tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195005710764675542024-03-13T23:50:05.109-07:00Bibliophile's AnonymousLacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-59741726045959562892014-06-12T00:18:00.001-07:002014-06-12T00:18:56.583-07:00Combating blank screen anxiety<div>**Attempt #4 at getting this posted; bloody Internet issues**</div><div><br></div>Having participated in NaNoWriMo for 11 years running, I've gotten fairly good at jumping head first into first drafts without knowing much of anything. However, the blank screen still taunts me with its blinking curser, telling me I don't know what I'm doing, and that this draft is going to suck.<div><br></div><div>But you know what? That's okay. First drafts are allowed to suck, because the biggest point to that very first sentence is to write it. It doesn't matter what you write, just write. Whether you start off with a page worth of ranting about how this is going to be the worst thing ever written, or start with a perfectly coined sentence; the important part is that you're writing. You're putting pen to paper, or keystroke to screen, and you are telling that niggling voice of doubt that it can stuff it.</div><div><br></div><div>First drafts are just what they sound like, beginnings. Once you've given your story something to work with you can go back and fix everything you omitted, or forgot. But get that first, sucky draft done. Bite your thumb at the voice of doubt, and pound out the vision in your head.</div><div><br></div><div>And once you've finished that draft, treat yourself to a drink; <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">because even a really shoddy rough draft is quite a step down the path of writing a fully functional story.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzYxZamh1TldFy4Z0SZbNIbKagaKrFoHYdKF5CYp1YEpnojTmqVBbSKziZOuKoTM8-3FH70qFB_M7HPmyUNJrZa0XNb0fcjUA65WyRkYoT3cSPeBd5H1y3WIQNUCBFFHlO-9MKpz8MNAy/s640/blogger-image--1689350553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzYxZamh1TldFy4Z0SZbNIbKagaKrFoHYdKF5CYp1YEpnojTmqVBbSKziZOuKoTM8-3FH70qFB_M7HPmyUNJrZa0XNb0fcjUA65WyRkYoT3cSPeBd5H1y3WIQNUCBFFHlO-9MKpz8MNAy/s640/blogger-image--1689350553.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div><br></div><div><3 Lacie J</div><div><br></div><div>Current projects:</div><div><br></div><div>Two Darkest Mercy stories, and something winter holiday themed :3</div>Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-43454217291289075612014-06-09T02:17:00.001-07:002014-06-09T02:18:04.118-07:00Those silent months, in summarySince it's been quite a few months between posts, I figured I'd take this post and babble about some of the things I've been up to, and give you a few mini reviews of my recently read books. <div><br></div><div>~*~</div><div><br></div><div>Back in January, and again in March, I had the pleasure of attending showings for the Donmar Warehouse's 'Coriolanus' thanks to National Theater Live's worldwide broadcast. Not only did this allow me to see a fantastic adaptation of a Shakespeare play performed in London, and meet fellow Shakespeare fans, it also gave me the opportunity to fangirl over the acting abilities of Mark Gatiss, Hadley Fraser, and Tom Hiddleston. :3 </div><div><br></div><div>Then, at the end of March, I got to enjoy the exhausting, box filled, process of moving into a new apartment. So many boxes of books to haul up a flight of stairs. XP I can honestly say that moving I'd the only time I hate having as prolific a reading habit as I do.</div><div><br></div><div>Also during the past few months I've been able to attend book signings for Brandon Sanderson, Laini Taylor, Charlaine Harris, Laurell K Hamilton, Alice Clayton, Ruthie Knox, Monica Murphy, Tiffany Reisz, and Andrew Shaffer.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1Mtz7anVQp0gBIWuPNMnXaHl3zCvyyKb-IJaRbyHZeSwiT9WePVmw4aK_TI8OXSkQsp_3tVib99HZYIge0gkbJlsexYZwTO80ePbdtDxl0L4USn-_XD0oiSaZgQDBsmlAzFQaZ6RERrn/s640/blogger-image--2026794763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1Mtz7anVQp0gBIWuPNMnXaHl3zCvyyKb-IJaRbyHZeSwiT9WePVmw4aK_TI8OXSkQsp_3tVib99HZYIge0gkbJlsexYZwTO80ePbdtDxl0L4USn-_XD0oiSaZgQDBsmlAzFQaZ6RERrn/s640/blogger-image--2026794763.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bIH-s8LdLnpYdf63zJ2iybsOR1gcA1dEzQHDpWR19cQgruvmmDiLvIDOYsG48OTS0fSmhlt8QTgBdSBwzbGRSj4Iby3oJpBpaCWytd6V-shZ07xNf0EX64tO7Q_yPZi0Egw7LZWGej3F/s640/blogger-image--810294950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bIH-s8LdLnpYdf63zJ2iybsOR1gcA1dEzQHDpWR19cQgruvmmDiLvIDOYsG48OTS0fSmhlt8QTgBdSBwzbGRSj4Iby3oJpBpaCWytd6V-shZ07xNf0EX64tO7Q_yPZi0Egw7LZWGej3F/s640/blogger-image--810294950.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X8b3aGI_jL0Xh_EFxUwU2YpwImWeJBwiaeMyi4QbGA4DswO3fLRV3SCmr1lfLd54D_mP1lcliW51XVCBEMnhRWVPaYIlKTxOApaLWzdfDHkch-7uU3ZJGKlW3d_hWdmgluXmvTWWVlPu/s640/blogger-image--1715720807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4X8b3aGI_jL0Xh_EFxUwU2YpwImWeJBwiaeMyi4QbGA4DswO3fLRV3SCmr1lfLd54D_mP1lcliW51XVCBEMnhRWVPaYIlKTxOApaLWzdfDHkch-7uU3ZJGKlW3d_hWdmgluXmvTWWVlPu/s640/blogger-image--1715720807.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Now that we're all caught up on the mundane happenings of my life, onto some mini book reviews!</div><div><br></div><div>~*~</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2glCmahqp7VhZ9qGJZCcpxIlMKv0byHODzU4UYGtgtJpkn9N7dqr4yatnBppVkl5Qj2jEk2sz_sHcTAaZ1YkZfKNQxFN9rARytdO2JsvttPD4TAk7x4mocaqHvDUoh5O7RyqzeCFCWqq/s640/blogger-image--605203112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2glCmahqp7VhZ9qGJZCcpxIlMKv0byHODzU4UYGtgtJpkn9N7dqr4yatnBppVkl5Qj2jEk2sz_sHcTAaZ1YkZfKNQxFN9rARytdO2JsvttPD4TAk7x4mocaqHvDUoh5O7RyqzeCFCWqq/s640/blogger-image--605203112.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I picked this one up at the dollar store while visiting my mum, because I'd already finished the book I took down with me, and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. The first 75, or so, pages dragged a bit, and almost had me putting the book aside; but once I made it through the world building/stage setting the pace picked up, and the story became more engrossing and enjoyable.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVf-c-ov0cH2xtjhvoi5C7wKlV4wxCx3Y6tvRgf4MGGsGRFZdfsR-_GPMuo5fEf2z0UsC-pbwDBjc6ZVmcCV2heyZP5edFeWWu6DhVofIgwiezy0qXYDrGtN-g2RZTRaSW7-t-vjLh8Ns/s640/blogger-image--388489644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVf-c-ov0cH2xtjhvoi5C7wKlV4wxCx3Y6tvRgf4MGGsGRFZdfsR-_GPMuo5fEf2z0UsC-pbwDBjc6ZVmcCV2heyZP5edFeWWu6DhVofIgwiezy0qXYDrGtN-g2RZTRaSW7-t-vjLh8Ns/s640/blogger-image--388489644.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Norse mythology, and two of my favorite authors, together in one book? Sign me up!</div><div><br></div><div>I adored this book and its romp through a present day world populated with reincarnated gods. Fast paced with the well balanced characters and plot I've come to expect from both Marr and Armstrong, this was a fantastic introduction to a new MG series.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQs1CazrTL57Mv9a6ilSrjGdLtVet7sZ9H21F87Jxd5x8LJOeLPeaJBqqxAwp2kDdqSGmac2HIaUSBJtyRVRizV-6R-gCqmaYrlyPkMl2G8CSQnmAqFx3bW1ErvlLtNWy-_1obpn4Edmk/s640/blogger-image-732209991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQs1CazrTL57Mv9a6ilSrjGdLtVet7sZ9H21F87Jxd5x8LJOeLPeaJBqqxAwp2kDdqSGmac2HIaUSBJtyRVRizV-6R-gCqmaYrlyPkMl2G8CSQnmAqFx3bW1ErvlLtNWy-_1obpn4Edmk/s640/blogger-image-732209991.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I was completely predisposed to loving this book, being that I'm a former writer, though still a reader, of slash fanfiction, and a self admitted fangirl. That being said, this novel was a fantastic blend of laugh out loud humor and the gut wrenching struggle to find yourself amidst the often times frightening world of adulthood.</div><div><br></div><div>~*~</div><div><br></div><div>Come Wednesday I'll be talking current projects, and how I approach the nerve wracking blank page of first drafts.</div><div><br></div><div><3 Lacie J</div><div><br></div>Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-58753532049567746082014-06-07T23:18:00.001-07:002014-06-07T23:18:53.180-07:00SorryI've got no excuse for my lengthy absence: that being said, I'm sorry about going silent on this particular branch of my social media. <3<div><br></div><div>I'm working on an actual, official post for Monday; so, I'll see you then!</div><div><br></div><div>Lacie J</div><div><br></div><div>*photographic proof I'm still alive*<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrmp6NY0DG-PB-tQZvDxC2dH2PLqiTwDMMHHKs_2shdPKnbjOc4_eOuSAzOIPrPHAsCoUk6dO7dayvt97Z1fqyWrdV828RmxG_-Mb8WfMHi12XQsqSxnNESbg0PzPB_K2SIUYaExQeNYp/s640/blogger-image-229639528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrmp6NY0DG-PB-tQZvDxC2dH2PLqiTwDMMHHKs_2shdPKnbjOc4_eOuSAzOIPrPHAsCoUk6dO7dayvt97Z1fqyWrdV828RmxG_-Mb8WfMHi12XQsqSxnNESbg0PzPB_K2SIUYaExQeNYp/s640/blogger-image-229639528.jpg"></a></div></div>Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-4115006365904304052013-10-01T07:00:00.000-07:002013-10-01T07:00:05.557-07:00Happy October!It's now officially October, which means two things:<br />
<br />
One; Halloween is EVERYWHERE! We're talking bats and pumpkins, spiders and witches, and I'm loving every single minute of it. I love Halloween, in case you've somehow missed the memo/tweets/tumblr reblogs/etc. And in honor of this wonderful season, I'll be <strike>spamming you</strike> *coughs* posting all sorts of things related to my favorite time of year.<br />
<br />
Two; NaNoWriMo is officially almost here! Thirty-one days before all of the world's Wrimos buckle down, and write those masterful 30-day-novels. 2013 marks my tenth years of NaNo, and hopefully my seventh win. Also, this year I'm stepping up as co-ML (Municipal Liaison for the non-NaNo savvy) in my region. So expect lots of NaNo babble here, and don't forget to grab your popcorn to watch the rapid loss of my coherency as November progresses. ;P<br />
<br />
Along the NaNo lines, October also marks the beginning of Crunch-tober; a wonderful month wherein many Wrimos begin 'practicing' their daily word count skills by answering daily writing prompts. As co-ML, and an all around crazy person, I will be participating in Crunch-tober this year, and will be posting some of my daily responses every Thursday for everyone's amusement.<br />
