IWSG Goodness for May!

 

It's IWSG time!!!!

What is that?

In the words of the founder, Alex J Cavanaugh, the IWSG is here 'To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!'

The first Wednesday of every month is the time we post our woes, hopes, dreams, concerns, ideas, chit-chats, or whatever else moves us. 

(Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database; articles; monthly blog posting; Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram groups; #IWSGPit, and a newsletter. https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/)

I'm co-hosting this month, right along with Erika Beebe, PJ Colando, Sadira Stone, and Cathrina Constantine. Stop by and give them a 'hello', too.

Today's a special day for IWSG because it's the first day after the release of the latest anthology!

Dark Matter: Artificial

An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

 

Discover dark matter’s secrets…

 

What is an AI’s true role? Will bumbling siblings find their way home from deep space? Dark matter is judging us—are we worthy of existence? Would you step through a portal into another reality? Can the discoverer of dark matter uncover its secrets?

Ten authors explore dark matter, unraveling its secrets and revealing its mysterious nature. Featuring the talents of Stephanie Espinoza Villamor, C.D. Gallant-King, Tara Tyler, Mark Alpert, Olga Godim, Steph Wolmarans, Charles Kowalski, Kim Mannix, Elizabeth Mueller, and Deniz Bevan.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents, authors, and editors, these ten tales will take readers on a journey across time and space. Prepare for ignition!

Print ISBN 9781939844828 $14.95       EBook ISBN 9781939844835 $4.99

Science Fiction: Collections & Anthologies / Space Exploration / Genetic Engineering

 Amazon /   iTunes /   Kobo  /  Barnes & Noble /  Goodreads 

Also, the new contest is being announced today! Head on over here to learn all about it...

because you aren't going to miss that, either!

Now, that we've gotten the announcements out of the way, it's time for this month's question!!!

Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn't expect? If so, did it surprise you?

The first answer, which pops into my head is...

Some people actually claimed they enjoyed my writing!

Now, this might sound like a silly statement, but I'm more than willing to bet that I'm not the only one who was and is seriously shocked by this, at times. Of course, we hope for it and dream about people saying, "Wow. That was good!" But if you're anything like me, there's always that huge voice inside, which really isn't convinced this will ever be the case. So, hearing that for the first time is a shocker. Very unexpected (even if that sounds crazy). And even now, part of me whispers a little doubt, wondering if they're just saying it to be nice or maybe didn't read correctly? 

That self-doubt monster is ruthless. Always has been. Always will be.

But here's my other answer:  When Music Boxes came out, I did have a person in my family, who was disappointed I went into 'darker magic'. Since it's an evil witch, who's spinning her most sinister magic in the last scenes, I didn't think this was any worse than the usual, run-of-the-mill fairy tale. But my aunt was frustrated by the unsuitable dark tones, and that surprised me. 

Another piece I wrote received feedback that I'd opened up the reader's eyes to a new-for-them genre...which was unexpected and nice. And then another, never printed tale shocked a reader with it's 'brutality and twisted-ness', which they later admitted wasn't really that bad, since they discovered I'd only based it on facts from history. 

So, what odd or surprising remarks have you received? What response weren't you expecting and made you take a think-pause?

IWSG - Writer What-haves and What-nots

 

Welcome to 2021 and another year of IWSG! 

In the words of the founder, Alex J Cavanaugh, the IWSG is there 'To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!'

The first Wednesday of every month is the time we post our woes, hopes, dreams, concerns, ideas, chit-chats, or whatever else moves us. 

Special thanks goes to the co-hosts this month: Ronel Janse van Vuuren , J Lenni Dorner, Gwen Gardner Sandra Cox, and Louise - Fundy Blue!

 I'm going to forgo this month's question and head into writer what-haves and what-nots.

The last 8 months or so, I slipped away from my connection to the blog-o-sphere and even struggled to halfway keep up with IWSG. The reason—life simply got busy. And my preferred browser doesn't let me post comments on Blogger, which doesn't make things any easier (Evil computer). But I'm determined to get all of that back underway, stop by and say 'hi' to all of you...I have missed you...and force myself to make time for writing, too. (Seriously, isn't cloning possible, yet?)

