#writemotivation August Wrap-up and September Goals

The last week and a half has been crazy.  Between trying to find out what is going on with my pay checks and making sure Colin behaves in school, I'm lucky to have a few minutes to breathe.

I've had time to write, to be honest, but I have not been able to focus on writing very much.  I can sit here at my desk and open the file to resume the story and that's as far as it gets.  My concentration is next to nil.  There is so much on my mind, the character's aren't heard clearly, if at all.  That's why I've been more editing what I have now to get to know the story and the characters better before putting them through a blizzard deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.

Really, it is worrisome when you haven't written any business when you are living on commission.  Thankfully, I'll have something tomorrow, one way or another, even if it won't get me near bonus.  Cross your fingers, I'll have more to write before the end of next week.

With all of this weighing heavily on my mind, I have to say that my son, mom, Dave, and the cats have given me much to smile about and keep up a positive attitude.  A few people at work know what's going on and they are right there helping me keep positive and work harder.  They are even going so far as helping me finesse my presentation and 'paint the picture' for our clients to understand the need for life insurance.

I can 'paint a picture' with my writing, but when it comes to speaking to strangers, those same words run and hide.  Sad as it sounds, it is very true.  It is also why I am seeking a part-time job as well.

Header image and thumbnail photograph by Hugh Lee and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sahlgoode/

1) Write two chapters to Black Friday 2. (Two chapters a month sound reasonable enough to keep this one around)

I did manage to complete this one.  When I had to stop writing for the night, I thought I had only a partial chapter.  Looking at it now, no more needed to be said.  Definitely completed.

2) Work on Dark Crystal contest submission

I gave up on this one.  I could not come up with anything that could fit within the theme, let alone within the word count required.  I may try a normal fan fic on my own time later.

3) Word on edits/revisions for the last half of SoNL

I did manage to work through one full chapter.  Consider this one done!

4) Keep trying to exercise twice a week

Yes, I have been exercising.  Not quite as much as I should, but this is all a good start.  Those who have met me know I am not in the greatest shape.

5) Work on edits for Black Friday for republication.

Would five chapters be good enough to consider checking this one off?  I did, though I started off seeking out character names and frequency then opened my red pens and made the pages bleed.  >.<

6) Study the craft of writing.

Done, done, done!  Still reading on the craft, too.

7) Get art and items prepared for August Elks Swap in Pryor.

No way I can afford to make it to the Swap and Shop any time soon.  I have to take care of other bills first.  Maybe sometime this winter.

For the month August, I did well.  Only two things could not be completed but nothing says I can't come back to them later.  I'm of myself for getting this much done with as crazy as this new job is and how much time it hordes.

No one said being an independent contractor would be easy.  *sigh*

Now, for September!

I'm keeping the goals simple.  I need to write as much business as I can so I can pull out of my financial hole and get my medical bills paid off.

1) Keep writing in Black Friday 2 (anything so long as it moves the story)

I've managed to get a little bit more written, but mostly I've gone back through what I already had to make a few corrections.  I'm also going to add to this editing on Black Friday.

2) Do revisions on SoNL

I've done another page.  I'm lucky to have this much done.

3) Keep walking.

Adding more exercise to this one.  Not just walking, which has been increasing little by little, but I'm going to add a short cardio workout a couple times a week.  Nutritionist's orders!  :D

#writemotivation Mondays

I know I updated just Saturday night.  But, may as well set things up for this last week of August.

As you know, work is kicking my but settling down into a routine which will allow me to get more writing done.  On top of insurance, I’m considering a part-time job to help beef up the day job.

Will a second job cut into my writing time?  No, not really.  I found a work from home sales job that isn’t difficult or requires me to spend a lot of time keeping track of product and sales numbers.

The product is one I can back up.  An old friend of mine from way back is selling the same thing and uses it.  So far, no bad side effects plus she’s done rather well since starting back in April.  The company is legit and back up their product as well.

So, alternative income to consider to help get all my bills caught up and savings building for a real vacation, new vehicle, and a house some day soon.

I won’t re-post my goals in this post.  Nothing has changed except for more reading done on studying the craft.

Once I get this post done, I’m pulling out my copy of Black Friday and an empty journal, then I’m going to go through to gather all the named characters and figure out their relation to my main three (Karina, Nick, and Marcus) and figure out which are my secondaries.  After that, the red pen of death will be coming out to bleed all over those beautiful printed pages and make notes in the rest of the journal.