<br />
Other than that, round one of edits for <i>Connect</i> have been completed and returned to LT3, and I'm ridiculously happy both with the edits I received via their editor, and with the tweaking I did. I still think there's some growth necessary before it's ready to be released, but we're well on our way now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkQQcgq6oi5D44OUYycgtNARHFrsrborUPV6W0CpGEaFCng0ZgrorSAMKXlm12-IyTKD1T9fBhMNvIo-pfpaWY4kNDq9UTXdBchQc3UUCU3oQHFM6SyWh-6bWqdPA50SD27mdyyC-_Zxx/s1600/tumblr_ma3m1tr3xA1qbjudso4_250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkQQcgq6oi5D44OUYycgtNARHFrsrborUPV6W0CpGEaFCng0ZgrorSAMKXlm12-IyTKD1T9fBhMNvIo-pfpaWY4kNDq9UTXdBchQc3UUCU3oQHFM6SyWh-6bWqdPA50SD27mdyyC-_Zxx/s1600/tumblr_ma3m1tr3xA1qbjudso4_250.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-30553289243114886652013-08-22T10:00:00.000-07:002013-08-22T10:00:04.782-07:00Prompt #2 - use the song you're currently listening toNow for your reading pleasure, or displeasure, I give you another unedited free write, this one brought to you via the way back machine...<br />
<br />
<i>Use the song you're currently listening to - 'Dancing With Myself' by Billy Idol</i><br />
<br />
<b>Dancing With Myself</b> circa 2003<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Slumping
into his arms I nuzzle at his throat. Got to be careful not to leave
any marks. She’d wonder if he showed up with the mark of my teeth
on his skin. Especially since I’m not supposed to be around
anymore.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fingers
trailing through my hair he smiles. Lifting my chin I wrinkle my
nose at him.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brushing
his mouth against mine he slides hands under my clothes. Latching
onto his lips I wrap my arms around his shoulders. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tugging
at his lip with my teeth I arch as he kneads fingers into my rear.
Tongue moving in to taste his mouth. Fight for dominance. Grind my
hips forward in slow circles. Shudder in my grip.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Release
his lips and move down to attack the smooth skin of his throat.
Fingers tugging irritating clothing out of the way. Shiver as nails
scratch down my spine. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tumble
down together, rustle of sheets beneath us. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hands
roving over heated skin. Mouth’s locked in breathless kisses. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prod
of fingers. Arch off the bed as they slide in. Stars flash behind
my eyes. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Give
in to his insistent kisses. Fingers leaving me empty for a moment. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Muscles
scream as he pushes in. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rock
with his rhythm. Caress of his palm on me. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Voice
crack as I find my release. He follows seconds later.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Snuggle
together in the haze.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">She
doesn’t need to know about this fall. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
*******</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I'm going to go hide in a corner now. XD</div>
Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-79497272899630138652013-08-20T16:47:00.000-07:002013-08-20T16:58:30.707-07:00Take two on being back ^^;<span style="background-color: white;">Once again, my apologies for falling off the face of the internet. XP I've been suffering from 'over work' with my day job (retail is hell), and some irritating writer's block; but, I think I've broken through the evil writer's block, and as for the retail hell, well, what'cha going to do about it save the best you can?</span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;">On the writing front, I've got two new stories out; one free read, and one that's part of a serial anthology.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b style="background-color: white;">Free read</b></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtI0woI70gfgn2yNXnoBB3tv5xSisxcjuS42jS3xnXQUd7GhYB3C3CN8ElJ8v22dMbXNUjnCqmz2eWjFuSSewnuOJ2Xzbkv1BEHCSjACzTkkNoFsJ1BykJAfHHxiSiwG-CXLeOoGOHjoYk/s1600/lhnb+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtI0woI70gfgn2yNXnoBB3tv5xSisxcjuS42jS3xnXQUd7GhYB3C3CN8ElJ8v22dMbXNUjnCqmz2eWjFuSSewnuOJ2Xzbkv1BEHCSjACzTkkNoFsJ1BykJAfHHxiSiwG-CXLeOoGOHjoYk/s200/lhnb+cover.jpg" width="140" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">Written as part of Goodreads M/M Romance's summer 'Love Has No Boundaries' event. The story can either be read over on the group's site,<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1424546-taking-the-plunge-by-lacie-j-archer-nsfw-7-26-download-link-inside#comment_79284885"> here</a>; or, for those who aren't members, you can download it over <a href="http://www.mmromancegroup.com/?p=63880">here</a>.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><strong style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">PHOTO DESCRIPTION</strong><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">:</span><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">A naked, tattooed man stands under a shower head, looking over his shoulder.</span><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><strong style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">STORY LETTER:</strong><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><em style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Dear Author</em><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">,</span><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><em style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Oh shit… he must have heard me! But can you blame me for perving a little here? Who’d have thought that my boss was hiding that ink and perfect ass under his tight buttoned, prim and proper suit! Talk about a dream come true. Now if only the other vibes I’ve been getting from him are true…</em><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><em style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Sincerely,<br /><br />Shaz</em></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Xi7POilVKikhffHHkAuWkM9-cns58CCzh4XdKPZqn8uHY1okBZqclI06Yu9FlbCTtGC_oymrD7jOZGL4qj6GTPf0LtTPqgilKZ-9ifH2n-8-3wP1aaAsOY_hzXcSCcdhfhR5UcSxjnJ-/s1600/Hot+Asses+117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Xi7POilVKikhffHHkAuWkM9-cns58CCzh4XdKPZqn8uHY1okBZqclI06Yu9FlbCTtGC_oymrD7jOZGL4qj6GTPf0LtTPqgilKZ-9ifH2n-8-3wP1aaAsOY_hzXcSCcdhfhR5UcSxjnJ-/s200/Hot+Asses+117.jpg" width="140" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><strong style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">STORY INFO:<br />Genre:</strong><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> contemporary</span><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><strong style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Tags:</strong><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> lust, boss/employee, mutual masturbation, fluff, men with children, tattoos, piercings</span><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><strong style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Word count:</strong><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> 5,379</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This was the photo inspiration: *drools*</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white;">Serial read</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Also available for online reading pleasure is my addition to LT3's 'Rocking Hard' serial anthology, 'Put You in a Song'. I've never done a serial story before, unless you count my fanfiction writing sprees XD. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHDssUScsEOI6RyVpN6aKk_27AioBbWwVf-02oVr_7I1FxV8idv4hFcxIwWgPayGC63HtjgyaNalgy7Le7swyU4APGLPrOTwJO9VzYZ7o5W866zzD9je3ZO7G2QOArf0OD991nrgeCpWc/s1600/Rocking+Hard+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHDssUScsEOI6RyVpN6aKk_27AioBbWwVf-02oVr_7I1FxV8idv4hFcxIwWgPayGC63HtjgyaNalgy7Le7swyU4APGLPrOTwJO9VzYZ7o5W866zzD9je3ZO7G2QOArf0OD991nrgeCpWc/s200/Rocking+Hard+01.jpg" width="125" /></span></a></div>
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">Ten months ago, on a whirlwind New Year's Eve, Garrett and Rich enjoyed a wild night together. Back in town for the final performance of his band's tour, Rich can't wait to see Garrett again, unable to forget him. But a wild night and a lifetime are two different things, and the first real challenge they face may be more than their fragile new relationship </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">can take.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">Head on over to LT3's site to read <a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/fiction.php">part one</a>, and the other stories in the volume. :3</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Lucida Grande, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><3 Lacie J</span></div>
</div>
Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-53841619824367083352013-07-18T12:00:00.000-07:002013-07-18T12:00:04.007-07:00Prompt #1 - what was stolen from the childrenThis was written in response to the first of hopefully many prompts with my writing group. I have not edited this brief drabble in any way, so I guess it can kind stand as an illustration for what my initial, rough, rough drafts tend to look like. ^^; The group is on a temporary summer hiatus currently; however, I'm thinking of setting aside 15-30 minutes every Thursday to write to a prompt, to help clear my mind and stretch my creative muscles. We'll try it out for a few weeks, and see how it works, but I'm hoping it might be a fun idea that I can drag other authors into joining. <br />
<br />
<b>Prompt: What was stolen from the children?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Chatter a wild thing around her, the girl-child stands motionless in
the middle of the mall, ignored by everyone. Wide, silver eyes blink
slowly, her hands beginning to jitter by her sides, as though trying
to wake herself from some nightmare. Right hand rising with a
tremble she draws a deep breath before letting out a shrill scream.
