Writing the Witchy Way

We have a Winner! Alex Bledsoe giveaway

2012-02-01T09:30:00.003-05:00

Thanks to all the folks who came to read my pal Alex Bledsoe's guest blog here, and the ones who bounced over to his blog to read my guest post there. And special thanks to those who took the time to comment--we both REALLY appreciate it!

The winner of the hardcover copy of Alex's book, BURN ME DEADLY (the second book in his fabulous Eddie LaCrosse series) is....

DRUMROLL

Angela Drake!

Angela, please email me at magicmysticminerva at yahoo with your address, so I can pop it in the mail to you. If you haven't read the first one, you may want to run out and buy a copy so you can read it first. (Or check your local library--mine has all Alex's books. Yay for libraries!)

Congratulations!

Guest Blog/Giveaway with Author Alex Bledsoe

2012-01-30T06:00:00.004-05:00

As my regular readers will know, one of my favorite authors is Alex Bledsoe, who I "met" years ago when we both had short stories in the Pagan Anthology of Short Fiction (Llewellyn 2008). Alex is the author of numerous books in the fantasy genre (my favorites, the Eddie LaCrosse novels which are a mix between noir detective and sword and sorcery--brilliant!), a couple of classic vampire horror with a twist, and his latest, The Hum and The Shiver, which may have created an entirely new genre...Gravel Road Fantasy (like Urban Fantasy, but set in the back hills.

Alex's writing is like the man himself--clever, charming, and never quite what you expect. For instance, would you have guessed that the author of all these books is also a stay-at-home dad? AHA! I thought not.

Alex and I decided to exchange blog posts. My post on his blog today can be found at http://alexbledsoe.com/2012/01/30/guest-blog-deborah-blake-on-maladaptive-intertia/ and here is Alex's kind contribution to my blog. Please show him some love by leaving him a comment :-) And as it happens, I have an extra HARDCOVER copy of BURN ME DEADLY, the second book in his Eddie LaCrosse series, which I'll be giving away to one of today's commenters.

And then go on over to his blog and say hi to me there, and while you're there, feel free to explore a little...

HERE'S ALEX'S POST:

FINDING TIME WHEN YOU’RE OUT OF IT

By Alex Bledsoe

When people find out I'm a full-time writer and also the stay-at-home parent of two small boys (ages 4 and 7), they immediately want to know one thing: how I find time to write.

Well, here’s how I do it.

There's a certain wisdom to the old adage that you find time for anything important to you, and certainly writing is super-important to me. But it's also a matter of prioritizing, and breaking the task down into its components so that you're not trying to do the wrong thing at the wrong time.

For example, for me actual first-draft, pull-from-you-brain writing requires relative silence and solitude. I try to average between one and two thousand words a day, so to reach that goal, I get up early, between 4 and 5 AM, so that I've got the house to myself. That lasts until about 6:30, when my oldest son wanders in for his daily dose of breakfast and Japanese cartoons. Once I've got him settled I might get another half hour until my youngest son awakes, and after that there's basically no more writing. After I get them to school/preschool, I have another break of about three hours.

At 12 my youngest son gets home, and we pick up my oldest at 3:15. Especially in the winter, it means they're around constantly. However, it doesn't mean I can't use the time productively. When they're underfoot, constantly interrupting and demanding unreasonable things like attention and affection, I'm still able to edit and revise. Working on existing text is easier, or at least can accommodate more distractions, than first-draft writing. So when the kids are around, that's what I do.

When you start so early, you often run out of steam (at least mentally) pretty early in the day. By dinnertime there's not much creative juice left. But that doesn't mean I can't work, because that's when I do my research and reading. Since I'm usually researching something that fascinates me enough to include it in one of my novels, it's fun rather than work. And as for reading...again like the old adage says, you can't be a writer if you're not also a reader. I do most of my fiction reading outside the genres in which I write, something I'd recommend to anyone who doesn't want their genre fiction to read like everyone else's. And I read lots of nonfiction.

And with that, my writer's day is done.

I don't hold this up as any sort of example of how it must be done. Every writer is different; some do their best work late at night, which I can't imagine. Some produce first drafts that are very close to the finished work, something else I can't do or even comprehend. But one thing we all have in common is that we've figured out how to make our writing a priority--not more important, but as important as other aspects of our lives.

BIO: Alex Bledsoe grew up in west Tennessee an hour north of Graceland (home of Elvis) and twenty minutes from Nutbush (birthplace of Tina Turner). He now lives in a Wisconsin town famous for trolls. His books include The Hum and the Shiver, Dark Jenny and The Girls with Games of Blood.

And here are a links to a few of his books. Go get one. I promise you won't be sorry. (Unless you read the vampire books late at night. These are NOT shiny vamps. They are horror vamps. Don't say I didn't warn you.)

Hum and Shiver: http://www.powells.com/biblio/2-9780765327444-2

Dark Jenny: http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780765327437-0

Girls w/ Games: http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780765323842-2

Minerva's Story

2012-01-28T12:57:00.004-05:00

Last month, I put up a blog post about the "kittens," Magic and Mystic, on the occasion of their tenth birthday. And I promised to come back and tell you a little bit more about their mother, Minerva. (Pictured above.)

I went looking for pictures of Minerva (or Mina, and I sometimes call her) and realized that there were a LOT more of the other cats than there are of her. In part, that is because she is very shy, and runs away when she sees the camera. In part, it is because she is usually curled up with one or the other of her babies, as you can see below. (With Magic.)

Minerva's story is a sad one, but it has a happy ending. When I first saw her, she was at the shelter with four kittens--the kittens were in great shape, but she was sickly and terrified. The volunteers who ran the shelter told me that she'd been brought in by some "white trash people" (their words, not mine, although you do get a certain mental image from these phrase...) who handed her over, still large with the kittens inside her, and said, "This damned cat got pregnant. You take her." I just hope these folks didn't have teenagers...

[Pause to insert: PLEASE have your animals spayed or neutered. Thank you.]

That was a couple of months before I met her, of course. The shelter kept her until she had the kittens and they were old enough to adopt out. But the shelter workers were afraid that no one would want the mama cat (then named "Patsy" if you can believe it) because she'd had a rough time during the pregnancy and was sickly and very skittish. They thought it was possible she'd been abused, too. When I decided to adopt Magic and Mystic, they offered (pleaded, really) to throw in Minerva as a "bonus"--waiving the usual adoption fee and charge for shots.

I said I'd think about it, and make a decision when I came back the final time to pick up the kittens. But I really didn't intend to take her--not until I got back there and saw that they had moved the remaining kittens (my 2 and 1 other that was being picked up that afternoon) to a separate cage, right next to hers. If you could have seen that mama cat, alone in her cage, terrified and gazing with longing at her babies...well, SHIT, you would have taken her too. Yes, I know. I've got a neon sucker sign in the middle of my forehead. Those shelter people clearly saw me coming :-)

So I brought my little family home. (By way of a visit to the vet for tests, and medicine for poor Minerva.) I think it is very possible that the shelter folks were right about her having been abused, since she was extremely skittish and untrusting. It look me TWO YEARS to get her to sit on my lap. Of course, these days, she always wants to be there, so I'm guessing she's adjusted okay.

Minerva still doesn't come out of the bedroom when strangers are here (and strangers are anyone she doesn't see on a regular basis), but she snuggles with me all the time, and still adores her babies. I've never regretted bringing home my "bonus kitty." And I'm pretty sure she's okay with it too.

New Witchcraft Workshop Loop--A Happy Report

2012-01-26T08:59:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, I just started a new online workshop loop (with the invaluable help of author/Pagan pal Heather Long, who is much better at the techy stuff than I am). The goal was to provide a variety of Witchcraft classes--from intro to advanced, and everything in between--and a sprinkling of writing classes, many of which are aimed at the paranormal author. [That is to say, an author who writes paranormal-themed books, not an author who IS paranormal. Although those folks are free to come, too. Snicker.]

We just finished up the first class, an "Intro to Modern Witchcraft" basic. And I am happy to say that it was a HUGE success, far exceeding my expectations. We had 36 participants (including one who was given a scholarship due to circumstances--so if you ever REALLY want to take a class, and can't afford it, feel free to contact me and explain why--I'll probably give away one freebie either by contest or gift for each class). There was a tremendous amount of participation, with the "students" often offering information to each other, which I love. Everyone seemed to get what they were looking for, which isn't always the case. And a number of the folks who took this class are already signing up for the next one, on Spell Casting, which is very encouraging.

Heather and I are still looking at how we are going to run the loop on a long-term basis. We will probably give workshops 9 out of 12 months (we're both too busy in July, November, and December) and most of the classes will be led by me, with the occasional "guest lecturer" like Heather herself, and maybe some other Witches or authors. Some classes (like the "Intro" one) will probably be given once every year, while other will be one-off offerings.[Even when there is a guest teacher, I will still be around, adding my 2 cents and helping with questions when I can.]

So--a big thank you to all who took part this time around. You really know how to make an author and a Witch happy.

And if you didn't manage to attend this time, let me know if there is a class--or a guest teacher--you would particularly like to see in the future.

Blessings,
Deborah

Highly Recommended for Writers: Candace Havens' Fast Draft Workshop

2012-01-19T18:17:00.000-05:00

For those of you who are aspiring writers, or writers who could use a kick in the (ahem) to get you going, I highly recommend author Candace Havens'Fast Draft Workshop, which is starting soon.

Fast Draft and Revision HellBeginning January 22, 2012.

In the new version of Fast Draft, Candy teaches you how to let go of that internal editor and let your creativity flow. She has exercises and advice that will help you get those words on the page faster than you ever imagined. The last two weeks of the class are devoted to Revision Hell. Candy will take you through revisions so you may polish your prose to perfection. The best part is you must be accountable to the class on a daily basis and Candy is there to cheer you on or kick your butt, whatever the case may be. Cost is $20.

Go check it out.http://www.candacehavens.com/index.php/workshops/

lovingkindness for Martin Luther King, Jr.

2012-01-18T21:59:00.001-05:00

A friend sent this to me, and I just thought I'd share. It is amazingly beautiful.

I Am Writing

2012-01-18T11:22:00.002-05:00

Okay, I am world building.

And working on goals and motivations and character descriptions for all my major characters (2 protagonists and 2 antagonists). And organizing research. Getting ready to do some serious brainstorming with my CP, followed by some serious outlining.

The book I'm currently working on is the first in a complicated post-apocalypse romance series, so I'm trying to really lay down some foundation before diving into the major part of the writing process. (Although I did write the first two chapters, so I could "meet" my protagonists.)

When you are writing, do you do all this? Do you do something different? Or do you just sit down and start writing...?

Deborah, who really wants to know

Happy Birthday! Magic and Mystic Turn Ten

2012-01-11T08:48:00.004-05:00

In March of 2002, I lost the 2nd of three older cats, and the remaining cat (who was 19 and the aunt of the one who had just died) was clearly pining and lonely. But she was also quite timid, so I was worried about how to get her some company. So I decided to get her a kitten.

One. One kitten. Let me be clear about that.

But it was March, which isn't really kitten time, so I had a hard time finding one. Finally, my friend Ellen, a dog groomer who works as local dog warden on the side, told me about some kittens she'd seen at the shelter she used, about 45 minutes away. We went to check it out.

There was a sad-looking, sickly mama cat (Minerva--she'll get her own blog post later) with four kittens: two gray and white, one black and white, and one black. I decided I wanted one of the gray ones, to replace the other cat I'd lost earlier that year. [It was a BAD year.] I thought I knew which one I wanted, but he was solidly asleep and wouldn't wake up so I could get a better look at him. We worried there might be something wrong with him, so I decided I'd come back another time. (Note: It turns out he just sleeps like a rock. A large gray rock.)

Before we could leave, the little black kitten shoved her way to the front of the cage, looked me in the eye, and said something assertively in kitten that sounded distinctly like, "You can take my stupid brother too if you want to, but I am DEFINITELY going home with you." There was simply no arguing with her. Then or now, frankly.

So I thought, "Well, if I get two kittens, they'll keep each other company, and not torment the older cat as much. Makes sense. I'll get two."

Of course, when I came back the next time, the shelter folks told me that the mama cat was terrified and sickly, and would be next to impossible to place. They wanted to know if I'd consider taking her, if they threw her in with no fees. A bonus cat, if you will.

I said no. About twelve times. She came home with me anyway. But that's her story.

Either way, I ended up with two kittens and one mama cat--a whole family--instead of the one kitten I intended to get. Luckiest day of my life, really. In fact, Magic the Cat is sitting on my lap as I type this, purring like a maniac.

And somehow, inconceivably, she and her brother Mystic turn ten today. They used to be so tiny and cute:

They're still pretty cute, but no longer tiny. Especially Mystic, who is a gigantic boy whose shoulders are about 2 inches higher than everyone else's, and who weighs almost 17 pounds. (Magic is about 11, to give you the contrast.) Of course, looking at the size of his paws when he was a kitten, I should have seen that one coming.

Here's the Furball Gang today. That's Mystic on the left, Magic on the right, and Minerva lurking in the background.

Happy birthday, babies! I love you.

New! My Own Witchy & Writing Workshop Loop

2012-01-04T11:35:00.002-05:00

As many of you know, I have been giving online writing classes for the last few years, usually on loops run by RWA chapters such as the Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Chapter or the Low Country RWA. I've also done quite a few on Savvy Authors (and will be giving my only regular online writing class there in April). My most popular classes have been "Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author" and "Beyond Fangs: Creating New & Interesting Paranormal Characters."

I think I see a trend here...

But lots of the folks who follow me aren't writers, and there have been numerous requests for me to give classes about Witchcraft, too. *Bows in the general direction of the internet* So, with the help of the wonderful Heather Long (another great author and fellow-traveler at many a blog and loop), I have finally started my own workshop loop, "Deborah Blake Witchcraft and Workshops."

This loop will be dedicated to short workshops (usually 3-5 days in length, since the regular online classes run 2 1/2 to 3 weeks, and take way too much time away from my writing) on the topics of Witchcraft and writing. Most of the classes will be given by me, but there may be the occasional guest teacher as well. We'll be starting out with the requested basic Witchcraft classes, and if those are successful and there is enough demand, I'll add in some advanced Witchcraft, and maybe an abbreviated version of my writing classes as well.

There's even a blog for the workshop here http://witchywritingwithdeborahblake.blogspot.com/ which will give you the latest info, as well as links to sign up and pay for the classes, if you are interested in taking them. Most classes will cost $15. I might even occasionally run a contest to give away a spot, if y'all are nice...

The first class will be held January 23rd-25th (there will always be an additional day after the class when I am available for questions, as well). It is a basic "Intro to Witchcraft" workshop, suitable for anyone who wants to learn about modern Witchcraft. [Note: It really is an intro class, so if you've been practicing for a while, this class probably covers things you know already. Although you're always welcome to come visit anyway!]

If you want to decide if the Pagan path might suit you, need to know the basics for a Witchy character you are writing, or just want to learn about modern Witchcraft, this class is for you. I hope to see you there! Just go to the link above to sign up.

I'd also like to know what other classes people might want me to give in the future. February's class is "The Basics of Spell Casting," but after that, I'm open to suggestions. So tell me--what do you want to learn about that I might be able to teach?

2012 -- Beginning A Year with Good Intentions

2012-01-02T20:02:00.005-05:00

It has been interesting to see people talking online about New Year resolutions (pro and con) and the approach they intend to take to the New Year. It is a good time to reassess and start fresh, and there is no right or wrong way to do so, just what works (or what you hope will work this year, by golly) for you.

I'm not a resolution kind of girl, myself, but for the last few years I have set a list of goals. Two lists, really; one professional, with my goals for my writing career, and one personal, with my goals for pretty much everything else. (You know, that's the one that says, "Exercise more." Every damn year.)

The goals approach has actually worked pretty well for me, and I've ended up most years with a lot of the items I'd aimed at crossed off the list. (All except that damned "Exercise more." Damn it.) Write another nonfiction book and a novel. Check. Get an agent. Check. Spend less time online and more time writing. Check. Exercise more. Oh, shut up.

