Funday Monday- 4/13/15

It's been a long time since I've done one of these posts, but I had a minute before bedtime and a few things to share.

1- Every so often there are causes and then there are CAUSES. The CAUSES really touch my heart and are usually tiny, small things that won't take much time. In this case I'll let a picture share the cause.

Here's some links to the book: Kindle ~ Nook ~ All Romance eBooks ~ Smashwords 
For the small price of $2.99 you get a romance story, heartfelt and deep, along with knowing your purchase goes to help someone else.

2- Another charity I'm involved in is called Scream for the Cure! This is a month-long auction event that happens from October 1st-31st. The auctions include donated books from several categories (Erotic Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Horror, YA and Adult Paranormal, Urban Fantasy), plus whatever else people want to donate. This year we'll be screaming to benefiting Dyin' 2 Live. Currently, we're seeking authors, bloggers, and those who want to participate via donating to the auctions, blogging on the site during October about their cancer experiences, or spreading the word. Sign up here.

3- Outside of all the charity-activism I've been getting involved with, I've found a new time suck website that keeps me busy. There's always the need to develop banners, signs, images, etc. and if you haven't yet, I suggest you visit Canva. All the cool kids are doing it.

4- If you don't follow me on Facebook, and I'd imagine you don't, I posted a bit on some art. Not being one to rock the boat too often I do find that female superheroes in comics are extremely under-dressed. My personal opinion is that I couldn't fight crime or super villains with a thong riding up my rear every five seconds. So when THIS article and art showed up in the feed stream, I had to see and then share.

5- The last link is to my favorite website, at least when I need to unwind and let go of everything in exchange for mindless fun. For me mindless is the relaxation of a jigsaw puzzle.

Funday Monday: What's New, What's Not, and What's Coming

It's been a long time since a Funday Monday post. A looonnnngggg time.

So let's get started with:

What's New

1- New is my awesome With This Kilt, I Thee Bed short story anthology coming in October. The current plan is to release October 14th. This is a self-publishing venture and I'm navigating the piranha invested waters like a motor boat with a clogged motor. I will say that I'm confident I'll figure the majority of the 'need-to-know's' before release day. In the meantime look at the SHINY Cover! Thank you to the fantastical G. Pendergast for the work and the beautiful Jenn LeBlanc and Studio Smexy for the stock photo.

2- The Season for Romance is now Smitten by Books! Oh, yes. I loved reviewing for The Season and it's a little bittersweet at the name change because I'm a huge Historical Romance fan. Yet, change is good (something I'm slowly learning) and I look forward to the new site. There will still be as many awesome giveaways and reviews as before. Also, take a gander at the site banner and you may catch a glimpse of some sexy Highlanders. :) P.S. The website is still being worked on. In the meantime you can still see reviews over at Smitten by Books Blog.

What's Not

1- I'm still closed to reviews here on the blog. I've received multiple emails and I'm really honored that you want me to read your book. Unfortunately, there's no time in my schedule for reviewing like I used to do in the old days. 

2- In the meantime Indie Books R Us is still looking for self-published and small press published books to read. We've got open dates for October, November, and December... of this year. It's almost unheard of, but the slots are there. So I encourage you to checkout the submission guidelines and submit. 

What's Coming

1- A new website, a new blog, and so much more. Yep, I working on a few changes. Alright several new changes. As I get them finished I'll be sure to announce them right here. Don't want to keep anyone out of the loop. 

2- Scream! For a Cure Charity Auction. Do you like paranormal, erotic romance, horror, YA books in paranormal and urban fantasy. Then prepare the pocket books for this upcoming event hosted by my fellow Indie Books R Us Co-Founder, Catherine Peace.  I'll have a more detailed post about this event coming later in the week or you can click the link above to find out more. 

Funday Monday: August 20th, 2012

Well we're halfway through my birthday month and so far I'm lovin' it! Yesterday was the official day I turned one year older. Nothing exciting but as always worthwhile. It's been a long time since I posted a Funday Monday set, and a few things have popped up on my radar. This week's group of 5 involves stuff for writers (of course). Just a bit o' everything.

5. Reviewers Needed! So you're not into the full blown romance novel set, but you want to write reviews... how about YA/ New Adult? The Season Review site is looking for those interested in reviewing YA novels. You can sign up for what you want, but need some strong writing skills for more info check out THIS POST.