We’ll see how much more is done come Wednesday.  :)

With my mornings starting so early thanks to school, I now have a little extra time to sink into a story and write.

How has your month gone so far?

#writemotivation Late Update Week 3

I know this is awesomely late this week.  The way things are looking, I am going to have to keep my lists short until I can balance my new job, writing, and home.  As it sits now, work and home are cutting deep into my writing time.

Selling insurance is not very easy to do.  We have several no cost items to help us get into the door, but once inside, getting people to go through the whole presentation becomes the challenge.  Most just want the no cost stuff (it isn't free.  Huge difference), and don't want anything more.  But, I do get several who will allow me to show them what we have to offer to help fill in the gaps in their existing insurance.

Mostly, I need to work on my presentation so I am asking for anyone who lives in NE OK to volunteer to sit through a full presentation.  Who knows, you find what I show worth buying, but there is no pressure to buy.  I only show the need for buying that first policy or getting additional insurance.

If I am to succeed, I have to practice, practice, practice.  Anyone with kids or a mortgage, please, let me practice with you.

Other than work, I have three restaurant reviews to go over.  One is a brand new place right around the corner from my apartment and the other two are very well established.

On to the goal check!

Header image and thumbnail photograph by Hugh Lee and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sahlg

oode/

1) Write two chapters to “Black Friday 2″. (Two chapters a month sound reasonable enough to keep this one around)

I have written part of chapter 12.  This one is coming from Nick and Nahana's POV and what they see while gathering wood in the building storm.  So, YAY, progress!

2) Work on "Dark Crystal" contest submission

Still a no-go on this one.  Barely times for my other WIP, so I'm crossing this off for now.  We'll see how things look come NaNo time.

3) Word on edits/revisions for the last half of SoNL

I have started on this one.  Only a few paragraphs into the second half of the book.

4) Keep trying to exercise twice a week

There is a lot of walking involved in this job, so, this is a definite yes.  Not to mention, I walk Colin part way, most days, to school.

5) Work on edits for “Black Friday” for republication.

Nothing done on this one, yet.

6) Study the craft of writing.

Been reading up on it this week!

7) Get art and items prepared for August Elks Swap in Pryor.

It'll be, at the very earliest, November before I can get to an Elk Swap Meet.  Bills come first, then my little hobby items can be stocked up.  I'll let you know when I have soaps and lotions ready for sale, or sampling.

#writemotivation Goal Check 1 and 2

Or is that 1 and a 1/2?  *shrug*

Anyway, there isn't much to report for last week or this week.  The main reason being is that training at work has me staying late; after six or seven in the evening but until after nine if I'm not very lucky.  The first few days were fine when we left at around four in the afternoon on a long day.

But, when we started actual field training, in which I made a nice sale at the first appointment (YAY!), I didn't see home until after dinner.  Call nights, when we go through referrals and leads sent in by the many unions around the state, to set up appointments the next day we could be there until nine which is the mandatory time when we HAVE to stop.  The 'No Call Law' made to prevent telemarketers and bill collectors from bugging you at all times of the night kicks in.

Before you say it, no, I am not a telemarketer nor am I soliciting life insurance.  Yes, I want people to buy (Mostly because I don't want to see them going through the hell I do because of no insurance more than for the money), but I am not pushing for sales.  I honestly do have some wonderful stuff that is no cost and very useful to the average person.  I wouldn't be calling them unless someone they knew pointed me in their direction.  At the beginning of that chain is someone who is/was in a union that started the ball rolling.

The company I'm with deals with unions and associations and will only go to people outside of them on a referral basis.

It is really a very niche market and AIL is running with it all the way.  I have to learn a lot about this niche and perfect my presentation before I'm allowed to step out and bug people on my own.  ;)

So far, I'm enjoying it and encountered only a couple of people who irritated me.  One was an elderly woman whose husband was injured and laid-up for a while.  The dramatics she put on (That so tired sigh with the back of her hand against her forehead and the mock pained glances toward her husband) were way over the top.  It was easy to tell she didn't want us there.  I could hear it in the tone of her voice and the clipped answers she gave.

Her husband was giving her those looks of 'would-you-stop-the-drama-before-I-kick-your-butt' kind of looks.  He was listening and being cordial.  He wanted us there.  I found his expressions amusing and, to be frank, if I were him, I would have said something about it with us there.

