Saturday, January 28, 2012

BALANCING FAMILY AND WRITING A guest blog by Craig Hansen

Around noon, I boot up my computer, fire up Word 2007 and settle in to work. I'm not in the right mindset right away, so I hop onto Kindleboards, then check out Facebook and Twitter, just to get a lay of the land. I flip back over to Word and start to read through my last couple days' worth of progress to get back into the flow of the story.

Knock, knock.

It's my dad, who lives with my wife and me. He's 89, has Alzheimer's and dementia, but is still usually coherent.

"Hey Craig," Dad asks, "wanna make me some popcorn?"

I glance at the clock. It's only one in the afternoon.

"Let's hold off until after dinner tonight," I tell him. "Have a Three Musketeers."

That makes him happy. I start re-reading my recent progress again.

Knock, knock.

"Hey honey." It's my wife. "What time do you want to go for our walk today?"

We go for a health walk once a day, mostly for my benefit. I need to drop weight to stay healthy long-term. In the early months of working at home, I worked too much and became overly sedentary; my weight skyrocketed by over twenty pounds … and I was already carrying around more weight than I should.

"I just got started," I reply. "How about six?"

"It's getting dark earlier now."

"Then how does four sound?"

"That'll work."

After she goes back to her homework, I realize I'm discombobulated, so I work on a contract editorial assignment; I do this on the side to bring in money. It's a short bit of work this time and then I flip back to MS Word. I skim the last couple pages I completed and feel ready to get back into the flow of the story.

Knock, knock.

Dad again.

"I need to use your bathroom."

We have two; but with his condition, Dad usually remembers he needs to go when he sees one of us head for a bathroom. I wave him in and wait for him to be done and leave. We talk a bit. He doesn't fully understand how I make money as a full-time writer. Sometimes, I'm not so sure myself.

Once he leaves to watch television again, I turn back to my PC and start writing. I compose 100 words; then 200, then 300. I'm starting to feel like I'm in the flow now. Sweet!

Knock, knock.

It's my wife again. "Honey, it's almost four. Time for our walk."

Oh well.


~ * * * ~

The above scene isn't an exact snapshot of any one day, but is meant to be representative of one of my typical afternoon shifts since I began working as a full-time writer. While taking care of an elderly parent represents a different set of challenges than, say, raising a child, or several children, the struggle that unites all full-time writers is how to divide work-time from family time in a way that works for everyone.

One universal struggle is gaining respect for one's "work time" when working from home. Family members generally understand work time when work is performed outside of the house. But once the home office becomes the only office one has, the boundaries become fuzzy.

Often, one's work time can be seen as easily interrupted, simply due to convenience; I'm only a knock on the door away, after all, and sometimes even the knock is cast aside. Family members breeze in and out as needed, often not even intending to interrupt, even though that's the result.
Also, one's work time can be mischaracterized or misunderstood. If I disappear from the living room for several hours, I might hear phrases drifting in like, "Craig's hiding in his room," rather than, "Craig's working right now." Ugh.

While these sorts of minor interruptions can seem like sources of irritation at times, however, it's important to keep things in perspective. Before writing full-time, I worked in several jobs outside of the home, usually in an office environment.

And what happens in an office environment?

One must field phone calls, socialize with coworkers, talk to one's supervisor, and deal with other interruptions like packages being delivered, customers dropping by, and so forth. It can become a madhouse.

By comparison, the minor interruptions one endures while working from home are infrequent and minor. One could even argue that one has more time to work from home than at an office outside the home.

And when it comes down to it, who would you rather be interrupted by? The UPS guy, supervisors, coworkers and customers? Or family members you love? Seems like a no-brainer.
That said, to work efficiently one must at least have a plan that works for them if they expect to stay focused enough to make real progress each day. Here's the plan I've formulated since beginning my full-time, at-home writing career.

I tend to be a terrible night-owl, so my day begins around noon. After freshening up, I go straight to work and generally work until sometime between four and six in the afternoon, depending on when my wife and I go on our health walk.

Since I'm likely to experience more interruptions during my afternoon shift, I don't often do a lot of writing then. I mostly save that time for my contract work, paid blogging, or doing small tasks related to my writing career overall, such as logging some social media time, blogging, or working on other promotional efforts. If I feel inspired, however, sometimes I will write during the afternoon.

After taking our health walk, I generally shift into family time mode. This lasts usually until ten in the evening or later. Then, once everyone else is in bed, I start my evening shift. This is when I do the bulk of my writing. Sometimes I'll wind down around three in the morning; sometimes, if I really get into the flow of a story, the breaking dawn is my clue that I need to stop for the night and get at least six hours of sleep.

