Time Marches On

For the life of me, I couldn't come up with a catchy title for this month's blog, then I thought about the fact that I've been spending most of the last three months working hard for my son's high school marching band. I'm duly impressed, but that's no surprise. We are blessed to have one of the top high school marching bands in our town.

So between work, "doing the soccer mom" thing of driving to various sports practices and marching band practices, all the games and competitions, and adding scouts on top of it, I've had an active Fall to say the least.

September saw me writing in spits and spats, I was still in a lull of sorts. Finally dragged myself out of it by committing to rewriting MOONDRAKE, a 38k MMM Sci-fi/fantasy, I'd written in 2015 in response to a prompt and photo through Goodreads' MM Romance Group, Don't Read in the Closet. 

I'd been stoked to get the prompt as I'd already written a prior flash fiction for it. 

Here's the pic prompt:

My original 100 word flash was contemporary, but my letter prompt was science fiction. A merchant spaceship hijacked. Now I had to think hard... but I was pretty happy with my story, although I rushed it... and regretted it. After some thoughtful reviews were posted I knew what I needed to do, it just took me two years to commit the time to doing it. Now (as of Oct 25th) the original story has been altered. I added in the POVs of the two other main characters, took out some dubious non-con (not sure I had that in the first place) and some violence. Gave voice to a few other minor characters. All in all, I added about 7k (of course I probably took out a good 1k of "ick" along the way too). Thus creating Part I of the story.

The rest of the year is now devoted to writing Part II. I'd left my three men dangling with quite a few loose ends. Even as I'd finished writing the original I had plans to continue. 

This is my chance. 

Cracks knuckles

Wish me luck.

Gettin' it done

The kids are back to school, and I'm finally---FINALLY---getting stuff done. As meetings roll around, and dates come due, I'm diligently following up and through on commitments I've let languish over the summer (including August's blog post). Took at look at my monthly and yearly goals, and while the monthly ones have mostly been completed or pushed off for various reasons, the yearly ones... not so good. BUT, I did do the most important one which was sending off and then receiving a passport. I haven't been out of the country since a youth group trip in high school to Israel. I can't even tell you how excited I am to be going to Great Britain next year.

It's starting to look like I'll only have the one small release this year, which means I want to kick myself into high gear and get some writing done for 2018. Oh, that's not to say I haven't written anything, but one project has been derailed and the other may never be seen by more than my betas. I like it, but I'm mostly writing it for me. Feedback will decide otherwise.

Meanwhile, I've got plans in motion to free up more of my precious time and delegate responsibilities out where they can be done more effectively than by me. A good leader knows how to delegate, right? *wink, wink* There's writing projects I want to devote time to, especially in light of some recent inspiration.

Current Workings:
Still no word on a release date for Cue the Music (the small release I mentioned above). Proofing is in progress and it will come out in both a Beaten Track Anthology and as a standalone purchase.
Metamorphic Heart still has some minor work and a cover to create. I also have a 300 word flash fiction releasing this month as part of Queer Sci-Fi's Renewal Contest. I was chosen along with 100 or so others (from over 250 submissions) for inclusion in the collected works. I'll have more about the flash fiction next month.

Now, I'll go and make a new checklist for September... see if there isn't another goal I can attain...

Happy July!

July. 

Summer. Sun. Swim. Bike. Walk. 

Camp NaNoWriMo.

Edit.

Write.

Read.
Mostly it's been reading. Some wonderful books, some simply okay. And that's alright. I got sucked into a werepanther series by Mary Calmes. Five book series done in a week. Happiness abounds.

Other major happiness...
The cover for Cue the Music has been completed. My eternal thanks goes out to Francu Wulf Godgluck. He's made most of my covers and has quite the eye, taking the singular picture I choose and making it shine.

Nice, right? I'm about bursting. The short story will be included in a new anthology published by Beaten Track in the Fall, and as a singular title purchase. This is another short story in the Southern Jersey Shores series, but a standalone featuring two new main characters. Which reminds me I've still got to write the blurb. Let me just sneak peek it and say it's a kiss and make-up kind of story.

