Yes, I'm a Photographer, Too!

Now that I am in between books (but not for long) I have decided to focus a bit more on my photography for a couple of weeks. Actually, it is pretty much demanding that I do it, whether I want to or not!

I have devoted SO much of my time and mental energy into writing for the past two years, but my photography is really what's funding everything. And I'm not even trying that much. I keep finding myself, when out peddling my books, getting an art show instead.

This is what happened last week, when I went to one of our newest local merchants at the Woolley Market. They are located in Sedro Woolley, Wa and are SUCH a cool store. They focus on local, organic goods and the atmosphere is amazing. They are working on a co-op section, which I have been keeping an eye on as a possible point-of-sale for my books and cards. Well...I went in to speak with them about it, and when they saw my photography book, it opened up a conversation about showing my artwork in their new gallery area! They didn't have anyone lined up for February and asked if I was interested. My work has been up at United General for going on four months now so it is time to move on (as much as I have enjoyed having it there!).

This is a great opportunity for me to try and improve my merchandise and marketing. It also gives me a chance to spend more time planning for future marketing. Woolley Market has a country theme, with lots of rich woods, which is perfect for my landscape photography. I am going with that theme for my marketing, and I'm having fun with it! I am currently making a really cool, wooden sign, which I will share as soon as it's completed.

Today, I finishing my final edits for Whispering Pines and will have the ebook out by tomorrow! I am also going for a walk in this glorious sunshine (and maybe get some pics) and then working on preparing my photographs for my new venue at Woolley Market. What are your plans? Do you have a to-do list to make sure you are moving forward in whatever your dreams may be?

I'll leave you with my bestselling photograph, one I have shared before! This was taken at Flathead Lake in Montana. Gorgeous country!!!

2015 Is Off to a Fast Start!

Cold, foggy mornings and bright sunny afternoons! This has been our weather for several days now and I LOVE it! (as far as January goes)

We're only two weeks into January and already things have been busy. I am more than halfway through the second book in my middle grade mystery series, and have been writing on it every day. My daughter is back at High School and my son at College. He has his first indoor track meet this weekend down at the University of Washington, and it will be exciting! (he is throwing shot put)

What have YOU been up to?

I've been taking advantage of the weather to get a couple of fun pictures while out on walks. I think this one is my favorite. For years now, these doves have been circling, swooping and then landing on this barn. EVERY time I walk past it...there they are. That is their life. Yesterday, there was a cool sun dog positioned just right so that I could capture it in the background. :)

Last Chance to Vote

I mentioned several days ago, that Bloodline was in the running for top 50 Indie Books of the Year on a Indie book website. Today is the last day to vote, so I am going to post about it one more time. I don't like to go crazy over this kind of stuff (because lets face it: most people don't like reading about it!)

Here is the Link to cast your vote for Bloodline

You can vote up to THREE times! There isn't any requirement to register, but you can enter your email to be entered into a drawing to win the top ten books..but you don't have to!

[Bloodline is still on sale for 0.99 but today is the last day]

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I hope that everyone had a very safe and fun New Years eve. OR...for those that can't think of anything better than getting to sit at home and just do nothing but relax, I hope you got that, too! My kids ended up having a few friends over and we hosted a little party. It was fun, and I managed to get a couple blisters from rocking out too hard on the drums during Guitar Hero. (HEY, don't judge. I can play most songs on expert!! ;)

Have I mentioned that I'm a bit accident prone? Well, I am. To give an example: my daughter got a compound bow for Christmas and my husband and I went to a local range to shoot it with her and get it set up. The only bows I've ever shot, are the kind you make out of sticks in the backyard (those never went very far. I also tried to set up a tight-rope to walk, but that's another story), so I was excited to try it out. My daughter is a natural...seriously. I can shoot a gun pretty good, and so I thought I'd be rather accurate too...I never really got much of a chance to find out. The second try, I slapped my forearm with the string hard enough to leave a wicked bruise from my wrist to elbow. (Katniss I am not) My advice? If you have an arm like mine, that twists a little when you extend it, either leave your elbow bent a little, or get an arm guard. Check. (and no, I didn't cry. Just hopped around a little bit)

***As I am sitting here, writing, our first snow of the year is finally falling outside. I have no doubt that it is melting as soon as it hits the ground and we won't have any accumulation, but I still like it!***

