Dog Quotes

It's still the Dog Days of Summer so since I love quotes, I thought I'd share some cool ones I found.

"If your dog doesn't like someone you probably shouldn't either."  (I find this to be true.)

"What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog."
- Dwight D. Eisenhower

"Asking a working writer what he thinks about critics is like asking a lamp-post how it feels about dogs." - Christopher Hampton

"Some days you're the dog, some days you're the hydrant." - Unknown

"No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich."
- Louis Sabin   

"A barking dog is often more useful than a sleeping lion." - Washington Irving (LOVE THIS!)

 "If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience." - Woodrow Wilson  (I love this one too!)

"When old dogs bark, it's time to watch out." - Unknown

"I wonder if other dogs think poodles are members of a weird religious cult." - Rita Rudner  

"If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer." - Alfred North Whitehead

What's your favorite dog quote?

Meet Author "CL Stegall"

This past July I attended Lexicon Writer's Conference in Denton Texas and met some great people. One person I didn't meet in person at the time, though I saw him across the room, was CL Stegall.

After connecting with him on Facebook, I downloaded his book and read it. And, I read it in one sitting. Well, I had to do dinner for hubby but I did the read-stir-read-some-more thing so technically it counts as one sitting since I read it straight through.

Here's a short blurb for The Weight of Night.

When her mother is taken from her in a terrible accident, 18-year-old Alexis finds herself facing some previously unknown truths. Her best friend, Keats, is her only confidante when she is faced with an apparent stalker who claims that Alexis’ entire life is built around a lie. Keats keeps the leap-before-you-look Alexis grounded as they are suddenly thrown into a whirlwind world of danger and secret agendas and the viciously deceitful lives of demigods and ancient Greek deities.

When a conniving, self-righteous god decides that Alexis is his best hope for retrieving a powerful artifact, she finds herself on the self-discovery journey of a lifetime – tracking a killer and a kidnapper – and facing twisted and dangerous foes along the way.

With lives in the balance, Alexis will have to come to grips with who she truly is and just what she might be capable of. Growing more and more dangerous herself, she will have to try and survive long enough to save the one person in the world for whom she cares most.

Now, I've always loved mythology so when I was given the chance to interview CL for the blog, I jumped at the chance. Here's that interview.






What inspired you to write this story?  And why the gods?

You know, I've been asked that question so many times and I honestly cannot pinpoint any specific inspiration, other than the fact that I grew up loving all of the Greek mythology that I read about or saw in media (Jason & the Argonauts, the original Clash Of the Titans, etc.). The story of how this book evolved was just that: an evolution. Back in 2003, I was part of an online writing community (then called Arcane Artistry, now called Legend Fire). Once in a while I would enter one of their contests. Once I entered a predetermined title contest, meaning we were given a title and had to write a story to fit it. The story that came from that was Darkness In Avenhale. Amazingly, I took top prize! The greatest (and most) feedback I received was that folks wanted more of the tale. So, I set out to write a novel. Let me tell you, that is NOT an easy task. What began as a 3k-word short became an 80k word novel over the course of six-plus years. The more I delved into the world of the ancient Greeks and their tales of mythological being tied to both physical and human nature, the more material I had to expand the story of Alexis and her friends and enemies. Indeed, there is SO much more to come!

CL's Writing Space is much neater than mine :-)

Could you share a bit of your writing process with us? What’s a typical writing day like for you? How do you balance day job and your writing?

Hmmnh, so let's take these one at a time. My writing process involves a lot of trial and error.  Meaning, I will bang an idea up against the walls of my brain for some time before ever putting pen to paper (or, fingers to keys, as the case may be). Once I have the basic premise, I will begin to outline, really just a jotting down of simple ideas for what I would like to happen. I will begin to flesh that out with a very specific overall outline, and then a more specific chapter breakdown outline. Now, some folks will think that, at this point, I am a straight outliner...but, once I begin writing the story and the characters begin to come alive, they will definitely start to drive the story and my outlines might all go right out the darned window! Trust me, it's happened.

