The Truth is

WE KNOW THE TRUTH, DO YOU?

Welcome readers to the continuing blog tour for the latest science fiction/fantasy book release, the anthology called, WE KNOW THE TRUTH, DO YOU? by twenty-five authors of a variety of genres.

I know, Sci-Fi isn’t my usual fare. So how did I end up in this wonderfully creative anthology? Well, I know author, editor, and mom Terri Wilson. Terri and I live across town from each other. When she, along with other author friends decided to put together an anthology to celebrate the upcoming Area 51 raid (which as we know captured the attention of every social media outlet out there. Terri said, why not give them an alternative to going to a raid and give them a cool book suggesting that a bunch of authors might be able to suggest more about Area 51 than people could possibly guess.

So the call went out and wow, the response was incredible. Terri was amazed and the anthology began in earnest.

Even I was excited because I know Terri’s work ethic. She was my PA for a while, has been my editor, my beta and even my formatter. So when she said she was honchoing this book, I openly declared I was IN, despite not having a clue what to write about since I don’t “do” sci-fi.

Ah, but I write about vampires and a mythological phoenix, so what could be more alien than this? Who needed to come from off planet? Not my story. My story suddenly came to me. What if the Air Force didn’t have a secret but there was one at Area 51? What if the lack of secret was the conspiracy? And what if the truth there was magic at Area 51?  Magic that was dying….

From there I tied my story to my current paranormal fiction series, Evening Bower, and used the characters from my series to tell the story of a young Air Force sergent who disappears and the friends from my series who show up to help. Their discovery is shocking and unexpected, sad and yet hopeful. I called it MERMURINGS (no, that’s not misspelled).

Of course I worried my story wouldn’t fit in. I soon discovered I needn’t have fretted. The stories that were submitted included alien immigrants, conspiracy theories, military black ops, mystery, romance, serial killers, prison escapes, humor, unexpected endings (or is it beginnings?), and so much more! And of course, there are actual aliens who come to visit! This book developed into a tome of stories where there was something for everyone. Here are just a few sample covers.

But you know what really sold me on the anthology? ALL royalties are to be DONATED to US VETS. That’s right – ALL. None of the authors will take one dime. As a retired US Air Force officer, I am so proud to be a part of this book because of that!

Then guess what happened? FORBES did an article on the upcoming “Raid of Area 51” and THEY MENTIONED THE BOOK! I almost lost my mind. You can read about that here.

After that we authors began a blog tour and that brings you here, with me. The Area 51 raid? Nah, it was a bust. But you can learn the Truth if you get this anthology, because we have the answers and we’ll share them with YOU. This book will tell you all you need to know. I promise.

Check out the anthology website here. And then take this link to get your copy of this terrific book (that happens to be over 400 pages long!) Would 25 talented and insightful authors lie to you? The truth is waiting….

I’ll see you at the edge of Area 51. Until then,
I remain, Yours Between the Lines,

Sherry

5 Reasons You Stopped Writing

Should I be ashamed if I don’t feel like writing today? What about for the entire week? Or a month? Am I losing my muse if I suddenly find myself not wanting to write?

First, NO. No, don’t feel ashamed if you need to step away. And don’t worry that you’ve lost your muse or your mojo or your ability to storytell, or any other nonsense.

I go through phases, too. There are days I can’t write fast enough, where the words flow like water and my fingers fly over the keyboard. Then there are those days when minutes tick by and I stare at the screen wondering what must come next. Most of the time, since I write every day, words are never far out of reach. Even on bad days. 

But I’m human. I get tired, sick, worried, caught up in the “real world.” There are days when I’m unhappy with a plot point or how the writing went the day prior and I don’t feel like dealing with it. I’m famous for taking a long break after participating in November’s National Novel Writing Month because November makes me tired and I want to forget a project for  a while.

