tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23257064219522811772024-03-13T13:38:49.141-04:00A Steampunk ReverieA Writer's Reflections on Steampunk and RomanceCali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-82617602214442521652012-12-19T00:30:00.000-05:002012-12-19T09:24:32.035-05:00The Next Big Thing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Next Big Thing (Week 29).<o:p></o:p></div>
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When Robert K. Lewis, one of the most amazing and utterly
kick-butt writers I know, asked me if I'd take part in The Next Big Thing Blog
Hop, I couldn't say no. And did I
mention <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Untold-Damage-Mark-Mallen-Novel/dp/0738735760/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1355927017&sr=8-13&keywords=robert+k+lewis">he's got a book being released</a> in just a few months? Guaranteed to blow you away. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Figured this would be a great opportunity to tell you a
little more about my most current books.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1- What is the working title of your book? <o:p></o:p></div>
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I'm currently working on A Highland Heist. It's the third book in my series, following
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cali-MacKay/e/B00A4S7X5S/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">The Highlander's Hope and A Highland Home. </a><o:p></o:p></div>
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2- Where did the idea come from for the book? <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the first book, my main characters find these priceless
jewels, so I figured it would be fun to incorporate the jewels into this third
book, since my two main characters deal with security-- one builds contraptions
for museums and the other does computer security. But their personalities are completely at
odds, so it makes for some fun moments.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3- What genre does your book fall under?<o:p></o:p></div>
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It's a contemporary romance with a touch of suspense.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4- Which actors would you choose to play your characters in
a movie rendition?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think Noah Huntley would be pretty close for Conall. Not sure about Maggie-- she's Irish and
really spunky. I'm open to suggestions!<o:p></o:p></div>
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5- What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?<o:p></o:p></div>
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A long lost treasure, a smart and sexy historian and
Scotland's most eligible bachelor-- what could go wrong?<o:p></o:p></div>
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6- Will your book be self-published or represented by an
agency?<o:p></o:p></div>
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The entire series is self published with the first in the
series free!<o:p></o:p></div>
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7- How long did it take you to write the first draft of your
manuscript?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I'm still working on A Highland Heist, but most my books
take 3-6 months to write.<o:p></o:p></div>
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8- What else about your book might pique the reader's
interest?<o:p></o:p></div>
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It's really a lot of fun, and a light read. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Tagged for next week (Week 30) is my very talented writer
friend, <a href="http://jeanoram.com/blog/">Jean Oram</a>, who writes not only amazing non-fiction about keeping your
kids happy and healthy, but also writes wonderfully fun romances. Check out her
blog next Wednesday, December 26, when it's her turn to post answers to these
same questions about her own works-in-progress!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-61645193969103650042012-11-28T08:35:00.000-05:002012-11-28T08:38:35.126-05:00Updates!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcmNkugAFp-PPdvybjVkMAXYiOuGEyJqOZsIL-44cR2IeTWJaqjGtPgIuExZbHmO1dvJ4ifmpaRmlF9Wp84HbtiUixNOeycWMgrh81UKycWoBRcXVVXlqwBIRkWN1S6qW5nrrnoWkEBo/s1600/highlands+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcmNkugAFp-PPdvybjVkMAXYiOuGEyJqOZsIL-44cR2IeTWJaqjGtPgIuExZbHmO1dvJ4ifmpaRmlF9Wp84HbtiUixNOeycWMgrh81UKycWoBRcXVVXlqwBIRkWN1S6qW5nrrnoWkEBo/s320/highlands+1.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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So sorry I've been MIA. But I have a good excuse! I swear!! : )<br />
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Back in May I decided I'd switch gears a bit with my writing, and write a contemporary romance or two or three. Not that I don't love my steampunk/victorian romances, but I needed a bit of a break. You've been living in the past too long when your everyday speech starts sounding odd to friends and family.<br />
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With my decision made, I buckled down and set myself some deadlines. I wanted to have the first of two novels completed and up, with the first one free, by the holiday season. Normally, my steampunk novels are close to 100K words, and getting two books of that length written in six months time would be close to impossible for me--especially when still juggling my biotech classes, book cover business, and lets not forget my family--but the nice thing with contemporary romances is that they're typically only 55-60K words. A far more doable prospect. And it's been really fun if a bit crazy.<br />
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Happy to say, I reached my goal, and finally feel like I can come up for air! Book one, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Highlanders-Hope-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B00A3MPODS/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1">The Highlander's Hope,</a> and book two,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Highland-Home-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B00A3MVBF8/ref=pd_sim_kstore_4"> A Highland Home</a>, are both up now at all venues-- Amazon, B&N (though book 1 is missing its cover-- an issue I'm frantically trying to resolve), iTunes, Kobo, etc. Oh!! And they're written under a new pen name-- Cali MacKay. Given that these are contemporary romances that are sweet, light and fun reads, and rather different to my Calista Taylor stories which tend to have a darker edge, I figured it might be best to keep the two separated. Not that the pen name's a secret-- just a way of easily distinguishing my two writing styles. Of course, I couldn't resist my Scottish heroes, so at least that's the same.<br />
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Oh! And my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Steampunk-Your-Wardrobe-Victorian-Originals/dp/1574214179/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1354109482&sr=8-6&keywords=calista+taylor">steampunk craft book is also now available</a>!! Yeah... a busy few months. ; ) Promise to try and keep things updated more frequently. Thanks for putting up with me!! And don't forget to pick up your copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Highlanders-Hope-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B00A3MPODS/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1">The Highlander's Hope</a>-- it's FREE!!<br />
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Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-34222137879314516822012-04-02T09:19:00.001-04:002012-04-02T09:20:12.831-04:00JACK-- Now Available!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmM2rYN8iGzdHTHxnCyrMHoyIkDTJVGgV1jVHauZwOW0nKTlOP4IUaJoj3CKdtjMGO0bQxxFZaPi2x4MzRP53MtWTDDoBKF6nVC02TgT3dK0sl9YsLgYk-So6_HIk6lA2VuYI_HOPGOk/s1600/Jack3+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmM2rYN8iGzdHTHxnCyrMHoyIkDTJVGgV1jVHauZwOW0nKTlOP4IUaJoj3CKdtjMGO0bQxxFZaPi2x4MzRP53MtWTDDoBKF6nVC02TgT3dK0sl9YsLgYk-So6_HIk6lA2VuYI_HOPGOk/s320/Jack3+small.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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I'm happy to say, JACK is now available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Grim-Reaper-Romance-ebook/dp/B007Q6WLDK/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333338004&sr=1-4">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1109827995?ean=2940014180184&itm=3&usri=calista+taylor">Barnes & Noble</a>! With Jack the Ripper as a grim reaper who's gone rogue, I hope JACK offers a unique take on the murders.<br />
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I know it probably seems odd to combine a romance with the Jack the Ripper mystery and murders, but the story primarily focuses on the romance between the two reapers searching for Jack, while the murders serve as more of a backdrop-- and yet, not all is as it seems. Though this is a story about one of the most famous serial killers, I promise it's not a gore-fest.<br />
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There were some great sites out there that chronicled the Jack the Ripper murders, but most indispensable was <a href="http://www.casebook.org/">Casebook: Jack the Ripper</a>. There was also great info at <a href="http://www.jack-the-ripper.org/">Jack-the-Ripper.org</a> and the <a href="http://www.met.police.uk/history/ripper.htm">Metropolitan Police site</a>.<br />
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Here's a bit of a sample. I do hope you'll enjoy it!!<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> JACK</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">London, August 7, 1888</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">It
was a pity to ruin such perfection with death, but death waited for no one and made
few distinctions. Lilly strolled through
the park that beautiful sunny morning, looking for the reason she’d been drawn
to the area. It didn’t take long for her
to find him, the telltale sign of golden light surrounding the handsome young
man. A perfect day and a perfect life
would both soon come to an end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">She
walked in his direction, the cobbles splattered with the shifting light and
shadows that played through the tree branches.
Then, just within reach, she pretended to stumble. The young gentleman, acting on reflex and instinct,
caught her just as she’d anticipated. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Pardon
me, sir.” Still in his arms, Lilly gave
him a shy smile. A tingling warmth
radiated from her hand as she marked the poor man, the golden light around him
now fading to grey. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 5.0pt; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">She
thanked him for his assistance and then continued down the road with a pang of
regret. With her job now complete, he
would not live longer than a week. It
was always more difficult when they were young and healthy, but she did not
choose who lived or died. She only
carried out Fate’s decisions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">With
her reaps complete, and no longer in the mood to be out in the city, she took
her carriage home with nothing but her thoughts as company for the ride. She had not chosen this life, but it was
better than the alternative of a cold dark grave—though not by much. Even after ten years of bringing death to
unsuspecting souls, she had yet to do more than ignore the guilt that tore her
up inside, and mourn all she’d left behind, her life taken away before she’d
had the chance to fully live it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Daniel,
her footman, let her in and informed her that she had company. “He insisted on waiting for you, m’
lady.” He handed her the man’s calling
card. “I dared not turn him away. He’s in the sitting room.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">She
needed no more than a quick glance at the card to see why. “Some tea, if you would be so kind.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">She
steeled herself with a deep breath, managed a smile, and entered the sitting
room. “Lord Archer. What a pleasant surprise. It’s been too long.” She couldn’t quite keep the sarcasm from her
voice or her heart from racing at the sight of him. It nearly escaped her memory how tall and
handsome the bastard was. Not that he’d
forgotten. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Lilly,
love, certainly we know each other well enough that you can call me by my given
name.” The corners of Mason’s full and
pouty mouth turned up in a hint of a smile, as a dark lock fell casually past
hazel eyes. “I had not thought it
possible for you to look even more beautiful than the last time we met, and yet
I am mistaken.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Lilly
was not wont to believe a single word, given that she no longer aged. She looked no older than twenty three—the age
at which she died—though her facial features had been altered just enough to
give her a new identity. It was a small
protection lest she run into someone she knew from her life amongst the living.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">When
Mason closed the distance between them, she crossed her arms in front of her,
hoping it would offer some protection from his charms. It seemed Mason was the one man she could
seldom resist for long. No matter how
hard she fought it, there was something about him that weakened her defenses. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“What
do you want, Mason? I have no patience
for your games.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“That’s
a pity, my dear, for you know how fun they can be.” He ran a gentle finger down the line of her
cheek. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">She
managed a glare while cursing her body’s reaction to his touch, a tingling heat
that refused to be ignored. “I’m in no
mood, and quite frankly, I’d rather be alone.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Did
you have a difficult day?” His eyes
softened while he took her in, his touch warm as he gently cupped her cheek. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Damn
it, Mason.” She swatted his hand away, frustration getting the better of
her. “I hate it when they’re young. They think they have their whole life ahead
of them, and then I come along and cut that life short.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“You
have too kind a heart, my dear. We do
not make the decisions, even if it’s our duty to carry them out.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">He
leaned in and stole a lingering kiss—and she let him, needing to feel a part of
her fleeting humanity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">His
mood then turned towards the serious. “Unfortunately,
I’m here on a difficult matter, though I’d like nothing more than for us to
pick up where we left off.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Lilly
rubbed her arms to ward off a sudden chill, despite the warm summer air. Mason was not one of the Elders, but had been
around long enough to hold a position of power.
She could not imagine any of his business as chancellor would concern
her, even if she was one of his reapers.
“What is it?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“It’s
Torrington.” He searched her face as he
spoke and it made her wonder why. “Seems
like he’s gotten himself in a bit of trouble and has gone missing. I’m afraid the Elders aren’t happy in the
least, and need him found.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Dark,
brooding, Jack Torrington. Her heart
skipped a beat to hear his name. She had
hoped to find a bit of normalcy with him, yet in the end, both her past and his
had been too much to overcome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Well,
I’ve not seen him in months, and you know well enough that anything I had with
Jack ended years ago.” She held Mason’s
gaze so he’d know she spoke the truth.
The last time she’d drawn the attention of the Elders, she’d barely
survived it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">He
stepped to her side and wrapped an arm around her waist, bending his head
towards hers. “It may have ended, but no
one’s ever been closer to him, and you were also the only one he had… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">relations</i> with on this side of the veil. I need your help, and you know him better
than any of us, love.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">What
did her relations with Jack have to do with the matter? Feeling uneasy, she stepped out of Mason’s
arms and put some distance between them.
