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The One Where Everything Breaks
*drags self into Geekatorium*
*plops down in front of desktop computer*
*gets up again and dusts everything*
Whew. It’s been a while since I’ve worked in here.
Actually, I never have. The computer room in our house (AKA the Geekatorium because it houses toy collections, AKA the third bedroom) is my husband’s territory, and the kids’. They use this computer. There’s no room in here for my desk, though, so I have my space in the basement… right next to the litter boxes. The system has worked so far. I get privacy down there, I work on my laptop, I bring it upstairs to the kitchen so I can do stuff while I’m cooking. I pretty much stay out of this room.
As of this past Friday, the system is broken. Actually, as of Friday, EVERYTHING was broken.
Allow me to explain.
On Friday afternoon, a guy came to replace the thermostats in our house. Just the controls, not the heaters. That was good, because ours looked too vintage to even be cool. Gold boxes, iffy gauges, et cetera. And we’d been having a problem with the boys’ room since we moved in here–if you turned the heat on, it went WAY up and stayed on until you turned the dial way down, flipped the breaker switch in the basement off, and then back on. For 2 years, the thermostat in there has been set to “effing cold” to keep the heater from coming on, and we’ve used a space heater.
Not especially convenient.
The house guys figured the problem was with the thermostat, and replaced all of them.
Yeah, the problem is still there. And it’s actually worse now, because even with the thermostat switched to “OFF,” the heater stays on. I had to flip it off* at the breaker, but when I flipped it back on, the heat came on again, even with the thermostat set to “Arctic.” So off the switch stays down there, and we’re back to the space heater.
Put a pin in that, we’re coming back to it.
So that was the first thing to break (more) on Friday. The second was the internet. Netflix stopped working, my phone wouldn’t connect in the house and I had to go outside to check Facebook**. Not cool. Fortunately, AJ figured out that a wire had come loose when handy guy was doing the thermostat in the Geekatorium.
So that was fine.
But then…
My laptop. Guys, this thing holds everything. My work is in there. My photos. If my understanding of this “internet” thing is correct, my friends live in there. I carry it around the house so I can work in my office, or at the dining room table, or so I can do business stuff on the couch while AJ watches a movie. It works.
Well, it did work. Now it claims there’s “a hard disk problem” and it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Easy peasy! My warranty is with Future Shop. That’s only… four hours away.
*cough*
So here I sit. I’m thankful for a lot of things right now. Dropbox is one. Torn is saved there, and the first draft of book three, and everything else I’m working on. Even if my computer completely craps out, it’s not all lost. I’m also thankful to Literature & Latte, who makes Scrivener available to put on multiple computers after you buy it. I think this is my last installation, thanks to previous laptop issues, but I’ve got it installed on this old desktop now. I’m thankful that the kids are in school, so I CAN work in here for a few hours a day without interruptions.
But I am frustrated, too. I’m put out that I can’t work in the car like I was planning to this coming weekend, so I’m not going to be able to win NaNoWriMo in a last-minute push for victory. 20,000 words are not going to materialize over the next few days. And I’m cold, because having the breaker downstairs off for the boys’ room means no heat in the Geekatorium, either. Time for another space heater. I’m sad that I’m not in my office, which is filled with mojo-inspiring quotes and toy dragons and books that I love. Not that My Little Ponies and comic book action figures aren’t inspiring…
I’m spoiled, I know. And hey, at least I don’t get a big fat whiff up here every time one of the cats poops, right?
Bitching complete. I’m going to take this as it comes, like I always do. I mean, it was going to happen. When I was editing Bound, a flood wiped out our basement and forced us to evacuate. Torn goes to the editor in a few weeks… obviously my computer was going to die.***
Let’s not think about what might happen with book 3, hmm?
It’s just one more story to tell some day when they ask me to do a NaNoWriMo pep talk. 🙂
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*Literally and figuratively
**And if I had any hope that I’m not addicted to social media, the act of standing in sub-zero temperatures to get my fix dashed it.
***Yes, they’ve all been PCs. I understand that these issues (and also viruses) happen a lot less with Macs, but I could never afford the up-front cost of getting one before. I’m seriously considering it, now.
