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Love and Marriage and All That Madness by Kitty Bucholtz

May 9, 2013 by in category Archives tagged as , , , , , ,

It’s funny how many accidents create ah-ha moments. What would we do without penicillin and Post-It notes?

I’ve been trying to figure out for two years how to write interesting, entertaining blog posts that are similar enough to my book-writing style to encourage blog readers to become book readers. Then last month I had an ah-ha moment.

I’d written a funny article for the OCC RWA newsletter encouraging people to sign up to enter or judge the Orange Rose Contest for Unpublished Writers. Then I wrote a funny guest post on Louisa Bacio’s blog about How Hotel Sex Turned Me Into a Romantic Comedy Writer. I mentioned to several people that I love writing this kind of silly fun article, but I didn’t have an outlet for it anymore.

D’oh! Yes, I did! Um, blog, sitting there, waiting for me to be brilliant!

So this week I started a new column on Mondays called Marriage Madness. Since I write stories with fun romances in them, and since Sunday was my (gasp!) 23rd wedding anniversary, it seemed like I’d finally found an interesting and entertaining topic that might lead my blog readers to my books.

Whether my tactic will work remains to be seen. But I’m having such fun writing about all the good, bad, and hilarious things that I’ve seen in marriage! Coming up will be the “tornadoes in trailer parks” story, the “will she walk into that light pole” story, the “65 days of no cooking” story, the “how to never argue” story, and many more.

If you’ve met my husband, John, you’ll understand in about a minute and a half why I write romances – and why all my heroes are tall, dark, and sexy – I mean, handsome! 😉 And if you haven’t met him yet, you’ll feel you know him pretty quickly when you read about his shenanigans.

If you like reading fun, romantic stories, stop by Marriage Madness every Monday. And if you’re a writer trying to figure out how to write blog posts your potential book readers would be interested in…well, I suggest you look for something to trip over. 😉

Kitty Bucholtz decided to combine her undergraduate degree in business, her years of experience in accounting and finance, and her graduate degree in creative writing to become a writer-turned-independent-publisher. Her first novel, Little Miss Lovesick, is now available in print and ebook format. Her next novel, Unexpected Superhero, will be released May/June 2013, followed by Love at the Fluff and Fold this summer. Her short stories can be found in the anthologies Romancing the Pages and Moonlit Encounters, available in both print and ebook formats.

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Goal Setting — When you don’t make a goal

May 3, 2013 by in category Archives tagged as , , , , ,

What happens when you don’t make your goals? At the April meeting, I had two goals I had set. One was to finish and submit a contemporary novella, and the other was to log an additional 2,500 words on my Book-in-a-Year project. Only one of those happened.
For someone who can regularly sit down and do a #1K1HR – that’s Twitter-speak for 1,000 words in an hour, you would think a mere 2,500 words in 30 days would be a piece of cake. Nope. Failed. The story haunted me, literally, so what happened?
Well, I can officially place blame on two occurrences. 1) I became distracted by a Call for Submissions by editor Salome Wilde for an erotic anthology featuring Shakespeare stories. It’s Shakespearotica. With my master’s degree in English, I’m a bit of a word-geek. I’ve admitted to that in the past. When the original April 1 deadline was extended to May 15, inspiration struck. Within 24 hours, I wrote the complete story, about 5,000 words (see where I’m going with the word count potential?). So when I could have been slaving away on my YA, another story stole my attention altogether.
Good news? That story was finished, edited and submitted, and now I play the waiting game.
The second setback came in the form of life: A child with the stomach flu. Sometimes, as a parent, you really can’t prepare for lack of sleep and worry, and what it’ll do to your psyche. In my case, with my husband out of town, it killed my desire to write. (Coupled with spring break, and there went my productivity.)
Anyway, why the excuses? Well, I know I’m not the only one who may not be making goals each month, and I’m here to say: It’s all right. You don’t need to beat yourself up. As long as you know you’re doing your best. You are pushing forward, and making progress.
Now to get a little more serious. I noticed someone had crossed their name off the Book-in-a-Year sign-up sheet. I’m not outing anyone. It’s “public” knowledge. Anyone who wants to pick up the sheet and look at it, can. I didn’t even look that close to try to see who the individual was. My question, though, is why? We still have more than five months to complete the book. PLENTY of time.
I know to some the task may seem impossible. But, many people do it. I have a book deadline of August 15 for a 50,000-word manuscript, and it really hasn’t been started yet. Oh, I have the idea and a synopsis, maybe even an opening chapter, but all that accounts to less than 2,000 words. That one will definitely have to be finished before October rolls around.
Maybe it’s time to reevaluate the goals you’ve been setting. Are they reasonable? Do you mix maybe one tougher goal, and one that’s a bit easier to accomplish? Right now, we have four months down out of the year. Where do you want to be by the end of the year?
Here’s a look at my goals:
  • Submit requested contemporary
  • Revise and submit paranormal novella
  • Book 7 in The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf series
  • YA Book-in-a-Year
  • Third 1Night Stand for Decadent Publishing
  • Preppers Romance for Decadent Publishing
  • Complete second paranormal novella in new series
  • Holiday novella