 As for the typical writing day, I sometimes try and get some writing in before I go off to my bread and butter job, but I'm still trying to get the hang of that. If at all possible, I will spend my lunch break writing, which is a wonderful experience. If you only have one hour to write, you write like a fiend! No surfing! :o) And, then, I tend to write more on the weekends than anything else. It's tough, but that's the life of a writer these days. We can't all be Stephen King, with an office in the barn with a nice coffee maker and leather chair waiting for us. :o( Maybe one day!

How important was the encouragement you received as a young writer and what advice would you give to a young or novice writer?

The biggest encouragement that I received was folks actually liking what I had written. Only a few people have ever truly encouraged me to continue writing and step up my game. My best advice to novice writers is very simple: don't quit. If this is what you love to do, keep doing it the best you can. Don't take ANYONE'S advice too much to heart. This is your thing. Writing is a solitary occupation, so to speak. Understand that you are your own worst critic. Use that, better yourself and keep writing!

When you get the chance, what do you like to read?

I read just about anything, really. If it is well-written, has a decent premise (and promise), I'll jump right in. I've read romance novels, and literary fiction, but I suppose my favorite genre will always be fantasy. Reading about something out of the ordinary (paranormal, as they say) and how the protagonist will deal with such things is of great curiosity to me. My favorite in the genre is Faerie Tale, by Raymond E. Feist. I can read that one over and over again. Such a great story and terribly well-written!

Lastly, you mentioned in a previous interview that your grandfather was an influence on you becoming a writer. Do you remember a favorite story of his? 

Most of his stories are not repeatable in polite company. ;o) Actually, I'd just rather not answer this one for various reasons.

My family has some stories like that so I totally understand. Maybe one day, we'll get together and share them...in private. :-)

I want to thank CL for taking the time from his writing  to answer my questions and I want to encourage each of you to check out his book, The Weight of Night.  I know you will love it. Here's a few more links to check out.

Facebook
Twitter

CL is also President and CEO of Dark Red Press.

Dog Days of Summer

I've never been good with diaries or journals. And even the blog gets neglected at times. I try to keep up with it on a regular basis and do good for a while, but then it all goes haywire and it's two weeks before I post again. 

I think it's the time of year right now.  It's hot.  About the only thing a person wants to do is find a cool spot and survive. Even the dogs want to do nothing more than dig a hole and lay in it.  Which brings me to my topic for the next couple days...dogs.

Doofus

And we'll start with Dog Days.

The Dog Days of Summer are during the months of July and August. The actual dates vary according to which source you read but they are generally the hottest days of the year.

The feast day of Saint Roch, the patron saint of dogs, is August 16. (I didn't realize dogs had a saint.)

"Dog Days bright and clear
indicate a happy year.
But when accompanied by rain, 
for better times our hopes are vain."
 
The Romans sacrificed a brown dog at the beginning of the Dog Days to appease the rage of Sirius, believing that the star was the cause of the hot, sultry weather.

 Dog Days were popularly believed to be an evil time "the Sea boiled, the Wine turned sour, Dogs grew mad, and all other creatures became languid; causing to man, among other diseases, burning fevers, hysterics and phrensies." according to Brady’s Clavis Calendaria, 1813.

Lexicon

Now that I've had a week to reflect, it's time I share my thoughts on Lexicon.

Friday evening began with a few words from Mitch Haynes, the brain and vision behind Lexicon. He told us his dream for Lexicon was that it be different from other writer's conferences where we have to sell ourself, where egos rule and writers compete with each other. I liked that right off. So many times we get caught up in what others can do for us, we forget what we can do for them.

The dinner was very good and while I really don't like mingling, the meet and greet was fun. Once I get started I'm fine, it's that first couple meets and greets that are uncomfy. :-)

Saturday morning started with breakfast and more meeting and greeting. Then on to the workshops.

Marketing Your Business on a Shoestring was a bit basic but I still took away a couple ideas I want to try.