The re-release of Metamorphic Heart has been delayed. KC Faelen and I were hoping for late August, but it seems like it will be closer to the end of the year.

I submitted another 5k short story for a contest, but haven't yet heard back on the results. Was hoping to have that before I sent out this blog. Ah well...

I'll end here, wishing all of you a safe, happy and healthy season (whichever one you might be in).

Hugs!  

June - Jersey Pride!

June 4th... I'll be there. My third year in a row and, again, very excited to spend the afternoon with like-minded individuals who run the spectrum of LGBTQ, their families, friends and community supporters. I haven't been able to get there in time to see the parade yet, but I love the music and friends I meet and make there every year in the park. This year, I might even be meeting fellow Queer Sci-fi writer, Bill Keifer. Turns out he only lives about 40 minutes north of me.

May didn't see a whole lot of writing time as much of it was spent editing. Two short story submissions were sent in. The first was to a call for "Myths, Moons, and Mayhem". Wanted: paranormal erotica containing a menage, sex-positive, with a variety of men over the LBGTQ rainbow. I wrote the entire story (5700 words) in 4 out of 5 days, and then set about getting it beta read and reviewed and submitted by the end of the month. 

I also spent several more days editing Cue the Music for an anthology call for Beaten Track. The focus of the stories was older characters, with the main protagonist aged fifty or more. The publisher is still tweaking the blurb and title has yet to be decided on... but, here's one blurb possibilty put forth by A.M. Leibowitz and tweaked byHans Hirshi:

[The Anthology] is a collection of short stories that prove that love knows no age. Whether it's between long-term partners, a couple getting their second chance, love across generational divides, or the bonds of family and friends, there's something here for everyone. [X number of] tales ranging from the sweet and sensual to the platonic and familial prove that it's never too late for love.

I'll leave this blog post short and sweet with another song from Cue the Music: Lay me Down by Sam Smith.

Getting Lost in a Book - "at Attention" and "The Rainbow Clause"

A World Away Reviews

Inaugural Post of A World Away Reviews

Once upon a time, oh about a year ago, I had a brief stint as a blog reviewer. After a publisher took offense (because I told the truth, and they couldn't take it), I got canned, but the ability to get my personal thoughts on books I loved out there stayed. I've been reviewing books since I started reading MM, about 4 years ago. I don't always like books, I've taken writers to task for any number of reasons. But I've read far more "good" books than bad, and when a book hits me with such force that I give it more than 4 stars, then you've wowed me. A great storyline, interesting characters, amazing dialogue and visuals. Any number of reasons, but overall I could barely put your book down. So I've decided to do this...

Each month, I'll share a recommendation or two. Some books might get a full page review, others an honorable mention. These may be books I've been given to review anyway, or purchases or freebies I've found. I'll let you know.

At Attention (Out of Uniform #2) by Annabeth Albert

This book was provided free by the author in return for an honest review. 

Dylan could almost hear the chatter in Apollo’s head, and it was more than a little clear that Apollo was kissing him to avoid thinking about the meaning of what they were doing. However, Dylan was totally on-board with the sex-as-distraction plan. Apollo freed from his mental chains was sexy as fuck.

Well, what can I say? I'm a sucker for military men falling in love. Give me beautiful, give me respectful, give me heartfelt, brave, and just a bit nervous and I'm all over that.

Apollo Floros is still living with the ghost of husband, even as he tries to survive holding down a military career while raising twin preschool girls. Thank God for mom until a planned trip takes her away for the summer. Enter Dylan, youngest brother of Apollo's best friend, Dustin.

Dylan is a bold 22 year old, who has harboured a crush on Apollo since he was 15. Seven years, he waited, crushed when Apollo married, devastated for him when Apollo’s husband dies. But now, his chance has arrived, and he plans on taking a chance with his heart.