People continuing to bustle around her without regard she screams
again, rainbow painted nails digging into her cheek.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jerking into motion she wends through the blind crowd, words
beginning to form from the senseless panic. Toe of her purple
sneaker catching on a step, sending her to her hands and knees, she
lets out a cry of pain. Bloody scratches on her face she gasps as no
one even slows to ask if she's alright.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“W-what's ha-happening? Why i-isn't anyone p-paying attention t-to
me?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Making her way back to her feet with a slight whimper she turns
around in place, watching the people go about their business as
though she weren't even there. Mouth pinched she darts directly into
the path of a portly man staring at his phone, desperate to get a
reaction. Rush of people slowing, shifting ever so slightly out of
place, she stumbles as everything resumes its pace, the man having
somehow missed her.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Experiment repeated a half dozen times, each time with the same weird
herky-jerky response she sinks to the ground with a low moan. Tears
in her eyes she watches the endless, unseeing flow of people pass her
by.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“It's no use ducky, nothing you do will make them see you.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Balance lost as she twists wildly, elbows connecting sharply with the
tile, she stares up at the teen who just spoke. “Y-you can see
me?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Snap of gum louder than it should be as the world gives another one
of its strange skips, the teen nods. “Course I can ducky; now come
on, up off that floor before you catch a chill.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“But-”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“No buts, up we go, places to go, witches to see.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Frowning the girl glances away from the teen to take in the crowd,
suddenly not wanting to leave the familiar stretch of mall, even if
no one could see her. Hand to her mouth she stares, going cold, as a
woman – Mother – strides by holding hands with a girl almost her
identical twin. Warped mirror image giving her a shark toothed grin
it wiggles rainbow painted nails in farewell.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Reaching out, grasping for the teen's arm, she cries, “What is that
thing doing with my mother?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Another loud snap of gum, the almost-twin vanishing amidst the
crowds. Expression kind the teen guides the girl in the opposite
direction. “Stealing her, and your life; now come, as I said we've
got places to go and witches to see if you mean to survive the
theft.”</div>
Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-28524282640567847422013-07-16T21:07:00.000-07:002013-07-16T21:07:07.383-07:00And, we're backWow, it's been a bit, hasn't it? My apologies for 'slacking' in my blogging, I've had a hectic couple of months in regards to the non-writing portion of my life. But I'm back now, I promise, so let's get on with it. :P<br />
<br />
My 'Love Has No Boundaries' short is in the final stages of formatting prior to being posted up on Goodreads' <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/20149-m-m-romance">M/M Romance</a> group, and I'm actually quite pleased with the way it turned out, even if it is a tad short. The two main characters were such a delight to work with, even when they pissed me off by refusing to do what I wanted them to do. I can definitely see myself revisiting them later to prod more of their lives out of them. And yes, I will be posting a link to the story's thread once it's released; I might even post the story here after a while, for those who aren't members of the group.<br />
<br />
I've also been working on several new ideas for a variety of stories: a pair of vampires who enjoying surfing, my poor cursed flower Calliopsis, a young man named after one of Shakespeare's great tragedies, and a bitter retail employee stuck helping entitled university students.<br />
<br />
Oh! I almost forgot, <i>Put You in a Song</i>, my second short story with <a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/">Less Than Three Press</a>, is due to be released in their serial line up next month. <i>Put You in a Song</i> takes place around a year after the events in <i>Rock 'n Roll Seraphim</i>, and while AJ and Z are in it, it features the band's drummer Rich and his try at finding love. I had a lot of fun putting words to Rich's story, and can't wait to delve back into the characters who make up this world.<br />
<br />
*hums and skips back to rewriting <i>The Prince's Flower</i>* Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-76907698766754787692013-06-14T15:53:00.001-07:002013-06-14T15:53:44.301-07:00Not dead, just busy combating real life; more news soonish. :3 <br><3 Lacie JLacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-25676108187975229732013-05-29T01:33:00.000-07:002013-05-29T11:44:03.496-07:00Guest post - Skylar KadeToday I'm pleased to be hosting a guest post from one of my writing buddies, author Skylar Kade, as part of her <i>Heat up the Night</i> blog tour. :3 <div><br></div><div>So, without further ado,I give you her guest post about writing:<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwtyOQmotsHBm44fF_VEWxuGClPq603h2fqlvT_JfOOX72T_OrTtfWDT87cJviTnnPZQlVQ_X4yLvBBFIxk4dm2a4cVvCRrwbM0nQiT9pJWng9GEiSHcowlcevQV86YjOxeY6FEf-u7ef/s1600/large+Heat+Up+the+Night+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwtyOQmotsHBm44fF_VEWxuGClPq603h2fqlvT_JfOOX72T_OrTtfWDT87cJviTnnPZQlVQ_X4yLvBBFIxk4dm2a4cVvCRrwbM0nQiT9pJWng9GEiSHcowlcevQV86YjOxeY6FEf-u7ef/s320/large+Heat+Up+the+Night+banner.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">Writing Punchy Sentences</span><a name="_GoBack"></a></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Writing 101: Write good sentences. But what the hell does that even mean? Most beginning writers will load their sentences with vivid adjectives and adverbs and wildly imaginative verbs.</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But this may not actually accomplish what you want—a sentence that punches right at the reader’s psyche. In romance, this is especially important because when you’re dealing with stories about sex and love, you want to bypass the logical forebrain and have the characters’ trials hit the reader as if they were their own.</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">In this scenario, our heroine is getting ready to have sex with the hero for the first time. We’re going to take the most basic sentence that summarizes her feelings, and looks at ways to take it from blah to </span><span class="s2">punched</span><span class="s2"> up. Remember—not every sentence has to hit this level of precision, but this is a good way to selectively hit the reader in the face (or the heart, if you’re into that kind of romance) on occasion.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">WHAT WE WANT TO EXPRESS: She felt excited.</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">This isn’t a bad sentence, per se. It’s just bland. You’re not giving the reader any access points, or ways to approximate what she’s feeling. Is she excited and nervous? How does she experience excitement--what does it feel like to her?</span><span class="s2"> “Felt” is what I like to call a </span><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic; ">nothing verb</span><span class="s2">. You’re telling the reader she’s experiencing something, but in an empty way. Don’t get me wrong—feel is a great verb, and I use it in my writing. But when you’re going for a scene of high emotion or high intensity, every word counts.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">IMPROVED SENTENCE: </span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">She thrilled at the excitement flooding rapidly through her body.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To me, this is a little heavy-handed, and it has three main issues. First, we have the same problem with “thrilled” as we did with “feel”—it’s kind of a nothing verb. We want to evoke a visceral, physical reaction in the reader.</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Second, “rapidly” is an adverb that doesn’t do anything to the sentence that a stronger adjective than “flooding” couldn’t solve.</span><span class="s2">Actually, the whole phrase “flooding rapidly through” could be replaced by a single, strong verb. You could use “flooded”—good enough by itself—or “swamped” or “deluged.” Technically, I don’t think deluged is a verb, but this is one area of creative license I’m passionate about—appropriating words in one part of speech and using it in another. For example: using the noun “mouse” as a verb, as in “The shy girl </span><span class="s2">moused</span><span class="s2"> into the back of the classroom.” </span><span class="s2">Vivid, right?</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">The other problem is that pesky “she”. If we’re trying to punch the reader, we need to be in deep point of view, which, as much as possible, closes the distance between the reader and the POV character. Instead of being told what she’s experiencing, we feel (see, nothing verbs are ok sometimes!) everything along with her. </span><span class="s2">Here’s where we get super-tricky and all sexy grammatical. Right now, “She” is the subject of the sentence, “thrilled” is the verb, and “excitement” is the object. We’re going to invert this a little bit and say that “Excitement” is the main actor in this sentence.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">EVEN BETTER SENTENCE: </span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">Excitement flooded her body.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So we’ve deepened POV by making “Excitement” the subject of the sentence. We’ve tightened the verb and have something action-y: “Flooded.” This is a pretty damn good sentence, especially since we started with “She felt excited.” This is leagues better. But how can we make it even more visceral? We have to show the reader how excitement feels to the heroine.</span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">AMAZEBALLS SENTENCE: </span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">Excitement gripped her by the throat.</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Punch to the face! We feel this along with our heroine. We know what kind of excitement she’s experiencing—part terrifying, mostly thrilling.</span><span class="s2"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">Ka-pow</span><span class="s3" style="font-weight: bold; ">!</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s2">Let me reiterate—not every sentence needs to be </span><span class="s2">amazeballs</span><span class="s2">. Not only does it not </span><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic; ">need</span><span class="s2"> to be this way, it shouldn’t. The more</span><span class="s2">sentence</span><span class="s2"> you have that punch the reader, the more exhausted they’ll be by reading, and the less impact each punchy sentence will actually have. Pick and choose. String a few together for the turning points, or pepper them in your high emotion scenes. Use this power judiciously!</span></span></p><p class="s2" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pro tip: If you try to write like this your first draft, your head might explode. When you’re drafting (especially fast drafting) write those crappy-to-mediocre sentences. This is why we edit, my friends: to create a damn good story and to keep our heads from spewing pieces of brain matter onto our writing buddies. Edit your way to punchy sentences.</span></p>
<a name="more"></a><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISwrhn3E2-63rcB4FnyxEGjL2WD60ZMkoERwWb1l1LsRk9Jv35V3sAuwcnjb9VMXvUHPDsh9xmLwnTHF-UsWvPyiJz6q_bUfu1FuyDhuCoUNTA1tfeeLyzSM_7m7TeE7orbu7pb8asJR5/s1600/Heat+Up+the+Night_500x750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISwrhn3E2-63rcB4FnyxEGjL2WD60ZMkoERwWb1l1LsRk9Jv35V3sAuwcnjb9VMXvUHPDsh9xmLwnTHF-UsWvPyiJz6q_bUfu1FuyDhuCoUNTA1tfeeLyzSM_7m7TeE7orbu7pb8asJR5/s320/Heat+Up+the+Night_500x750.jpg" width="213"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>BLURB</b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Can
they find love without losing themselves…</i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tovia
Douglas has devoted her adult years to sheltering her mentally ill
mother and ensuring her sister's independence. When Tovia turns 27,
those lost years come into sharp, painful focus and she decides it's
time to start enjoying life, starting with a little mental vacation
through submission at her local kink club.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Keilor
Branson grew up believing in love at first sight. He just figured his
other half would feel it too. Instead, feisty new submissive Tovia
runs from their emotional connection. Determined, Keilor must chip
away at her walls and prove that love is worth the risk.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">When
family troubles lead to Tovia's change of heart, their roles are
reversed. Now she must prove to her man, her Master, that while love
isn't always perfect, they are perfect for each other.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>BUY
LINK (All Romance eBooks)</b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<a href="https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-heatupthenight-1186667-147.html"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-heatupthenight-1186667-147.html</span></a></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Giveaway
HTML Code</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a
id="rc-27bb551" class="rafl"
href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/27bb551/"
rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><script
src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>EXCERPT</b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">His
face hit her like a fist to the stomach. Even after seeing him in her
dreams every night for a month, she was still awed by him. Dark brows
framed laughing hazel eyes, now serious, which led to a nose that
would have looked oversized on anyone else, with its reset-bone bump.