The one whom I have trained with the most in the field, and who helped me make that first sale, is a sweet gentleman.  He's patient and gave many good pointers which I've used.  He's young and married, but he's supportive and guides.  My boss, who I've also trained with makes me nervous and is far too much the alpha male.  He expects perfection out of the gate even though he says he doesn't.  His body language and attitude in general says otherwise.

If you've been in retail and fast food for as long as I have, you pick up on those or the job will chew you up and spit you out on the streets.  The same reasons why I don't like people is also why I enjoy the job.  Working is my only social time with others.  (I don't count write-ins as work.  That's fun-social which I need more of)

Tomorrow, I'll be in the field with a girl is, more than likely, half my age.  She's pretty, vivacious and bubbly without being annoying.  I can imagine her being a cheerleader in school with her get-up-and-go attitude to getting the job done.  She and I had one preset appointment each then we hammered out the rest (for eight appointments total) in an hour and a half.

So, that is what I was up to for the last week or more.  That will explain why I haven't done anything on my goals, too.  They're bad excuses, but they are true.

Header image and thumbnail photograph by Hugh Lee and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sahlgoode/

1) Write two chapters to “Black Friday 2″. (Two chapters a month sound reasonable enough to keep this one around)

I did get started on this one around the first.  Sadly, nothing was written at all in the last few days of July.  The way things look, until I can do presentations on my own, I won't be able to do much unless I manage to get home early or on a Sunday.  When school starts, I won't be doing anything after midnight so I can get up at six to get Colin off to school.

2) Work on "Dark Crystal" contest submission

The same on this one.  The only exception is, I just cannot come up with anything.  I have the premiss but the story isn't there.  I do like the character, however, so I may use her in one of my fantasy stories at some point, or see her cameo in a current work in progress.  Nothing at all last month either, so this one will probably be dropped until I can focus more on my writing again.

3) Work on edits/revisions for the last half of SoNL

I started re-reading this one to get an idea of where it's going.  This one, after I get the first half back for revisions, is going to be going through the wringer in a few other writer's groups I found on Facebook.  A few are critique and help groups for just such problems.

4) Keep trying to exercise twice a week

This one I can say I have been doing.  There is a lot of walking involved plus some extra on the side just to help keep my knees and rump from getting sore on call nights at work.

5) Work on edits for “Black Friday” for republication.

Some has been done, but not enough to put it in the green.  I need to do more than a word or two to call it progress.  But, at least there is some progress to speak of.

6) Study the craft of writing.

This one has been easy to do.  I've managed to read through four books on writing.  I've gone over speaking and dialects, show and tell, how to write a scene, and how to show emotion and action.  There's still more to read and many more books to buy when I have the spare change again.

7) Get art and items prepared for August Elks Swap in Pryor.

This one could not be done.  I had to work and Saturday's appointments were all in Bixby, OK.  A lovely little town with such a cozy friendly atmosphere and countryside that makes you want to kick off your shoes and go running through the fields.  *sigh*  When I finally build a house, it will probably be in Bixby on several acres of land.  I saw a plot there I would love to have, now, but there's no money for it and terrible credit to get it.

The September Swap will be out of the question for now.  I'm going to aim for November (Yes, during Nano) so I'll have some set back and plenty of change to get supplies I need to make soap.  Yes, you read that right, I'm making homemade soap.  For now, using a premade base until I can get the things I need to make it from scratch without ruining the good cookware.  There will be more than just homemade soap.  I'll delve into lotions, oils, bubble bath, and liquid soap as well.  Basic bar soaps are all I have for now.

#writemotivation Week 2 Update

*hangs head in shame*

I’ve been a bad little writer this week.  I haven’t touched my goals though the few things I have done are working toward two of the goals.  Honest!

Last week was also filled with appointments along with the normal Thursday fun-filled therapy sessions.  Between those and the heat, I felt wiped and not very inspired.

Colin had a visit with the surgeon who stitched up his foot.  There is a lot of what she calls isotropic growth, which means the scars building too much tissue and the oil rubbing isn’t helping as much as it should.  He has been prescribed a compression sock and massage therapy to help break up that excess tissue before it becomes permanent and affects the development of his foot and his walking/running later on.

