Reblog: Growing Up Poor and the HEA

I love the Wonkomance blog for a number of reasons. It centers around the romance genre, but it's so much more than the typical author, reader, or reviewer blog (not that there is anything wrong with any of those typical blogs). If you want insightful commentary and content that really cuts to the heart of the sometimes hidden, sometimes ignored, sometimes overlooked aspects of romance and the romance genre, Wonkomance is the place to go.

Yesterday, authors Audra North and Charlotte Stein created a joint post titled Perspectives: Growing Up Poor and the HEA. Wow. Just wow. I'm used to high quality content from Wonkomance, but this particular post struck me dumb. I've written and deleted 3 different attempts to explain why I think this is such an important conversation, and just how beautifully I think they handled it, but ultimately my bumbling attempts at addressing the way this post made me feel adds nothing to the conversation. And so, I will simply say read this post. Just, read it.

Reblog: Ants or Zombie Ants? I Prefer the Latter.

"So, while I invest heavily in the Raid corporation and whip up every "guaranteed non-toxic ant killer" recipe Pinterest has available, I'm seeking comfort from the encroaching horde the only way I know how... by wishing zombieism on each and every one of the nasty vermin. And for once, this isn't just a wild hope (not that I actively hope for a zombie apocalypse or anything, I just believe in preparation). Unlike humans, ants ARE susceptible to a parasite that causes zombie-like tendencies and, you know, a horrific death that is really just, in my mind, a bonus."

To read the rest of this post and see a short video about the fungus that turns ants into zombies, please visit The Otherworld Diner today.

Of Tough Love and Good Advice

I came across a blog post about bad reviews, professional irritations, and learning to let go by Dani Collins a month or so ago, and her frank, honest advice hit me in ways I needed to be hit. I bookmarked it, and reread it again today. The whole post is fantastic, and I recommend it to anyone who's been in this crazy publishing business long enough to get discouraged and need a kick in the pants. She doesn't sugarcoat things, but I prefer my advice bitter to the taste; if it's hard to swallow, it probably holds an uncomfortable truth. What stood out to me the most, both on the first reading and again tonight, is her last point for what to do if the world of publishing as gotten you down:

8. Quit
Publishing, that is. If you really enjoy writing, write. If you want to publish, accept that there will be things about this job that you can’t control. It is a job, by the way, and people get downsized every day.  [Dani Collins]

Some people may find this discouraging, but I LOVE IT. For me, it puts the business of publishing fully into perspective, as a business. I live in a world of writers, and so often we talk about writing as a passion, a compulsion, and an art form. It's all of those things, but it's also a job. I don't know anyone outside of the writing world who 100% loves their job. It's the nature of work; even if you're doing something you love, there will be aspects of it you don't. Writing is no different. There are good parts and bad parts and those differ for each person. I truly believe anyone can write, because writing in its most literal form is putting words to paper (or program). Those words don't have to be structured, sensical, or even spelled correctly to fulfill the most basic requirement of "writing." If you want to publish, however, you have a lot of work ahead of you.

Reblog: Undead Resolutions

New Year, new you. That's the goal, right? Join me at The Otherworld Diner to explore what resolutions the undead would make, if given the chance.

Zombie Resolutions:

1. Brains! Eat more of them, but choose judiciously. Humans holed up in a McDonald’s are probably eating the food served there. Skip the trans fats and target those who’ve taken shelter in Whole Foods.
2. Don’t lose weight; keep all limbs firmly attached. Your excitement at seeing your goal weight on the scale will be hampered by the realization it took the loss of 2 arms and a leg to achieve it.

Read more...

Reblog: No Longer a Virgin - RWA National Conference Edition

Ever wonder what the RWA National conference is like? Get the first timer experience (mine) today on the Ruby Blog. I'm interviewed by the always wonderful Kim Law. And yes, there is mention of zombies. There's also squeeing, motivation, and discussion of what it's like to be the "fun group."

Come check it out: A First Look - RWA Conference from a Newbie's Perspective

ReBlog: Nerds and Male Privilege

A friend of mine linked to this blog post on Facebook, and I loved it SO MUCH I had to share. Yes, it's a little old (dated Nov 28, 2011), but the issues it raises are still very relevant. What place do women have in Geek Culture? Does Geek Culture--a culture that prides itself on inclusivity--limit the voices of those who aren't straight, white men? Entertaining and insightful post.

"Y’see, one of the issues of male privilege as it applies to fandom is the instinctive defensive reaction to any criticism that maybe, just maybe, shit’s a little fucked up, yo."

To read Dr. Nerdlove's full post, Nerds and Male Privilege, follow the link.

Reblog: Promocalypse! Save the Date

Interested in Nashville's one and only zombie prom? Learn more about it today over at The Otherworld Diner where I'm discussing prom memories, zombie rights, and appropriate undead footwear.

C'mon, you know you can't resist.

Rebog: Kristin Tubb at The Last Word

Nashville author Kristin Tubb is at CJ Redwine's The Last Word today, unveiling the cover for her upcoming release Selling Hope. Fearless woman that she is, she's decided to be interviewed by the Spork of Doom. Go and partake of her bravery!

Check out the cover and blurb for Selling Hope:

It’s May 1910, and Halley’s Comet is due to pass through the Earth’s atmosphere. And thirteen-year-old Hope McDaniels and her father are due to pass through their hometown of Chicago with their ragtag vaudeville troupe. Hope wants out of vaudeville, and longs for a “normal” life—or as normal as life can be without her mother, who died five years before. Hope sees an opportunity: She invents “anti-comet” pills to sell to the working-class customers desperate for protection. Soon, she’s joined by a fellow troupe member, young Buster Keaton, and the two of them start to make good money. And just when Hope thinks she has all the answers, she has to decide: What is family? Where is home?

Did I mention she's giving away not one, not two, but THREE different prizes to lucky commenters? Well, what are you still doing here? Get over to The Last Word now!

Reblog: Another Classic Just Got Punked

I'm blogging at The Otherworld Diner today about literary mash-ups and the new release Android Karenina. Stop by and check it out!

Reblog: Jeaniene Frost at The Last Word

Fantastic paranormal author Jeaniene Frost is at The Last Word, answering questions and disparaging Captain Jack Sparrow's occasionally wayward "compass." Stop by for fun, a look at blogmistress CJ Redwine's amazing husband-created cupcake, and a chance to win a signed copy of Frost's First Drop of Crimson. You don't want to miss out!

Reblog: Trends in YA

Publishing Trends posted an interesting article about the current trend in the YA market towards series.

"Take a look at BookScan’s bestselling juvenile titles for the week ending April 25: an astounding 73% were titles from one of several series."

Read the full article here.