Suzanne Writes

Friday Fun and News and Stuff

2012-01-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday, everyone. ~launches cupcake cannon~

Are you on Figment Fiction? It's this awesome new online writing community where you can write, read, and interact with authors. I just joined.

What book do you think is a "must read" for everyone? Me and a few other authors talk about it here.

Innocent Darkness is up on Indie Bound.

Innocent Darkness is also up for pre-order on Barnes and Nobles for $5. Yeah, $5. Not sure how long they'll have it at the price. Nook people -- if you want this on Nook, make sure you press the "request as Nook Book" button.

I will be at BEA, not sure when.

I'll also be at the RT Booklovers Convention. I'm running the YA Slumber Party and the Gaslamp Social.

Here's some debut cover love:

Have a great weekend, everyone! Anyone have any fun plans?

YAmazingRace with MGnificent Prizes

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Like YA?

Love Prizes?

The YAmazingRace with MGnificent Prizes starts today at 12 pm EST. Over 50 YA and MG authors are going to be giving away a boatload of prizes.

INNOCENT DARKNESS is part of leg 5. If you've wanted Noli's necklace and haven't won one yet, there is one up for grabs.

Rules will go up here at 12 pm eastern time when the race starts. Good luck!

NaNoFinMo Wrap-up and Final WInners!!!

2012-01-11T09:09:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in NaNoFinMo -- even if you didn't check in every week.

To those of you who did check in, I am amazed by your dedication and progress.

Cupcakes for everyone!

I set off what I wanted to do -- finish book 2, which is now in the hands of my trusty betas.

LELAH -- Your are our winner. You win a crit of your first 3 chapters or a writer's motivation kit.

Thanks again for playing everyone. We'll do this again soon?

Final NaNoFinMo Check In!

2012-01-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone had a happy and productive holiday.

The winner from last week's check in is...

Tina Christopher

Please contact me to claim your prize.

I made very good progress over the holiday. I finished my rough rough draft of Book 2. ~whew~ I need to do a little cleaning up and filling-in of blanks then I'll be shipping it off to a couple of trusty betas. I really *tried* so so hard to have it end in a specific place, but it just refused. Hopefully that will end up for the better...

Books really do take on a life of their own...for me at least.

Thank you so all of you who participated in NaNoFinMo! I am so proud of you.

Regardless of whether or not you checked in at all over the course of the month, please leave a comment below for our final check in for a chance to win! (Those of you who diligently checked in will be rewarded, you get entry for each time you checked in).

How did you do?

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

new year pictures

NaNoFinMo Check in #4

2011-12-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a good holiday.

Anyone get any writing done?

I haven't made nearly as much progress as I should have. ~Le Sigh~ I'll just keep plugging away.

Go visit Word For Teens. No really. Go do it. Say hi.

How are you doing? Final check in will be Jan 2. Leave a comment and let me know how you're doing for a chance to win a prize.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Wishes for a Merry, Merry Christmas.

Friday Fun + Winners

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's Friday! Everyone do the happy dance. ~launches cupcake cannon~

Here's the latest 2012 Debut Author Covers...

Also, this week's NaNoFinMo Winner is...

Julianne, who wins a book from the stash of awesome.

Have a great holiday everyone. Next check in will be on Monday.

2k12 Days of Christmas!

2011-12-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

I am the featured blogger today as part of the C2k12 Days of Christmas which features debut authors from the Class of 2k12.

You can win a prize, also, for every comment $1 is donated to the Elephant Sanctuary.

Come Say Hi!

Also, totally forgot, I was on Mission To Read talking about "why steampunk". Come say hi there, too.

NaNoFinMo Check in #3 and Winners

2011-12-19T07:02:00.000-08:00

NaNoFinMo Continues! Keep checking in, everyone. I am so proud of you. Just keep swimming.

Last week's winner is:

Tristina! You win a query crit (or a surprise of awesome)

Every week you check in makes you eligible for prizes, both weekly and at the end of the month. You check in by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post.

How is everyone doing goal-wise?

I turned a major corner plot-wise this week in the sequel. I think I *just* might be able to power through this.

However, if though I know what's happening next I am having trouble gathering the will-power to sit down an write. There is so much to do this time of year. Even my lunch times, which is when I get a bulk of my writing done during the week, have been annexed for office holiday parties (Three times this week I have to give up my lunch writing, though I did get a free lunch in trade.)

Hopefully I can re-focus this week and really hammer some things out.

How did your week go? Did holiday plans derail it or are you still plugging along?

Write on!

NaNoFinMo Check in #2 and Winners

2011-12-12T08:01:00.000-08:00

I apologize for forgetting to post the winner for check in #1.

Remember, each week you check in makes you eligible for a prize and gets you an entry in the grand prize drawing at the end of the month.

Prize for check in #1 -- surprise of awesome
Bettilee!!!

Congrats. Email me at suzannelazear (@) yahoo to claim your prize.

Now on to NaNoFinMo Check in #2

I finished my (third round of) Elfpunk edits and shipped that off to my agent of awesome.

I finally got back to my sequel. I reread everything I'd written so far to get back in the game. Chapter One makes me sob. I actually *cut* words as I re-read. Now it's back to drafting, let's see if I can get this draft finished by the end of the month.

How did you do??

Check in by leaving a coment below.

Write on and have a great week!

Making NaNo Work for You Challenge Final Winners!

2011-12-05T14:33:00.000-08:00

I am *so* proud of each and every one of you. It doesn't matter if you made your goal or not--you're that much closer to your goal than you were on November 1.

I hope you'll all join in on the NaNoFinMo fun as we keep on chipping away at those goals. (There are more prizes. Also, check in is easier.)

Here are our winners!

Grand Prize--Anne Francis
20 page critique from me (or an extra book from my stash of awesome)
Ring from ViS Emporium
Book from my stash of awesome
Innocent Darkness Swag
$5 Starbucks card
Special mystery prize

1st Prize -- Seleste DeLaney
Necklace from ViS Emporium
Book from my stash of awesome
Innocent Darkness Swag
Special mystery prize

Bonus Prize #1 -- Aheila
Steampunk pin/pendant from Steampunk Sweethearts

Bonus Prize #2 -- Mike HaysYour very own stone pet.

Email me at suzannelazear (@) yahoo to claim your prize.

Again, you are all winners and thank you for helping keep *me* motivated during NaNoWriMo.

NaNoFinMo Check in #1

2011-12-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, so, NaNoFinMo only started a few days ago, but we're going to keep with check-in Mondays and winner Fridays for continuity's sake.

It's not to late to join in the NaNoFinMo fun. You don't have to actually *finish* your novel, just keep working towards finishing--that could be drafting, revising, editing, ect. Whatever you need to do to bring it one step closer to being finished and submission ready.

How'd I do?

Um....

Well, I still have about 50k to write on the sequel this month, though I haven't returned back to it yet. I've actually been in the middle of more edits on the MG elfpunk for my agent. Hopefully I'll have those wrapped up in a day or two and then it's back to work on the sequel.

How did you do over the weekend?

For simplicity's sake, and to avoid any more spreadsheet disasters, check in by leaving a comment below.

Write on!

(Final winners for the Nov NaNo Challenge will be posted later today.)

Friday Fun -- Covers and Winners and Stuff

2011-12-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday.

First of all, the winners for Check in #4 of the NaNo Challenge.

Um, you're *all* winners.

I did something and somehow lost my whole speadsheet.

So, if you checked in email me at suzannelazear (@) yahoo with your addy and I'll send you something eventually (I'm not very quick at mailing, tho, sorry).
Final winners will be posed on Monday. Have you checked in yet?

Also, join us for NaNoFinMo -- it's not as daunting as it sounds...

Tomorrow morning I'm speaking at the East Valley Romance Writer's Meeting in Azusa, CA. It's open to the public. I'd love to see you.

Here's this week's pretty 2012 Debut covers...

NaNoFinMo

2011-12-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

November is over, NaNoWriMo is done, as is our NaNo Challenge. Thanks to all of you who participated!

Though NaNo is done, my sequel is *far* from being finished, polished, and ready to hand over to my editor.

I have a feeling many of you still have plenty to do on your manuscripts as well.

Therefore I announce NANOFINMO. National Novel Finishing Month, as self proclaimed by me, the Steampunk Princess.

The rules are simple:

1. Set a goal related to making progress on your book, any goal -- completing, revising, editing, researching, continuing to write. It's all good.

2. Register with the linky below (you don't need a website, you can use your facebook or twittter or whatever, I just want to know you're real.)

3. Check in on Mondays. This time we're just going to leave our progress in the comments instead of a form. Let's keep it easy, it's the holidays. However, if you want keep up with each other on twitter please use the hastag #NaNoFinMo.

4. I'll post 1 winner each week in Friday's. It'll be something simple--a book from the stash of awesome, a query crit, etc.

5. After the end of the month, I'll give away a simple grand prize -- a crit of your first 3 chapters, synopsis, and query -- or -- a writers motivation kit and a book from the stash of awesome.

My goal is to finish my sequel!

What's yours?

Final Check--NaNo Challenge

2011-12-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to all of you who participated in our challenge and made NaNoWriMo work for you--even if you didn't meet your goal, you are closer than you were at the beginning of the month and I salute you!

I don't know about you, but even though November is over, I have a lot of work to do on my sequel. If you feel so inclined, please join me all December for NaNoFinMo -- Novel Finishing Month. Finish your novel, edit your novel, continue to work away on it--whatever it is you need to do to get closer to it being *done*.