Dave also had his doctor appointment the same day, after we sat at the place to get Colin fitted for the sock.  His went well.  He has maintained weight since the last visit which is good.  But, he has to talk to his other doctor to get the ball rolling for his gastric surgery and the options he has.

That was Monday.  On Tuesday, I went into the office and filled out the paperwork to get me listed on their payroll and went through a sample presentation.  There is a script I need to learn.  Only three paragraphs, to be honest, and the rest we can adjust to our own wording.  Also went over the rules and fun stuff.  All of that was being done while my laptop downloaded and installed the app which I’ll be using in the field and can customize to the people I’ll be talking with.

Wednesday, Colin has his first massage therapy session and we went over everything.  I was given instructions on how to use the stuff they gave us to work on his scars.  It’s barely been a week and we can see improvement already.

Thursday was normal, out all day with the normal therapy.  Friday, I was back at the office, Colin came with me because we had another appointment for him.  I didn’t get the script to go over on Tuesday and I forgot Wednesday until it was too late to catch anyone in the office.  Allison, one of the other agents, helped me out and gave a rough idea of what I’ll be doing over the next two weeks.

Everyone there is so nice and friendly.  They want to help all the newbies so they can succeed.  That vibe is just so strong there, I can’t help but to feel more confident in myself.

Anyway, on to what this post is about.  :D

Header image and thumbnail photograph by Hugh Lee and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.http://www.flickr.com/photos/sahlgoode/

1) Focus on Black Friday 2. Get at least two chapters written.

Nothing new written, yet.  I’ve backtracked some to gather pertinent information about who the named characters are and when they entered the story.  I’m also making sure I know what the general make up of the current group is so I can keep things balanced when I bring in the next group.  There will be many more, enough to make the resort into a small community with others coming and going, possibly taking some of the group with them.

Where they are now and the need to keep warm will cause some problems eventually.  Fires cause smoke and someone is bound to notice a thin plume of smoke rising, or several plumes, before the weather turns warm.

2) Pass the second half of the State Exam.

Done, done, doooonnnne!

3)  Get at least 10K on a submission for the Dark Crystal prequel for a contest for Dark Crystal.

I haven’t written a single word on this, yet.  *sigh*  I know what I want to write but I just cannot come up with a way to start the stinkin’ story.

4) Exercise twice a week. (I mean it this time!)

So far, yes, this one has been achieved.

5) Work on revising and editing Black Friday, the original book. 

This one is occupying my time.  I am, more or less, rereading the story to make notes of not just the characters and who has a name and who doesn’t, but events that happen.  Some of the timing is off, in my opinion, and needs to be adjusted to feel more realistic.  I also want to make certain scene less obvious since, as they sit now, they aren’t really needed in the story, but other spots could use more attention; such as when the main characters are under attack early on, the first hunt and a bit more life event happening while Karina is raising Nick and the rest of her young.  There’s also other things which need some explaining and making the ‘other side’ have more of a presence instead of the few times they are given.  Really, the bad guys actively try to go after Karina’s people, which is another reason why they are dying out.

Really, if anyone has read the book, the final fight scene is just pure drivel.  It needs to be redone in a huge way.  I’ll excerpt that chapter out to anyone who wants to give it a look and offer advice.

In the work I have done, I can see some of the influences from my favorite and most read authors,  I spotted some Piers Anthony and Jean M. Auel, and even a flicker of Anne McCaffrey.

This week, I have a few posts to make; one book review and two more interviews.  I enjoyed the interview with Hanna Gray Gordon from the NaNo group and it took a while to come up with the questions.  I just may do others.  There’s four different blogs these posts go to, so there’s plenty of people to see them.

I hope your week has gone well!

#Writemotivation Monday Strikes Again!

Wouldn't ya know it!  I posted on the proper day for the second, or third week, in a row.  Now THAT is an accomplishment.  =^. ^=  <---  happy kitty grin

But, really, it is something to crow about.  Lately, I had posted my progress, or lack thereof, later in the week.  Passing both portions of the broke me out of the funk I was in since I was fired from Wal-Mart of all places.  In all honesty, I loved that job even if I did complain about it.

None of you want to hear about that.  So, keeping it short today, here's what has been done.

Header image and thumbnail photograph by Hugh Lee and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sahlgoode/

1) Focus on "Black Friday 2". Get at least two chapters written.

Nothing new has been written, yet.  There is a very good an valid explanation coming up.  Keep reading.  ;)

2) Pass the second half of the State Exam.