Looking at that list makes me a bit tired. Some big goals there … and I’m on my way to completing them. Not finishing a goal may put me one step back, but have to keep pushing forward.
— Louisa Bacio

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The Writing Bond

April 3, 2013 by in category Writing tagged as ,

 

Louisa Bacio

It’s either me or her.
            I’ve worked in industries with that either/or mentally. When I first started out in the magazine publishing business, there was a serious lack of women on staff. Rather than the more senior members acting as mentors, in camaraderie, they viewed the new blood, i.e. me, as competition.
            If you haven’t experienced the situation, you’ve probably seen the movies: Business can be cutthroat. Kill or be killed. Push out or be fired. Thank goodness the romance industry isn’t that way!
            During her keynote luncheon speech at the SoCalRWA Conference, best-selling author Julia Quinn expressed a need for more established authors to help new ones out. To paraphrase, she said something like, “It’s not like if you recommend a bookseller, they’re suddenly going to stop shelving as many of your books to sell another author instead.”
The fear may persist “ If I tell others of this really cool new publisher, or call for submissions, then other writers may be chosen instead of me. At the heart, the author’s work stands on its own. It doesn’t have to be an either/or situation.
At the 2013 March OCC/RWA  meeting, Susan Squires announced a new PRO opportunity, where she will work with a PRO member on their completed manuscript for two months. The experience includes a complete read-through and suggestions on the rewrite. It’s a huge undertaking, and Susan deserves major kudos for the offer.
This year, we’ve pushed hard to take our writers to the next level. With the Book-in-a-Year program, we’ve already had several members complete their first full-length novel. Guess what’s next? Yep: PRO. In order to make PRO, a writer needs to submit to an editor or agent, and then fill out the required paperwork with RWA Nationals. The designation indicates a member who is ‘actively’ pursuing a professional writing career. The next level up is PAN. The requirements for PAN are not as straightforward as a few years ago “ with the recommended changes for those self-published. For those authors traditionally published, whether, in eBook or print, they need to earn $1,000 in sales/advance in order to make PAN. While some categorize PRO as those who are “rejected,” that’s not necessarily the case. Perhaps a writer has had a piece accepted, but they simply haven’t hit that $1,000 threshold yet? They’re still considered PRO. It took me about nine months and three statements for my erotic paranormal The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf: A New Orleans Threesome to earn enough to reach PAN status.
Another incentive we’ve focused on this year is Write for the Money. A mere $1 equals 1 goal. The closer we get to the next meeting, the more I’m focused on making my goals so that I can toss my slip of paper into the pot. Someday, I’ll win.
Keep up that energy. We’re here to support all levels of writers, and we rejoice in hearing the good news.
Now, what’s your goal for the month? How about the year?
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Do you feel lucky?