Here's my November wordcount.

31,365 on my runaway project
51,109 on my sequel
=82,474 words for the month
December Goal: Finish the sequel!

Here is our final check in. Even if you haven't checked in *at all* all challenge, as long as you registered, check in now, you can still win!

Final winners, including those who win the great steampunk jewelry from ViS Emporium and Steampunk Sweethearts, will be announced Monday. However, check back tomorrow to see if you won for our #4 check in.

Remember: Everyone participating qualifies for free shipping from ViS Emporium. Code: InnocentNaNo

NaNo Challenge Check in #4 + Winners

2011-11-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

HUGE kudos to everyone who checked in. You all are *amazing* (especially miss I-hit-my-goal-of-100k, yes, you know who you are. Cupcake happy dances just for you).

Due to the Holiday and last week's tardiness, the winner's for last week are announced now:

Prize #1 -- an e-book of THE BOYFRIEND BYLAWS by Susan Hatler

Raydeen

Prize #2 -- writer's motivation kit

Stephanie Kuehnert

Please email me suzannelazear@yahoo to claim your prize.

This week's winners will be listed on Friday, as usual.

However, our last check in will be on December 1st (Thursday) and more winners, including the grand prizes will be announced next Monday.

For those of you needing to finish your novel, edit it, etc, I will be doing a scaled down version of this in Dec, I call "Novel Finishing Month." I'll announce those deets on Thursday with the last check in.

My progress...well...

Day 21 997
Day 22 1981 -- hit 50k
Day 23 1000

and then I hit a stall. Yep, I have not written a word on my sequel since the 23rd.

Bad writer. No cupcake.

However, I am not one to be idle, even with holiday madness. So, while working out that snag in my head...

Day 24-27 22,306 on a brand spanking new project I'm not telling you about.

But I will return to the sequel soon (or I'll have an unhappy editor).

So, who hit 50k over the weekend? (or before) Tell us in the comment box so we can happy dance with you!

Here's Check in #4

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

To all those who celebrate it, may you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

NaNo Challenge Check in #3

2011-11-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

First off, I apologize for my lateness, I've been under the weather, plus dealing with all the usual holiday madness. (Note to self: going to Trader Joe's before breakfast = bad)

Were you one of Friday's Winners?

Due to the holiday, I'll announce this week's winners next Monday with the new check-in next Monday.

Also, who's up for a NaNoFinMo challenge in December -- as in let's finish our novels before Christmas, and possibly a NoNoEdMo in Jan to get them all shiny??

My week was....well, it was okay. I had hoped to reach 50k by the 20th and didn't. I'm just not getting the time and the words just aren't coming as quick as I've reached the point where I no longer know exactly what's going to happen next.

Here's my wordcount:

Day 14 762
Day 15 1774
Day 16 2419
Day 17 2577
Day 18 705
Day 19 1167
Day 20 1417

Week total: 47192

Without further ado, here's your check in form. Remember, checking in = chance to win prizes. (Regardless of how you did this week).

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Friday Fun -- Covers, Contests, and Winners

2011-11-18T10:13:00.000-08:00

It's Friday!

It's been a busy week for the 2012 debut kidlit authors in the Apocalypsies and the Class of 2k12.

Here's this week's new covers...

and...

Also, the book trailer of CATCHING JORDAN

K.M. Walton is having a contest to make her booktrailer for CRACKED

Now, time for the prizes. If you haven't checked in for week 2 yet, you should, since it increases your chances of winning the grand prize. Also, it's not to late if you want to join in the fun.

Oh, everyone participating qualifies for free shipping from ViS Emporium. Code: InnocentNaNo

Also, I could still use some books and prizes if anyone wishes to donate...

Prize #1 -- E-book of Set Up for Love by Susan Hatler

Anne Francis

Prize #2 -- A book from my Stash-of-Awesome

Kathryn Sheridan Kupanoff

Please contact me to claim your prize.

To everyone else, have a happy, productive weekend. Next Check-In is on Monday.

Challenge Check in #2

2011-11-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

It's Monday and time to check in on your week's progress. Checking in makes you eligible for prizes. Did you check to see if you were one of Friday's winners?

It's also not too late to join in the fun. Sign up here.

Also, *amazing* news on the book front. Innocent Darkness popped up for pre-order on Amazon. If you have a moment, could you please go tag it with "steampunk"? Also, if you want to read it on Kindle, make your you press the little button to tell my publisher that there's interest.

So how is everyone doing on their goals? Here's my wordcount so far as I chip away at book #2 in my Aether Chronicles series (sequel to Innocent Darkness).

Day 7 2467
Day 8 1662

Day 9 1195

Day 10 2200

Day 11 4750

Day 12 1324

Day 13 5152

Grand Total so Far: 36305

Some days are good, some days aren't. I'm finding the sheer amount of research/world building I'm having to do is slowing me way down on those sections. I've written myself a character who would actually know and care how an airship works. Right now, she's on an airship, which means *I* need to know how my airship works right now to the repairs she's making on the engine. This has been quite the challenge for me (and I've spent a lot of time complaining about it on Twitter.)

Here's this week's check in form.

So, I've shared what my biggest challenge has been this past week -- what has yours been?

Winners, covers, and the Friday Dance

2011-11-11T09:16:00.000-08:00

It's Friday! Everyone do the cupcake happy dance!

If you haven't checked in for week #1 yet -- go ahead and do it now, since it earns you an entry in our grand prize drawing. You can still sign up to join in our challenge fun -- if you're doing NaNoWriMo "properly" you're still eligible. We welcome everyone with a goal.

I *love* reading everyone's progress. You all are awesome. I wish I had a prize for everyone who took the time to check in. It doesn't matter if you wrote 10k or 100 words, if you edited 10 chapters or 10 pages. The point is, you accomplished *something*, you're working your way towards your goal and I'm proud of each and every one of you.

In case you need some inspiration, the Happily Ever After blog over at USA Today is continuing its weekly check-in with romance authors participating in NaNoWriMo.

Here's this week's pretty 2012 debut cover.

On to the winners. So, these two people were randomly chosen from those who checked in this week. We'll do weekly drawing every Friday, check-ins go up on Monday. Then, we'll do the big drawing at the end. We keep adding prizes, too! (If you have something to donate, it's not too late, we have almost 50 participants!)

Winner #1 -- Books 1 & 2 of the Seraphym Wars Series (e-books) by Rebecca Ryals Russell

leeanna

Winner #2 -- Book from "the stash of awesome"

Casey Cassidy

Congrats. Contact me to claim your prize.

I hit 25k last night, and am hoping to log more words over the weekend, which is when I have the most time to write.

So, write on everyone. Keep on working on those goals. Remember, every word is a word you didn't have before.

See you on Monday for check-in. :)

Making NaNo Work For You Challenge Check in #1

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today is check in #1 for our Making NaNo Work For You Challenge.

First off, check and see if you were one of our Friday winners.

Also, everyone participating qualifies for free shipping from ViS Emporium. Code: InnocentNaNo Look at their cute stuff! Wasn't that nice of them?

Haven't signed up yet? Sign up here.

We've got some prize updates...and the prize packages will continue to change. We're still accepting prize donations.

Grand Prize
20 page critique from me (or an extra book from my stash of awesome)
Ring from ViS Emporium
Book from my stash of awesome
Innocent Darkness Swag
$5 Starbucks card
Special mystery prize

1st Prize
Necklace from ViS Emporium
Book from my stash of awesome
Innocent Darkness Swag
Special mystery prize

Bonus Prize #1
Steampunk pin/pendant from Steampunk Sweethearts

Bonus Prize #2
Your very own stone pet.

Book prizes have been donated by
Susan Hatler
Rebecca Ryals Russell
Veronica Blade

So, how's everyone doing?

Here's my personal NaNo progress -- my goal: Write the sequel to Innocent Darkness

Things started off slow, but I've been trying to pack in the words when I can, since sometimes writing is hard with the job/fam. This way I have a hedge against lean writing days.

Day Count
Day 1 925
Day 2 1504
Day 3 3430
Day 4 3438
Day 5 3894
Day 6 3654

Total words so far: 17555

How are you all doing? I am proud of each and every one of you for making a goal and working towards it. Keep it up. Even if last week didn't work out how you wanted, keep going. If last week was great, try to match or beat it.

If you need some inspiration, the Happily Ever After Blog checked in with some romance writers participating in NaNo.

Here's the check in form. This will all be between you and me. However, feel free to share your trails and tribulations with us in the comment box.

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Have a great week and write on!

Friday Fun -- Covers & Our First Winner!

2011-11-04T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's Friday, it's Friday!

So, have you joined our NaNo Cheaters club? (If you're doing NaNoWriMo "properly" you can still join in.) I'm running a month long program/contest mostly aimed at those who can't play my the NaNo rules but want to harness all that good energy. It's not to late to sign up!

I know we haven't even had our first check in, but I wanted to give out some random prizes to people who simply stepped up and set a goal.

People were picked randomly from the sign-up list (those of you who signed up via the comment box b/c you don't have a url were included too.)

Prize #1 -- donated by Susan Hatler An e-copy of THE BOYFRIEND BY-LAWS

AMY KENNEDY!!!

Prize #2 -- a copy of THE LATTE REBELLION from my stash of awesome.

TINA CHRISTOPHER!!!

