My New Year’s Resolution

It that time again to evaluate ones progress and accomplishments of the past year and either pat yourself on the back or kick yourself in the butt.

After a thorough evaluation of my own I grabbed a soft cushion for my tender derriere and made a new plan of action to get better results this year.

I realized that I have to want the choices that lead to result I really want and by extension if I choose to do things that don’t get me what I want, then what I really want is the negative result I end up with.

Let me paint a picture for you; if I want to get into shape I have to want to get up early and work out. I have to want to have stiff muscles and fatigue. But if I instead allow myself to give into temptation and sleep in so that I don’t have time to work out I must therefore concede that I what I really want is to not fit into my skinny jeans.

This led me to wonder what it is I really want.

Now, I have made goals for myself in the past even accomplished some of them but I don’t know that I ever looked on those goals as something that I really wanted; with a desire that has a strong pull from somewhere in my gut. This time I’m not making a goal merely for my betterment, I’m writing down the things that I want; my hearts desire. And that’s just what I wrote at the top of a piece of paper “What do I really want?” I then listed those things and under each I wrote a few things that I need to want to do in order to get what I really want. I plan to post my list in my room and read it every day so that I don’t get distracted, witch, let’s face it is easy to do.

Second on my list is my desire to be a published author. I suddenly can’t see why I have been waiting so long or why I have allowed my first draft to be such a huge hurdle. Well no more; not since I did some searching to understand the all important crappy first draft. I wish I could remember the now elusive web page I found that changed my thinking about first drafts and the importance of reading other works because it helped me take this step.

I am now prepared to take a monumental step. I am now announcing, for the whole world to make me accountable that I will finish my first draft by January 31^st.

Wow I said it! It’s done! Do or die time.

In order to accomplish this I will, because I want to, write 15- 90 min every day; rain or shine, sick or healthy, busy or brain dead. EVERY DAY!!!

Now I’ll extend this question to YOU; do you want to join me?

~The Mythical Chick~

Featuring HUSHED by Kelley York

Hushed - Synopsis:

He's saved her. He's loved her. He's killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn't protect his best friend, Vivian, from
what happened when they were kids, so he's never stopped trying to protect
her from everything else. It doesn't matter that Vivian only uses him when
hopping from one toxic relationship to another - Archer is always there,
waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who's ever cared about Archer
without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more
Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders
Archer's committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn
him in if she doesn't get what she wants...And what she wants is Evan's
death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.


'Kelley York delivers in this impressive debut. I was at the edge of my
seat waiting to see what would happen next! Bottom line, this was
unputdownable!!!' --- YA Fantasy Guide ---

'How exciting that we live in a time when gay teen protagonists can be
just as screwed up as straight ones -- and their stories just as creepy!'
--- Brent Hartinger, award-winning author of Geography Club and Shadow
Walkers ---

Author Bio:

Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she still resides
with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she
does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a
fascination with bells, adores all things furry - be them squeaky, barky
or meow-y - is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to
pretend she's a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real
unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid.

Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres
from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers,
paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character
development takes center stage.

Let's find out more about Kelley!

When did you start writing and why?

I wrote fan-fiction for years, and I wrote short stuff for my original characters. Most of it stayed between me and friends and was never put out there. I started writing books about four (I think?) years ago. By that point, I’d made a few weak shots, but my first serious attempt led to a YA paranormal novel that I’d still like to rewrite and publish someday. 

     How did you know you were ready to write a novel?

I didn’t! I had this solid idea for the characters and decided to give it a go. Up until that point, my feeble book attempts had been fantasy, which I love the ideas for...but can never work properly. I thought I’d have better luck with paranormal set in modern-day times, and I was right. I went into it thinking, “Even if I don’t finish it, I’m still writing and enjoying it.”

    Where do you find inspiration to write?

Music. My characters. Often it’s a character idea that pops into my head that sparks something and makes me want to expand on them to learn more.

     Do you have a favorite place to go when you write and what does it look like?
Sadly, not really. I’ve always wanted to take a laptop and go out to a hotel overlooking the beach, or maybe a cabin in the mountains, and do nothing but write for a few days. Otherwise...most of my writing is done during lunch and breaks at my day job at a boring ol’ desk.

     How organized are you when you begin a new project, whether it’s a short story or a  novel? Do you outline or just start writing?

I start writing. In my head, I have a basic idea of where I’m going (at least for the first few chapters). I tried outlining for my last book, and it made things a lot harder for me. I ended up deviating from the outline, anyway.

     What is the one thing that makes you take a project all the way from beginning to end without giving up?

I have to love all my characters. I have to love them enough that I need some sort of closure (whether good or bad) for them, and I want to share their stories.

     What advice would you give a writer aspiring to be an author?

Enjoy what you’re doing. There will come a point, once you’re published, that you won’t have the luxury of taking however long you want. There will be deadlines and expectations. So, before you’re published, take the time to learn everything you can and really, really hone your craft.

     

     What else would you like to share about your writing journey?

It was long. Longer than some, shorter than others. I think I’m fortunate to have found people (Entangled) who loved this story as much as I did, and helped me to make it even better. My editor was amazing.

      What is one thing that you would love for your readers to know about you? It doesn’t have to have anything to do with writing, but it can if you if you wish.

I’m a terribly shy, anxious person until you get to know me. It’s easier online where I’m not talking to people face-to-face, but in person, I’m very shy, especially when talking about my writing. I never have the words for it. 