A long time ago I learned how fragile and short life is and that I needed to take time for things other than writing. As a result, I stopped punishing myself when I didn’t feel like working on my current writing project, or writing the blog (this), or even journaling.

Some days I wanted to kick back and read. Some days I wanted to lie in bed and be sick. Other days I wanted to spend the entire day binging on Netflix. And I stopped punishing myself for wanting (or needing) to spend the day (or days) away from the desk.

HOWEVER (and you knew that was coming). If you’d rather spend more time away from your writing than writing, then there is more going on than being sick or tired. I’m not a book psychiatrist but usually when a writer stays away, there are real reasons. Here are the five most common ones as told to me by many writers:

     1. Fear. At some point we question whether or not we have “the chops” that it takes to sell a good book. We all get afraid that we don’t, then figure we don’t so we stop trying. Don’t listen to the doubt that creeps in. Keep pushing and trust yourself.
     2. Comparing. Stop comparing yourself to others. I know. It’s hard not to but stop. Comparing makes you feel insecure and inadequate and you’ll stop writing (see why at #1). Trust yourself. Each writer has something to contribute and you will find success if you work hard. Not everyone is going to be a NYT or USA Today best selling author. I know I have to prod myself on this one all the time. So listen to me. I’m an expert on this one.
     3. Worry that we aren’t going as fast as we “should.” Stop putting stress on yourself. Write for YOU and let it happen in its time. Some people can crank out six books a year. I’m a one or two book a year person. Many BIG authors are one book a year people. Do YOU. BE You. There is no “should.” Do not put extra stress or boundaries on yourself. That’s how you stress yourself needlessly.
     4. Time. Some people think they have to publish NOW. The sense of urgency is a false application due to #2 and #1.  I hear 20-somethings saying they have to write a book and get published. And then there is me who published her first book at age 59. Sure I was in small presses, newspapers, anthologies and online magazines but I felt I had to get a book out there or I never would. I applied terrible pressure on myself. Again. publish when its time. There is no rush but the one you put on yourself. Don’t do it until you’ve done your homework and done your very best work.
     5. Bored. This is the one we all dread. When doing nothing feels better than writing, then I might say you should worry. But I won’t. I think you need to change projects, try something new, write for a new medium. We writers tend to drift away when what we are writing stops exciting us. If that happens, then walk away from that project and start a new one. What you are writing should be an adventure for you each time you sit down to work. When it doesn’t feel good anymore, then take that break. It’s okay!
     I write every day. Not everything I write will be published or be something I can (or would) share with others. I exercise my muse and attempt to keep her strong. But there will be days when I need a break. In that case, recharge. I believe we all need to step away, see new things, go new places, discover new vistas and meet new people. This is how our writing continues to be fresh and exciting. We must feed the muse new stuff. Or it, like us, gets bored and stale.

Don’t feel like writing today? Discover why and then forgive yourself. There will be days when you are sick, or just tired. It’s okay! There will be days when the kids need more from you than writing does. It’s okay! There will be days when you want to read someone else’s book. It’s okay.

Stop punishing yourself for needing change or a break. But do recognize what is truly happening and don’t allow yourself to stop writing for the wrong (unnecessary) reasons.

You have much to offer. So do I. Everything has intermissions, pauses, breaks, time outs. Allow yourself to enjoy them and your writing will endure.

(Don’ forget, even championship contests have overtime. You can do that too).

Don’t feel like writing today? Fine. Then go fly a kite. I’m going to bake some bread. The break will do us both good. Just remember, this is guilt free. Tomorrow, we’ll be back at it again.

Thanks for reading.
I remain, Yours Between the Lines,

Sherry

Over the next four Mondays before Christmas, I will be writing some small letters to Santa. In each letter I will express my gratitude, and make my wishes known. Here is my first letter, a big one from the heart:

P.S. no promotional links provided during these thank yous.