“Why are you looking for him? What sort of trouble has he gotten into?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“I’ll
explain while we take my carriage. I’d
not ask if it weren’t necessary, but there’s no way around it, I’m afraid.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“You
want to go now?” Her mind raced through
the possibilities and came up empty. Though
Jack’s dislike for being a reaper was no secret, he was not one to get himself
into any sort of trouble. Indeed the
only time Jack had ever strayed from the rules the Elders set forth was in
order to help her. “Tell me what’s
happened, Mason.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Words
cannot even describe.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">***</span></div>
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<br /></div>Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-80885912871000799502012-02-13T14:42:00.000-05:002012-02-13T14:42:46.547-05:00Using Story Boards for Inspiration (via Pinterest!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/144115256795604305_IQCFmFOS_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/144115256795604305_IQCFmFOS_f.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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I've always kept folders on my computer for pictures I'd come across that reminded me of my characters or books, BUT I recently started to do something a little bit different-- Story Boards!!<br />
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There's something about having a field of pictures laid out in front you, immersing you in a visual experience that calls to your muse. It's even better when it's easy to attach pictures a variety of boards with just a few clicks. My critique partner and writing buddy, <a href="http://jeanoram.com/">Jean Oram</a>, recently turned me on to <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>, and I've gotta say-- it's been revolutionary for me. <br />
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With Pinterest, you download a small file that applies a "Pin it!" button to your browser bar, so whenever you find something to pin, you just click on the button, and you can add it to the board of your choice. How easy is that!! And I'll confess-- I use it for stuff other than storyboards. It really is just an easy way to visually bookmark things.<br />
<br />
The other nice thing about Pinterest is you can follow a picture back to people's boards where you'll find more pictures similar to the original, and also a link back to the original source. This makes it a great way to find new sources for inspiration.<br />
<br />
Within just a week or two, I've put together a story boards for the
manuscripts I'm currently working on, in addition to boards I can use
for inspiration when it comes to writing. I'm a very visual person, so surrounding myself with amazing photos always triggers all sorts of story ideas. The other great thing about a storyboard is it allows me to "see" all the little details in a scene, since I tend to be very sparse when it comes to including descriptions of any sort. By looking at a picture, I can see all the little details that bring a story to life, and I'd likely overlook.<br />
<br />
The photos often come from "pins" others have added to their own Pinterest boards, but other great sources for pictures are <a href="http://tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a> (a sort of visual blog venue), <a href="http://deviantart.com/">Deviantart</a>, and <a href="http://flickr.com/">Flickr</a>. If I'm looking for models that might match up with my characters, I like browsing theFashionisto.com for male models and FashionGoneRogue.com for female models. For visually stunning photos, do a search (Flickr has a great collection) of HDR. This is a photographic technique that results in photos that will blow you away.<br />
<br />
Now for the one drawback with Pinterest. I don't know why-- and I hope it's only a growing pains thing for them-- but their search engine, to put it mildly, sucks. I've tried searching for friends I know are on there, but come up empty handed. And searches for items turn up fewer results than I'd expect. Still, for putting together a story board, quick and easy, it's been amazing, and I've still found more photos than I know what to do with. <br />
<br />
So, I wish you happy pinning!! And if you feel like following me or checking out my Pinterest boards, I can be found <a href="http://pinterest.com/calistataylor/">here</a>! <br />
<br />
<br /></div>Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-48638350735215477422012-01-11T17:11:00.001-05:002012-01-11T17:11:27.794-05:00Kid's Play<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/mQr3cOifnQC*bn61tdKfJSbwLfOgwyS*CzaBWIY2Xazt0QIpxCELLzt5EE7EndcTuYeHRhxyeudKZz8WWUlyMvoTF3NF7m4I/victorianartartistpaintingbyharrybrookerfeedingtime1890approximateoriginalsize28x36.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://api.ning.com/files/mQr3cOifnQC*bn61tdKfJSbwLfOgwyS*CzaBWIY2Xazt0QIpxCELLzt5EE7EndcTuYeHRhxyeudKZz8WWUlyMvoTF3NF7m4I/victorianartartistpaintingbyharrybrookerfeedingtime1890approximateoriginalsize28x36.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Today we're taking a bit of a detour from our normal corsets and discussing the written word. A great friend-- and my critique partner!-- has put together an awesome site about Kid's Play. And really, if you've got young ones running underfoot, what could be better than finding a great way to keep them busy and happy, so that you might even be able to get a bit of writing done?<br />
<br />
So without further ado, I'd like to introduce Jean Oram, creator of It's All Kid's Play.<i> </i><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>You’ve recently
started promoting your blog Kid’s Play, a cool site where parents can find
ideas to keep bored kids happy, occupied and active—and on a tight budget,
no less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a writer of fiction,
did you find it difficult to blog about something non-writing related or
does writing fiction help with the creativity you need for the ideas in
your blog?</i> </li>
</ul>
I think writing fiction has helped
me define my voice. As for creativity, I think all fiction writers are creative
by their very nature. We’ve tuned into that child inside that is constantly
asking ‘why’ and ‘what happens if…” So fiction writing has definitely helped in
that regard.<br />
<br />
As for blogging about non-writing
related things, anything I am interested in, inspired by, or believe in seems
to be fairly easy to write about.<br />
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>Can you tell us
a little bit about Kid’s Play?</i> </li>
</ul>
My website, <a href="http://www.itsallkidsplay.ca/">www.itsallkidsplay.ca</a>, has hundreds of
activities, arts and crafts, games, party ideas, boredom busters, challenges
and other great things for children and families or for people looking to try
“slow parenting” (essentially the opposite of hyper-parenting). <div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Basically, the premise behind the
site is that screen time is taking over many childhoods because it is an easy
way to engage children (that’s how TV shows, computer/video games and movies
are designed). However, as experts are learning, too much screen time is not healthy
for child development as what children engage in shapes their brain and screen
time limits our brain’s plasticity (ability to create connections). Yikes!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the other hand, free play (unstructured, unscheduled play)
has been found to be very healthy for children. It has been found to increase
problem-solving skills, self-esteem, grow personal confidence, increase communication
skills, decrease depression, reduce the risk of obesity, increase resiliency,
and so many other positive things. In fact, play has been recognized by the
United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as the right of every child. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, that’s where It’s All Kid’s Play comes in. It’s a
resource that is a TON of fun for families to help them beat back the boredom
blues and find engaging ways to bring free play back into their lives.<i> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>How do you get
your ideas for your projects and activities?</i> </li>
</ul>
I started this project several years ago when my daughter
was about a year old. I wrote down one thing that I wanted to remember that
seemed cool—she was too young to do it yet. And by the end of three days I had over
200 ideas in that notebook. It seems that one idea comes to me and soon all its
friends want to come and hang out too! (I now have close to 1000.)<br /><div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>What’s one of
your favorite activities?</i> </li>
</ul>
<br />
My favourites are definitely in the
‘tricky challenges’ section. I love the way kids get totally into things like
trying to lick their elbow, touch their nose or chin with their tongue, touch
their elbows behind their back, cross their eyes, wiggle their ears and/or nose.
I used to turn my 4 & 5-year-old class at the library completely wild with
these sorts of challenges before we’d do story time. (Why on earth they
continue to agree to put me in a library, I don’t know! I’m so disruptive!) Before
long we’d be doing things like trying to put our foot behind our head (ouch!)
and suck on our big toe (can still do that one!). I love the energy and
creativity that comes out when kids test what they can do.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>I know you write
adult fiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you thought
about writing children’s books also?</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a partially completed middle grade (for ages 7-10ish)
novel that is about a boy ghost. However, life keeps interfering on completing
that one. I’d like to get back to it though. It’s a fun premise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>It seems like
you have such a knack for coming up with ideas to keep kids busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you have a very creative
childhood?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you think it
did/didn’t have an influence?
</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My own childhood has totally influenced my philosophy on
play as well as my website It’s All Kid’s Play.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I grew up on an acreage/farm on the outskirts of a hamlet
(population 100). While I was lucky to be part of a baby boom (there were 6 of
us girls and 1 boy within 2 years of each other right in town), there were
still periods of boredom where I didn’t know what to do and had to figure out
how to entertain myself. (We didn’t have cable/satellite, internet wasn’t around,
I didn’t have an Atari, and videos weren’t around particularly affordable.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As well, us girls (and Ryan) would get bored doing the same
stuff over and over again and so they’d turn to me to ‘fix’ it. So, I’d write
out a list of things we could play (sounds familiar doesn’t it?) and we’d all
choose something and whatever everyone didn’t mind doing, we’d do! We made some
pretty awesome forts out of the junk on our farm.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>What’s next for
Kid’s Play? </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hopefully it will appear bigger, greater and even more fun in
book form! <crosses fingers and prays to the gods of publishing and all
things wonderful></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>Ice cream
sandwiches or cupcakes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finger
painting or playing in the mud? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pink polka dot elephants or purple
unicorns?</i> </li>
</ul>
Awesome question! I can’t believe you
are going to make me choose!</div>
<div>
Okay, hands down ice cream
sandwiches—one of my all time favourites!</div>
<div>
While I’m always a sucker for
playing in the mud (I make a mean mudpie with pine cone lacing), today I’m in
the mood for finger painting. I love the feel of cool, smooth, wet paint
between my fingers!</div>
<div>
And finally, I’m going to go with
those awesome elephants as I’ve never been a unicorn kind of gal--although I do
recognize their allure.</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>Where can we
find you and all your great ideas?</i></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m all over the place. I must be making up for the lack of screen
time during my youth. ;)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Personal website and blog: <a href="http://www.jeanoram.com/">www.jeanoram.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s All Kid’s Play: <a href="http://www.itsallkidsplay.ca/">www.itsallkidsplay.ca</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Activity blog: <a href="http://www.itsallkidsplay.blogspot.com/">www.itsallkidsplay.blogspot.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Twitter: writing related stuff: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jeanoram">www.twitter.com/jeanoram</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Twitter: Kid’s Play activity of the
day and parenting resources: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/KidsPlay">www.twitter.com/KidsPlay</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Facebook (resources, activity of the day, etc.) for It’s All
Kid’s Play: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Its-All-Kids-Play/310799765624876">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Its-All-Kids-Play/310799765624876</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you so much for having me, Calista! I appreciate it.
Happy playing!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-20872744507946181942011-11-13T18:00:00.001-05:002011-11-13T19:38:18.739-05:00Forever True?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfxp4b960A1qcp6xao1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfxp4b960A1qcp6xao1_500.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As a writer, I most certainly want readers to enjoy my story. With that said, I think there's a difference between writing a story that will make readers happy and writing a story that stays true to the characters and the way the story is meant to unfold. <br />
<br />
I think sometimes it's hard to stay true to our characters, especially when they want to go in a direction that may not make readers happy. As a writer, what do you do? Do you write the story so it'll sell books and keep controversy to a minimum or do you listen to your characters and let them take the lead, even if you don't agree with "their" decisions.<br />
<br />
As a pantser (a type of writer who does not plot things out, but rather writes by the seat of his/her pants), I let my characters take the story where they want to take it. Sometimes it leaves me shaking my head and cringing. The decisions my characters make aren't always the decisions I would have made for them. Sounds silly, right? After all, I'm the one writing the story. And yet... I feel as though I'd be untrue if I wrote something that didn't fit what my character would do, or the decisions she/he would make. I also think there's something to be said for writing the story you want to write, without being influenced by what others will think of you or your story.<br />
<br />
If you've read my book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Viridis-Steampunk-Romance-Mystery-ebook/dp/B005KT028Q/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top">Viridis</a>, there's a scene in there that left me cringing, and you'll likely know the one. Would I have done what Phoebe did? I don't know. But what I do know is that the decision she made was true to her character, based on her fears and emotions at that point in the story. Truth be told, I originally wrote the scene so I would know what Phoebe went through, but had no intentions of putting it in the book, for fear that readers would freak out. However, my agent convinced me otherwise, explaining that Phoebe's reactions to what occurred seemed like an over-reaction if the reader didn't get to see what actually happened. I took her advise and put it in, and though I feel I remained true, sure enough, not all readers have been happy. <br />
<br />
Once more, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Sparrows-Wing-Viridis-ebook/dp/B0062TDI2K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321068576&sr=8-1">Devil on a Sparrow's Wing</a>, book 2 in the series, left me thinking and rethinking the ending. It would certainly be easier to pick an ending that would be less controversial, and yet... any endings other than the one chosen would not have been true to my characters. I can only hope that my readers will know my characters well enough by then, and will understand it was what my characters would have done.<br />
<br />
It isn't easy to stay true, especially when you know they'll be some backlash. But I'm happy that I've stayed true to my characters, even if my story isn't everyone's cup of tea--not to say I won't try to make everyone happy if there's a way to do it and still keep in line with what my characters want. ; )<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>How do you get around this sort of dilemma? Do you find a way to tweak things so everyone's happy, including your characters and your readers, or do you throw caution to the wind and just write your story without giving it any thought?</b></div>Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-88650989292400000182011-11-03T16:47:00.001-04:002011-11-03T16:47:34.855-04:00Devil on a Sparrow's Wing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAkhwCUnmAh-bEhDUWWfaEH7fY4gCG6tpVEQoP_P1tZZuEvIlDGWcWFli3lNl3rWIjaFsI5Pxs5kN2_iJTjXOdHhyRy__5mNxhTh9fR1DJL2ZRxEfJDpCU-lhkIPW2vZCr_fJ9Ut7SV0/s1600/Devil+Book+Cover+glitter+color+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAkhwCUnmAh-bEhDUWWfaEH7fY4gCG6tpVEQoP_P1tZZuEvIlDGWcWFli3lNl3rWIjaFsI5Pxs5kN2_iJTjXOdHhyRy__5mNxhTh9fR1DJL2ZRxEfJDpCU-lhkIPW2vZCr_fJ9Ut7SV0/s320/Devil+Book+Cover+glitter+color+small.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's been a crazy few months, but I feel like I can finally check a couple things off my list. I managed to send my steampunk clothing craftbook to my editor, and also wrapped up edits on the second book in the Viridis series. I'm happy to let you all know that Devil on a Sparrow's Wing is now available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Devil-Sparrows-Wing-Viridis-ebook/dp/B0062TDI2K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320337974&sr=8-1#_">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/101529">Smashwords</a>! Barnes and Noble will also have it available soon, but their upload process takes a while.<br />
<br />
Although this is the second book in the series, it works just as well as a stand alone novel, so no worries if you haven't read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Viridis-Steampunk-Romance-Mystery-ebook/dp/B005KT028Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1320323924&sr=1-1">Viridis</a> yet.<br />
<br />
Not sure if it's for you? Well, I'd never have you buy without a sample! I do hope you'll enjoy.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Devil on a Sparrow's Wing</b></span><br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter One</b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i></i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i>Edinburgh, May 1866</i></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i> </i> </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe stood there at the
helm of Gavin’s airship, arms crossed and her temper up, as Seth argued with
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“It could be dangerous and
I’d rather not have to worry about ye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
cannot concentrate on the matter at hand if I’m distracted by trying to keep ye
safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gavin,” he turned to his friend
for support, “can ye not talk some sense into her?”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Gavin balked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How am I to talk sense into the lass, when
she’s <i>your</i> wife?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A teasing smile
crept across his lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I’ll not have you talking
around me as if I’m not even here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Phoebe’s cheeks flushed with her annoyance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing was more infuriating than having
others make decisions for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And it
makes no difference whose wife I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do
you hear me, Seth Elliott?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wife or no,
I’m still my own person, and I’ll not have you dictating whether or not I’ll be