     Can you let us in on your next project?
My next project has another male/male romance, though I’m not sure it’s quite the ‘thriller’ that HUSHED is. I don’t want to say more ‘cause I don’t want to jinx it!

 Kelley's website: http://www.kelley-york.com/blog


Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hushed-Kelley-York/dp/1937044742

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hushed-kelley-york/1033904538

GREY EYES (Book 1 ...Forever Trilogy) By Brandon Alston and Quinteria Ramey

Whose in the mood for love? Look no further than Grey Eyes (Book 1 Forever Trilogy) by Brandon Alston and Quinteria Ramey. The first installment to the Forever Trilogy begins with young Anastasia, Ana for short, hating her life constantly on the run. The problem is she has no idea what or who she is running from. Ana's mother moves the both of them rapidly from town to town. Not only are they constantly moving ,but Ana is also not allowed to have any resemblance of a life. She is not allowed to stand out in any way. Her mother even wanted her to cover up her one unique feature, her grey eyes. Ana realizes one night the reason for the secret life they live when a man breaks into their house and tries to kill her. Natalya, her mother, is injured and gives Ana the escape plan she has ready in case something like this happened. Soon Ana finds herself in a world where her enemies seek her death and until she can harness her own power her true love, whom she has forgotten, protects her from harm. This is a must read for those in the mood for a love story with many twist and turns. Having read the entire trilogy, the ending is phenomeal!

K F Ridley
http://www.kfridley.com/

The Clockwork Three ~ by Matthew J. Kirbby

Guiseppe is an orphaned street musician who sees no way to escape from his ruthless master, until the day he finds an enchanted green violin.
Frederick is an apprentice clockmaker with a past he cannot remember, who secretly works to build the most magnificent clockwork man the world has ever seen.
Hannah is a maid in a grand hotel, whose life is one of endless drudgery, until she encounters a mystifying new guest and learns of a hidden treasure.
As mysterious circumstances bring them together, the lives of these three children soon interlock, like the turning gears of a clock, and they realize that each one holds the key to the others' puzzles. The trio's adventures sweep them through the winding alleyways and glittering plazas of their city, and along the way Guiseppe, Hannah, and Fredrick must learn to trust in one another - and themselves - for they risk losing the things they hold most dear, as the dangers they face quickly become all too real.

I loved this book! It's a fun blend of mystery, action, crushes, hard work, friendship, determination, and hope. The book ends on a pleasantly positive note that you can't help but smile at.
I liked what the author, Matthew Kirby says about what kind of book the Clockwork Three is , "It's not quite fantasy, not quite historical fiction, nor is it steampunk, but it borrows from all three genres."
It's a perfect read for boys and girls ten and up.

Enjoy!
~ Sci-Fi Chick~chick

The Kringle Manuscripts - 1588: Beginnings as told by "Lars" the Lemming!

Today, I am featuring a book that was written and edited by a friend of mine, Andrew Fisher.  Actually, he was my teacher in Human Potential, my first semester at Midstate College. A great man who loves the "Arts" and is very talented and knowledgeable about life in general. He has written classroom textbooks. 
However, his take on Kris Kringle is magical and will leave you with a warm heart for the upcoming Holiday Season. 

A really great book to read with  the whole family at this time of year. It paints a wonderful picture of what the real reason is for the season. 

Its Beautiful! Its Magical!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of all ages....

I give you,

Lars the Lemming

"This tale is based on my personal experiences with Kristopher Kringle Claus, the great humanitarian, known the world over as the beloved Santa Claus. I did not meet Kris Kringle until his 20th year. Details of his early life are largely a mystery. I do know that he was christened on Christmas Day in 1560. It is safe to assume that he was born about December 14 since it was custom to baptize children 11 days after birth. It is a striking coincidence that his baptism took place on Christmas since that day figures so prominently in his life. His personal character has no human equal. Kris lived only to bring joy and happiness to countless millions throughout the centuries. He has given of himself without any thought of personal gain. My desire is that after reading this story those who are already grateful for his generosity will also come to appreciate his contribution to the human experience. My sincere thanks go to my editor and his assistants. I am indebted to their patience and research. Everything has been done to set the record straight on Kris Claus’ extraordinary life. Without them and their skills Kris’ story could not have been told. My doctor tells that me that I am not long for this world. I feel fortunate that this manuscript is now ready for publication. My fondest hope is that with my remaining time Kris and I will yet enjoy many more rides and bring smiling faces to our precious children on Christmas morning. 

Set down this day, July 20th 2069, 

Lars the Lemming"


"This tale is one of suspense, joy, heartbreak, love, death; just about everything included in a full life. The story’s characters are a mixed lot of saints and sinners: the beautiful and the ugly, the smart and the foolish, the wise and the insane. Some are trustworthy, some treacherous, some full of hate, some full of love. There’s an assortment of talking animals of every size and shape that wander the seas, soar above the earth, and roam upon the land. This story is about one of the most fully human men that ever lived; a real saint. The explanation of how he became so extraordinary is the purpose of this tale. Many of the events of this story are unusual and sometimes even beyond belief. They began in the vicinity of Nordkapp, Norway in June 1581 nearly half a millenia ago. It was a time when Kris and I were in the fullness of youth."

Beautiful memories can be made during the Holidays!



"The Kringle Manuscripts 1588: Beginnings" can be found here on Amazon Kindle.