Thursday Think Tank

Not much of a note here today. Just want to give you this... whatever it is you want to do to fulfill your dreams... just do it. You know, within reasonable limits. But hey, don't forget to adjust your aim... and absolutely NO evil meanie-butt stuff. It's bad for your karma, and bad for whoever you're dumping it on. That's all.

 Oh, and here's the key to getting it right. Stop trying to please everyone. Just do what you love, and love what you do. For me that means I've decided I'm going to get really good at working this internet madness. Make peace with the mighty photoshop guru in the sky, learn to make my blog pretty as can be and to do other fun stuff. Format my books like a pro. Eh, perhaps like a professional protozoan, but I will wave my single flagella at the great internet heavens and persevere. I'll conquer the whys and wherefores of the-stuff-that-would-make-promoting-myself-way-easier and then (heh, in an bit and when I get to it) watch out world! :)

That's my thing to conquer. I'd make it my New Year's resolution, but I'm too eager to start understanding stuff more... so I guess I'll just start now.

Work in Progress Wednesday: Another Point of View

Some of the research I've done while working on the Sequel to Shadow Dance has been amazingly interesting and enjoyable...
A Folk Lullaby
Out of Jenkins Hollow 2


My Jenkins Hollow boys are not meant to represent every person in the south, nor every person in Appalachia... they are only meant to be a trio of boys who grew up together in one of the few remote areas left in the US, and made more remote by family attitudes and grinding poverty.

Not everyone from the south is from Appalachia, and not everyone from Appalachia is like my boys, nor like the men in this video... That's why the stories I write are classified a fiction. If you enjoy them, then that's a gift to us both, and if you don't, well, there's a whole world of folk writing stories out here. I reckon you can find someone who writes stories you like.

Work in Progress Wednesday Means...

I need to write so I have something to post next Wednesday.

Eh, I'll leave you with a working kitteh, and get to writing.

Tuesday Tales

Today was full of things. Yup, things.

Things like 4am flooded kitchens and a sleepy, nearly zombiefied kidlet muttering about how she didn't mean to drop the whole gallon of ice water on the kitchen floor when she woke up thirsty... and no, this wasn't my kitchen... it just felt like it.

Things like having to leave my little brother at the train station by himself, and driving home worried because he's off by himself, and it's his first trip solo since he lost his vision, and I was a grumpy grouchy wench when I was helping him pack and when I was driving him there and I even told him why--it was really hard to take him when I was supposed to go on the same trip myself, and had to cancel due to familial obligations... sigh. And then I had to leave him sitting there and I worried. I worried because he was sitting alone, and I know how blind people are more likely to feel isolated, and I *was* a cranky hag right before he left... and even though I said why I was cranky I still felt like a mean old beep...

Things like the ac unit spilling water all over the floor when the guys came to take it away... heh, on the bright side it made me mop my floor today. And that made me really happy after it was done.

Things like hanging out with my kidlet and sharing a yummy dessert and laughing about silly stuff together.

Things like a conversation with my best friend (and adopted sister) in the world where she told me the nephew I worry about daily made good, good choices...

Things like *happy happy things* time to write!

... and that is what I am off to do.

Feisty Friday Fun

What revs your motor?

How about this... isn't he luscious? Meet the inspiration for a brand new story I'm working on. His name is Rodney, and he's about the sweetest thing you'll meet outside of a sugar bowl. The reason Rodney is smiling so big right now is because the man behind the camera is his best friend in the world, his twin brother Tyrone.

Tyrone just told Rodney a secret... and I'm wondering if you can guess it. I'll be dropping hints as his story develops, and in the end the first reader to guess Tyrone and Rodney's secret will win an autographed copy of the book.

Stay tuned.

Tuesdays With Tian:OMG, they nominated me for WHAT??

Hello, and welcome to Tuesdays with Tian. I'd just like to take a moment to introduce everyone, and give a couple of general guidelines for y'all to follow. :)

First and foremost, you should know that Tian is mated to Lewell'yn. Lewell'yn is a bit scary. Please, please, be cautious in the tone you take with Tian. He is a little sweetheart, and will forgive you most anything, and the worst he might ever do is bake you some yucky biscuits, but hurting Tian... even if it's only his feelings, is liable to bring the wrath of Lewell'yn down on you and --geez, just don't go there. Okay?

*ahem*

Okay, so warning aside, enjoy the refreshments, and have fun hanging out with Tian. I've no idea what he has planned for today, but I do know he got some big news and is looking to share it. So, without further ado, here's Tian.