But there has been a drawback to this approach--one that actually made me stop and decide to do something different this year. It's not that setting goals wasn't successful; it was. It's that I found myself being SO goal oriented, some important stuff didn't get the attention it should have. Stuff like, you know, PEOPLE. And, um, exercise more. (DAMN IT.)

Also, I was just working too much. Working at what I loved, which is great, but also, just working. I went to four conferences. Gave a bunch of online writing classes (each of them lasting for about 2 1/2 weeks). Wrote another book for Llewellyn. Wrote another novel. Started a bunch of novels that didn't work and beat my head against the wall a lot. (That should count as exercise, right?) Epubbed my first novel. Wrote articles, edited manuscripts for some writing pals and my main critique partner, blogged, networked, and so on. And that's without counting in the day job, and making jewelry on the side.

What I didn't do much of was spend time with family and friends, or relax, or, you know EXERCISE MORE. (Sigh.)

So what does that mean for this year? I'll still have goals. Pretty much the same goals as the last few years: get a fiction book contract, continue to build my writing career, find true love...exer--oh, never mind. But I'm not making a list. I know what the goals are, and I'll keep working at them.

But this year, I'm starting with some Intentions instead. My main intentions for the year are simple: joy and peace. (Well, simple to aim at. We'll see how well I do at attaining them.) But generally, I'm going to try to PUSH less, and GO WITH THE FLOW more. And maybe trust that the universe will bring me what I need/want/aspire to without me having to shout at it quite so loudly. Also, I'm going to exercise more.

Oh, stop laughing.

What are your Intentions for 2012?

2011 in Review--Nothing But Good Times Ahead

2011-12-31T20:22:00.003-05:00

I find it fitting that this is my 112th blog post of the year, since we are leaving 2011 behind and going into 2012. As with everything else; it is all connected.

I know that 2011 was a tough year for many people--it wasn't a breeze for me either. But as I look back on it, I mostly see the positive. I am, when it comes down to it, a fortunate woman, blessed with friends, and home, and cats...and with you, my readers. Thank you for sharing 2011 with me. I hope you'll do the same in 2012.

So what did I accomplish in 2011?

On the writing front, I wrote another book for Llewellyn (#6, the Everyday Witch Book of Rituals, which will out around October of 2012), along with many articles for my ongoing column in the Witches & Pagans Magazine and a bunch of Llewellyn annuals and almanacs. I finished one novel, the foodie romance Reinventing Ruby, and worked on a number of novels that never saw it to the light of day for one reason or another. (For those of you who don't write, the path is never as smooth as it looks like from the outside, believe me.) I finally listened to the requests of my readers who said, "We don't want to wait any longer for your fiction," and epubbed my first novel, Witch Ever Way You Can (with much help from my long-suffering friend and web-mistress, Robin Wright).

I spent the year getting to know my agent, the fabulous Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency, and together, we expect great things in 2012.

I finally got to meet Elaine in person at RWA NYC in June, one of four writing-related trips I took during the year. (For someone who doesn't travel much, that's A LOT.) RWA was amazing, as was my trip to Salem in April for the New England Chapter RWA conference, where I got to meet one of my favorite authors, Lani Diane Rich. Both journeys also allowed me to meet up with a bunch of Betties, a group of women who first connected on Lani's blog and formed friendships whose depth has to be seen to be believed. (*Waves to the Betties*)My final trip was to nearby Albany with writer pal Nancy Holzner, where we had a lot of fun despite a less-than-successful event.

Of course, the first trip of the year was both the best and the worst: my journey to California in February, to bid my final farewells to my beloved Germambie (my maternal grandmother), but also to be together with both my sisters and my parents. That bittersweet time was followed by my visit to Pantheacon in San Jose, where I was much healed and comforted by the presence not only of my step-daughter Jenn (who lives there now), but also time spent with my adored Llewellyn editor Elysia Gallo, and many of my fans. As I said; the blessings far outweight the trials.

On the homefront, I spent much of the year doing a much-needed clearing and cleansing of my house; throwing away the old and unnecessary, clearing away clutter, and letting go of things that no longer worked for me. I can now see the floor of my barn, my entrance door is painted red, and the upstairs closets no longer hold boxes of things I moved in with ten years ago and never used. It feels good.

The five cats are all doing well, including Samhain, who is, in theory, dying of chronic renal failure, but who (thankfully!) hasn't seemed to realize it yet. I hope to have at least another year before she does. Two would be good. Three, even better.

I can't even begin to count the blessings of my life: a loving family, great friends, the best writing partner on the planet (yes, Lisa DiDio, I'm looking at you) as well as many wonderful writing pals, an agent, five cats, one very old but still-standing house, and a job I love most days. Don't get me wrong--there are plenty of things about my life that aren't perfect (you don't even want to know how long it has been since I had a relationship, or all the fun physical crap I get to deal with), but compared to people who don't have jobs, or a roof over their heads, or food on the table...frankly, I feel pretty lucky.

And then there is you. The folks who come here and read my ramblings. Who take the time to leave a comment, or go out and buy my books, or just show up. I thank you for this, and hope that, in the year to come, we can continue our travels together.

Wishing you a happy New Year, and (as my favorite author, Jennifer Crusie likes to say) "Nothing but good times ahead."

See you in 2012!

The Coolest Gifts

2011-12-28T21:24:00.008-05:00

So--how were your holidays? Did Santa (or someone else) bring you something nice?

I have to admit...I love gifts; both giving and receiving them. One of my favorite parts of the holiday is the excuse to find, buy, or make something perfect for the people in my life. The holidays may come once a year, but I try to express a year's worth of appreciation and love in whatever I give. (Okay--it's usually books. Or wine and chocolate. Or jewelry. Or some combination of the above. But not always.)

My friends are all fabulous gift-givers too (yes, there are usually a lot of books, wine, and chocolate there too...although not so much jewelry). But the best gifts I got this year came from the hands and the hearts of two of the folks I'm closest to.

My pal Terry (who had the nerve to move from Oneonta to Connecticut a number of years ago) came to visit with her hubby on Thanksgiving, and brought me this beautiful shawl she'd been working on since LAST Thanksgiving. And only partially because I apparently picked the hardest pattern on the face of the earth. hey--I'm not a knitter; what do I know? Isn't it gorgeous? Yes, that's a mixed peacock-colored silk. It is as amazing and delicate as it looks, but also surprisingly warm! No doubt from all the love that went into making it.

My friend Chris (who is, among her many talents, a wonderful potter), went FAR beyond the call of duty to give me a gift she knew I'd love. She took the cover of my 2nd book, Everyday Witch A to Z (pictured here)

And somehow magically put it on a wine glass!

This process apparently involved heating the picture and the glass in the kiln. The final result looks like this (only this is a crappy picture):

The thing that makes this gift so amazing, is what she went through to achieve it. Here are tries number one through three...

Go ahead, drink out of those, I dare you!

My point is, well, LOOK at the trouble my friends went to, just to give me gifts that they knew I would like beyond anything they could find in the store.

My friends ROCK. Just sayin'.

Did someone give you the perfect gift this holiday season, or go out of his or her way to do something nice? I'd love to hear about it!

The Nook Version is out! And "Review" Contest

2011-12-21T13:51:00.003-05:00

Hurrah!

For all of those who requested a Nook version of my paranormal romance ebook, WITCH EVER WAY YOU CAN--here it is!

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/witch-ever-way-you-can-deborah-blake/1108034353?ean=2940013854659

Be sure to post a review once you've read it, and then come back here and tell me you've done it, so I can enter you in the contest. Contest ends at the end of December, though, so you'd better read fast!

Thanks again for all your enthusiastic support of this book--and me. It really means a lot.

Yule Dinner Party

2011-12-18T13:55:00.007-05:00

Last night was the Blue Moon Circle yearly Yule Dinner Party--a time when we gather together with family and friends to celebrate the Winter Solstice. We don't do ritual (since not everyone who comes to this particular event is a Pagan). Instead, we just enjoy being together, exchanging gifts, playing games, and eating (a lot). Since we don't get to see each other as much as we used to, just being together is celebration enough. Well, and there was cake. LOTS of cake.

There's great entertainment (that's Sophia and Shaylee putting on a song and dance number).

Everyone chipped in on a Criket Cake gizmo that Robin REALLY wanted, and she was so overwhelmed with happiness when she opened the box, she burst into tears.

But the best part was just sitting around the dinner table together (in the dining room that is normally my writing area, in case you couldn't tell), with the group Yule log burning, and smiles on every face.

The Winter Solstice celebrates the return of the light, as the days begin to slowly get longer and brighter from that point onward. For me, I feel blessed to have the light of friendship in my life, no matter what time of year it is.

I hope that you get to spend time this season with the ones you love. Happy holidays from me, the kitties, and Blue Moon Circle.

BIG NEWS about the Next Llewellyn Book (and Feline Friday)

2011-12-16T07:40:00.004-05:00

I have some very cool news about the next book (#6, in case anyone is counting) from Llewellyn.

You may remember me mentioning it some time ago, when it still had the working title of 50 Rituals for the Everyday Witch. Well, as often happens in publishing, when the theoretically-finished manuscript got sent to my acquisitions editor, the fabulous Elysia Gallo, Things Changed.

Most notably, she looked at the manuscript and said, "Um, dude, this is WAY too long." So it was decided to cut the entire last section--12 rituals for everyday use--leaving us with 38 rituals that covered New Moons, Full Moons, Sabbats, and special occasions (like handfastings, Wiccanings, and the like). And the need to come up with a new title, since "38 Rituals for the Everyday Witch" just sounded lame.

So, I'd like to announce (DRUMROLL PLEASE) that the new book,
Everyday Witch Book of Rituals: All You Need for a Magickal Year
will be coming out in October of 2012 (probably--these things can change too). Yay!

But wait--there's MORE.

Because Elysia and I thought it was a pity not to do something with those other 12 rituals. So we're doing something new, and putting them out as a mini-ebook called A Witch's Dozen. I'm not sure when this will happen; probably sometime before the main book comes out. I'll let you know when I hear more. But isn't it COOL????

*happy author dance* Is anyone else as excited about this as I am?

And here, with no further ado, is your Feline Friday pic--this is little Samhain, snuggling under the covers in her room upstairs (which is colder than the rest of the house). Hapy Friday, and have a wonderful weekend!

It's Not Too Late! (Gift giving)

2011-12-15T07:51:00.004-05:00

I hope you're all having a pleasant (and not too stressful) holiday season. To be honest, I find this time of year a bit stressful myself, what with managing a cooperative shop with 50 artists [really--have you ever tried to make 50 artists all do what they're supposed to do, when they're supposed to do it? Ha! I love them all, but it is like trying to herd cats], making jewelry, working on a secret contract with Llewellyn [what? I haven't mentioned that before? you're sure? okay--tune in tomorrow...or maybe later today, depending on how frazzled the 50 artists make me], putting out the ebook of my first paranormal romance, prepping for Blue Moon Circle's big yearly Yule Dinner party [10 adults, 5 kids, lots of fun--that's this Saturday night...help!], and, of course, putting up the new Etsy shop with my jewelry.

Whew. I'm tired just thinking about it all. And I have to leave for the day job in a few minutes. Oh, and did I mention I'm fighting a cold? At least it's not snowing...

But that's not why I came here today. I wanted to remind you all that it's not too late to get someone you love (or simply like a lot) a gift from yours truly. [And my gift to you--this is the last time I mention any of this stuff! All this promo is necessary, but I start to feel like a 2 dollah ho, standing on the street corner, saying, "Please buy my stuff. Ho, ho, ho!"]

I'll be adding a few pieces of jewelry to my Etsy store over the next couple of days. Come take a look, and spread the word, pretty please. http://www.etsy.com/shop/deborahblake And just for those who read my blog (shhhhh, don't tell everyone else), a special giveaway: if you order a necklace from the etsy store before Monday (the last day I can guarantee it will get there before Christmas), I will throw in a signed book (any of my Llewellyn books, your choice) for FREE. You decide if the book is for you or a gift (tee hee). I won't tell if you decide to keep it. Just leave me a note on the etsy site when you purchase the jewelry, telling me that you saw this message here, and which book you want. If you want it personalized, tell me that, too!

Speaking of books, if you want a signed book for a friend for the holidays, I still haven't figured out how to add that to my website, but you can email me at magicmysticminerva at yahoo to tell me which one you want, whether you want it sent to you or to a friend, and how you want it dedicated. We can use the same email address to do a payment through Paypal. But do it by Monday, please, so I can get it in the mail right away.

And don't forget that the ebook (http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Ever-Way-You-ebook/dp/B006HWZPGO/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323954473&sr=1-1 ) can be given as a gift, too. There's a handy button right on the page to use just for that. (No worries about losing it in the mail, either!)

Okay--I'm done. I appreciate your patience. You may now return to your regularly scheduled program. Thank you all for all your support! It means a lot.

Holiday wishes,

Deborah

How to Make an Author Happy (And a contest)

2011-12-13T20:53:00.003-05:00

How do you make an author happy? Well, you can buy their books of course..

But posting a great review? Really makes an author's heart sing...

Look, here's another 5 Star review of WITCH EVER WAY YOU CAN
http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Ever-Way-You-ebook/dp/B006HWZPGO

Yay! *does happy dance*

If you read the book and liked it, I'd love it if you could leave a review at Amazon and/or Goodreads. The first five people to post reviews (and come back here and tell me about it) will all get their names thrown in a cauldron...and one of them will win something COOL. (Yes, that's a one in five chance of winning. Not bad, eh? Must be the Christmas spirit getting into me...)

Of course, it would also make me pretty happy if you buy a copy for yourself or a friend. But I know a lot of you are waiting on the Nook version...which has now been delayed by my pal Robin's computer getting a virus. Considering we both have colds, that adds up to three viruses too many!

Hope you're all staying healthy and warm. And as always, thanks for all your support! It really does make this author very, very happy.

Book Updates and My Review of MAKING WAVES at ChicklitRWA

2011-12-07T10:12:00.005-05:00

Hi all--

I have to say, I have been BLOWN AWAY by the great response to the epub of my book, WITCH EVER WAY YOU CAN. *big smoochies all around*

For those who asked, the Nook version will be coming out soon--my poor webmistress/book midwife Robin came down with a cold, so it is taking a bit longer than we'd planned. I'll let you know when we get it up on B&N and another spot we're looking at. Also, for the folks who said they didn't have ereaders (ironically, neither do I!), if you go to Amazon's Kindle site, you can download free apps to read Kindle books on your computer, tablet, or even your phone. (And maybe you'll get a Kindle or a Nook for Christmas...) Don't forget that you can give ebooks as gifts, too... (hint, hint, hint).

I haven't forgotten I said I was going to do a giveaway, either. I plan to take all the names of those who said they bought the book or spread the word (both here and on FB) and put them in a hat. Just haven't gotten to it yet...maybe later today.

In the meanwhile, I popped over to the Chicklit Writers of America blog and posted a review of one of the top 10 favorite books I read this year, Tawna Fenske's debut novel, MAKING WAVES. If you want to run over and see what I had to say (and maybe leave a comment so I don't look like a friendless loser...) that would be really nice!

http://chicklitwriters.com/2011/12/07/review-making-waves-by-tawna-fenske/

More news to come soon...

BIG NEWS! The Sekrit Project is HERE!!!

2011-12-05T08:20:00.004-05:00

Once upon a time, there was a book. It was called Witch Ever Way You Can, and it was the first novel I sent out into the world. My first child, if you will. Witch Ever Way You Can spent about two years being submitted to agents and about a year on the RWA chapters contest circuit. It got a great response: agents loved it, editors loved it, my critique partners and first readers loved it, and it garnered all sorts of finals and wins in contests, including the much-sought-after EMILY "Best of the Best" Award. Author Candace Havens (then just someone I admired mightily, now a friend and colleague) even gave me first prize in a contest she was judging and recommended me to her (and now my) agent Elaine Spencer because of it.

But it wasn't "High Concept" enough to sell in an increasingly tough publishing market. Agents kept telling me, "Two years ago, I could have sold this in a heartbeat, but things are very tight now." If you are an author, you may have heard that one yourself. *headdesk*

Eventually, I wrote another couple of books, including Pentacles and Pentimentos which got me signed with Elaine and is currently out on submission. But I never forgot about my first baby.