Writing has suffered, but with all of the COVID shut-downs, I don't feel so guilty on that front. I'm impressed with those authors, who have had releases the last year and are forced to deal with the much tighter marketing front (as if being a writer isn't hard enough). So, I see this as time for me to get my story ideas tightened up and refined. No time pressure...more because I haven't had the time....but that's neither her nor there. Right?

I have thought about closing myself in my little writing office and ignoring the world to finally let those words flow, but the kids and my husband weren't huge fans of that idea (go figure)...and my cows and chickens might complain, too (yeah, they want to eat).

Oh, and I might have spent a little too much time binging shows on Netflix and Youtube. I consider that research for my writing brain...which it might not be, but I'm not convinced of that, yet.

Add over 300 reviews I did on Bookworm for Kids (*aehm* is that too much?), and yep, writing has fallen by the wayside.

But that's going to get better now. Right?

(A magic wand might be better than cloning, but I haven't found that one yet, either.)

And what about all of you? Are you filled with writer what-haves, what-nots, or what-evers?

Or have you been indulging in 'writer research' as well?

IWSG - Better Late Than Never

 

Hello! And welcome to another round of IWSG! For those of you who don't know, this group meets every month on the first Wednesday of the month to share frustrations, inspiration, tips, kind words, problems, or anything else that hits a writer's world. Being a writer is not always a path non-writers understand. Plus, this is simply a fun, amazing group.

This blog-hop was started by the very amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh and has since grown into quite the community with anthology contests, lots of advice on the website, a Facebook group, pitch opportunities and so much more!

A special thanks to this month's co-hosts: Jemi Fraser, Kim Lajevardi, L.G Keltner, Tyrean Martinson, and Rachna Chhabria!

I'm late!!! But here...the story of my life this year.

Anyway, Happy November, everyone. Can you believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner? I have seen turkeys running around in the pastures and fields. If I were them, I'd run, too.

This Month's Question

I'll start with today's question:  Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?

My reason for writing isn't that deep. I write because I enjoy it. I write because it's something I've done since I learned my ABC's. If I don't write for publishing purposes, I'll still write stories for myself. It's simply something I enjoy doing. Some people like to cook, others like to rebuild cars, others like to run... it's a part of who I am. Sometimes, my writing reflects my concerns; sometimes, it's to share experiences or thoughts; sometimes, it's to release anger or frustration; sometimes, it's to explore ideas and broaden horizons; sometimes, it's to try something new; and sometimes, it's simply to have fun and hope others are simply entertained.

Now...

...if I could find time to write. This year, the farm has been keeping me on my toes much more than usual. I've been a bit stressed with ridiculous projects like finishing painting the house before the cold temperatures settle in, digging and trying to figure out how to renovate our many-year-neglected sewer system, replacing skylights on the barns, treating cows for pink-eye, switching to home schooling with my daughter, driving my son's truck to him to Virginia (an 18 hour run)... pfffffffff...

Yep, writing hasn't only taken a back seat, I've shoved it into the trunk, at the moment. My blogging and social media arenas aren't far behind. That's why I haven't been haunting any of you nearly as much as I'd like to and hope you can forgive me for being a little silent lately.

But I haven't forgotten anyone and can't wait to jump into the writing chair again.  

And now, off to easier and more organizational thoughts...

My publisher is running a holiday special:

Buy 1 print book, get 1 print book free
Buy 1 eBook, get 1 eBook free
Buy 1 audio book, get 1 audio book free

Print & eBooks – must be purchased directly from Dancing Lemur Press’ website; free book must be same price or lower; when paying, note your desired free book in the comments section; free swag provided with print orders

Audio books – purchase from Audible, iTunes, or Amazon and send us your receipt stating your desired free audio book and we will send you a code for a free audio book; free audio book must be same price or lower
Inquiries AT dancinglemurpressllc DOTcom

Offer good through December 10, 2020

Visit Dancing Lemur Press 

A Literary Benefit Reading Series!!!

I'm taking part in this fund raiser for authors around the world, who've especially been hard hit by COVID-19. I'll be joining two other children books authors, reading an excerpt from Music Boxes, and answering questions in a live meeting on November 16th at 5:00pm EST.   This was actually scheduled to be on November 2nd, but at the last minute, was changed. 