Winners, contact me to claim your prize. suzannelazear (@) yahoo

If you want to donate something to give away, we're still accepting prize donations.

So, on to the pretty, pretty 2012 debut covers that came out this week!!!

Everyone, have a great weekend and keep working on those goals. 1st check in is Monday!

Making NaNoWriMo Work for You!

2011-11-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

NaNoWriMo starts today. Here's the story about how I sold my 2009 NaNo book.

The pressure of trying to write 50k in a month isn't for everyone. A lot of people chip away at a book, like I did when I accidentally wrote a novel. And That's okay. Everyone has a different process. As writers we need to figure out what works for us as individuals.

The energy during NaNo is inspiring. Why not make it work for you -- weather you're going to start a new project, finish one you have, chip away on your WIP. Or even get those edits done.

Yes. I've just encouraged you all to be big fat NaNo cheaters.

I "cheated" with INNOCENT DARKNESS. I had 30k, but I wrote 66k in 3 weeks because of all that NaNo energy. The fact that I had words already doesn't negate the hard work I did, the hours I spent slogging away and doing sprints.

Not everyone is in a place to start a fresh new manuscript for NaNo, and for some, maybe your goal isn't 50k, but to edit, or to write 20k or 100 pages.

That doesn't make your goal less worthy, it makes me want to give you props for figuring out what works for you and going for it.

So...here's the deal. I challenge you to make NaNo work for you.

Add your name to the linky below if you commit to make NaNo work for you. You don't need a blog or website to participate, you can link it to your twitter or FB, or even just leave a comment below saying your registering this way. I just want to know you're real. :) I'm not asking you to tell me your goal, that's yours. However, feel free to share it in the comment section below if you'd like. Sign-ups will be ongoing through November--though the sooner you sign up, the more you can win.

Each Monday, I'll have a check in. You simply tell me how you're doing (it'll be between you and me, though you're free to comment publicly). On Fridays I'll give away random prizes to those who check in. The prizes with be a surprise and the number will depend on what I'm giving away.

At the end of NaNo we'll do a final check in. I'll do a random grand prize drawing. You get one entry for every week you check in. You get an extra entry for if you meet your personal goal for the month (we're doing the honor system here). You must be registered to win.

Grand Prize
20 page critique from me (or an extra book from my stash of awesome)
Ring from ViS Emporium
Book from my stash of awesome
Innocent Darkness Swag
$5 Starbucks card
Special mystery prize

1st Prize
Necklace from ViS Emporium
Book from my stash of awesome
Innocent Darkness Swag
Special mystery prize

Bonus Prize #1

Steampunk pin/pendant from Steampunk Sweethearts

Bonus Prize #2
Your very own stone pet.

I will add prizes depending on the number of entries. Do you have a book to donate to the stash of awesome or swag you want me to give away? Contact me.

Book prizes have been donated by
Susan Hatler
Rebecca Ryals Russell
Veronica Blade

Oh, everyone participating qualifies for free shipping from ViS Emporium. Code: InnocentNaNo Look at their cute stuff!

So, who's game?

****ADDED--->>You don't need a blog or website to participate, you can link the linky to your twitter or FB, or even just leave a comment below saying your registering this way. I just want to know you're real. :)****

How I Accidentally Wrote A Book

2011-10-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

NaNoWriMo starts tomorrow. Good luck to all you participating. Stay tuned for a special NaNoWriMo contest. I'm going to be working on the sequel to Innocent Darkness, I'm also teaching an online class on Steampunk--so this will be a busy month.

Happy Halloween! Anyone doing anything fun?

Over the summer I was in edits on two projects. Literally I edited non-stop from May to September. Brutal.

All that editing can sap the muse.

I didn't mean to write an entire manuscript, after all, I was editing. It really happened quite innocently.

I had a small break between edits, and my agent had suggested I try re-writing an adult project as a YA. I tried writing a few chapters. It just didn't work--for my story. However, I adored the world and story I had created.

So, over the next few months when I got burned out editing, I'd take a day and work on this side project, which I'd "filed the serial numbers" off of and created a whole new story, with new characters. A chapter here, a scene there, this was my stress relief, for personal amusement story. I'd just use it for a little day-long break when I really needed it, then get right back to editing.

About a week ago, I wrote "the end" on the story I'd completely pantsed, written scene-by scene, over four months while editing.

Yes, I accidentally wrote a book.

This was not a story I'd ever set off to write, it never was on my TBW (to-be-written) list. Certainly, I didn't expect to finish it.

I don't know if it's any good. Since I had so much fun writing it, I am convinced no one else will find it interesting.

But that's okay. I didn't write this for publication, I wrote this to stay sane during edits. I remembered how much fun writing was and that it's more than deadlines, edits, and promotion.

The moral to the story is that if you work a little at a time and keep up at it, you will finish something. So, keep it up.

Writing is fun--and if you keep chipping at that story, you'll find yourself writing the two best words "the end" -- even if you didn't mean to write it in the first place.

Friday Fun -- Cover Parade

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

It's Friday!

In my silly squee for the week, INNOCENT DARKNESS was named one of Story Siren's Books to Pine for, which includes a number of flail-worthy books, (like LIES BENEATH, ZOMG Mermaids!) you should check out some of the pretty, pretty covers.

Here's a great 2012 debut cover that debuted this week.

The YA Trick-Or-Treat Party is going on throw October 31, 2011, so if you have time, check out a few author sites and score some goodies!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

YA Trick-Or-Treat Party

2011-10-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you so so much for all the cover love, support, and contest entries. I will be contacting the winner of the necklace shortly.

Halloween is starting early. I'm part of a Halloween trick or treat even were you visit author websites, look for the trick or treat bag and get great prizes. Click on the logo for more information and to see the authors participating. I will be giving away buttons and a chance to win another necklace.

Anyone doing NaNoWriMo? I'm going to be writing the sequel to ID during NaNo. I also have some resources for those writing Steampunk for NaNo over at Steamed.

Also, my friend Mud interviewed me and two other authors about our covers. Check it out here.

Have a great week everyone.

Friday Fun: More Pretty Covers

2011-10-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's Friday, it's Friday! Here's more fellow 2012 debut covers for you to admire:

What are you going to do this weekend?

Guest Blogging Today

2011-10-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

I'm guest blogging today on writing YA love scenes over at JD's writing blog. Come say hello!

I also recently blogged on Pots 'n Pens where I actually talk about (gasp) *cooking.*

Also, thank you so much to everyone who linked, blowed, tweeted, face book, and tumblred by cover. Your efforts and kind words mean so much to me.

My cover launch contest is still going, so come on over and enter if you haven't already.

Have a great day, everyone.

INNOCENT DARKNESS Cover Reveal + Contest

2011-10-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

So...it's here, what you (and I) have been waiting for. I am so excited to show this to you.

My debut YA Steampunk Dark Fairytale, INNOCENT DARKNESS, book 1 of THE AETHER CHRONICLES has a cover!!!

So, pretty, right?

I'm really happy with it, the team at Flux did an incredible job. I really love the steampunkyness of it, especially the gears and title lettering.

All I want to do is stare at it, since it feels so real now.

And look my name is on it. ~Flails~

The book comes out 8-8-12 from Flux. It's not available for pre-order yet, but you can add it to your shelf on Goodreads. If you want to hear the latest news, get sneak peaks, and enter contests you can sign up for my occasional non-spammy newsletter here.

Now, since I'm so excited to show you my cover, I'm going to have a contest.

This is the necklace I had made by Storm the Castle on Etsy. It plays a *really big* role in the book.

You can win it.

All you have to do is comment below, because I like easy contests. If you wish, you can get 1 bonus entry for tweeting about the cover (hashtag #innocentdarkness, if we get this trending there will be an additional extra special prize), 1 bonus entry for blogging about it, 1 bonus entry for putting it on tumblr, and 1 bonus entry for putting it up/talking about it on facebook. (So you can get 5 entries total). Make sure you tell me what you did in the comment box so you get your proper amount of entries. Contest open internationally. Contest closes October 23rd at 11:59 PM PST. Good luck!

Friday Fun: Cover Roundup

2011-10-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and I have more pretty 2012 Debut Covers to show you!

Have a great weekend everyone and stay tuned on Monday for *BIG NEWS*!

Have a great weekend everyone...and stay tuned Monday for *BIG NEWS*!

Friday Fun: Sar Wars Car Commercial

2011-10-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

I *heart* this commercial.

Here's the bloopers and deleated scenes:

Epic, right?

Have a great weekend!

Suzi's Advetnures at the Orange County Children's Book Festival

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Missy and I drove down to the Orange County Children's Book Festival (which was *huge*)

Missy went to the petty zoo, rode the train, bounced in the castle, stood in a very long line to get her Fancy Nancy books signed, and learned to walk with a banana on her head.

I came to hang out by the teen stage and ~~stalk~~ support some author friends of mine, including the super fab Inara Scott.

You bet I wore my argyle socks.

And came armed with a special bento lunch for her

Here's us lounging on the grass in the shade (it was *hot*)

We saw lots of other people we know including the always stylish Gretchen McNeil.

And the amazing Lisa Desrochers

Oh, and the best thing of all? Inara gave me a copy of her new book Marked--which isn't out until *April*.

Anyway, this is an awesome festival and we had a great time.

What did you do this weekend?

Friday Fun -- Cover Love

2011-09-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday. It's time for the Friday Happy Dance of Joy.

