"So, You're An Author... Now What!" - The Beginning of the UFG

This year so far has been one hill after another, and though I'm still climbing I can see the summit... and it's going to be spectacular!

Last year changed my life, serious. For a long time I did things on my own. With a small press publisher I really needed to get myself out there and learn the game. I dealt with both triumphs and failures. I could write a complete book on all the things I tried, "SO, YOU'RE AN AUTHOR... NOW WHAT!" I didn't know many others like me, struggling as I was, to get their book out and into readers' hands. I needed to find others who understood what it takes to be an author, the hellfire of editing, the late night revisions and the sleepless early mornings. I knew these people existed I just couldn't find them.

Then, in the randomness of Facebook, I stumbled on a group that was putting together a vendor booth for Salt Lake Comic Con. This was just what I needed. I had done the two previous cons by myself and it nearly killed me. It's so much work. But. I had the experience of doing this before, and thought I would be of value to these people. This would be a great opportunity to meet up with some other local authors, network a bit, and why not... make a friend or two. I had no idea what would come.

The experience was hard, but rewarding.We went to Mordor and back, and the experience bonded us closer than anything could. These authors were trying, as I was, to change the world. The idea of fostering a community of writers and authors resonated with me. I was the cheerleader from the start. And not only did I meet these terrific people, I discovered there were others, several others that had a more global perspective, something I never imagined.

BOOM! COSMIC COLLISION!!  

These were the first threads of the Utah Fantasy Guild, a newly formed organization that just joined the United Authors Association (UAA). What we are trying to do is not only make others improve their writing, but succeed, build confidence in their craft, build relationships within the community, and survive as an author.

I'm more than excited, I'm elated to be voted in as President. And I'm glad to venture through with my comrades-in-arms.I wonder how I got here, but I'm honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with these great people.

Come join the Dark Side... We have Cookies!!!

UFG Join Us!  

March Forth! Changing Lives One Book at a Time!

Last year I made one of the most profound and life-changing decisions    I decided to share my house with a stranger. 

Alyson Grauer, a fellow author through my publisher Xchyler Publishing posted in our Facebook wall that she had decided to come from Chicago to Salt City Steamfest at the end of July and asked if there was anyone she could stay with. I only knew Aly from her online presence and a story that she had penned in Mechanized Masterpiece's a Steampunk Anthology. She seemed lively and funny in all her comments. I liked her by all respects. But something screamed inside me, "She HAS to stay with me!"

At the UP house. The only thing Aly requested we see.

I messaged her that day and told her she could stay at my home in Salt Lake City. I don't have a huge house, but it happened that at this time my girls were sharing a room and there was a spare bed in the toy room. I did warn her she would be sharing a room with the Barbie Dream house. She seemed excited, even delighted that I would offer her such LUXURIOUS accommodations.

When Aly arrived my first response was, "She's wearing a bowler hat! I love it!" I IMMEDIATELY liked her. We hit it off instantly. Driving back to my house she kept saying "Whoa! Mountains!" I forget how amazing the mountains are here.

Over the course of just a few days we discovered we had a LOT in common, but beyond that it was more a paradoxical kindred connection that could not be rationally explained. The invisible forces that mystically guide our destiny intersected, creating an inexplicable cosmic event. By all accounts, we were meant to meet.

Aly is about to meet a fox

She is an actor - so am I.
She plays the Ukelele - So do I.
She grew up with shelties - Really? So did I!
She plays D&D? - I LOVE RPG!
She loves all things fantasy -Me too!!
. . .  and she writes?!?! I DO TOO!!!

We would talk and share and talk more and laugh and goof off like teenagers. We would stop and goo at the same things. We bought identical pens without knowing it. 

It was like a part of me, a part of who I used to be, the happy, joyous part of me . . . returned. The young, carefree spirit, nymph-like in origin, of who I always believed I was but lost between marriage, kids, job, life . . . came back in the form of a person I had never met.

Since then we have stayed in contact and grown as friends. Her novel ON THE ISLE OF SOUND AND WONDER was released in November 2014. Aly's family has hit some hard times as her father was diagnosed with cancer and she is forging forward with a fundraiser to help with the medical expenses. As a way to help support her family Aly has set up a GiveForward account and Xchyler Publishing is GENEROUSLY giving ALL proceeds from her book made on MARCH 4th to this cause. I've always loved the support my publisher has given to us authors. It's a unique and wonderful partnership. 