4. I love reading self-pub/indie books! If that's the case do you want to review them? Currently Lexcade and I are searching for a few good folks to help enhance our IndiesBooksRUs review blog. We want to do more but we're only two folks. 2013 is just around the corner so be on the lookout for a post here and there coming soon! Until then if you have some interest you can send me an email direct.

3. Writing Opportunity. Have you checked out the Writer's Digest site? I'm sure you'll tell me you have, but it's one of those things you can easily forget. What captured my interest is this upcoming webinar on Self-Editing. I can't participate due to the fact I work a day job during these hours, but I felt like sharing the wealth. If this doesn't interest you there's another webinar for query help coming up in September. Just check out the site. You won't regret it.

2. Avon Romance Addict? Yes this is a question for those fans of Tessa Dare, Caroline Linden, Julie Anne Long, Lynsay Sands, Kerrelyn Sparks and Lori Wilde to name a few. If you are then Avon is looking for 25 special addicts to get the opportunity of early reads, free swag, and other special perks. All you need do is apply here. Deadline to apply is September 7th, 2012.

1. Finally the last bit of Funday Monday jazz is this article that's a bit sad. I recently read this and thought heavily about the decline of the Ninja. This got me thinking about other practices throughout history that are now in a decline including doll collecting (weird I know). Not that I collect dolls, but I'm just saying. So when you're thinking about plotting a book something obscure like this may be fun, different. Just felt a need to share the news with the rest of those out there.

Funday Monday: February 20th, 2012

Ah ha! I'm back for another round of Funday Monday! This is more of a shameless plug Funday Monday. I'm here to pimp out my latest endeavor. Pawsiblities I <3 Dogs Tour is a go! It's officially launched today, and the first post is up. I'm a little squee about this venture, though I'm not sure how much attention it will really get.

1.) Small Town Rescue: This is Mission Control! The command center for the blog tour and Pawsibilities Are Endless' little spot to post about our wonderful dogs and share information as we come across it. We love talking about dogs... I think that's a little obvious with the whole blog tour thing, but good to mention again.

2.) Confessions of an Animal Junkie: Our wonderful friend and cohort Phoenix Sullivan runs this blog. With vet tales and guest posts from myself and other animal lovers it's a breath of fresh air. Plus tons of photos. You should really meet Phoenix's animal crew. A mish mash of some of the cutest and interesting animals I've seen. She's offering her blog up for guest posts from those who may not have a blog. So if you want to share your 'I love dogs' stories visit her blog for more info.

3.) Going from Nobody to Somebody: My partner in crime Cate! We have a Indies Book Review blog that we work together on, and she's an animal lover too! She's going to making a weekly post on each theme, and tweeting the heck out of our posts. She's also a huge gamer, so if you into video games and the latest with the Xbox definitely check her out!

4.) Blogs for Paws: Ran by the wonderful, intelligent Lauren. She's a dog grooming expert and a proud momma of two adorable dogs. She's constantly posting awesome information about grooming and keeping your pets safe and loved.
5.) Full Frontal Fantasy: A blog with reviews, news and musings on Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance. Lela is a big fan of the geeky and the sexy. So any combo of both is bound to spark interest. She likes animals too! Check our her blog and you can also catch her wandering Twitter. She has some awesome twitter polls.

Funday Monday November 28th, 2011

It's time for another Funday Monday! I've been absent the last week due to the holiday, some personal business, and a little seclusion for my reading mind.
Now that Thanksgiving is over it's time to turn my mind to the season of giving! Of course with the season there is music, books, activities, decorating and so much more. Don't forget the fondness of the colors red and green to add a sparkle. This Funday Monday is a little bit of mish mash of things so bear with me.

5. Center for Writing Excellence Fiction in Five- You like short stories? Like deadlines? Enjoy straining your creative abilities or challenging yourself? Then this contest may be for you. Fiction in Five is a chance to write a 700-1,000 word short story in 5 days. There is an entry fee of $5 to submit, and multiple entries are allowed. As always I'm not a fan of entry fees but sometimes they serve a purpose. The prizes vary but there are several. Deadline for entry fees and registration is midnight on December 2nd, 2011.