I also have some lovely 2012 debut covers for you:

I'm going to the OC Children's Book Festival this weekend. What are you going to do?

Happy Banned Book Week

2011-09-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Banned Book Week!

Did you know that every year books are banned from schools and libraries? Banned Book Week, September 24-October 1, 2011, celebrates intellectual freedom and the right we have to have access to all books–including ones that might be “objectionable” for whatever reason. It also draws attention to the fact that even in this day and age books are banned and censored in communities across the United States. Censorship is harmful and we have the right to access all opinions and ideas, not just the popular ones.

Fortunately, most challenged books are not banned thanks to the hard work of librarians, booksellers, teachers, and community members who work to make sure that everyone can read what they wish.

In 2010 the top 10 most frequently challenged books were:

1. And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson

2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie

3. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
4. Crank, by Ellen Hopkins
5. The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
6. Lush, by Natasha Friend
7. What My Mother Doesn’t Know, by Sonya Sones
8. Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich
9. Revolutionary Voices, edited by Amy Sonnie
10. Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer

Author Judy Blume duscusses the effects of censorship on children.

So, what banned book are you going to read this week?

Bookstores are awesome

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

With all the bookstores around me closing, it makes me happy to see new bookstores opening, especially really neat indie bookstores. Mysterious Galaxy opened a new store in Redondo Beach and on Saturday we trekked down there to see my friend Jeanne Stein who was signing Crossroads, the next book in her Anna Strong Vampire series.

Missy is holding up a story Elizabeth and Anna's Big Adventure from the anthology A Girl's Guide To Guns And Monsters. Any resemblance between my daughter and the little girl in the story is a figment of your imagination. ~grin~

The bookstore is amazing, though only being open a week hasn't gotten all their books yet. Still we found a few on our want to buy list. Yeah, bookstores are awesome.

Afterwards we went crab finishing on the beach and Missy and the hubby wrote this in the sand.

.
So, what did you do this weekend?

Friday Fun--Zombies

2011-09-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

There's just been an onslaught of Zombie stuff.

Subaru is apparently the official zombie escape vehicle:

CDC has a Zombie Preparedness Guide.

If you need practice, try a zombie-infested 5k.

Happy Weekend Everyone.

Busy Weekend

2011-09-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

I love to have one weekend day where I literally don't leave the house, except for maybe running to the store or something low-key.

That didn't happen this weekend.

On Saturday I was the afternoon speaker at the OCC RWA meeting. I spoke on Steampunk. They're a lovely group of ladies, and patiently bared with me. I'd never spoken by myself for a whole hour before. I actually had notecards (haven't done that since grad school).

Here's a picture (the stuff on the board behind me is from the morning workshop, not mine):

On Sunday morning I went to my own RWA chapter meeting, LARA, where my agent gave an amazing talk on professionalism.

Let's just say I didn't even get laundry done this weekend.

I'm still not totally recovered from my nasty virus. I'm still working on my Elfpunk edits. And I'm still trying to fend of the Shiny New Idea with a stick.

What are you up to this week?

Book Alert: Something Witchy This Way Comes

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

So, my friend and CP Veronica Blade's E-book Something Witchy This Way Comes just released.

It's a YA Paranormal romance with magic and witches, and hot bad boys. Here's the cover:

Anyway, I'm super proud of her and I'd recomend checking it out (and not just because I've read it, or had anything to do with the title.)

Friday Fun: Cookie Monster

2011-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been quiet. Fighting a nasty virus.

This commercial for a new cookie monster video game leaves me wanting a Reese's.

Flailing

2011-08-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

...and the ID edits have been sent off. ~flails~

I have an amazing picture of Noli's flying car that my mom's friend drew to show you. But I have to figure out how to take a good picture of it to upload, since the picture is *big*.

She's also working on a pic of Noli's faerie tree. ~squeals~

Yes, I am easily amused by art.

Speaking of flailing and squeeing, have you seen the teaser for THE HUNGER GAMES movie yet?

Yeah.

Can't wait to see it. (It comes out on my birthday. Does this mean I get in free?)

Now that the ID edits are off to my editor, I have more edits to work on. Yeah, more edits. ~groans~ My agent has a few more revisions for the MG Elfpunk. I feel like all I ever do is edit, lol.

What about you? What are you up to?

Friday Fun: This Week's Debut Cover Love

2011-08-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, more 2012 debut covers to love...

Nice, right?

What are you reading this weekend?

I Read a Book

2011-08-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

Ever since I could read on my own I've been a voracious reader. Most of my childhood was spent hiding in corners reading.

I still love to read, but I find that the day job and deadlines, and my family means there's not as much time for reading as I'd like. When I do read they're generally books on my "auto buy" list, books written by friends, and steampunk books.

The other day while cleaning I found a book I picked up at RWA Nationals in 2010. I don't remember why I picked it up because the author wasn't someone I ~~stalk~~ converse with on twitter (or even a name I recognized), and it wasn't a genre I usually read.

Instead of putting it back on the shelf, I plopped down on top the laundry I should be folding and started to read.

I read.

And read.

And read.

Until I'd read the whole book. Which, I really enjoyed.

With the exception of being on an airplane or on vacation, I haven't read a book in one sitting since, um, April?

I really liked just sitting and reading a book from cover to cover like I used to, and I enjoyed reading out of my usual genres and discovering a new author even more.

I think at some point in time, I will have to do this again--perhaps as a reward for finishing my edits.

Friday Fun: Cover Love

2011-08-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's two more Apocalypsie Covers to share with you...

Happy Friday everyone!

The Editing Blues

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've been editing

All summer long

I'm getting sick of it

Is that so wrong?

Revising and revising

has got me so down

I've so ready

for the new story in town

This shiny new idea

I want to write

But I can't do it

Until this current MS is tight

Oh, I've got me

The editing blues

I need some cupcakes

Which one should I choose?

Finishing these edits

Isn't a choice

If only I could quiet

That "new story voice"

But I'll edit

Until my deadline is met

The MS is shiny

And to my editor it's sent

When that one is done

To the next MS I'll go

And edit and edit

oh oh oh no

That shiny new idea

Will just have to wait

For right now editing

That is my fate

But I'm still singing and singing the editing blues

I'm back

2011-08-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm back in town and back to editing.

Missy and I had a great and much-needed vacation. She got to ride a sheep in the rodeo.

I came back to great news, the Steamed blog has been nominated for an Airship Award, which is part of SteamCon in Seattle.

I'm making good progress on my ID edits. I think I got everything worked out now.

I got more feedback for the MG Elfpunk, so as soon as I'm done with my edits on ID it's back to that.

In case anyone's interested I'm teaching an online class on writing YA which starts next month. It's via a yahoo group and runs for a month. We always have great fun.

Here's a bento lunch I made recently:

Have a great week everyone!

I'm still away.

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm still away.

Getting some editing done, some reading done, and spending some time with the fam. Win all around.

Wish I could stay a few more days. But it's back to the grindstone tomorrow.

What did you do this weekend???

Friday Fun: Darker Still Book Trailer

2011-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's the book trailer for the YA debut by the uber faboo Leanna Renee Hieber (aka, my "sister")

Makes me want to read the book *now*...

How to get your edits...

2011-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's said that the quickest way to get your edits is to schedule a non-refundable family vacation.

This month I have *two* and an end of the month deadline. (One vacay has been schedule for a year.)

I wish I were like this...

In all honesty, they edits are not that bad, just slow-going with the day job, and the commute, and Missy being on summer vacation, and our own vacays looming. It's all very doable, I just have to keep chopping away at it knowing it will be done before the deadline (and to try not to stress or consume too much candy in the process). I have a list of things I need to accomplish in the MS (I like lists). I start with the easy things and work my way through it, crossing them off as I accomplish them.

I will be taking my laptop (I always take my laptop, I am co-dependant on my laptop), and everyone knows I have a deadline, though I am looking forward to spending time with the fam and doing a little reading. (I'm not posting a pic of the books I'm bringing because I'm embarrassed at how far behind I am).

The suitcase is packed, as are the snacks, the carry on, and everything else. Blog posts and such have been written and schedule. I've charged all the electronics and found the cords.

I'm ready to roll...

But I think I may want to bring one more box of Sour Patch Kids.

Editing and other fun things....

2011-08-01T11:57:00.000-07:00

Still working on the edits, trying to make a big dent in them before I do the vacay thing.

Yep, they're going that well. I am well on my way to gaining the "editing 15" and after I turn this in I will be going on the "the deadline is over" diet.

I am one of those people who will revise a ms through doing multiple passes, each pass looking for certain things. I like to start with the easy things first, then do a more general/conceptual read through, then start cutting/trimming/ect.
That's where I am right now.

I'm not under the gun to cut words, which is *amazing*, since it feels like I'm always cutting words. The things I need to trim have more to do with pacing than length.

I know it'll all fall together, but until then...can you hand me that box of Sour Patch Kids?

Friday Fun: Born This Way, Cosplay Edition

2011-07-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

Makes me wish I'd gone to 2011 San Diego Comicon

What revisions look like...

2011-07-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the silence, but my revisions are kicking my butt.

Here's what revisions look like at my house. I think I'm gaining the "edit letter 15."

Friday Fun: One Lone Cover

2011-07-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

I am in the middle of crazy mad edits for ID.

I think there's just one 2012 YA Debut cover to show you this week:

Nice, right?

I'm having a contest. Have you entered yet?

Back to the editing bunker for me.

