Book Event

My husband and I arrived early. The only people there were the librarian who had set the event up, and her college-aged daughter, but I wasn't worried. Yet.

We set up the snacks and the computer, so we could show the book trailer.

But 7pm came, and we only had four people. Oh well. I can practice my reading, at least. Several more people came in rapid succession, and we broke double-digits. Whew!

People got cold drinks and mini-cupcakes. We started with a showing of the book trailer, then I read a short bit of chapter six of Minder. We had a SWAG giveaway using Zener cards--people had to "sense" which symbol I had in-hand to win the t-shirt. This worked really well for the giveaway, and I plan to use it again.

I have to say, my favorite part of the evening was the discussion with the audience. We had such a great group! The conversation ranged from the writing process and character development to some of our favorite YA and paranormal books, such as Twilight, Harry Potter, Anne Rice, etc. Ninety minutes passed in a flash, and suddenly I was signing a bunch of books and packing up.
I want to say a huge

THANK YOU!

to everyone who came out last night. I especially want to single out Leigh, for arranging everything at the library; Carolyn, for helping set up; and Heather, for making the mini-cupcakes. Thank you!
My next book reading will be next week in Boston at ReaderCon. I'll be with the Broad Universe contingent (I simply LOVE that name for a group of female sci-fi writers!). We have a reading session scheduled, and I'll also be selling and signing copies of Minder at their table in the bookseller's room.

My First Book Reading

It's tonight. Like many "first times," it has the potential to combine nervous inexperience, anticipation, and excitement. It also might be uncomfortable, messy, or over too quickly.

I'm talking about my first time riding a roller coaster--where did YOUR mind go with that?

Anyhoo, wish me luck! Please also check out the book trailer, if you haven't already. We're close to 1000 views at this point, and I'll be sending the donation to Nothing But Nets this week.

Hip-Deep in Edits

Hi folks,

I'm wicked busy with revisions to the third Ganzfield book today, so this is a short post. Who's your best critic? Who gives you the best comments--the ones that help you see the flaws and ultimately make your work stronger?

Literary Pilates

I'm trying to tighten up the saggy middle of my current MS. I've gotten some feedback from a couple of family members, and need to improve the pacing before I let others lay eyes on it. So, today I'm asking--what's your process for editing and revising? When do you let others see your work, and who gets to see it?

Creeping Sludge

Wanna see something scary?

If It Was My Home

Bar Harbor ME to Albany, NY--where does it cover for you?

If this makes you want to help, please donate to one of these BBB-approved charities, such as the National Wildlife Federation.

Post your pledge to give to one of these charities in the comments section by midnight (EDT) on Monday, June 28th. I'll randomly pick one person to win a query critique, a first 5 pages critique, or a signed copy of Minder. Everyone is eligible, even those who've won previous Disgruntled Bear contests.

Share this post with others through your blog, Facebook, and/or Twitter--let's really start some giving!

Best Thing on YouTube

When I lived in Istanbul, I couldn't watch YouTube. The Turkish government blocked access to the site because of a few anti-Ataturk videos. BTW, if you're ever in Turkey, NEVER disrespect Ataturk. Aside from the fact that the guy was a war hero, single-handedly saved his country from the colonial predations of England and France, founded a modern nation, and therefore deserves respect, it's really, REALLY illegal.

Turkish prison illegal.

Anyway, at least once a week, a US-based friend would make a comment in email or Facebook about a cool video on YouTube--a cool video that I couldn't see.

So, what did I miss? What's your favorite YouTube video? Links, please!

Of course, mine is:

What's Good Here?

People keep commenting on how much I rag on New Jersey in Minder. There's even a line in the jacket copy. I can't help it--the zinger lines keep coming to me when I write.

When I was down south about six years ago, I saw a great shirt:

ALABAMA: At least we're not Mississippi.

Some places are simply worthy of insult. And, if you're from the location in question, you're allowed to make the jokes with impunity, right? So, what do people say about your place in the world?

UPDATE: there's a LOL list here.