So when Candace and I were talking a couple of months ago about how long it takes to get a publishing contract these days, and how people kept asking me, "When am I going to be able to read one of your novels?!" she had this suggestion: why not epublish Witch Ever Way You Can?

I talked to a couple of author friends who had epubbed some of their backlist (older books they'd gotten the rights back on) or even new novels they couldn't find a home for with a conventional publisher. They said, "Go for it!" And I talked to Elaine (because you always run important decisions by your agent), and she said, "Go for it!"

And with the help of my uber-savvy friend and webmistress, the brilliant Robin Wright, I did. Ta da!

Witch Ever Way You Can is now available for your Kindle at Amazon, and will be available soon from B & N and another couple of places. I'll post links as soon as I have them. (The Amazon link is below.) I've priced it fairly low--$2.99--because I wanted to reward all the faithful folks who have asked for a novel for so long. I hope that people will buy it for themselves, as gifts for their friends, and pass the word (pretty please!) to anyone they think might like a paranormal romance told with a humorous voice. It's about a Witch, of course.

I'll probably run some kind of giveaway contest soon...just have to come up with something suitable good! In the meanwhile, who is going to be the first to buy it? Maybe you?

http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Ever-Way-You-ebook/dp/B006HWZPGO/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323088036&sr=1-6

I Haz a Sekrit Project

2011-12-03T11:52:00.002-05:00

I've been working on a Sekrit Project for a couple of months now. Things have shifted and changed along the way, but the important elements are all starting to fall into place now, and I hope to be able to share it with you all soon.

*bounce* *bounce* *bounce*

Can you tell I'm a little excited about this?

Actually, there are two Sekrit Projects, but the other one is smaller...

I can't tell you what the big Project is yet, but here is a hint:
The Sekrit Project is something my fans have been asking for, in some cases for years. (See, I HAVE been listening!) Stay tuned...

*bounce* *bounce* *bounce*

Introducing Lisa DiDio!

2011-12-02T19:39:00.003-05:00

I have talked a bit about my writing partner, Lisa DiDio. She is, in a word, BRILLIANT. (No, really.) And also a terrific person, who keeps me from imploding on a regular basis, and helps me to be a better writer in the process.

She recently signed with the lovely Nephele Tempest, of The Knight Agency (with an assist from me and MY lovely agent, Elaine Spencer, from same) and is currently out on submission with her insanely good YA novels.

Lisa just put up her new website and blog, which are very cool. Go check them out at http://www.lisadidio.com/index.php?doc=1 and give her a little love. You're going to want to watch this woman--she's The Next Big Thing. No, really.

Feline Friday

2011-12-02T08:48:00.004-05:00

I plan to talk a little bit later about the Sekrit Project I've been working on...but for now, here is your Feline Friday picture of Magic the Cat, curling up with mama Minerva. Cozy looking, aren't they?

Celebrating Cyber Monday with a Book Giveaway

2011-11-28T08:01:00.005-05:00

Because I am (as always) out of the loop, I just realized that today is the so-called "Cyber Monday" -- the day when people theoretically do most of their online holiday shopping.

*lifts head from trays full of beads and blinks*

Um...I probably should have done something about that, since I just put a bunch of my jewelry up on an Etsy store site.

So I had a brilliant idea over my hot chocolate. Well, brilliant might be stretching it a bit. Let's just call it an idea, shall we? After all, it IS Monday morning. By afternoon, it might look rather silly...

Anyway, so here's my idea. Since most of the folks who asked to look at (and in theory, be able to buy) my jewelry started out as fans of my writing, why not give away a BOOK as part of a Cyber Monday special? Specifically, a signed book, written by me. This can include any of the five books from Llewellyn: Circle, Coven & Grove; Everyday Witch A to Z; The Goddess is in the Details, Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook; and Witchcraft on a Shoestring.

Here's the deal: Go to my Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/deborahblake TODAY. (Yes, it has to be today. That's the whole point. There is no way I'm running a special like this all season!) And buy any necklace. When you do, I will include a FREE, SIGNED copy of the book of your choice. (There is a place in the notes during the sale to leave me a message telling me which book, and how you want it personalized.) The book--and the necklace--can be for either you or for a gift. How's that for a Cyber Monday deal????

What? Why are you still here? Go! Go! (And tell all your friends. Pretty please.)

And thanks as always for supporting all my endeavors. I truly appreciate it.
Deborah, off to work at the day job

Last Day for Jewelry Sale

2011-11-27T10:13:00.002-05:00

Just a reminder--due to popular request, I have put a few samples of the gemstone jewelry I make up on Etsy. If you're interested (either for yourself or as a gift), this weekend I am running an anti-Black Friday sale (snicker). Buy any necklace by the end of today, and I throw in a free pair of matching earrings, $20-$30 value.

Happy shopping!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/deborahblake

Black Friday Gift for my Friends and Fans!

2011-11-25T08:48:00.002-05:00

I am on my way out the door to go open up The Artisans' Guild (the artists' cooperative shop I run) for the day. I am always grateful to be spending Black Friday is such a mellow and pleasant atmosphere, instead of at a crazy mall or (goddess forbid!) Walmarts.

As some of you know, I recently (after much nudging) put some of my handcrafted jewelry up on Etsy, for the folks who wanted to be able to get something made by me. And thanks so much for asking!

So here is my Black Friday gift to all who asked... In case you don't feel like braving the crowds, you can go shopping at my little Etsy shop. There's not much up there yes, but I hope to have a few more pieces up by the end of the day. Here's the deal: anyone who orders a necklace today, Saturday, or Sunday--I will throw in a free pair of matching earrings ($20-$30 value) as my gift to you for being so supportive of me.

Ta da!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/deborahblake

Feline Friday

2011-11-11T08:17:00.002-05:00

Back by popular demand...
Feline Friday!

Here's a picture of the "family" on the sofa--Magic the Cat and mama Minerva exchanging baths while brother Mystic snoozes..

May you have a relaxing weekend too! (Starting now, for those of you lucky enough to have Veteran's Day off.) And for any of my pals here who are veterans or the family of veterans... THANKS! We appreciate your service and your sacrifice.

Too close for Comfort: Things that go BOOM!

2011-11-09T11:17:00.003-05:00

I got an interesting call from my sister Sarah last night. (She, my brother in-law, and two darling 18 year old nieces live in Schenectady, although one niece is currently off at college.)

The conversation went something like this:
Me: Hey, how's it going?
Sarah: Well, my car is gone.
Me: Gone? What do you mean gone? Stolen? You sold it?
Sarah: No. It blew up.
Me: (a pause) Did you just say your car blew up?
Sarah: Yup.
Me: Your car blew up?
Sarah: Uh huh.
Me: Holy crap.

Apparently what happened was this--my BIL Rich dropped my niece Addy off at the local college she attends, and drove the car home. He parked it at the curb, since he intended to go out again soon to run some errands. He'd gotten most of the way up the driveway to the house when he heard a big boom. And when he turned around again, the car was ON FIRE. The fire department had to come put it out. This is what's left:

Pretty scary, isn't it! It looks more like something you'd see in Beirut than in suburban Schenectady. My sister tells me that the insurance guy said that sometimes the catalytic converter will overheat and blow. Who knew?

Either way, they are all a little shaken up (especially Addy) and it's not great that they have to replace a dependable (but old enough not to have a lot of value) car while putting two kids through college. But I'm just VERY GRATEFUL that they're all okay. Cars can be replaced--my family cannot.

Holy crap. This was definitely too close for comfort.

A Rave Review for Nancy Holzner's BLOODSTONE

2011-11-08T21:23:00.008-05:00

Recently, I had the pleasure of spending the day with author pal Nancy Holzner, when we went to a writers' workshop together. Nancy lives in Ithaca, which is a couple of hours from me, and we try to get together a couple of times a year to talk writing and catch up with eachother's lives.

Nancy and I originally "met" online, after I reviewed a copy of her first book, DEADTOWN and loved it. I recently got to read the third book in the series, and I have to tell you, they just get better all the time.

“They call it Deadtown: the city’s quarantined section for its inhuman and undead residents. Mostly humans stay far from its borders—but Victory Vaughn, Boston’s only professional demon slayer, isn’t exactly human…”

If this blurb sounds intriguing to you, I can guarantee that the book itself more than lives up to it. BLOODSTONE, the third in author Nancy Holzner’s Deadtown series, is a fun and fabulous paranormal romp from the very first page. And the action never stops long enough for you to catch your breath. (As if you’d want to.)

Victory (Vicky) Vaughn is one of the most unusual and likable characters I’ve ever come across in an urban fantasy. Although I will confess, I have a major soft spot for her aunt Mab, and her werewolf-lawyer boyfriend. I even like Tina, her former apprentice (the ONLY zombie character I have ever found likable.) Even more, I love the world that Holzner has created; one that looks a lot like ours, until you peer beneath the surface to find various paranormal creatures (including Vicky’s vampire roommate, Juliet—yes THAT Juliet).

In this installment of the series, a killer who uses a curved blade—nicknamed the South End Reaper—is not only causing death and mayhem, he is creating even greater strain in an already difficult relationship between Boston’s human and inhuman residents. And it is up to Vicky, her friends, and her aunt Mab to find out who is doing the killing and put a stop to him, her, or…it.

If you haven’t read any of the books in this series, I suggest starting at the beginning with DEADTOWN, although any of the books can easily be read on its own. Holzner does a masterful job of building on the previous books while still making each volume a stand-alone novel; not an easy task to do, believe me!

Holzner gets better with every book; I loved this one, and I am waiting with baited breath to see what happens next…

http://www.amazon.com/Bloodstone-Deadtown-Novel-Nancy-Holzner/dp/044102100X

A Romance, a Fantasy, and a YA...Oh My

2011-11-01T20:56:00.004-04:00

I promised myself I wasn't going to buy any more books until I'd emptied off more of my To Be Read shelf. It's not my fault that three of my favorite authors have new releases. Is it?

I mean, who could resist THIS? I'm not usually a fan of the Harlequin Blaze romance series...but when Candace Havens writes one...it goes on my automatic order shelf. I mean, seriously...YUM.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Model-Marine?keyword=Model+Marine&store=book

And then there is Tanya Huff. She writes fantasy, paranormal romance, and all sorts of groovy things. Her new book, THE WILD WAYS, looks truly intriguing... Check this out:
"The Gales are an amazing family, the aunts will strike fear into your heart, and the characters Allie meets are both charming and terrifying." -#1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris
Alysha Gale's cousin Charlotte is a Wild Power, who allies herself with a family of Selkies in a fight against offshore oil drilling. The oil company has hired another of the Gale family's Wild Powers, the fearsome Auntie Catherine, to steal the Selkies' sealskins. To defeat her, Charlotte will have to learn what born to be Wild really means in the Gale family...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wild-ways-tanya-huff/1100480626?ean=9780756406868&itm=1&usri=the%2bwild%2bways

And then there is my favorite YA fantasy author, Tamora Pierce. I have read every book she has ever written, and loved each one more than the last. Her books are full of strong female protagonists, interesting characters, and amazing world building. MASTIFF is the third in the Beka Cooper series. If you haven't read her books, run don't walk to the nearest bookstore...
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/mastiff--beka-cooper-series--3-?keyword=mastiff+%28beka+cooper+series+%233%29&store=book

What book did you buy recently that you would recommend to others? And which one of these would you get first?

A video gift for Whovians!

2011-11-01T08:38:00.000-04:00

Something silly to cheer you up...
A November 1st gift for all you Whovians out there (you know who you are).

Happy Samhain and Halloween

2011-10-31T21:05:00.003-04:00

Happy Halloween and a blessed Samhain from Samhain the cat, the rest of the furball gang, and me!

More Trick than Treat

2011-10-29T17:07:00.002-04:00

Here in Upstate New York, Mother Nature seems to be taking the "trick" in "trick or treat" a little too literally...

I was hoping for BOO! Not boo hoo... And it is just getting started.

Hope you're all warm and safe.

Root Canals and Rejections: Keeping it all in perspective

2011-10-28T21:50:00.002-04:00

This has been kind of a tough week in some ways. I had a root canal on Tuesday. (To be more accurate--the re-root canal of a previous root canal...which does not, as it turns out, make the current one any less painful. Owie.) I got an email from my agent today, forwarding a rejection of my foodie romance. (Again, owie.) It freaking snowed. In October. And they're threatening a major dump of 3-7 inches on Saturday. You know, one day before our biggest ritual of the year, for Samhain. Although it's weather prediction, so they could easily be wrong. I'm voting for that, personally.

And, of course, I'm dealing with the usual life-is-overwhelming-me-because-I-have-more-to-do-than-I-have-time-and-energy-to-do-it stuff. (None of you know what THAT'S like, do you? Snort.)

Regardless of all that, I'm actually feeling pretty good. Well, except for my tooth. (OWIE.) You see, I learned a long time ago that much of life has to do with perspective. You often can't change your circumstances, but you can change how you look at them. For instance, there's this:

I had a root canal. It hurts like hell. I got a rejection. Ditto. Snow. Argh.

Or:

I have access to dentistry, and friends who are willing to drive me the hour in either direction and be supportive after I get tortured. Er, I mean, worked on. And I have an agent to send me rejections :-) I'm actively working on my writing career. And the snow was pretty. (It was, actually.) And will probably kill the ragweed. YAY.

You see? It's all in how you look at it.

Besides which, my kid is here visiting from San Jose (whoo hoo!) and people have been saying lots of lovely things on my blog. I just had a nice chat on the phone with my parents.

Not a bad week after all. I hope yours was pretty good too.

Twenty Thousand Views

2011-10-27T21:58:00.002-04:00

I'm a bit flabbergast. Flabbergasted? Er...flabberstruck. Never mind--I'm just stunned and amazed.

My humble little blog about writing and witches and books and whatevertheheckisgoingonhereusuallytodowithcats has hit the 20,000 views mark.

20,000 times someone (maybe you) has come here to see what I had to say. Okay, a few of them may have been looking for someone else. Or something not to do with writing or witches or cats or reading or cooking or any of the other random things I talk about here. But still, I have to think that most of those 20,000 views were on purpose. And mostly not my mother. *waves to mom*

That's just...well...kinda heartwarming.

So I wanted to say "thank you" to everyone who has been one (or more) of those 20,000. Thanks for reading. Thanks for commenting. Thanks for not pointing and laughing where I can see you...

It really means a lot.

So I'm thinking I should do something to celebrate. 20,000 things, really, but I don't have that much stuff to give away. So how about y'all tell me in the comments why you come here (Magic the Cat says it's all about her, but I don't think so). And I'll pick a random commenter on Sunday and he or she can have the book of mine of his/her choice. Even international folks. And if the winner doesn't want one of my books, he/she/it can pick one of the duplicates I have of friends' books.

So, what brings you here? And what brings you back? Inquiring minds want to know. LOTS of them, apparently.

Yay.

Where I'll be tomorrow (Albany, NY)

2011-10-20T19:59:00.002-04:00

If you're going to be in Albany, NY tomorrow (Friday, October 21st), come see me at the 2011 LASTFA Writer's Workshop. I'm driving up with author pal Nancy Holzner at the crack of dawn, and will be taking part in workshops and author panels all day.

Hope to see you there! More info below...

LASTSFA, Inc.
Northeastern U.S.A.
Since March 1980
Latham-Albany-Schenectady-Troy Science Fiction Association, Inc.

2011 LASTSFA Writers Workshop

Participants Registered
David Hartwell from TOR (Guest of Honor)David will only be attending the Thursday Reception where he will be interviewed by Chuck Rothman. Come to the reception for a chance to network and ask your questions.
the Wombat
Cat Johnson
Ryk Spoor
Debi Chowdhury (Chairman)
Nancy Holzner
Stella Price (Programming)
Chuck Rothman
Deborah Blake
Erinn Phinney
Ron Drummond

Downloads
2011 Writers Workshop Flier
2011 Writers Workshop Schedule

Location
Best Western Sovereign Hotel - Albany1228 Western AvenueAlbany, NY 12203 (518) 489-2981 (518) 489-2981
Map and Directions

Great Reviews! Doing the Happy Author Dance

2011-10-16T19:44:00.003-04:00

Nothing makes an author happier than a shiny new positive review of one of her books. Today, I got two! EVERYDAY WITCH A TO Z SPELLBOOK was reviewed by two different people at the fabulous Facing North site--and both of them loved it, despite not being "spellbook" fans.