It just gave him character. More laugh lines around his mouth, and
the beginnings of a goatee. That was new. It was the only hair on his
head.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">She’d
never been attracted to bald men, but Keilor was so sexy that even
his bare skull turned her on. She knew it was by choice. She’d
worked a little Google-Fu after their first scene together and found
recent pictures of him with a full head of thick, brown hair.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Warning
bells went off, but they were drowned out by his voice. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’m
sure </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Master</i></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
Mike will be tickled to learn he has such a steadfast champion.” </span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Waves
of subtle lemony air drifted over her, as they always did in his
presence. Or they did during their one scene together. She hadn’t
been able to serve a Lemontini since without her panties getting wet.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tovia
sighed at his teasing even as the little hint of jealousy in his
voice made her stomach jump. She shouldn’t react, but her body
betrayed her so easily. “What do you think you’re doing here?”</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Laughter
rumbled her bones at every point of contact with his body. “I’m
an elite member. I’m here all the time.”</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not
since we—” She bit off the rest of her sentence before she could
dig herself in further and tried again to wriggle from his lap.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Silly
girl.” His words gentled, soothed. One rough hand slid up and down
her arm. Damnit, she should not like that. “I was in Greece. The
owner of the Hellena sent me over there to sample food and wine
vendors. I assumed you knew.”</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Now
he’d think she was pining after him. Just because she hadn’t been
able to stop thinking about him didn’t mean she missed him. Or
wanted a repeat that lasted all night.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">No,
because that would be ridiculous. Douglas women didn’t </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>need</i></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
men. It was practically the family motto.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">To
keep things light, she teased him back, ignoring the way her skin
heated beneath his touch. “Oooh, poor thing. That must have been
such a hardship.” A smile even teased at the corner of her lips
despite her efforts to remain unaffected by his presence. When was
the last time she smiled at a man who wasn’t tipping her for
drinks?</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Keilor
stared down at her. “Actually, it was.”</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Oh
boy.</i></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
She wasn’t touching the wealth of subtleties in those words. Not
going down that path.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Keilor
lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. Butterflies hatched
in her chest, then died when he said, “You look tired.”</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">She
scowled. “Well if that isn’t what every woman wants to hear from
an attractive—” Her jaw clunked shut around the foot in her
mouth.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">He
nipped her forefinger, zinging arousal to all her naughty bits, then
stole her breath when he kissed her nose, her cheek. “Do you get a
freckle every time you sass a Dom?”</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">An
indelicate snort escaped her. “Sure. The freckles are a
little-known Dominant Warning System saying ‘steer clear of the
angry redhead!’” </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Yes</i></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">,
she thought, </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>hold
dear to your sarcasm</i></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">.
It was her current chastity belt of choice, and that was swiftly
crumbling at the edges.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good.
Less competition.” His lips drifted to her neck, where he pressed
kisses to random patches of skin still exposed around the edges of
the blanket. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Oh
shit. She clutched the soft brown cover around her, remembering what
she wore beneath—absolutely nothing aside from her short shorts.
Like flipping a switch, her nipples hardened and her pussy clenched.
He could so easily expose her. Not that she hadn’t been naked in
the club every weekend, but it was different now, with Keilor
watching her.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Dangerous.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What…what
are you doing?” His exploratory kisses had turned into sizzling
nips to her collarbone.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Counting
your freckles.” He tugged at the blanket, playing momentary tug of
war with her until he stopped fighting and simply went around the
mountain. His hand slithered beneath her shield to scald her stomach,
then higher. When the back of his hand brushed across her nipple, she
moaned. “I need a baseline count. Scientific study and all of
that.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 0; widows: 0;">
<br>
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQ308jVLtvaafVAE0MpqkSaGzZeMNtj-C30Dlr1W2UqcvlBZaE5JqRoS5jBy6HYo74Fv4WOyVM9ZjRmPPUMo3oU6JtHSjgtroli0xel4utK_AqnnbG5rIWHo8rjrWv_EUyt2dmiI2RPtO/s1600/3.0+giveaway+graphic+Heat_Kade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQ308jVLtvaafVAE0MpqkSaGzZeMNtj-C30Dlr1W2UqcvlBZaE5JqRoS5jBy6HYo74Fv4WOyVM9ZjRmPPUMo3oU6JtHSjgtroli0xel4utK_AqnnbG5rIWHo8rjrWv_EUyt2dmiI2RPtO/s320/3.0+giveaway+graphic+Heat_Kade.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Skylar Kade is a logophile who spends
her days reading, writing, and dreaming up new characters. She lives
in sunny Southern California with her sweetheart and their two dogs.