allowed to go to a meeting regarding <i>my</i> herbal.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Seth ran a hand down her
arm, diffusing some of the tension between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Can ye blame me for wanting to keep you
safe, <i>a ghaoil</i>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course we’re
here because of Sanctis, but it does not change the fact that this could be a
dangerous situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re meeting with
the heads of <i>Am Freiceadan </i>for the first time and I cannot be sure of
the situation<i>.</i>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i>Am Feiceadan</i>, known
as The Watch, was the group responsible for giving Scotland the edge it needed
to win its independence from England, its members notorious for their fighting
prowess. They could also be instrumental in helping the Cause, an underground
movement trying to better the lives and circumstances of London’s poor.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
However, Phoebe was not
swayed by his argument.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“So you think
they’ll assault and murder my person in the middle of the tavern?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyebrows perked up in question.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Gavin finally spoke
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let her come, <i>mo charaid.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No harm will come to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve dealt with these men before, and they
wouldna hurt her, aye?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gavin winked at
Phoebe, and she couldn’t help but smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Besides, she’s liable to get in a world of trouble if we leave her here
alone.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Seth shook his head,
cursing under his breath, accepting defeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Aye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ye can come then.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
As if he had a choice in
the matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phoebe threw her arms around
his neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek, before whispering in his ear with a
nibble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m glad you’ve come to your
senses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I promise, you’ll barely know
I’m there.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“My love, ye could walk
into a room with a hundred other people, and I would instantly know ye’re
there.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His arms went around her waist,
kissing her full on the lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Since I knew
ye’d likely insist on joining us, I’ve made ye a little something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If ye’ll excuse us a moment, Gavin.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Once in their room, Phoebe
watched as Seth rummaged under the bed, returning victoriously with a silk
wrapped package.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He handed it to her
with a grin on his face and a sparkle in his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For you, my love.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
The delicate rose ribbon
fell to the side as she peeled away the cream colored silk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Seth, what have you done?”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Do ye like it?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stepped up behind her to peek over her
shoulder, his body so close, it was all she could do to not lean against
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
She held it up to take a
better look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a leather corset?”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Not <i>just</i> a corset, <i>a
ghaoil</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve designed it to
withstand charges from fuse guns, and even a knife or traditional gun would have
a hard time penetrating it.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
She spun to face him with a
smile upon her lips, his arm going around her waist to hold her close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What would I do without you, my dearest
tinkerer?”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
An eyebrow perked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“One can only imagine.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A laugh escaped him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let me give ye a hand getting into it.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe loved that the
recent months spent in Gavin’s company had Seth’s words falling back to their
more natural Scots, the lilt in his voice melting every fiber in her
being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could hear him talk all day long
and never tire of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Ye see, it can be worn
both under a gown or over it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
knowing ye often travel without a maid, I designed it so it doesna lace like a
traditional corset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ye’ll be able to get
yerself in and out of it with few problems.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He showed her how the corset buckled on each side.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
It was actually quite
heavy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though the exterior was made of a
deep brown leather and the inside was lined with a burgundy silk, there was
another thick layer in between the two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The leather pieces had been riveted together with hundreds of little
brass rivets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite unlike
anything she’d ever seen.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
She went to her wardrobe
and chose a silk burgundy gown with a nicely bustled back, the color
complementing her mahogany locks and porcelain skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seth moved to her side to help her out of the
corset and gown she was currently wearing, but when he started to trail kisses
down her bare shoulder, she forced herself to take a step away from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We will be quite late if you keep up your
antics, my love.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Ye canna blame me,
aye?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seth snaked his arm around her
waist, pulling her close for a kiss.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Could you give me a hand,
please?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ignoring Seth’s look of
disappointment, she slipped into the gown she’d chosen and handed him the
corset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
He wrapped the corset
around her waist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ye see, ye adjust the
buckles like so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start with one side and
then move to the other.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He fastened the
buckles, and then turned her towards the full-length looking glass.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Oh Seth, it really is
stunning.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Ye’re the one that’s
stunning, my love.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
***<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe now sat happily
sandwiched between Seth and Gavin, as Seth maneuvered his steam coach down the
cobbled streets and into the center of Edinburgh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Busier than she had expected, the walkways
were teeming with people coming and going. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
It was quite fascinating to
see the revival the city had undergone, now a tinkerer’s haven, transformed
from its traditional past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much had
been accomplished, and she knew Seth was sorely tempted to move his shop here
and away from London.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe put a hand on his
arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve never seen anything of the
like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps one day we could live
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really would be the perfect place
for you to be tinkering.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Seth glanced at her, his
brow furrowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We couldna do that when
ye have Viridis back in London.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Viridis, Phoebe’s club back
in London, was named for Phoebe’s first herbal concoction, bearing the same
name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much to her surprise, Phoebe and
her drink had taken London by storm and become an instant success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I could always leave it in
someone else’s care, though I’ve no doubt the revolution may very well alter
even the simplest of plans.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Seth glanced away from the
road again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Phoebe, I’d never ask ye to
do such a thing.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I know, love, but we could
always open a second club here, could we not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve never seen a more amazing city.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Phoebe was excited to see all the marvels as she looked around the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Look over there.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phoebe pointed to a large brass and glass
coach dangling from a metal rail as it sped along between the buildings,
leaving a trail of steam dissipating behind it.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
All around them tinkerings
abounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A glass tube on the exterior
of a rakishly tall building carried people up its side, airships dotted the
sky, and towers reached to the heavens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was even an abundance of other steam coaches on the road, in a
multitude of shapes and sizes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
ride through Edinburgh was remarkable, but it was not long before they arrived
at the tavern where their meeting was to take place.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Here ye are, love.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gavin gave Phoebe a hand out of the steam
coach as Seth came around to join them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Seth tucked her hand in the
crook of his elbow, his eyes alight as he took her in, his touch
lingering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are ye ready, my love?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seth’s voice held a hoarse edge of need,
making her want to abandon the meeting all together and drag him back to the
airship.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I am.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
He leaned down and kissed
her quickly, before turning his attention to Gavin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“This is yers, aye?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ye’ve had dealings with them before, and it’ll
probably be best if ye do most of the talking.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Gavin gave Seth a quick nod
in answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Aye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will do.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
They followed Gavin into
the tavern, and after a preliminary glance around, headed to the back of the
room where two men stood upon seeing their approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
One man couldn’t have been
more than thirty-five, strong and fair of face, with an unruly thatch of red
hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other man had to be in his
late forties, with a weathered face and brown hair streaked with grey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing that caught Phoebe’s attention,
however, was the tinkering the man wore in place of his left arm, the
shirtsleeve rolled up and out of the way to allow for the metal joints and
mechanics to operate freely. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
It was remarkable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like nothing she’d ever seen before, it was
difficult to not look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hand was made
of wood and metal, each joint articulated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fingers moved independently from each other, most likely by a series
of thin wires and pulleys hidden within, if she were to guess based on its
movement. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Neither looked like the
type of man you’d want to go up against in a fight, good hand or not, and both
men were kilted in their plaids, as were Seth and Gavin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since Scotland had gained its sovereignty
from England, the kilt had become a symbol of pride and independence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe had never seen
Gavin, a full-blooded highlander, in anything but a kilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seth, who happened to be half Scot, normally
wore breeches when in London, but when he came north, he always wore the tartan
of his mother’s clan—and there was something about seeing him in a kilt, tall
and strong, that made her heart race.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Gavin made the
introductions, starting with the older of the two men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Niall Campbell and Conall MacAllister, I’d
like to introduce ye to Seth Elliott and his wife, Lady Phoebe Hughes Elliott.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
The men shook Seth’s hand,
and then turned their attention to Phoebe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Niall took her hand with his good one and bowed over it, but Conall was
far more forward, kissing her hand with a lingering touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe blushed, and though
she felt Seth shift at her side, she hoped he’d not make a fuss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could ruin their chances to secure help
for the Cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the revolution
looking as if it might erupt at any moment, they desperately needed to secure
weapons and men if the Cause was to be successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Pulling out a chair for
Phoebe, Seth took the seat next to her, Gavin once again sitting on her other
side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They ordered a round of ale for
all, still too early for a meal.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Conall smiled at
Phoebe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s a pleasure to finally meet
ye, m’ lady, though I’ll admit, I hadna </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
expected the creator of such a
revolutionary herbal to also be one of such beauty.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes ran over her figure before flicking
over to Seth for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yer husband
is a verra lucky man.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe’s back stiffened,
not quite sure how to react, but before she could speak, Gavin came to her
rescue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Conall, it’d be greatly
appreciated if ye’d stop being a shite and concentrate on the matter at hand,
aye?” </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Conall let out a hearty
laugh, giving Phoebe and Seth a bow of his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My apologies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I meant no offense.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Niall glared at Conall,
before continuing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ye’ll have to
forgive my companion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems he lost
his manners when he crawled out of the gutter this morning.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Niall shifted in his seat
before continuing, his eyes now focused on their group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d like to get to the matter at hand, and
will speak frankly with ye, aye?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
group fully supports what the Cause is doing but I’m afraid we canna get involved
in another war with England if it willna benefit us in some way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Holding up his mechanical hand, he added,
“The cost of it is still too fresh in the minds of those who were there.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Aye,” Gavin added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’d not be bothering ye if we didna have
something to offer in return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we
spoke, I told ye about the herbal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’d
be willing to exchange ten barrels for yer help in the way of arms and
experienced men.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Conall motioned to
Phoebe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If the lady would be so kind to
explain the effects of the herbal— Sanctis, is it?— it would aid us in our
decision.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s an herbal elixir that’s mixed with spirits, and derived from an
alteration of my formula for Viridis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are you familiar with Viridis, sirs?”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
It was quite obvious by
Niall’s blush, if such a man could, and by the smile tugging at Conall’s lips,
that they had at the least heard the rumors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was Conall that answered her question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If ye wouldna mind telling us about it, it’d
be much appreciated.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Ignoring the men’s
reactions, Phoebe continued, very matter of fact. “Viridis is derived from a combination
of herbal extracts, and tends to leave one with a feeling of euphoria while
sensitizing the skin.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would not add
that the rumors were indeed true, and that when taken in its undiluted form, an
orgasm could be brought on by a single kiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span> </span>Niall’s blush now extended to the rest of his
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And the difference between
Viridis and Sanctis?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“The alteration to the
original formula resulted in an enhancement of the senses, sight and sound
being primarily affected, though you probably would not want to experience any
extremes in temperature.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tucked a
stray curl behind her ear before continuing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I was able to eliminate most of the skin sensitivity and euphoria
inherent in Viridis, though not completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You may also experience an increase in strength and stamina, though it
tends to come about once you’ve used it repeatedly.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Niall sat forward, running
his hand over his chin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Are there any
unwanted effects that ye ken of?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
hate for my men to drop like flies, aye?”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe shook her head,
no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not that I’m aware.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot say for sure, though I doubt it
would cause anyone to drop, as you so put it, like a fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The herbal is still relatively new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Viridis does not have any unwanted effects,
and I’d be tempted to say the same will prove true of Sanctis, based on the
fact that they are similarly derived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
brought some with me, if you would like to try it firsthand.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Niall nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We would love for ye to join us in a
