Thursday, March 28, 2013
Facebook covers for authors
Here's another Facebook cover for y'all fabulous writers out there. If you're new to this page and want to see more covers, just click the "facebook covers" label below the post. This is free to use so long as it isn't altered (meaning, don't take my name from it). Happy writing!
Last chance for free copies of "Barrier"!
Three days only, starting today (Thursday, March 28, 2013) and lasting through Saturday (March 30, 2013), I am again offering for FREE, both Barrier titles in Kindle format. Here's how to get your free copies:
1. Click this link to go to Amazon and download a free copy of The Purpose of Pain: Will 16-year-old Lenya McKay find her presumed dead parents?
2. Email me at pamelacaves@rocketmail.com and request your free copy of Ethics vs. Duty: Will Sergeant Triana Kreeler turn over an innocent infant for execution?
It's that simple. Then you can be all caught up with Barrier thus far. I don't know when I'll be giving these away again so if you have any desire to read these at all, take advantage of this while you can.
Peace, love, and off into space,
Pamela
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Do we dare watch "Defiance" on SyFy?
Despite my background in utter nerdiness, I'm not an avid SyFy watcher. I like Ghost Hunters, Destination Truth (when it decides to come on), Face Off and a few other reality tidbits. Occasionally, you might catch me watching a few fiction shows here and there.
To be honest, though, SyFy doesn't have the best track-record when it comes to its fiction series. Part of it, I think, has to do with chaotic marketing. It's hard to determine time slots with the channel and suddenly, shows disappear and then reappear to the point where it doesn't feel like there is a standard season to anything. What night is Merlin on? Which Stargate are they going to clone and close next? Where did Warehouse 13 go? Is it coming back or abruptly gone forever? What happened to Alphas? It's almost like the person in charge of programming is bi-polar. That's how chaotic this channel feels in comparison to other networks. There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason to anything.
Most recently, though, around a year ago came the cancellation of Eureka. This was a shock because the executives were boasting that ratings were at an all-time high. In fact, Eureka was continuing to gain popularity. But then SLAM!, the brakes were hit. The producers cited profit and budgets as the reason why it didn't work out. (Check out this article for a reference.) Okay, I can get that, but then Alphas hit and the effects and such seem to be in comparison to the expense of Eureka. So why cancel a perfectly good show that is gaining ratings only to take a huge risk on a brand new show? And it was a huge risk that didn't end up paying off. Then they were out both a popular veteran show and a new show. What was that about profit and budgets?
Defiance is a new SyFy show premiering April 15th. The premise is a future Earth, after years of war, a community of Humans and various aliens living among the ruins of what was once St. Louis. The premise looks good, the previews look good, the sets look really good...
My problem lies with the network itself. I'm not in the television business and I don't know how all of that works and maybe that's part of my problem. But as a viewer, my faith in SyFy is jaded. I don't trust them to follow through with the series. I see them as flighty entrepreneurs, who, when they realize how much work and time it takes to start a business, decide only a short time in that they'll just shut it down as opposed to working at it to keep it up. I don't trust them to leave me with that satisfied feeling I get when I read a really good story, watch a really good movie, or follow a series through to fruition. It's frustrating when I'm chugging along, watching a good series, only to have it abruptly stop before its prime. And while I want to watch and like Defiance, I'm of the mindset that maybe SyFy isn't the best venue for this show. When a hyped up show like this, with an apparently large budget, makes an appearance, I'd feel a lot better about watching it if it was in the hands of a network that has a better fiction series track-record than SyFy.
If I do end up watching it, and I get into it, if SyFy cancels it prematurely, it will be the last original fiction series I watch on that channel, no matter how good it might appear.
Peace, love, and nerdiness,
Pamela
To be honest, though, SyFy doesn't have the best track-record when it comes to its fiction series. Part of it, I think, has to do with chaotic marketing. It's hard to determine time slots with the channel and suddenly, shows disappear and then reappear to the point where it doesn't feel like there is a standard season to anything. What night is Merlin on? Which Stargate are they going to clone and close next? Where did Warehouse 13 go? Is it coming back or abruptly gone forever? What happened to Alphas? It's almost like the person in charge of programming is bi-polar. That's how chaotic this channel feels in comparison to other networks. There doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason to anything.
Most recently, though, around a year ago came the cancellation of Eureka. This was a shock because the executives were boasting that ratings were at an all-time high. In fact, Eureka was continuing to gain popularity. But then SLAM!, the brakes were hit. The producers cited profit and budgets as the reason why it didn't work out. (Check out this article for a reference.) Okay, I can get that, but then Alphas hit and the effects and such seem to be in comparison to the expense of Eureka. So why cancel a perfectly good show that is gaining ratings only to take a huge risk on a brand new show? And it was a huge risk that didn't end up paying off. Then they were out both a popular veteran show and a new show. What was that about profit and budgets?
Defiance is a new SyFy show premiering April 15th. The premise is a future Earth, after years of war, a community of Humans and various aliens living among the ruins of what was once St. Louis. The premise looks good, the previews look good, the sets look really good...