Tian: Hi everyone! Help yourselves to the brioche and tea. I thought, you know, since it's nearly tea-time here that I'd just do everything up like an old-fashioned English high-tea. *smiling shyly around the room* I'm sorry I can't get up to serve you, but feel free to help yourselves to anything on the buffet table. *nervous cough* No, no, I'm not fat. *giggle* I'm just very pregnant.




Kay: *popping head through the door* Tian, luv, the wee one and I'll keep the big tosser occupied so you can have your show, right? Just be sure to com me if you get twingy or light-headed again. I'd never forgive meself if something happened to you. Oh, shite, here he comes. *blowing kisses to Tian* I'm off then love. I'll keep our big brute distracted for as long as I can.




Tian: *blinking* Um, that was one of my consorts, Kayron. *Dreamy smile* He's a doctor, and he's the sweetest thing ever. Do you know, yesterday he brought home new seedlings for my herb garden? They were imported from Kyrth, and I've no idea how in the world he got them. They must have cost a fortune, but he just smiled and told me I owed him ten kisses for them and that was it.




*noise from off camera* Oh! Right, let's get back to the show. I'm interviewing Tommy from the Tate Pack today, and I want you all to give him a warm welcome!




Tommy struts onto the stage, hips switching, wearing a tight pair of BabyPhat jeans and a Dallas Cowboys jersey tied twink-style in a knot just over his belly button. His feet are encased in a sexy pair of silver pumps with six inch slim heels. The Nakntiian audience oooohs and aaahs at Tommys unusual and intriguing attire.




Tommy: Cameraboy *sexy grin* be sure to keep the camera on my left side, that's my good side. Actually, they're both my good side, but the left is better.




Tian attempts to rise to greet Tommy, makes it half-way off the couch and then falls back with a sheepish look.




Tommy: *arching a sleek brow at Tian* Girlfriend, don't you know when you have that much luggage someone else is supposed to carry it for you?




Tian: Tommy! *sputtering with laughter* You look wonderful. And Lewell'yn barely lets me walk around the castle anymore. I have to do some things on my own! It's so good to see you! I trust your trip was fine? Kay says we sent the very best transport available for you.




Tommy: Well, the spaceship landing in the middle of the ranch damn near spooked some of the horses, and Vet got all pissed off. Ton wouldn't let me bring any of my Lady Gaga cd's, cause he said spaceships don't play cd's *huffing with irritation* , so if you call that the best available, then yes. I hope you can play some Lady Gaga while I'm here. *flipping hair over shoulder* Because I can't be expected to go a day without listening to her highness.




Tian: *blinking* Oh. I'm so sorry, Tommy. I didn't know! Of course I can play some Lady Gaga. Um, do you want us to bring her here too?




Tommy: *screaming like a little girl at a Bieber concert and grabbing Tian's hand* OMG!! Can you really do that? I'd leave Ton for you if you can do that!




Tian: *looking slightly alarmed* Um, yes I can do that, but Tommy, I don't think... we're not tops!




Tommy: *rolling eyes, huffing and throwing hands out* Okay, so we can keep our guys around for sex, but you and I will be together because you brought me... *whispers reverently with hands upturned in supplication to the goddess* Lady Gaga.




Tian: *giggling* Tommy, you are so silly. I'll bring Lady Gaga if you promise to stay with Ton... he actually sent a message suggesting we have her here for you. So... *waving hands at side of the stage~~ the band strikes up a fanfare and Lady Gaga herself struts onto the stage*




Tommy: *jumping to his feet he stretches out his hands toward her. His lips move but no sound comes out. Turning to camera. Points to camera* Ton, you are so getting laid tonight! *Tommy dramatically lays the back of one hand across his forehead and swoons gracefully to the floor*




Tian: Oh, burnt brioches! Go to commercial! *an assistant rushes from off stage to hand Tian a slip of paper. Tian reads the note, wallows to his feet, and screams out* OMG!! I've been nominated for an Earth Award!!




Lady Gaga:*Lady Gaga waves band to silence* What's it for Sweetie?




Tian: *panting* OMG. Book of the Month at someplace called GoodReads! OMG I love old earth. I--*breaks off in shock as water gushes down his legs*




Tommy: *Tommy springs up from the floor, screaming* Not my Jimmy Choo's! *he leaps up on the closest chair, staring at the floor in horror. Lady Gaga ambles over to Tommy and pats him consolingly on the back*




Tian: *hitting Comlink.* Kay? *voice quavering* Kay? I think my water just broke...