This one has been completed!  I passed with a bare minimum of an 80%.  Tomorrow, I go in and the paperwork done and the program loaded on my laptop.  By the end of the month, I will be bringing home money again.

3)  Get at least 10K on a submission for the Dark Crystal prequel for a contest for Dark Crystal.

This one has been started.  I had to re-download the information.  So, up to now, I've only done research but no writing.  Good thing I did because what I was originally intending to do wouldn't have fit.  The story has to take place between the Conjuction (when the three suns are in alignment and appear as one) and the Wall of Destiny (a place where the prophecy of how to fix the Dark Crystal and by whom.  (Was that the correct pronoun there?)  So, when I was at home at the computer, I was reading up on what was allowed and the time period.  They want the story to take place around the time of the Gelfling Gathering, which gives me a nice intro for the MC, Jena, to come in and get things rolling.

4) Exercise twice a week. (I mean it this time!)

Not a lot was done with this one last week.  I was focusing on other things which had a lot more importance.  But, I did manage to walk the equivalent of a mile Saturday and about a half mile Thursday while Colin was in therapy.  I'll call it a good start, but not close to what I need.  So, if you feel any weird earth tremors, don't worry, that's just me enjoying the Cardio routine on Just Dance 4.

Before I forget, again, I've added this to my goals after they were posted.

5) Work on revising and editing Black Friday, the original book.  

This one has also been started.  I'm going through and taking note of all the different named characters starting with Karina, Nick, and Marcus, my main three, then go through and trim out the extras for use later in BF2, and give the others a little bit of the spotlight.  I'm also contemplating changing the narrative a bit from first person, to omniscient view.  It's a thought.  If anyone is curious about it, I have a copy you can borrow.  It's a quick enough read but it needs a lot of re-polish.

How are things coming in your goals?

A Much Needed Change

I was going to post this last night but I found myself working more on the different pages and adding pictures to go with the actual content and even considering sub-heading under each page.  Like under SON&L will cover the main plot of the trilogy then give each book its own sub-page as a spotlight.  This also means Black Friday as a series will have several sub-pages because that is one story I'll write until it reaches a decent ending that'll tie all the books together neatly with no strings left dangling.

This means a lot more work will need to be done to fill everything in including some colored artwork of characters, places (maybe), as well as updates on progress for writing and submissions to agents and publishers should I decide to go on with traditional publishing.  The way things are looking, I may stick with independent publishing though I may not stick with Xlibris.  For some strange reason they aren't well liked by many official author groups due to past deeds.

But, I digress.

I've some extra effort into customizing my theme.  Firstly, I created a header picture which depicts the different places from all of my stories.  There's the grassy plain or meadow, distant trees for forests, mountains, even an unintentional glimpse of a far off sea where at least one short story will be based. (Not all my writing has to be land based.)  Let me just say that the picture took a couple of hours to complete using just the mouse instead of hooking up my tablet.

My hand is still stiff and sore from doing that, but I am pleased with the results.

Yes, it does look blurry because I was aiming for a dreamlike quality instead of something in focus and sharply defined.  The main idea being is it represents so many stories and the tag line of this blog is 'Thoughts of a Visual and Verbal Artist'.

Honestly, I need to post more often, but then I don't have a lot to talk about with the studying I've done and feeling low because of my job situation (meaning no job).  At least people know how things are coming along with the few posts I've made.

All I can ask of anyone right now is, Pray for me and hope I pass the state exam this time.

Long Time No Blog

To all who read my posts, I’m sorry I haven’t written anything in a while beyond the odd comment or two.  Not to mention, I totally flaked on the blog hop I was supposed to take part in.  Wednesday came and went before I realized it and I had no one to tag to carry the torch along.

While the excuse isn’t a good one, it is a valid one.  Thanks to changes in my schedule, working 10 to 7 each night and having my days off split, I’ve been too tired to think about writing anything.  Sure, I’m home before 7:30, 8 at the latest, but believe me when I say there is no sleeping in, not with a child that needs to be bustled off to school before my eyes are ready to open.

There is something else.  It took me these couple of weeks to realize it, but it has definitely slowed down my progress on revisingSociety of Night and Lies or touching Black Friday 2.  I am terrified.