March 3, 2013 by in category Archives tagged as , , , ,

Kind of an appropriate topic with our upcoming St. Patrick’s Day. Yes, even I become a little bit Irish on this “holiday.” But, it’s true. My paternal grandmother was half-Italian and half-Irish.
In the last week, I’ve had one novella and three short stories accepted for publication, and I’m feeling quite blessed about it. Why then would I be a little bit pensive? Some nagging thought in the back of my mind – in a voice that sounds very much like a friend of mine – keeps saying, “Oh, you are so lucky. You have it so easy.”
You see, one friend who doesn’t quite understand regularly told me that whenever we talked. And while a part of it might have something to do with luck, a whole lot more deals with hard work and determination.
First, there comes the writing. At meetings, people have repeatedly said to get your BITC – Butt In The Chair. If you don’t write, you won’t have anything to submit.
And that’s part of the next step – you must submit your work if you ever want a chance at being published. I sat on stories for years before I first ventured to sending them out, so I definitely know what I’m talking about.
Determination comes with continuing to submit, even if you’re faced with the evil rejection. It sucks. It hurts. It makes my stomach burn.
Get over it. If you’re feeling “iffy” about the piece, ask someone else to read it, fix it and then send it out again.
One of the stories accepted I waited one year and four months on. Seriously: a year and a half. Periodically, I’d check in with the editor to see its status, and she’d tell me the anthology wasn’t done yet. I moaned about it. I complained. I fretted.
This week I decided enough was enough. After asking a friend her advice, and her rolling her eyes at me because I’d probably whined way too much over the last sixteen months, I wrote directly to the publisher. Last year, they released one of my short stories as a standalone, and I suggested they might want to publish this one individually “until the anthology is done.” About thirty-six hours later, she replied that she loved it, and would send me a contract.
Was the decision to follow-up – again – easy? No way. In fact, it felt a bit pushy, and I don’t do pushy.
Sometimes, though, determination kicks in.
Four acceptances with three publishers in one week are pretty miraculous, and at this moment, I have two more outstanding. Guess what I’m doing tonight? I’m writing – working on the next one.
So tell me: Do you feel lucky?
How can we get you there? 

— Louisa Bacio

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Calls for Submissions: Turning up the Heat!

January 31, 2013 by in category Archives tagged as , , , , ,

This month’s Calls for Submissions column features some exciting markets with cash prizes, payments and advances. As writers, we definitely like that!

The 2013 Short Story Award from Bethlehem Writers Roundtable
First prize is $200 and consideration for publication in BWG’s upcoming printed anthology titled: Once Around the Sun. The stories should be “Winter Tales” or “Spring Stories” of 2,000 words or less and unpublishedanywhere print or on the web and any fiction genre.  The author, however, can have other stories or novels published. Second and third prize are $100 and $50 respectively plus publication in Bethlehem Writers Roundtable e-zine. 
Final round judge is author, Hank Phillippi Ryan.
Again the anthology will be an actual book you can hold in your hands. The last anthology BWG published won two Next Generation Indie Book Awards: Best Anthology and Best Short Fiction. 
Deadline is February 15. Here’s the contest link  
Also, we publish short fiction each and every month on the e-zine.  We don’t pay, but it is a publication credit.   Here’s the submission guideline link http://bit.ly/IuVSls.  The zine also does author (or editors or agents) interviews each month. Here is the link to this month’s interview with Lee Lofland http://bit.ly/uvQALJ .  By clicking the Archives button authors can check out past interviews.
Writers’ Success Stories Anthology
We want to hear real success stories from writers who didn’t give up.
It’s tough to be a writer.  Most people quit.  But some people do not, or cannot, and those people change the world, whether for many people, or simply for themselves.
Whether you’ve published, are still chipping away at your magnum ops, have written the book that freed you from a demon, or have simply scratched the itch that all writers know, we would love to hear your stories of strength, hope and success in a world that is so often painted as hopeless, and foolish – the writer’s world.
Topics can include :
●     Success: professional, personal, spiritual, etc.
●     Community impact/change
●     Anything that might inspire a fellow writer whose spirit is flagging.
Editors:
Submission Guidelines:
A. Word Count: 500-1500 words (No reprints)
B. Please include a short blurb/bio, no longer that 2-3 sentences, along with links to your website and/or blog.
C. Email all submissions to weirdnessquared@gmail.comwith Anthology Submission in the subject line.  Attach submission as a Word document AND paste in the body of the e-mail.
D. Rights: Non-exclusive right to publish in print and digital. If selected, you will be contacted and asked to sign an agreement granting permission for essay to be published.
E. Deadline: May 1, 2013
F. If selected, you will receive $50.00, and two (2) free copies of the anthology.
Questions?
Direct all queries to Chad Carver or Lena Corazon, weirdnessquared@gmail.com.

