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Thursday, March 10, 2011
I’m BA-A-A-A-CK!
Yup, after three weeks a’ bein’ absent from me customary Friday position at the bar, I’m here once more. Ta talk drinks, me philosophy of writin’ and me book!
I been chattin’ a great deal wit’ the Bo’sun ‘bout a guest blog I’m signed up ta do, a big, very busy blog. Yup, I’m gonna invade the Romance Bandits Lair and so we’ve been battin’ ideas fer a stupendous blog back and forth. Mark it on yer calendar, we gots ta make this a real stormin’ the lair! April 12th!
I do write stupendous blogs here, but I’m not one ta plead fer people ta love me and buy me book on the Revenge. I know ya already love me even if ya haven’t bought me book. It’s okay, I won’t poison yer rum.
Yet.
So, at first I thought, “I hear the Bandits have a dragon in their Lair. Perhaps the Great Albino Kraken could challenge the dragon ta somethin’ interestin’… Or he could court the dragon… Or just flirt wit’ said dragon…” I do have a fair amount a’ kraken lore I’ve collected regardin’ cephalopods and their fascinatin’ habits… And I could go on and on about krakens at most times…
Bo’sun liked that idea! And I could tie it inta the book wit’ some sparklin’ excerpt, perhaps where Silvestri comes face ta face wit’ the Kraken, when castin’ a spell… That could be fun!
Then I thought, “Well, they know me as 2nd Chance, the bartender here on the Revenge. I could talk drinks.”
I do have a drink I invented ta celebrate the book, called Silvestri’s Delight. It involves DeKupers Sour Apple, which be green, along with Bacardi and lime juice. Emily, me heroine, wears a scent reminiscent of green apples. It’s somethin’ Silvestri really digs. I could use an excerpt when he discovers ’er attachment ta the perfume and devises an extremely thoughtful gesture.
Bo’sun thought that might be nice. But the Kraken idea seemed more promotional material worthy.
I had a third idea! I thought, “Well, the week before ma appearance in the Lair I’m going ta be at me first signin’ as an author at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. I could write about the real schism between the many personalities I’ll be juggling at the convention.”
I mean, I’m the blogger 2nd Chance. Chance mans a bar, author barely drinks (save at conventions. I sure hope they make a good rum runner there!), and pre-con, I’m also a mini-mentor to buddin’ writers. I’m also a wife, a sister, a daughter… Sometimes, me head really does spin!
Bo’sun thought this was a good idea for a blog, but not a great topic for the Lair, where the hope is to increase me sales and make new fans and friends. Got to admit, she’s right on this one.
So, mostly what we write ‘bout on the Revenge is writin’ involved. I need ta write a fabulous blog fer the Bandits and all their fans. I gots me three ideas…what sounds grand ta the rest a’ ya? Which idea would peak yer interest? And I will be blabbin’ quite a bit about the Revenge!
Yup, I have no problem writin’ a blog all about me and me stuff! But I will admit, I'm nervous about this blog, more than I have been with any other blog I've visited. Gulp!
Pirate! ;-)
I been chattin’ a great deal wit’ the Bo’sun ‘bout a guest blog I’m signed up ta do, a big, very busy blog. Yup, I’m gonna invade the Romance Bandits Lair and so we’ve been battin’ ideas fer a stupendous blog back and forth. Mark it on yer calendar, we gots ta make this a real stormin’ the lair! April 12th!
I do write stupendous blogs here, but I’m not one ta plead fer people ta love me and buy me book on the Revenge. I know ya already love me even if ya haven’t bought me book. It’s okay, I won’t poison yer rum.
Yet.
So, at first I thought, “I hear the Bandits have a dragon in their Lair. Perhaps the Great Albino Kraken could challenge the dragon ta somethin’ interestin’… Or he could court the dragon… Or just flirt wit’ said dragon…” I do have a fair amount a’ kraken lore I’ve collected regardin’ cephalopods and their fascinatin’ habits… And I could go on and on about krakens at most times…
Bo’sun liked that idea! And I could tie it inta the book wit’ some sparklin’ excerpt, perhaps where Silvestri comes face ta face wit’ the Kraken, when castin’ a spell… That could be fun!
Then I thought, “Well, they know me as 2nd Chance, the bartender here on the Revenge. I could talk drinks.”
I do have a drink I invented ta celebrate the book, called Silvestri’s Delight. It involves DeKupers Sour Apple, which be green, along with Bacardi and lime juice. Emily, me heroine, wears a scent reminiscent of green apples. It’s somethin’ Silvestri really digs. I could use an excerpt when he discovers ’er attachment ta the perfume and devises an extremely thoughtful gesture.