*does happy author dance*

Check them out, then if you want, come back here and tell me if any of what they said resonates with you.
http://facingnorth.net/Witchcraft/everyday-witch-a-to-z-spellbook.html

YAY!

Book Six for Llewellyn--The Vision Meeting

2011-10-13T20:08:00.004-04:00

As some of you know, I finished my sixth book for Llewellyn a few months ago, and sent it off to my lovely acquisitions editor, Elysia Gallo (who would be one of my favorite people in the world even if she wasn't my acquisitions editor). The book was tentitively titled "50 Rituals for the Everyday Witch," and was the third book in the "Everyday Witch" series, which already includes Everyday Witch A to Z and Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook.

Today they held the Visions Meeting for the book. Here is how Elysia described these meetings on Facebook:

"Vision is the meeting where we read a whole manuscript by unsuspecting authors,tear it apart, put it back together again, and send the author pages upon pages of annoying, nit-picking notes. "

Sadly, that's not much of an exaggeration! But what she doesn't mention is that all these changes usually result in a much better book--that's the point of the whole thing. And at least this time I only got SIX pages of notes. When I was working on book two, the first Everyday Witch A to Z, I got ELEVEN pages. (Book 1, Circle, Coven & Grove, got no changes at all, beyond a few grammatical things, lulling me in to a false sense of security.) I believe there might have been crying. Also whining, pouting, and possibly threats to quit writing forever. Then I made the requested changes, and the finished book was much better. This was actually a defining moment for me as an author. I learned something about the process, and about sometimes needing to let go of my original vision of a book. In fact, it was after that whole thing that I wrote the following haiku for Elysia (yes, we write each other haiku on occasion--what, you don't write haiku for your editor?):

Here is what I know
When an author is in doubt
Editor is right

Does this mean the editor is always right? Not at all. And sometimes, as an author, you have to stick to your guns if there is something that you believe shouldn't be changed. On the other hand, I can't stress too much the importance of having an open mind

That's why they call it Vision.

By the way--in today's Vision Meeting, they cut 12 of the 50 rituals. Something tells me I need to come up with a new title...

Wolf Mountain or What I did with my Sunday when I was supposed to be working

2011-10-10T21:33:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was Sunday, and as usual, I had a huge list of things I needed to do around here, including finishing the dismantling of the garden, putting a second coat of paint on the stairs inside while it is still warm enough to have the windows open, making jewelry, and of course, writing.

Instead, I ran off to play hookey with my friend Ellen. She called me up in the morning and invited me to go about an hour and 20 minutes away to the Wolf Mountain Nature Center in Smyrna, NY. They were having a festival there, their yearly fundraiser, with shows featuring the wolves...

Their two arctic foxes...

And Native American drumming and dancing....

Besides which, it was one of the last of the glorious days--78 degrees out, the sun was shining, the trees were turning all sorts of lovely colors--and the male protagonist of my current WIP is a Native American named Wolf.

Seriously...how could I not go?

Six Years Ago Today: Robin & George

2011-10-08T10:36:00.004-04:00

On this day six years ago, I officiated at the wedding of two of my favorite people: Robin and George Wright. Performing that particular ceremony was an honor and a joy, because they were good friends, a lovely couple and very much in love. Six years, two children, and many changes later, they still are. And I still hold the memories of this day among my most precious. Happy anniversary, Robin and George! I'm so glad to be a part of this enduring love story. You make me believe in magic.

The Day Job: Happy Anniversary to The Artisans' Guild

2011-10-06T08:32:00.004-04:00

Most authors will tell you that their dream is to be a full time writer. And I would certainly like that, in a perfect world. On the other hand, I am lucky enough to like my "day job" a lot, so I don't mind working at it until I become a rich and famous uber-successful author. Or find that sugar daddy I've been looking for... (not).

Twelve years ago today, we opened the doors of The Artisans' Guild for the first time with 30 artists and not much idea of what the heck we were getting into. Which was probably a good thing, all things considered.

Co-founded by me and my friend Ellie Stromberg, a potter, the Guild is a not-for-profit shop that features the work of 50 local and regional artists and craftspeople. We've got pottery, glass, wood, fabric arts, candles, chocolate, soap, baskets...and of course, jewelry (including mine).

My official title is Executive Director, but basically I manage the place; juggling scheduling, doing paperwork and accounting, decorating the front windows every month, rearranging displays and generally keeping the shop running as smoothing as possible. It isn't always easy (managing 50 artists is a lot like trying to herd cats), but the variety and the challenges suit me. And I'm good at it, which never ceases to amaze me, since my educational background was in psychology, theater, and English Ed., with nary a business course to my name.

I don't get paid a lot, because I don't work full time and we're a not-for-profit, which means almost all the money goes directly back to the artists. But I enjoy it, and not being full time gives me the time to write on the side (and on the top and the bottom). Pretty close to a perfect world after all.

Happy anniversary, Artisans' Guild! And if you're in the Oneonta area Friday night, stop by from 5-8...we're having a party to celebrate.

http://www.theartisansguildoneonta.com/

A Report on Samhain (the cat, not the sabbat)

2011-10-05T11:31:00.002-04:00

As many of you know, my little (6.6 lb) girl cat Samhain has been dealing with Chronic Renal Failure for a couple of years. She is only 6 or 7--an adopted stray, so we can't be sure of her exact age--so she is very young to be dealing with this illness.

She was doing quite well for the first year and a half, but then in March her test results took a drastic turn for the worse, and we went from doing subq fluids at home 3 x a week to doing them every day. Oh, the joy.

Samhain and her roommate Angus went to the vet today for their yearly rabies shots and exams, and her bloodwork. And I'm VERY happy to say that for the first time since March, it had actually improved. *insert happy dance here*

Don't get me wrong: it's still bad. She's still dying. She just isn't doing it as fast as we thought she was. And she clearly hasn't gotten the memo, since she is still eating well and acting as affectionate and feisty as ever. I won't tell her if you won't.

A Good Day

2011-10-04T21:50:00.003-04:00

Okay--not entirely good, since I am either fighting a little cold or dealing with the ragweed allergy attack from hell (or both), but some good stuff happened today:

1) I did the monthly redecoration of the shop's front windows with pal and Artisans' Guild co-founder Ellie Stromberg. When we first started the shop almost 12 years ago, we spent so much time together, when I called her house, her husband would say, "Ellie, it's your wife!" But we don't see as much of each other these days, and had a lot of fun giggling and playing as we did our best to make the shop "shiny."

2) Came home to find my biannual royalty report from Llewellyn. For those of you who don't know about such things, that's the report that tells me how many of each of my five books I sold during the last period (in this case Jan-June this year). The check for same won't arrive for another month (another good day), but the numbers were better than I expected, and the best news of all, I had sold through the advances for all five books--including the two that only came out last year. If you're not an author, take it from me...this is a GOOD thing.

I'm not going to get rich off of these books, or be able to quit my day job. But it is satisfying to know that people are enjoying my writing. (And did I mention there will be a check?)

3) I got to gab with my lovely critique partner Lisa DiDio on the phone for WAY too long this afternoon. We communicate pretty much every day, often multiple times, but usually be email. It was great to have author chat, girl chat, and more giggling.

So cold or no cold, it was a good day.

Only Two More Days!

2011-10-01T10:58:00.004-04:00

Happy Saturday, all!

One last reminder: only two more days left to sign up for my upcoming online writing workshop, "Beyond Fangs: Creating New and Interesting Paranormal Characters."

www.lowcountryrwa.com

Just in case all my blabbing about it here has slipped your mind :-)

I will have some interesting news to share soon...

Feline Friday: Thank Goddess It's Friday!

2011-09-30T08:53:00.002-04:00

Long week?

Llewellyn Booksellers Blog: Deborah Blake on Celebrating Halloween at Your Sto...

2011-09-29T21:37:00.000-04:00

Llewellyn Booksellers Blog: Deborah Blake on Celebrating Halloween at Your Sto...: Hi Booksellers, Looking for ways to attract a crowd on Halloween? Here’s some fun, inexpensive ideas from author Deborah Blake on how t...

A Rave Review: The Hum and The Shiver by Alex Bledsoe (book give-away)

2011-09-26T20:57:00.006-04:00

I have a lot of friends who are writers; you've seen me talk about them and their books here often. Many of these folks are on my lists of favorites to read and recommend; amongst them there are a few I consider EXCEPTIONAL--to the point where I await their newest books with an almost painful anticipation, then heave a sigh when I'm done reading and have to settle in to wait for the next.

Alex Bledsoe is one of these.

I just finished reading his new book, THE HUM AND THE SHIVER, and man, does it ever make you do both! The book's official release date is tomorrow, September 27th, and I was fortunate enough to get an advanced reader's copy from Alex's agent, the lovely Marlene Stringer. (Thanks, Marlene! I owe you one.) I'm going to tell you why you want to run out tomorrow and get a copy of this book.

But first, let me tell you about Alex. Alex and I first stumbled across each other when we were both finalists in the contest that led to our inclusion in the Llewellyn/BBI Media joint project, THE PAGAN ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT FICTION. We bonded over the shared torture of waiting to find out if either of us won (I came in third...the only time I've ever beaten Alex at anything, and at that, I think he was robbed) and then later over shared interests and beliefs. We've never met in person, because he lives in Wisconson and I live in upstate New York, but we keep in touch and applaud each other's successes.

I fell in love with Alex's writing with the publication of his first book, THE SWORD EDGED BLONDE. Who wouldn't love a guy who could create a world that is a cross between traditional sword and sorcery and a hard-edged detective novel...and pull it off beautifully. Genius, I tell you. The Library Journal called it "A well-crafted gem of a tale," which sums it up pretty well, I think. And the two books that followed it in the series just got better. (Number four is coming soon.)

Now there is THE HUM AND THE SHIVER. Here's the blurb from the back of the book:

No one knows where the Tufa came from, or how they ended up in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, yet when the first Europeans arrived, they were already there. Dark-haired, enigmatic, and suspicious of outsiders, the Tufa live quiet lives in the hills and valleys of Cloud County. While their origins may be lost to history, there are clues in their music—hints of their true nature buried in the songs they have passed down for generations.

Private Bronwyn Hyatt returns from Iraq wounded in body and in spirit, only to face the very things that drove her away in the first place: her family, her obligations to the Tufa, and her dangerous ex-boyfriend. But more trouble lurks in the mountains and hollows of her childhood home. Cryptic omens warn of impending tragedy, and a restless “haint” lurks nearby, waiting to reveal Bronwyn’s darkest secrets. Worst will need to summon the strength to take her place among the true Tufa and once again fly on the night winds. . . .

The Tufa are a fascinating people with secrets hidden underneath their secrets, and Bronwyn is an imperfect and tortured protagonist who nonetheless captures your heart. Bledsoe's writing is as sharp, evocative, and forceful as any author I have ever read; he draws you so deeply into the East Tennessee world of the Tufa, you are shocked to put down the book and find yourself on the couch at home. You live and breath and sing with the Tufa, and ache and cry and wonder with every character in this entralling book. There is magic hidden on the gravel roads of Cloud Country; the kind of magic that could only come from the creative mind of the amazing Alex Bledsoe.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series. And I can't wait to hear what you all think of this book. So here's what I'm going to do. I happen to have an extra copy of his second book in the Eddie La Crosse series, BURN ME DEADLY (The Sword Edge Blond's follow up). In hardcover, no less. I'm going to give that book away to the first person who buys a copy of THE HUM AND THE SHIVER, reads it, and posts a review on either Amazon, Goodreads, or both. (Of course, you have to come back here and tell me you did it.)

And of course, I want all of you to check out this amazing book and tell me what you think. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Here are links to Amazon, so you can check out the book, and to Alex's website, so you can check out the guy himself. Be sure and tell him I sent you :-)

http://www.amazon.com/Hum-Shiver-Alex-Bledsoe/dp/0765327449
http://alexbledsoe.com/

Upcoming Newletter

2011-09-22T19:35:00.002-04:00

In theory, I put out a newletter with updates three or four times a year. But let's face it-- my life just isn't that interesting! So it really only goes out once or twice a year when enough news adds up to make it worth it.

I will be sending one out within the next few days, however, so if you'd like to get it, you can run over to my website at http://www.deborahblakehps.com and sign up. Easy peasy.

All about the Upcoming "Beyond Fangs" Writing Workshop

2011-09-19T20:17:00.003-04:00

As writers, we strive to constantly hone our craft and improve our skills. Preferably without spending too much money or taking a lot of time away from our current manuscript. Online writing classes are the perfect solution. Most of them are fairly inexpensive, and you can devote as much or as little time as you chose. (Candace Havens even hosts a number of fabulous FREE workshops on her WriteChat loop. Check it out!)

I’ve taken a number of great workshops, many of them from the Low Country RWA chapter. A couple of years ago, they asked me to teach one based on my nonfiction witchcraft books from Llewellyn. The result was “Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author.” The class was fun to teach and went really well, so they asked me to come up with a second workshop.

At the time they asked me, I’d spent months working on the world and character building for my urban fantasy, PENTACLES AND PENTIMENTOS. I started out by asking myself a simple question: What kind of paranormal characters can I use to people this world, without resorting to those that are currently somewhat overused. In short, NOT VAMPIRES.

Don’t get me wrong; I love vamps. And werewolves, and such. But I wanted to create a world that was completely different from anything already out there. And that meant coming up with unusual paranormals. Hence, the workshop—

Beyond Fangs: Creating New & Interesting Paranormal Characters
By Deborah Blake

Class Description:
Want to write a paranormal romance or urban fantasy, but don’t want to be just another Vamp in the crowd? Yearning to create a completely original paranormal character, but don’t know where to start? Author Deborah Blake moves beyond Vampires to delve into a wide range of paranormal folk who don’t need to hide from the sun. From Witches to Weres, Fae to Phantasms, this class will explore the alternatives to over-used supernatural stereotypes and help you to create your own unique paranormal character. The class will include a discussion of current trends, suggested reading, hints for character building, and an overview of authors who have successfully gone beyond the traditional.

The class will cover what’s already out there and a few ways to make the more common your own. It will also explore some alternatives, as well as suggest a few helpful resources for creating something new and different. And it will give an example or three from PENTACLES AND PENTIMENTOS, in case you’re curious.

If you want to know more, feel free to join me for this class. Check it out at http://lowcountryrwa.com/online-workshops/

Happy writing!

Giving Online Witchcraft Classes?

2011-09-18T11:14:00.002-04:00

I got an interesting question yesterday (from one of my readers, through Facebook)--she asked if I ever gave online Witchcraft classes.

And the answer was, no, I don't. In fact, it never occurred to me to do so, even though I often get people asking me Witchcraft-related questions, and I have been giving very successful and popular online writing classes for years. And wrote all those books and articles about it, of course.

Huh.

So here is my question for YOU: does anyone want me to give online Witchcraft classes? And if I did, which would you be most interested in--

Intro to Witchcraft (Wicca/Witchcraft 101 -- very basic explanations of what it is all about)

"Following the Path" (Somewhat more advanced -- "what do I do next?" "how do I practice on an ongoing basis?" kind of things)

Basic Spellcasting

All of the above

And also, what do you think would be a reasonable price to pay for such a class, if you wanted to take one? (Keeping in mind that the time and energy it takes to create and put it on requires some kind of payment, or I can't affort to take the time to do it.)

$7.50

Last question--if you were going to take these classes, would you prefer them to be

1 day only

3 days

5 days

I appreciate any input you can give me, as I ponder this idea. Thanks!

Upcoming Writing Class "Beyond Fangs"

2011-09-14T17:02:00.005-04:00

Hi All!
I just wanted to let you know that I will be giving my last online writing workshop of the year over at Low Country RWA in October. The class starts on Oct 5th and runs through the 21st, and is only $16! But sign-up ends on October 2nd, so if you're interested, you should go sign up as soon as possible. These classes fill up fast sometimes!

