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McKinzie S. Heart's Blog on her journey as an author |
| This journal is for my blogging, notes, and thoughts. Respectful comments are absolutely welcome!! I will also be posting any of my upcoming ebook/book releases! Welcome!!! |
| Yep, I'm having a moment where I'm procrastinating which unfortunately is what I chose. Seems like I've been getting so sidetracked with things to do around the house and things to do in the yard. Plenty of book projects to finish. I already have the stories in my head, I just have to mold them. Too bad I work full-time. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to financially stay at home, travel, & write? Well, until I win the lottery, guess I have to plug along like everyone else. Procrastinating is not something that just happens. It's a choice we all make. Do I choose to write or work in the yard? Do I choose to play on the internet or write? Procrastination is a choice. Gotta make some better choices... |
| Well, right now, reformatting my two Elemental Seduction novellas with the signed contracts to be sent to Rogue Phoenix Press. Thinking about sending my Dark Moon Harvest book to Totally Bound when it's finished. Also, working on my collection for Wicked Bedtime Stories that I plan to publish through Amazon. I was thinking about sending some work to Harlequin Nocturne but it's my understanding that they only pay authors pennies on the dollar. Well, I have a problem with that. After all, the authors are the ones who created these stories that readers want to buy and if it wasn't for their stories, then there would be no publishers. More exciting news, the wonderful staff at the now defunct Silver Publishing, have started a new publisher called Fireborn Publishing. The owner fled the country but the staff rallied as well as the authors and I will be listed as one of the authors there. But since Rogue has been gracious enough to pick up my two novellas (there are two more to be written in that collection), then I will need to submit a different story to them. I'm leaning towards finishing Thief of Hearts for them. So much going on. I think I will hold off going back to school until next Fall. That should give me some much needed writing time to finish all my projects especially since I'm so picky about my work! Other news, my illustrator for the childrens' stories will most likely be ready to work on my other books once she has gotten married. I anticipate more great things happening in the Fall. The children's works will be under another name so keep an eye open. |
| Well, the Silver Publishing owner may have fled the states with his fraudulent activities to South Africa but this hasn't stopped the authors from moving forward. Both my Elemental novellas have been accepted by my other publisher Rogue Phoenix Press. I need only sign the contracts. It was very kind of them to be willing to republish my work. I've decided to incorporate my short story, Doctor's Orders, into a book of stories. It will be titled Wicked Bedtime Stories. I anticipate indie publishing it through Amazon. Another interesting bit of information. The good staff and authors of the now defunct Silver Publishing, have banded together to create a new publisher Fireborn Publishing. The staff have been wonderful and can't be faulted for Silver's owner. I hope that it works out wonderfully. I plan to stay on as an author but will have to submit a different story since I obligated myself with the other two. Thus goes my journey... |
| So, Silver Publishing was shut down and there is now a criminal on the run. We have no idea how much he cooked the books since apparently our earnings reports weren't accurate. Check out this blog for more detailed information. http://www.ajllewellyn.com/site/2014/04/12/2206/ |
| Imagine my surprise when I went to amazon dot com to check the status of my books and when I clicked on Dark Moon Harvest which had a limited print, the prices of used for sale ranged from $94 to $152. To say I was flattered was an understatement :) What will it be like when the rewrite is complete and it goes to second print? Exciting... |
| Well, graduated with my RN. Just gotta take the boards. Also, divided up my children's book The Little Blue Balloon and sent it to my illustrator. When complete, think we might indie publish it on amazon.com. I want to see how well it will do in there. Just wanted to try something different that could be of benefit for us. I've heard really good things about it. If I end up not liking it, then I will submit it to an agent and go that route. Will be using a different name for the children's stories. Also, while still working on the books, may do some freelance writing. So much to do and so little time to do it in. Wish I could do like on that movie Multiplicity and copy myself to get everything done. On page 92 of the Dark Moon Harvest rewrite. Have mixed feelings about where I want to send it. Do I want to send it to one of my current publishers, to an agent, or to yet another publisher? I even considered maybe indie publishing it to see how it would do but don't know if I can get the cover art to look exactly what I would like for it to look like. I like the original background but I would like the hero to be wearing a suit with the front open showing his chest and his dark wings nearly embracing them both while they are both in a sensual embrace. I also want them to both be wearing small black masks. We will see what can be done. Have a wonderful day and hopefully, it won't be as long for me to get back in here. |