Bo’sun thought that might be nice. But the Kraken idea seemed more promotional material worthy.
I had a third idea! I thought, “Well, the week before ma appearance in the Lair I’m going ta be at me first signin’ as an author at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. I could write about the real schism between the many personalities I’ll be juggling at the convention.”
I mean, I’m the blogger 2nd Chance. Chance mans a bar, author barely drinks (save at conventions. I sure hope they make a good rum runner there!), and pre-con, I’m also a mini-mentor to buddin’ writers. I’m also a wife, a sister, a daughter… Sometimes, me head really does spin!
Bo’sun thought this was a good idea for a blog, but not a great topic for the Lair, where the hope is to increase me sales and make new fans and friends. Got to admit, she’s right on this one.
So, mostly what we write ‘bout on the Revenge is writin’ involved. I need ta write a fabulous blog fer the Bandits and all their fans. I gots me three ideas…what sounds grand ta the rest a’ ya? Which idea would peak yer interest? And I will be blabbin’ quite a bit about the Revenge!
Yup, I have no problem writin’ a blog all about me and me stuff! But I will admit, I'm nervous about this blog, more than I have been with any other blog I've visited. Gulp!
Pirate! ;-)
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Loader's Logic (2nd Chance)
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50 comments:
As I recall, the match-making Kraken meeting Ermigarde (I think that's the dragon's name) was my idea. Just sayin'...
LOL!
Yep, this one needs to be aimed at readers, not writers. I'm so used to coming up with blog topics for the aspiring author set, I wouldn't know what to do if I were actually talking to readers. Kind of daunting.
The drink idea does play into the book and anytime you can include an excerpt is good. You just have to pick the best excerpt that will not only get the reader interested, but make her HAVE TO run out and get the book to find out what happens.
I hope Chance is on high ground, since the tsunami is heading towards the West Coast. Scary stuff. My sister in WA state should be okay, but it's worrying.
I don't frequent the site you're going to be blogging at, but since you'll be there the week before RT, I would be interested in your mentoring of the newbies, and the buttons you make, and all the things that set you apart from other RT attendees.
You could also possibly talk about your book and the legends and lore, but tie it in to something you're going to be presenting at the RT convention.
I think with potential new readers, they are more likely to get your book because of YOU first, and the story second.
That's just my opinion. :) I'll have a coffee/alcohol beverage please.
I agree with Bo'Sun - you have to focus on the readers and gettign them interested in the book and you. I love hte kraken vs. dragon idea!
Just don't forget to add those awesome reader questions at the end to get those comments soaring. :) (Like you would ever forget!)
Soemtimes I feel like authors use the 1st chapter as their excerpt all the time, when it might be more helpful to do a quick set-up of characters and then pick a really fast paced or sexy scene that would pull readers in more. Oh - and it shouldn't be too long.
I'm so proud of you and wish I would be there for your very first signing! Please have someone take pics and share with us. :)
I love the kraken vs. dragon idea as well. :) I think that's a good way to tie the readers of their blog with your story. :) I think that'll work perfectly.
Your first signing. How exciting. Signings seems stressful though. Sitting there, waiting for people to come talk to you. Eek.
I'd rather do a signing at one of these big conferences than by myself in a little bookstore. I've attended both, and at least at the big one, there are lots of other authors twiddling there thumbs, so I'd have people to commiserate with. LOL!
I've seen author friends sit at the front of a bookstore for hours trying to coax people over. That would be too daunting for me.
Yup, sorry, Bo'sun, I meant to ad that the dragon idea were yours... I did find a nice excerpt for that idea. I do have some perfume information so I could play inta that also...
The excerpt wit' the kraken is a nice build one. An excerpt with the perfume would be sweet, but not necessarily sexy...
I may base me final decision on the excerpt part a' things!
Donnaroo - We be really high from the beach itself, but it were a scary lookin' wave... We gots about an hour afore the one they be worrying 'bout will get here. I do hope the Boardwalk will be fine...
One a' the things I'll be doing at RT is being part a' the "He's A Pirate" panel discussion...which could work inta a nice blog fer the Bandits, so I should think about that.
BTW, I bet the bluff where I walk Bonnie is going ta be busy wit' people, hoping ta see the wave come ashore. Monterey Bay be tilted a bit south and I live on the norther edge a that. I gots the weather channel on, so I will be keeping an eye out...
Ah, Scape! I wish ya could be there, too! I'll never fergit ya at Orlando, wit' yer color-coded little binder!
I do have ta come up wit' some good questions. A kraken blog could ask about matchmakin'...since me kraken is a bit of a Cupid... The perfume one would be easy, ta ask about perfumes, whether they see them as gestures a' romance, what they like, etc...