Tickets are on a 'what-you-want-to-donate' basis, and you can find more information here:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/share-words-share-love-a-literary-benefit-reading-series-tickets-118383860313

Looking for ways to get reviews???

I ran across a wonderful author and her even more amazing idea several months ago, and really wanted to share this with you because getting reviews can be a really battle sometimes. I've tried this one out in so far that I've already read a few and reviewed them, and I know more than a couple authors who have been collecting reviews. It's free, easy and works.

One simply signs up, has three possibilities to join in on the book reviews, and tadah! That's it. This is simply a bunch of authors...created by an author...who need reviews and are willing to review.  https://sandrasbookclub.blogspot.com/2015/02/submission-guidelines.html

Why...hello there, IWSG!

Hello! And welcome to another round of IWSG! For those of you who don't know, this group meets every month on the first Wednesday of the month to share frustrations, inspiration, tips, kind words, problems, or anything else that hits a writer's world. Being a writer is not always a path non-writers understand. Plus, this is simply a fun, amazing group.

This blog-hop was started by the very amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh and has since grown into quite the community with anthology contests, lots of advice on the website, a Facebook group, pitch opportunities and so much more!

This month's co-hosts are: PJ Colando, J Lenni Dorner, Deniz Bevan, Kim Lajevardi, Natalie Aguirre, and Louise - Fundy Blue!  Stop by and say hi to these wonderful bloggers because I know they are a great bunch!


Good morning, everyone! (Or noon or evening or night.)

I'm skipping over this month's question because I actually have quite a bit bumbling through my head right now.



On the writing front: 

Things are finally beginning to flow again. I've started my WIP and have the first 1000 words down (which is a mammoth amount compared to the big, fat zero I've been getting for months and months).  I'm struggling a bit in trying to figure out how to pace the first chapter: what to reveal, how much background to add, how to slip enough world building... that kind of stuff. But I'll get it figured out.

The funny thing is that the writing started to flow as life jerked into gear.



On the life front:

My oldest son suddenly and finally got word from the army that they're accepting his move from the National Guard into active duty (it took them 5 months to get back to him but that's the army). So in two weeks, he's shipping off for training as a helicopter mechanic (isn't that cool?), and then will be stationed who knows where.

So, what does he do with his new found news?  He decides to get married! Within one week.

Yep, my oldest got married yesterday!!! We're having a reception this coming Saturday because he decided to have it done in Colorado (it's all very confusing and hectic and no worries, I totally understand why he did it this way. And we're all very fine with it).

Oh, and school started...which is always a change of pace again.



On the blogging/marketing/whatnot front: 

I was going to shut Bookworm for Kids down as of the end of October for several reasons. It's outgrown my small blogger platform, and I feel like it's stagnated. And I wasn't sure it was worth my time anymore. It eats up SO many hours to do a review every single day, post, write emails, do scheduling! I just wasn't sure I should do it anymore.

Just as I made my decision to shut down and started spreading the news, I received an invitation to join a blogger panel as the children book blogger at the AWP this coming March. Bookworm for Kids might be small, but it has gotten quite a bit of attention over the years. And free marketing? Can't say no to that!

So after more thinking and consideration, Bookworm for Kids is going to be getting a new look, platform and purpose. I'm going to expand and offer several new aspects... interviews, children book publishing news, and who knows what. I'm going to let it grow as it wants. After all, there aren't many blogs which feature kidlit...and kids do need to read. Since time is always an issue, I'm hoping to get several other reviewers involved to help lighten the load, but we'll see what happens and where it all leads. Right now, I'm aiming for January 2nd as the 'opening' day, but there's a lot to do until then. And I have no clue what I'm doing. Absolutely, not a single clue.


So, that's it for me!

What's up on your front? Tons of writing to do? Is life keeping you hopping or bogging you down? Does this entire blogging thing make your head want to explode sometimes, too?


What's up in your world?

IWSG - Searching for Calm

Welcome to another round of IWSG! For those of you who don't know, this group meets every month on the first Wednesday of the month to share frustrations, inspiration, tips, kind words, problems, or anything else that hits a writer's world. Being a writer is not always a path non-writers understand. Plus, this is simply a fun, amazing group.

This blog-hop was started by the very amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh and has since grown into quite the community with anthology contests, lots of advice on the website, a Facebook group, pitch opportunities and so much more!