| Well, guess what? I have an illustrator for my children's books! Her name is Karen Lindeman and her work is wonderful. As soon as I graduate in May, I will be back on the books. First priority...put my children's book together with her art (The Little Blue Balloon) and (There's a Monster in my Closet) with our names on it, and send the completed manuscript to some agents. Gotta have an agent for the children's books. She will be great for my regular children's stories. Second priority...finish the rewrite on Dark Moon Harvest and send it out with the other nearly complete novels following (Thief of Hearts, Fay Warrior Fay Master, Sweet Escape etc). I'm giving myself 1 year to finish all of my nearly finished novels. Third priority...find an illustrator for my children's Dinkerville series. This is more Seussian so it may be more challenging. So if anyone knows of someone that could fit the bill let me know. And somewhere in the middle of all this, I would love to do some more writing for Scotty's magazine, Intrepid Magazine. Wonderful magazine and very talented man. Maybe some appropriate short stories or a series that would pertain to that magazine. I'm geared up!!! Where's my coffee?!!! |
| So...I decided to send three of my children's stories to a publisher who then promptly sent contracts for each one (it happened rather quickly). Before signing, I decided to do some more in-depth research (because they were so quick to respond) and went to Preditors and Editors. As I read all the information about Publish America, I did more research and realized that I almost made a huge mistake. Evidently, there has been a lot going on with them in all areas and they aren't the legit publisher that they claim to be. Also, get this, they have over 47,000 authors!!!! Geez, what does that say? I quickly deleted the contracts that they sent me with a huge sigh of relief. The only thing stopping me from sending my children's stories out is that I'm not an illustrator. The requirements are that you need to send a complete manuscript with illustrations to an agent who, if accepted, will send it to the appropriately interested publisher. The big children's stories publishers don't accept unsolicited material. I have a girlfriend out in CA (who's a graphic artist) who said that she would like to try and do my Dinkerville illustrations. She offered. I didn't ask her. This was Over a year ago and still nothing. How disappointing. I figured that while I'm so busy in school and since I haven't had time to complete my rewrite of Dark Moon Harvest then I could at least send some of my completed children's pieces. :( |
| I received an email the other day and this is what it said: Hi McKinzie! I’m very pleased to inform you that I’ll be featuring your story "There's a Monster in My Closet" in the next issue of the WDC Horror Newsletter, coming out on January 23rd. The NL will be about writing Horror for children and teens, and I think the readers will really enjoy your creepy story. Congratulations, and thank you for being such an asset to the WDC community! > > > Laura Needless to say, I was very flattered to have received two more 5 star ratings for this story as well as great reviews! Also, received a 4.5 star rating and great review on my poem, Look to the Hills, about my Nana who had passed away! Item 3...lol...my short erotic romance, Doctor's Orders, was published this month on the 5th with Silver Publishing! You guys sure know how to make a girl feel good!!! I love you all! |
| Doctor's Orders, my short story, is now listed at Silver Publishing :) |
| My short story, Doctor's Orders, will be coming out in ebook on January 5, 2013 through Silver Publishing! |
| My short story Doctor's Orders will soon be coming out through Silver Publishing! Check it out! |
| Congratulations! One or more of the pieces you submitted to the WDC Anthology 2012 has been accepted for inclusion. Going through the over 400 submissions and deciding which pieces should be included was a long, yet exciting process. Six judges needed to read through all the material and make decisions on each piece and then it all needed to be correlated into the long List. Given we were constrained by a projected page count, we decided to make the anthology a larger size to accommodate the large number of accepted submissions. Initially, we were hoping to receive a minimum of a hundred entries. Needless to say, we were thrilled by the large turnout even though we were buried under entries! Have to love it when a plan not only comes together, but massively exceeds expectations. We have begun the process of laying out the