Bless You, MENTORSDear Santa,

I’m not sure where to begin this year. So much has happened; so many blessings. Let me begin with gratitude and say thanks for what have been my blessings. First let me give thanks to those who have been my mentors, people who guided me, sometimes not so gently, but always with compassion and concern that I become the best I can be. I am a continuing work in progress but there are people to whom I owe much:

Mary Deal, award-winning and bestselling author, award-winning photographer and painter, editor and explorer. I met her online in 1997 and she’s been a guidepost and an inspiration ever since. She helped me expand my poetry, and to find deeper meanings in my words. She led me into new light. She believed in me.

Judy Mallow-Gripton, author, editor, teacher and so much more. She taught me the difference between AP and CS. Served me well and I got jobs because of this understanding. She taught me how to do serial fiction. She gave me my first serialized column (lessons on poetry) and turned me into an editor.

Joel Friedlander, the man who knows a bit of everything about the publishing business. Right now I’m speaking about book covers: what defines a genre, what colors are taboo, all about fonts and readability. The list is endless. He is the god among the designers for me. And speaking of designers:   Sean Foley, Travis Miles, Robin Johnson, and Marisa-rose Wesley, my cover designers should be rewarded. Each taught me something about designing and covers and style. I’m learning more every day but these people put me on the path. As a result, my collaboration with these designers and their incredible talent, has brought numerous awards. Be good to them, Santa.

Interiors are important to books, too. Until recently, I didn’t know what creative book interiors looked like or even that they existed. Thank you Cassy Roop! And she patiently corrects me, explains concepts and teaches me with every new book she formats. These too, win awards. And I continue to be a student.

Teachers of the business are everywhere but a few others whispered in my ear, without mockery. I am filled with appreciation every day for those who came with me at the beginning. They have moved well beyond me, yet they never look down at me. And when I needed friends or advice, or a shoulder, they were there. This goes out to the #FLINKS: Robbie Cox, Margie Miklas, Taylor Fulks, Pam L’Heureux, Jackie Birdsong, Ginger Myrick, Lidia Doweyko, and Stephanie Michele.  Other strong voices in the dark include Elaine Calloway, Sarah Olsen, Terri Wilson, and Patricia Terrell.

People who can push you to do more than you might have dared because they believe that what you do matters, are rare. This mentor did that for me, fully realizing what the leap of faith meant. She taught me to dare to speak my truth. I did and I’ve never regretted it. Rachel Thompson. Be especially kind to her, Santa. The scars never truly heal. And to Sharon Jones Frizzell,  who knew me at my worst and never doubted I had “a better” in me. The lessons I learned from her helped me become the writer I am.

Retired Colonel (USAF) Stanley G. Maratos gave me three lessons for life. I’ve never forgotten them, have passed them to many and he probably has no idea how much his wisdom changed my life for the better. He’s over 80 years now and Santa, be kind to him for me. I give you his lessons now: 1. Fortune favors the bold. 2. Never trouble trouble. 3. Let right be done, no matter what.

Now for some mentors who died, yet their impact stays with me always:  Mrs. Dorothy Wise, English Teacher – she taught me about the depth of words and pushed my poetry. Mrs. Dolores Jean Ellis, choir teacher and friend who sat with me on tour one night and changed my life as we talked about love and the power of heart. And when I needed a coach for a competition while overseas, she delivered without question (and it was 6 years since I had seen her). And Mr. Roger Bishop, a civil servant who was as much a father to me as my own when it came to advise and support. He believed in my upcoming marriage to my husband when few did and he was quick to tell me how to live better.

Those are the mentors, Santa. I have friends and collegues who I will write you about but today my wish for them is health, joy, and success. May they have blessings to fill their lives for the kindness and impact they gave to my life. I am grateful for these people, every single day. I hope others bless their mentors and let them know how appreciated they are, too.

Another letter next week, Santa. Thank you. Merry Christmas to you and yours,

I remain, Yours Between the Lines,

Sherry