What am I terrified of?  Success.  Plain and simple.  When I started making plans for an official launch of my first, and only, book, my ability to even consider writing above all else went away.  I’ll open the files but only get that far.  There’s no inspiration to do what I want to do.

I am simply afraid that no one will want to come and get a book let alone meet the person who wrote it.  I am terrified of the possible crowds (agoraphobic and claustrophobic) which will come by.  Mostly, I don’t want to endure the social fear of just sitting there with nothing to do except play on my phone because no one wanted a signed book.

Honestly, I have no idea how to go about getting the word out there’s a new author in Tulsa beyond me plastering Facebook with posts and Tweeting it at every chance while at work (which could get me fired if caught).  I could send out my card to local stations or even call them as well as asking at the many book shops here in town.

Getting the time off to do signings or interviews is nothing.  All I have to do is request the day and make sure my manager knows how important it is that I get these functions.  He’ll probably want to show up at one once he knows when.

Now, I have rebuilt my computer from the processor up.  The down time from that was nothing, so that won’t be considered at all.  Actually, Dave did the work, I did the loading once Windows was installed.  Still, it did take a day or two to get done.

Because of all of that, I haven’t posted.  I will be trying to get back on track as soon as I can though don’t expect a whole lot while I adjust to having split days off.  We’re resetting modulars, so there will be overtime coming as well.  Monday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays won’t see a lot of activity, but I’ll be switching Black Friday from Sundays to Fridays and put the erotica compilation on hold until things settle down and I get SoNL sent out to agents and publishers.

There’s still the query letter to write, a summary, and practice pitching it.  There’s no way I’ll have it ready for Pitch Madness when the next round starts, unless that gets postponed.  For now, I’m going to focus on revising SoNL and thinking of a name for the book itself.  The rest, well, can wait.

Black Friday Update #fiction #fantasy #amwriting #blackfriday

I was supposed to get some writing done on Black Friday 2 and come up with a title other than Black Friday 2.  Sadly, that did not happen during the month of January.  There are good reasons why; such as a sick child, changes at work, and the fact that January in the pharmacy is extra busy with everyone’s insurance changing and resetting.  I was coming home to tired to concentrate on anything let alone edits and writing.

Nothing got done.  Period.

But, that leaves me with all of February to try and make some headway on this book.  I’m going to try, but Black Friday 2 isn’t at the top of the writing priority list.  I’ll try to get something written, but don’t count on it.  Karina and her trials and tribulations will have to take a back seat until the primary work in progress is ready.

Thinking about their current situation, there is plenty to write about.  They just found an abandoned resort to take shelter in.  The possibilities are endless on what can happen.  I’ve thought of several already then Karina will have to finish her training so she can start returning the balance to her people, both new and old therians.

Still, don’t expect me to have much to say until SoNL is ready for pitching and the query letter stage.  I still need beta readers and critique partners to find the spots I’ve missed. Leave a comment or email me at sabbath(dot)silverclaw{at}gmail.com if you are interested.  I need at least ten in order to have enough eyes reading the manuscript.

Don’t forget to help Light of the World Church.  Purchase Black Friday and the royalties I make from the sales will go toward helping Light of the World Church help feed the needy and homeless.  Remember, the ones we help could be your family or friends.

It Lives!

As the quote says, it lives.  What is it that lives right now, other than, you know, us and others reading this silly sentence?  My car, that is what lives again.  It has been a stressful couple of days without my car, too.

Let it go on record that I don’t take the best of care of my vehicles.  More than one has been driven until it finally gave up the ghost.  The van I had before leaving Arkansas is proof.  It died the day after I sold it.  It was going to be parts regardless.

Long story short, since Saturday, when I’d start the car it would hesitate like it was debating on dying or working then going in favor of working.  I did intend to take it to my brother’s on Thursday to have him check it out, but, Yesterday (Tuesday) morning, it stuttered then refused to move.  The battery had given its last.  If it could have rolled over, it would have and thankfully it didn’t take anything with it.

The battery was five years old and definitely got a lot of use in that time.  The diagnosis my brother gave was it had boiled over and the posts were corroding.  Okay, no problem though I did wonder how a battery could boil over.  No, I did not ask him.  I Googled it.  Either way, I could jump it but not too many times before it would fully give out.  New batteries are not cheap by any standard and I was cringing just at the thought it before knowing the price.