This month's co-hosts are: Pat Garcia, J.Q. Rose, and Natalie Aguirre!


I made it!!!! Although I was hoping to have this post up earlier today, I did hit my goal of getting it up and saying 'hi' to everyone! Ever since the COVID-19 shut-downs started, and also Spring hit, life has shifted into high-gear and seems to only be getting more and more hectic.

So, writing....ummm....what's that?

Actually, I have been working on the co-authored project as the chapters come back from him. And I've dibbled a few words here and there on my own project. But it's so hard to concentrate with so many other things going on!

Since this is IWSG and that means I have a chance to moan and groan...
Yep, I'm going to pour my heart out! Because I desperately want to write and am simply not finding the time.

Ready?


Not only do I have more than several dozen things to get done on the farm now that warm weather...without rain...has hit, but there are all of the house repairs, too—deck painting, house painting, several floors need to be re-done. (We'll just ignore the usual laundry, mowing, cooking, weeding, mopping and such right now). Then, my older kids have been popping in and out (Awesome! And I love every minute, but it does strip hours from the day). My 2nd son and biggest helper broke his tibia bone without us realizing it, and now, is on crutches for quite awhile (and will be). My oldest son graduated with his B.A., and we were going to celebrate this weekend, but he's National Guard and was just activated and sent to a more unsettled protest area. (Prayers appreciated.)  AND to help keep my daughter's youngest passion alive (she loves gymnastics), I'm volunteering every day over at the local gym-studio, since the COVID hit them hard, and they can't afford to hire back all of their help yet. So, I'm doing what I can to help keep their doors open.
Add that the transmission in my pick-up went out and the brake drums in my 2nd vehicle died at the same time (because yeah, everything happens at once) and....WHEW! Is it time for winter yet??????

And one more thing, I messed up something on my browser, so I'm having a ton of trouble leaving comments on other blogs. I'm hoping to finally get that figured out this morning, but please, bear with me if I don't hear from me right away.

Pfffff.

Things aren't really bad. I'll admit that, in general, all is wonderful, and we're very blessed.
If only things would slow down just a tiny bit.


What about you? How's life and the writing end of things treating you lately?

Anthology Contest now open!!!

Guidelines and rules:
Word count: 4500-6000
Genre: Science Fiction
Theme: Dark Matter
Submissions accepted: May 6 - September 2, 2020
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted (double-spaced, no footers or headers), previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your full contact details, your social links, and if you are part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges.
Our judges: Dan Koboldt, Lynda R. Young, Colleen Oefelein, Damien Larkin, Ion Newcombe, Julie Gwinn, and David Powers King

IWSG - Always Positive!

The first Wednesday of every month is when this group of awesome writers comes together to offer support, advice, encouragement or simply to let  frustrations and woes flow. 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.

Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG. They can also be found on Facebook or on the IWSG blog.

Special thanks to this month's co-hosts:

Diane Burton, JH Moncrieff, Anna @ Emaginette, Erika Beebe, Karen @ Reprobate Typewriter, and Lisa Buie-Collard!

How is everyone hanging in there???

That's just happens to run along the theme of today's question too.

How are things in your world?

As many of you know, we live in our own little valley, with no other houses in sight. The tiny dirt road leading to our house is pretty rough...to put it lightly. So, we're isolated year around. (Well, if you count my chickens and cows, we do have quite the party going on here)

 The kids are home from school, but then, they had so many snow days this year, it felt like they were home most of the time anyway. And we're very blessed in so far that my husband's job is essential even when many others should still fall away or close their doors. 

Of course, when the virus hits our area, it will be harsh. The population hangs toward the older end, and medical facilities aren't exactly huge or plentiful. 

But then, the small town near us is suffering already. Unlike 'city folk', office jobs that can be done from home are far and few between in small towns. Most people live pay check to pay check, and few earn over minimum wage. (Even bank tellers earn only around $10-$12 an hour here.) So, the closures have hit super hard, and I'm not sure how many will survive holding out for another entire month. Luckily, people wear quite a tough skin and tend to keep a positive attitude. This isn't the first hard time they've weathered.

SALE!!!

On a happy note, my publisher informed me yesterday that Music Boxes is going on sale on Amazon!