Starting out as an indie author: Interview with Kate Sparkes, author of BOUND
Ruth Nestvold hosted me for an interview at her blog today! We talked a little about my work, and a lot about book launches and indie author stuff. Take a look!
For this week’s installment of “Starting out as an indie author” I offer you an interview with new writer Kate Sparkes, who — to judge by her rankings in the Amazon store — “did it right.” She published her first novel, Bound, in June 2014. The novel is a YA fantasy and the first in a trilogy – and has a beautiful cover that makes me drool. 🙂
As of today, the book already has 88 reviews with an average of 4.7. The rankings in the Amazon US Kindle store are also impressive:
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,212 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
#2 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Teen & Young Adult > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy > Sword & Sorcery
#4 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Teen & Young Adult > Science Fiction & Fantasy…
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The Adventures of Zelda: Pug and Peach
It’s release day for the third book in Kristen Otte’s “Adventures of Zelda” series! The boys and I are reading book 1 right now and really enjoying it, so I thought I’d re-blog for anyone else who might be interested.
Zelda, Peach, and I are excited to announce that today is launch day for The Adventures of Zelda: Pug and Peach! This book is the third in the Zelda series, and we think they get better every time. If you are new to the Zelda series, this video will tell you a little more about the series or you can read the first chapter here.
We hope that Zelda can move up the Amazon charts, so if you are thinking about buying The Adventures of Zelda: Pug and Peach for yourself, for your kids, your nieces and nephews, your grandkids, or the kids across the street, go ahead and take the plunge. All Zelda books are available in ebook and paperback form. In addition, you can now order a personalized, pawtographed paperback copy!
Buy Now:
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Fall Into Fantasy: The Darkness & Light Series by KL Schwengel
Welcome to the Fall Into Fantasy Tour, where we are keeping your mind off any end-of-summer blues and welcoming the cooler weather by introducing you to some incredible fantasy reads to curl up with and giving you plenty of chances to win awesome prizes!
Week 1: The Darkness & Light Series
Book One: First of Her Kind
Book Two: Emergence
Book Three: Edge of Darkness (Release date 2015)
It seems everyone wants to dictate what Ciara does with her life: Serve the Goddess, destroy the Goddess, do as you promised your aunt — all Ciara really wants is to keep the two magics she possesses from ripping her apart.
And that’s not going to be easy.
Not only is her earth magic in complete opposition to her other power, blood ties pull her in divergent directions as well. And then there’s Bolin, the man sworn to protect her. There’s no denying the growing attraction between them, but is it Ciara he wants, or her power?
None of which will matter if Ciara can’t overcome her fear and learn how to use her gifts. No one knows the depths of the ancient power she possesses, or what will happen if it manages to escape her control. Will she lose herself entirely? Or be forever caught between Darkness and Light?
Or the paperback: Amazon Barnes & Noble
The battle for Ciara’s power has drawn the full attention of the Emperor and the Imperial Mages, forcing Bolin to put duty above safety and take her to Nisair. It won’t be an easy trip, even with an Imperial escort and a Galysian elder accompanying them. Especially since Donovan has found himself some new allies, one of who wields a dark magic that has literally gotten under Bolin’s skin.
For Ciara, coming to terms with the increasingly tangible manifestation of her power could destroy her. Even if they make it to Nisair–something that grows more unlikely by the day–there is no surety of safety for Ciara, or any of them. Not with Donovan willing to gamble everything to achieve his goals, or Bolin’s uncharacteristically reckless behavior, the result of which is the attention of something that has everyone worried.
Loyalties will be tested, lives will be lost, and no one will emerge unchanged as they find things are not always so clear on the line dividing Darkness and Light.