The two men play off each other beautifully. The banter, dialogue, and snarky thoughts had me laughing at many points throughout the story, and there were so many wonderful analogies that caught my eye and made me stop, reread and appreciate the subtlety. 

God, when was the last time he’d laughed this much? A cool breeze swept over the landing, ruffling the banner advertising a sale in one of the boutiques. And it felt like the wind whipped through his life too, clearing out all the cobwebs and cranky thoughts and leaving only crisp, clear skies.

This had all the makings of a sweet, romantic tale, but personal demons and unresolved grief rear their ugly heads. The ending is a bit cliché, but it was unexpected, and oh, so sweet. Do yourself a favor, and take the time to indulge in these lovely men. 5 Stars.

                    The Rainbow Clause by Beth Bolden

This book was provided free by the author in return for an honest review via Goodreads Don't Buy My Love review program.

While technically this might not have been perfect (multiple errors of missing words or wrong word used), I'm a sucker for sports stories. Add in some muscle, some brains, some machismo, and a great storyline, and you got me hook, line and sinker. 

Don’t sleep with the athletes. Don’t like the athletes. Don’t fall for the athletes. It had never been particularly hard to keep them, but Nick had a feeling he was about to be tested.

Sports reporter, Nick Wheeler, has had a crush on quarterback Colin O’Connor for years. He even hired Colin's best friend, Jemma, to be his PA. (It appears there is an M/F book prior to this, but this book holds as a standalone.) A first interview has Nick believing his crush might even “play for his team”. 

Colin has only been in love once, with his BFF Jemma, but he's always been attracted to men. When Jemma finds the love of her life (Gabe), Colin becomes a recluse because you can't be gay and play in the NFL. Right? Finally deciding he has had enough loneliness, he enacts a part of his NFL contract, aptly named, The Rainbow Clause, which allows him to come out albeit in a structured manner designed by the team’s Public Relations department. 

When Nick is assigned to Collin’s story, he insists they have to spend time together and, of course, sparks fly. Together they learn to navigate the treacherous waters of agents, team PR, and the media. 

And they do so with flying colors.

I loved the banter between Nick and Colin. They played off against each other with ease and few tense moments. Colin’s honesty became the breath of fresh air Nick needed in his life. The entire storyline was well thought-out and moved effortlessly from one scene to another, and from one character to the other. 

You trying to impress me, O’Connor?” Nick asked, trying his best to ignore the frisson of pleasure he felt at the thought. 

Colin’s laugh was bright and infectious. “I can’t believe it’s taken you so long to figure that out.” 

It was a little too close to all the thoughts that Nick had been having lately. Thoughts 

like always and forever and boyfriend. And that little four letter word that had never terrified him before.

For me, only two areas I felt were lacking (other than the technical issues I noted above): first, is the drop of Nick's PTSD/nightmares. It was as if by confessing they were suddenly gone and never heard from again. The second is the lack of "immediate family." No mention of moms, dads or siblings, even foster families... I find that hard to believe.

As an added bonus, the story ended with a chance to read a bonus scene taking place six months after the conclusion of the initial story. Again, another well done piece, although I’d have been happier with fewer editing errors. 4.5 stars (for both)

Camp NaNoWriMo and April Round Up

Just have to start off with that. Yup, that picture above with the wild beasts. Not quite sure why NaNoWriMo went with them, but whatever... I earned it. 15 thousand words. Okay, okay... it's not as impressive as 20 or 30 or, heavens, 50 thousand, but fifteen thousand words is impressive for me. I'm patting myself on the back and cheering on all my author friends who committed and worked towards, even if they didn't make it, their goal.

The higher goal then even the word count was the goal of creating eight scenes for my work-in-progress. Eight scenes were indeed created, each ranging from 500 to 2000 words. Writing distinct scenes not in a linear fashion is a concept/technique I've not done before, and I have to say, I'm finding it a fascinating way to write. I don't consider myself a plotter in any way shape or form, but lately, I've been toying with a general outline. Essentially this story falls into that pattern. We---my co-author and I--- have a story arc, the idea of scenes is discussed, and then one of us writes it. Eventually, we'll have enough scenes to plot out on a time line. Once we complete the timeline then we get to the gritty part of trying to merge them into a cohesive whole.