****************************

This broadcast of Tuesdays with Tian has been called off due to reasons of Labor and Delivery. We'll be back soon to bring you the results of Tian's nomination and introduce you to the newest member of his family.Plus, as an extra bonus, we'll even finish out the interview with Tommy of The Tate Pack! In the meantime, feel free to listen to some Lady Gaga, think of Tommy, and go vote for Tian's Hero for New Author Book of the Month. http://tinyurl.com/VoteForTian

Manic Monday:Guest Blogger Freddy Mackay On Writing Incubation

Writing Incubation: Finding Peace 2 has been a long journey. The first book was around 87K and this one is around 100K. So yeah, not short. I started writing the series a little over a year ago based on an idea and one character. And much has evolved since then.

The idea: Throw a new makeshift group of friends on a conservative campus and see how they deal with the things that happen to them and the choices they make. Ultimately, the goal is for them to find peace with what has happened in their lives and with who they are.

The character: the first three books center around one David McCourt. David has had a very rough life and has transferred to Capstone Ridge University in hopes of starting over. Life, however, gets in the way.

The Finding Peace series can be emotional taxing at times because I have to deal with some very sensitive issues. Such as rape and sexuality. And David McCourt’s character is at the center of that since he was the one who was hurt. I’ve had to walk a fine line in writing about these topics but without them, the story would be incomplete.

Rape is always a touchy topic for people. And let me say this, the rape itself was not discussed in detail in the books but we do get flashbacks and scenes with violence. I felt this was an important topic to discuss for a few reasons.

1.      It is something that should be discussed. Rape victims have had a great deal of stigma to deal with and many still do not come forward to this day because they feel ashamed. I don’t want that. If someone has hurt another person, the person who was hurt should never feel at fault.

2.      I have read one too many books in the LGBT genre that have glossed over the issue. So many times the main character is suddenly okay and ready to be in a relationship. Ummm… how? Not to say that other authors are wrong in doing this. They want to convey strength of character and the ability to get past a tramatic event in ones life. I applaud that view. I just wanted a story that dealt with the recovery aspect of it more and how it affected others.

3.      In addition, I wanted a story that gave my main character a chance to be human but also to show someone who was hurt can find his way back from the pain. Sometimes pain can be overwhelming and people want to bury it or push it away, David does this, and we see what the outcome for him is. The third book analyzes that outcome and how David, and his friends, deal with it.

The next issue my series deals with is sexuality. We have a bunch of friends in college for the first time, or around that age, and they’re figuring themselves out or trying to find acceptance about themselves. This is a common issue for anyone in the LGBT community, and I wanted to highlight it. Which meant I didn’t ignore heterosexual or bi aspects of the story line because to understand the struggles some people have, they all needed to be there.

I wanted a series that didn’t exclude anyone, and I hope that I achieved that. Not everyone in my life is LBGT, and to show the emotional impact of someone who is struggling with themselves I felt it was important for the story to be dealt with in a typical setting. Now, not all my stories are like this. I have quite a few series started up that are strictly gay romance.

But Finding Peace was different from the get-go, and I was okay with that. Yes, most of the series centers on gay relationships, but we do not live in a world where everyone is gay so I didn’t want my characters to either. It needed the realism to make it work, to show the emotional struggles better. I wanted the focus to be one the friends and how they grew, no matter what direction they went in.

I also wanted a series that gave hope and understanding, showed the different ends of the spectrum working with each other and have a dose of reality with the fiction but with a positive spin at the end. And when the ride is over, I hope the Finding Peace series has accomplished that.

A Place of Peace

How to Find Freddy

http://freddysstereograph.weebly.com

http://freddymackay.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/freddy.m.mackay

freddy.m.mackay@gmail.com

For my FREE flash fiction pieces, if you would like a taste, you can go to: http://freddymackaysshorts.blogspot.com

Short Blurb

David McCourt settles into his new family, one surrounding and protecting him. He should open up and let go of his past. But even with everyone cheering for his recovery, David feels too close to the edge of losing everything.

Long Blurb

David McCourt's makeshift family moves in together and forms a protective cocoon around him. But they don't know David's whole story and he finds the constant noise a distraction instead of a help.

Bobby, Chris, and Austin want to help David however possible—but he needs to open up.

Jackson crossed a line he never thought he would. He wants to take a chance with David, even if his dreams of a normal life are firmly rooted with Alyssa.

The group has the makings of a rag tag family, but secrets—old and new—threaten their fragile bond. The community takes sides and David ends up where he doesn't want to be: the center of everything.

Content Advisories: This has references to rape or near rape, and has MF and MM scenes.

Buy Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/products_id/857/