It's not a perfect system, and I don't necessarily recommend it to others. But since using this schedule, I've published two novels and am working on a third, all in far less than a year. So it works for me.

While several hours of family time might seem excessive to some, it's an important component of balancing work needs and family needs. When one is working at home, the biggest danger is spending too much time working and inaccessible to family members, making them feel ignored or neglected. I structure my second shift while they are asleep to also reduce those potential pitfalls.

Every writer will formulate their own solution that fits their family dynamic and personality. The important thing is to make sure you take your writing seriously enough to make time for it, however you carve that time out of your day. My method is merely one example of how to accomplish that.

SHADA
By Craig Hansen

Book 1 of the Ember Cole series.

Genre: young adult paranormal suspense

Word Count: approximately 32,500 words.


SHADA Book Blurb:

"If you could talk to a dead person, anyone at all, who would it be?"

A year ago, Ember Cole witnessed the death of her grandfather. Now, with her grandmother slipping away into dementia, she seeks answers from the only person who loved her grandmother more than her, even if he is dead: Grandpa Normie.

Joined by three of her closest friends, Ember treks deep into the woods of northwestern Wisconsin, seeking the advice of a dead man on how to save the living. But sometimes, the dead have their own agenda.
AUTHOR BIO:

Craig Hansen wrote stories from an early age, but when his SF short story, "The S.S. Nova," was published in the Minnesota Writers In the School COMPAS program's 1981 anthology of student writing, When It Grows Up, You Say Goodbye To It, he decided to dedicate himself to writing. Several unpublished novels and short stories followed.

Hansen earned two degrees at Minnesota State University at Mankato under the mentorship of young adult novelist Terry Davis. In the years that followed, Hansen worked a variety of jobs related to writing, including editorial work at a small publishing house, holding a position as a Web site editor, and five years in journalism in northwestern Wisconsin, where he earned several state awards for his writing and editing.

His work has appeared in the Meadowbrook Press anthology, Girls to the Rescue, Book 1, as well as the true crime journal, Ripper Notes, in volume 28.

His first novel, Most Likely, was released in May. Shada is the first installment of the Ember Cole series of young adult paranormal suspense books. Hansen is hard at work on the next installment in the series, the novel-length book, Ember.

Hansen recently moved to Oregon with his wife, a dog, a cat, and his 89-year-old father, a World War II veteran.

Craig's interests include the music of Johnny Cash, reading the novels of other independent authors, blogging, and the study of Messianic theology. On his Web site, you can sign up to receive a periodic email newsletter that will notify you when he releases new novels.

Connect With Craig Online At:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/craigahansen
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Craig-Hansen-Author/
Blog and Web site: http://www.craig-hansen.com/

Friday, January 27, 2012

Have book will travel -a guest blog by Michelle Beattie




Have book will travel -a guest blog by Michelle Beattie

I don't read to "travel" to exotic or never-been-to-before places. I usually grab a book based on a) partly it's cover, b) it's back blurb and c) if it's a favorite author. Still, I have to say that if I enjoy a story AND it's taken me someplace I've never been, I feel like I've travelled, in some small way, away from home.

Through books I've been swept to a Caribbean island, a mountain ski resort and the Florida Everglades. I've "been" to Vermont, New Jersey, Texas, New Orleans, the Chesapeake Bay. I feel as though I've felt the icy chill of an Alaskan blizzard, felt the humidity of Louisiana and bounced along a rutted road in a stagecoach.

What a treat it is to lose yourself in a book, to be taken on an emotional as well as a physical journey.

I live in Alberta, Canada. I have two daughters and my husband has his own business. We don't travel much and, frankly, some of the settings I've read about aren't really on my radar anytime soon. However, BECAUSE I've read about them, I am now more interested in seeing them than I was before.

So, readers, is there a book/location that so captivated you in a book you've since gone there yourself or are planning a trip to go see?



I don't read to "travel" to exotic or never-been-to-before places. I usually grab a book based on a) partly it's cover, b) it's back blurb and c) if it's a favorite author. Still, I have to say that if I enjoy a story AND it's taken me someplace I've never been, I feel like I've travelled, in some small way, away from home.

Through books I've been swept to a Caribbean island, a mountain ski resort and the Florida Everglades. I've "been" to Vermont, New Jersey, Texas, New Orleans, the Chesapeake Bay. I feel as though I've felt the icy chill of an Alaskan blizzard, felt the humidity of Louisiana and bounced along a rutted road in a stagecoach.

What a treat it is to lose yourself in a book, to be taken on an emotional as well as a physical journey.

I live in Alberta, Canada. I have two daughters and my husband has his own business. We don't travel much and, frankly, some of the settings I've read about aren't really on my radar anytime soon. However, BECAUSE I've read about them, I am now more interested in seeing them than I was before.