Have a great weekend! Are you doing anything fun?

Got Swag???

2011-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

First, here's a closeup of the necklace I wore in some of my author pics.

This necklace is from my book and it was really excited to have it made. I got it custom from StormTheCastle, which has such pretty stuff.

Now, I ordered new swag. Isn't it pretty??? I ordered more of the flying car buttons because I've run and and the purple ones are brand new (it's the tagline on my website.)

So, who wants some? I'm giving away ten sets (so you get two buttons, one of each).

Want to win? Just fill out the form below. Contest closes July 26th at 11:59 pm PST.

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Author Pics!

2011-07-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend I finally got my official author pics taken to use for my book, website, etc. My editor asked for both "normal" and "steampunk" shots.

I got the hubby to do them for me, since he knows a few things about pictures.

It took three hours, two locations, and two outfits. I also fell out of a tree (I'm fine, it's just hard to climb a tree in Steampunk gear).

We got some great shots.

Here are some of my favorites. Which ones do you like?

Friday Fun -- The Coverpocalypse Continues

2011-07-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

The 2012 Debut Cover-pocalypse Continues...

Cover reveal video for SCARLET

And now for the Friday Cover Parade:

So, so pretty! Which ones do you want to read most???

The Importance of Backing up Your Stuff

2011-07-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

The blue screen of death.

There is nothing quite like it to inspire fear in the hearts of even the most seasoned writers.

I am in the middle of all sorts of deadlines -- book deadlines, work deadline, stuff for Missy's school deadlines...

On Saturday my laptop crashed. Bad.

~flails~

Yeah. Insert panic attack here.

Fortunately, I'd backed up all my writing files only hours before. I also have a backup laptop I can work on until mine is fixed to avert any deadline related disaster and preserve my sanity.

I have to admit, I am not very good at backing things up, and it was a stroke of luck that I'd backed up that morning. You'd think after I lost two very prolific weeks of work in 2008 I'd have learned my lesson, but really, unless I'm drafting, I'm not good at remembering...and really, saving those edits is just as important, especially when cutting 8k...

Backing up your files is *really* important. It can be as simple as using a zip drive or a portable hardrive. Some people email it to a special account they only use for that purpose. Some people have remote backup systems.

But none of them work if you don't *remember* to backup your files (okay, unless you have remote backup you automatically program to back everything up).

Nevertheless, you still should back up your files not just in case of a computer crash, but for other disasters, like it being stolen, dropped, or covered in grape slushy. Figure out what you can handle and do it. Often.

So...do you have a backup plan?

Because everything is fun and games until you get the blue screen of death.

We're not writers, we're re-writers

2011-07-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

So, I got the super sekrit project re-edited and sent it off to my CP.

I have to keep things going. It's an obsession. Must. Have. Many. Pots. On. Stove.

But, I was still floundering on the Elfpunk and cutting all those words and everything else, but after a phone conversation with an epic beta, I think I've got a handle in it. Man this has been one tough cookie to write. It's been a fun and fab project but a lot harder than I ever expected.

My edit letter for ID also arrived. ~flails~

Actually, it's all good stuff, but there's quite a bit of work for me to do. I've got some time (more than I expected) so I've taken the advice pretty much *everyone* has given me of reading it, then setting it aside for a week or so, while it sinks in and I brainstorm.

However, I will be in the editing bunker (which is harder to access than the editing cave) until at least September, so if I'm not chatty here or on twitter or what have you it's because I'm hard at work getting everything done.

But if you swing by the bunker, please leave a plate of cupcakes by the entrance.

Friday Fun: Cover Roundup

2011-07-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

More yummy 2012 Debut Covers to oogle.

What are you reading this week?

I need a nap....

2011-07-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Why is it that a holiday weekend makes me more tired than I already am??

I did a lot of cooking this weekend (mostly for a BBQ I went to with some friends from college)

To further follow my sometimes disastrous cooking adventures, check out my Tumbler page where I post bento lunches and crazy blinking pictures.

I am still editing away. Since I'm still waiting on my ID edit letter and the MG Elfpunk is off with some betas, I returned to the Super Sekrit Project now that two betas patiently waded their way through the mess that was my first draft.

I prefer having more than one beta read it at once (though I do send it out in waves, I have betas who love to get it before anyone has read it even if it sucks, others prefer it submission ready, still others who those who can help me brainstorm or figure things out).

The reason why I like sending it to 2-3 people at once, then making changes, versus sending it out one at a time, is because everyone has different opinions and different likes and dislikes. Different people also see different things in your ms.

For example, I sent this out to two betas, an adult who's very good both at line edits and big-picture brainstorming and has been with this project since I shot her an email going "so...this idea is crazy, right?" and a teen beta who's good at gut reactions and things like pacing, plotholes, etc, but pretty much delivers everything via text message while she's reading. There's nothing like being at work and getting a text that says "OMG...that's the end?"

For me getting two (or more) opinions on the exact same version helps me keep things in perspective. It can be tempting to want to integrate every single piece of feedback...or ignore them all. Granted, my mantra is "take what works, ignore the rest" but if you get the same feedback over and over you may need to take a hard look at it--even if it's something you really don't want to change.

Seeing what multiple liked and didn't helps you maintain a balance. It also gives you the opportunity to go to one beta and go "my other beta had issue with XYZ, what do you think?" For example, the teen hated pretty much everyone's name, except for the hero, who she named in the first place. I got go back to my other beta and ask her about this specifically and see what she thought.

For the time being I'm keeping the names as is, but if future teen (or adult) betas have the same exact association backlashes, it may be time to bust out with the name books, even if I'm attached to certain names.

So, I'm going to keep plugging away on my edits for the Super Sekrit project until I get either the MG or ID edits (because that's the way I roll).

I'd also like a nap, a cupcake, and a triple chocolate truffle mocha, though not in that order.

What's on your agenda this week?

Firday Fun: Cover Catch up

2011-07-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

There's a ton of 2012 Debut covers I've missed.

Some of these take my breath away and I can't wait to read them all.

Which ones are you looking forward to the most?

Worldbuilding 101

2011-06-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Worldbuilding is *really* important.
If you're writing high fantasy or something in that vein, then solid worldbuilding is an absolute necessity. This is where you establish the rules of your world. Even if "that's the way it is" you still need to offer some solid explanation as to why people walk upside down or are blue, or at least make it so believable that I can buy it without having to suspend my disbelief.

Writing urban fantasy or Steampunk (set in our world), or dystopian or the like is, in my opinion, harder than high fantasy. When something is set in our world, you can't really play the "that's the way it is" card. The differences between our world and the one you're creating need to be explained. Not only do they need to be explained, but they need to be explained in a way that's believable and logical. You may even have to use science.

Yes, yes, I know these are fiction stories, and in a way they're fantasy. But because they are set in some alternate version of our world everything still needs to make sense, and not make me have to suspend my disbelief, because when you do that, you pull me the reader out of the story just a little bit. Where readers may be willing to suspend their disbelief a little, forcing them to do it over and over may cause them to put the story down, or roll their eyes, or what have you.

Also, teen readers seem to be a little less willing to suspend their disbelieve as much and as long as adult ones, so keep that in mind.

So, how do you build a solid world?

Well, if you're setting it in some alternate version of our world then you need to know how our world works first before you start ripping it apart. (Same goes for Steampunk -- know how Victorian London or 19th Century China, or Wild West AZ works backwards and forwards before making it your own).

This is very important because you have to know the rules before you break them and this research will show in your world building.

Be ready and willing to explain difference and make sure it's logical both to your world and to the human way of thinking. You may need to use science (and if you do, do your research.)

If you find holes big enough to march pink elephants through fix them and fix them in a way that makes sense and isn't a quick easy fix (because the readers will catch that). You may have to re-write things, and yes, it's painful, but believe me, your story will be all the better for it.

You need to know how every little thing works in your world. Yes, everything.

But you don't need to tell the reader.

How do you know if you have enough (or too much)?

This is where savvy beta readers are worth their weigh in chocolate cupcakes. Ask them to tell you what's believable and what's not, where there are holes, what they don't understand, when you have too much or not enough info, and such. It's better to have them asking the hard questions now when you can still fix things.

So have fun, but remember that your world needs to still make sense or at least have an explanation that the reader can believe.

What's your favorite part of world building?

Books and stuff

2011-06-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

The biggest news this week (in case you missed it) is that I have a series title. Innocent Darkness is now book 1 of THE AETHER CHRONICLES.

Nice, right?

On Saturday I attened YA in Bloom, a gathering of authors, writers, librarians, books bloggers, and people who love YA. It was sponsored by Bridge to Books.

About 90 people were there, including fellow apocalypsies Gretchen McNeil, Jenn Reese, and Kristen Kittscher. Authors signing including Lisa Yee, Cindy Pon, and Nancy Holder.

Missy came with me and was very excited to get a book signed by Lisa Yee.

I've been busy editing the Elfpunk and am now right around 58k. I don't think I'll make 54k, but I'll take 56K.

I should be getting edits for ID very soon ~bites nails.~

What's going on in your world?

Friday Fun: Book Trailers and Covers Galore

2011-06-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

My friend Lisa Kessler just put up her booktrailer for her upcoming release Night Walker

Also, there's been 2012 Debut cover releases galore. Aren't they pretty??

Everyone have a great weekend!!

When Reworking a Story Remakes it

2011-06-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a story simply isn't saveable, sometimes you have to just let it go.