The Kindle version is now available for....

*drum roll*

$2.99 !!!!

Here - Amazon!

Add the fact that Amazon's been keeping the paperback at a low price around $6 too (I just peeked in to make sure), and it's a great time to pick up a copy!  It's been getting lots of wonderful reviews and still is. So, if you know of some kids stuck at home, this might make a lovely treat.

Oh, and the audio book version is also available...nice and cheap when purchased along with the paperback. (So, I'm told)

There's a lovely, new image too! (Tons going on!)

Stay safe and healthy!!!

IWSG...Keeping it fun

Every first Wednesday of the month, this group of writers comes together to offer support, advice, encouragement or simply to let  frustrations and woes flow. 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.

Twitter is @TheIWSG and hashtag #IWSG . They can also be found on Facebook or on the IWSG blog.


Not only am I thrilled to help co-host today (because that's always tons of fun), but the winners of the anthology contest are being announced, too! I was lucky enough to be one of the judges, and wow! The stories were terrific! This anthology is going to be a real treat and probably not what you expected. Adventurous? Yep. But each story is so much more than that.

The winners can be found HERE ... the IWSG blog (after 5am EST)!  Congratulations to all of them!

*****

Don't put down those pens, yet! January is just around the corner, which means it's almost time for...

From 8am to 8pm EST, you can tweet a pitch of your finished and polished manuscript (with genre, audience age group, and #IWSGPit ). If you receive a like/heart from a publisher or agent, then check out their submission guidelines, send in the desired materials, and Wa-La! Your story will get at least a glance.

I, personally, love peeking in on these just to see all of the awesome stories. The ideas are always amazing!

*****

I'm skipping over today's question because I wanted to share something with you, instead.
My co-author loves to whittle and has been creating the characters from our WIP.  We have quite the cast, and the ones I'm showing you aren't necessarily the main characters. At least, not in the first book. Let's just say that someone is going to be whittleing for many moons to come. 

The first two figures are still in the making, but I couldn't resist giving you a glimpse anyway (hope Mr. Co-Author forgives me.) 

This is Niles, a fifteen-year-old, who is trying to support himself and his sick, little brother. He works as a janitor at the castle. Later, he needs to learn how to fight... the scenes from which this figure originates. On his back are the arrows, and he's holding a bow. (I can't wait to see it when it's sanded.)

Meet Anglia (oh, I hope I spelled her name right!). She's nine/ten-years-old and a bit of a handful. She's extremely playful and has a rich imagination...maybe a little too much so? Niles becomes a big brother figure for her (that's why he's currently standing at her back). I'm super excited about where her story will take her during the series (yep, we're writing a series!) She packs tons of surprises! And yep, this is definitely a YA read...take that as a very slight and impossible-to-know-where-it's-going hint at what her future holds.

Meet Midnight. She's not a character in this first book and is a very, very tinsy-tiny side-character, whose name might or might not be mentioned in the series (We're still working on book one and although the basic plot stands for the series, who knows what surprises will pop up!). But her best friend, Fay, is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the first book. Fay carries so much spunk that her little body can hardly contain it. Since I can't find my Fay photo (and I'm sure Mr. Co-Author emailed it to me..hmmm), I decided Midnight was too interesting to ignore. Her wings are iridescent, and you can kind of see that in the photo if you squint. She's still drying in this image...perhaps, that explains her scowl? But then, she does have a bit of a dark side.

As you can tell, Mr. Co-Author and I are having fun. Considering how much rewriting and editing is involved, fun is a vital element and keeps the excitement level high.

So, does chocolate.

Tons of chocolate.


Have a Happy Holidays! And see all of you next month!!!

IWSG - Speaking Novels, Men in Tights and Voice Actresses

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:  Erika Beebe, Natalie Aguirre, Jennifer Lane, MJ Fifield, Lisa Buie-Collard, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!


I completely missed last month's IWSG, which speaks novels about my entire Summer. Now, if only these novels also happened to reflect the amount of writing I'm getting done.

Summer is so distracting! Luckily, my current project is co-authored, and that's been forcing me to keep up a half-decent writing pace. We've just started the third round of edits and will be searching for beta readers around September/October. Or so I hope.