COWBOY HEAT

Editor: Delilah Devlin 
Publisher: Cleis Press Deadline: March 1, 2013. COWBOY HEAT is open to all authors.
Editor/Author Delilah Devlin is looking for hetero cowboy stories for a romantic erotica anthology tentatively entitled COWBOY HEAT.
Following the success of COWBOY LUST, Delilah’s ready to construct the next delectable anthology of cowboy heroes. They may ride into the sunset, but cowboys never go out of style. They embody the fiercely independent, earthy alpha male and a hero who isn’t afraid to show the gentle, nurturing side of his complex nature when he’s faced with a woman or an animal in need.
Even when he’s coated with dust from riding behind a herd of cattle, or up to his knees in mud freeing a calf from a wallow, his image doesn’t tarnish. A woman’s imagination sparks, filling in the details—the scent of horse, cow, and crisp, clean sweat; the sight of sun-leathered skin and crows feet; the feel of work-hardened thighs and arms; and the sound of a deep-voiced, drawl.
COWBOY HEAT will seek stories that satisfy the reader who craves the romantic idea of that gruff, capable man while exploring stories set in the American West with a few exotic International settings thrown in for fun! The stories will be primarily contemporary with the possibility of a few historical Westerns. While traditional themes will be featured, writers are encouraged to dream big to create tales that surprise.
Be sure to check the descriptions of stories already featured in the previous volume, COWBOY LUST (http://cowboylust.net/about/). Delilah doesn’t want repeats. She’s seeking unique stories from authors with unique voices, and above all, she’s looking to be seduced by tales filled with vivid imagery and passion.
Published authors with an established Western world may use that setting for their original short story.
This is erotic romance, so don’t hold back on the heat. Stories can be vanilla or filled with kink, but don’t miss describing the connection between two strong-willed individuals learning to trust and love one another. A deep sensuality should linger in every word. And just think about the sexy possibilities of a cowboy’s accoutrements. They have to know their wicked way around ropes, buckles and spurs. Not to mention how sexy one might look in just his chaps…
Exotic locations and scenarios are welcome. Keep in mind there must be a romantic element with a happy-for-now or happy-ever-after ending. Strong plots, engaging characters, and unique twists are the ultimate goal. Please no reprints. We are seeking original stories.
How to submit: Prepare your 1,500 to 4,500 words story in a double-spaced, Arial, 12 point, black font Word document with pages numbered (.doc, NOT.docx) OR rich text format. Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch and double space (regular double spacing, do not add extra lines between paragraphs or do any other irregular spacing). US grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.) is required.
In your document at the top left of the page, include your legal name (and pseudonym, if applicable), mailing address, and 50 words or less bio in the third person and send to cleiscowboyheat@gmail.com. If you are using a pseudonym, please provide your real name and pseudonym and make it clear which one you’d like to be credited as. Authors may submit up to 2 stories. Delilah will respond in July 2013. The publisher has final approval over the stories included in the manuscript.
Payment will be $50.00 USD and two copies of the published book upon publication.
Direct any questions you have regarding your story or the submission process to Delilah at cleiscowboyheat@gmail.com.
Magic & Mayhem
Theme:Halloween
Witches, warlocks, goblins, and ghouls. Bonfires, hayrides, and apple bobbing.
Spells whispered in the darkness. Screams heard in the still of the night. Magic sizzles in the air. Are those the screams of fear—or of ecstasy?
Submit your stories that involve the Halloween season (All Hallows’ Eve, Samhain, All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, Day of the Dead… or by any other name).
Dangerous, daring, sweet or sexy, the intensity and scare-factor are up to you. 
Must have some romantic elements and either a happily ever after (HEA) or a happy for now (HFN) ending, but the scare factor is completely up to you.
Release: October 31
Submission close: July 15
Cover: Shared cover, individual release
Length: 5-18k words
Heat rating:  Any
Combinations:  Any
Masque Books Space Opera/Planetary Romance
Spaceships. Alien planets. Strange creatures. Action-packed adventure. Does your novella have all that and an emotionally satisfying romance too? That’s what we’re looking for!
Submissions must:
â—¦.  Have a well-developed external conflict with believable world-building
â—¦.  Be more like Bujold’s Shards of Honor than Heinlein’s Friday
â—¦.  Be filled with action and romance–HEA/HFN required
â—¦.  Be 25,000 – 30,000 words
â—¦.  Original stories only, no reprints
Submission Deadline: April 15, 2013
Collection Announced: May 1, 2013
Masque Books will select up to four novellas for its first Space Opera/Planetary Romance collection [Title to be announced]. Selected stories will be released digitally as individual titles and as collection in July or August of 2013. An advance of $100 will be paid for selected stories against royalties of 50% net of all digital receipts.

— Louisa Bacio
http://louisabacio.blogspot.com/louisabacio
http://www.facebook.com/louisabacio
http://www.twitter.com/louisabacio 

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