April saw the completion of a massive beta/edit read for Natsuya. I'm excited to see the finished product in a few months. He (and I) worked hard to create a new high fantasy world. He's also already plotting to have me start book two, but for the next few months, it's all me...

And Wulf. God, I love working with Francu (Wulf) Godgluck. He creates these amazing "alpha" bad boy motorcycle club men that get their buttons pushed hard by their "boys". Of Gods and Monsters III is going to rip out your hearts. He's made me almost cry twice already, and I've only just reached chapter 8.

Moving into May now, I'll get SJS V edited and out to Debbie, my editor/publisher over at Beaten Track Publishing. The story is slated for another anthology, but, as always, will also be available as a separate purchase. I'll leave you with another song from Cue the Music:

Please Forgive Me (Song Of The Crow) by William Fitzsimmons

April

Just gonna jump right into it here. I mentioned last month that I was "Spotlighted" by J. Scott Coatsworth over at the Queer Sci-Fi Website. You can view the whole interview here: Author Spotlight. You'll find out more about me, my writing, past and future projects, and my newest nickname.

Camp NaNoWriMo - I've a 15,000 word goal, and already have 5,600 down. Mostly I've been hashed out potential scenes for a work in progress, with a few book reviews thrown in. I got caught up in some robot sci-fi novels lately, which I don't really read, but I highly recommend The Android and the Thief and Fire Up My Heart.

KC Faelen and I continue to work on editing Metamorphic Heart. We've covered 50% so far, 50 more to go. I've completed beta editing for new novel writer, Natsuya Uesugi. Now I can give it a serious beta read. Beta reading/editing also continues for Of Gods and Monsters III by Francu Godgluck. Nothing like a bit of bad boy drama, complete with gore and guts to get one's blood pumping.

Cue the Music, Southern Jersey Shores V, has been put on hiatus until May. There's work to be done to fix some errors, but in trying to complete other projects this one gets held off on until May. Thought I'd leave you with a teaser of one of the songs mentioned in the story. One of the first ones I used is I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz. Enjoy!

The Lions of March

I've always loved the adage: March is in like a Lion and out like a Lamb.
March 2017 has been a little crazy, for sure. We, here on the East Coast of the USA, started with beautiful weather, only for it to turn snowy and cold mid-month. But, my Lion has been my writing.

March has become catch up month. I sat down on February 28th and made a huge list of all the projects I needed or wanted to complete. Let me just say, it's a doozy. I'm continuing to work on edits to Metamorphic Heart. I've still got six chapters to complete for Natsuya's Seer of Grace and Fire. I'm getting to the good part, which means longer chapters to beta read/edit.

My own writing stalled in February, but I've managed to get two thousand down on a new installment of my Southern Jersey Shores series. And the title is... Cue the Music.

If you follow the series, you already know that each story of my SJS series has a theme it is written to:

Opening Day was baseball innuendo

Evading Exodus was Passover

Ultimate Summer for Ultimate Frisbee

Spin Play was all about the games we play

With a title like Cue the Music, this short will focus on songs, but I promise not to go overboard. I can't really because, while I do love to sing and dance, I'm no music connoisseur. I've had to outsource.

Next week, I'm a guest author on J. Scott Coatsworth's blog. I'll be posting the link in my April blog. You'll get to know a little bit more about me and my writing, and I let you in on a secret.

April begins a new Camp NaNo. I'm already cabin placed and looking forward to completing at least 20 thousand words. Doable for me. See you next month! Until then...  Alexis

February Valentines and Project Updates

January has come and gone, which means I'm another year older. I shared my 45th birthday with the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States. I won't talk politics, but I'm with you when I say he's not my President. Still, I'm willing to wait and watch and pray, and hope maybe he might become what we all expect a good president to be.

