ;)
ReplyDeleteMadeline - I took them to the 1st school reading, and they were the hit. And thanks!
Alex - Hahaha! I'll hang onto that lie than.
I love art (painting, drawing) and crafts (knitting, school projects, cardboard castles) and even gardening. The hard part is finding the time. So much of the day is taken up by meals, pets, cleaning, and homework. I'm doing well to carve out writing time.
ReplyDeleteWOW! My girls used to make bracelets with embroidery floss. Very Pretty.
ReplyDeleteIt does get a bit easier with each book release. The marketing aspect doesn't! However, there's always that feeling of putting yourself out there for the public to either love or criticize. You'll be fine. Love Music Boxes.
Hey Tonja! So excited and happy for you about your new release! Personally, I think it does get easier, b/c you know a little about what to expect (hopefully make 2K bracelets each time won't expected!).
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you so much for having me on your blog. I hope you have a terrific week!
Holy moly! That is a lot of bracelets! I like the idea of gardening, and I start every year by planting a lot of seedlings, but as the heat of the season sets in, I lose the desire quick!
ReplyDeleteIs it bad I watched the trailer before reading the post? ^_^ Love the abrupt ending to Swan Lake!
ReplyDelete2000 bracelets! Oh my! I can just imagine how long that's taking - I've made my share of bracelets, beaded and embroidered. I also have a laundry list of creative outlets but I hardly ever do any of them. Lol! Painting and sewing are among them! I tend to go through spells when I'm sewing a lot and then I won't do it for so long I'm surprised I still remember how.
By the way, vampire witch and Pompeii survivor? Come on! :D
Bracelets as swag is an excellent idea. I imagine making them can be a little relaxing because it's repetition but also creative. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of bracelets!
ReplyDeleteLoved the video you made. And I know those bracelets will be a hit.
ReplyDeleteTamara - If only we had a second us to get it all done!
ReplyDeleteCathrina - I'm sure it's stressful every time.
Ilana - I'm keeping all of this lists and such, so at least the research won't be as much the next time around.
Christine - Lol! Yeah, it's always easy in Springtime but as Summer drones on, I kind of forget about the weed-pulling and such ;)
Krystal - what do you sew?
Chrys - So far, kids have loved them. And it is relaxing :)
Patricia - Yeah, I always have these great ideas which run into extreme. Oh well.
C Lee - Thank you! I thought about tatoos, but couldn't decide on which motive (boys aren't fond of ballet shoes). So I chose 'evil eye' beads since that should appease both. :)
Mostly tote bags and costumes. ^_^
DeleteI love that book trailer! Your release day is just around the corner - so exciting!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your upcoming release. So exciting! Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteGreat trailer! Bracelets for swag sounds interesting :-)
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for Feb's IWSG Day Being an Insecure Writer -- And Happy About It
Wow! 2000 bracelets. That's a lot! I imagine you must lose yourself a bit in the concentration? Your video is great. Best of luck for the launch! :)
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