Music Monday: More than a little unsteady...

 Week...two of Camp Nano? Three? It has been a struggle this time, I will not lie. A lot of that difficulty is caused by trying to write in an unfamiliar world with new characters that are not that willing to speak to me yet. Meanwhile, Sath and Gin are screaming in the back of my mind to get back to their story, while Lex and Em are at the edge of the cliff, ready to jump in May when the second chapter of their story launches. Annie and Lucy have been quiet, probably because they are scouring the early 20th-century Yorkshire countryside with the constabulary, finding supernatural threats to investigate. Whatever is keeping them occupied is a good thing, because I feel they will be making a similar racket soon.

Unsteady is a good word for the character I'm working with now. More on her later, because, "Spoilers, Sweetie."

Unsteadyby X Ambassadors
Hold, hold on, hold onto me'Cause I'm a little unsteadyA little unsteadyHold, hold on, hold onto me'Cause I'm a little unsteadyA little unsteady
Mama, come hereApproach, appearAnd Daddy, I'm alone'Cause this house don't feel like home
If you love me, don't let go (hold)Whoa, if you love me, don't let go (hold)
Hold, hold on, hold onto me'Cause I'm a little unsteadyA little unsteadyHold, hold on, hold onto me'Cause I'm a little unsteadyA little unsteady
Mother, I knowThat you're tired of being aloneDad, I know you're tryingTo fight when you feel like flying
But If you love me, don't let go (hold)Whoa, if you love me, don't let go (hold)
Hold, hold on, hold onto me'Cause I'm a little unsteadyA little unsteadyHold, hold on, hold onto me'Cause I'm a little unsteadyA little unsteady
Hold, hold on, hold onto me'Cause I'm a little unsteadyA little unsteady

Music Monday: Leaping into Camp Nano Like...

...get it? A Catapult?

Listen, I had many other puns involving felines that were MUCH worse, so...you're welcome. 

I have a feeling I have posted this song already before it got lost in the seventy-eleven playlists that I have for every significant moment in my life, but if so, enjoy it again. Another writer I follow on Twitter just finished Darkness and referred to Sath and Gin's relationship as "delectable" (what? Maybe I AM a romance writer after all? No...). I heard this song again recently and it really does bring me into the mind of the Royals of Qatu'anari, so I'm sharing it with you. Romance with a side of never-ending danger and a bit of sarcasm - Sath and Gin all day long. Since this April's Camp Nano isn't going to be in Orana, I'm getting all my Sath and Gin vibes out here. 

Maybe. 

Probably not.

Catapultby Jack Savoretti
Following the headlightsGot to find a way back to youI can be the white knightYou can play the princessWe'll be running like outlawsHiding in the midnightBreak down them gatesLet in the sunlight
Throw me over these wallsHigh up in the atmosphereIf I could catapult my heartWatch the empire fallI'm gonna get you outta hereIf I could catapult my heartTo where you are
You say you had your heart brokenWhat a stupid little thing to doNow you're tied to a train trackBut I'm a gonna comeAnd rescue youMake no mistakeI'll do whatever it takes
To get over these wallsHigh up in the atmosphereIf I could catapult my heartWatch the empire fallOoh I'm gonna get you outta hereIf I could catapult my heartTo where you areIf I could catapult my heart
Oh throw me over these wallsOoh high up in the atmosphereIf I could catapult my heartWatch the empire fallOoh I'm gonna get you outta hereIf I could catapult my heartTo where you areIf I could catapult my heartTo where you areI'm gonna catapult my heart

Off Camping...Again. April 2023 Newsletter

 Well, here goes nothing.

Again.

This is my 24th Camp Nanowrimo, which means 12 years of trying to fit in 2 more 30-50K word months in the year. There have been a few that didn't reach that goal, but that's okay. I just looked back at my projects, and I do have something listed for all of them at least.

This is why I preach the Nano gospel whenever someone asks me for my best advice for someone that wants to get started writing - the accountability is there, the community is there - I firmly believe it can be a great introduction to this crazy life.

So many of my books have started as Nano/Camp Nano projects, including all of the Orana Chronicles, the World of Arcstone, and the Clobberpaws/Proud Racer novels. If you have any questions about joining up for either of this year's Camp sessions (April and July) or the full Nano proper in November, I'd love to hear from you.

