Going Camping

It's been a long and mostly productive summer.  And as it comes to an end it's time for one more trip. A camping trip!  I love camping, though I haven't spent a night in a tent in at least two years.  And after the beautiful northern light display in my backyard last night, I feel like I don't need to go camping.  I sat on my deck for a half hour watching the Aurora Borealis dance through the sky.  I hadn't observed nature like that for a long time.  It was cold out, and I was only in my pyjamas.  My cat moved around me, loving being outside in the dark.  It was a gorgeous night in the city.

But there is just something so peaceful about being in the woods.  I'm excited to feel that grounding back to the earth.  To feel my body move lower, closer to the ground, closer to real, closer to depth.  I'm excited to open up a notebook, click my pen, and write something new.  What will you be doing this weekend?

Latest Self-Publishing Update

I'm going to be honest: I'm a terrible marketer.  Amazon Kindle Self-Publishing is not working for me.  Does anyone even see my books? I'm beginning to think not.

I had the opportunity at WWC 2014 the other week to sit in on a few SP sessions.  What I learnt is mostly what I already know: marketing is extremely important.  I also learnt a few tricks I can try, most of which will cost me money so I'm going to avoid that route for a bit longer.

I'm a bit disappointed with Amazon.  I feel like when I buy something from that site, such as a copy of The Lion King for my son, I get sent an email request asking me to rate the seller.  I have never been sent a request asking me to rate a product though, which means that I am relying on readers to come back on their own accord and rate my book.  Thank you to those that have!  Maybe this is a suggestion I should send to Amazon instead of gripping about it on my blog.

On to more things, but don't forget: if you love romance, love, magic, mermaids, witches and tragedy, try Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch today!

Another Review

I got another five star review!  Comments kept simple at "Good Book", but that's more than enough to make me happy.  If you haven't read it yet, find Black Depths:  Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch in the kindle store today.

And thanks so much for the reviews!

First Every Writing Con &...

I went to my first ever writing convention this past weekend in Calgary.  And it was Awesome! Not only did I get to meet Brandon Sanderson, one of my favourite writers, I went to some interesting sessions and did my first every in-person pitch to an editor at one of the big five.  Needless to say, she didn't pick up my book.  While I hoped she would, I was realistic that it was just not her thing.

But I learnt so much.  Not just from the pitch session, but from the Live Action Slush Sessions, and from Brandon Sanderson himself.  When Words Collide was a great experience and I definitely want to do again, next year, and every year after!  If you're a writer and haven't tried one yet, I recommend you do.  You won't regret it.

I have a reason this time

I've been travelling.  To a wonderful far off place called Iceland.  A spectacular country of otherworldly beauty.

Here is a picture of Svartifoss, one of my favourite places.  It was a nice hike up to the falls, and the beautiful view, which I did not spend long enough enjoying in person.  I tend to do that: see a place and move on.  Keep moving.  To the next place.  The next destination.  I need to retrain myself to enjoy.  Take it slow.

My other reason(s) is that I've been writing - lots.  I return to my regular job in one month, so it's been a dash of writing, trying to finish old things, new things and surprising things.  The first thing I have for you is Windbound - a Black Depths Novella. It's actually a prequel to Black Depths: Tales of a Redheaded Sea-Witch, and will be free on the kindle store from August 2nd to the 6th.  Take advantage, read, enjoy.  You can find Windbound here.

More about Windbound tomorrow!