Before I head off into this month's question, I do have a super-duper, extremely exciting announcement to make.

Ready????

MUSIC BOXES IS COMING OUT AS AN AUDIO BOOK!!!

I was so excited when my publisher decided to do this. She was sneaky too and kept it as a surprise until after the auditions had already started.

It's so strange to listen to others read my book, but I enjoyed listening to the voice auditions...I'm awed by people who can read so well!  I'm even more awed by the woman, who was chosen and accepted the offer.

I could listen to her for hours, and the way she expresses the characters is amazing! To say I'm excited is (obviously) an understatement, and I can't wait until the world has the chance to hear it.


And now, on to this month's question:

What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?

Hmmm...I think my characters all have a little bit of me in them, but I've never purposefully or knowingly given them any of my traits. I have used quirks from other people I've seen or met or know, though.

For example, Mr. Lagunov from Music Boxes is a burly bear in tights. My daughter had a ballet teacher like that once. This gentleman wasn't Mr. Lagunov; he wasn't Russian nor did he complain about posture and have a ton of hair (actually, he was heavily balding). But he was a larger gentleman and in his upper years. A jolly man, who loved the kids and whose presence simply warmed the heart.

And when he put on his ballet outfit...

Well, let's just say that when I wrote Music Boxes, he had to be included.



What about you? Do you feed some of your traits into your characters? Or how do you handle them?

IWSG - Villains and Music Boxes

t'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:

Fundy Blue, Beverly Stowe McClure, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard!


Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?

I love this month's question because it's something I've never thought about before, and it makes such an interesting point. The idea of writing from the villain's point of view...well, it's done but not often. I've never considered writing a story from this direction, but then, I write the stories as the characters come to me. Maybe a villain is waiting in the dark corners of my mind. After seeing this question, I'll be keeping my eye out for them to step out and say something.


****

In my writing life:

I have been working on a new WIP with another writer, a co-authored project, and am enjoying it tremendously. But I haven't been getting to it as much as I'd like these last days because....

MUSIC BOXES came out yesterday!!!

I've been partying all week...

Oh....and as far as 'villains' go, the one in this story captured my heart in a wicked way!

Print ISBN 9781939844569 $12.95, 6x9 trade paperback, 158 pages

eBook ISBN 9781939844576 $3.99 EBook available in all formats

Juvenile Fiction: Girls & Women - Fantasy & Magic - Performing Arts/Dance

Twelve-year-old Lindsey McKay's biggest dream is to be a famous ballerina. But after moving to New York, she ends up at the Community Center with a teacher who’s a burly bear in tights.
When she meets Madame Destinée, the teacher of a top dance school who offers her classes for free, Lindsey can't believe her luck. In exchange, she must perform in the school’s exclusive midnight shows, ones sure to make her a star. But something’s not right...
One by one, the other dancers disappear. Each time they do, a music box with a figurine just like the missing ballerina joins Madame Destinée’s growing collection. If Lindsey doesn’t discover the truth about the dance school, she might end up a tiny figurine herself.

Amazon / iTunes / Barnes & Nobel / Kobo / BAM / Goodreads


I have my 'party' post up here with a few from the amazing review snippets it's received so far (I'm so excited about the amazing amount of kind words!) Go ahead and join in because who doesn't love a fun celebration?

There's a giveaway too!

The giveaway will run from midnight (EST) on the night of February 21st, 2019 until midnight (EST) on the night of March 15th,  2019. Entries will be made through the Rafflecopter. One winner will receive a music box (the one found in the book video:https://youtu.be/ww_RY4IVg3w) with the author’s golden signature on the bottom as well as swag (US addresses only). The second winner will receive an Amazon GC of $10 (US). The second winner must be in possession of a qualifying US Amazon account.

The contest is open to U.S. residents only, ages eighteen and over. No purchase is required for entry. All winners must claim their prize 48 hours after notification. Winners will be announced on www.tonjadrecker.blogspot.com on Saturday, March 16th 2019 by 10:00am (EST). All addresses and personal information will be used only for prize allocation. Sponsor, Tonja Drecker, assumes no responsibility or liability of any kind. Please email all questions to tonjadrecker@gmail.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


So what about you? Are you a villain observer or do you stick to the hero/heroine side of things?