Or the paperback: Amazon Barnes & Noble
ABOUT K.L. SCHWENGEL
K. L. Schwengel lives in southeast Wisconsin on a small farm with her husband, a handful of Australian Shepherds, Her Royal Highness Princess Fiona the Cat, and assorted livestock. Growing up as the youngest of nine children, and the daughter of a librarian, Kathi spent many hours between stacks of books, and secluded away in dusty archives, drawn to tales of medieval heroes and conquering knights. With so many characters and ideas spinning in her head, she had to get them onto paper or risk what little sanity she possessed. She has been penning wild tales of magic and mayhem as long as she can remember, but opted to follow her artistic muse first. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and spending many years working as a freelance artist, grocery clerk, art teacher, graphic designer, stable hand, advertising account coordinator, dog trainer, and process technician (among other things) she answered the call of her writing muse. When not writing, Kathi trains and trials working Australian Shepherds, still paints, dabbles in photography, graphic design, and anything else creative her assorted muses send her way.
Connect online at…
Want to get involved with the Fall Into Fantasy promotional tour?
- Don’t forget to join us at the Facebook party here!
- If you are interested in joining up as a blogger, you can always sign up here. We are happy to welcome more bloggers into the fold as the promotion continues.
- If you are an author or blogger and want to sign up to help with the party, please fill out this form.
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Note from Kate: KL Schwengel is one of my writing friends, a sharp-clawed* beta reader, and host of WIPpet Wednesdays. She’s also a great writer. If you like your Fantasy with a darker edge, check out the Darkness and Light series (samples on Amazon, and she’s posting chapters from book 1 on Wattpad). I had the privilege of beta reading Emergence, and the series is only getting better as it goes on. As for what’s coming in the future in another series… ARRGH, I can’t wait! But we have to. *puts on big reader panties and waits*
Hey, don’t forget to click on that link to the rafflecopter giveway!
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*and I meant that in the most wonderful way possible
Author Spotlight with Kate Sparkes
Kristen Otte interviewed me on her blog– we talked about Bound, writing, world-building, launch strategies, and what’s up next. Check it out, and take a look at her books! Also, go back a post and look at the video of her dogs. Seriously. So adorable.
Today I am excited to feature author Kate Sparkes. Her debut novel, Bound, released on June 23, 2014 and has been on the top of the young adult fantasy charts since it released. I read and reviewed Bound last month. It was a joy to read, and I am excited about her success.
Tell us a little about yourself and your novel Bound.
I’m a writer and a mom, wife to a Mountie, comfortable seating for three cats and regular walker for a Boxer named Jack. And actually… all of that pretty much sums up my daily life. I was born in Ontario, but I now live in Newfoundland, which I think is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I’ve been writing stories since I was in Kindergarten, but only started working toward it as a career in 2010. That’s when I started writing Bound.
Bound…
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Bound (Bound Trilogy #1) by Kate Sparkes
Lovely review of Bound from Teri Polen!
Welcome to Darmid, where magic is a sin, fairy tales are contraband, and the people live in fear of the 
Sorcerers on the other side of the mountains.
Rowan Greenwood has everything she’s supposed to want from life—a good family, a bright future, and a proposal from a handsome and wealthy magic hunter. She knows she should be content with what she has. If only she could banish the idea that there’s more to life than marriage and children, or let go of the fascination with magic she’s been forced to suppress since childhood.
When Rowan unknowingly saves the life of one of her people’s most feared enemies, that simple act of compassion rips her from her sheltered life and throws her into a world of magic that’s more beautiful, more seductive, and more dangerous than she ever could have imagined.
Rowan might get everything she ever dreamed of—that is…
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Fun with Skedjools
Or shed-yools, if you’re feeling fancy. I’m not, particularly.
The kids are out of school for the summer! Hooray! I’m not going to get anything done! Hoor– wait a minute. Ack.
New challenge, then. I have a book to revise this summer. I’d like to have it out to beta readers by the beginning of September, which means I have a LOT of work to do in terms of re-writes and self-editing. I’m looking forward to the work. This story is rather exciting, and I hope that will help me focus.
But that’s hard with “Mom? Mom? Hey, Mom? Look at this! Mom? No, look again. MAAAAAA!!!” happening all day long. I need a plan. I need…
A SCHEDULE!
*groans*
I don’t do well with schedules. I’m easily distracted, and I procrastinate. Following a schedule feels like some kind of temporal/experiential oppression, and generally, I won’t stand for it. But if I want to have this thing out on time, I might need to make that sacrifice.