My problem lies with the network itself. I'm not in the television business and I don't know how all of that works and maybe that's part of my problem. But as a viewer, my faith in SyFy is jaded. I don't trust them to follow through with the series. I see them as flighty entrepreneurs, who, when they realize how much work and time it takes to start a business, decide only a short time in that they'll just shut it down as opposed to working at it to keep it up. I don't trust them to leave me with that satisfied feeling I get when I read a really good story, watch a really good movie, or follow a series through to fruition. It's frustrating when I'm chugging along, watching a good series, only to have it abruptly stop before its prime. And while I want to watch and like Defiance, I'm of the mindset that maybe SyFy isn't the best venue for this show. When a hyped up show like this, with an apparently large budget, makes an appearance, I'd feel a lot better about watching it if it was in the hands of a network that has a better fiction series track-record than SyFy.
If I do end up watching it, and I get into it, if SyFy cancels it prematurely, it will be the last original fiction series I watch on that channel, no matter how good it might appear.
Peace, love, and nerdiness,
Pamela
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Facebook covers for writers
The muse struck me so I'm up a little late "creatin" this Facebook cover. ;) As always, these are free to use on your Facebook author "Like" page; just please don't alter it. Enjoy and if you want to see more Facebook covers I've created for writers, just click on the label "facebook covers" below the post. Have a great night!
I'm not good enough and I want to give up writing.
It's not often I get into these doom and gloom moods but for some reason, for the last few weeks, I've become so discouraged that I want to shut down my websites and wipe my name and face from the cybersphere.
I wasn't going to write about this publicly. Who wants to open up their vulnerabilities to the world to be mocked and made fun of? But I wouldn't be much of a mentor if I didn't express the worst of writing, too. Because like it or not, if you're going to be a writer, you will feel discouraged from time to time. You'll feel like the world hates your work. You'll feel inadequate. You'll feel like giving up. You'll lack the confidence that seems to come in bounds to other writers. I can imagine that writers aren't the only ones to feel like this; I'm sure this rings true in many circumstances for many different people.
I look at the success of others and I think, I've been writing since I was 9 years old and publishing for 3 years and it feels like I've gotten nowhere. Even though I've had a good talk with my writing group and it has helped me cope (y'all are awesome peeps!), it's hard to shake the feeling that all that work--all that heart and soul--is ultimately for nothing.
The thing is, writing, for me, is like breathing. Over the years, the discouraging nature of writing itself has been enough to make me quit writing... several times. I would try to find another path for myself but I was never happy not writing. If you've found that one thing that is your passion in life, then I know you understand. It's what completes my life. I have lots of other things I do but writing is what keeps me floating along the surface.
So for me, yes, I want to quit but I know I won't. I'll keep chugging along, learning as I go and working to improve. I'll try my best not to compare myself with others, too, as I think that is my biggest weakness.
I'm not writing this for pity or to preach or give advice. I'm simply saying that I get it. Having that writing group there for me this morning was a blessing and I hope reading that other writers have the same discouraging notions will help you cope with your own.
Peace, love, and positive thoughts,
Pamela
I wasn't going to write about this publicly. Who wants to open up their vulnerabilities to the world to be mocked and made fun of? But I wouldn't be much of a mentor if I didn't express the worst of writing, too. Because like it or not, if you're going to be a writer, you will feel discouraged from time to time. You'll feel like the world hates your work. You'll feel inadequate. You'll feel like giving up. You'll lack the confidence that seems to come in bounds to other writers. I can imagine that writers aren't the only ones to feel like this; I'm sure this rings true in many circumstances for many different people.
I look at the success of others and I think, I've been writing since I was 9 years old and publishing for 3 years and it feels like I've gotten nowhere. Even though I've had a good talk with my writing group and it has helped me cope (y'all are awesome peeps!), it's hard to shake the feeling that all that work--all that heart and soul--is ultimately for nothing.
The thing is, writing, for me, is like breathing. Over the years, the discouraging nature of writing itself has been enough to make me quit writing... several times. I would try to find another path for myself but I was never happy not writing. If you've found that one thing that is your passion in life, then I know you understand. It's what completes my life. I have lots of other things I do but writing is what keeps me floating along the surface.
So for me, yes, I want to quit but I know I won't. I'll keep chugging along, learning as I go and working to improve. I'll try my best not to compare myself with others, too, as I think that is my biggest weakness.
I'm not writing this for pity or to preach or give advice. I'm simply saying that I get it. Having that writing group there for me this morning was a blessing and I hope reading that other writers have the same discouraging notions will help you cope with your own.
Peace, love, and positive thoughts,
Pamela
The Next Big Thing Blog Hop
What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way for readers to
discover authors new to them. I hope
you'll find new-to-you authors whose works you enjoy. On this stop on the blog hop, you'll find a
bit of information on me and one of my books and links to four other authors
you can explore!
1: What is the
working title of your book?
Future Past
It will be self-published with the help of my editors and submission readers at Fiction Lake Publishing.
My gratitude to fellow writer Langley Cornwell for inviting
me to participate in this event. You can
click the following link to learn more about her work. Website:
http://langley-writes.blogspot.com/
In this blog hop, I and my fellow authors, in their
respective blogs, have answered ten questions about our book or
work-in--progress (giving you a sneak peek).