So, readers, is there a book/location that so captivated you in a book you've since gone there yourself or are planning a trip to go see?


Another Chance
By Michelle Beatti


Being a veterinarian in the late 1800’s is difficult enough, but for Jillian Matthews it’s impossible. Not allowed in the vet schools, she trained at her father’s side until she had the skills needed to move west. Jillian accepts an advertisement for a position in Montana, using only her initials which happen to be same as her father’s. Convinced that in the untamed west, her skills will be valued and appreciated, regardless of her gender, she’s quickly proved wrong.

Wade Parker is sure the pretty redhead claiming to be the vet he sent for is one of his ranch hands’ practical jokes but the fiery woman very quickly puts him in his place and proves him wrong. His impression, however, turns south when the animal she operated on later dies. With a ranch on the verge of bankruptcy, losing an animal was the last thing he could afford and he can’t help thinking the old vet, the male doctor, wouldn’t have let his animal die.

With Wade’s initial reaction guiding them, the town is quick to want Jillian out. But the more Wade gets to know Jillian, the more he sees her grit and compassion, the harder he falls for her. When Wade realizes he was too hasty in his judgment and urges the town to give Jillian another chance, he makes more than few enemies. Enemies that would do almost anything to get her out, and to make sure Wade doesn’t take her side again.

Soon threats turn to violence and both Wade and Jillian must make a stand. The problem is, at what cost?

About the Author:



Michelle Beattie has been writing for 16 years. Her first pirate novel was released in December 2008 under the title, What a Pirate Desires. Since then she added two more to her series, Romancing the Pirate and A Pirate's Possession.



Changing gears a bit, Michelle has decided to follow the growing trend of published authors independently publishing their own books. She released her first independent title, a contemporary light paranormal, Love By Accident, in October and is following it up with a historical western, Another Chance.



Her pirate books have received wonderful praise from publisher's weekly, Romantic Times and several on-line review sites as well as have been published in several languages. Love By Accident hit #14 in ghosts on Amazon's site on its release day.



Michelle lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband, two daughters and a rabbit.




Thursday, January 26, 2012

An Excerpt from The Opera by Michelle Franklin


An excerpt from The Opera

Upon reaching the keep’s kitchen, the commander found Alasdair sitting at the table with his early evening tea, reading over his proclamations for the day. He seemed equanimity itself now that his presiding in the royal courts for the day had done; leaning back in his favourite chair, with half a glance toward the yard and half toward his papers, his hand in mid-ascension, the teacup pressed against his lips, expecting to be soothed by his first sip of lemon soother, when the advertisement was thrust before him, causing him to replace his cup upon the table and investigate the announcement directly.



“Oh, this looks brilliant,” Alasdair declared smilingly. “Is this about us?”




“I daresay it is,” the commander said, pointing to the title of the opera, “although I’m hardly recognizable.”




“Well, I can tell it’s you by the . . .” Alasdair made a suggestive gesture toward her chest and left his assertion there, returning his gaze to the poster while a small blush crept up his cheek.




“Those are far too small to be mine.”




The size and shape of her magnanimous proportions could be compared, but Alasdair would not look again; he would not be suspected of gawping for pleasure nor would his gentlemanly sensibilities allow him to be baited so easily. “I suppose you’re right,” he said quickly, keeping his gaze firmly upon the advertisement. He seemed bemused, and pointing to the heroic figure in the piece said, “Is that meant to be me on that white horse?”







“And I do believe that’s meant to be Maeve.”




Alasdair raised a brow. “She would be disappointed.”




“As she should be. What chestnut mare wants to be a white stallion?”




“And she certainly isn’t that . . .” fat was what he wished to say, but at that moment, Martje had trundled in from the larder and Alasdair was forced to check himself. He said a polite hello and his features flushed with colour to think he had almost said the forbidden word in the plump cook’s presence. “I look very well, though,” he said cheerfully. “My hair is tidy and my jerkin looks very fitting. Those breeches, though, don’t go well with those boots. It would have been better to match them with calfskin boots, not these impossible things. Who would wear boots that low when riding? The fabric would chafe, surely.”




The commander laughed and shook her head. “Is that all your worry?”




“Yes, I think so,” he said with stout confidence. He took a moment to regard the remainder of the piece and then decided, “Well, Rautu looks accurate, doesn’t he.”




“You are too horrid,” she said with a sagacious smile.




“I’m allowed to say what I want when he’s not here.”




“You know that he has eyes and ears in every corner of this keep and yet you would ridicule him. You are all bravery, Alasdair.”




“If he can say whatever he wants to my face, then I think I might be allowed to admire his portrait before demands to kill the illustrator.” Alasdair made a defensive humph and began folding the poster. “Has he seen it yet?”