As always, if you want signed copies of my books and can't make it to one of the events, contact me and let's talk about how I can make that happen. If you have a copy of one of my books, I'd love it if you'd leave me a review - that's the best way for others to find my books and for me to know how my writing is being received!

Cheers, y'all!

Music Monday: Getting in a proper frame of mind...

All I can say about this video is that this is one of the best scenes from one of my favorite movies, and it positively drips with high school nostalgia for me. Camp Nano starts again on Saturday, but until then, I will be dancing around the imaginary record shop in my head to this tune. Enjoy.

Music Monday: The Oscars Edition

I am woefully out of touch as far as movies go these days, and as a result, I didn't know many of the nominees at the Oscars. A few days before, Simon sent me this video. Now I love a good Bollywood dance number, but this is something else. From the film RRR, this is Naatu, Naatu. Makes me tired just watching, but it's a good kind of tired. What a way to start spring break from the DayJob™️! Enjoy!

Music Monday: Of Hazelnut coffee and the NGA Mountains...

The song for this week was such a no-brainer that I had to search previous posts twice to make sure I hadn't already used it. But it's relatively new, released last month, so I'm good. And if not...well, enjoy it again.

This is by P!nk who is one of my favorite artists...ever. The title, Trustfall, would, of course, conjure memories of that beloved/hated team-building game, the trust fall, that was rife at summer camps the world over. My summer camp, Camp Glisson, was no exception - we formed circles and fell into each other's arms in the safe shadows of the woody north Georgia mountains, just like kids did everywhere else.

It was hard for me, and not just because I was a full-sized (and then some, but not in those days, I guess) grown adult falling into the arms of children...it was hard because I find it hard to trust. This song is a balm to that troubled part of my spirit, so I'm sharing it today. Enjoy. And have a mug of hazelnut coffee when you're done - that really does make everything better.

(This time it actually does have functional captions.)

From a storm watch to a typhoon warning: March 2023 Newsletter

 

Well, we've moved from a watch to a warning...

In a recent Music Monday post, I mentioned the last verse of "Hoist the Colors" by Hans Zimmer for Pirates of the Caribbean:

The bell has been raised
From it's watery grave...
Do you hear it's sepulchral tone?
We call to all
Pay heed the squall
And turn your sail toward home!

Storm, the highly anticipated sequel to Rift, is due out this May. Even as I type that I can hardly believe it - this seems to have come on so fast, not unlike bad weather here in this part of the US. So, sound the sirens!  PAY HEED THE SQUALL! Em and company return to Arcstone and the fated Maelstrom Instance with a bit of help from a pirate...

In the meantime, check out this exclusive excerpt from Storm. The password, of course, is Valentin.

Watch this space for pre-order information!

Music Monday: That's all I know

I heard Kelly Clarkson provide the harmonies for this song when she had P!nk on her show recently, and I can't get it out of my head. So here's almost ten minutes of goodness with these two of my favorite female artists. Great for an overcast and gloomy Monday, right? Captions on the video, too!

<

Of Steam and Punks and Free Smells: February 2023 Newsletter

[If you're wondering what on earth The Lettuce is doing, this is the newsletter that goes out to folks on my mailing list about once a month, maybe more. It's going to become a regular thing around here, as I learn how to be a real author that does real marketing.]

First of all, the Atlanta Steampunk Expo was amazing. I clearly had the best smelling signing table ever, as I was next to The Dragon's Hoard soaps. My two and a half cosplays went well, which was amazing - considering I'm an old dog learning a new trick. The Lucy Boyd needs more work, but Steampunk Kaylee was a hit.

The goggles kept the hat from popping off the top of my giant head.

Now then, I'm taking this crazy on the road again in March, this time to a signing event at one of my very favorite places in SC - 742 North in Rock Hill. I've been invited to the Springtime Blooms event on March 4th. These folks are really great, and I always come away with renewed purpose as an author and loads of new author friends! Come see me! Event information from 742 North's Facebook page:

Springtime Blooms, 742 North Anderson Road, Rock Hill, SC.