The name of the class is "Beyond Fangs: Creating New and Interesting Paranormal Characters." I will only be giving it once next year, so I hope to see you in October!

http://lowcountryrwa.com/online-workshops/

Please spread the word!

Using Magic to Fuel Your Writing

2011-09-13T08:57:00.000-04:00

My name is Deborah Blake and my blog is called “Writing the Witchy Way.”
There are a couple of reasons for that. The most obvious reasons have to do with the fact that I am a practicing witch (don’t worry—I haven’t turned an editor into a toad in years) and have published five nonfiction books on the topic of modern witchcraft. And witches show up in my fiction more often than not. For instance, my urban fantasy series features a protagonist who is a witch-cop who talks to dead crime victims.
I also teach a few popular online writing classes, including one called “Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author,” in which I help writers learn how to write witch characters without putting in a lot of misinformation.
But that’s not really why I gave the blog that name. In truth, it has to do with magic.
You see, I believe in magic. Not just fairy tale magic—although I like fairy tales, and their modern retellings. Real life magic that comes from within and doesn’t require an enchanted wand or an eccentric godmother. This belief affects my writing, and I’m guessing that my writing also affects this belief. So let’s talk about magic, shall we?
Modern witches—including Wiccans, who are a specific subset of a wider group—practice a nature-based religion, based in part on ancient practices and added on to through the last sixty or so years by many modern interpretations. There is a huge variety of practices and beliefs, but one of the things that we all have in common is the acceptance of magic as a genuine force in the universe. How this force is tapped into and used is a source for much debate (oh, who am I kidding—within the modern witchcraft community, EVERYTHING is a source for much debate), but we all acknowledge its existence
So what is magic, and how can you, as an author, tap into it and use it to add joy to your writing, fulfillment to your life, and maybe even use it to give your writing career a boost?
First of all, don’t worry—you don’t have to be a witch to work with magic. In fact, you probably already do so, in little ways you might not think of using that term.
There is the little everyday magic, for instance, that most writers use as fuel for their writing. Birdsong in an otherwise silent morning, the laughter of a child at play, the way your cat seems to know just when you need to be comforted—to me, these are tiny fragments of magic, free-floating like motes in the summer sunshine. Good writers use this everyday magic in two ways: they tuck away little snippets to be used later in just the right scene, and they allow the gift of these precious moments to feed their souls, so that they can keep going, and keep writing.
Writing can come from many places, including frustration, anger, and grief. But it should also come from joy, and these small bits of magic can keep that joy flowing through your heart and mind and out onto the page.
And then there is the other kind of magic—the purposeful kind, where you set out to accomplish something by tapping into the force of the universe that, for lack of a better word, we call magick (with a k, so you know it from the regular kind). Witches tend to see this energy as something that is out there, available to anyone who wants it and can figure out how to utilize it. Think of it like a scientific principle that no one has been able to prove. People used to think of gravity as nonsense, until Newton changed the way we looked at the world. Magic is like that.
Witches believe that magic is real, and can be used to create positive change in the world. Part of this belief has to do with the Law of Returns: what you put out is what you get back. [No, THE SECRET didn’t invent this concept, and it isn’t actually a secret. Sigh.] In order to do this, we use three things: intent, focus, and will.
Intent is what you want to accomplish. For instance, say you want more time for writing. You will want to make sure you have your intent clear. After all, you don’t want to get more time for writing because you’re laid up with a broken leg, or because you lost a job you loved. (Losing a job you didn’t love, now, that’s another issue…) So you may ended up deciding that your actual intent is to create more time in your life for writing, in a positive way, without reducing your income or having a negative effect on your relationships . Or something like that. It will vary from person to person.
Then comes focus. Focus is what directs that intent out into the universe in a meaningful way. Witches create focus through ritual, which can be as simple as a walk through a sacred wood or as complicated as casting a circle, calling in the elements, invoking a goddess, lighting candles and incense, beating a drum or chanting, and then saying a spell. But you don’t have to do any of that, if it doesn’t work for you. You can take a bath and light a white candle you have etched with the thing you desire. You can meditate. You can even just pray or ask for help.
Your will is what sends your intent out, once you have focused it. The reason we use focus is to get the most power out of our will. Let’s face it—most of us spend much of our time running around like crazy, doing things for others, and feeling pretty scattered and pulled in different directions. It can be hard to focus your will under those circumstances. That’s why witches use ritual; it puts them in a different mental state, removing them from the worries and distractions of normal life, so they can truly focus on what they want.
Once you have your intent in mind, have built your focus as much as possible, and have every ounce of your will behind it, then you send it out into the universe. Ta da! You’ve done magick.
Will it work every time? Of course not. Will it work right away, in exactly the form you expected? Maybe, maybe not. But sometimes magick works in ways you least expect and brings you even more than you’d asked for. And if nothing else, it might give you something new to write about. And that’s the best magic of all.

PS--Don't forget my "Writing Success" spell in Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook.

Creating a Daily Spiritual Practice--Not Just For Pagans

2011-09-11T13:44:00.000-04:00

Blue Moon Circle is meeting tonight to celebrate the Full Moon together and our topic for discussion tonight is how we can better integrate our spiritual practice into our everyday lives--more specifically, how each of us can come up with a daily practice of some kind that will feed our souls, help us to stay in touch with deity (however we see it/her/him), and still be "doable" given our hectic schedules.

Obviously, this is a subject near and dear to my heart, since I wrote an entire book (The Goddess is in the Details: Wisdom for the Everyday Witch, Llewellyn 2009) about integrating your spiritual and mundane lives in an easy and reward manner. [WHAT? You haven't read it? Check it out here: http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738714868 ]

However, daily spiritual practice isn't just important for Pagans. It is stengthening and healing for everyone, no matter what their faith. So tell me, do you have a regular spiritual practice of some kind? What does it bring to your life? How do you fit it in with everything else?

Here is an excerpt from the chapter in The Goddess is in the Details where I talk about my own practice, and give suggestions for how to develop one your own.

Webster’s Dictionary defines “ritual” as “a system of rites, a ceremonial act or action, an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner.” For Pagans, ritual is all that and more. It can be as simple as looking up at the moon every night, or as complex as a Beltane celebration with hundreds of Witches coming from miles around. Some Witches have only formal rituals, performing magick within the confines of a circle and following particular procedures. Others lean more to the informal, and are likely to combine their rituals with everyday actions like cooking or gardening.

What are your rituals? Do you have some small act that you do on a daily basis to reconnect with the gods and the universe around you? Or are your rituals limited to Full Moons and Sabbats?

There are no rules about how or how often to perform rituals. (Rules? Don’t be silly. We’re Witches.) I usually suggest that people do some act of ritual at least once a week, and daily if possible. You may believe that you are too busy to be able to fit ceremony of any kind into an already overloaded life, but I beg to differ. Ritual and ceremony give us the strength to carry on, bring in positive energy, feed the soul, and strengthen our commitment to our own spiritual journey. Surely all that is worth a few minutes a day?

Generally, Pagan rituals tend to fall into three categories: daily, monthly and yearly. (This doesn’t include “special occasion” rites, which we will talk about in the next chapter.) Whether or not you perform any of these will depend in part on your particular path, your schedule and your own personal inclinations.

Daily Rituals

I will admit that until recently, my own "daily" rituals were a bit sporadic. There were times when I would faithfully go to my altar for a few moments before retiring for the evening, light a candle and speak a few words to the gods. Sometimes I even managed to do this for two or three weeks in a row, before the hustle and bustle of life inevitably got in the way.

Then my circle read a wonderful book by Dianne Sylvan, called The Circle Within: Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition. In it, she highlights the importance of a personal spiritual practice and building a daily practice to support it. She made a daily practice seem both worthwhile and manageable, and I decided to give it another try.

My first step was to figure out what exactly I wanted to get out of the daily practice. Did I want to practice magick? Perform some specific rite? After I'd pondered the question for a while, I realized that all I really wanted out of a daily ritual was to reinforce my connection with the gods and remind myself regularly of the importance of Witchcraft to my life.

Once I’d determined what it was I wanted, I tried to figure out some routine that I could realistically expect myself to do almost every day. This meant coming up with something that wouldn't get derailed by exhaustion, stress or a busy schedule.

Oh, sure.

Eventually, I realized that I was taking the term "ritual" too literally. After all, I didn't need to light a candle in order to speak to the gods. I didn't even need to be standing at my altar; I could do it anywhere. And thus my own personal daily practice was born.

It's pretty simple. In the morning, after I wake up but before I open my eyes and get on with my day, I take a few moments to speak to the gods. What I say to them may change from day to day, but I always start with the same ritual opening words: “Great Goddess, Great God, I come to you at the start of another day and ask that you grant me the best day possible. Help me to feel my best, so that I might do my best, for myself and for others."

Depending on what lies ahead of me on any particular day, I may ask for strength, energy, wisdom, prosperity or any of the other areas where I feel the need of a helping hand. Then I finish up with a ritual closing: "Watch over me and those that I love. So mote it be."

At night, after I have put down my book and turned out the light, I close my eyes and speak again. Now, instead of asking for anything, I take the time to be grateful for all that I have been given. In the evening, I start with different ritual words: "Great Goddess, Great God, I come to you at the end of another day and thank you for all the blessings in my life."

I often give thanks for family, friends, and a job I like. Some days I express gratitude for the gift of creativity or for the strength that got me through a particularly trying experience. What is important is not so much which things I give thanks for, but that I am paying attention to the fact that there is so much things in my life to be grateful for.

This simple daily practice provides me with the connection to deity that I was looking for and has the added benefit of reminding me to say “please” and “thank you.” My mother would be so proud.

And if you think that maybe I am just lying in bed talking to myself, and not really connecting with the gods, you should know that Magic the cat—who generally tends to ignore me when I speak—always moves from whichever part of the bed she is sprawled upon when I utter those first words, and comes to sit by my head until I am done. And she purrs like mad the entire time.

Whether you choose to adopt a ritual like this one or come up with something completely different that’s all your own, I hope you will take the time to create a daily practice -- or at least a routine you are comfortable doing a few times a week. The gods are with us always, not merely on Full Moons and holidays, so it is probably a good idea to take a few moments to acknowledge their presence on a regular basis.

Here are a few suggestions for quick, easy and simple daily rituals:

• Prayer – Prayer doesn’t have to be formal or even addressed to any specific god/dess (although if you have one you follow, this is a good way to keep in touch). And if you worry about always asking for something for yourself, you can try praying for the earth. A common and simple prayer like this one, “let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me,” is always good. If you want to get a little more ceremonial about it, you can light a candle on your altar, too.

• Meditation – Meditation is a way to alter your state of consciousness and let go of the issues of the day, if only for a moment. It is good practice for when you want to create a different mental environment for your magickal work and can help you learn to focus better. Sit or lie in a comfortable position and follow the movement of your breath in and out. If you want to make your meditation practice more “Pagan-centric,” try saying “goddess” with your breath out and “god” with your breath in. Or substitute other words that help you to feel more relaxed and centered, like “serenity,” “oneness,” “or “spirit.”

• Positive affirmations – It has been scientifically proven that our thoughts influence our physical being (the mind-body connection). In truth, our thoughts influence all aspects of our health: mental, physical, and spiritual. But no one can control his or her thoughts all day long. Instead, try setting aside a few minutes a day to purposely concentrate on the positive. Positive affirmations are short statements that are aimed at changing our negative physical or emotional patterns by replacing them with more beneficial ones. They are always voiced in the present tense. For instance, if you are struggling with trying to loose weight, your positive affirmation might be: “I am eating healthier and am satisfied with smaller portions”. Because I have ongoing health issues, one of my favorite affirmations is “I am strong and healthy, my body is balanced and working perfectly.” Positive affirmations can be combined with meditation, or even exercise.

• Yoga/Tai Chi/Qi Gung – These are all forms of exercise that are designed to be spiritual as well as physical. When they are done slowly and mindfully, yoga and tai chi can leave you feeling more centered and more grounded. Qi gung helps to move your energy, or qi, through your body. And these exercises also strengthen your body as they refresh your spirit. Many people who practice yoga on a regular basis like to start their day with what is called the “Sun Salutation,” a series of movements that flow smoothly from one yoga pose to another as you greet the new day. What could be more Pagan than saluting the sun?

• Aura cleansing – This is a good one to do at the end of the day before you go to bed, or when you come home from work (especially if you work in a physically or psychically toxic environment). The intention is to get rid of whatever negativity you have picked up during the course of the day. One easy way to do this is to leave a bowl of water by the front door. Whenever you come in, take a moment to focus on sending anything “icky” into the water. If you do this for a while, you will probably notice the water turning cloudy or darker, so it is a good idea to replace it periodically with a fresh bowl. Alternately, you can use incense or a sage smudge stick to clean your aura, or even just envision yourself surrounded by a glowing, positive light.

• Read – There are a number of good books available that contain one-a-day spells, rituals, meditations or Pagan-oriented readings. Try reading a page every day from one of the following: Pagan Every Day by Barbara Ardinger, The Real Witches’ Year by Kate West, or Llewellyn’s Spell-A-Day Almanac (put out yearly).

National Read A Book Day--What I've been reading!

2011-09-06T22:33:00.000-04:00

Happy National Read A Book Day! Of course, around my house, EVERY day is read a book day. Which would explain why I had to buy yet another bookshelf last month...

I have a stack of books I've read recently that I liked even more than usual, and I've been meaning to blog about them. Seems like National Read A Book Day is the perfect day to do so. Some are books in series I've been reading and enjoying, others are new books by a few of my favorite authors, and I've got a couple of new discoveries in there as well. Every single one of them comes with my highest recommendation, and I hope you'll go out and try one or two and come back to tell me if you liked them as much as I did.

Favorite Series:
GHOST STORY by Jim Butcher -- The Harry Dresden series (which I first discovered from the short-lived but wonderful TV show based on the books) is amazing, magical, clever, and funny urban fantasy. For these of you who might not be familiar with it, Harry is the only professional wizard in Chicago. This book has been eagerly awaited by fans of the series, since Butcher left us hanging at the end of the previous book. *shakes fist at author* And it doesn't disappoint. At all. If you haven't read these, I suggest you start at the beginning, with STORM FRONT.
THE SNOW QUEEN'S SHADOW by Jim C. Hines -- the final installment in the "Princess" series, this book features the same kick-ass heroines as the others, and winds things up very satisfactorily. Hines' take on the traditional fairy tales is second to none; these are NOT your childhood princesses, I assure you. Read this whole series, too. The first book is THE STEPSISTER SCHEME.
MAGIC SLAYS & MAGIC BLEEDS by Ilona Andrews -- I got behind on this series, which meant I got to read two in a row. Huzzah! Another urban fantasy series, this one is set in Atlanta, but in an Atlanta that is very different from the one we know. Kate Daniels is one of my favorite heroines, and the world-building here is second to none. The series starts with MAGIC BITES.

Favorite Authors:
I don't always read fantasy or urban fantasy; sometime I like a nice contemporary romance, especially one with a touch of humor or an exotic locale. (I'm actually very picky about the romance I read, however, so the few favorite authors I have are REALLY good.)
I have a weakness for British contemporaries, and my absolute top author there is Katie Fforde. I like her work so much, I actually order the books directly from England, rather than waiting the extra year for them to come out here. (Although I do usually wait until the hardcovers are available used through an Amazon seller.) I somehow got one behind on these as well, so I just read two and loved them both. These books are all stand-alones, so they don't need to be read in any particular order. If you're a fan of Jennifer Crusie's writing, you'll like SUMMER OF LOVE, A PERFECT PROPOSAL and everything else Fforde has ever written.
Mindy Klasky is another author whose work I love, whether it was her humorous paranormal series or her earlier fantasies. I don't normally read the Harlequin Special Edition books, but when Mindy came out with one, I made an exception. And I was glad I had, because THE MOGUL'S MAYBE MARRIAGE was sweet and charming and lots of fun to read.
Starhawk is a well-known Pagan author of nonfiction (THE SPIRAL DANCE is a must-read classic) but I'd had her novel THE FIFTH SACRED THING on my bookshelves for years without getting around to reading it. My writing partner Lisa recommended it, though, and she was right--it was amazing!