Sometimes you can save it, but it runs far deeper than rewriting the opening, adding scenes, or cutting characters.

One project of mine I adored, but the story had no plot. So, I kept the characters and the world and rewrote the entire story from scratch.

I was okay with that. These were still my characters, this was still my world, and I kept two or three key plot elements. The story was very different, some characters never appeared and new ones arrived, but the main players were still there and still them.

But what if you can't simply file off the serial numbers.

What if in re-working the story you don't just have to rework the plot, but the characters and the world as well?

I have a project that as it is, just doesn't work. But I *love* this story and this world. These characters and I have been together since 2007. But I can't just write these characters a new story. No, I have to unmake them and their world.

OW.

I started batting some ideas around with a few people who weren't nearly as attached to the world as was.

Then I had an idea and wrote down those opening chapters before I forgot.

It's a really interesting story.

But it's not this story.

In changing the MC's backstory and age, I changed her. It changed her so much I'm not actually sure it is her.

And the two other main characters who are so important to that world, those stories. After 50 pages they haven't even shown up yet. I know how to make them appear, but I could easily write this story without them.

Double OW.

So now, since I have to return to the editing cave, I have to think really hard.

Do I want to rework this story so badly that I'll be okay with loosing all the things I love it?

Or do I put it away, maybe not forever, but until I have time to see if I can rewrite it another way?

I don't know. I just don't know.

But I think I'll eat some cupcakes while pondering that.

What would you do?

More Book News! I Haz a Series Title!!!

2011-06-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

Today has been an epic day for book news.

I just got word that I have an official title for my series.

My series is called THE AETHER CHRONICLES.

I am *in love*.

It's Steampunkian, but not over the top and hits at all the adventure to come in the series.

So, the official title of the book is now Innocent Darkness, book 1 of The Aether Chronicles.

Like??

We Have an Official Title!

2011-06-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Guess what!

I have an official title.

The book is now called...

....drum roll....

INNOCENT DARKNESS

Yeah, I know, the book has always been "Innocent Darkness: A Steampunk Fairytale." But not everyone gets to keep their titles. I worked so hard on this title (which was not the first or second this story was called when it was just a WIP) and I'm *so* glad I get to keep it.

We are dropping "A Steampunk Fairytale" from the cover, but I'm okay with that. It'll be on a banner on the back cover. In all actuality, I added that part to the title back when I was contesting. I kept getting judge comments like "I don't know what this is. Is it fantasy? Sci-Fi? Historical?" So I added "Steampunk" to the title to give people something to google, and you know what...it worked. I stopped getting those comments. But a book with a cover and a long line and back cover copy is much different than a 25 page contest entry.

So, I'm very excited about my official title. Now, just to have my series title and cover art!

Monday, Monday, Monday

2011-06-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Did everyone have a good weekend and father's day?

Even though it's summer things are busy here.

So...the hubby bought me a truck.

No, not a cute pink pickup but this:

Yeah. It's actually for his work.

I still want to paint it pink. With butterflies. And sparkles.

Still working on editing the MG Elfpunk, trying valiantly (and failing miserably) to shave off 10k, clarify scenes, add elements, and make some characters more interesting.

I have pretty much given up on getting down to 53k. I will be really happy to get it to 55k. Right now, I'm at about 60k. ~le sigh~

I still hope to get this all done before I get my edit letter for ID. We'll see how it goes.

Last night I dyed my hands pink, which should go over great at the dayjob.

I make the world's worst lunches, filled with little bags of pre-packaged junk. I saw those insanely cool bento lunches, and where I can't even aspire to make something like that without hurting myself I thought I'd at least try to make the tot something a little better than what I've been doing. Here's my first attempt, though I guess people aren't using food coloring to make colored rice balls...

So, what's going on in your world?

Friday Fun: Mupets Rock --and More Covers....

2011-06-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the new Muppet Movie Trailer? No, not the one spoofing The Hangover, which I posted a few weeks ago, but the one spoofing The Green Lantern?

My friend Myra McEntyre's book Hourglass came out this week. Amazing timeslip romance, check it out if you haven't already.

And a cover debut from one of my fellow Apocalypsies...

Jennifer Shay Wolf's Breaking Beautiful comes out in April of 2012. (Love the red shoes)

So what's everyone up to this weekend? Big Father's Day plans?

Letting a Story Go...

2011-06-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, you just have to let a story go.

It's hard.

Believe me, it's really hard.

I've had to let go a majority of my stories. (At least for now) Some of which, I may revisit later, or use certain elements (or characters) I love.

Why would you let go of a story?

Well, for me it's been:

Story has no plot. The first 6 stories I wrote (and finished) had no plot.
Major story flaws. I have two stories where the fixes aren't small things. I'd need to completely rip out most of the story and restructure it to it makes more sense to the reader as well as add in and take out POVs so the story works.
It's just not special enough. Face it, in today's market stories have to be different. My first YA, which I *love* just was too similar to everything else out there already.
Just not into it. I've started many stories I've never finished because the story just wasn't there or something not I wanted to write.

But this is just my list. All these stories have been ones I've been content to let go, perhaps for now, and perhaps forever. Little things aren't going to fix these stories. All these would need complete overhaul, and not just the story, but the world. There are other things that I'd rather write right now.

If a story isn't working, no matter how many times you've rewritten it, it might be best to set it aside for awhile. If it sits quietly, let it. If you just can't let it go, then you want to take a look at what you need to do to salvage it, which may or may not mean a complete ms makeover.

If you determine what you need to do, and still can't let the story go (and I'm grappling with this for another project of mine right now), then keep it and go for it, but remember, a quick fix might not do it.

How to you determine if you should let a story go or if you continue to rework it?

Stuff and stuff and stuff

2011-06-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

So, things are finally moving a bit on Innocent Darkness.

I've been asked for cover ideas. They told me to think "Clockwork Angel" meets "Wicked Lovely." Um, can we say squee, since really ID is the intersection of Steampunk and Elfpunk.

We're also aiming for dark, mysterious, and romantic.

I can deal.

Working on series titles, but nothing yet I can share.

Will be getting that edit letter soon, so I need to hurry up and get those revisions done on the Elfpunk so I can keep things moving. I like to have several things in different stages going at once.

So, that's what's going on in my world. What's going on in yours?

Friday Fun: Cover Love

2011-06-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, my friend Shelley Adina's new book, Lady of the Devices came out.

Two my my fellow Apocolypsies also have cover debuts.

Cole Gibsens's book KATANA debuts in March of 2012.

Jodi Meadows' book INCARNATE comes out in January of 2012. Isn't this pretty? It has butterflies on the inside pages too...

You've Got Some 'Splaining to Do!

2011-06-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

So, I've been editing my MG Elfpunk, trimming words and incorporating all the great feedback I got from my awesome agent.

One of the things I'm having to do is explain things more.

You see, the MC is a dancer--and not a ballet dancer, but a specialized folk dancer.

Me, having danced for over a decade and competed, know exactly what I mean when I say "both feet in time for Tuesday" or bat around words not in English.

My beta readers, being dancers, understood.

My agent didn't.

Ding, ding, ding.

Most people aren't going to understand.

That means I need to go back through the dance scenes and take a little more time to explain things, while not info dumping, and making it interesting...and while cutting as close to 10k as I can.

Yeah, not easy.

But it's going to make a better story. After all, who wants to read about something they don't understand. The book isn't all about dance, but it is an important part of her life, and will remain present throughout the series.

So, when writing about something that the average person doesn't know about, take a step back and go...hmmm...would the average person know this? Should I add a few words to explain, maybe use a different term (even if it's not the exact proper term). Do people really need to know this or can I just cut this whole reference out? Is this a joke only people involve with get and will it alienate other readers (or pull them out of the story) if I leave it in?

I'm also going to add a glossary to explain terms and deal with all those Gaelic names my characters have.

How do you deal with this issue?

YA Saves

2011-06-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend the Wall Street Journal ran an article bashing YA as "all vampires and suicide."

This article spurred the most amazing twitter hashtag #yasaves - check it out, you will cry.

Anyhow, this article made me so mad, as a mom and writer, I had to speak up.

Here's my rebuttal on Geekmom.

Friday Fun -- Possess Book Trailer

2011-06-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

So, my fellow Apocalypsie Gretchen McNeil has an epicly awesomesauce trailer for her book Possess

Nice right???

Whee!

2011-06-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

After thirteen months, I have my contract for Innocent Darkness (and the sequel).

Yep, you heard that. Thirteen months.

It felt so good to pop that baby in the mail, like I'm all official or something. ~insert cupcake happy dance here~

Over the weekend I finished drafting the super sekrit project and shipped it off to two beta readers.

Hopefully it doesn't suck too bad. It's very different than ID.

Now that I'm done drafting that, it's time to shift gears.

I got great notes from my agent on my Middle Grade Elfpunk. Now to tackle those changes before I get my edits for ID.

Notes for the Elfpunk do including cutting words. A lot of words.

~Sigh~

I cut 12k out of this stoy to begin with.

But she gave me some good suggestions as to where to cut. So that's helpful.

So, if you need me, I'll be hiding in the editing cave. You might want to bring some cupcakes.

Friday Fun: "The Fuzzy Pack"--Muppets Teaser Trailer

2011-05-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

Here's a teaser trailer for the new Muppets movie coming out this November.

It's Starting to Feel Real

2011-05-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

So, my one-year anniversary of when I got "the call" and "the-email" came and went.