We've also included some behind-the-scenes information about how and why
we write what we write--the characters, inspirations, plotting and other
choices we make. I hope you enjoy it!
Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and
questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!
2: Where did the idea
come from for the book?
It came from a combination of things. First, was a dream I had many years ago that stuck with me. I would say something about the dream but that might give away too much of the story. Second, I was also inspired by some of the Elder Scrolls games; the character who gets released from prison at the beginning of the game... I liked that concept of someone who was released from prison with no memory of who they were before or why they were even in prison to begin with. I merged the two ideas and knew I had a story I was excited about.
It came from a combination of things. First, was a dream I had many years ago that stuck with me. I would say something about the dream but that might give away too much of the story. Second, I was also inspired by some of the Elder Scrolls games; the character who gets released from prison at the beginning of the game... I liked that concept of someone who was released from prison with no memory of who they were before or why they were even in prison to begin with. I merged the two ideas and knew I had a story I was excited about.
3. What genre does
your book come under?
Fantasy.
4: Which actors would
you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Sorry, but I don't really think about things like that. I tend to focus on characters and the plot. I suppose that's why I'm not a casting director. I wouldn't have that knack.
Sorry, but I don't really think about things like that. I tend to focus on characters and the plot. I suppose that's why I'm not a casting director. I wouldn't have that knack.
5: What is the
synopsis hook of your book?
For ten years, Dayel struggled to survive inside the most infamous prison in the world with no memory of who she was before or what she did to get there. Scars over her body and rumors of mass murder indicate that she might not want to know. She can't believe she could be such a monster, despite evidence to the contrary. All she wants upon her release is to live in quiet solitude.
She soon finds that others have no intention of allowing her the normalcy she desires. On her path, she makes unlikely friends, escapes assassins, and battles unimaginable foes. Her memory begins to return and with it, magic begins to manifest. Terrified that she will hurt someone with her untamed abilities, she begins the journey to unravel her past, for doing so can only ensure her future is lined with peace. But what she finds is more horrifying than she ever thought possible and everything she thought she was comes crumbling down around her.
For ten years, Dayel struggled to survive inside the most infamous prison in the world with no memory of who she was before or what she did to get there. Scars over her body and rumors of mass murder indicate that she might not want to know. She can't believe she could be such a monster, despite evidence to the contrary. All she wants upon her release is to live in quiet solitude.
She soon finds that others have no intention of allowing her the normalcy she desires. On her path, she makes unlikely friends, escapes assassins, and battles unimaginable foes. Her memory begins to return and with it, magic begins to manifest. Terrified that she will hurt someone with her untamed abilities, she begins the journey to unravel her past, for doing so can only ensure her future is lined with peace. But what she finds is more horrifying than she ever thought possible and everything she thought she was comes crumbling down around her.
6: Is your book
self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an
agency?
It will be self-published with the help of my editors and submission readers at Fiction Lake Publishing.
7: How long did it
take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
A year, pretty much down to the day! It has taken another two years of rewrites and revisions.
8: What other books
would you compare this story to within your genre?
Sorry, but I don't really compare my work either. I'm sure it can compare with something, but I read such a variety of things that nothing specific comes to mind. Can I just say that it is in a class of it's own or would that be too pompous? LOL.
Sorry, but I don't really compare my work either. I'm sure it can compare with something, but I read such a variety of things that nothing specific comes to mind. Can I just say that it is in a class of it's own or would that be too pompous? LOL.
9: Who or what
inspired you to write this book?
I pretty much think that "idea" and "inspiration" go hand in hand, which I answered above.
10: What else about
your book might pique the reader’s interest?
I'm a character-driven writer. I'm a firm believer that not all bad is really bad and not all good is really good. This ideal is presented in this story. The main character, Dayel, is overwhelmed with the notion that she's too tainted for anything good, though it is obvious to the reader that she has a good heart despite her raw edges and checkered past. And King Neelan, who seems kind and does good things, isn't all he's cracked up to be. Overall, I think it shows that no matter what you've done or where you're from, you can be the type of person you long to be. It may be very hard, but it is possible.
I'm a character-driven writer. I'm a firm believer that not all bad is really bad and not all good is really good. This ideal is presented in this story. The main character, Dayel, is overwhelmed with the notion that she's too tainted for anything good, though it is obvious to the reader that she has a good heart despite her raw edges and checkered past. And King Neelan, who seems kind and does good things, isn't all he's cracked up to be. Overall, I think it shows that no matter what you've done or where you're from, you can be the type of person you long to be. It may be very hard, but it is possible.
11: Why are you so
much better-looking in person than in your photo?
Uhhhh... I don't like self-deprecation, but I'll disagree with that one. I don't have Photoshop for "in person" interactions.
Uhhhh... I don't like self-deprecation, but I'll disagree with that one. I don't have Photoshop for "in person" interactions.
Who’s next on the NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP?
So glad you asked!
Below you will find the author who will be joining me by blog,
next Wednesday. Do be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for
updates on Works in Progress and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading!
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