Every Novelist Should Write Short Stories reminded me just how much I love doing short stories. I also met Earl Staggs, who is a great guy. I bought two of his books and plan to dig into them soon.

The Do it Yourself Marketing Boot Camp gave me some things to think about as I work on my  marketing plan. 

Lunch took longer than expected 'cause the hotel kitchen got overwhelmed but we didn't mind. We shared lunch with editor Susan M. Malone of Malone Editorial Services.  If you need an editor, I highly recommend her.

After lunch, it was a workshop with Susan dealing with Story Arc.  Now I love story arc, hero's journey and three act structure stuff. As she talked, I went through my WIP checking to see if I had all the elements there.

Next it was Intrigue Your Reader with Darlene Hartman. I'd met Darlene the night before and fell in love with her. She actually wrote several episodes for the original Star Trek series. Darlene is one classy lady.

I skipped the time with agents and took a short nap then headed down for the "Round Table" discussions. These were all very informative and carried over on Sunday morning.

The highlight of the conference though, had to be Saturday night.  After dinner at Braum's, we had ice cream, a group of us ended up downstairs in the lobby/seating/dining/bar area.  We talked about the publishing business, social media, life in general and had a great time getting to know each other. We headed to our rooms a little after midnight.

Never have I come away from a conference with friends as I did with Lexicon. I'm already looking forward to next year's conference.

The thing about Lexicon, we were all equals. Novice writer as well as published. Traditionally published, small press or even self-published, it didn't matter. We weren't there to compete with each other, but to help.

Sunday, during breakfast, one of the agents attending joined the table where I sat. I've been to quite a few conferences and never has that happened before. And, that's another reason I enjoyed Lexicon so much.

Boing, boing, boing...

I've been studying writing seriously for about ten years and I admit, I have a lot to learn but I think I'm getting there. For a long time when I read, even for pleasure, I picked up a book about writing.

I counted once and had twenty-five books on writing the novel and I've bought more since. Like I said, I have a thing for books about writing.

Here's where I'm going with this...  In all the books I've read, all the workshops I've taken,  head-hopping has been condemned. Especially for novice writers.

You know head-hopping right? The shifts from one POV character to another in the middle of a scene or paragraph. We're reading along with one character, right in the middle of the action then all of a sudden it changes mid paragraph and we are now in another character's head.

It's disconcerting. It's abrupt. It's often confusing. It's annoying to have to go back and reread to see what happened.

The other day I downloaded a book and started reading. I really enjoyed the story but the constant head-hopping seriously impaired my enjoyment.

This author changed POV character almost every page, often mid paragraph. I had to stop reading, go back and reread so often, I lost count. When I read, I want to escape into the world and having to check the map every five minutes or so hampers that. It takes me from that world and reminds me it's just a book and not a well written one at that.

So, my question to you... How do you feel about head-hopping? Do you, don't you? Like it or not? Is it okay in certain instances and if so, when?

This is just "part" of my books on writing.


Oh, the book was  "self-published" however it had been well edited except for all the head-hopping.  And nope, I probably won't buy another of hers because I'll always remember I had to work to read this one. I'll always think of her as the "head-hopper."

Self-promotion vs Spam

Not long ago, I deleted 46 spam comments from the blog.  Yesterday, I deleted 42. Thankfully blogger catches them before they get posted to the comment section but I still have to go in ever so often, check the "spam" comments and either delete them or say they aren't spam. I wonder if whoever, and there has to be a whoever involved somewhere, thinks I'll really buy cheap viagra, valium or any number of whatever drugs they are peddling.

And my email...right now there are almost 1,200 spam items listed. Ranging from cheap viagra and cheap insurance to miracle cures for just about every disease to the pleas for help moving large amounts of money (which I'll get part of if I give them my account info). Again, I wonder, just what are these people thinking.

I've even gotten spam on my cell phone, on Twitter and Facebook. Don't these people have a real job? Don't they have better things to do?