drink.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phoebe knew it was his polite
way of ensuring they would not be poisoned, and could not help but smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Seth reached into his
leather bag, and pulled out a dark blue bottle as Niall waved to the serving
girl for some glasses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The empty glasses
were placed on the table along with the ale they had ordered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seth poured out a small amount of Sanctis as
Phoebe passed out the drink.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Gavin lifted his glass. “To
a successful partnership.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Niall, nodded his head in
their direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“May the gods be
willing.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
They all drank the herbal,
conversation drifting to nothing of importance as they waited for the herbal to
take effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did not take long— no
more than ten minutes— when Phoebe noticed her eyesight had sharpened and she
could now hear things clear across the tavern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even the taste of her ale seemed more pronounce, the hops and yeast
distinct in their flavors.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I’ll be damned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It actually works.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conall tilted his head to the side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ye can sort of focus on what ye wanna hear,
aye?”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Gavin nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It takes a little getting used to, but ye’ll
have it down in no time.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Aye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how long does it last?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do ye ken?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Niall was looking at the liquid remaining in his glass.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe answered him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It depends on the quantity you’ve had and
whether or not the drink has been diluted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At its full strength, I’d say two ounces of Sanctis should keep the
effect going for close to two hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you cut it by half, you’ll cut its effectiveness and longevity by half.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Niall nodded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d be willing to send two hundred weapons
with ammunition— the latest tinkerings, mind— and another twenty men, all well
trained and capable of training others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What do ye say?”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Gavin gave it a minute and
then said, “Make it two fifty and twenty five, and ye’ll have yerself a deal.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Aye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Agreed, if ye’ll also throw in two barrels of
Viridis.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Agreed.”</div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">***<br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
</div>Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-67118342943204294802011-10-11T23:41:00.000-04:002011-10-11T23:41:05.452-04:00FREE!! And What That Might Mean<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbE1eQn_u3-qfbWd_dMnCNjOnXpPUlhXhd-lbig6se5hB9aTDEDjmmrU827aFsBcCiNkuThwy5BhhYvkYATslTUTQiALC7ZK_ZcuCk1e0LjaoEQlZuXsGkv-NbHqfHKTWBW17YzH7NF-o/s1600/Portrait-of-Princess-Marthe-Lucile-Bibesco-1911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbE1eQn_u3-qfbWd_dMnCNjOnXpPUlhXhd-lbig6se5hB9aTDEDjmmrU827aFsBcCiNkuThwy5BhhYvkYATslTUTQiALC7ZK_ZcuCk1e0LjaoEQlZuXsGkv-NbHqfHKTWBW17YzH7NF-o/s400/Portrait-of-Princess-Marthe-Lucile-Bibesco-1911.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It is with a great deal of excitement that I write this post. As of late this afternoon, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Viridis-%E2%80%8BThe-Series-ebook/dp/B005KT028Q%E2%80%8B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=131837%E2%80%8B2201&sr=8-1">Viridis is now free on Amazon</a>!! I can't tell you how excited I am! I'll admit, I was worried that if Amazon didn't make Viridis free, then my marketing strategy for this series would have been sunk. It was a risk I was willing to take, and it now appears to be paying off.<br />
<br />
I know that offering a book for free is still controversial. Some argue that it devalues the book and my work. However, I'm willing to take that risk if it means more people will download my book, and then perhaps enjoy it enough to want to purchase the second. This means getting Viridis into the hands of as many people as possible. Does that mean everyone will read it? Doubtful. But I do think the number of people that will download it and read it now that it's free, will outweigh the number of those that would purchase the book at a price and read it.<br />
<br />
And so far the numbers are encouraging, and lead me to believe it was a risk worth taking. On Sept 1, I uploaded Viridis onto Amazon and sold, at $.99, approximately 114 copies. This evening, Viridis went free on Amazon, and in the last 4.5 hours there have been 123 copies downloaded. I have to say, I'm blown away by the difference in numbers, and if getting the first book into the hands of readers is key in getting them to buy the second, then I think going free, especially as an unknown author, is the way to go-- for me at least.<br />
<br />
Can't wait to see how this all plays out! And for those interested in reading the second book in the series, Devil on a Sparrow's Wing, it should be out in just a few weeks. There was a bit of a delay when I had a plot epiphany. Gotta love it when that happens! : ) <br />
<br />
</div>Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-5392991014983945822011-09-06T07:25:00.000-04:002011-09-30T15:17:38.827-04:00Viridis is Up & a Word on Pricing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://labellefilleart.tumblr.com/photo/1280/7532949313/1/tumblr_lo7c4gt9xQ1qizpqv" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://labellefilleart.tumblr.com/photo/1280/7532949313/1/tumblr_lo7c4gt9xQ1qizpqv" width="312" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm excited to announce that Viridis is now available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Viridis-The-Series-ebook/dp/B005KT028Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1315239363&sr=1-1">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/85710">Smashwords</a> (why oh why are you taking so long, B&N? Update: Finally up at <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Viridis-A-Steampunk-Romance/Calista-Taylor/e/2940011506048">B&N</a>!! And now it's FREE!).<br />
<br />
It's currently FREE on Smashwords, though it's still .99 on Amazon. If you're not familiar with Amazon's pricing policy, I'll try my best to explain it as I understand it. See, you can't actually price an ebook for free on Amazon, even though there are plenty of free books on their site. If you want your book to be free, you need to price it free elsewhere, and then hope Amazon "decides" to make your book free in an effort to match the lower price. There's no guarantee it'll happen though.<br />
<br />
I thought long and hard about how to approach pricing. There are many schools of thought on pricing an ebook. Some feel that writing the book took time and effort, and should be priced accordingly, even if it's a selfpub'd ebook. Others feel that price is a marketing tool, and use it to their advantage.<br />
<br />
As an unknown author, I don't expect someone to pay a price equivalent to that of traditionally published books. It's just too great a risk for someone to take with their hard earned cash. Does it mean the book isn't worth that price? Of course not, but I think it's a realistic view about people's buying habits.<br />
<br />
Then there's pricing the book for under $5. I think this is a good option if you have a huge audience to market to, and have the time to really market it hardcore.<br />
<br />
Instead, I'm taking the drug dealer approach. I'm giving the reader a sample of my writing by offering the first book for free, and hoping they'll like it enough to buy the second book in the series, and then the third, etc. I debated putting it out there for .99 (and did for about 24 hours), to see if there would be a perceived value or incentive in getting the reader to actually read the book if they paid a small amount for it. However, after talking to <a href="http://www.ruthcardello.com/">Ruth Cardello</a> about her success with offering the first book for free, and then charging for the second book, I decided to offer Viridis for free. Since May, Ruth has had over 200,000 downloads of her free book, and is averaging approximately 200 purchases of her second book a DAY since she published it just a few weeks ago. Can't argue with those numbers, though I'd be happy to just do a percentage of those figures.<br />
<br />
So there you have it! Viridis is now published and available for your entertainment pleasure. And with luck, it will soon be available on Amazon for free. If you do take the time to download and read it, I hope you'll enjoy it. <br />
<br /></div>
Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-56656934335463594292011-08-26T10:20:00.000-04:002011-08-26T17:40:19.415-04:00Viridis-- A Sneak Peek!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyiZhdrQ5gyeIautdbSWFVaoAhBkW3J5U7FmkN_qDvOLuF3HlxoLqv3u-9QB7v9ExQlyr7yw2bs87lmlZ7OPq4NZVRfG3k5IWX7gDmOoWLUMl9lJ5UpkciFyP3cMPELCrNc4hIYEX1CQ/s1600/Viridis+cover+updo+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyiZhdrQ5gyeIautdbSWFVaoAhBkW3J5U7FmkN_qDvOLuF3HlxoLqv3u-9QB7v9ExQlyr7yw2bs87lmlZ7OPq4NZVRfG3k5IWX7gDmOoWLUMl9lJ5UpkciFyP3cMPELCrNc4hIYEX1CQ/s400/Viridis+cover+updo+closeup.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm still planning on e-publishing <i><b>Viridis</b></i> in the upcoming weeks, but wanted to give you a sneak peek. Above is also the final cover. It feels like this has been a long journey, and I'll admit, I'm a bit nervous to take this next step. Can't move forward though if you're not willing to take a risk. I do hope you'll enjoy. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Viridis</b></i> by Calista Taylor</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chapter One</b></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i>London, January 1866</i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
The body lay as it
had fallen, the man’s limbs bent at awkward angles. Holding the lantern out to shed light onto
the scene, Inspector William Thomas crouched down, careful to avoid the pool of
blood that had frozen onto the cobbles.
Shifting the body over, he made note that the blood beneath had not yet had
a chance to ice. The man couldn’t have
been dead more than a few hours. Any
longer, and he’d have been stripped of any valuables, the harsh cold being the
only thing to keep the street urchins at bay thus far.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Looking around the
dark alley, there was little evidence to be had, other than the body
itself. No signs that a struggle had
ensued. Nothing left behind. It must have been done quick and with
surprise, since a young man like this would be apt to put up a fight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Even through the dim
flickering lantern light, William was able to identify the killing blow as
having come from a fuse gun, the burn in the fabric and the hole of singed
flesh all the evidence he needed. At
least his death would have come quick, a small mercy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
The man’s face had
frozen into one of shock. It was still a
beautiful face even in death, framed by locks of gold, youthful, with a strong
jaw.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Someone would be
missing this man come morning. By the
cut and quality of the cloth he wore, it was certain this was a man of
wealth. The poor went missing and dead
too often for most to notice or care. It
was a cruel injustice, but that did not change the reality of the matter.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Do we have any
identification?” William turned to the
constable who had found the body during his rounds.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“That we do, Inspector, and
it’s not likely you’re going to have an easy night of it. According to the calling card found on his
person, this is Lord Niles Hawthorne.”
The constable handed it to him. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“A bit out of his way to be
wandering into this part of town. More
than likely he’d been over to Viridis.
No other reason to be in this part of the city.” </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Viridis was a dinner
theatre and club offering a drink by the same name. Lady Phoebe Hughes had developed the strong
distillation from a variety of plant essences, and as of late, more and more of
London’s elite were turning to the newly developed herbal for refreshment and
escape. Viridis offered all the best
traits of intoxication—and then some— with none of the undesirable side effects. Indeed, the club Viridis had been designed
with London’s elite in mind, offering them not only a fashionable and
entertaining destination, but also one that managed to retain a sense of
respectability and decorum, despite the nature of the herbal, which once
consumed, was rumored to have the effect of an aphrodisiac. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
William could see the
attraction. Physically, the herbal did
not make one susceptible to dependency.
However, that was not to say one did not develop a mental predilection
for the euphoria and heightened senses it brought on, both mentally and
physically. And it was the physical
effect of the drink that attracted so many followers. It was rumored that when
Viridis was taken in its undiluted form, an orgasm could be brought on by a
single kiss.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
With so many of influence
frequenting the club, the local authorities had been willing to overlook its
rather salacious, yet tasteful reputation, but with a murder only blocks from
Viridis’ doorsteps, William would need to take a much closer look at the club
and its proprietress.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
It was high time William
paid Lady Phoebe Hughes a visit.</div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter Two</b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Lady Phoebe Hughes moved
through the club, greeting her customers and making sure they were enjoying
themselves. The second show of the
night— far more risqué than anything else in London— had just gotten underway
and nearly all the tables were filled with London’s elite, men and women
alike. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
She had made the club as
extravagant as time and money had allowed— gilded chandeliers above, rococo
carved furnishings, and exquisite Persian rugs below— offering the nobility of
London a place to come and dine while watching a bit of entertainment, not too
unlike what one would find in Paris.
Though the theater and show allowed the ladies some semblance of an
acceptable façade, the true reason they came was for her herbal concoction,
Viridis, which had become all the rage among London society.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Though she had originally
developed the herbal to lift one’s mood, she had not anticipated the scope of
its effects. Once consumed, it induced a certain euphoria, heightening the
senses and making skin sensitive to the touch, leaving a person acutely aware
of their carnal needs. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Satisfied that things were running smoothly,
Phoebe headed to the Sanctorum—a private area reserved for her best customers,
connected to the front of the club by a wide corridor.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>She had spared no expense in this room, and though it had been
dear, it had paid for itself in short time.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b> Reminiscent of a gentlemen’s
club, the Sanctorum was a large sitting room, comfortably outfitted with plenty
of areas for relaxation<span style="color: #0033cc;">, </span>including large
comfortable chairs and<span style="color: #0033cc;"> </span>a roaring fire, which
bathed everything in a gilded light. It
was a casual atmosphere affording a more intimate environment away from the
theater. It was in this private area that her most elite customers congregated,
and though the theatergoers had access to Viridis, it was only in this part of
the club that one gained access to the stronger version of the drink. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Beyond the Sanctorum,
Phoebe had added yet another area which housed private rooms, enabling one to
seek a clandestine rendezvous. The entrance was hidden by an optical diffuser,
a tinkering that allowed one to pass through unnoticed. She thought of the tinkerer who’d drawn up
the original plans for the diffuser, and her heart ached at the memory of
him. He had left over a year ago, and
she’d been forced to hire another tinkerer to build it. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0033cc;"> </span></b><span style="color: #0033cc;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
A long mahogany bar
occupied the far corner of the sitting room and was currently being run by her
younger brother, Gabriel, who chatted with his patrons, entertaining them as he
poured their drinks. He was the only
family she had left. Their mother had
died when she had been just ten, with her father dying several years later of a
broken heart. Then there was their
sister, Imogene, gone just over a year.
They only had each other now. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
He nodded to her in
acknowledgment, and she could not help but smile at his handsome face. Just a few years younger than herself at
three and twenty, running the club would have been impossible if not for his
constant help. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
She approached the bar with
a smile, but grew wary when her brother’s eyes darted around the room, a sigh
escaping his lips. “What is it, love?” </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Gabriel reached out and
gave her hand a quick squeeze.
“Phoebe…” He gave his head a
shake, then looked up at her with a hint of smile. “There’s someone here to see you.” He motioned with a tilt of the head and a
sparkle in his eyes to the gentleman sitting by the fire. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Though the man’s back was
to her and she could only see his luscious chestnut locks, she knew, without a
single doubt in her mind, that it was he.
It had been over a year since she had last seen him, over a year since
his duty to the Cause had called him away. And now he was here. Her tinkerer.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Her chest tightened and her
heart picked up its pace, thundering away against her ribcage. She glanced at Gabriel, steeled herself with
a deep breath, and moved across the room on wobbly legs, her pulse deafening
inside her head. She closed the distance
between them quickly, scarcely acknowledging the friendly greetings of her
regular customers as she passed, her focus on him complete.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
She reached out, her hand
hovering above his shoulder, not sure she could touch him without having her
heart stop. Before she could muster the
courage, he turned around, his eyes locking on hers.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Phoebe.” He stood to greet her, but took no more than
a step towards her.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Seth.” Her mouth had suddenly gone dry, her heart
tripping over itself. How she wished he
didn’t have this affect on her. “I hadn’t
realized you had returned.” She was
barely able to get the words out.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Just this morning. Please, sit with me. It’s been too long.” He motioned to the vacant chair across from
him, sitting back in his own. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe fell into the chair
before her legs gave out, her corset the only thing keeping her upright. She was unable to look at him without being
flooded with memories of their nights together, of his touch, and of the dark
days after her sister’s death when no one—not even Seth—could reach her. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Soon after their father’s
death, Imogene had become plagued by melancholy and Phoebe had spent countless
hours in her father’s abandoned laboratory, desperate to develop an herbal cure
that would help her save her.