New Discoveries:
One of the best parts of reading is when you find a new author whose work you love. I just read three new or new-to-me authors, one of which I liked a lot and two of which I loved with a white-hot passion that had me telling everyone I know to run out and buy their books.
I've been in fairy tale mode, so I really enjoyed the YA fantasy THE AMARANTH ENCHANTMENT by Julie Berry. If you like charming stories set in earlier eras with likable heroines, you should definitely check this out.
I was lucky enough to get an advance reader's copy at RWA of Rosemary Clement-Moore's new book, TEXAS GOTHIC. Run out and buy this book. (No, really--I'll wait.) I love books that feature magic and witches, especially if the author finds a clever new approach. This YA has a terrific protagonist, Amy Goodnight, who is saddled with a charming but eccentric family and a lot of secrets. I read this book in two days, because I just couldn't put it down, and I can only hope that Rosemary writes another one with these same lovable and quirky characters.
And I just finished a fabulous debut novel, MAKING WAVES by Tawna Fenske. Another contemporary romance, with just the right amount of humor and spiciness, this is another book you should run out and buy immediately. If not sooner! I was laughing out loud by page five. Heck, it is worth reading it for the Jell-O salad alone. Fenske is my new favorite discovery and I can't wait to read her next one.

So, now that I've told you what I've been reading, what about you? Any new books by old favorites? Any great new discoveries you have to shout about? What are you reading for National Read a Book Day?

My Day with Addy, World's Coolest Niece

2011-09-04T13:53:00.000-04:00

I spent this last Friday in the company of one of my favorite people--my niece Addy. I can't actually say that she is the coolest niece ever, since I have two more who are equally cool in their own way, but dang, she really IS cool.

My brother in-law Rich was coming into Oneonta to do his amazing caricature work up at the college, so Addy tagged along and spent the day with me. First she hung out at the shop and helped me there, then we went to lunch and talked about writing (which she does too), cooking (which she will be heading off to college to study this semester), and everything else under the sun.

Then, because we are both book junkies, we went to the closing sale at my local mini-Borders, where I picked up a few more Manga books for her collection and some romance and fantasy for mine. Along with a couple of extras by some of my favorite authors to give away here, just for the heck of it. (More about that in my next post.) It was a blast just to walk around the store and point out books we both liked. (I'm not so sure about that zombie cookbook, though...)

And did I mention that she brought me cookies she'd made? I may be a bit biased, but I happen to think that she is one of the smartest, cutest, and coolest kids I know. If you don't believe me, look at the costume she made for one of the Cons she went to last year.

SEE--I TOLD YOU SO.

Addy at Genericon

Chicklit Writers Guest Blog Post

2011-08-24T09:43:00.002-04:00

I am a member of a number of online RWA writing chapters (since I don't have an in-person one anywhere near me). The first one I joined, three or more years ago, was the Chick Lit Writers of the World. I love this group of women (and one man, Hi Chuck!). They are generous, smart, and great writers. And yes, I know that Chick Lit is supposed to be dead, but believe me, it isn't--mostly just recreated under a new bunch of names, like Women's Fiction.

The year I spent doing the writing contest circuit, I took part in the chapter's contest, "Get Your Stiletto in the Door," twice--once at the beginning and once at the end...and finalled both times. Yay! Little wonder it is one of my favorites.

Today I am guest blogging about my experiences with the Stiletto and contests in general. Go check it out. And if you do the contest thing, I'd definitely take a look at entering the Stiletto. As long as you have some humor and some romance in your manuscript, I'll bet you can find a category that works for you.

http://chicklitwriters.com/2011/08/24/get-your-stiletto-in-the-door-deborah-blakes-experience/

Contest Winner Melissa and Borrowed Husbands

2011-08-20T19:31:00.006-04:00

Melissa is the winner! Contact me, Melissa and tell me which annual you want. (email me at magicmysticminerva at yahoo)

Today was "rent a husband" day. Snort. My pals Robin and Jess were kind enough to let me borrow their husbands for the day to get some major outside work done that I couldn't do myself. (I paid them, of course--it was a lot of work.)

Yay George! Yay Andrew! George got here about 8:30 and Andrew at 11, and I worked outside with both of them until about 4. They took down some pieces of trees and shrubberies that had gotten way overgrown, George re-wired a broken light for me (damned ice chunk!), Andrew mowed, and stuff like that.

But the big thing was the entrance to the house. Because I live in the country, the back door is where everyone enters the house. And I suddenly realized the other day that while I'd been cleaning, reorganizing and throwing out stuff INSIDE the house (in part to revamp the energy in a positive way, and in part because the stuff was just making me crazy), the outside of the house looked like sh*t. The concrete pavers that led to the door were cracked and crumbling and ugly gray. The door, which was installed 10 years ago, after I moved in, was still gray primer. There were weeds and piles of crap everywhere. NOT good feng shui, that's for sure. Also not pretty.

So George redid the pavers, and moved some hostas I had by the barn. And I FINALLY painted the danged door. Now it looks like this:

Yay! I'm going to buy a few pots of colorful flowers to jazz it up even more, but for now, I am tired and happy and very grateful for borrowed husbands.

CONTEST What I'm Working on Now: The Llewellyn Annuals

2011-08-17T21:14:00.006-04:00

It's that time of year again. No, not fall (not quite). It's time for me to write articles for the Llewellyn Annuals and Almanacs. And, as you can see above, get my copies of the ones I wrote last year! [Yay! Author perk! Woot!]

Don't worry; they'll be out soon and you all can run and get a copy of your favorite. Or favorites. Be sure and come back here and tell me if you liked one of my articles. Pretty please.

I'm really excited to be featured in the Spell-A-Day Almanac for the first time, along with the Witches' Datebook. These two are so handy, everyone should have one! But if I had to pick a favorite, I think it would be the Witches' Companion: An Almanac for Everyday Living. I am the "Everyday Witch," after all.

This year's Witches' Companion features some of my favorite Pagan authors, including Gail Wood, Lupa, Mickie Mueller, Blake Octavian Blair (us Blake's have to stick together), Ann Moura, Tess Whitehurst, Denise Dumars, and my new fav Melanie Marquis--along with a whole lot of other great folks, too long a list to write here. I also have an article about finding your personal goddess in the Magical Almanac, and talk about Imbolc in the Sabbats Almanac.

As for what I'm working on now...I have two articles for next year's Magical Almanac, a really fun one on "Kitchen Alchemy" for the Witches' Companion, and I'm doing Yule for the Sabbats Almanac. These articles are a blast to write, and I hope that people find them informative and fun to read.

What's that? You want to know why the word "contest" is in big letters in the title of this blog? Gee, I knew I was forgetting something!

I'm so excited about the new annuals, I'm going to do another contest here to celebrate. Here's what we're going to do: leave me a comment about which almanac or annual is your favorite and why. You get an extra point if you can tell me which one of my articles is your favorite. (Well, not really, but I'd still love to know.) And, of course, I'd love it if you want to Tweet or Facebook or otherwise pass the word about this blog post. At the end of the week, Friday night at nine EST, I'll randomly pick a commenter to win one of the following: Witches' Spell-A-Day Almanac 2012, 2012, Witches' Companion, or this year's Sabbats Almanac--winner's choice!

So, which is your favorite Llewellyn Annual?

An Interview with Magic the Cat

2011-08-15T14:22:00.002-04:00

My co-author, the fabulous Magic the Cat, has finally gotten her own interview over at The Magical Buffet. (Seriously, they asked to interview HER, not me!0

Check it out, and see why, yes, she IS the boss of me.

http://themagicalbuffet.com/blog1/2011/08/15/10-questions-with-magic-the-cat/

See the Moon, the Lovely Moon

2011-08-14T19:25:00.003-04:00

Last night was the full moon, and boy, was it a spectacular one! Blue Moon Circle and I actually gathered on the Friday night, so last night I went out and did my own ritual.

We're in the midst of Mercury in Retrograde, which most people think of as a time when electronic and mechanical things tend to go flooey (and it is that), but this time is also good for particular work--this time around, it is releasing.

I released some stuff I've been carrying around for a loooonggg time: old loves and failed relationships, and the guilt, fear, and loss that remain long after the two of you have gone your separate ways. I feel *lighter* somehow now...

If you were going to go out tonight and stand under the light of the moon, the lovely moon, what would you release back into the universe?

The Moguls's Maybe Marriage (Mindy Klasky does it again)

2011-08-04T21:15:00.003-04:00

I am a big fan of Mindy Klasky's writing--especially her Jane Madison series about a librarian that becomes a witch. (Really; what's not to like?) But I don't normally read the classic Harlequin romance lines, so I wasn't sure what I'd think about her new book, which is a Special Edition Harlequin.

I have to say, I picked it up today at Borders and it looks WAY COOL! And these books are only out for about a month, so you need to run out and get it now.

Here is the link, in case you're curious
http://www.amazon.com/Moguls-Maybe-Marriage-Harlequin-Special/dp/0373656173/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Don't take my word for it, just ask Samhain!

Happy Birthday, Editrix!

2011-07-22T16:59:00.004-04:00

Waaayyyy back in 2005, I sent a proposal in to Llewellyn Worldwide Publishing, and got a reply from a woman named Elysia Gallo saying, "I'd like to read more." Bless her heart.

That was the beginning of something wonderful--my relationship with my acquisitions editor, whose birthday is today. Over the course of the last six years (and six books, counting the current one), Elysia has worked tirelessly to make me a better author, shepherded me through the many hurdles of being a published writer, and (occasionally) kept me from shooting myself in the foot.

We first got to meet in person at Pantheacon in 2008, and that was the beginning of something even more wonderful--a friendship based on mutual respect and many shared interests. We both love books, of course, and Witchy things, and cats. And we both have gorgeous foreign husbands (no, wait--that's just her) and fascinating careers in the publishing industry (no, dang it--her again). Well, we have a lot in common. And also, she is one of the smartest, funniest, all-around cool people I know.

We are professionals first, and never lose track of that. But we also have a lot of fun together, even when we are being "Editrix" and "Authoress."

If you are an author, I hope you are lucky enough to get an editor like this. And if you're not, I hope you get to have someone this nice as a friend.

So happy birthday, Editrix. Getting to know you has been one of the best "perks" of being published.

Lots of love,
Authoress

My step-daugher Jenn, me and Elysia eating out during Pantheacon in 2011.

No, we don't get along at all!

Feline Friday: And the Lion Shall Lie Down with the Lamb

2011-07-22T08:24:00.004-04:00

It's time for another installment of Feline Friday, in which I post completely frivolous pictures of one or more of my adorable cats, rather than writing up an actual blog post
.

If you are wondering about the title of the post--"And the lion shall lie down with the lamb"--some of you may recognize that as a quote from the bible. (Although I'm guessing that most of you are just stunned to realize I can actually quote from the bible at all.)

In this case, the lion in question is Mystic, my giant (almost 17 lbs) gray cat. The one who, for unknown reasons, took an unswerving dislike to little Samhain (less than 7 lb) the day she moved in. Mystic is very aggressive towards her, even though she's now lived with us for about 3 years; he will attack her with no provocation, and I have to keep her upstairs when I'm not around to watch out for her.

Which is why I was so stunned when I walked into the living room about three weeks ago and saw this scene. Mind you, it was merely a temporary cease-fire, and Samhain looks extremely dubious about the whole thing, but still, it was very hopeful.

Now if we could just get the Democrats and Republicans to do the same thing....

And the winners are...

2011-07-16T13:52:00.002-04:00

And the winners of the contest are:

Elle
J & J Mommy
Chanel

There were so many great comments, it was almost impossible to chose a winner...so I chose three!

Contact me at magicmysticminerva at yahoo to give me your names and addresses, and I'll send the books right out. And thanks again to everyone who took part--it was the most fun contest I ever did!

CONTEST! Awards celebration book giveaway

2011-07-11T08:52:00.004-04:00

As y'all know, I won the COVR "Visionary" Award for Best Wicca/Paganism Book with my latest, Witchcraft on a Shoestring (Llewellyn, 2010).

This seems worthy of celebration, so I've decided to hold a contest for all the lovely folks who have been kind enough to read the book. Here's how it is going to work:

The book contains, among other things, an assortment of inexpensive recipes and craft projects. Tell me what your favorite recipe or project is, or which ones you have done (along with how you did them, or what happened, or any other personal tidbit). The most interesting response will get put up on my website, and the person who submitted it will win a free autographed copy of Witchcraft on a Shoestring or any other of my books.

If you haven't read the book yet (gasp!) you can go to Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Witchcraft-Shoestring-Practicing-Without-Breaking/dp/0738721360 and check the Table of Contents for a list--then tell me which recipe or project sounds like the most fun, and why. (Feel free to buy the book while you're there...)

Contest will run through Friday, so you have plenty of time to think about it, and spread the word (pretty please).

Thanks to all for your congratulations! They warmed this Witch's cold, cold heart :-)

The COVR Awards-- I won! I won!

2011-07-09T22:17:00.005-04:00

Some of you might have seen me jumping up and down about this a couple of weeks ago on Facebook and Twitter when I first got the word that I had won a COVR Award for my book, Witchcraft on a Shoestring (out last year from Llewellyn). I've been waiting for it to be OFFICIAL before posting the news here. I'm thinking what came in the mail today qualifies:-)

The COVR "Visionary" Award is the biggest award I know of in the Pagan and New Age book world, and this was the first time I was even nominated, so I am truly thrilled to have won. The book won the "Best Wicca/Paganism Book" category. (Kudos to my pal Raven Digitalis, who finaled in a different category with his lovely book.)

Oddly enough, the award statuette actually goes to Llewellyn (pout), but I get to hang this shiny sign on my wall, and from now on, I can call myself an "Award-winning author."

Now that's cool.

So how should I celebrate? Obviously, by giving away a copy of Witchcraft on a Shoestring to some lucky blog reader! Any suggestions on a contest or way to pick someone to win the book?

What Was In The Box? BOOKS! And contest winners

2011-07-08T19:19:00.007-04:00

For those of you who weren't around yesterday, you missed all the fun! I posted a picture of a LARGE and MYSTERIOUS BOX, and asked people to guess what was in it. The winner would get part of what was inside.

As you can see from the picture above, what was inside was LOTS and LOTS of BOOKS.

Many people guessed that the box contained copies of my newest book, but since my newest book is being written right now, alas, that wasn't true. The books, as winners ROBENA and SIERRA so cleverly surmised, are my booty from my recent trip to NYC and RWA. Some of them I bought at the literacy signing, and some I picked up at the various publisher book signings, and some were given out during the course of the conference. And, to be fair, about a third of that pile are autographed for and destined to be given to my pal Robin, who was supposed to go this year and couldn't.

Most of the books I picked up for myself are signed to me. But there are nine books that are up for grabs, and winners Sierra and Robina get to pick one of those and I will send it to them as their prize!

NOTE: Robena and Sierra can email me at magicmysticminerva at yahoo or contact me at the BettyVerse in FB so they can tell me their choice and give me an address to sent it to.

This was so much fun--I think I'll have to mail myself mysterious boxes more often!!! Thanks to everyone who took part.

There is a little bit of everything here: historical romance by Grace Burrowes (HEIR) and Mary Nalogh (A SECRET AFFAIR), two SF/paranormal romance by Joss Ware (BEYOND THE NIGHT, EMBRACE THE NIGHT ETERNAL), paranormal romance from Stephanie Rowe (TOUCH IF YOU DARE), Jenna Black (THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND), and Kristina Douglas (our own Krissie/Anne Stuart RAZIEL), a romantic suspense by Susan Crandall (SLEEP NO MORE), and a contemporary romance by Lori Wilde (THE FIRST LOVE COOKIE CLUB).

Have fun picking, ladies! And no fighting! They're all good...

What's in that box? CONTEST!

2011-07-07T08:47:00.003-04:00

Okay--I feel bad that yesterday's post about Samhain was such a downer. So today we're going to do something much more fun.

This large and mysterious box came for me yesterday. (And yes, I know what's in it.) The first person who can correctly guess--specifically--what is inside will win a prize. And yes, the prize is in the box, too.

Ready, set, go--what's in the box?