I will say, I have found a use for the spam email. I go through and come up with character names. Usually I'll take a first name from one and a last from another, but it still is an easy way to see how names look.

Here's where I'm going with this...

As an author with several published works and a new novel coming out next month, I have to promote my writing. If people don't know about it, they won't know to buy it. And that's a loss for both of us.

But where does it go from self-promotion to spam? If I send everyone on my email list a short email letting them know I have a new book out, is that spam? Probably not to most on the list but I'm sure one or two might consider it so.

How many times can I post about my book on Facebook or Twitter before it becomes spam and too much? One, two, ten...?

And what about those groups and websites that want you to promote on them? Is one post a week fine but two in the same week spam?

I don't have any answers. Not really, anyway.  What do you think? How do you balance self-promotion to avoid spam?

Fantasy Friday - Mirror, Mirror

Mirror, Mirror

     “Galen, please! I must consult the mirror.” Eesla stood before him, hands clutched at her waist. “No one will know, the castle sleeps.”

     “My Lady, His Lordship has forbidden it. No one may consult the mirror without his approval.” He pulled his cloak around his shoulders, rested a hand on his sword hilt and took a deep breath of musty air. “I dare not disobey. Besides, the mirror shows only what it chooses.”

     “Please, Galen...” Light from torches mounted on either side of the wooden door flickered, casting shadows down the empty hall. She looked up, met his gaze. “Lord Darius demands my decision on the morrow. I must know which path to choose.”

     “I dare not, My Lady. My life would be required if we were discovered.” He brushed a tear from her cheek. “And the mirror’s images are uncertain, open to many interpretations.”

     “My father values your services these many years. You would not be punished.” She fell to her knees and clung to his legs. “I will take any blame. I must know my fate.”

     Galen pried her arms from his legs. He could blame her tears if they were caught. She’d used them often enough with her father. “Stand, My Lady, weep no more.” He helped her to her feet, gave her hands a gentle squeeze. “I see no good coming from the mirror, but I’ll not forbid you to try.” And, she’d owe him, he would use that to his advantage.

     Eesla wrapped her arms around his neck, kissed his cheek. “Thank you, my friend.”

     “Do not thank me yet. We both may regret this decision.” He handed her one of the torches, opened the door and moved aside. “I’ll wait here.” She kissed his cheek again took a step into the darkness. Galen watched her light another torch then closed the door with a soft thunk.

* * *

     “Yes, My Lord.” Galen bowed slightly, turned and strode from the great hall. Soon, he would be the one commanding, but until that day... He sighed. Maybe the gardens. Eesla often strolled among the flowers when troubled.

     Halfway across the courtyard he saw her atop the watchtower peering over the wall. He changed directions and made his way up the stone stairs. What had she seen in the mirror?

     “My Lady, your father and Lord Darius are waiting.” He met her gaze, studied her troubled frown. A strand of golden hair fluttered in the evening breeze. Galen brushed it from her face.

     “I should not have consulted the mirror.” She gazed toward the setting sun. “My father was right to forbid it.”

     He clenched his jaw, then took a deep breath. “Have you decided upon an answer for Lord Darius?

     Eesla nodded her head, continued to stare over wall. “I will marry Lord Darius. He is a wise man and will rule well in my father’s stead.” She rested her arms atop the parapet and sighed. “I may learn to love him one day, but there is no suitable alternative.”

     “You could choose me, My Lady.”

     She laughed and tossed a pebble off the wall. “You always were able to make me laugh. I could never marry a common-born.” Eesla sighed. “The mirror, though... I wish I had not looked.”

     “What did you see, My Lady? Mayhaps together we can understand.” Galen leaned against the wall, gazed down at her.

     “I saw myself — my body — broken and bleeding.” She shivered then met his gaze. “I lay on the rocks below. But... how could one fall from the watchtower? The wall is chest-high, the stones are solid.”

     Galen reached down, grabbed her about the knees and flipped her over the wall. “Just like this, My Lady.”