Unfortunately, Phoebe’s breakthrough had come only months too late. By
the time the formula had been perfected, Imogene had already taken her own life.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“You look beautiful, Phoebe.” He moved to the edge of his chair, and
reached out to take her hand in his. “Do
you know how I’ve missed you? There
wasn’t a day that went by when I didn’t think of you.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Though she wanted nothing
more than to sink into his arms and forget how desperately alone she’d been
this last year, she yanked her hand away, her anger and hurt getting the best
of her. “How dare you! How dare you say
you’ve missed me. You left me, Seth. Left me when I needed you most.” All of
the emotions she’d kept bottled up for so long came flooding back, and she had
to blink away the tears that threatened. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
He flinched at her
words. “You know that’s not the reality of
it. It killed me to leave you the way I
did.” He reached out to her again, but
stopped just short of touching her.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“My sister had just died,
but your assignment for the Cause took precedence. It always has, and I know
now that it always will— which is fine, but let’s not pretend, Seth. I know
your priorities.” </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Phoebe, <i>please</i>. I would have stayed if I could have, but you
know I was the only one who could have fixed the geostat on such short notice.
You know how important it was to get it back up and running.” </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Seth was a brilliant
tinkerer—one of the many reasons Phoebe had fallen in love with him. The
geostat was one of Seth’s most innovative tinkerings, bringing much needed
income to the Cause by making the mining of the arctic Outlands a
possibility. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Controlled by the Cause,
the Outlands were located so far to the north that water and land iced to
become one. While the earth in the
Outlands was rich, the severe weather conditions had made mining previously
impossible. Only Seth’s geostat was
capable of digging through the hardest earth and working in the harshest
conditions. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Tinkerers were incredibly
important to the Cause, for it was through their innovations that they sought
to better the lives of the people, working for the good of all mankind.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>Though she had always done all she
could to help the Cause, Phoebe did not always agree with the methods and
demands made by those running things, and felt they often asked too much from
those willing to help—too much from men like Seth.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Seth got out of his seat
and knelt in front of her, pulling her fighting hands into his. Phoebe allowed herself a moment to really look
at him. His hair was disheveled, longer
than he usually wore it, and he had lost some weight since she had last seen
him, his muscular form now leaner, more hardened than it had been when he’d
left. But his eyes were still the deep
blue-green of a tropical lagoon, intelligent and kind, promising far too much.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
How she wanted to just
throw her arms around his neck and bury herself in his warmth, breathe in his
scent. But she feared it would always
end the same way, with him abandoning her to go save the world. So she held fast to her convictions, and
gingerly removed her hands from his. “I do not know if I can do this
again. Things have changed since you
left.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
He retreated to his chair,
giving her the space she needed.
“Yes. I can see that. Congratulations on your success. It’s well deserved. I know how hard you worked on it.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Thank you. You know, it probably would have never
happened if it hadn’t been for your help.
Have you had a chance to try it?
It’s quite good actually.” She
gave him a bit of a smile, as the initial shock of seeing him wore off and her
heart slowed its gallop. She told
herself she would be fine if she could only manage to avoid discussing their
relationship.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Not yet, but I was hoping
you would join me.” He raised his
eyebrows in question. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Of course.” Phoebe caught the attention of one of her
girls. “From my private reserve,
please.” She could not help but notice Seth’s eyes go wide for just a moment as
he took in the girl’s uniform before quickly looking away, a blush creeping
across his cheeks. Though the waitress’s
outfits were tasteful and elegant, they did run towards the provocative.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
With the girl gone, they
sat in silence, just taking in one another while they waited, getting used to
being in each other’s company once again.
It was not long before the young woman returned, wheeling a small cart
before her. She greeted them with a
small curtsey<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">. </b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Thank you, Maggie,” Phoebe
said, by way of dismissal. She picked
up the small, dark green bottle and poured a thimble-sized amount into two
slender crystal glasses. The liquid was
slightly viscous, and just the palest of greens. “From my own personal supply. Normally we dilute the strength, and though
this still isn’t at full concentration, it’s not too far from it.” Handing him a glass, she said, “Welcome back,
Seth.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
He lifted his glass to
hers, and she watched as he took a tentative sip. “You are right. It is quite good.” He took another sip, and then smiled. “A little different from your earlier formulations.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe thanked him before
bringing her own drink to her lips. There was only a hint of bitterness, with
dominant notes of citrus and herb. It
was slightly sweet, and it went down with an alcoholic burn that sent a warm
heat through her body. She did not often
drink Viridis herself. <br />
Although the side
effects of the drink were limited, it did seem to make one susceptible to an
overly rosy view of things, and the other lustier characteristics of the herbal
did not lend themselves overly when one did not have an outlet for release<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.</b>
She knew that in ten minutes time that heat would turn into a mellow
euphoria, sending tingles across her skin, leaving it sensitive enough that the
mere breath of one’s lover could ignite passions.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> “</b>So are you going to tell me
of your adventures? It must have been
exciting over in the Outlands.” When he
was assigned the mission, she’d begged him to take her with him, wanting only
to escape her anguish over her sister’s death, but he had refused, claiming the
conditions to be too harsh for her to endure.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I wouldn’t have called it
exciting. Nothing but metal and grime,
barely another soul to be found. It’s
just too cold for most humans and even the steam techs have problems when they
go up to the surface for any length of time.
Actually, it was Gavin that brought me back on his airship. He sends his regards.” </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Gavin?” Though she could not help but smile at the
thought of their dear friend, she also could not stop her pulse from picking up
its pace. When he had last visited her some six months ago, their visit had
ended badly. “It’s been months since I
saw him last. I do hope he’s well. He’s always taking on such dangerous cargo
runs. I always fear he’ll run into some
difficulty.” </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Fearless and accomplished,
Gavin flew when others refused—whether it be horrible weather conditions,
territories at war or precious cargo—he was one of the most sought after
airship captains. Gavin never shied away from a perilous situation, and had a
knack for always landing on his feet. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“He always manages, does he
not?”<span style="color: #0033cc;"> </span>Seth said with a smile. “He’ll be
staying in London for a bit, so I trust he’ll show up around here at some point
or another. Seth took another sip of his
drink and then gave his head a shake.
“This is something powerful, Phoebe.
No wonder you cut its strength,” he said, his eyes intense, sparkling. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe nodded in agreement,
feeling her shoulders relax. Drinking Viridis with Seth probably wasn’t the
wisest of decisions. Inventing the drink had not made her immune to its
effects, and Phoebe felt her resolve to keep her distance from him melting
away. The room was suddenly much too warm, her garments far too restrictive,
and her breath so shallow she felt she might faint. Each pounding beat of her
heart sent a pulse of need through her very core. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I’ve missed you, Seth.” The words were out
before she could stop herself. She inwardly scolded herself for being weak and
looked down at the glass in her hands.
“You could have written, you know.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
He sat forward on the edge
of his seat, only a breath away. “By the
gods, Phoebe, do ye not think I would have written or called if it were at all
a possibility? You know the Aether is
weak that far north, making communication an impossibility.” A faint Scottish lilt crept into his voice,
as it always did when his emotions were running high or when he let his guard
down. How she had missed it. The pain in his voice and the pleading in
his eyes tore at her defenses, and she reached for his hand as he asked, “Do ye
not know how hard it was to leave ye here?”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Is this gentleman
bothering you, Phoebe?” A cold, familiar
voice came from behind them, cutting through the warm effects of the Viridis,
sending a shard of panic through her heart.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Victor,” she stood and
forced a smile. “Thank you, but no. Everything is fine here.” </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
The last person she wanted
to see was Lord Victor Fenwick— especially with Seth present. In Seth’s
absence, Phoebe had no other amorous ties, and Victor had started courting her
soon after she opened her club, even going as far as asking Gabriel for her
hand in marriage. Gabriel had made it
clear it was her decision to make, which only made Victor more persistent in
his pursuit.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Seth also stood, the crease
in his brow making it clear he was unhappy about the interruption. Phoebe made the introductions. “Lord Victor Fenwick, Mr.<span style="color: blue;"> </span>Seth Elliott.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Though they were both exceptionally handsome, they couldn’t have been
more different. Seth was tall, lean and muscular. His dark hair was long enough
to brush his collar, his strong jaw clean-shaven. Though not born into a family
of wealth, Seth’s brilliant work as a philanthropist and tinkerer had elevated
his status in society—one of the reasons the Cause found him so valuable <br />
Where
Seth was tall, dark, and lean, Victor was shorter and brawnier of build, his
strong cheekbones framed by his well-trimmed blonde beard. As part of a family
prominent in London society, Victor was more concerned with wealth, status, and
power than the well-being of others. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
The two gentlemen glowered
at one another, towering over Phoebe’s petite frame like two dogs fighting over
their turf. Victor spoke first, his
voice a growl. “I have not seen you at
Viridis before, Mr. Elliott. I must
confess to spending a fair amount of time here, as I’m never able to go very
long without paying dear Phoebe a visit.”</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Seth smiled at Victor, his
gaze sharp and unwavering. “It is true.
I have only just returned from a trip abroad, though I consider myself
lucky to be familiar with both Phoebe and her curious herbal, having had the
pleasure of helping her with her endeavor.”
Turning to Phoebe with a smile, he took her hand in his. “Indeed I do not think I’ll ever forget the
effect that very first batch had on me— or you as I recall<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.”</b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Phoebe blushed crimson at
the memory. Indeed, it was that first
batch that led to the discovery of the true effects of Viridis and the rumor
amongst London society that the herbal could bring on an orgasm with a single
kiss. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
When Gabriel waved her
over, she was relieved to have an excuse to leave. Between the effects of the drink, the
memories of Seth, and the two men hovering over her, it was all too much for
her to handle. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I’m terribly sorry, but my
brother is hailing me. If you will both
excuse me, I do hope you will enjoy the rest of your evening.” Then without waiting for a response, she
walked back to the bar on still-wobbly legs<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">.</b></div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“That was looking like a precarious situation
you had gotten yourself into.” Gabriel
gave her a crooked smile, making him all the more handsome, his dark curls
bringing out the blue of his eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I cannot thank you enough
for your help. I think it has left me
feeling a bit drained, though. I’m going
to retire for the evening, if you think you can manage things here.” </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“You know that’s never a
problem, love. Truth of the matter is,
you have the place so well-staffed, it could run itself without either of us
here. Your escape, however, might not be
so easily made.” He motioned behind her
with his chin. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
She turned just in time to
see Seth approaching, her pulse becoming erratic as he neared. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Let me at least see you
home, Phoebe.” The gentle pleading in
his voice tore at her few remaining defenses. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Victor stood where she’d
left him, his thick arms folded across his chest, his mouth set into a thin
line. But her attention strayed only for
a moment— Seth was too close, his scent too familiar. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Unable to resist him any
longer, she gave Seth a nod of agreement, despite the fact that she could still
feel Victor’s gaze upon her. She knew he
was not a man she should anger, but she had never returned his advances, though
he was always showing up at the club, bringing her small gifts. Perhaps this would finally make it clear that
she had no interest in him romantically, even if she felt just a little guilty,
wondering if she had inadvertently encouraged him in some way. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: 200%;">
Seth took her hand in his,
his touch pulling her from her thoughts. He brought it to his lips before
tucking it in the crook of his elbow, a smile on his face, his eyes dancing in
the dim lamplight. Her pulse raced as
she walked out of the room on his arm, hoping she would not later regret her
decision, for even though she had not said a word, already she could feel her
heart surrendering to him. </div>
</div>
Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-72421062049643702122011-07-29T14:34:00.001-04:002011-07-29T14:44:23.480-04:00A Lemons to Lemonade Experiment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTPmWbx9WK2-AuCvXBwOZgjsWlXaBJLWnEELKws_2pG7NJ0FfFGeyF2PetIR0XjyIdwo9zlx_Ra_lf0VzW2xmO4muEigcSP9rbKX0V1cu5qxUDV7VvpaYSd8RS_bolDpQ13nNSB-1_kA/s1600/Viridis+cover+updo+elixer+for+Amazon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRTPmWbx9WK2-AuCvXBwOZgjsWlXaBJLWnEELKws_2pG7NJ0FfFGeyF2PetIR0XjyIdwo9zlx_Ra_lf0VzW2xmO4muEigcSP9rbKX0V1cu5qxUDV7VvpaYSd8RS_bolDpQ13nNSB-1_kA/s400/Viridis+cover+updo+elixer+for+Amazon.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<br />
It's not exactly news that the publishing industry is going through some major changes as ebooks and ereaders gain in popularity and sales. E-publishing today is a far cry from what self publishing was, even just a few years ago. In the past, it was very difficult to achieve sales, primarily because the deck was stacked against you. Not only did you not have name recognition and a following, but the price of a self published book was equal or higher than that of a book published by a mainstream publisher.<br />
<br />
Enter the E-book. By epublishing, you're given a very powerful tool. And that tool is price. Most readers won't risk $10-$15 of their hard earned cash on an unknown self published author, however the risk is negligible with a free or moderately priced ebook. Readers don't mind taking a chance if all they're risking is a dollar or two.<br />
<br />
About two years ago, my steampunk romance/mystery novel was out on the first round of submissions. We were getting some great feedback from editors and even made it to acquisitions and second reads on several occasions. Unfortunately, many of the big publishers felt that steampunk romance was just a bit too "out there" for a mainstream audience, and didn't want to take the risk. It was disappointing, but we'd only gone out to a small handful of publishers and there were many more. Then came a hard blow-- the agency I was with decided to switch exclusively to YA, MG and children's books, and I suddenly found myself without an agent, and with a book that had already been partially submitted. This meant there was no chance another agent would bother with it. And I even had the sequel written. Two books, down the tubes.<br />