4. Eclat Fiction- something new and bright is available in the world of fiction anthologies. Eclat Fiction is based in the UK and plans on publishing fiction anthologies (10 stories per issue) online and available for free. Submission has no entry and rules can be found by clicking the link. The deadline for submission is December 5th, 2011 and stories must be at 1,000 words or under. You heard that right, flash fiction fans unite! This publication is all about showcasing unknown talent. So if you're looking for an opportunity of getting your work out in the open for the first time since the light bulb was invented then take a chance.

3. Christmas Music- I love Christmas music. Since the early years of my childhood the day after Thanksgiving always meant one thing to me-- time to break out the Christmas CD's. Not many in my family understand my insistence at listening to carols and songs all through the season. I can't tell why I do it. But when I went back to a 9-5 job and the Christmas season hit, I knew I would need my music. Luckily I found this awesome directory online. It lists radio stations across the country that play Christmas music from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas day.

2. Operation Awesome Mystery Agent Contest- Break out the 1 sentence pitches, and hone them until your fingers crack. This Thursday, December 1st, 2011 Operation Awesome blog will be hosting another Mystery Agent Contest. No 250 blurb or query entry here. Just 1 sentence that tells the awesome sauce of your story. Get ready to pitch away. Contest opens at 9am and they go until they get 50 entries. Be ready!

1. The Polar Express- I love the book, love the movie, and love the music. Nothing says Christmas like The Polar Express. Recently I discovered the website while doing research for work (don't ask because it would be a long story). Anyhoo, what I found on the website were games, recipes, crafts and activities that you can complete at home with the children and the family. How much fun is that? To me boatloads. Anything that can turn a couple of magical hours into an entire magical evening! If you're looking for something fun to do on a Friday night this site may spark some ideas.

There you have it. Everything I provided above should keep you busy for the rest of the day. Between hunting for that Christmas radio station, downloading craft activities, and gathering your writing wits to enter a few contests! Ready yourselves for the countdown to the most wonderful day of the year!

Funday Monday - November 7, 2011

Another Funday Monday is here! I'm too chipper, I know, but if it makes you feel any better I'm singing the Mickey Mouse themed "Monday Sucks" song.

Now that I've made you feel rotten with the Monday anthem, let's see if I can cheer you up. Here's my top 4 for Monday. Seeing that we're now in the throes of NaNoWriMo the theme for this week is based on idea generators.

1. Language is a Virus- This site has tons of writing exercises, tips, and idea generators. I got a good case of the giggles when I clicked on their name generator. I tend to laugh at the idea of calling my character Lovie Starbuck Lorene. But to each their own, it could be useful. There are lots of process suggestions and other things to check out. I recommend that you do not visit this site until you have time to waste... simply because I found myself peeking at things for more than an hour.

2. Seventh Sanctum- Generators for just about anything and everything. I'm a geek for comics, superheroes, and fantasy. For those out there wanting to explore their geek-gene this site will let you do it. Character Generators to names of Equipment or Candies-- this particular site has just about everything. It's chock full of creative goodness. *Caution* I have no clue how often generated ideas are repeated so it's likely that others may stumble upon the same things. Still it could spawn some latent ideas in your brain.

3. Mad Libs World- I threw this in just for fun. Simply because I love the wacky combinations that come from a Mad Lib. They're hilarious; especially when you let the kids fill 'em in. This site has several including a Christmas Carol one. If you're stuck coming up with the next scene unwind with a little Mad Lib.

4. One Hundred Bad NaNoWriMo Ideas- Alrighty this is a list that made me laugh. Honestly I wanted to share with everyone else and encourage others to come up with an equally giggle worthy bad idea. I really laughed because this list almost crossed out every idea I had (not really, but close). There are a few moments of  "eh?". But it's all in good fun. So tell me... what's your seriously bad NaNoWriMo Idea??

That wraps my opportunity to cheer you up! Here's to National Novel Writing Month. I hope that everyone's attempt is well worth the struggle... that sounded horrible : > p
Good Luck and good day!

Funday Monday- October 17, 2011

My life's been a little bit like a crack-addled hamster running a wheel. Regardless here I am trying to bring some fun to this wonderful Monday. My reason for the Monday being wonderful-- My car is running again. If you've ever lost your flex pipe and catalytic converter in one day then you'll know why I'm so joyous.