My family took me out for dinner, and then my husband accompanied me to a Sock Social at a local bar. The event was to collect socks for the homeless. Considering a good friend used to be, I thought it a worthwhile cause. When I asked him his opinion, he scoffed at first, mainly because it was over 20 years ago, but when he thought about it, he agreed it was an excellent idea. Clean socks and underwear are the least donated item and the most coveted. Overall, the event collected over a dozen large kitchen-sized garbage bags full of socks.

It's high season for Girl Scout Cookies.

A friend wrote:

Word is you are a big cookie pusher on the East Coast 

in a criminal enterprise know as: The Girl Scouts. 

Headlines will read: Outraged Soccer Mom Leading Double Life 

How many lives have you destroyed with your Girl Scout Cookies?! 

The rehabs are swelling.

Yup, pretty much sums up the next six weeks of my life. But it's fun too. The girls are excited, and we have plans to use the raised money for an overnight trip (our first!)

And, of course, I've always got a project or three going on. I'm writing and beta reading. My cohort in crime, Francu Godgluck has finally kicked his butt into gear and is working on Of God and Monsters, book III. We'll be co-writing book IV at some point (probably 2018) about Richard and James (from Colt and Beo's story).

KC Faelan and I are cleaning up Metamorphic Heart for official publication and printing. Looking for that to be available in August.

Working with new author (to writing, but not to manga) Natsuya Useugi on a high fantasy, transgender novel. Getting to pass on all the information I've learned over the last three years.

On the personal front - two current projects. The first is another "short" standalone in the Southern Jersey Shores series. The two main characters will be new, but I've set in at T.J.'s bar, so readers of the series will recognize the side characters. Current due date for anthology submission is June 30th, but it'll be available on its own probably sometime in late summer, early fall.

Project two is the doozy. I'm co-authoring a dark prison romance with Richard Montgomery, an amazing poet who's spent too many years inside. I'm learning a whole new culture, a whole new language and finding it fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time. Expect truthful accounts of what prison is really like, they'll be no holding back on the honesty. We're already expecting this to be a full length novel, which I suspect will exceed anything I've written/co-written before. I won't even give a possible expectation date as the scenes are trickling in with the ideas before we plot it all out and mesh it all together. With luck, end of 2017, but I'm not holding my breath. Lol.

Meanwhile, the goal list continues...

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. Now go give someone a kiss.

  

Dear 2017: Goals to Go

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Holiday Season. Me? I'm still going. Hanukkah started on Christmas Eve, then we traveled to long-time family friends on Christmas Day. (Tradition!) We then drove to Rhode Island to celebrate Christmas with my husband's family on the 30th, followed by New Year's with his best friend. I'll finally celebrate Hanukkah on the 7th of January with my side of the family.

Could I have done without three weeks worth of celebration? Probably, but it's been sort of nice extending the season, and I seriously did not have to rush to buy presents. Speaking of presents, I like and dislike the idea. Our society has definitely gotten too caught up in the commercialism and in a bid to cut back, I limited my spending where I could. When lists were wanted, I choose not to list gift cards, but actually items that can be used or worn or cherished, such as games, touchscreen gloves and beloved movies.

But, now the new year is upon us/me, and as I look back over 2016, I couldn't have been more happier. So many goals were accomplished: Spin Play and Hammer's Thief were completed and published. We spent an amazing week in June in Disney World and topped the summer with the son, Erik's Bar Mitzvah. I spent a lot more time with my kids, playing Pokemon Go, or just going for walks. Hint to Moms - make them take a walk with you without electronics. They can't stand the silence and will talk and talk and talk. LOL.

My goals are not as definitive for 2017 as they were with 2016, but I've got a few:

• Complete and publish 2 book projects
• Lose a few pounds (okay, okay, 10, but I'd be happy with 5 and keeping it off)
• Bike more and ride in at least two 30 mile charity rides
• Get my Passport
• Attend at least one LGBT book convention

All worthy goals that are doable or that I can achieve success in moving towards. Oh! and maybe post here more often.  Wouldn't that be nice?