When not immersed in words, she loves long walks on the beach…er,
make that sitting on the beach and watching others walk by. Find her
blogging with the Nine Naughty
Novelists (<a href="http://ninenaughtynovelists.blogspot.com/">http://ninenaughtynovelists.blogspot.com</a>), or
on Twitter (@skylarkade),Facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/AuthorSkylarKade">www.facebook.com/AuthorSkylarKade</a>), Tumblr (<a href="http://skylarkade.tumblr.com/">http://skylarkade.tumblr.com</a>),
and Goodreads (<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/SkylarKade">www.goodreads.com/SkylarKade</a>). </div>
</div>Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-86351281549831209932013-05-03T14:15:00.003-07:002013-05-03T14:15:51.152-07:00Busy, busy timesSo many things have happened since I last posted, and I apologize for the silence, but I'm getting back up and on my feet, so we'll be back to a slightly more regular updating schedule soon. <br />
<br />
I've almost finished my LHNB story, and hope to get it wrapped up this weekend so it can take a trip to one of my betas to get a second pair of eyes looking at it. This story has been ridiculously fun to write, and I'm really hoping Shaz likes it. *crosses fingers* Hopefully this weekend I'll be posting a second teaser both here and on Goodreads. :3<br />
<br />
My living situation took a bit of a nose dive, which is why I've been nonexistent, for the most part, on the internet. Long story short, my long time roommate had been planning to move to CO, which I knew all about, so I've been helping her pack and prepare, as well as say goodbye to CA. In the meantime I'd been hunting for a new roommate, and thought I found one: he moved in on the 1st of April, paid his portion of rent for that month, as well as his security deposit. All of April went by without a hitch until last weekend, when I got a call from my other roommate telling me that he was packing his stuff up and leaving. So he left, with no warning or intent to say anything to me, and I've been scrambling ever since. <br />
<br />
I'm good right now, but it's been a rocky couple of weeks. XP <br />
<br />
But enough whining about my personal life; writing! <br />
<br />
Alongside working on my LHNB contribution I've been writing the story that picks up where <i>Rock 'n Roll Seraphim</i> leaves off, as <i>Seraphim</i> was only intended to bring the two together. *tries not to say anything that might be considered a spoiler* Now I get to write all about the ups and downs of them adjusting to their relationship, and the stresses both current and former jobs puts on them. I love my boys, but I know relationships aren't all fluff and hearts, so I wanted to visit that, and show how they become as strong together as I've seen them in future stories.<br />
<br />
Other than that, there are a couple of ideas I'm poking at but nothing concrete as of yet. <br />
<br />
And now I'm off to paint my nails a shiny Tardis blue, and try to wrap up the lose ends in my LHNB story.<br />
<br />
<3!Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-65370481598710965062013-04-15T22:42:00.001-07:002013-04-15T22:42:23.455-07:00Winners, updates, and a teaser<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: purple;">First and foremost, before I get going,
the winners for my contribution to LT3's 'Way to Your Heart' birthday
shenanigans; </span><span style="color: #e06666;">Shayla Mist</span><span style="color: purple;"> and </span><span style="color: #e06666;">Crissy Morris</span><span style="color: purple;">! Emails have been sent out, so please holler
back at me for confirmation, and the first one of you I hear back from gets first dibs on choice of shiny. And a big thank you to everyone who
stopped by my neck of the internet to say hi during the past couple
of weeks, thanks to your replies I've now got a couple new addictions
to pile into my poor iPod. XD</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, moving on to everything else...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the land of editing: my final,
personal revisions to 'Connect', still not entirely certain on that
title, went in to LT3, as did the reviewed manuscript for 'Put You in
a Song'. Woo-hoo editing madness! I'm looking forward to getting
back the edits for 'Connect' because I think right now I'm still too
close to it to be able to do it justice editing wise, but I am
really, really pleased with the way it turned out, and can't wait to
share it with you.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the land of revisions: I'm working
on rewriting one of my rejected stories from last year for re-submission at the end of next month, tightening and tweaking things
to make it even better than it is currently. Also on the running the
revision gauntlet is the rejected 'Prince's Flower', am hoping to
expand it from 7K to 10-12K before I submit it to LT3 for their
fairytale serial line.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the land of new writings: I've
sadly come to the conclusion that I'm not going to make LT3's 'Proud
to be a Vampire' submission deadline for two reasons; one, the
characters aren't talking to me, and I refuse to force the story to
happen and end up with something I hate, and two, my Darkest Mercy
boys have been chattering up a storm in my head space, so I'm giving
in to them, and writing something that'll fall in-between 'Rock 'n
Roll Seraphim' and 'Put You in a Song'. But I will return to my
vampires in the not so distant future, so I'm not completely bummed
to have to shelf them for now.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Also, I'm hard at work on my
contribution to the Goodread's M/M Romance group's <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_folder/166675">'Love Has NoBoundaries'</a> writing event. My 'Dear Author' letter was written by
Shaz, and I'm having entirely too much fun with it. :3 For those of
you who aren't members on Goodreads, here's the teaser, from the working draft, that I posted last
week:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Names removed, and replaced with place
holders, as per event guidelines</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
**</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />A dunk tank? Whose genius idea was it to
have a dunk tank at the charity carnival? Especially one with a
signup sheet posted for willing volunteer dunkees, his name written
boldly at the top. Note to self, stay as far away from said dunk tank
as feasibly possible. No need to add the sight of him soaking wet,
all that bronzed skin visible through the transparency of his
plastered to him shirt, to my mental photo album.<br /><br />It was
bad enough that he looked hot as hell when he was all prim and proper
in the office, now I had to contend with the sight of him in
something less professional? Sigh and glance at the layout of the
carnival, scouring my options for something far, far away from the
temptation. Finger stilling on the cotton candy booth on the opposite
end of the field I shrug and grab a pen.<br /><br />“Mr. XXX, have you
already decided which attraction you will be volunteering with for
your four hours?”<br /><br />Draw a deep breath, mouth suddenly dry,
and turn to face the object of my errant thoughts. Suit a dove gray
today he lifts his coffee mug to his lips. Follow the line of his
lavender tie down to his belt, unable to stop the way my eyes demand
I drink him in. Pants tight across his thighs he cocks his hip,
leaning into the table's edge. Lick my lips and say, “I was
thinking of helping out with the kids at the cotton candy
booth.”<br /><br />Quirk lifting one side of his mouth he asks, “Do
you like cotton candy, Mr. XXX?”<br /><br />Swallow at the lilt in his
question, mind in an immediate tizzy over whether or not he was
flirting with me. Twist away from him before I embarrass myself and
lift the pen to the signup sheet. “It was one of my favorite parts
back when I attended carnivals and fairs as a kid, so I figured it'd
be nostalgic to work with it. Plus, there's nothing better than a
bunch of kids spinning colored sugar, right?”
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
****</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Non-writing wise, my apartment is a
complete disaster right now because one of my roommates is prepping
for her move to Colorado at the end of this month while my new
roommate and I are shifting rooms around. Oh the sheer volume of
books I have to move all the way down the hall! XD It's driving my
cat bonkers to have both rooms smell like mommy.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've also taken to dinking around with
Gallifreyan, aka the circular language of Dr Who's timelords. Yes, I
am <i>that</i> nerdy. Just started
playing with it so my work is very 'this circle has to match this
circle's size' and not as wibbly wobbly as the show's. I'll get some pictures tomorrow, to show off my nerdy happenings on the interweb.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-27000291959031901362013-04-15T08:26:00.001-07:002013-04-15T08:26:59.756-07:00Way to Your Heart winnersI'll be posting the winners once I get home for the day, so expect a much more verbose update later this evening. :3Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-74985565326345672662013-04-07T13:17:00.000-07:002013-04-07T13:27:46.713-07:00Belated birthday drabble for Melanie Tushmore<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Melanie,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Happy belated birthday! Sorry it took
me an extra week to get this done and up. ^^;; My manwhore of a
guitarist wasn't behaving. But I finally coaxed him into this diddy;
so here you go, and I hope you enjoy it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<3 Lacie J</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
**</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bag of overpriced, but oh so worth it,
band merchandise to my chest I wriggle free of the crowd surrounding
the vendor's booth. Pushing free of the crush I pull my messenger
bag around and manage to fit my latest purchases into the already
crammed space. Glance around the convention hall as I snap the
buckle back into place.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I still had a couple hours before my
roommates were due to meet me for the benefit concert across the way.
Normally I would have spent the day holding my place in line, but
I'd somehow lucked out with reserved seating thanks to being one of
the first fifty people to purchase tickets to the event. And all of
that before Darkest Mercy had announced that they would be performing
a couple of songs in the concert.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Phone in hand I ride an escalator up
from the main dealer floor.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<So, how much
have you spent on DM merch? Find anything you don't already have w
Tobin, or Chris' face all over it?></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Snort under my
breath, they knew me so well; anything with Darkest Mercy's
guitarists was almost guaranteed to find its way into my room
eventually. It was like a disease the way I felt compelled to buy
the weirdest crap if it had them on it. <Round $100 :P taking a
smoke break on one of the hall's roofs before descending into the
madness surrounding the arena to meet up with you guys.> <cut></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<Only $100?
What, do you have everything they're selling?></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Blowing a kiss to
one of the boys I'd danced with last night as we pass each other I
shoulder the door open. <...no...yes...maybe...shut up, I know
you're laughing at me. It's not my fault they're hotter than hell.></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<You're worse
than the teenage girls who stalk them.></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<If you're gonna
be an ass I'm gonna put my phone on silent and dump it in my bag.>
Dig into my pocket for my pack of cigarettes. Successfully located
I pop one in between my lips and fish out my lighter.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<Fine, enjoy the
next couple of hours without us, and try not to spend next month's
rent.></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rolling my eyes I
dump my phone into my bag and light my cigarette. Sunlight warm on
my skin I suck in a drag. As if I would go and while away the money
meant for my portion of rent, even if the beckoning of the
merchandise was quite the siren song. Smoke filling my lungs I
wander across the rooftop, towards a shadowed stairwell.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Cool air replacing
the warmth of the sunlight I sigh and sink down on one of the steps.
Leaning back on my hands I close my eyes; navigating the dealer's
hall crammed to the brim with attendees was exhausting. Wonder how
the vendors dealt with the crush?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Fuck!” Jerk
out of my reverie, almost losing my cigarette, and look up as a
smoldering butt falls from the landing of the third floor.
Scrambling to avoid being burned I hiss when it connects with the
back of my hand, sending a flare of pain up my arm. <span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
Blue eyes</span> wide, the culprit leans further over the railing,
“Shit man, I'm sorry about that, I didn't even think whether or not
someone might be down there before I chucked mine down your way.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Arm freezing mid
flail I gape, unsure if what I was seeing was the truth. <span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
Wave of brown hair slipping into his eyes, Tobin, it had to be Tobin,
no one else could possibly look that perfect, rakes it back </span>with
complete disregard. Blink and climb shakily to my feet, keeping my
gaze on him, half afraid to blink and have him turn out to be a
product of my imagination.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“You alright?
Didn't get burned?”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hand rising on its
own accord to show him the welt on my flesh I shrug, and stammer,
“N-nothing more than w-what I've given myself accidentally before.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Curse hot he
vanishes from sight, the sound of his boots on the steps echoing in
the enclosed space. Twisting on my step I stare as all <span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">six
feet </span>of the main player in my wank daydreams rounds the bend
in the stairs and rapidly closes the distance between us. “Shit,
I'm sorry about that, even if it doesn't look too bad. Still
should've disposed of my smoke properly rather than tossing it like a
lazy ass.”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Uh?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mouth twitching he
curls his fingers around my wrist. “You sure you're okay?”