I decided yesterday, that this next year, I am going to focus more on face-to-face marketing. So the first thing I did was a search for any up-coming comic con or science fiction conventions in Seattle. I've never been into cosplay or a anything, but I really have always been a hard-core science fiction fan. I discovered a convention called Galacticon, and it's in Seattle at the end of July. It started out as a tribute to Battlestar Galactica, but has spread out to include the Star Trek Franchise, Firely and several others. I submitted an application for a vendor table to sell my books and got accepted! The guest lineup is very exciting (like the original Starbuck as well as numerous actors from the new series) I think it will be GOOD!  Link to Galactica website

The Emerald City comic con was already closed to registration :( as it is in March, but I got on a waiting list. I'm also going to continue giving my books out to local libraries but will start soliciting for books signings. I purchased a nice, new pop-up booth with the cool, zippered sides for street fairs. I have two or three this next year that I will do for sure (photography and books). Anyone have suggestions on other things I can do?

I am on chapter six now for my next middle grade mystery book: The Secret of Camp Whispering Pines. I am really liking this story! It's moving along well and I don't think I'll have any problems getting it out by the end of this month. (January)

I'll leave you with a picture I took a couple of years ago...some people don't get it, but it's one I refer to when I am in a creative mood. Sometimes...it's all about the small details. ;)

COVER REVEAL!!!!

I can't wait any longer. I just LOVE this new cover, designed once again by Mel at Melchelle Designs.

(look closely at the far left edge. :) )

This is the second book in my middle grade mystery series, (Samantha Wolf Mysteries). The first book, The Mystery of Hollow Inn, came out in January of this year. I wrote it while taking a 'break' in between the 1st and 2nd book of my trilogy, The Forgotten Origins.

I completed the trilogy a couple of months ago, and since then, created an audiobook for Hollow Inn and Bloodline, (book #1 in the trilogy). THAT was a huge undertaking, but a fun experience, and I so far, I think was worth the effort.

SO...I am now back to focusing on the mystery series! I hope to ultimately have a good number of books (at least 20), by the time it's done. In them, we follow the fun antics of two twelve-year-old best friends, Sam and Ally. They have a knack for solving crime and of getting in (and out) of trouble. It's been compared to Nancy Drew, and Scooby Doo. (both favorites of mine!)

I am currently busily writing away on this second book, titled:

The Secret of Camp Whispering Pines

Here is the 'back of the book blurb':

What could be better than hiking, swimming, and horseback riding? Having a mystery to solve, of course!

When Sam and Ally embark on their next quest together, they have no idea what secrets hide in the shadows at Camp Whispering Pines. Set in the beautiful, rugged mountains of the Pacific Northwest, the clues are slowly revealed, and it’s up to the two girls to figure it out.

New friendships are formed, while at the same time enemies lurk nearby. The closer they get to uncovering the truth behind the camp, the further they are pushed into danger and deceit. Can Sam and Alley put all of the pieces together before it’s too late? Follow them on another thrilling tale filled with excitement and adventure, along misty, high mountain trials and deep ravines, where the answers wait to be found!

I have an expected release date of February 1st, and I'll be doing my best to meet it. Meanwhile, if you haven't read the first book, you got time!! :)

December 27th, 2014

Another BIG sigh of relief! Not only did I survive Christmas, but another birthday! Yesterday I turned 43 years young. ;)

I also got my first review on the audiobook for Bloodline...five stars! *phew* It's always good to get that first one under your belt, plus it was from someone I DON'T know. (despite friends and family insisting they are being honest in reviews, you just never really know until a stranger writes one! :) )

I am getting back on track with my writing for the 2nd installment in my Samantha Wolf Mysteries series...and I'm really liking it! I have a cover prepared already (thank you mel!) and I will be doing a reveal in the next week or two.

Today I had the pleasure of writing a review for a newly released book from friend and author, Jim Bernheimer. He's one of those authors we Indies look up to: he's SUCCESSFUL! He's got numerous titles under his name, but his most popular is the D-List Supervillain series. It's not even my typical genre, but he's an exceptional storyteller. Please check out my review for 'Secrets of a D-List Supervillain' on the book review tab, but meanwhile, here is a Direct Link to his Amazon author page. You'll want to start with book #1 'Origins of a D-list Supervillain'. They are also available on audiobook, and 'Confessions' is a best seller! (narrated by the amazing Mr. Jeffrey Kafer)

I hope your holidays have been filled with the love of family and friends, and here is to a peaceful, happy 2015!

I'll leave you with a couple of photos I took near my home on Christmas Eve:

Oh! And don't forget to go VOTE FOR BLOODLINE for the Best Scifi Indie Book of 2014!