While other 2012 authors got edits and covers I got lots of waiting. When you sell in April 2010, August 2012 is *ages* away. AGES I tell you.

And the wait is downright painful.

I made my notes for books 2 and 3, but I didn't want to start on sequels without knowing exactly what changes they'd make to ID.

I wrote the Adult Project.

I wrote the MG Elfpunk.

I bloged in three places.

I taught online classes.

I made a website.

I joined debut groups.

I started on the Super Sekrit Project.

(Hey, I have to amuse myself some how.)

Watching those days and months tick away in silence is maddening and frustrating as you get paranoid thinking, wait--shouldn't *something* happen? What if they decided my book sucks and they don't want it anymore?

What if...what if...what if...

Yeah, those author crazies can really attack when there's nothing to do.

But now there's finally movement.

Whew.

After 13 months of waiting, words can't express how *good* that feels.

That movement also makes me feel all giggly and giddy again, like in those weeks after I first got the offer.

It also makes things feel real. It's not so abstract anymore.

I haz a book. A real book.

And in summer of 2012 you can read it too.

I am so excited....and the adventures are just beginning.

Friday Fun: Keeping Writing Real

2011-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

I love the comic "Stone Soup." This was in the paper a few weeks ago and I just had to share.

Recipie: The Tired Mommy Dinner #1 -- "noodles with stuff"

2011-05-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

I got several tweets yesterday asking what in the world "the tired mommy dinner" was. Really, every busy mom needs an arsenal of easy, quick dinners you can make when you're so tired you'd rather nap than eat.

I'll start featuring them, if you like.

Here's the one I made the other night:

Noodles With Stuff

This one is designed to use whatever you have handy, you can use whatever meat and sauce you have handy -- fish and chicken will go well with white sauce, beef and chicken with red sauce, etc. You don't even need to add meat, add whatever veggies you want (fresh or frozen) for a yummy vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients:
Note: I made this for three, adjust accordingly

Noodles (I used 1/3 of a box of angel hair pasta)
Veggies (I used about a cup of tiny, uncooked broccoli florets, use as much veggies as you think you can get everyone to eat)
Meat (I used 1/2 lb cooked shrimp)
Sauce (I used 1/2 c. prepared Alfredo sauce)

Directions:

Boil water for noodles. Since the angel hair pasta only needs 4 min to cook, I dump the uncooked broccoli florets in with the water, I've cut them so they're tiny and cook faster.

When the water boils I add the noodles and the shrimp (which is cooked, I just need to warm it up).

While it's boiling I put some garlic toast in the toaster oven. You can also put some lettuce in a bowl for a salad.

When the noodles done, I drain the whole mixture, the put it back in the pot and toss it with just enough sauce to coat everything. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese if you'd like.

Serve with toast and salad.

Prep time: virtually none, unless you need to cook meat ahead of time or cut veggies

Cook time: varies depending on how long the noodles need to cook, but under 20 min.

Serving notes: You can also make the noodles with veggies and sauce as a side dish and serve it underneath a chicken breast, piece of fish, etc.

So, what's your favorite "tired mommy dinner"? Please share, I love new cooking ideas.

Friday Fun: Pretty, Pretty Covers

2011-05-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

I know I usually post an amusing video on Fridays. But today I want to show off two covers by my fellow apocalypsies. (A group of 2012 Debut Kidlit Authors)

First...

Slide, by Jill Hathaway comes out January 2012 by Balzer + Bray for HarperCollins

Sylvia "Vee" Bell's narcolepsy causes her to slide into other people's heads, witnessing events she'd rather not see; but when she finds herself in the head of a killer, standing over the butchered body of her sister's best friend, she becomes enmeshed in a web of secrets, lies and danger where the past has returned to haunt the present and where she can no longer trust even the friends and family she thought she knew.

Second is....

Yeah, OMG, right? This is the YA debut for my "sister" Leanna Renee Hieber. (Anyone want to grab me an ARC at BEA? I will bribe you.) Darker Still is the first in her "Magic Most Foul" series. It comes out in November of 2011, from Sourcebooks Fire.
The shadows deepen on the gaslit streets of New York City in the year 1880. Curses and spirits, demons and rituals, blood and faith, love and danger; such is the stuff of Magic Most Foul. Find your voice... or else.

Burbank Book Festival

2011-05-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I did my very first library event. I was part of the Los Angeles Romance Writers panel at the Burbank Book Festival in Burbank, CA held at the Buena Vista Branch of the Burbank Library.

LARA panelists at the Burbank Centennial Celebration of the Written Word--Book Fair on Saturday May 7th 2011. (back, L>R )Anne Kemp, Robin Bielman, Suzanne Lazear, Dayle Dermatis, Christine Ashworth (front L>R) Jennifer Haymore, Charlene Sands, Christine London

.
In case you're trying to figure out what in the world I'm wearing, I did a post on my actual outfit here.

I write Steampunk. That means I get to wear pretty hats when I'm appearing as an author. :)

The panel was made up of unpublished and published authors and was quite fun.

I was a nervous wreck, but I think it went fine. The panel was well attended. It was fun to get together with some amazing ladies from my RWA chapter as well as see all the great authors present, run in unexpectedly to other friends, and get a fabric flower made by the tot at one of the children's activity tables.

I chose my outfit so carefully, obsessed over it actually.

But now I think I need a bigger hat....

Friday Fun: The Girl in the Steel Corset Book Trailer

2011-05-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

My friend Kady Cross has a Steampunk YA, The Girl in the Steel Corset, coming out at the end of May.
Isn't her book trailer lovely?

Geekmoms, writing, mother's day, and stuff

2011-05-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

Today I'm blogging for the first time over at Geekmom. I'm not talking about Steampunk, or even writing. I'm actually talking my mother's day tradition. Come over and share yours with me.

I'm running a Steampunk writing challenge over at the Writing Steampunk Yahoo Group. It's really easy and low key, you set your goal, report in to the group as you can over the month of May, and we cheer each other on. There may be prizes. Come join us.

It's mother's day soon. What are you getting your favorite mom?

I really, really, really want one of these. I know I'm not going to get one. The hubby keeps mumbling something about it being a giant iPhone for the tot to play Angry Birds on.

I'm crazy busy, and work hours aren't really compatible with the real world. So, shopping is generally done on weekends (with the tot in tow) or online. I love shopping online, I mean what did we do before the Internet? I just select, click, pay, and it arrives. I don't even have to leave the couch. Needless to say, this year I bought my mother's day gifts online.

This is what my mother-in-law (avid Star Wars fan) is getting:

This is what my mom is getting: (mom, if you're reading this, it'll be there Thurs.)

So, what are you getting your mom for Mother's Day? If you're a mom, what do you hope to get?

Friday Fun -- Steam Punk'd

2011-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

A note on contests

2011-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Contest Enterer:

Congrats on making that big step to put your work out there. It can be really scary for a writer to send her work out into the big bad world for others to see and I applaud you.

Contests can be a great tool. They can give you feedback from people who don’t know and love you. You can win prizes like reads by agents and editors. They can be fun. Also, judging contests is a good way to help your own craft.

As someone who sees contest judging as a civic duty for authors, and judges a lot of contests, I would like to pass on a few things:

• Contests are great for feedback, but no substitute for beta readers. Please, please, please have someone beta (read over) your entry before you submit it. Even published authors have betas, it’s hard to catch your own mistakes sometimes.

• Pay close attention to contest guidelines. Every contest is a little different. If they say save it as an RTF, not Word, or put it in 12 pt Courier New instead of Times New Roman, make sure you do it.

• Spell check, grammar check, and comma check your submission. It seems like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget.

• If your story has POV changes, make sure this is clear, preferably using scene breaks. Also, while we’re on the subject of POV, make sure we know whose POV we’re in, whose story it is, and for the love of Pete, please don’t head hop.

• Be sure you’re entering your story in the right category. Your story should fit the parameters of the category/genre. I’ve read all too many YAs lately that are really adult stories with teen protags -- which is just fine, they don’t fit in the YA category in a contest.

• Make sure your ms fits the contest. If it’s a romance contest, there should be romance in your story and we should at least get a whiff of it in the contest submission.

• Don’t format your ms like a blog post. Please.

Thank you.

Love,
Me

Friday Fun -- Dr. Steel's PSA

2011-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Rock the Drop Steampunk Style

2011-04-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Teen Lit Day! To celebrate young adult books, there's something happening today called "Rock the Drop." Basically, take a teen book and leave it in a public place for someone to find, take home and enjoy. What better way to spread a love of reading (and Steampunk.) Details here. If you rock the drop steampunk style, please email me pictures! If I get at least FIFTEEN pictures TODAY, I will give away my authographed galley of Gail Carriger's HEARTLESS (which isn't out yet, and aparently these babies are rare). The galley will be given to one of the people who shared the love of reading by "rocking the drop." The winner will be chosen by the tot. But I need at least fifteen enteries, so tell your friends. Since there's not a ton of Steampunk YA/MG, any Steampunk book will work, open internationally. You don't have to live in the US to spread the love of reading. In fact, there may be an extra prize for furthest drop...

How not to go insane -- or Suzi is too busy for her own good

2011-04-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

I need to learn how to say “no” or, as the hubby would say “my sock drawer is full.”

This month I have so much going on I can’t even think straight at the day job let alone have the energy to write. All I want to do is to take a nap.