As always, if you want signed copies of my books and can't make it to one of the events, contact me and let's talk about how I can make that happen. If you have a copy of one of my books, I'd love it if you'd leave me a review - that's the best way for others to find my books and for me to know how my writing is being received! 

Cheers, y'all!

Music Monday: Trouble Town

This song is the theme song for the fantastic British crime drama, "Happy Valley," and it is basically an anthem of the grittier side of the north of England. I'm anxiously awaiting season three to be released over here - it's a masterclass in plotting out a mystery/police procedural.

Trouble Townby Jake Bugg
Stuck in speed bump cityWhere the only thing that's prettyIs the thought of getting out
There's a tower block overheadAll you've got's your benefitsAnd you're barely scraping by
In this trouble townTroubles are foundIn this trouble townWords do get 'round
Kick the bottom make troubles fleeSmoke until our eyes would bleedSparkle pop the seed
Hear the sirens down the streetThe kids get light on their feetOr they'll be in the back seat
In this trouble townTroubles are found
Sitting on the pavementBoy you've missed your paymentAnd they're gonna find you soon
If there's a beating in the rainIf there's a little bit of pain, manYou're the one it happens to
If I talk of getting outI only hear the laughter loudIt's gotten ugly at home
Somewhere there's a secret roadTo take me far away I knowBut til then I am hollow
In this trouble townTroubles are foundIn this trouble townFools are found
Sitting on the pavementBoy you've missed your paymentAnd they're gonna find you soon
If there's a beating in the streetIf there's a feeling of defeatYou're the one it happens to
Stuck in speed bump cityWhere the only thing that's prettyIs the thought of getting out

Music Monday: Of Cellos and Rooftops, All Painted Black

There isn't much I can say about this piece of music other than I have never, ever really been a fan of the Rolling Stones, and yet this version of Paint it Black has moved me to actual words on a page and for that, I am grateful. Also, Wednesday is visually stunning, and the scene in the video below is no exception. But the music...good gracious. Enjoy.

Music Monday: It's me...hi.

 Yeah, I know, I'm always late for everything. Maybe I'm the problem...it's me?

Sorry. Seriously though, I periodically stumble across songs by Taylor Swift that I can feel in my soul, and this is one of them. It also speaks to some of the characters in my books who haven't been exactly anti-heroes but come very close. Gin will wreck her own life, again and again, to make sure everyone else is all right - definitely the problem. Tairn doesn't need anyone else...until she does. She will stare directly at Orana's sun but never into the mirror.

Also, y'all...the lyrics are AMAZING, even though they sometimes aren't as musical as some might prefer. Anyone that can use narcissistic altruism in a pop song gets my vote. The video has captions, so no lyrics this week.

Music Monday: In Which I Almost Crashed my Car...

 Not really.

I was driving along listening to my latest playlist and I'd added this version of Hoist the Colours because it represents one of the amazing parts of social media - several creators came together who aren't physically together to make this cover. But it was the last line that hit me and screamed WRITE MY STORY that nearly made me drive off the road. 

Y'all, I don't write pirates well, just ask poor Lucian the Black (when you get the sequel to Rift in May). But this needs to be part of a story (and NOT another Pirates of the Caribbean): 

"The bell has been raised from its watery grave/ Do you hear its sepulchral tone?/ A Call to all, pay heed to the squall/ And turn your sail towards home!"

Enjoy. No lyrics below this time because they are on the video. 

Upcoming Appearances, 2023

At 742 North, Rock Hill, Fall 2022

So I sat down the other day and looked at my travel calendar for this year. Whew! There is a lot coming up, and I can't wait to get started.

(I have submitted applications to DragonCon and will submit to Multiverse, both in Atlanta, and if I'm successful this time, y'all will be the first to hear about it!)

First is the Atlanta Steampunk Expo, where I will be signing copies of Strid (and my other books, too), February 10-12 at the Atlanta Marriott Northeast/Emory Area. My table will be in the Decatur Exchange - come see me!

After that, I will be running up the road to hang out with one of my favorite groups of authors at 742 North's Springtime Blooms event from 10-6 on March 4th. I will have all of my books there and would love to see you if you happen to be in the Rock Hill, SC, area. 

