How To Support Authors You Like--Via Mindy Klasky

I've been meaning to write a blog post on ways that readers (including yours truly) can support the authors they like. As both an author and an avid reader, I think this is a truly important issue.

Luckily for me, author pal Mindy Klasky blogged on that very thing today, and said it much better than I ever could have.

So run over to her blog and see what she has to say

http://tinyurl.com/24jc68e (or click on blog post title to link automatically--the blog is fighting with me today)

Then run back over here and tell me what YOU do (if anything) to support authors you like. If I get a particularly spectacular answer, there might be a free book in it for someone...

(See, authors like to support readers, too.)

Best Job in the World--Author

Most days, being an author is a solitary and thankless job. You work long hours, often with no guarantee that your words will ever see the light of day. Unless you are very, very good and very, very lucky, you will never get rich from it. (Although sometimes there are cookies.)

But some days, something happens that makes it all worthwhile.

This was what I got today from one of my readers:

Hi,
I just thought I would drop you a note to tell you that Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook is just amazing. Nothing against other authors because I realize the hardwork and loving intent put into their books, but your book is amazing. My dog Brew and I have spent countless hours researching the right spell and here they are in one beautiful reference.
I love your books and they are kept close to my heart at all times. You have a magickal way with words and have found a true calling. I am so glad to have found your books and appreciate all the hardwork and love you put into them.
Thank you for sharing your gift (and Magic's) and I look forward to whatever you are brewing up next.
Blessings to you and all you love!
Your Fan Kimberly


Thank you, Kimberly, from the bottom of my lonely author's heart. You made my day. Hell, you made my freaking month.You (and Brew) are why I write. Blessings to you, too. And lots and lots of cookies.

An Autumn Equinox Ritual

A few folks have asked me how I will be celebrating the Autumnal Equinox, so here is the ritual that Blue Moon Circle and I will be using. If you normally cast a circle and call the quarters, do so at the beginning. This can be used by a group or an individual. You will need a sage smudge stick (you can substitute any incense you like) and an apple.

Happy Mabon!

Tonight marks the Autumn Equinox, also known as Mabon. This is the second harvest festival in the Pagan year—the Witch’s Thanksgiving. And so we gather to give thanks for all that which we have harvested in the past year.
When we talk about our harvest, we speak not only of the physical harvest of vegetables and grains to grace our tables, but also of spiritual, intellectual and symbolic harvest—that which graces our lives. Whatever you have been working toward this year, whichever goals are finally bearing fruit in tangible ways…these are the things we celebrate tonight.
At the equinox, day and night are equal, in perfect balance. We look to find this balance in ourselves as well. So let us look clearly at the harvest, and what it means for us as individuals.
It is a time of rejoicing, and of gratitude for all that has been given to us. But we have worked hard for that which we harvest, and sometimes, when the harvesting is done, we are tired and dirty and filled with regrets for those things that failed to grow and prosper. Shall we let this hold us back from celebrating with joy and enthusiasm? By the Goddess, we shall not!
Instead, we will work toward balance by allowing the elements of fire and air to cleanse us of the accumulated debris of the last year. Sage is traditionally used to cleanse and purify. Light a sage smudge stick and let the smoke waft over you. Visualize yourself letting go of all that holds you back from joy and celebration, and emerging clear and energized, ready for another year.

Now that we have lightened our spirits of their burdens, we can give thanks for the many blessings in our lives without sadness or reservations. Cut an apple in two, through the middle. Be sure to look inside to see the star that hides within! Think of those things you are grateful for and say them aloud one by one. After each one, take a bite of apple, to symbolize the sweetness of the blessings you have reaped.

We have washed away the dust of the long year behind us, and given thanks for our present blessings. Now, to complete the cycle we will look to the future, balancing what has gone before with what lies ahead.
It is time to refresh and reenergize ourselves, taking in the last light and warmth of the summer to sustain us through the darker, colder days ahead. We need this energy not only to finish this year’s harvest before season’s end, but also to plant the seeds for next year’s goals. So together, we will recite a spell to replenish our bodies, minds and spirits and use the abundant positive energy we have created here in this sacred space to bring our intent into being. (Hold the remaining half of apple as you recite the spell.)
Spell for Energy:
I call upon the Power of Air, with energy creative
I call upon the Power of Fire, with energy passionate
I call upon the Power of Water, with energy healing
I call upon the Power of Earth, with energy strong and unending
I call upon my inner wisdom
That I may tap into this energy only when it is needed
And rest when rest is called for
Let the energy be there for me when I need it
Let the energy be there for me when I call it
Let the energy be there for me when I will it
So mote it be
(Eat the apple!)

Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author class!

Hey all you writers out there!

It's that time again--I am giving my "The Real Witch: Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author" online writing class over at the Low Country RWA loop. It is only $16 and you don't have to be a member of LC or RWA to take it. This has been my most popular class (and was the one that prompted people to ask me to start the Creativity Cauldron loop for paranormal writers).

I hope you'll join me!

Go here to register or get more information:

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

And pass the word to all your writer friends who might be interested :-)

Free Online Writing Workshop starts tomorrow!

I am giving two online workshops in the near future. (I'll post about the second one in the next couple of days.)

The first is more accurately a mini-workshop, "Editing as You Go" on the hows and whys of editing during the first draft process. I'm giving this one for free (this time, it will be available later elsewhere for a small fee) as a favor for my author pal Candace Havens.

Candace is not only a fabulous author but a tireless supporter of aspiring and beginning writers. She was one of the people who continually encouraged me in my earlier years; she even read my work as part of a contest, chose me as the winner, and put in a good word for me with her agent. Also, she kicks my butt when I need it :-)

She runs an ongoing loop for writers called Write_WorkshopChat and often offers free classes to help authors hone their skills. That's where the class will be, starting tomorrow, so if you aren't already a member (it's free!), go sign up here http://www.candacehavens.com/index.php/workshops/

Review: Red Hood's Revenge by Jim C. Hines

I loved the new Jim C. Hines book, and you can find out why at Debuts & Reviews
http://www.tianevitt.com/weblog/

A Magical Buffet of Authors--The signing event

The booksigning at the Saratoga Barnes & Noble went quite well, all things considered. There were five other great authors, and me, of course. And the wonderful Rebecca Elson, of The Magical Buffet blog, who brought us all together. (Not to mention her uber-patient husband, Jim.)

My pal Bobbie, one of the Blue Mooners, and I left my house around 10 AM and got to Saratoga at 12. She took off to visit a friend for a while and I met up with author pal Gail Wood (3rd from left, in the multi-author pic, Rebecca is the one kneeling and holding my book!), Rebecca and her hubby, and we all had lunch at Panera Bread. Yum.

Then we went back to the B &N where I spent much too much money on books. Big surprise there. But in tiny Oneonta, we only have a mini-Borders and a small Indy bookstore, so being let loose in a large bookstore is always a big treat.

The signing went from 2-6, with each author having a half hour to talk. I signed and sold a bunch of books and my "chat" went well, with lots of laughter and questions. [Okay, some of the laughter was because my sister Sarah and niece Addy were there, and in true sisterly fashion, Sarah kept asking embarassing questions...thanks so much, S'ra!]

It was great to see everyone, and I got to meet a Twitter friend, a Facebook friend, and one of the "Betties" from Lucy March's blog where I spend so much of my time these days. And I had a few fans come up and tell me how much they loved my books and give me big hugs. Always nice to be appreciated.

All in all, a great day. Thanks to Rebecca, for putting this together, and to all the folks who came out to see me. This is what makes the working of writing worthwhile.

Jonathan Coulton in LA -02-Skullcrusher Mountain

The booksigning went really well--I'll report more when I'm not so tired. In the meanwhile, here is the song I've had stuck in my head for the last week, thanks to Lucy March.

A Magical Buffet of Authors--BOOKSIGNING TOMORROW!

If anyone who reads the blog lives near Saratoga, NY, I hope you're come join me and the 5 other authors doing a booksigning at the Barnes & Nobles there. It's going to be great fun! I'll be there signing books from 2-6, and speaking at 3:30.

I hope to see you there!

http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/3044002

Witchcraft on a Shoestring

Witchcraft on a Shoestring
Check out my guest post at Llewellyn.com's blog! I talk about how Witchcraft on a Shoestring came to be written.

OMG! It's book release day!

I've been busy all day; cleaning, gardening and writing...and it wasn't until just now that it hit me--

TODAY IS BOOK RELEASE DAY!

Today is the day that WITCHCRAFT ON A SHOESTRING officially hits the stores (and Amazon). Whoo hoo!

I hope if you'll run out and buy a copy :-)

And if you do read it and like it, it would be great if you could review it on Amazon and Goodreads, if you use either one.

But don't worry, I'll still love you even if you don't. Wanna know why?

IT'S BOOK RELEASE DAY!!!!!

*does the happy author dance*