When I decided to be an author I always had the goal of changing lives for the better, I didn't expect mine to be changed as well. 

Thanks Aly! 

There is always a room ready for you when you need it!

Book Review - On the Isle of Sound and Wonder

On the Isle of Sound and Wonder by Alyson Grauer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will admit Steampunk intimidates me. I’m afraid of gadgetry and mechanization that is, basically, over my head. My imagination is so fanciful I need magic in my stories. So, I was slightly intimidated when I picked up On the Isle of Sound and Wonder. But I’m a sucker for covers and LOOK AT THE COVER!! I’m in AWE!

My fears quickly vanished. Grauer marries both magic and mechanics into an intelligent, well-crafted, seamless retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. I was immediately drawn into a vivid world of mysterious voodoo magic, flying airships, and intellectual automatons, who if I can say this, reminding me a lot of adorable Baymax.

In comparing the Shakespearean work, Grauer’s love and understanding of the original text shines through with her careful crafting and storytelling. There is more intensity with both relationships, depth of characters, and heightened danger among the island that cannot be translated to the stage. As a novel, the back stories of several characters can come to light, which I really enjoyed and kept the action and story moving. She didn’t veer so far from the play that you wouldn’t recognize it, but highlighted its potential, pleasing the Shakespearean connoisseur in me.

Grauer’s clever play with names, places, and features complement the original text. Mira (modern Miranda) proved a strong interpretation of a growing young woman facing the harsh island life, and is a valiant example of a sacrificial heroine any girl could aspire to.

I had the delightful pleasure of meeting Alyson Grauer at Salt City Steamfest last July and she is just as colorful and lively as her book.  I loved... LOVED this book!

HELP ALY'S DAD WITH HIS CANCER TREATMENT. CLICK GiveForward BUTTON TO DONATE!

View all my reviews

Salt Lake Comic Con Belated...

Me with my award-winning book,
and my super amazing shirt.
Thanks Brian!
chiseledlight.com

Free ebook giveaway.
www.sharkbaitbooks.com 

I've been busy and have been slacking on my duties as an author and a fan.

If anyone wants to know how Salt Lake Comic Con was, I’ll tell you. I’ve never seen as many people in my life. It was crazy. But I wouldn’t change this fandom nerd girl for the world. I was there and ready to party.

Being part of the Utah Fantasy Authors was one of the best experiences of my life. I felt like I had run a marathon at the end. It was hard work, but very rewarding. I left making connections with people that will last a life time, as well as starting a guild within the League of Utah Writers, which I am fortunate enough to now be a part of. 

Check out the free ebook, with a sample from all the UFA Authors. Get a taste of what you like, then take a bite!

Here's the highlights:

Almost all of us: C.R. Asay, Jen Greyson, Lehua Parker, Adrienne Monson, Johnny Worthen, Jason King, Holli Anderson, R.J. Craddock, Angela Hartley, Christine Haggerty. (not pictured J. Abram Barneck)

Setting up our booth space right on the corner

My awesome panel about Strong Women Characters

Close up - me envying Jennifer Nielsen
and Jen's evil eye
Thanks Melissa!

Meeting HULK!
Huge man, bigger in person, and Brooke was super nice and beautiful!

Dork me after meeting Hulk!

Ultimate Fan Girl who bought all of our books.
- with Adrienne Monson, Holli Anderson, Jen Greyson, R.J. Craddock

My Dreams Are Coming True! - Salt lake Comic Con

I'm so excited for the Salt Lake Comic Con. saltlakecomiccon.com
I have to thank the production crew for looking in my past and digging out all my childhood favorites!!

Bruce Campbell - of course. I love him. I met him back when he was touring with his autobiography back in 2001. And I can't help it if he and my husband look so much alike!!

Much younger Bruce, Kevin, and me (in my round glasses phase)

Kevin Sorbo again! Maybe this time I won't be so star struck and can actually talk to him.

Hulk Hogan!! Anyone in my drama three class senior year might remember me doing an impersonation of him while being secretly film... need to dig that one out.

And of course - Mr. David Lopan (James Hong) "Shut up Mr. Burton. You were not put upon this world to 'Get It!'"

This time I am spending my time with 11 other authors in the Utah Fantasy Booth, located at 1616.

http://utahfantasyauthors.com/

https://www.facebook.com/UtahFantasyAuthors

I also get the remarkable chance of sharing a panel with fantastic writers on the panel:
Women in Sci-fi and Fantasy Thursday.

I promise to post pictures.

SQUEEE!!