Keith, my brother, let me know some very vital and money-saving information; he bought it at Wal-Mart.  Thank all that’s holy!  I only needed to wait for payday; which is in a week and a half.  ICK!

Thanks to dad, I was able to get my son to the doctor and to work.  Mom, bless her soul, got me home yesterday and we enjoyed a quiet dinner together at the Village Inn.  If you haven’t tried it yet, go and enjoy their Southwestern Salad.  It’s kicky and totally delish.

Also thanks to mom, I was able to have AAA give me a jump-start this morning.  I could have had them replace it then, but I wasn’t about to shell out $120 or so.  Nah, I decided to go where I know I get a discount.  When I can afford it, I’ll be joining AAA.  They responded very quickly.  With an estimated 45 minute wait time, I only had to wait 10 minutes tops.  The technician trying to get any kind of reading from the battery took a bit longer.  He was very thorough and I appreciated it.

Extra stressful day yesterday had me in no real mood to write anything about the book of the day, Society of Night and Lies.  Since today is a news day, or free write night to turn a phrase, I decided to do it tonight.

I’m not going to talk much about the novel and how far behind I am in editing.  Nah, I’ve got better.  It’ll the focus of the blog tour I’m participating in next week.  SQUEE!

This one is a get to know you tour of up and coming novelists.  I’ve pondered the questions given to me and I think I’ve got good answers that don’t come off as sarcastic or lame, or ditzy sounding.  My main problem will be in rambling.  (See paragraphs above about the car)  I have got to keep myself from wandering off on other tangents while doing these.

The blog tour will last from Jan 29th to Feb 1.  I’ll have links to others who are in for this blog ride as well, so please, enjoy them all and pass the word around.  I’m already creating posts and links for Facebook, Twitter, G+, and the art forums I’m in.  I’ll even make a post on LinkedIn as well, and that is where this one got its beginning.  ;)

Now, I am considering putting in a prize for some random person who comments on that post during those days.  Since I don’t have the cash to give out free copies of Black Friday, I can do a sketch of a chosen character in someone’s book or pick something my DA gallery for print.  Sound good?  Yes?  No?  Maybe?

No… back to work.  Let me know your thoughts about the tour prize.  I’m curious to know.  Have you joined tours or hops to help promote your work also?

Help the Light of the World

Last week, I wrote a post about my plans to donate my royalties from Black Friday and other novels to be published in 2013 to my church.  This is something I intend on sticking to with all my heart and soul.

This is a church without a home.  Light of the World Christian Fellowship has rented, leased, or borrowed space from the library, warehouses, other churches, and even the VFW.  We have even had church at the downtown building of the Salvation Army.  Though we are small, our hearts are huge and we all yearn for a place to call ours.

Today was our last service at the VFW, and our new home will, with a lot of luck, will be at the Beams of Light Church on Harvard near 15th.  But, even this is temporary because it is another church’s home.  It is only by their blessing that we will be able to set up there and use their facilities.

It is with Pastor Greg’s blessing that I do this small donation.  It is my sincerest hope to give as much as possible back to the one church I not only feel comfortable with, but also helps so many homeless and families in need.

In order to do this, we need money and the ones who do have jobs, who can give even a little bit don’t have much to give.  We are few in number in this church and the ones who do need this help need it badly.  That is why I am donating my talents and time to doing everything I can to getting this church one more step closer to having that place to call home so we can not just feed these wonderful and blessed people, but give them a place that is warm and welcoming.

Now, I know last week I started this campaign, but I didn’t give a goal.  My goal is to raise at the very least $2500.  But, naturally, I would like to be able to give more.  With everyone’s help, we can give double, or even triple this amount.  Better yet, multiply it by ten or even twenty!

I cannot not do this alone.  I need your help to spread the word, share this post and make it go far.

Karina, the narrator and one of the main characters of Black Friday would do anything to protect her people and give them a home they would all be comfortable with.  I am willing to do the same.

Book signings?  Yes!  Promotion?  You got it!

None of this is for me.  It is for a church worthy of having that place to feed the hungry and give spiritual warmth to anyone who wants it.  Let this dream become a reality and the miracles it can spawn grow bigger with each and every day.

With Pastor Greg’s permission, I will also set up a Kickstarter for those who want to give but don’t want to buy a book.  It will have to be done in his name and we’ll brainstorm with the church what we can give at specific goal points to those who help us reach them.

Only you can help us.  Only you can make this miracle happen.