“No.”




“Good. I’ll send the herald to the theatre with the instruction that everyone involved with this production is to leave the capital immediately.”




“You are the epitome of charity, Alasdair, in giving them such a warning, but I daresay he shall hunt them down and skin them regardless. Will you allow this opera to be performed even though you know its content to be possibly disparaging?”




Alasdair made an abashed smile and took a last peek at the depiction of himself. “I wonder if they’ll have me kill Rautu in a terrific duel or if I’ll merely sing him to death.”




“You know the powers of the Frewyn Players and their ability to depict historical events with perfect accuracy.”




It was said with such wryness that Alasdair was forced to agree with her; the portrayal of Mad Queen Maeve, though highly entertaining, could hardly be supposed a truthful display when all of Frewyn was aware that her end came from her insanity and not from the edge of an envious lover’s knife as the play might have the uninformed believe. They laughed and sighed, both of them in equal dread and anticipation of what such a piece could depict, and stood from the kitchen table, the commander desirous of telling her mate before he could find out from another quarter and Alasdair wanting to visit the tailor.


The Opera Tales from Frewyn
By Michelle Franklin


Blurb:

When due homage is paid to the heroes of Frewyn, what could possibly go wrong?

The Frewyn Players at the Royal Theatre in Diras are looking for new material to perform when a famous director from Marridon arrives to impart a Marridon theatrical pastime that is certain to make them famous. An opera will be their new performance, one that glorifies Frewyn's greatest heroes, but what begins as homage ends as mockery, and the play that would make them the greatest exhibition in Frewyn might instead make them the Den Asaan's most merited enemy.

Book on Amazon:



http://www.amazon.com/Tales-from-Frewyn-The-Opera-ebook/dp/B005TL7QMA

Book on Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94632

Twitter: @MrsDenAsaan & @DenAsaan

Haanta Series site: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94632

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Call for Submissions: Sinister Seductions-Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly


















“Sinister Seductions”
Open Call for Anthology Submissions
Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing


Release Date: October 2012



Sinister Seductions is an anthology of paranormal romance stories edited by Roxanne Rhoads .
This collection will consist of paranormal dark desires and supernaturally seductive tales of all things sinister and scary – think vampires, werewolves, demons, witches, and ghosts.




Please no angels or anything similar, those stories will be covered in the Seraphic Encounters antho.The Anthology will be for the Paranormal Romance adult fan base, please no YA stories.
All romantic heat levels accepted from softly romantic to hot and steamy.





Roxanne is looking for unique takes and edgy twists on popular paranormal characters- give me something new, dark, delicious, and sexy. She's not looking for the common vampire meets human, bites and has sex with human and falls in love story- give her something she's not expecting, something new and delightfullydark.





Stories containing the following will NOT be considered: INCEST, BESTIALITY (SHIFTER OK), RAPE/RAPE FOR TITILLATION, PEDOPHILIA





This anthology will pay NO royalties as a contract will state.





You will retain the rights to your story. CHBB will ask for exclusivity of the story for one year. Other rights we are requiring via contract are First Publishing Rights, the right to use the story for as long as there is demand for the book, the right to edit each story for missed or grammatical errors, and the right to use parts of the book and/or the author’s name for promotion. This would only be for the anthology and not any other books we may publish of yours. The author will receive two copies of the anthology, the PDF file, as well as a discount code for personal orders via Amazon.


To Submit:
Please send submissions to RoxanneRhoads@crushingheartsandblackbutterfly.com


Send your story as an attachment with the following guidelines:
Each story will consist of a minimum of 3,000 words no more than 10k. Each work must be submitted as a .doc or .docx file.
The font must be 12pt Times New Roman, 1.5 line spacing, .5 first line indents
Writers may submit more than one story but not more than one work will be included if the writer is selected.



CHBB is asking for fresh and ORIGINAL stories. Current and Previously published stories will NOT be accepted (including self-published works i.e. Smashwords, Amazon, and BN).



The deadline for submission is May 31, 2012. Please allow three to four weeks from the deadline before inquiring on your status. We will try to notify everyone promptly.






Be sure to write “Submission” in the subject line along with your title. In the body of the email, include the title of your story along with your real name, and pen name (if applicable) and your contact info.






We look forward to hearing from you and good luck!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Merging My Two Blogs

Because my life is busier than I ever imagined- my work load is grueling and I'm working on several novels I am merging two of my blogs into one.

The Write at Home Mom and Creatively Green are becoming one blog- The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom.

I will slowly be adding all the posts from TWAHM to Creatively Green.

So from now on you can expect to not only see crafts, green living, green product reviews and other creatively green posts you will also see guest posts from authors and advice for mom writers.