Now, to the top 4 (there was 5, but the website didn't work... grrr, people fix your sites).

4. NANOWRIMO- the countdown is on! Personally, I've never participated in the official Nanowrimo contest, but I do believe that National Writing Month should be a time for writers to diligently dedicate that 20 minutes to writing on their novel. I will say if you haven't checked out the site yet there are a ton of resources, even resources for young writers. It would be great to see writing classes at colleges and high schools get involved in something like this.

3. Concord Free Press- Like free books. Well, Concord Free Press has cornered the market. This particular publishing company allows you to get a free book when you donate to a local charity. Now, you can't pick and choose the book you want. They offer so many copies of a particular book and then switch to a new one. If you want to know the why? click here

2. Romance Bandits- This particular group of ladies has been featured on my Funday Monday posts before. I enjoyed their blog when it was stationed here in the blogger world. Now they've upgraded to their own website. Romance Bandits features 19 authors and 1 out of control rooster... a golden rooster that is.

1. Tee Fury- This is a great site. They carry exclusive, obscure, limited edition cheap t-shirt. They sell 1 t-shirt at a time for 24 hours only. Yep, that's right you can only buy each shirt for 24 hours. How's that for being one of few to have something unique and special. Today's shirt was from the movie Labyrinth, which is a personal favorite of mine. Who knows what's in store for tomorrow. I encourage you to check it out. P.S. the Labyrinth Tee is still available for another hour.

That wraps it. I'm working away on too many things to count, but know that there's more where this came from. *Side note- I have no idea where that came from.

Big thanks to @delilahsdawson, @janet_reid, and @annacampbelloz for assisting, unknowingly to this week's Funday Monday.

Funday Monday June 20th, 2011 Edition

It's Funday Monday!!!! Contest's galore and all sorts of other things to do and learn.

5.) The question- I have heard unpublished authors, including myself, ask the question about pen names. Do you get one before you get an agent, do you build an online following with one, and multiple variations of said question. I honestly never asked anyone in the pub biz this question directly because
a.) I didn't want to look like an idiot for not already knowing the answer
b.) I didn't want to look like an idiot when I asked an agent on his/her blog when she already answered that question (archived circa 2005).
Now I finally got an answer!
Head over to Evil Editor's blog here for more info, especially take a look at Phoenix Sullivan's gem of wisdom in the comment section!

4.) The Romance Biggest Loser Contest
This fun little way to slip the pounds during the summer is still looking for participants. So, head on over. Don't be shy! I know strawberry shortcakes, and Sonic Blast Ice Cream are typical summer fare, but tis the season for delicious summer salads. Diet, but don't dye it!

3.) La Vie en Prose Cleansing Palette Contest
It's story time. Last week The Shark 'Janet Reid' had her little story jam, now it's time for Meredith.
Contest Starts: 6pm EST Monday June 20th, 2011
Contest Ends: 6pm EST Tuesday June 21st, 2011
Break out the Dr. Pepper and Cheddar Chex Mix and get crackin'.
Rules: Multiple stories accepted in comment section, must be a story, and the final sentence must be: I felt sorry, after that, but still I couldn't bring myself to cross the room.
Click the link to enter

2.) The Season Needs Reviewers
As some know, I review books for a wonder website called The Season. Right now the creator, the talented, Beverley Kendall, is in desperate need for additional reviewers. Categories are wide and far spread, a little something for everyone. Requirements include being able to review at least 2 books a month. FYI: This is a romance book review site so if you like romance of any shape or size and have a little time to commit check out the post.
-Another side note, check out The Season's blog on a daily basis. The blog has book giveaways every week.

1.) Creative Writing Contests
This is more like a general fun thing. A lot of folks who visit are already published or have agents, etc. So, writing contests may be out the door for you, but for the others this may be a little outside the box. It can be hard tracking down the ever-elusive contest information. This blog provides up and coming contests for you to check out. As always I will remind people to read the fine print, and I have not combed through the entire blogs givings. It's worth a look in my opinion.

Good luck and have a great week!
P.S. Review for Spoil of War by Phoenix Sullivan coming on Thursday.