RT went well and the Steampunk party with all the cakepops was a hit. I promise to do a re-cap soon, probably over at Steamed with lots of pretty Steampunk pics.

But RT and Steampunkapalloza in the same month was *not* a good idea.

Even though Steampunkapalloza is a virtual event, it’s tiring. Instead of posting stuff twice a week, like I usually do over at Steamed, I’m posting things *every day.* I’m going back and forth with writers and publicists, I’m digging up bios and pictures, I’m promoting, I’m mailing out packages.

Sometimes I wonder why I do it. It’s a great event, with really amazing posts, but it wears me out.

Also, note to self – stop judging so many contests. I love contests, and I got a ton of feedback back in my contest days. I see judging them as my civic duty, but I signed on to 4 in a very short period, 2 of which require reading entire books. Yeah, not a good idea.

The same goes with volunteering to read other people’s stuff. I love my CP's and they read my stuff when I need it. But I haven’t gotten any good time in on my own stuff in weeks and my morale is suffering. I might need to break out with my “for Suzi’s personal amusement” story just to lure the muse back.

Oh, I’m going to be teaching another online Steampunk Writing Class. This one focuses more on building your manuscript than the last one. Class runs May 2nd- May 27th 2011 and is $25. Details here.

Here’s some tips I should learn to follow:

• Don’t over-extend yourself, just don’t do it
• It’s okay to say “no”, but be nice about it
• Delegate if you can
• Schedule blog posts, it makes life easier
• Hook up your blog to automatically link to the “usual places” thus saving you from having to link it manually (If you can, doesn’t work as well for group blogs like Steamed)
• Use a program like Hoot Suite to schedule promo tweets in advance (However, use this sparingly—no one likes a promo whore. Ideally promo should only make up 10% of your social networking.)
• Make time to do nothing
• Plan dinner in advance so you’re not picking up stuff on the way home

What are your favorite tips? How do you make yourself follow your own advice?

Friday Fun --Blur Studio - A Gentlemen's Duel

2011-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

I Haz!!!

2011-04-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

I've been busy gearing up for the Romantic Times Booklovers convention.

I got new business cards. I got my bustle and a new hat. Didn't get the boots I wanted tho (long story.)

But...

I haz swag!

I know it's blurry, my apologies. I ordered these little buttons for the Steampunk Tea at RT (This Friday, 2:45, come say hello. There will be cakepops that I made myself and a fashion show with clothes from Clockwork Couture. I'm also on the Steampunk panel on Friday from 1:30-2:30).

I also have been working hard to get my website up and running. It's not perfect but it's getting there.

Finally, I wanted to share this lovely photo someone drew of my characters, Noli and V, for the book page of my website.

Cute, right?

Okay, well I have tons to do before RT starts tomorrow, but just wanted to share everything going on in my world.

It takes more than a teen and a high school to make a story YA

2011-03-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

I judge contests. I feel it’s my civic duty as an author to volunteer to judge writing contests. Writing contests are great things, and whereas I never sold a ms or got an agent through a contest, I got great feedback and opportunities through them.

However, in the last batch of contest entries and chapters I’ve reviewed for others I’ve noticed a few things.

First: Dear Writers, please don’t format your ms like a blog post, even if it’s a draft. Thanks. Love, me.

Now, back to the point of this blog.

I’ve recently read a few very lovely stories with teen main characters that for one reason or another were not young adult.

Just like there’s more to romance than hot guys, or more to steampunk than airships and goggles, there’s much more to a YA story than having a teen protag and a high school.

YA isn’t an age group, it’s a state of mind, it’s an attitude.

You can have a story with a teen protag that’s not YA.

What’s the difference?

Everyone’s going to have their own opinion. To me, it’s a combo of things.

Part of it is the focus of the story. In a YA story it’s about journeys, growing, testing of limits, pushing the boundaries. It’s also their story. Yes, it’s the world from their POV, but in the end, it’s really all about them.

Part of it is the voice. The story should be able that teen and that teen life. It should sound and feel teen. When you’re a teen everything is immediate and a big deal. There are so many firsts and new experiences; a YA story usually captures that.

Part of it is POV. It should be told looking forward, not in retrospective (because then you have the voice of experience). Also, the story should be told by teens. If you have adult POVs, especially if you have a lot of adult POV, it generally pops it out of YA.

Part of it is pace. It’s probably not going to read like a lyrical, literary tale that moves at the pace of a wander through the countryside on a beautiful summer’s day. No, it’ll be a romp or a run, maybe even a mad dash (though the prose can still be lyrical and pretty.)

These are just a few things that have stuck out in my mind. What do you perceive as the biggest difference between YA and adult books told by teen characters?

Friday Fun--Hero (Browncoat Version)

2011-03-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

More Firefly Goodness.

But is it the right POV?

2011-03-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

While going through my "Russian Novel" aka the adult UF I wrote at the same time as ID and shelved, I've spent a lot of time dwelling on POV. POV isn't usually an issue for me, nearly everything I write is in 1st person singular, (though ID and the Elfpunk MG are in 3rd.)

In my Russian Novel, I not only used in 3rd person, but I have *4* POVs.

Yikes.

I had 3 in ID, but for some reason 4 seems so much more. Not to mention I'm finding it really hard to write from the POV of an adult male.

When I drafted this story I wrote the scenes from the POV that came most naturally to me for that scene.

While re-reading it I realized the the most natural POV isn't always the right POV, that a scene might be much stronger as told by someone else.
Often a scene was in a specific POV because there was some funny joke or "darling."

CUT!

Well, not that scene, but the POV.

Every scene needs to be written from the POV of the person with the most to lose in that specific scene.

Every time you go through a scene you have to think -- who has the most to lose? Is this the most effective POV? Can someone else tell it better?

Rewriting scenes (or chapters) from alternate POVs, especially after the book is drafted and you're editing, sucks. But it will make your story stronger.

Be prepared to kill darlings.

Also, when writing in multiple POVs think really hard as to *why* you use each person's POV. MC/Hero/Antihero (or Villan) can work, but if you're bringing in other characters, why do you do it? What does their POV add? What is the point to being in their head?

Honestly, I think I have too many POVs for this story. I have the MC and the Antihero (there's no hero), but no villain. I think I used some of the POVs for ease of storytelling and because I really like their voice, not because it makes the story better.

In brutal honestly, if I go forward with this project, I may go as far as to re-write the whole thing in 1st from the POV from the MC.

Which is a heck of a lot of work.

But, we'll see.

How do you handle POV? Do you prefer 1st or 3rd? Do you write from multiple POVs?

Steampunkapalooza 2011

2011-03-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's nearly that time of year. Okay, yes, my Birthday is March 23, but I was talking about something else.

Steampunkapalooza.

Steampunkapalooza is a month-long online birthday bash blog party we host over at Steamed every April. We have amazing guests, great giveaways, and mayhem.

Today we announced our epic lineup and are having a kick-off giveaway.

Good, right? So in April, Steamed is the place to be for Steampunk fans.

Oh, and I'd like cupcakes, tiaras, and that black bustle skirt from Clockwork Couture for my birthday.

Friday Fun -- Potter Puppet Pals (Wizard Angst)

2011-03-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Because these videos are just so funny...

Happy Saint Patty's Day

2011-03-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Adventures in Cakepop Making

2011-03-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

I keep one-upping myself in the classroom baking department. It's my own fault for having obsessive mommy moments and one day will probably end with me in tears.

Oh wait. That already happened.

I saw a blog for these really cute cakepops and decided to make them for the tot's class for her birthday.

How hard could they be, right?

First, you bake a cake. Then you crumble the cake in a bowl, add frosting, and mix. We used chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.

a) you should probably let the cake cool first

b) don't add the whole can of frosting or it will be too soft. I think 1/2 a can will probably be just fine.

Next, make them into little balls of about 1 inch. The recipe says you can get about 50. I got 68. Either I used a larger cake mix or I made them smaller, but they looked like a good size to me, especially since they're for kiddos. A little cooking spray went far in managing the stickiness. Also, too much frosting makes them too soft, which is *bad.*

I melted a little of the candy melts and dipped the end of each lollipop stick in the chocolate, before putting them in the cake ball, to help them stick.

I put them all in the freezer for a few moments and melted two bags of pink candy melts (2 bags will do 50, but not 68).

I dipped each cakeball into the chocolate. Because they were too soft, they kept falling off the stick, making me frustrated. Freezing them is the secret -- but, you have to either keep most of them in the freezer and work in batches of 10-15 or keep re-freezing them, because they thaw as you work. Also, the narrower the bowl you use, the better. It's much easier when the chocolate is deep enough to immerse the whole cakeball.

It's really hard to make them nice and smooth. All mine were a little lumpy. After dipping I stuck them in Styrofoam to dry and added some heart sprinkles. My Styrofoam was small and I could only fit about 15 on it. They need a lot of space so they don't stick together.

After dipping them all, I wrapped them in lollipop bags and tied them with a ribbon, since they were going to school. Extra chocolate that drips down the stick can easily be broken off so it looks prettier.

All-in-all this took me about 4 hours, which included baking the cake. Next time I'll make the cake well before, like the morning or night before. But the tot said they were a huge hit with her class, so that's all that matters.

Happy Pi Day!

2011-03-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Pi Day!

No...not pie, but Pi (like the number). But you can make pie to celebrate Pi day...as long as you give me some.

Here's a funny Pi Day video to celebrate.

So, what are you doing for Pi day?