<br />
And then the rise of ebooks!! So, here is where my experiment begins. I have two books collecting dust, and I'm now thinking, "Why not?" At the least, maybe I'll get a few more followers just in time for the release of my steampunk craft book due out next spring. <br />
<br />
I'll admit, I'm sort of excited about this. Really excited. I had thought the book and the series had great potential, and was devastated that it might never get read. And now it's been given a second chance. I'll still query my current manuscript, but I like the idea that others may read my Viridis series. And did you notice the cover? Must thank <a href="http://www.ranum.com/fun/lens_work/">Marcus Ranum</a> for providing the stock for the model and Obsidian Dawn for the photoshop brushes.<br />
<br />
I'll be sure to keep you updated with how it all goes, though I'm still not quite ready to epublish the book yet. I hear I should have some sort of launch plan, so I'll be looking into that. I may also publish the second book in the series at the same time. I figure, it's probably best to have both books available, right? Tentatively I'm thinking in a month's time.<br />
<br />
So that's my story and those are my plans. Here's hoping I can turn those lemons into lemonade. Has anyone here gone the route of epublishing? How has it turned out for you?<br />
<br />Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-18329716296504785442011-06-08T10:20:00.000-04:002011-06-08T10:20:16.344-04:00Choosing a Pen Name<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqaSN_a2__kXfCzhXR2mQv6_ZTUvVGkkyTPuaWwPYfclpIbdZPG7upmr8_hqSJOlwYHipIsQKXAuv5xBgZEML-ytbeVcum6Y7SKVjl4NHMM74-hM-KIoFy8sIXyFt07VaPOKb25sj-MQ/s1600/names.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqaSN_a2__kXfCzhXR2mQv6_ZTUvVGkkyTPuaWwPYfclpIbdZPG7upmr8_hqSJOlwYHipIsQKXAuv5xBgZEML-ytbeVcum6Y7SKVjl4NHMM74-hM-KIoFy8sIXyFt07VaPOKb25sj-MQ/s400/names.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Choosing a pen name is often a choice dictated by a variety of factors, but like most decisions that deal with building a platform and a brand, it's not only personal but business.<br />
<br />
I first decided that I would need a pen name when I started writing steampunk. My real name has more of a chic lit feel to it, but worse, there's a porn star with the same name. As a result, the chances of googling my name and finding ME instead of the popular G-string starlet would be slim to none. Not a great way to be easily accessible to readers.<br />
<br />
With the decision made to choose a pen name, I quickly came up with a checklist.<br />
<ul><li>Google Hits-- When choosing a name, put the first and last name in quotes and google it. I like the number to be under 1000 hits (or close to it). That guarantees that by the time you're well into your platform building, you'll have taken over that name, so that when someone googles it, they'll primarily get your website, your Twitter/Facebook account, or your blog.</li>
<li> An available domain-- You'll likely want to put up a website to help promote yourself, and since it's likely you'll write more than one book, it's best if you put your website in your name, rather than your book title. Having that domain be available is a huge plus, though there are ways around it, like adding "author" to your name. Not great, but still an option, if you have your heart set on a particular name.</li>
<li> How easy is the name to remember? Pronounce? Spell?-- This is HUGE. If no one will be able to remember it, say it, spell it, then it's probably not a great choice. </li>
<li>Does it suit the genre you'll be writing?-- This deals with not only the feel of the name (sounding too modern, when you write historicals, etc), but also with whether the name sounds too male/female when it's a genre that's dominated by a particular sex. For example, writing romance with a name that sounds male, may turn off some readers.</li>
<li> Does the name sound like a joke?-- Picking a name that sounds too fake (often done to fit the genre to an extreme) can be a turn off. Remember-- this is still a business venture so naming yourself Luscious Fantastique just because you write erotica or Vampira Nightshade because you write paranormals, probably isn't a wise move.</li>
<li>Is the name already being used by someone else?-- A porn star (lol)? An actor/actress? Another author? Is it too close in the way it sounds to another author?</li>
</ul>Whatever name you choose, I highly recommend using it for your Twitter account (both the user name and the @name), because each tweet gives that name another hit on google. This means that before long, when someone googles your pen name, they will get you, or one of your tweets. This will of course lead to your Twitter account which should also have a link to your website, making it fairly simple for any readers to find you.<br />
<br />
My favorite place to look for names is, hands down the <a href="http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/"><em>Baby Names</em></a> section on Parent's Connect (though the recent addition of video to the site is making me crazy). They offer a cool feature that allows you to find names with a similar feel to a particular name, or names that sound similar. This becomes useful if you really like a name but can't use it because it has high hits on google, or doesn't meet one of the other criteria. Now you can easily find a different one that "feels" the same.<br />
<br />
I hope this list will help, if you're considering pen names. <em>Have you already chosen a pen name or plan on using one? What were your criteria?</em>Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-2119662077909157732011-05-25T22:01:00.000-04:002011-05-25T22:01:48.753-04:00International Steampunk City Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<img height="320" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/5697288599_72ef237445.jpg" width="400" /><br />
The International Steampunk City took place in Waltham, MA, not only at the Charles River Museum of Industry, but spilling out into the town. The event was fantastic, and there was a great turn out-- 2500 people on each of the two days of the event.<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures from the event (some mine, some borrowed from other attendees).<br />
<br />
<img height="640" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/5705984617_3febbc3ef6_b.jpg" width="424" /><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/5705970039_b41c000aed_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/5705970039_b41c000aed_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcfwu7BdDikuipnUtPjhwDaTpV1EJXgS3jHDYF_XRFZ8sqi70Pu0cc5CVGlP730ilnkbFaqlAXmHIDGgDlymfE6pOj-FTWRJLHBTbgUV6dkuB8s-KhKC4cTQyhJBXULPEZPh-TspnJdc/s1600/IMAG0417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcfwu7BdDikuipnUtPjhwDaTpV1EJXgS3jHDYF_XRFZ8sqi70Pu0cc5CVGlP730ilnkbFaqlAXmHIDGgDlymfE6pOj-FTWRJLHBTbgUV6dkuB8s-KhKC4cTQyhJBXULPEZPh-TspnJdc/s640/IMAG0417.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixvaJqy3iH3uFYuOJ5tFBkTeMfg__f8s-VjkRPhvnVT9TVSocTgQOM3NlfNhyI5140wpNb4C2Bu1ArPjxoOio7r6bztx5COcYrFHEp9LlJlpUnOkNf8eGiQTtyGLgZ21-82g6xigVrbo/s1600/IMAG0425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixvaJqy3iH3uFYuOJ5tFBkTeMfg__f8s-VjkRPhvnVT9TVSocTgQOM3NlfNhyI5140wpNb4C2Bu1ArPjxoOio7r6bztx5COcYrFHEp9LlJlpUnOkNf8eGiQTtyGLgZ21-82g6xigVrbo/s640/IMAG0425.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzykQKpWtnqls5vfkJxv9WAFCwcnOn3sBtx7ikVSjy8GJ6tDfy6Txw0otdx9zmhvEYUYo4rm7JLkOd81o0fcQg8n5bwbE7i_ZDI-KEIYWJzKdDI74Xcm2NOdCfRJUd6BHVFXc1I915Sw/s1600/IMAG0422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzykQKpWtnqls5vfkJxv9WAFCwcnOn3sBtx7ikVSjy8GJ6tDfy6Txw0otdx9zmhvEYUYo4rm7JLkOd81o0fcQg8n5bwbE7i_ZDI-KEIYWJzKdDI74Xcm2NOdCfRJUd6BHVFXc1I915Sw/s640/IMAG0422.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqAB3ZrBwkrpYMK1GdCarg2WhdVTJ7a6VPQynF0oElgcOpqhMmR38524XK0eGg2MfClMKBKTMkvNTJhIstESOOG_qxfi-ZWgDyWZBl2KH2t39iro4zM0-tZ2Qy5gk7J7pAFLfQEFNPeo/s1600/IMAG0434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqAB3ZrBwkrpYMK1GdCarg2WhdVTJ7a6VPQynF0oElgcOpqhMmR38524XK0eGg2MfClMKBKTMkvNTJhIstESOOG_qxfi-ZWgDyWZBl2KH2t39iro4zM0-tZ2Qy5gk7J7pAFLfQEFNPeo/s400/IMAG0434.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7O8lBBJIXdYeHJ68P9prFVqr4dM6On0ve2oGObWmU_3RTJ18jh1Fh_e4BO8vI3bSyQDUQ8QQDdO5MR6sX59mF6JrbB5aYmfnf_BySUKdODIc6YU_rswElkuKXJ56SpllvqrltuMqm8o0/s1600/IMAG0430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7O8lBBJIXdYeHJ68P9prFVqr4dM6On0ve2oGObWmU_3RTJ18jh1Fh_e4BO8vI3bSyQDUQ8QQDdO5MR6sX59mF6JrbB5aYmfnf_BySUKdODIc6YU_rswElkuKXJ56SpllvqrltuMqm8o0/s400/IMAG0430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<img height="425" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2376/5706547288_553e27f5b1_b.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<img height="640" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/5701204373_c4db0f3b30_b.jpg" width="480" /><br />
<br />
<img height="640" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/5706869161_8a35c9698b_b.jpg" width="426" /><br />
<img height="267" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/5702055161_e51987945a_b.jpg" width="400" /><img height="640" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/5706541412_7ab05e4869_b.jpg" width="424" />Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-30697159801565860362011-05-06T06:59:00.000-04:002011-05-06T06:59:01.302-04:00The International Steampunk City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://internationalsteampunkcitywaltham.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/music_hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://internationalsteampunkcitywaltham.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/music_hall.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Last year, I attended the first annual steampunk event at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in Waltham, MA and had a fantastic time. Well, this year is promising to be an even bigger extravaganza with the event spilling out into the streets and taking over a section of the city.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://internationalsteampunkcitywaltham.org/">The International Steampunk City</a> will take place this weekend, May 7th and 8th on Moody Street, Waltham, MA and once again at the Charles River Museum. There's a full schedule of events, and it looks like it'll be great time.<br />
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Of course, I'll do a follow up post with pictures, and if anyone is going and would like to meet up, just let me know! Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-28868081977627383752011-04-01T00:41:00.000-04:002011-04-01T00:41:00.937-04:00Shiny and New!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAeCDdEgS3tXWAkdU3Ssd628gQT9lDbPgYhIxrXyMY-jFzSOMiaivu94SRvWZpe8SqzX-7gJxMbl74gqJYgD08kvdXnn_V6Z6C_BpertoQzpvgFT_RlAL6nTZtqGFEVyO6UbH7w8LM2I/s1600/compass+logo+straight+even.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAeCDdEgS3tXWAkdU3Ssd628gQT9lDbPgYhIxrXyMY-jFzSOMiaivu94SRvWZpe8SqzX-7gJxMbl74gqJYgD08kvdXnn_V6Z6C_BpertoQzpvgFT_RlAL6nTZtqGFEVyO6UbH7w8LM2I/s320/compass+logo+straight+even.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm so excited!! Just a few weeks ago, I got together with a group of amazing writers I met through <a href="http://agentqueryconnect.com/">Agent Query</a>, and the idea to start a collective blog was born. <br />
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From querying and publishing, to specifics about genre and the craft of writing, <a href="http://www.fromthewriteangle.com/">From the Write Angle</a> will tackle it all. Best of all, because each one of us brings something different to the table, there should be an endless supply of variety and useful information.<br />
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It is officially launch day, and new posts will go up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We've already stocked it with a few goodies, so be sure to check it out! I do hope you'll enjoy it!Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-77673915108024684012011-03-15T21:29:00.000-04:002011-03-15T21:29:19.151-04:00It's Been too Long!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ollW0OkTGVZg_MitESTAAHJqqD7ascZy4mn9freVC3CzTfgyEofbylpVZvRQOyOb8BxT4He_zyZ5jjx52nDtOkh0K6SoXDFBT7wQM4r0o-IqI-1rmV_cAExgduYcINMLjytr8lMoxArF/s640/WeddingDress_Kennington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ollW0OkTGVZg_MitESTAAHJqqD7ascZy4mn9freVC3CzTfgyEofbylpVZvRQOyOb8BxT4He_zyZ5jjx52nDtOkh0K6SoXDFBT7wQM4r0o-IqI-1rmV_cAExgduYcINMLjytr8lMoxArF/s400/WeddingDress_Kennington.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><br />
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I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post, but things have been crazy busy, and for the most part in a good way. <br />
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A few months ago, I signed a contract for a steampunk clothing craft book, which should be out next spring. It got off to a bit of a slow start, since I needed to get set up for taking professional looking photos, but I've finally got an area setup (right in the middle of my living room). I'll be taking pics of everything I do, as I do it, so there's a step by step guide for each project included in the book. The first project is underway, and looking great. <br />
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In addition, I'm in the process of wrapping up the manuscript I've been working on, and though it's not steampunk, it is a paranormal and does take place during the Victorian time period. I'm hoping to have that wrapped up and edited in the next month so. Very excited about that manuscript. I think it could do quite well since it puts a new twist on a story many know.<br />
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There's also a bit more exciting news, but I'll need to keep that under wraps for now, though I promise you won't have to wait too long.<br />
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Hope all is well with you!<br />
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Best,<br />
CaliCali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-45420851379109660202010-12-13T20:40:00.000-05:002010-12-13T20:40:42.389-05:00Going With Your Gut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEQ59JFKysgM6o3ZbpKCsGHdkjOc1mRE_vlRt6fRI8T1Jav-bp3pLbKuaMCwzM3NNLCeY98JXYlX4rFyuX4AfP9UkJ3WtvhRNjRlMXLfJZP3vTZjxRsM2WGrQWl3-J9jQiEWUOlfUgUc/s1600/FUSELI-John-Henry-The-Nightmare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEQ59JFKysgM6o3ZbpKCsGHdkjOc1mRE_vlRt6fRI8T1Jav-bp3pLbKuaMCwzM3NNLCeY98JXYlX4rFyuX4AfP9UkJ3WtvhRNjRlMXLfJZP3vTZjxRsM2WGrQWl3-J9jQiEWUOlfUgUc/s400/FUSELI-John-Henry-The-Nightmare.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
When writing, I'll often hear a tiny voice whispering to me. It may tell me that there's something not quite right with a scene or character, or perhaps it would be best if I changed a certain aspect of what's happening. It's just a little niggling feeling, that is actually quite easy to ignore, but the problem is it never goes away. And the even bigger problem? That voice is usually right.<br />
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After having the wonderful opportunity of editing my manuscript with my agent, I realized that those little whispers were there for a reason, since too often, the changes made to the manuscript coincided with one another. All I had done was delay the inevitable changes-- changes that would have been easier to take care of early on, and most importantly strengthened my manuscript. <br />
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So now I know. I listen to my gut. And if my gut's telling me a scene should be cut or changed-- whatever it happens to be whispering in my ear-- I take care of the matter, then and there. Might as well, right? The issues sure aren't going to go away just because I ignore them.<br />
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So, how about you? Or am I the only one hearing voices?Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-74680393573008388442010-09-06T15:24:00.004-04:002010-09-06T15:30:32.288-04:00On Writing Accents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://redhair.bypainters.com/ressources/Tableaux/Archer%20James/The%20betrothal%20of%20Robert%20Burns%20and%20Highland%20Mary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://redhair.bypainters.com/ressources/Tableaux/Archer%20James/The%20betrothal%20of%20Robert%20Burns%20and%20Highland%20Mary.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
"Ye hae a guid Scots tung in yir heid," is a Scottish saying which means, "You have a good Scots tongue in your head." In other words, "You can speak up for yourself." <br />
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Could you imagine an entire book where one or several characters speak in such a heavy accent? It would break the flow of your story each time one of those characters spoke, since the reader would have to stop and try to figure out what's just been said. No doubt, a trying and tiring excercise for the reader.<br />
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Now, don't get me wrong. I love writing accents, whether they're due to a location, a time period or schooling. I think they can add character and voice, however, there's a balance that you as the writer need to find, if you choose to actually write out the accent. There's always the option to mention the character has an accent, and leave it at that, but if you choose to show it on the page, then here are a few things I've found helpful.<br />
