Category: Writing

Weekly writing check-in: another short story

The Official Jo March Writing Tear Picture

I’m on a roll. I wrote another short story this week, revisiting the characters from Knight at the Royal Arms (Pulp Literature Summer 2017: Issue 15).

I’ve missed writing short stories, and I’m going to continue this trend for as long as the ideas keep coming. Also, with the school year (and dance team) about to start, they fit nicely into what is going to be a busy year.

The technical checks are done on the audio for Nothing but the Ghosts. It’s making its way through the audio distribution system and is already popping up in places.

Last week, I added Ghost in the Coffee Machine to the sidebar. Click to listen to Amy’s marvelous narration.

Weekly writing check-in: photoshoot and short stories

This week, I finalized the audio for Nothing but the Ghosts. The wonderful people at Findaway Voices are doing their technical checks, and then it’s off into the world.

In writing work, I finished one short story and started on another. I have a couple of notions that I think I want to write before I dive back into a longer project.

Earlier this week, we were all over the place, the Landscape Arboretum, Lake Minnetonka, and downtown Wayzata for a senior picture photo shoot. And it’s a little hard to believe we are gearing up for senior year. I’ve already updated the calendar with dance and school activities.

It’s going to be busy.

Weekly writing check-in: tiramisu and tea

I missed last week. The audio for Nothing but the Ghosts was ready, and I spent a good chunk of the weekend listening to that. The narrator, Amy McFadden, has done such a fantastic job with the entire series that I’m pretty much speechless.

In other news, I finished a story this week that I started longhand in Iowa while working at the Java House with a little tiramisu and tea.

And I did a little background/worldbuilding work on a possible story/series. Yes, I know. That’s vague. On purpose.

Weekly writing check-in: Story on the wall

I love this mural (from Iowa City). I want to live in the apartment (I think it’s an apartment) with the fire escape that lands you in the middle of that scene.

I’m thinking of a story where something like that could happen.

I did a little writing this week. Not about this particular mural, but I may have to soon. Otherwise, I’m getting back into my regular routine, getting caught up at work, and all the other things you do after taking off for a week.

Weekly writing check-in: Back from Iowa

 

Old Capitol Building, sunrise

I’m back from the IowaSummer Writing Festival. I had an incredible time. It was just what I needed.

Of course, after that five-hour drive, I think I need a nap.

This week, I’ll review the extended sample for Season 3 of Coffee and Ghosts, which means in a few weeks, the entire audio will be ready for review.

Now, I’m off to do some laundry and maybe a little writing as well.

Weekly writing check-in: off to listen!

On Friday, a nice surprise landed in my inbox. The audio for Coffee and Ghosts 2: The Ghost That Got Away is ready for review.

I’m really looking forward to getting the entire series out in audio.

Season 1 is making its way through the distribution system (sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly), but listeners are already discovering it in various library systems. I have to say: I love this pay-per-checkout model.

That’s about it. I’m gearing up for a week of listening (and maybe some writing as well).

Weekly writing check-in: the Amazon bait and switch

So, I discovered that the US Amazon store was selling the print version of The Complete Coffee and Ghosts for $6.88.

Usually, it’s $24.99.

I know. Totally insane. The price stayed like that for a few days, so this morning I took a chance and alerted my newsletter subscribers to the deal.

You know what happens next, right?

Amazon jacked the price back up to $24.99. Because, of course, they did.

No doubt people clicking through from the email triggered some algorithm or other. Even I missed picking up a couple of copies. I was going to grab some for a giveaway or little free libraries.

But all is not lost. The Kindle version is still on sale for $6.88. It’s not the fire sale of earlier, but it’s not bad.

In less frustrating news, I submitted a story this week, played around with some time travel ideas (story ideas, not actual time travel), and of course, saw The Way Home published over at Long and Short Reviews.

So, minus the Amazon debacle, not a bad week.

Weekly writing check-in: writing, not striving

I’ve been thinking for the past few weeks about what it is I want to write and how I want to write it. I’ve spent a lot of time on Tea & Sorcery, and as much as I think there’s a gem of a story in there, somewhere, I’m not in a place to dig it out.

Or at least, not yet.

So I’m setting it aside. For the time being. Heck, I might get a burst of inspiration tomorrow and decide to dive back in. Or possibly not

I am still writing. After all, I’m gearing up to attend the Iowa Summer Writing Festival next month.

But during the summer, I’m going to walk, breathe, think, and write. And not worry so much about completing something I can sell immediately.

That will come in good time.

Weekly writing check-in: plotting the plot

This week, I played around with ideas and structure for The Trouble with Necromancers (which may or may not remain as the title).

I do not want to revise (once again!) only to realize that I’m no closer to the true story.

Therefore, I’m questioning everything.

And I do mean everything. Lots of what if and do I need that and what happens when …

I hope this is it. If it isn’t? Well, then there’s a good chance this book and series weren’t meant to be. Or maybe that I need to let it compost for much, much longer than I have.

But I hope not. Let’s see what this new week brings.

Wish me luck.