A Samhain Update: The Slow Downward Slide

2011-07-06T19:13:00.003-04:00

Back in April, I put up a blog post about my cat Samhain (pronounced sow-wen, like the Pagan holiday). Samhain is a little calico cat I adopted from the shelter a few years ago, when she was probably 3 or 4 (she was a stray, so there is no way to know for sure). In September of 2009, she went in for her regular physical and we discovered that she had gone from an already-tiny 7 lbs down to 5.5 lbs. The blood tests confirmed that she had Chronic Renal Failure, or CRF.

For a while, she did pretty well. I gave her subcutaneous fluids at home 3X a week, put her on a special food, and tried to keep my giant cat Mystic from beating the crap out of her for no particular reason. (He doesn't like her. Apparently that's reason enough, if you're a cat.) Her blood test numbers improved, she put back on all the weight she'd lost, and regained her feisty attitude.

Until a few months ago. As I said in April, as of March, the numbers started to climb again, and that's Not Good. But at least she hadn't lost any weight. Today, we went for another check-up, and the numbers had shot up again. Not crept up, which is what I'd hoped for. Shot up. Last month her creatine was 5.2 and this month it is 6.2 -- Not Good. And she'd gone from 7.1 lbs to 6.7 lbs. Even giving her the fluids every day.

What does all this mean? Well, it probably means that I have less time left with her than I'd hoped. Dang it. Of course, I'd hoped for a lot. This is one sweet cat.

And it means that every day with her is that much more valuable.

So I am trying hard not to look at her and be sad; to see the sick kitty, and the shorter time. Instead, I'm just trying to feel lucky to have her at all. (And yes, she's going to be even more spoiled than she is already, if that's possible, which just makes Magic the Cat jealous.)

And on the bright side, she STILL hasn't gotten the memo. The blood tests may say she's going downhill, but you couldn't tell from looking at her. She is still perky and feisty and determined to have everything her own way. And that's okay with me.

First Evah Llewellyn Live Twitter Chat with ME--Tuesday 21st

2011-06-20T15:59:00.003-04:00

Hey all!

To celebrate their 110th anniversary (yes, I know! whoo hoo!), Llewellyn is going to hold four live chats on Twitter, starting with the first one, tomorrow--Tuesday June 21st--with MOI!

To join in, just follow me on Twitter or follow Llewellyn (or both) and use the hashtag #moonchat.

The chat will be taking place from 3-4 PM EST (2 PM Central). Come by and say hello!

Up for a COVR Award!

2011-06-16T20:42:00.004-04:00

I found out from my editor, Elysia Gallo at Llewellyn, that Witchcraft on a Shoestring is up for a COVR Award!

Check it out. Winners will be announced on the 25th, so keep your fingers crossed.

http://www.llewellyn.com/blog/2011/06/4-llewellyn-titles-are-finalists-for-2011-covr-awards/

Guest Blogger Lucienne Diver, author

2011-06-14T20:45:00.005-04:00

One of the coolest people I've met since I started writing is the gorgeous and clever Lucienne Diver. Lucienne is one of the agents at The Knight Agency, as well as a fabulous author in her own right. Her YA books, VAMPED and REVAMPED were funny and snarky and made me laugh out loud. Also, I've met her in person, and she's a sweetie. (That's Lucienne in the middle, at the RWA National Conference with me in 2009.)

So when she told me she had a new book coming out, I asked her to come her and say something about the writing process, and introduce herself to y'all. (I hope you'll say thank you by going to check out her book!)

So with no further blather from me, here's Lucienne:

Ideas vs. Execution

Every writer has heard the dreaded words, “I have this great idea. Maybe you could write it and we can share the proceeds.” I always try very hard not to roll my eyes at this. Every writer I know has more ideas than time to write them. I’m not saying that ideas come easily, necessarily, but they’re certainly a piece of moist, delicious cake next to the much more difficult task of execution.

I’m a pantser, I admit it. I always start a novel knowing roughly what happens. I know the main conflict and a few of the milestones along the way, but that’s a far cry from knowing the exact path between points A, B, C and so on. Even knowing the path, there’d still be the matter of expression…putting words to the page in the character’s voice and really making the reader identify and care. You have to give the readers a world big enough to bang about in for at least a novel and often many, many more. That world has to be as believable as the real one for a reader to be able to tune out his or her reality and escape into yours. The magic system, if it’s fantasy, has to be well thought out and consistent, with a source or sources, limitations, cost, internal logic. The internal and external conflicts have to build and add depth and tension to the storyline. Readers have to be convinced that things could go kablooey at any time and have catastrophic consequences for the characters and often the world at large so that they’re briskly turning pages to the end, on the edge of their seats to see how it will all play out, breathless in anticipation. The climax has to blow the reader away, worth every single second of the build-up; and the denouement must be satisfying. (Though if it’s a series, perhaps not so satisfying that the reader doesn’t need to reach for that next book, so some threads are left unfinished.)

These are the true skills of a writer. Yes, you need a good idea, but it takes a lot of hard work and talent to turn it into more than that…into a novel.
See how I did with:
Bad Blood, first novel of the Latter-Day Olympians
Available digitally from Samhain Publishing June 28, 2011, print in 2012
Or the Vamped series, out now from Flux Books
www.luciennediver.com
Facebook fan page
Twitter

A Visit from the Magical Buffet!

2011-06-12T11:00:00.004-04:00

One of the side benefits of being an author is that I have made a lot of great friends along the way. One of my favorite pals is Rebecca Elson from The Magical Buffet (www.themagicalbuffet.com )-- Rebecca is a blogger and a reader and a tireless cheerleader for all things me, bless her little heart.

And she lives about an hour and a half from me, so every once in a while we actually get to see each other in person, rather than communicating via email and FB. Yesterday she drove up here so I could do some energy healing work on her, and she brought me yummy lunch from Panera Bread. You can see her here, being ogled by Magic the Cat, who clearly thought there should have been a third sandwich.

Then she interviewed Magic about the upcoming book. It was quite a conversation. I could barely get a word in.

All in all, it was a lovely visit. Be sure to wander over to The Magical Buffet, where Rebecca talks intelligently about a variety of subjects, and go follow her on Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to tell her that Magic the Cat sent you!

Now's Your Chance--requests for rituals

2011-06-10T21:13:00.002-04:00

Hey all,

I am hard at work on my new book for Llewellyn, tentatively titled "50 Rituals for the Everyday Witch" (#3 in the Everyday Witch series, complete with my co-author, Magic the Cat!).

There are some rituals and themes I already know I plan to include in the book, but I am open to suggestions and requests for the rest. So for anyone with a magickal inclination, I ask...

What rituals do you want?

Now's your big chance, tell me what rituals you need and haven't been able to find? What do you want to work on? Go ahead...tell me.

I don't promise to include anything in particular, but I am definitely open to requests!

How I spent my Memorial Day or The Cutest Kids on the Planet

2011-06-09T20:00:00.004-04:00

I had planned to spend Memorial Day weekend doing the usual--writing, working in the garden, making jewelry...in other words, working. But a last-minute invite from my pal Robin and her hubby George prompted me to say, "The heck with it!" and drive (well, get in the car with Ellen, who drove) the 45 minutes to their house for in impromptu BBQ with friends instead. As a bonus, I got to spend time with two of my favorite kids in the world.

Okay--it's not like I am prejudiced or biased in any way...but I believe that my goddess-children, Nate and Sophie, are possibly the cutest children on the planet.

Seriously; you be the judge.

Happy Birthday Lisa and CS!

2011-06-09T08:44:00.004-04:00

Today is an auspicious day--the birthday of two of my favorite writing peeps!

A big happy birthday wish to my writing partner and witchy pal, Lisa DiDio, out in California. Wish you were here so we could celebrate together.

Lisa is the best writing buddy anyone could ask for--not just a brilliant writer on the verge of breaking through, whose work is a joy to read, but also a great editor and first reader. I don't know what I'd do with out her. Also, she is WAY KEWL.

And happy birthday to Pagan writin pal C.S. MacCath, too. We "met" a few years ago when we both had stories published in the Pagan Anthology of Short Fiction. *waves to Nova Scotia*

I hope both the wonderful ladies have relaxing, fun-filled birthdays. And lots of cake.

Here's Lisa (at the back) when we were together at Pantheacon, earlier this year. And ironically enough, I met C.S. at Pcon in 2008.

Good News!

2011-06-02T16:15:00.003-04:00

Sorry to keep you all waiting to hear the good news. I had to wait until Elaine, my agent, had gotten it posted on the official Publishers Marketplace site.

Here it is:

June 1, 2011

Non-fiction:Religion/Spirituality
Deborah Blake's 50 RITUALS FOR THE EVERYDAY WITCH, a comprehensive guide to a year of magical practice for the modern witch, to Elysia Gallo at Llewellyn, in a nice deal, by Elaine Spencer at The Knight Agency.

Yes, you read that right--Llewellyn just bought my SIXTH book! Yay! *does happy dance*

This will be the third in the "Everyday Witch" books, after Everyday Witch A to Z and last year's Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook (which is selling quite well--thank you, everyone). So for those of you what asked me, "When are you going to write another Witchcraft book?" The answer would be, "Right now!"

Who's got the champagne?

Watch This Space

2011-06-01T12:02:00.002-04:00

Have you ever seen one of those big billboards that says, "Watch this space"?

Well, big news coming tomorrow.

Watch this space.

Feline Friday and Crimson Pillows Update

2011-05-27T08:31:00.002-04:00

In a rare moment of harmony, Magic the Cat and her brother Mystic agree that they approve of both the new couch and the anti-fur and dropped-food comfy cover I bought for it. And yes, Lisa, I bought crimson cushions, just for you!

Meet My New Boyfriend

2011-05-26T08:30:00.004-04:00

Isn't he handsome?

What? You expected a man? I'm a 51 year-old Witch living in the middle of nowhere with 5 cats. Let's face it, the odds are not in my favor.

But this guy is pretty cute. Maybe I should kiss him and see if he turns into a prince. Nah--a prince would just expect me to do his laundry.

The Make-Over Continues, Red Chair Happiness Part 2

2011-05-21T13:33:00.003-04:00

My new red chair made me so happy, I went out and bought a new (fawn-colored) sofa to go with it. It is all poofy and reclines and everything. Not red (that would be a bit much in my small living room), but I may get wild and crazy and find some crimson pillows to go on it...

I'll let you know :-)

Feline Friday--Mystic the Magnificent

2011-05-20T20:47:00.003-04:00

Everyone knows Magic the Cat (Queen of the Universe), my co-author on the two Everyday Witch A to Z books. But not everyone has met her brother Mystic (the Magnificent). When they were kittens, Magic and Mystic were the same size, as you can see from the photo below. But Mystic just kept growing. Magic is about 11 lbs; fairly average for a cat. Mystic hit over 18 lbs at one point. Since going on a diet, he is at a nice, healthy 16.8 or so. And he's not fat--he's just HUGE. His shoulders are a good inch or two above the other cats.

Luckily, he is mostly, well, a pussycat, with a very mellow nature. Except when if comes to tiny 7 lb Samhain, who for some reason he has disliked since the moment I adopted her. I have to keep them apart, or he tried to murdalize her. No idea why.

Other than that, though, he is just a big, sweet guy. Unless you're a mouse. But that's a story for another day...

The Witch's Bag of Tricks--This year's MUST READ Pagan book

2011-05-19T08:27:00.004-04:00

I read a lot of books on Witchcraft, but rarely is there one that I love so much that I will publicly recommend it. I am breaking with that tradition now, because I found a book that so impressed me, I immediately bought copies for everyone in my coven, Blue Moon Circle. Together, we will be reading, studying, and discussing it over the course of the year.

The book is called THE WITCH'S BAG OF TRICKS, and I met its author, Melanie Marquis at Pantheacon this year. It was her first appearance as an author, and she didn't even have a copy of the book yet, since it isn't officially out until June. She was such a sweetheart, we kept in touch via Facebook after the con, and after some hesitation, I offered to read the book and write a cover blurb for it if I liked it. No promises, but other established authors had been kind enough to do this for me when I first got started, and this felt like a good opportunity to pass on that kind of help.

And I am so glad I did! The book is amazing--so deep and smart and yet still accessable. You're not going to be able to read this in one sitting; take the time to devour one chapter, think over all she talks about, then go on to the next. This is a must-read for any witch that has been practicing for a while, and starting to think...what now?

I asked Melanie to come and talk about her book. So with no further ado, here is the author of the book I am recommending with all my heart.

http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738726335

Does your Magick Measure Up?
Guest blog by Melanie Marquis, author of The Witch's Bag of Tricks
Our magickal rituals are meant to be enriching, transformative experiences that have a real effect on both our inner world and the world at large. When our rituals become routine, however, it's easy to switch from active participant to automatic bystander, simply going through the motions without really feeling (or working) the magick. As this rut develops gradually over time, it can be hard to realize just how deep of a hole we're getting ourselves into. A failed spell, a backfiring charm, an empty and unfulfilling sabbat ceremony—when our magick has been a bit mediocre, we can lose faith fast. We begin to doubt our abilities and we may even hesitate to use them.
If this sounds familiar, look up! It's very possible to recharge your magick and refresh your spirit, and it's a journey you'll likely enjoy. In fact, it's a journey you will likely never end, as continued progress is the true key to satisfying, effective magick. Designing your own road forward is what my new book The Witch's Bag of Tricks (June 2011, Llewellyn Publications) is all about. I believe we have not only an ability, but a duty, to make our magick the best it can possibly be.
If your magick has been any less than fabulous, finding new ways to shake up your routine will help you regain the sparkle fast. One helpful technique to put a fresh spin on your spellwork is to test and track your magickal activity. Don't just cast spells. Take notes, experiment, record results, and evaluate your magick. Try performing several spells with the same goal, a week or so apart, and see which sort of spell works best for you. For example, you might cast a prosperity spell using a candle as the main focal point, envisioning the growing flame of wealth. If the spell yields no results within whatever time period you specify, try another method, perhaps using a tarot card as a wealth-bringing talisman. If you still have no results, try a spell using image magick. Note what spells give you the best results.
Another exercise to try tests your banishing magick ability. Try this the next time you have some really hard-to-wash pans to scrub. Perform a banishing charm on one side of the pan, using a blast of psychic energy to separate the layer of crud and direct it away from the pan's surface. Now scrub each side of the pan in equal measure, using the sponge with a uniform pressure. Which side cleans easiest? Did your banishing charm have any effect, or could your charmswork use some polishing?
What other experiments can you think of? Testing our magick and tracking results, noting successes and failures alike, allows us to see the “big picture” of our magickal development. Once we collect enough data from our magickal “experiments,” larger patterns become apparent. We're aware of strengths we can utilize and weaknesses on which to work. We're inspired to further our learning and empowered to make the most of our magick, which in turn, makes our magick more exciting, fulfilling, successful, and fun.
Melanie Marquis is the founder of United Witches global coven and the author of The Witch's Bag of Tricks (June 2011, Llewellyn Publications). Visit her online at http://www.melaniemarquis.com

Red Chair Joy

2011-05-15T20:40:00.005-04:00

Here's the thing about joy--it often finds you unexpectedly; coming out of nowhere when you least expect it. The trick, I have found, is to be paying attention, and to grab it when it is floating by.

I found joy in the strangest place today; I found it in a chair. A red chair, to be specific. No--I'm not kidding. A chair.

I decided, a few days ago, that I might take a bit of the money I inherited from my grandmother (Germambie, who as many of you know I lost back in February) and buy myself a new couch. She was a big one for joy, my grandmother. She lived and breathed it, in fact. But that's besides the point.

The point is, I have an old couch that I've re-covered, and stapled back together, and duct taped underneath so the cat couldn't climb up inside (Samhain, I'm looking at YOU). And I thought maybe I would finally go looking for a new one. Haven't found one yet. Instead, I found this.

Yes. It's a chair. A recliner, actually. And it is RED. Mind you, this isn't a great picture, and it is more of a wine-red than this shows. But still. Red.

I'm a woman who lives in a house where most of the walls are a nice mellow cream color. Whose tastes run to neutrals like black and brown and maybe a touch of slate blue/gray. And this chair is RED.

And when I saw it in the store, it caught my eye. I thought about it for two days, and tried to talk myself out of it. "Self," I said. "It's red. Not tan. Not black. RED." And my self said, "Don't care. Want it. JOY."