"He's A Pirate" would play inta what a reader likes in a hero... Good idea, ta think a that part, too!
And I agree, not too long an excerpt! Not fond a long ones people sometimes use...
Yeah, Marn...I gots ta be sure ta have somethin' ta do should it go slow. And who knows who I'll have near me. I gots ta be chatty and charming. I gots three different sorts a feathered pens, I'll have some chocolate...
Several Decadent ladies will be wanderin' 'bout the event takin' pictures and providing water, potty breaks...
But I'm a bit nervous. Probably get a big zit at the tip a' me nose that morning...
Yeah, Bo'sun, I feel the same way. I often seen authors at bookstores, sittin' and twiddlin' their thumbs. Heard different advice regarindin' what ta do in that situation. Been told don't sit at the table, be willin' ta wander and talk with shoppers.
But ya know...I'd find meself runnin' away from an author comin' at me in a bookstore! ;-)
Chance, I like that pirate idea! I'm a regular at Romance Bandits and it's a very warm, welcoming place. Let your personality shine through in your blog and the readers will embrace you with open arms.
Glad to hear you're safe. Tsunamis are so devastating--I hope it slows down before it gets there.
I think book signings can be traumatic for the author AND potential readers. LOL I've been sucked into buying books I hadn't really expected to, just because I decided to chat with the author. So I think readers are afraid to make eye contact for that reason. :) It can be a commitment.
Reading about this earthquake and tsunami have me wondering if Mother Nature isn't really trying to shake us off. Scary stuff. Good to hear you're safe, Chance.
Donna - I've been to five large conference booksignings and I feel guilty everytime. When you have 500 authors in one room, you just can't buy them all! I've found the best thing to do is keep moving and give the impression you're looking for someone in the crowd.
Terri, I had the same thought about Mother Nature. Maybe she's trying to get us to focus on important things, so we'll quit all our human squabbling. :)
And I had to laugh--I've done that same thing at the big booksignings, trying to look like a woman with a mission. LOL Because once I start feeling bad for somebody not selling any books. . .no wonder my TBR is so huge!
pjpuppymom, thanks fer the input. I may play with that one somemore. Gots ta find a nice excerpt ta address that idea and see how it flies in me mind...
;-) Donna, what's wrong wit' that?
HA!
But yeah, I know. I always come home with signed books because I stopped ta chat wit' the author. I'm workin' on the taking a bookmark while saying I only read wit' me e-book, so I'll order it. And get them ta sign me autograph book. I'll have a stack of some small autograph books I made up on me table fer people ta take...
Ter - Donna - Yeah, this was one big ass quake and whenever the Pacific rim gets shakin', it gets our attention here in California.
I do find the looking fer someone is helpful in those big crowds. And an autograph book is handy! I even have an old fashioned autograph hound I'll be giving away, with a few colored sharpies! (Am I the only one who remembers those? It's white, looks a bit like a dachshund...)
Chance, are you doing the romance trading cards? It's something new-ish I saw on Twitter, and I noticed today they have a website:
http://romancetradingcards.com/
It looks like another fun way to get people interested -- they're meant to be like baseball cards.
Oh, I wish Donnaroo! I looked at them, but I don't have any good images to represent either of my characters... Hard to find a good free pic of a sexy 65 year old pirate! I'm thinking next year I'll be set up fer this!
I could do an author trading card...if anyone would want one of those! ;-)
The kraken is a character. You could have a good pic of that, and some of the legends and lore stuff on the back. :)
(Clearly I like typing "legends and lore" today. God knows why. LOL)
That is true! At this point, not sure I have time to do it well... As I said, I'll work on getting them out by next year!
I've been seeing lots of buzz about those cards but didn't know the details. I actually like the idea and that site is great. Makes me wish I had a reason to make a card! LOL!
It's amazing how fast the time is going. (Yay for Daylight Savings Time this weekend!)
Terri, I was wishing the same thing. LOL
Yeah, they are pretty cool... Maybe I can have some ready by the Nationals and just hand them out... I am just outta time fer RT!
I am SO looking forward to more daylight.
Well, where I am is safe from the rising water, but areas of the harbor in Santa Cruz are having some problems... Boats lost. If the water rises as it is to the north of us...there are going to be some areas around the bay that are going to be in trouble!
Chance, I like the Kraken idea best too, but I think the Banditas and their buddies are such a lively group that they will discuss any ideas you throw out there. As PJ said, they are an exceptionally warm, welcoming group, and they're really good at letting their imaginations play. I'm sure you'll be a big hit. I'll "see" you there.
Thanks, janga! I think it all comes down ta how brilliant I be able to write the blog, and make it welcoming and fun... I have a month, but I'm sure I'll be obsessing over making it just right all the way up until then!