Hey. I got Bound out in spite of a flooded basement, an evacuation, and the destruction of my office. I can deal with a few kids for this one.
So why am I talking about it here? Because I need to be accountable to someone. Specifically, to you. I’m going to report back on this once a week or so. This could be inspiring, or just really entertaining for everyone but me.
Here’s a look at the schedule as I doodled it up a few nights ago:
I can’t resist the siren call of glitter crayons. 
Yep, that involves getting up early and working. I have no idea how this will work out. My brain already wakes me up between 6 and 6:30, but I usually doze a bit, day dream, plot noodle, and generally laze about until I have to get up. This plan involves, like… getting out of bed. And using my brain before 7:00.
Ick.
But my body clock also makes me crash by 10:30 most nights, anyway, so staying up late isn’t really a better option. Besides that, I have my biggest kid husband around a lot of nights, and I like to hang out with him when I can. He’s pretty cool. So this is what we’ve got.
In theory, this gives me 2-4 hours of working time a day (writing and social media), while still giving me time with the kids and time for housework and like… food and stuff. And adventures in the real world. That’s important.
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Schedule:
6:00 – wake up. Caffeinate.
6:20 – *write*
8:30 (approx) – kids up. Breakfast. Housework. Family stuff. Errands.
12:00 – lunch
1:00 – write (or social media promo stuff if the kids are around and not easily distracted)
3:00 – do stuff with kids
5:00 – supper prep, supper
7:00 – clean up kitchen, tidy, read with boys or on own
9:00 – kids to bed. Hang out with AJ or work if he’s not home
9:45 – prep notes for next morning’s writing
10:00 – bed
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I’m hoping that few minutes of pre-bed prep will help me focus in the morning. Normally I have to spend an hour a few minutes finding my focus. I’ll let you know if this helps.
Added rules:
- no e-mail before noon (so if you don’t hear from me, I’m not ignoring you!)
- no facebook/twitter during work time (except for word sprints)
- read at least 30 minutes per day
Obviously this is all subject to change. It is summer, which calls for spontaneous trips to the beach and the walking trail, overnight visits to the in-laws’, a wee vacation trip, and various other upsetters-of-schedules.
But I’m going to try.
Wish me luck.
Have any tips or tricks to share that help you get work done in the midst of distractions? How do you stick to a schedule without going insane? Please share!
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Bound for Greatness: An Interview with Kate Sparkes.
Interviewed by L.S. Engler today. This interview was a lot of fun, and we talked a bit about writing process, if you’re into that. Enjoy!
I am really excited to have a special post today. I have newly published author Kate Sparkes, of disregard the prologue here to talk about her first novel, Bound, the first book of an exciting new series about a magic-using redhead, and anyone who knows anything of my Aryneth series knows I love me some magic-using redheads. Kate here will be my second author interviewed releasing a debut book (the first being the wonderful Angela Misri), which means I’ve only interviewed Canadians so far. I can’t help it. I’m from Michigan, we basically just wish we were Canadian. Enough about that, though. Let’s move along to Kate and her exciting new release!
LS: So, Kate, before we get to the book, tell us a little bit about yourself.
KS: I’m a writer, a daydreamer, a collector of socks, and a bit of a scatterbrain. I live in Newfoundland…
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Vines and Vices (All the Queen’s Knaves book one)
Urban Fantasy (writing as Tanith Frost)
Dark, decadent, and deadly... Immortal Soulless books 1-7 (full series) available now! Visit www.katesparkes.com for details.
Bound (Bound Trilogy Book One)
Paperback, Nook, Kobo (included with your Kobo+ subscription!) iTunes, Kindle, and more
Torn (Bound Trilogy Book Two)
Into Elurien
Kindle, Kobo, iBooks, Nook, paperback. Click image for details.
At Any Cost (Bound Trilogy prequel novella)
available to newsletter subscribers or via ebook retailers
The Binding (Short Story)
Available exclusively to newsletter subscribers
Kate Sparkes
disregard the prologue 