Scorch of his lips over the tender skin he accidentally burnt I
swallow dryly. This had to be a dream, no way was he actually
touching me. Turning my hand over he peers at me as he flicks his
tongue over my wrist.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Whimper escaping my
throat I squeak, “What are you doing?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Smirk dangerous he
tugs at the grip he has on me. Follow him up to the the landing
between floors; couldn't do anything else, not without losing the
caress of his calloused fingers. “Trying to kiss it better and
make you forget the pain,” quick yank bringing me flush against
him, “Is it working at all, pretty ginger?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Coherent thought
beyond me I nod mutely, his hands, Tobin's hands, skating down to
take hold of my hips loosely. Thumbs sneaking under the hem of my
shirt I gasp, “I-I'm dreaming, aren't I? No way am I really being
subtly molested by my favorite member of my favorite band in a
stairwell, in public no less.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Huff of breath
sending a shiver down my spine he grins. “Possibly.” Teeth on
my earlobe he chuckles at my soft sound. “And since you are quite
possibly dreaming, what do you say to indulging in an 'I'm
ridiculously sorry I burnt you' quickie before you wake up?”
Shifting against me, calling my scattered attention to the fact that
he's just as aroused as I am, he drawls, “No strings attached, just
a damned good, figment of your horny imagination, apology. Yes?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Why?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“I've got a thing
for redheads, I like sex, and I really am sorry?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Squirm in his hold
and laugh. “That usually work in your dream world?”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Brow arched at me
he dips a thumb under my waistband, crooning, “Do you want me to
back off? I will, if you want me to; I don't use my fame to force
guys.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Grasp at his
withdrawing hands, “Fuck no, no complaints from me.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hand shoved up the
front on my shirt he crushes his mouth to mine, nails biting into my
side, at my approval. Backed up against the wall I moan, arching
into him. Can't be a dream, pain's supposed to wake you from those,
right? Part my lips under his insistent pressure and fumble my hands
over his arms. Tearing his lips from mine with a grumble he plucks
at the strap of my bag. “This has got to go, sexy.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Haul it over my
head and bend to set it to the side, instantly finding myself
attacked by another kiss, bag slipping through my fingers to hit the
concrete.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
*</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Gentle caress of
his knuckles down my jaw Tobin drops his chin to my shoulder. Shift
my hands where they rest on the wall, his arms looping around my bare
waist. “Mm, that was lovely,” fingers walk down to pet my upper
thigh, “and I do hope I've managed to apologize for my earlier
stupidity.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lean my head back
to brush a hesitant kiss over his check, murmuring, “Quite, even if
no one is ever going to believe me if I tell them I got fucked by you
in a stairwell.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Snorting in my ear
he gives me a squeeze before backing away. Twist to rake my eyes
over him, wishing he were wearing a bit less clothing; but, what
could I do, ask him to strip down so I could oogle? Lips quirked up
he drawls, “Trying to find the words to use to ask me to take my
clothes off?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Blush burning my
cheeks I shrug, crouching to grab my pants. Rustle of clothing
drawing my attention upwards my jaw drops, Tobin before me, hands on
his hips, shirt in hand, jeans at his feet. Oh good god, he was
glorious.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Eyes bright he
grins and tosses his t-shirt at me. “Take that, yours is, well, a
bit messy.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Managing not to
fumble the shirt I glance down at mine, the cotton sticking to my
stomach. Wrinkle my nose and pull it over my head. Good thing it
isn't one of my favorites, I muse as I use it to wipe the rest of my
skin clean. Ball it up, frowning in my bag's direction. I could put
it in there until I got home, but if I do I run the risk of my
roommates digging into it to take stock of my purchases, and how the
hell am I supposed to explain a cum spattered shirt?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Complications?”
he asks.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lift my gaze to
watch him buttoning his jeans. “I'm already going to face the
inquisition from my roommates in regards to the mark I'm certain you
left on my throat, I'm not sure I want to deal with the added
onslaught of my messed shirt.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Tip of his tongue
stuck out at me he sinks down in a crouch, hands stealing the wad of
fabric from me. “You could just toss it in the nearest trashcan,”
he says. Smirk lopsided he motions at me. “You should really
finish putting yourself back together, pretty redhead.” Finger
hooking a chunk of my hair he leans in, whisper brushed over my lips,
“I'd hate for you to get caught exposing yourself.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Close the distance
between us, snagging his mouth with mine. Brief slide of his tongue
against mine he pulls back, trailing fingers along my jaw. Door
above us banging open he climbs to his feet and glances up. Jeans up
and buttoned in a blink, I tug Tobin's shirt on, breath leaving me
with a rattle as the scent of his cologne and sweat enfolds me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Name called in a
curious drawl I follow his gaze to watch AJ come to the railing and
look down. Brow arched Darkest Mercy's vocalist shakes his head.
“Come on Tobin, stop playing with the attendees, we've got to head
over for a sound check.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Flipping him off
Tobin invades my space, and murmurs, “Thank you for forgiving me
for my idiot cigarette disposal.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Brush my lips over
his cheek before shooing him towards the stairs. “Go on, get out
of here so I can go find my roommates and figure out how to explain
to them why I'm late.” Taking one last kiss he vanishes up the
stairs. Vocalist giving me an appraising look he shrugs and lifts
his hand in farewell before he too leaves.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Shake my head and
grab my bag from the floor. This is definitely a day I’m not going
to be forgetting for a long, long time.</cut></div>
Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-78946270699159537272013-04-01T13:17:00.000-07:002013-04-07T12:46:26.115-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7OaFPLoBl9B2Hq4-cAFU3jvobb5asnltXjQFGCOwymQ7RkfHia3geUyUFamJPnQoHQwvhptNwzWnG3VixeSEbOB31YwzbNvWHAyJ6GF0l6YQEMpVb1__bqE0UEX7Cez3Z6qFPkEwIiev/s1600/heartbloghopside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7OaFPLoBl9B2Hq4-cAFU3jvobb5asnltXjQFGCOwymQ7RkfHia3geUyUFamJPnQoHQwvhptNwzWnG3VixeSEbOB31YwzbNvWHAyJ6GF0l6YQEMpVb1__bqE0UEX7Cez3Z6qFPkEwIiev/s320/heartbloghopside.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;">Less Than Three Press is celebrating their fourth birthday this month, and to help with the celebration they're hosting a bloghop featuring a bunch of awesome people. You can check out the master post <a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/blog/?p=17">here</a> to find links to all of the other participant's blogs.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">And now, without further ado, I give you my contribution to the birthday shenanigans:</span><br />
<br />
<br />
As anyone who regularly spends time with me can tell you, my life revolves around books(both the reading and writing of), music, my cat, coffee, and alcohol. Now, since I can't take you out drinking, unless you want to travel to me, I decided to focus on music first.<br />
<br />
Music to me, is less a way to my heart and more a way of life. I love, love, love music! I constantly have either my headphones in or something playing. And I love all kinds of music; pop, classical, jrock, country; anything really. Even at work I'm a musicoholic, constantly singing along with whatever random psuedo crap we've got on the in-store play loop. There's just something about music that's followed me through my life that has made it one of the unchanging facets of day-to-day me. <br />
<br />
Back when I was an itsy little bit, I used to sing in church choirs. Did all sorts of embarrassing shows; which I'm certain my mum has on video somewhere in her house... ^^; Come fifth grade my dad got me started on playing the flute alongside him. Unlike him I continued to play, making my way through junior high in the band, and high school in marching, parade, and orchestra. Nowadays I've slacked off on my flute playing, but I do occasionally pick it up and just twiddle away a chunk of time playing whatever comes to mind.<br />
<br />
As for 'commercial' music, you know, the stuff they play on the radio and what have you, that didn't threaten to take over my life until eight grade when I was one of the millions of unfortunate casualties to the boy band resurgence yes, I was/am a fan of Backstreet, 'N Sync, etc., and I do believe I've just dated myself. XD<br />
<br />
*coughs* Anyway, moving along before I'm made fun of for my boy band liking...<br />
<br />
Back when I first got going on that side of my musical addiction I used to buy cd's like they were candy, which explains the boxes of them in my closet that I need to go through, and now, with cd's losing popularity, I have to watch myself with my instant gratification kick on mp3's. I think I tend to pick up a new song every week or so these days with the convenience of the internet and itunes.<br />
<br />
And yes, I do create soundtracks to my stories, and sometimes even character playlists. Every time I settle in to a new world, with new characters, I have to find the music that sings to them before I can really connect with them to write. I know a lot of authors find music in the background distracting while they write, but for me it's just another facet of the process.<br />
<br />
**<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">Giveaway Time</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="color: purple;">In honor of my musical obsessions, I've got two shiny prizes I'm itching to hand out</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">* $10 iTunes gift card</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">* ebook copy of <i>Rock 'n Roll Seraphim</i> by yours truly</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">To enter, simply leave me a comment telling me what your favorite song/artist is currently. Don't forget to leave me an e-mail so I can contact you. :3</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple;">I'll draw a pair of winners at the end of LT3's celebration, on April 14th, and will contact the winners. First one to reply gets first dibs on which prize they want. ^^</span><br />
<br />
**<br />
<br />
*raises a glass in toast* Happy birthday Less Than Three! Thank you for everything so far, and here's to a long continuing relationship together!<br />
<br />
<3 Lacie JLacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-69579834810703220462013-03-17T16:13:00.001-07:002013-03-17T16:13:19.743-07:00LT3 is turning 4!!LT3 is throwing a bloghop in celebration of their 4th birthday! <i>The Way to Your Heart</i> bloghop is going to feature a bunch of their authors and associates blogging about the things we love; music, Dr Who, food, cats. You name it, we'll probably be blogging about it. :3<br />