manuscript and I can tell you it will be roughly 200 pages in an 8.5 x 11 inch format set up in landscape format. The editors each picked their favorites to be selected as Editor’s Picks. From those, I selected two Publisher’s Picks. Merit badges for all Editor’s Picks, and Trophies for Publisher’s Picks will be on their way after we send the book to press! Please do not write and ask which piece or pieces are in or if one of your entries received an Editor’s Pick. All that will do is delay our getting the anthology to press. Time allowing, I will put a list in my (Fyndorian) port with the included pieces. Won’t tell anyone about the Editor’s or Publisher’s Picks though. Surprises are nice! We still anticipate going to press on the anthology on or about the 1st of November 2012. Whether or not you order a copy, it in NO WAY effects your inclusion. The Anthology is priced at $10.00 plus s/h. IF you desire to order multiple copies, please contact me so I can let you know what your shipping cost will be. Books can be ordered at http://wynwidynpress.com/buy-a-book_20.html or if you are ordering several copies, I will send you my paypal info. I will have shipping info Monday. Phone number is below should you have any additional questions. Just as an additional thought while on the subject of buying copies of the anthology, do consider that your parents, grandparents, siblings, children or grandchildren might like a copy of the book as well and the holidays are right around the corner. It would make a great present or stocking present! Help Random Acts of Kindness and take care of a gift all at the same time! Remember, each sale increases the amount of gps that will be sent to RAOK! If you’ve ever gotten a free upgrade at WdC, remember how happy you were. Think of all the upgrades folks will get!!! What an excellent way to foster growth of writers!! Both as the owner of Wynwidyn Press and as Fyndorian, I am very excited about the anthology! Again, congratulations. Robin Moyer Wynwidyn Press, LLC 1360 E M-36, Suite C Pinckney, Mi 48169 810.623.1511 |
| Been so busy at school and work, haven't had time to write. My short, light-hearted erotica story Doctor's Orders has completed its final edit. It will be coming out through Silver Publishing soon. Not sure of the release date but we will see. |
| Worked on some stories today. Can't seem to concentrate with school starting (providing that all works out well). Worked on Dark Moon Harvest, Her Heart's Desire, Fay Warrior Fay Master & Thief of Hearts. I look forward to finishing these. Do you ever feel like the characters just take over in your head demanding to have their stories told? Interesting... |
| My short story Doctor's Orders has been accepted for publication. The only problem is that I've been so busy with starting a new job, moving to another state, and getting school set up for the fall that I haven't had time to edit it! I've really gotta make time. Not only that, I haven't finished with my rewrite for Dark Moon Harvest. I'm really getting on my own nerves. Ever watch that movie Multiplicity? I'm wishing that I had a few copies of me :) Soon I will be looking for Beta Readers for my Dark Moon Harvest manuscript. If interested, let me know. I will only choose up to 5. Have a good one! |
| My short story, Doctor's Orders, has been accepted by Silver Publishing for publication. In the editing process. Haven't gotten back to writing yet since the last couple of months I've relocated, found a new job, and am trying to setup school for the fall. Guess it's about time to get back into the writing. I don't know why I let myself get sidetracked by life but really need to set aside time everyday for a little bit of writing. Perhaps it will be easier once I get more adjusted to the new job. Have a good one!!! |
| Just moved to Winston-Salem, NC. New address, new job, and behind on my writing. Had to get my daughter settled in with her sister too. So last week did the equivalent of three moves. Sooo tired and have had nooo time to write but will soon. Nearly done with the Dark Moon Harvest rewrite. Just can't make up my mind where I want to send it. Part of me wants to send it to my current publishers but another part of me wants to send it to an agent to see where that leads. Guess I will make the final decision once I've completed it. On chapter 25 right now. Would love to get everything settled so that I can hunker down to do what I love to do... ~Live to write, write to live~ |
| I just wanted to thank everyone who participated in my virtual book tour of Soul Mate. It went really well. The book received a lot of positive feed back and good reviews. Seems that the only lament was that it was a novella instead of a novel lol! But that's ok. I call those "short romantic snacks". So...I submitted a really short romantic snack, a short story called Doctor's Orders. Guess I will find out in a few weeks about that. Time to hunker down and finish up Dark Moon Harvest. It's been on the sidelines long enough. Oh and thanks SinfulAngel for great reviews!! |
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