<ul><li>Pick just a few words that you'll change, or pick a "rule", such as dropping the "g" off -ing words. You'll get the voice and impact you're looking for, but without sacrificing readability.</li>
<li>Try and use phrases or particular words specific to an area. Every country or locale has it's own way of saying things, and this can be an easy way to get across the person's place of language, without spelling out an accent.</li>
<li>Try and find the rhythm of the language. Each language has it's own rhythm and if you can, through your word placement, capture that, you'll immediately get a feel of that place. Unfortunately, this might be the hardest thing to nail if you haven't lived in the area (or been in regular contact with someone from there). One option is to try and find books, articles, movies or shows from the area, and pay close attention to the rythm of the language and placement of words. Another option is to find a writer who has managed to write the accent, and has done an excellent job of it.</li>
</ul>For me, the last two are particularly key if writing a different time period. Writing steampunk, my story is usually set in the late 1800's, and the language would not only be more formal with a different rhythm, but would also use different words. But again, it's important to find a balance so that a modern reader, used to twitter and text messages, isn't having to wade through wordy, flowery prose.<br />
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Have any of you attempted to write accents? How do you approach it?Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-19831024944581674122010-08-12T10:04:00.000-04:002010-08-12T10:04:39.024-04:00When the Pieces Fall into Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.postaprint.co.uk/ilnimages/g902910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://www.postaprint.co.uk/ilnimages/g902910.jpg" width="497" /></a></div><br />
Sorry it's been so long since my last post, but it seems like things tend to get away from me during the hot summer months. Luckily, I've still managed to get a fair amount done. I'm happy to say I've wrapped up edits on my manuscript, Devil on a Sparrow's Wing, and have now moved on to a new story-- a story I'm crazy excited about. <br />
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I had this idea for a story a few years back, but every attempt to write it immediately fizzled out on the page. I didn't quite know why. It was a great story idea (No. Really!!), but once I sat down to write it, time and again the words would slow and stop. <br />
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About six months ago, as I started to give the story some more thought. I knew the idea was a good one, but it was missing something. I changed the time period from modern day to Victorian. That certainly helped things, but it was still the same story and I worried that when I sat to write it once again, I would have the same problem. <br />
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Then it came it to me. As I discussed the storyline with a few critique partners (can NOT live without them!) the story took on a new life, morphing and evolving as the ideas all fell into place to form a <em>new</em> story. Something unlike anything else out there, though it was an old story told from a different perspective. It still had the original story idea at the heart of it, but with a new twist--an incredible twist!! <br />
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Perhaps my muse had kept me from writing the story all along, knowing it had not yet evolved into what it needed to be. And this time, when I sat to write it, the words flowed effortlessly. All the pieces fall into place.<br />
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Now granted, this is still the honeymoon stage for me-- the first 10K words are always the easiest and the sweetest. Just like that first kiss, when everything is new and shiny and exciting. I'll eventually come down off the clouds around 20K words, but that's ok. I'm in it for the long haul. <br />
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Do you have a method you use to try and brainstorm your story ideas? For me, jotting down notes helps, but talking and writing out the story concept is where I'm most successful in working things out.Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-38810518111132240652010-06-20T10:30:00.010-04:002011-03-17T23:49:43.167-04:00Ready to Query?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.abowlofmossandpebbles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/carl-larsson-an-interior-with-a-woman-reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" ox="true" src="http://www.abowlofmossandpebbles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/carl-larsson-an-interior-with-a-woman-reading.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After slaving away for months—years even—you’ve finally completed your first novel. You’ve given it to your friends and family to read, and they all LOVE IT! You do a happy dance with visions of a massive advance on a multiple book deal and a movie—make that movies!—starring your favorite actors. Ready to get that contract, you put together that list of agents and get ready to query.<br />
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But are you REALLY ready? Maybe. Maybe not. And I won't even comment on the massive advance or the movies.<br />
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There are so many things that need to be done before you query, and it’s very easy to either overlook something or not even be aware that you’ve missed a crucial step. Like anything, it’s all a learning process. When I finished my very first manuscript, I didn’t even know what a query was, and was woefully unprepared for the reality of querying agents. <br />
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So before you query, here’s a checklist to help make sure you truly are ready.<br />
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• Have you edited your COMPLETED manuscript?—Yes, for fiction you need to have a completed manuscript. And by “edited” I don’t just mean doing a read through. Of course, you need to make sure you’ve checked spelling, grammar and tense. But have you edited for info dumps, unnecessary words, words and thoughts that echo. Does your first page grab the reader and keep them turning the page? Have you made sure your first page doesn’t start with a dream sequence? Does your plot capture the reader’s attention? Does your plot make sense? Are there holes in your plot? Has your point of view remained consistent? Does it have voice? Is there too much description? Not enough? Are you showing versus telling? <br />
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• Is your word count appropriate for your genre?—This is very important. You don’t want to stray too far outside the norm. Yes, there are books that break the rules, but I’d argue that for every agent willing to overlook word count, there are another ten that won’t. You don’t want word count to be the reason an agent rejects your query.<br />
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• Have you had your manuscript critiqued?—Family members and friends do NOT count. It’s like asking your husband if your arse looks fat in the jeans you’ve been gushing about. In addition, most non-writers won’t have the skills needed to figure out what is wrong (please see points in editing your manuscript). For me, finding good critique partners was crucial to my development as a writer. You’ll likely have to don some thick skin, but honesty is critical, and it’s also why your friends and family do not make good beta readers and critique partners. Need a crit partner? Find one <a href="http://agentqueryconnect.com/index.php?/forum/6-aq-connect-wanted-ads/">HERE</a>.<br />
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• Write a query—There are a ton of great sites that address how to write a good query letter. The forums on <a href="http://agentqueryconnect.com/">Agent Query Connect</a> and <a href="http://querytracker.net/forum/">Query Tracker</a> are great. You may also want to have your query critiqued. However, you should be careful about editing the voice and character out of your query. Too often, over-revisions can lead to a query that’s technically perfect but bland as baby food. You’ll also need to make sure each query is individualized for the agent it’s going out to. No mass mailings!! When you’re ready to query, it’s wise to query in small batches, in case your query isn’t working and needs to be tweaked. You only get to query the agent once per project.<br />
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• Write a synopsis.—Wait! Make that—“Write multiple synopses.” Some agents will request or require a synopsis of a certain length and that can vary from agent to agent. You’ll want to write a short one and a long one, though you may find you need an extra short one in addition to the other two. <br />
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• Edit again!—It’s best if you let your manuscript sit for a few weeks (or even months) between edits. This allows you to look at the manuscript with fresh eyes.<br />
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• Research agents—There are some great sites for this. I like using <a href="http://www.agentquery.com/">Agent Query</a> and <a href="http://www.querytracker.net/">Query Tracker</a>. I’d recommend sorting agents into you’re A-list, B-list, etc. and then when you query, select a few from each group so that you don’t burn through you’re A-list only to find you have a query that doesn’t work. <br />
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• Prepare your manuscript, query, synopsis—Make sure any tracked changes and comments have been removed and your formatting is correct. It’s also a smart move to send yourself a test query to make sure things aren’t getting jumbled in translation.<br />
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NOW you’re ready to query. Or should be. There are a few more things you may want to consider. Do you have a dedicated email for querying? Please make sure the email you’re using sounds professional—your name is fine, but a humorous email that may turn off an agent is not. Also make sure you don't have any weird filters on your email, and that your email does indeed work. Do you have a website or blog? Not exactly necessary at this stage, but it might be a consideration in the near future since it’s important to start building a platform.<br />
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When you do start querying, make sure you track things—Note the agent, the agency and the date you sent it. Note the query version you sent. Did you send a synopsis? Did you send pages? How many? And then when (if)you hear back, make sure you note that also.<br />
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It may seem like a lot, but being prepared will help you get through querying, which is never easy. I wish you the best of luck!Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-6167107893682962312010-05-20T11:48:00.005-04:002010-06-07T07:52:38.362-04:00Home is Where the Steampunk Heart Is<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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I came home the other day after a morning at the restaurant, only to find that my husband decided to be proactive on the bathroom renovation we'd discussed by demo-ing my tub surround. Now, there's a reason it was in the discussion stage, with the most important reason being that it is the ONLY bathroom in the whole house. There are no pretty little powder rooms, nor is there a jacuzzi tucked away in the master, since there is NO master. This is a 1200 square foot 1960's ranch, with no bells or whistles unless the girls manage to find the instruments I've hidden away. <br />
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So, if we take our bathroom apart, we better be prepared to put in a new one quick. Which brings us to the other reason I hadn't tackled the bathroom before this-- plumbing is not something I have a ton of experience with. Neither does my husband. Don't get me wrong. We've done a ton of stuff around the house, and I'll happily lay the new tile and put in the new lighting and cabinets. Even the plumbing fixtures and the toilet won't be a major issue, but I've got to admit the tub-thang is scaring me just a little. Anyway, at least the current tub still works, and with the addition of several shower curtains, the shower is still usable as long as you don't mind being attacked by multiple swirling sheets of vinyl sticking to your naked body. Yeah. Needless to say, the bathroom reno has been bumped up on the to-do list. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now, it'd be incredibly tempting to steampunk my bathroom-- get an amazingly deep tub and all sorts of cool plumbing and lighting fixtures. I'm amazed at just how much is already out there that could pass as steampunk in it's aesthetic value. With classical yet modern designs being an easy way for homeowners to update their home without dating it, the selection is quite good.</div><br />
One of the finest examples of steampunk incorporated into everyday life is the steampunk home of Bruce and Melanie Rosenbaum of <a href="http://www.modvic.com/">ModVic Home Restoration</a> in Sharon, MA. I've included several sites that have pictures, because it is truly that remarkable. Be sure to check out the 360 degree views available of some of the rooms here-- <a href="http://www.onlinepropertyshowcase.com/showcase/10328/">http://www.onlinepropertyshowcase.com/showcase/10328/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.modvic.com/Steampunk.aspx">http://www.modvic.com/Steampunk.aspx</a> <a href="http://www.steampunkworkshop.com/visit-steampunked-home">http://www.steampunkworkshop.com/visit-steampunked-home</a> <br />
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By blending natural elements, such as wood, copper, brass, and iron, with more decorative and whimsical touches reminiscent of the Victorian period, a steampunk feel starts to emerge. If you keep in mind certain aspects of steampunk, such as exploration and technology, and blend it with the Victorian aspects of nature and discovery, you'll start to capture the feel of it. Personally, I love anything that looks like it would belong in a turn of the century apothecary. Also, joints and moving parts, tend to be reminiscent of the mechanical and industrial aspect of steampunk. And though so much of it can be created if you're good with your hands and are so inclined, there is also a fair amount that can be readily purchased. <br />
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<a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/index.jsp">Restoration Hardware</a> has some great pieces if you can afford them. This is a curious looking <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1671084&navAction=jump&navCount=7">chair</a>, and though it's not blatantly steampunk, it does remind me of a hot air balloon or dirigible. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://image.restorationhardware.com/ir/render/rhir/prod1671084-700?wid=700&src=rhir/swatch_stonewash_flax_repeat.tif&res=72" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://image.restorationhardware.com/ir/render/rhir/prod1671084-700?wid=700&src=rhir/swatch_stonewash_flax_repeat.tif&res=72" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
They also have these great looking <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1671177&navAction=jump&navCount=4">gears</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And who can say no this <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-HARDWARE-KNOBS&id=974295&catId=HOME-HARDWARE&pushId=HOME-HARDWARE&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=75&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=001&colorName=BLACK/ANTIQUE BRASS&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=">knob</a> from Anthropologie of a Kracken pulling down a ship, or this chronograph <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-HARDWARE-KNOBS&id=770549&catId=HOME-HARDWARE&pushId=HOME-HARDWARE&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=130&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=whi&colorName=WHITE&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=">knob</a>. Love it!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And though I'm not one for knick knacks, I can't resist this <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=HOME-ROOM-OBJECTS&id=970035&catId=HOME-ROOM&pushId=HOME-ROOM&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=50&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=mul&colorName=MULTI&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=">mechanical raven</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/970035_mul_b?$redesign-openLarger$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.anthropologie.com/is/image/Anthropologie/970035_mul_b?$redesign-openLarger$" width="214" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I must say I also have a soft spot for fixtures, since I think they always have such a huge impact on the aesthetic feel of a room. <a href="http://www.conantmetalandlight.com/">Conant Metal and Light</a> have an amazing site loaded with original and reproduction lighting (amongst other cool and interesting things), like this <a href="http://www.conantmetalandlight.com/catalog/p-100081/carriage-house-harp-pendant-001-802-chlharp">carriage house harp light</a>. And once again, back to Restoration Hardware for this <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/rh/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1676285&navAction=jump&navCount=2">industrial double pulley pendant</a>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.conantmetalandlight.com/content/images/ceiling_lighting/carriage-house-harp-pendant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.conantmetalandlight.com/content/images/ceiling_lighting/carriage-house-harp-pendant.jpg" width="222" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://image.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/prod1676285?$ev$" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://image.restorationhardware.com/is/image/rhis/prod1676285?$ev$" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're at all interested in steampunk design for your home, then you must also check out <a href="http://thesteampunkhome.blogspot.com/">The Steampunk Home blog</a>. They always find the most amazing things. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">As for my bathroom, I'm afraid I'll be limited to something basic and modern for my tub and surround, since I don't want any major plumbing issues. However for the rest, I most certainly hope to steampunk the room, even if it is just a little. I'll be sure to post pics if it's ever completed.</div>Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-68803761402324534582010-05-04T15:43:00.005-04:002010-08-12T19:56:01.154-04:00The Things I learned going to the Steampunk Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4574137831_0ee44f02ac_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4574137831_0ee44f02ac_b.jpg" tt="true" width="456" /></a></div><br />
Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of attending (and was actually a featured artist) at the first annual Steampunk Festival, held at the <a href="http://www.crmi.org/">Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation</a> in Waltham, MA. There was a huge turnout for the event, especially when one takes into consideration it was the first year for the event-- over 1300 people attended. Hats off to Christine Gill for the excellent job she did in putting the event together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-JL3YGu-ZAATDLsa48R8KGSYUNolddJh8gRWNpSCmQhBXGaRnShW5R88XPumhRDsjppEIKrTWaGKZaex9MOig6Da8TJdicyVOMpTIP6TQcrZfr7a74eL5iRhd52OVY1biMXLucbbE90/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-JL3YGu-ZAATDLsa48R8KGSYUNolddJh8gRWNpSCmQhBXGaRnShW5R88XPumhRDsjppEIKrTWaGKZaex9MOig6Da8TJdicyVOMpTIP6TQcrZfr7a74eL5iRhd52OVY1biMXLucbbE90/s200/024.JPG" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div>I wish I'd had a bit more time to get a more steampunk outfit together, but unfortunately, after many difficulties, most of my time was spent constructing the leather corset from hell. Here were a few things I was reminded of, since it had been a while since I'd last strapped myself in to a corset of considerable stiffness. <br />
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First of all, be sure to dress the lower half of your body <strong><em>before </em></strong>you put the corset on, since getting on shoes, socks, pants/skirts, etc. usually involve bending at the waist. I, of course, did not remember this little tidbit of information, and I'm sure you can all just imagine the contortions involved in getting the rest of my clothes on.<br />
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When I designed my corset, I did not use a busk because I decided it would be neat if I could make the corset reversible to the red brocade. As a result, I needed another set of hands to lace me up, and since I was going to the event alone, I went fully dressed. <br />
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This brings us to the next thing I quickly figured out. Driving in a corset is far different to driving without one on. When the gods decided to scramble my genetic makeup, they decided to be generous in the area corsets are designed to restrain. With a corset, there is only one place for those curves to go, and that is up. It wasn't much of a problem until I decided to sit down and attempt driving. Sitting only shifted the corset further up, and all that had already been pushed to the heavens, got pushed up even further, practically drowning me in my own cleavage. Funny? Okay, maybe a little. However, cruising down the highway at 80 mph, when you no longer have the stability of resting your arms by your side, is a little precarious-- athough I can only imagine the image from passing vehicles had anyone bothered to look over. I'm just glad I didn't get pulled over or get a flat, though my dear husband had the sense to ask if I had anything stashed in the car that I could potentially cover myself with should the need arise.<br />
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The event itself was great, and the musuem was the perfect setting for a steampunk event. Though not everyone was dressed up, the steampunk outfits there were all amazing, and it has definitely motivated me to complete a few more articles of clothing. I think next on the to do list will be a bustled skirt, and underskirt. And maybe another corset, complete with steel boning and a busk.<br />
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Though I did love the snug feel of the corset while at the event, I must admit that it felt so incredibly nice to get out of it for the ride home, especially on such a hot day. And that brings me to my final point, though this was not figured out until the day after, when I awoke to sore muscles around the ribs and back. I guess wearing a corset involves using muscles you don't normally use-- perhaps in keeping you so terribly upright and pulled in. Still, a small price to pay, don't you think?<br />
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Here are some more pictures from the event...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-13043123778558388482010-03-29T17:34:00.010-04:002010-03-30T08:12:20.241-04:00A New Look<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.enjoyart.net/library/classics/classicpaintings/large/The-Painters-Honeymoon-Frederick-Leighton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nt="true" src="http://www.enjoyart.net/library/classics/classicpaintings/large/The-Painters-Honeymoon-Frederick-Leighton.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>You may have noticed that A Steampunk Reverie has gotten a makeover. I've often thought that it's very important to have not only a cohesive image to market, but also one that immediately represents what I write. Though I liked the previous setup, it felt a little plain and ordinary, so I started searching for a new background that would fit into the theme I have going with my website, blog, business cards, etc. <br />
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There really are some great backgrounds and designers out there, though some backgrounds were far more difficult to install than others. The simplest setup was a small bit of code that was easily copied into an html window within the blog. Some of the designs out there are amazing. To find these sites, simply do a search for BLOG BACKGROUND MINIMA and you should come up with some great sites. MINIMA is the Blogger template that these backgrounds work with. I'll admit I don't know if these would work with Wordpress, but code is code, so I'd think it might. <br />
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Though there were some great backgrounds, none really had the feel I was looking for, but I soon realized that the code was more or less the same, with the only difference being a link to an image. That got me thinking that I could make my own background for my blog. It did take some finagling but I finally got it down. <br />
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In case anyone else is interested in creating their own unique background to their blog, I figured I'd include the steps here. Now I will warn you that I know nothing when it comes to code, but I'm a pantster by nature, and not only when it comes to my writing. So I experimented, until things seemed to work.<br />
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First you want to alter the size of the image you're going to use to approx. 1600 x 850. Many images can be found on <a href="http://flickr.com/">Flickr.com</a> and can be used through Creative Commons, so that you're not overstepping into copyright issues. Just make sure to check that the image is free to use.<br />
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Keep in mind that your text will be running down the middle so you may want to add a solid section in that area through a photo or paint program, like <a href="http://gimp.com/">Gimp.com</a> . That section should be around 7.5-8 inches wide. You then need to upload it to a website that allows you to store files that size. <a href="http://photobucket.com/">Photobucket.com</a> will allow it if you pay for the upgrade, however, <a href="http://picasa.com/">Picasa.com</a> is free. Once uploaded, just make sure you zoom in to the maximum size, right click, select properties and then copy the URL. From there, you want to copy it into this script with your URL fitting in between the " " as indicated below...<br />
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<style type="text/css"><br />
body {background-image: url("YOUR URL GOES HERE"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }<br />
</style><br />
<div id="tag" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top:30px; z-index:50; width:150px; height:45px;"><br />
<a href="http://blo64rt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br />
</a></div><br />
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Once you have copied in your URL, you then copy the script into a HTML box in the layout section of your blog. You will also need to make sure that your blog template is set to one of the MINIMA templates. <br />
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That should be it!! I hope you'll find this helpful if you do indeed attempt to give your blog your own personal look.<br />
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P.S. Here are a few of the sites that have some great premade backgrounds that are easy to install.<br />
<a href="http://www.backgroundfairy.com/">http://www.backgroundfairy.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.shabbyblogs.com/index.html">http://www.shabbyblogs.com/index.html</a><br />
<a href="http://itkupilli-cutencool.blogspot.com/">http://itkupilli-cutencool.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/">http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://leelou-freelayouts.blogspot.com/">http://leelou-freelayouts.blogspot.com/</a>Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-14085713344289352232010-03-03T23:26:00.001-05:002010-03-04T00:05:25.948-05:00Mythos and the Muse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.begoths.com/html/images/art/waterhouse1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kt="true" src="http://www.begoths.com/html/images/art/waterhouse1.gif" width="473" /></a></div>Does anyone else cringe when they hear a story is about vampires? I'll admit to doing just that, not because of the story itself (I'm sure they're fantastic), but because I don't understand why someone would choose to go down such a worn path when there are so many more interesting trails one can venture down.<br />
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I've heard it said that there are no new stories, only new ways to tell them, and I think this is true. So why not embrace the old and make it new again? I've often found myself paging through an encyclopedia of mythology as my imagination races through the posibilities. There are so many mythological creatures to pick from, and so many amazing stories waiting to be retold in a new and fresh way that's relevant to our time.<br />
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Here are a few sites on mythology and mythological creatures to help you guide your muse down that path less traveled.<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_legendary_creatures">Wikipedia's list of Mythological Creatures</a> - This is an amazing list and the best part is there's a brief description for each creature so you don't have to keep clicking. </li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_species_in_folklore_and_mythology_by_type">Wikipedia's list of Creatures by Type</a>- The above list divided up into type of creature.</li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folklore">Wikipedia's list of Folklore</a></li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mythologies">Wikipedia's list of Mythologies</a> - Impressive and thorough.</li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_deities">Wikipedia's list of Deities</a></li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mythical_objects">Wikipedia's list of Mythological Objects</a></li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_women_warriors_in_folklore">Wikipedia's list of Women Warriors</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.theoi.com/">Theoi Greek Mythology</a>- A fantastic site!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.godchecker.com/">God Checker</a>- A great resource with many different cultures listed.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.luminarium.org/mythology/ireland/">Luminarium</a>- Fantastic page for all things Irish.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.pantheon.org/">Encyclopedia Mythica</a> - Another amazing site- very thorough with an extensive list of cultures.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.all-art.org/contents.html">A World History of Art</a>- So many great works of art have been inspired from mythology. This is a great site if you prefer something more visual for your research.</li>
</ul>I hope you find these links useful! Please let me know of any others.Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2325706421952281177.post-27900146635760051722010-02-08T07:16:00.001-05:002010-02-08T07:19:27.247-05:00The Elusive Plot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfz1T0MoOI4G1fo5kC1sD-nmuK0FnAbrrEoUPaOYawhhNUS1B_Ky8fBDKv4PJEILGNnKWZ0xyVIVQ37NXPFo78YbeDcJVK8HWt7S5wwQU8AxGofoYxMq-IaL5490MiDSuz1vaQ3IURuca1/s1600/HideSeek_JMorgan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfz1T0MoOI4G1fo5kC1sD-nmuK0FnAbrrEoUPaOYawhhNUS1B_Ky8fBDKv4PJEILGNnKWZ0xyVIVQ37NXPFo78YbeDcJVK8HWt7S5wwQU8AxGofoYxMq-IaL5490MiDSuz1vaQ3IURuca1/s640/HideSeek_JMorgan.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but I tend to wing it when it comes to my storylines-- in other words, I'm a pantster. I thoroughly enjoy the freedom it allows, and my characters always surprise me, often taking the plot where I would not have thought to go. There have been rare occasions when I've tried to work with an outline, however my characters have a tendency to misbehave and it usually results in a deviation from my original plans.<br />
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And yet, there are times when I just cannot figure out where my story is going. Sometimes it's because I've taken a wrong turn. These are the easy issues to correct-- I backtrack to that fork in the road, and go a different way. However there are times when I feel like I don't have a very good grip on my plot and it goes beyond taking a wrong turn. These are the times when I find myself rewriting and tweaking the first hundred pages of my manuscript several times, hoping I'll find that magical combination. <br />
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But no matter how bleak things may look at times, I always try and write through it. There is no other option for me. Not writing won't change the problems with my story, so I might as well get on with it and deal with the matter at hand.<br />
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Here are a couple of things I like to try to help me find my way. Maybe they can help you too.<br />
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* First determine if it's something as simple as "The Wrong Turn". If you think that's the case, determine where your story veered off the right path, and simply back the story up to that point. You may have to delete a fair amount of pages, but it'll be well worth it.<br />
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* Brainstorm some ideas with loose outlines. I find this helps solidify my thoughts and the plot. Even if I follow a vague outline for a short while, I can always let the story go where it wants afterwards, once it's picked up a bit of speed.<br />
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* Raise the stakes. And then raise them again. What does your protagonist have to lose if she/he fails? What if their failure will affect far more than just their life? By raising the stakes, we raise the tension, and the tension can help strengthen the plot.<br />
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* Make your protagonist's life miserable. If something can go wrong, it should. Pile on the hurt, and when you think they couldn't possibly take anymore, pile on some more. However, in between all the misery I like to sprinkle moments of hapiness, which only adds to what could be lost when it all goes wrong.<br />
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* And when all else fails, a dead body always helps to move things along. *mwa ha ha* I'd like to say I'm kidding, but really, dead bodies do wonders for raising the stakes, the misery and the tension. Granted, not every storyline can carry off a dead body, but you'd be surprised.<br />
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The very last thing to keep in mind is once you're done, there is <em>always</em> the editing phase where you can tweak your story, strengthen your plotlines and rein in those loose threads. So, what about you? Any tips for finding that elusive plot?Cali MacKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01860615677199216262noreply@blogger.com27