<br />
And in honor of said bloghop, I'll be doing my first ever giveaway. Woo-hoo, Lacie's going to give away free things to people who comment on her blog! What kind of free things you ask? You'll have to visit during the bloghop to find out, but they're going to be shiny. Promise.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/blog/"><img border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJY4gIoHZyneQiytP5yA0Z2V_oqaZeVBl8i1RCqIifcJtoQFpdIWxyfzN9SQuuTHFmSB9n5SgjKSTOSp0vCko69dhLG3qG1DuRUNY3WDmM-n3wX7Nyf4nRtVaNTnq3rd1aaO2c5Evvkw5y/s320/heartbloghoplong.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
** Yes, I know, two blog posts in one day after nothing for almost a month...what can I say? ^.~ **Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-76474774812539887302013-03-17T10:53:00.001-07:002013-03-17T10:53:50.765-07:00Wow, I suck at keeping an update scheduleI've been meaning to post an update for like a week, and for some reason I just keep procrastinating on doing so. Sorry for that. *hangs head in shame*<br />
<br />
Moving on; I've got news, which is why I've been meaning to post. 'Connect' has been accepted by LT3! *happy dance* I'm so happy that all of my hard work paid off with it. Of course, now I've got to give it a final run through to make sure I've got it all pretty before it goes to an editor. Still excited though. :3<br />
<br />
Also, 'The Prince's Flower' was rejected, so we're going to give it another pass through before deciding whether I should submit it to LT3 or do something else with it. <br />
<br />
I've also hopped on board with the M/M Romance group's Love Has No Boundaries writing event; snagged my story prompt and need to post my own 'Dear Author'. So I've got a fun, free story to write which'll be released as part of their annual summer event.<br />
<br />
Other than that? I just finished reviewing the edits for 'Put You in a Song', which is due to be released starting in August. <br />
<br />
Feeling rather productive this morning; now it's time to decide if I want to work on one of my upcoming vampire submissions or start my answer to the LHNB prompt. Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-86862222071936917332013-02-27T01:26:00.000-08:002013-02-27T01:26:51.797-08:00'Connect' has been submitted X3The story I started back during last year's NaNoWriMo, and have been arguing with since mid December, is finally done! Turns out what I wrote during NaNo is quite possibly the second part of these character's lives. Oops. :P But I'm overwhelmingly pleased with the 15K that make up <i>Connect</i>, even if it is shorter than I'd hoped for. Submitted as a response to <a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/">LT3</a>'s 'If You're Reading This...' serial anthology call it's kind of a bizarre twist to the whole message in a bottle idea; which just happens to take place on a website called Message in a Bottle. XD<br />
<br />
Full of puns, that's me. Plus, it's got tornadoes in it! And no, I couldn't resist making a Dorothy joke, so there's a comment in there about Elijah trying to ride a tornado...<br />
<br />
Anywho, I've got all of my fingers crossed, and my toes, hoping the team there likes it.<br />
<br />
And as a pseudo teaser, here's the little mini blurb I created for <i>Connect</i>:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Raised in a fiercely Christian town in
the Midwest, Elijah has always had his family and faith on his side;
until the day he tells his father he's gay. Shunned and abused by
the town he trusted for his revelation Elijah takes a chance on an
anonymous note, and soon discovers a website which seems almost too
good to be true. Posting alongside thousands of others he finds the
strength to accept that his being gay wasn't a mistake on God's part.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Prince's Flower</i> is also done, I'm just finishing up tweaking my query letter before I send that one out as well. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Next on my 'to tackle' list are a series of vampire stories, and quite possibly a something featuring exotic dancers that I blame entirely on my trip to Vegas last week. *hums 'save a horse, ride a cowboy'*</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-46557847710618068452013-02-17T15:16:00.000-08:002013-02-19T17:08:43.716-08:00The Next Big Thing Blog Hop<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>The Next Big Thing</i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So a couple of weeks ago I was tagged by the wonderful and amazing <a href="http://www.eddielouise.com/">Eddie Louise</a> in The Next Big Thing Blog Hop, and yes, it did take me that long to get this written, I'm a busy girl, so sue me. :P Anyway, The Next Big Thing is a rather long running, world wide blog hop that takes people to a variety of author's, self-pub, unpublished, and published, blogs, and asks each author to answer a series of 10 easy questions. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And these are my responses to said questions:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What is the working title of your next
book?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Message in a Bottle was the initial
working title, but recently I’ve taken to calling it Connect; of
course, I’m also writing a short fairytale called The Prince's
Flower at the same time. You know, to make sure I don't get bored.
XD</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Where did the idea come from for the
book?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’m what's commonly known as a
pantser in the writing world. What this means is, I don't often
have anything beyond a name, or the very foggiest of ideas when I
start writing: that being said, Connect came into being when I
tried to think of a different twist to the whole message in a bottle
trope.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Prince's Flower? That one was
inspired by too much alcohol and a Grimm fairytale.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What genre does your book fall under?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The biggest genre any of my current
writing falls under would be m/m fiction. For the unitiated who have stumbled across my blog via this hop, or a lurker who hasn't figured it out yet; m/m essentially means what it looks like, it's a story that is about two men, and generally speaking, has a romantic twist to it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I write stories in a lot
subgenres, fantasy, paranormal, contemporary, but they inevitably focus on the LGBT side of things;
because, come on, everyone deserves their happy ending, don't they?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What actors would you choose to play
the part of your characters in a movie rendition?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I think I might be a freak of nature among authors because I very rarely find myself hunting down pictures of real people to play my characters. That being said, I've got no clue who I would chose to play the part of anyone in a movie rendition. Sorry *shrugs* just not my thing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What is the one-sentence synopsis of
your book?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Connect: 17 year old Elijah struggles to come to terms with being gay, and being true to his faith, while living in a small Midwestern town.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Prince's Flower: Cursed by a witch for his callous behavior, Calliopsis laments ever finding someone worth the struggle of breaking his curse.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Will your book be self-published or
represented by an agency?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Both will hopefully be represented, if
not by my current publisher LT3, by another of the LGBT friendly
publishers out there.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>How long did it take you to write the
first draft of the manuscript?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
30 days; NaNoWriMo 2012 to be precise,
for Connect; 2 days for The Prince's Flower, give or take. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now editing that first, initial draft? So much longer. XD</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What other books would you compare this
story to within your genre?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With Connect, I'm not sure, I've yet to come across another that is attempting to go about it the way I am. I don't mean that I'm all uber unique and special, but I really haven't seen anything quite like it in the m/m spectrum yet. In more mainstream teen, and adult fiction, yes, but m/m? Haven't found it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As for The Prince's Flower, LT3 has a line called <a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=91&products_id=214">Fairy Tales Slashed</a> which takes well known, and not so well known, fairy tales and kind of twists them around.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Who or what inspired you to write this
book?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of my cousins and my two youngest
siblings actually. My cousin is gay, and recently took his
relationship with his boyfriend to the next level as much as he
could in current politics. And my siblings, I wanted to write
something that would show that you could be gay and Christian, and
still whole heartedly believe in God, even when the world around you
believed you were going to Hell.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is all regarding Connect, The
Prince's Flower was honestly spawned via a drunken Twitter
conversation with LT3's CEO...nothing special or moving about that,
just alcohol induced stupidity and her love for fairytales.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What else about the book might pique
the reader's interest?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Connect is definitely more of a coming of age teen-ish story, and I think it might be an easier drift from mainstream than some of my other work. Kind of a m/m light story. ^^;;<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, The Prince's Flower is a mostly lighthearted romp out in fairytale land where everyone is guaranteed to live happily ever after.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
*</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm tagging <a href="http://dreaminginfinity.wordpress.com/">Talya Andor</a>, <a href="http://sandrabard.tumblr.com/">Sandra Bard</a>, <a href="http://mayridge.blogspot.ca/">May Ridge</a>, and <a href="http://alessandraebulu.wordpress.com/">Alessandra Ebulu</a>. Was going to tag <a href="http://shaylamist.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-next-big-thing-blog-hop.html">Shayla Mist</a>, but someone got to her first, but go check out her response to the 10 questions anyway. :3</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Happy blog hopping!<br />
<br />
**ps - check out <a href="http://thomascardin.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-next-big-thing-post-i-was-invited.html">Thomas Cardin's</a> reply to the 10 questions too!</div>
<br />Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-24690691175106146082013-02-05T16:34:00.001-08:002013-02-05T16:34:34.385-08:00Obligatory birthday postYup, it's my birthday today, and what am I doing? Well, I went to lunch with my Da and Granpa, had a slice of cake, got a whole pie to myself(which I'll be sharing...because I seriously don't need a whole pie to eat XD), got both my state and federal tax return direct deposited into my account(do you think it was on purpose? ;P), and now, now I'm putzing around online while working on an actual blog post for later this week. Because I know reading my random babbling is not what you all want. Right?<br />
<br />
*nods*<br />