Well, crew...time to get my Bonnie doggie out for a stroll. Since the bluff is off limits and the beach is a bad idea...think we'll head for the inland dog park! Back in a bit!
I vote dragons and Kraken. Everyone loves a good romance--and everyone loves to play matchmaker. :) You'll do great. The Bandits and Pirates are always a lively mix and good fun.
Thanks, Cap'n! I am gonna have ta see what I can find out about this dragon, so old krakey can put on his best fer 'er!
Sorry I had to disappear -- the fan on my laptop kept coming on too much so I was online with Dell support, and they had to update the BIOS. Eeek. I think it's better. The fan doesn't come on and STAY on, but it seems to come on more often.
Sigh. It's always something. As long as it doesn't fry the motherboard. Thank goodness it's still under warranty. But, ya know, it's still kinda new, so it shouldn't be needing tuneups! LOL
With a cat in the house, I assume mine is going to be turning on more often than not when I'm at home. I try to keep her away from it, but let's face it...someday, when we inhabit the moon, cat hair will be there. Before us.
LOL -- I don't have a cat, or any animals. Well, I did hear a family of something up in the attic the other day -- sounded like a squeaky-toy family gave birth to babies. So maybe they're coming down here at night time. If so, they ought to add to the word count or something productive!
Since I can't think of anything that has changed in the environment, I get a little anxious about the computer. I'm doing backups, though, just in case. :)
That reminds me, I need to buy one of those laptop cooling things. Mine gets way too hot.
I've looked at those but I wasn't sure about it, since it plugs into the power source. Plus I didn't want my laptop sitting up higher. When you get one and test it out, let me know what you think! LOL
Yeah, I have problems enough with being ergonomically correct!
I don't think I am ergonomically correct, which may be why I feel like I'm shrinking each day. LOL
Always remember to stand, straighten that back and strech your arms behind you...
Hey! I could blog about regular exercise as a writer and a reader!
Nah...sounds like work!
My sister has one of the cooling things and it was a bit odd to type on her machine. But there are lots of versions. I'll let you know what I find!
Who knew no one would find this topic fascinating? ;-)
Well, I'm off to lunch!
Of course its fascinating.
I simply don't know if i have any thing fascinatingly Useful to add to the conversation!
Always remember to stand, straighten that back and strech your arms behind you…?
I'd fall over backwards ... or bust out my buttons & get arrested for indecent exposure. See? Fascinating maybe. Fascinatingly Useful? Nope.
Glad you're safe from Tsunami's Chance.
If the pacific tectonics are on the move, I hope you're also safe from earth tremors.
Don't we get occasional invasions here from bandits?
Anna Campbell, Aunty Cindy and the like.
I think that readers will be fascinated by your motivation for writing. How you diced with death and came out on top. How when faced with your maker you realized that you had to write. The angels are expecting! :lol:
Embroider it a bit. If you want to elaborate on specific issues give us a few questions that you would like to answer .... alls fair in love and writing. *grin*
Just greet them all with a toast. Anna is an Aussie after all. No worries as long as you don't mention test cricket *grin*
Relax and you'll knock em cold!
Oh and please remind us of the date nearer the time. 8)
Julie - You always have fascinating things to say! I'm sure every male who reads our blog found your second entry fascinating! ;-)
Thanks Q! Yer right of course... so, I need to work in somethin' about my fearless waltz wit' death and how it emboldened me to befriend a kraken...
Sorry, Chance, it was my day off and I've been lounging about (read: napping) and eating a well-balanced meal (read: eating pralines rather than cook something real), then I had to go to Walmart for a few specific items (read: I spent $100) and now I'm contemplating giving a spring cleaning to the apartment. It needs it. It needs a top to bottom cleaning; I have been slack for the last few months with the cleaning, vacuuming, and anything remotely smacking of work.
The Walmart purchases ARE related to the cleaning.
I agree with Q. Ask some questions about the readers. You know how it is when you go on a date. Your date always loves it when they get to stop listening and talk about themselves. :)
House cleaning...sounds vaguely familiar...
Yup, I have to have some good questions amidst all this frivolity...
AHOY my Lovelies!
Chance, I'm so excited you will be joining us in the Lair next month. Just give the Banditas and our Buddies an opportunity to party and we'll be fine. ;-)
If the Kraken would like to flirt with Ermingarde, that would be GREAT! Poor thing gets rather lonely up in her weir. Plus, she is a wee bit near-sighted so she's likely to mistaken K for something else entirely. And beware, her aim with that fiery breath isn't the best.
AC
Auntie - I'm lookin' forward ta unearthin' more info about Ermingarde so I can set the match up perfectly!
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