April and May are the Georgia Renaissance Festival, and I'm hoping to get together a signing event one weekend there now that I don't really have a dog that can work with the Hounds. I'm sure that I will be traveling down there with my vaudeville partner, Anne, even if I am without hound...you can take the girl out of the rennies, but you can't take the Rennie out of the...no, that sounded better in my head. Never mind. Moving on.

April is also Camp Nanowrimo, and while that isn't an appearance, it's something that I love dearly. The second round will be in July, so if you don't hear from me during those two months, I'm likely writing.

The second book in the World of Arcstone series, Storm, is set to launch on the 15th of May, just in time to take it to the next event on the list (if I get space in Author's Alley).

The first weekend in June is ConCarolinas at the Hilton Charlotte University Place. I really consider this my home faire, and I've been an author guest there since 2020. I will definitely be an author guest and on panels, and I'm hoping for space in the juried Author's Alley to sell/sign copies of my books. The Kaylee cosplay will be returning, and I'm thinking maybe something Stargate or Star Trek related? We'll see.

July sees me heading up the road to Winston-Salem, NC, for Congregate 9. I had to bow out of Congregate 8 last year, and I'm feeling so lucky and thankful that they are having me back this year. I will be in Author Alley there at the Downtown Marriott.

August will be Back to the DayJob™️ for the most part. September 8-9, I will be setting up at the Upstate Renaissance Faire in Greer, SC, and hoping that we do NOT have weather like last year. I'm excited to decorate my tent and figure out which piece of my Rennie garb will work best for sitting in a chair and signing books. That faire is fantastic, complete with a dragon. Come visit if you're nearby!

September is also my professional development month - and I will return to the Broadleaf Writer's Association annual conference in Decatur, GA. This event always recharges my batteries and prepares me to tackle my next WIP.

November is a busy month, as I'm tentatively planning the launch of the next book in the Guardians of Orana series, Hero. It will also bring another chance to participate in the Time Traveling Authors event at the Carolina Renaissance Festival. More on that event later in the year, and next year I've already been invited to the Dahlonega Literary Festival, which I believe is in March of 2024.

I hope to see you at one or more of these events, so I can ask, "what kind of books do you like to read?" 

Music Monday: We never failed to fail, it was the easiest thing to do...

This past week, the world lost an amazing musician. Rooted in the hippie counter-culture of the 1960s and 70s, David Crosby wasn't just a member of the amazingly talented group Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, but he was an example of sticking to your principles. So many of those songs were the soundtrack of my early uni days when I worked at a summer camp in Georgia, and they still bring a smile when I hear them on the radio.

Southern Cross

Crosby, Stills, and Nash

[Verse 1]

Got out of town on a boat, going to Southern islands

Sailing a reach before a following sea

She was making for the trades on the outside

And the downhill run to Papeete

Off the wind on this heading lie, the Marquesas

We got eighty feet of the waterline

Nicely making way

In a noisy bar in Avalon, I tried to call you

But on a midnight watch I realized

Why twice you ran away

[Pre-Chorus]

(I think about)

Think about how many times I have fallen

Spirits are using me, larger voices calling

What heaven brought you and me

Cannot be forgotten (I've been around the world)

[Chorus]

I have been around the world (Looking)

Looking for that woman-girl

(And I know she knows)

Who knows love can endure

And you know it will

[Verse 2]

When you see the Southern Cross for the first time

You understand now why you came this way

'Cause the truth you might be running from is so small

But it's as big as the promise

The promise of a coming day

So I'm sailing for tomorrow, my dreams are a-dying

And my love is an anchor tied to you

Tied with a silver chain

I have my ship

And all her flags are a-flying

She is all that I have left

And music is her name

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​boygenius

[Pre-Chorus]

(I think about)

Think about how many times I have fallen

Spirits are using me, larger voices calling

What heaven brought you and me

Cannot be forgotten (I've been around the world)

[Chorus]

I have been around the world (Looking)

Looking for that woman-girl

Who knows love can endure

And you know it will

And you know it will

(Yes)

[Verse 3]

So we cheated and we lied and we tested

And we never failed to fail

It was the easiest thing to do

You will survive being bested

Somebody fine

Will come along, make me forget about loving you

In the Southern Cross