<br />
In brief, writerly news, story #1 submission was rejected *sadface*, but I've got two more submissions going out this month, and am still waiting to hear back on story #2. I'm hopeful that 1 out of 4 will make it further. ^^ <br />
<br />
Oh! I'm also now part of an awesome weekly writing/critique group called the Barmy Drapers. It's a new thing for me, since I've usually been a solitary sort of writer outside of NaNoWriMo, but since it's made up of fellow Wrimos it still carries some of that month's wildness. <br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
In regards to reading:<br />
<br />
I really enjoyed all three of the KMaM stories I've thus far purchased. :3 <i>How About a Boyfriend</i> was ridiculously cute, and awkward. <3 TT! <i>The Glass Coffin</i> made me squee, because come on, Rostislav and Jesse! And <i>Retirement</i> was a lovely forced to work together couple. ^^<br />
<br />
I've also reread <i>Nineteen Minutes </i>by Jodi Picoult, and <i>The Warded Man</i> by Peter V Brett.<br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
Now, back to writing, and enjoying my pie.<br />
<br />
<3Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-3659799504640851822013-01-28T04:33:00.001-08:002013-01-28T04:33:25.788-08:00TaxesJust finished, and submitted, my taxes! Hurrah for being way ahead of the game this year and not procrastinating until April *coughs* like last year. So now that that's out of the way, back to writing when I should be sleeping. XD I've got a meeting with one of my writer's groups later too...huh, maybe I should put the characters to bed and flop into my nest next to my Tonkie kitty...he looks lonely all curled up in my nest all alone...right, bed time for me, so I can be all bright eyed and bushy tailed for some serious writing at Panera later...mmm Panera....Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-4199389612297663582013-01-24T23:43:00.001-08:002013-01-24T23:53:03.450-08:00I'm an author, officially<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3iLAMcqCTWBG_VnrAF_mp8FJUFaU4vFmFl6M50WIIq0-Z7-p2YFE37UdddrYOc7VXCtkpgtes3Bpx-caLb03GP3xHI9VV1EP4OZmPK_nq6mzOq6xxA5Eui9BuuNpvXXcfleg4H0rXslH/s1600/rock%2527n+roll+seraphim+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3iLAMcqCTWBG_VnrAF_mp8FJUFaU4vFmFl6M50WIIq0-Z7-p2YFE37UdddrYOc7VXCtkpgtes3Bpx-caLb03GP3xHI9VV1EP4OZmPK_nq6mzOq6xxA5Eui9BuuNpvXXcfleg4H0rXslH/s200/rock%2527n+roll+seraphim+cover.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
For those of you who haven't had to live with my daily lunacy, and somehow missed this, <i>Rock 'n Roll Seraphim </i>was released to wide world of ebooks yesterday. And as of today is readily available via <a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_111&products_id=429">Less Than Three</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rock-n-roll-seraphim-lacie-j-archer/1114203193?ean=2940016052595">Barnes & Noble</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rock-Roll-Seraphim-Midnight-ebook/dp/B00B4XSIWE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359099402&sr=8-1&keywords=lacie+j+archer">Amazon</a>; which means I am officially, no holds barred, an author. The lack of customers in my store today were very confused when I was unable to hold in my glee at being able to search myself on the in-store system.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To celebrate this occasion, and a more personal one, I decided to go out and get a new tattoo, because I'm that sort of person. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJrOpNRyBAt0a2tcWn6m0Dd8_ZUAcEUDP4JPA8UHPJzcyva9v86nf309_WJhr2sV1p8Wejq_YDJ02f3K8QCLrSsGlRLXEfW0AUq6Ld7820hgU07v6hFMA8QVv5pRhILn8mjO52wzqOeGG/s1600/dragonfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJrOpNRyBAt0a2tcWn6m0Dd8_ZUAcEUDP4JPA8UHPJzcyva9v86nf309_WJhr2sV1p8Wejq_YDJ02f3K8QCLrSsGlRLXEfW0AUq6Ld7820hgU07v6hFMA8QVv5pRhILn8mjO52wzqOeGG/s200/dragonfly.jpg" width="136" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't it pretty?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hmm, other than that, been writing, writing, writing. Solved my inability to edit my NaNo'12 by completely changing the POV it was written in. Yay for being able to work on it, but boo for the massive pile of work I just created for myself. XD<br />
<br />
I know I'm forgetting things, but I'm ridiculously tired, so I'm going to bed, and will have another update over the weekend.<br />
<br />
:3<br />
<br />
<br />Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-16491245080006317832013-01-15T19:40:00.000-08:002013-01-15T19:40:11.037-08:00Pre-order, writing, and general nonsense<i><a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_111&products_id=429">Rock 'n Roll Seraphim</a></i> is now available for pre-order up on the LT3 site! I can't even begin to describe the nervous jitters, and niggling feeling of doubt, that are dancing through me right now. I'm super excited to be able to officially tell all of my relatives, that yes, I am a published author, and no, they probably won't approve of the content/theme/etc of what I've written, and am going to continue to write; but you know what? It doesn't matter what they think in the end, because I'm ecstatic, and I'm doing what I've always dreamt of doing, so family, if you're reading this, I love you all, but yes, I do write stories about boys falling in love with other boys. Sometimes more than one at a time even!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
*coughs* Right, back to our regularly scheduled blog...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've been slowly continuing to work on editing and fixing up my NaNo, but the boys, and the world, are being quite the pain in the arse. And to be honest, my productivity this week has been really bad. I don't think I've managed to write more than 5000 words total in between doctor's appointments, retail madness, and this stupid My Little Pony game my roomie got me addicted to. XD But I did send out a silly little short that's vaguely Valentine's Day themed, and am still awaiting the verdict on my other submission still out there.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In book reading related news, I've been rereading Mira Grant's Newsflesh trilogy and assorted novellas, because I can always use a good cry over someone else's characters. Mm, my pre-ordered purchases of <i><a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_111&products_id=416">The Glass Coffin</a></i> by <a href="http://www.maderr.com/">Megan Derr</a>, <i><a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_111&products_id=417">Retirement</a></i> by Sasha L Miller, and <a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_111&products_id=418"><i>How About a Boyfriend?</i> </a>by <a href="http://ttkove.blogspot.com/">TT Kove</a> are downloaded and ready to be devoured; so expect some babbling about those three next time. :3</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Other than that, we're prepping at work for some pretty big name authors in the next couple of months: Brandon Sanderson, Robert Crais, Tahereh Mafi, Veronica Rossi, and Peter V Brett. The bibliophile in me is thrilled to be able to have a chance to meet some of my authors, but the still exhausted from the holidays retail slave in me is, well, still exhausted. XD</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I could swear I had more to babble about, but I'm pulling up a blank, so I guess I'll just get back to editing and writing, instead of procrastinating and blogging. :P</div>
Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-20164187769316120942013-01-07T20:13:00.001-08:002013-01-07T20:13:44.121-08:00Sick but aliveWell, a week in and not much to say. I've spent all 7 days sick with some horrid plague that's caused me to lose my voice twice now. Lacie's not an amused author/retail slave. Have a drs appointment tomorrow to try to make the plague leave me alone. <br />
<br />
Regardless of plague, I've written what I think is a freaking adorable fairy tale. It's goofy and cheesy, and has been freakishly fun to play with. <br />
<br />
Course, I'm also working on editing 'Message in a Bottle'; my nano from this past November. And trying to ignore a dozen rampant plot bunnies bounding around in my head.<br />
<br />
In reading worlds, I've stared Libba Bray's most recent novel, The Diviners; and am rereading Feed. I know, I know, I read it every year, but I do enjoy revisiting my favorite worlds; plus, I can still have fun and get writing done.<br />
<br />
I'm off to dinner now, but I'll be back next week; promise.<br />
<br />
<3 Lacie<br />
Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-719500571076467554.post-79416213651055865982012-12-31T15:46:00.000-08:002012-12-31T15:46:27.859-08:002012 Recap, and 2013 'Resolutions'So 2012 was a pretty darn good year, if I do say so myself. <br />
<br />
I finally got off my ass about being serious about writing, and braved the rejection filled world of submissions. I learned that patience and perseverance are key to making it in this world, as well as a tough skin, but not one so tough that you can't see the joy in each rejection, because each one is another step towards that goal of being able to hold you head high and squeal like a little girl when you see your work in print.<br />
<br />
And out of the rejections I acquired this year, I was lucky enough to get a couple that were more than your stock rejections, and two contracts for publication. So yes, it's been a good year spent focusing on my writing, and my dream of being an author.<br />
<br />
I also managed to survive another year in retail, which is always good, since that's another brutal world. XD<br />
<br />
I read 220 books, successfully completed my 10th year of NaNoWriMo, making it my 7th win, participated in a 5K run/obstacle course with zombies, and while I crossed the finish line as a zombie I was able to get up the next day and move, and I started the process of reconnecting with my stepfather.<br />
<br />
All in all, a good year.<br />
<br />
~*~<br />
<br />
As for 2013; well, here's my tentative list:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Try not to freak out completely when Jan 23 sneaks up, and <i><a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=106_111&products_id=429">Rock n Roll Seraphim</a> </i>is released into the wide world.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Finish the rewrite of 2012's NaNo monstrosity, and submit it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Submit to as many of my, currently 15, submission calls as possible.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Sign up for, and participate in this year's <a href="http://www.runforyourlives.com/">Run For Your Lives</a> 5K, this time trying to cross the finish line as a human.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Start working with my Da on our joint writing project in between my other writing projects.</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Keep the blog updated, regularly, not just willy-nilly like this year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Take two on trying not to freak out when August rolls around, and <i>Put You in a Song</i> comes out.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Rewrite <i>The Alighieri</i>, or add more to this world; not sure yet.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Attend a couple more conventions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;">Make this year's AM2 the most amazing thing Ash and I can.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Be happy, and proud of myself, no matter what anyone says, because I'm worth it, and eventually I'll find that special someone who'll be able to accept my writing, my quirks, and will sweep me off my feet. XD</span><br />
<br />
~*~<br />
<br />
Happy New Year everyone! May it be a fantastic year for you and yours!Lacie J. Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06274095722318480983noreply@blogger.com2