And so today, I went back and I bought it. And you know what? It makes me happy. This red chair, sitting in my living room, minding its own business and getting ready to collect cat hair in various shades of black and gray and even orange (I'm looking at you, Samhain). Why? Because it is comfortable, and fits in the space, and I can use it to write in. And because, for some inexplicable reason, it brings me joy. And joy is nothing to pass up, when it comes to you. Even if it is RED.

Clearly Angus agrees. Yay. Yellow cat fur. What was I thinking?

Oh, that's right--joy. Red chair joy.

What unexpected thing brought you joy? Really--I want to know.

Ten thousand views!

2011-05-15T11:35:00.002-04:00

I added a new widget a couple of weeks ago--one which tells me how many views the blog has had. I confess--the number was WAY higher than I expected.

And when I checked in this morning, it was over ten thousand. Ten thousand views, people. Holy crap. (This is really amazing when you consider that for the first few years I was blogging, I ran a mirror-blog over on Live Journal, and there were a lot of people who followed me there instead.)

Not only does this make me feel, well, kinda warm and fuzzy inside (people are interested in what I have to say? really?) but it also gives me a sense of responsibility.

After all, if there are that many folks coming to see what I have to say, I'd darned well better make what I have to say interesting. Or pertinent to people other than me. Or something. (Although the cute cat pics probably don't hurt.)

So thank you for being among the ten thousand. Cookies for everyone!

Feline Friday--A Black Cat for Friday the 13th

2011-05-13T14:18:00.002-04:00

Magic the Cat, doing her best to look spooky for Friday the 13th. She's doing a pretty good job, don't you think?

And don't forget, only two more days to sign up for my "Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author" online workshop over at www.savvyauthors.com . It starts on the 16th, and Magic will be supervising my every move, as usual. I hope to see you there!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T09:26:00.003-04:00

Mother's are kinda important. After all, none of us would be here without them.

But more than that, we are who we are as adults at least in part because of what we learned from our mothers. My mother is a brilliant professional who showed me that a woman could succeed (and excel, even) in a man's world. And she is a fabulous writer who was my first reader on my first book (and did lots of edits so I looked a lot smarter than I am).

So thank you, Mom, for everything you did and do for me. I love you. Happy Mother's Day.

And yes--I cleaned my room.

Workshop: Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author

2011-05-07T19:46:00.002-04:00

I am giving my popular writing workshop, "Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author," over at SavvyAuthors starting on May 16th. This is the last time I'm giving it this year (or possibly for a couple of years), so if you're at all interested, you might want to go sign up!

http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/workshoplist.php

I hope to see you there!

A tome is where the heart is: The Goddess is in the Details

2011-05-07T07:38:00.000-04:00

A tome is where the heart is: The Goddess is in the Details: "The Goddess is in the Details: Wisdom for the Everyday Witch by Deborah Blake ISBN: 978-0-7387-1486-8 228 Pages Synopsis: Deborah B..."

Great review of my book! YAY!

The Salem Trip -- Post 2 "The Betties Rule"

2011-05-04T19:33:00.003-04:00

One of the best parts of my recent trip to the NECRWA conference in Salem was getting to meet some of the fabulous women from Lucy March's blog. Lucy, who is actually author Lani Diane Rich, is a warm, friendly, smart, beautiful, and extremely cool woman. Who has brought together a lot of other women who are the same--The Betties. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, go to www.lucymarch.com and check it out.)

Meeting Lani in person was a real treat, and getting to hang out with her, honorary Betty-and-famous-author Anne Stuart (aka Krissie), and Betties Kate George (who ran the conference with aplomb and skill), Delia, and Megan was the icing on the cake. (Bacon-flavored, of course).

There was a lot of laughter and some serious author talk along the way--watching Lani and Krissie giggle was practically worth the price of admission, all by itself. Betties rule.

Anne Stuart and Lani Diane Rich

The Betties: Delia, Megan, me, Lani, Kate, and Katy (left to right)

Anne, me, Lani, and Kate at the Literacy Booksigning

Thanks for sharing the adventure with me, ladies. Y'all are the bomb.

Black Ink, White Paper blog post

2011-05-03T21:06:00.002-04:00

My new post is up at the group blog, Black Ink, White Paper. I talk about writers need to read as much as they need to write.

http://blackinkwhitepaper.wordpress.com/2011/05/03/read-often-and-widely/

Salem Trip -- Post 1 "The Witch School Interview"

2011-05-02T21:51:00.001-04:00

My trip to Salem was great, and I have lots to share (and plenty of pictures). Of course, I am so exhausted, I haven't even unpacked yet!

So here is the interview I did with Don Lewis of The Witch School, who was kind enough to host a book signing for me, and take me on a personal tour of their museum.

http://www.witchschool.com/video/rev-don-interviews-deborah

Feline Friday--Samhain, fighting the good fight

2011-04-22T06:56:00.003-04:00

This is Samhain, my kitty who has been battling chronic renal failure for a year and a half. Her blood tests had been coming back with very encouraging numbers until her last visit to the vet in March, when they suddenly spiked (that's bad, btw).

So now she's getting her subq fluids every day instead of every other day, which she loves, as you can imagine. Other than the test results, however, she isn't showing any signs of illness.

Apparently she didn't get the memo that she was sick :-)

Here she is, resting up after a tough bout of having me chase her around the house to make her sit still for her treatment. Believe me--I looked worse.

From Russia With Love

2011-04-14T19:39:00.004-04:00

No--I'm not talking about James Bond movies (or books, for that matter).

I'm talking about this surprise package I got in the mail from the lovely folks at Llewellyn yesterday:

Yes, that's my book, EVERYDAY WITCH A TO Z...in Russian :-) It looks very different from the original English version, doesn't it?

Still, I got a kick out of knowing that now witches in Russia could sit around a samovar, sipping tea, and reading my book!

Going to Salem--the NECRWA Conference

2011-04-13T12:44:00.005-04:00

I am starting to get really excited about my upcoming trip to Salem, MA.

It might surprise you to know that I have never been to Salem. And that the reason I'm going now doesn't have anything to do with Witches, exactly. Although I've managed to find a way to work them in there... I'm going to the New England Chapter RWA yearly conference for writers, which takes place at the historic Hawthorne hotel on Friday, April 29th and Saturday the 30th. In part, I decided to go because of where the conference is being held (Salem!), and in part because I really like the guests of honor, which include the amazing authors Lani Diane Rich (aka Lucy March), Anne Stuart, and Annette Blair. Additionally, the conference chair is my writing pal Kate George. Also, it's in Salem! (Can you tell I'm a little excited about finally getting there?)

Salem is a fair piece from where I live in upstate NY--about a 5 or 6 hour drive, depending on traffic and pit stops. Luckily for me, best pal Ellen's boyfriend lives in Boston (and she doesn't mind doing long drives). So we'll be driving up together, and then Paul will come from Boston to meet us, and they'll mostly do their thing while I do mine, although we might sightsee together a bit. Paul used to live in Salem, so we'll have a native guide, which is always nice.

I will be giving a workshop on Saturday morning ("Witchcraft for the paranormal author" -- I told you I'd work it in there somewhere)and taking part in the book signing on Saturday night. And before the conference starts on Friday afternoon, I'll be at the World of Witches Museum, at 57 Wharf Street for a noon to one PM booksigning and "meet the author" lunch, thanks to Don Lewis and Ed Hubbard of The Witch School. (Yay, Witch School!) Hopefully, I will be able to find some time to take in the sights and sites of Salem, and socialize with the Betties who are attending (*waves hi to the Betties*). And I hope I see a few of you there, at either the conference or the Witch School booksigning. Did I mention it was going to be in Salem? http://www.necrwa.org/conference.html

Where my money goes--or why I'm not rich

2011-04-07T18:19:00.002-04:00

Blogging on community

2011-04-05T15:19:00.004-04:00

I am blogging about writing community over at the Black Ink, White Paper blog. Come see what I have to say.

Upcoming appearances and workshops

2011-04-02T21:08:00.003-04:00

Here's what's coming up for me...
I hope to see some of you at one of these events!

Appearances:

New England Chapter RWA Hawthorne Hotel, Salem MASS April 29-30Workshop "Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author" (Fri?) and Literacy Signing (Sat)
http://www.necrwa.org/conference.html

RWA National Convention NY Marriot Marquis, NYC June 28-July 1Panel "The Agent Search" with The Knight Agency agents & authors (Elaine Spencer, Lucienne Diver, Candace Havens, Rosemary Clement Moore) Friday July 1st 2-3PM
http://www.rwa.org

Workshops:

"Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author" SavvyAuthors May 16-June 2
http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/worshoplist.php "

Beyond Fangs: Creating new and interesting paranormal characters" LowCountryRWA October 5-21
http://lowcountryrwa.com/online-workshops/ (register by Oct 2)
(Online chat for this workshop Sept 11 and 24)

Articles:

Summer/Fall issue of Witches & Pagans -- "Magick on a Shoestring" column

April Fool's Day thoughts and a shout out to Candace Havens

2011-04-01T16:21:00.006-04:00

Happy foolishness! Today is April Fool’s Day, well known for pranks and trickery and general silliness.

No one really knows how the day originated, although the most popular theory claims that it came about when the Gregorian calendar took over from the Julian calendar in 1582. According to this theory, some people didn’t get the message about the change, and tried to celebrate New Year’s (previously observed on April 1st instead of January 1st) on the wrong date. These poor folks were teased for being “April Fools.” (1)

Other theories suggest that April Fool’s Day was derived from the Roman holiday of Veneralia, which celebrated the goddess Venus. According to Barbara Ardinger, “to the Romans, it was All Fools Day. They spent the day doing foolish things and playing pranks.” (2)

It is also possible that there is an association with the Spring Equinox, when Mother Nature is known for playing her own tricks. Still, whatever its origins, whether you call it All Fools Day or April Fool’s Day, it gives us the opportunity to indulge our playful side. But I look at it as a time to be more serious as well.

Let’s take a look at my favorite Fool, The Fool card from the tarot. This card is number 0; either the beginning or the end of the Major Arcana cards, depending on the book you are looking in. Since all things are circular, maybe he’s both! The most common representation of The Fool is as a young man with his possessions hanging in a bag on the end of his staff, cheerfully preparing to step off the side of a cliff. His little dog dances gaily at his feet. Popular tarot expert Mary K. Greer, in her book Tarot for Yourself: A workbook for personal transformation, gives the following as some possible interpretations of The Fool: “Leaping off into some new phase of life. Free-spirited. Carefree. Being open to experience. Acting on impulse without thought or plan. Spontaneity. Childlike enthusiasm. Innocence. Lack of inhibitions. Footloose and fancy free. Being silly. Frivolity. Trusting in the universe. Experiencing life in the here and now—from moment to moment. Optimism.” (3)

Doesn’t that all sound wonderful? Who among us wouldn’t like to have a little more of those qualities in our mundane lives? So today, on All Fool’s day, let’s resolve to let ourselves be foolish. Let us live a little more freely, be open to what the universe has to offer and put aside our fear of change, even if just for a day.

What do you dream of doing? What would you change about your life if you could gather up your courage and take that leap of faith? Is there something you’ve been longing to do, but have held back from out of a fear of looking foolish? Well, today’s the day! Make a wish list for yourself of all those dreams you keep in that dusty, “I just don’t dare,” corner of your mind and heart. Do you want a new job or a new career? Have you been pining for the guy next door, but lacking the courage to ask him out? Is there a writer or an artist, a singer, actor or comedian inside you, longing to be brought out into the shining light of day?

Today, on All Fool’s Day, why not pick one of the aspects of The Fool and make it your own? Choose to be more spontaneous or optimistic. Take a leap of faith. Trust in the universe to help you make your dreams come true. And if things don’t work out the way you’d hoped, and you make a fool of yourself, so what? At least on April Fool’s Day, you’ll have plenty of company.

And here's a great book to read, no fooling! Speaking of daring, my friend Candace has a sexy, romantic mystery out today.

Check it out: He's high risk... and very high reward! Well, it certainly wasn't the assignment detective Katie McClure was expecting. Traveling to London to protect an old scientist who'd been receiving death threats? Too easy. As it turns out, Dr. Macon Douglas is hot. The kind that makes Katie ponder her own kinds of experiments - namely ones that involve Mac being naked. But the death threats are real…along with the wicked chemistry that seems to sizzle and zap whenever they're together. Can Katie keep her professional thoughts in mind and keep Mac safe - or will she risk everything and dare to be bare?

Happy Anniversary, Creativity Cauldron!

2011-03-30T18:44:00.002-04:00

As most of you know, I teach a couple of popular online writing classes, "Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author" and "Beyond Fangs: Creating New and Interesting Paranormal Characters." I've been giving these workshops for a while now, and they are both fun and rewarding.

And not just for me, apparently.

After I gave the first "Witchcraft" class, a bunch of the students said that they'd had such a great time with the class, they didn't want it to stop. They wanted to keep in touch with each other and with me, and asked if I would consider starting some kind of loop for former students.

I said no.

I was thrilled, of course, that they'd gotten so much out of the workshop, and agreed that the group of people the class had brought together was extraordinary. But I was too busy. Just couldn't add one more thing to the pile. They understood, and apparently tried to start up something without me, but it didn't last.

Then I gave the next workshop, and got the same request. To be honest, I was kind of amazed. And even more thrilled than the first time--less that people wanted to keep in touch with me (which they can easily do through my blog, or Twitter, or Facebook), but that I had somehow been able to create this environment that made people so comfortable that they didn't want to leave.

I said no again anyway.

It was a tougher decision this time around, but I still didn't have the time and energy to run a loop on top of my day job, making jewelry, writing, blogging, etc.

Then I gave the next class...and got the SAME request again. But this time, something was different. A couple of the folks involved actually volunteered to create and run the loop, so I didn't have to. All I had to do was show up. The lovely Holly Atkinson, in fact, did just that. And so The Creativity Cauldron was born.

A year and two days ago, we sent out invites to the folks who had taken that just-finished workshop, and got our first set of Cauldronites. People have been joining us ever since; mostly those who have taken my classes, with a sprinkling of folks who heard about the loop from one of their friends. The Creativity Cauldron is a gathering place for anyone who writes paranormal fiction in any form--newbies and bestselling authors, people who write middle grade fantasy and people who write erotic paranormal romance. Together, we gather around the cauldron to support and encourage each other, helping out in whichever way suits us best. We post daily writing challenges to motivate everyone. I sometimes give free mini-workshops, and other loop members have been known to do the same. It is a warm and friendly place, which is all I really wanted.

So happy anniversary, Creativity Cauldron! And happy anniversary Holly--thanks for everything you do for all of us.

In case you are interested, here is the place you can go and sign up:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CreativityCauldron/

And just so you know, here is the contest we're running to celebrate our anniversary:

Writers Write - 3 Day Challenge: Post your daily word count for at least three of the five days.
Add your favorite line or paragraph to share with the group.

Writers Character Builder - 3 Day Challenge: Post at least three characters in the five days.
Add detailed description of them as well as a clip of your favorite dialog with this character.

The winner of the writing challenge will get a $10 Amazon Gift Card.
The winner of the character challenge will get the signed Deborah Blake book of their choice!
(Yes, even if you live out of the US.)
Feedback from the Creativity Cauldron gang is welcome, so vote for the ones you enjoy.
The final decision will be made on April 5, 2011 by Deborah and Holly.

And yes, I am still thrilled.

Angus the Cat, because he's adorable

2011-03-29T21:47:00.003-04:00

Yes, I know...I owe y'all a real blog post. Tomorrow, I promise. In the meanwhile, here is my cat Angus, who is, bless him, Not Very Bright, but extremely adorable. Case in point? His favorite toy is a string belt off a pair of my pants. Keeps him entertained for hours.

Now that my latest online class is over (and it was fabulous--but with over 60 participants, it really kept me busy), I should be able to get back to something that resembles real blogging. Because I know you've all been pining... By the way, the class really was terrific. The FFnP loop (Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal RWA Chapter) is one of the best around, and I was excited to have two authors I really like--Katie MacAlister and Linda Wisdom--taking my little ol' class.