Crusader Group Feature: Eileen Wiedbrauk from Speak Coffee to Me

Most of you know by now that I'm part of Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Crusade.  Part of the crusade is that we're grouped with other authors that share the same genre.

I've been placed in Group 17 Horror/Urban fantasy.  So for the next few weeks, when there's not a Crusader challenge going, I'll be posting a feature with one of the group members.

Eileen's blog is full of good writing tips, coffee-related news, and her weekly spotlight on the best ads around.  Be careful, though, you might get a contact caffeine buzz!

When did you start writing?
Alfred the Alligator with Stripes was my first completed work. I was seven. It would be another twelve years before I finished another story. Oh I wrote fiction all the time, I was just horrible at figuring out endings.

Where would you say you are as a writer?
I'm finishing up my formal writing education. I think that education never stops, but the in-classroom part does have to come to an end sooner or later. I attended Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop last summer and this June I'll have completed my MFA. Both are very butt-in-chair absorb-the-knowledge type activities that encourage you to try and fail so that they can teach you how to try and succeed -- a process which feels a lot like spinning your wheels; I'm working on gaining traction now. I've published a couple pieces of short fiction including one going up this week on Enchanted Conversation: A Fairy Tale Magazine. 

What’s your strongest writing genre? Do you often write in it? Why or why not?
I mostly write forms of fantasy. Folk lore and fairy tale inspired short fiction, and urban fantasy novel length work. I like speculative fiction for its sense of wonder and whimsy. Who doesn't want to live in a world that might suddenly rain goldfish?

Quick, what are five of your favorite words!?!
Detritus, insouciant, Moped, susurrus, and paradigm (but the last only when you say it with a British accent so that it rhymes with pigeon).

In 10 words or less, sum up your current work in progress.
Unemployed monster hunter finds job he hates.

How would you describe your end goal as a writer?
Getting as much in print as I can write with pride.

What do you need to have before you can start writing?
Coffee.

With coffee, anything is possible.

Crusader Group Feature: E.C. Smith from E.C.'s Ramblings

Most of you know by now that I'm part of Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Crusade.  Part of the crusade is that we're grouped with other authors that share the same genre.

I've been placed in Group 17 Horror/Urban fantasy.  So for the next few weeks, when there's not a Crusader challenge going, I'll be posting a feature with one of the group members.

Today you'll be meeting E.C. Smith from E.C.'s Ramblings, a fellow writer who is not afraid to share some great tips about writing and the craft.  She also shares tidbits of her life, and comes up with great analogies (laundry as a battle, oh yeah, I've been there).  Check out what she has to say for herself:

When did you start writing?
I was always really into storytelling as a kid (the around the kitchen table or campfire kind), but my love for writing really came on line when I was thirteen. My grade 9 English teacher asked the class to write a poem about anything we wanted. Oh, boy, did I ever love her for that one! From then on I never went anywhere without a pen and notepad to scribble in.


Where would you say you are as a writer?
Well, in terms of craft I'd like to say I'm better! Wouldn't we all? I love writing so much that I work very hard at it. I enjoy learning new things, especially when it will improve my writing and storytelling skills.

And I'm happy to say, I have an amazing literary agent, Christine Whitthohn of Book Cents Literary. I'm so jazzed to be a part of her team. She is fabulous! So, I'm in a really good place right now on the business end of things.

What’s your strongest writing genre? Do you often write in it? Why or why not?
I write in a couple of different genres--urban fantasy and paranormal historical romance. I know, I know. . .but I just can’t decide! I love them both, and the genres are more alike than people think. Each have huge world building components, so there isn’t much I write that doesn’t include magic. I tried to write without a magical element in my last book, but oops, by chapter two I had all kinds of magic going on. It just sneaks in there whether I plan to let it or not!

Quick, what are five of your favorite words!?!
I’m DYING to buy that! (oh, that an editor will utter those words! lol.)

In 10 words or less, sum up your current work in progress.
An almost extinct species is saved by an unlikely ally.

How would you describe your end goal as a writer?
First and foremost? To the keep the joy that brings me to the page everyday. And then? I’d love to be published and connect with readers who enjoy the same kinds of stories I love to read and write.

What do you need to have before you can start writing?
My computer (but I’ll settle for a pen and paper) and a little elbow room. Really, I’m not picky. . .that's all it takes. If I have those things, I’m good to go.

Crusader Group Feature: Sully from Sully's Scribbles

Most of you know by now that I'm part of Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Crusade.  Part of the crusade is that we're grouped with other authors that share the same genre.

I've been placed in Group 17 Horror/Urban fantasy.  So for the next few weeks, when there's not a Crusader challenge going, I'll be posting a feature with one of the group members.


I'm pleased to be hosting Sully from Sully's Scribbles today. If you swing by her blog, you'll find her word of the day, some great writing samples, and evidence of her love of Firefly and other geeky things that make me super happy!  So without further ado, here's Sully:

When did you start writing?
According to the earliest piece of childhood memories my mother hid away like a pack rat....age seven. It was entitled The Haunted House.

Where would you say you are as a writer? 
Unpublished, but almost done with a complete manuscript that will need to be edited scrupulously.

What’s your strongest writing genre? Do you often write in it? Why or why not? 
Urban Fantasy. More often than not. I am in love with that genre!

Quick, what are five of your favorite words!?!
Dude, Tweek, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Armadillo, Over

In 10 words or less, sum up your current work in progress. 
Vengeance based off the Greek mythology of furies.

How would you describe your end goal as a writer? 
Just to have people read and enjoy my work.

What do you need to have before you can start writing? 
A pen and paper (even if it's a napkin or a matchbook) or a computer. That's it.

Crusader Group Feature: Kim Mullican from Altruism in Writing

Most of you know by now that I'm part of Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Crusade.  Part of the crusade is that we're grouped with other authors that share the same genre.

I've been placed in Group 17 Horror/Urban fantasy.  So for the next few weeks, when there's not a Crusader challenge going, I'll be posting a feature with one of the group members.


Kim Mullican from Altruism in Writing is joining us today for a bit.  After stopping by and checking out her blog, you'll find yourself feeling like you know Kim in RL.  You'll also come back with lots of good tips and links to articles that Kim kindly passes along.  Let's see what she has to say for herself:

When did you start writing? 
I started sometime in middle school. I vaguely recall a creative writing class where we were supposed to write a story that was a minimum of 2 pages. My story was 20. My English/Lit teacher (shout out to Sally Hagenow!) was impressed and encouraged me to keep going. She said I'd be a famous author one day.

Anyway, once I started, I couldn't stop. The ideas just kept swimming around in my head. If they didn't get onto paper, I would wind up in a padded cell somewhere...at least that's a suspicion.

Where would you say you are as a writer? 
Well, I'm not famous yet, but I'm building my empire one brick at a time. I have learned a lot in the last few years about writing, publishing and such. I enjoy reading other authors' blogs about their journey to become among other best selling authors. Seeing my name in lights would be cool, but I'm really just a beginner.

What’s your strongest writing genre? Do you often write in it? Why or why not? 
I think paranormal/urban fantasy is probably my strongest. I just finished a 150k word novel - set for word reduction and heavy editing at the moment. I could have made it 300k words. But I also dabble in action/intrigue and my current project is a huge genre cross section of paranormal romance/LGBT & true crime.

Quick, what are five of your favorite words!?! 
You're going to be sorry you asked! uber, Priapism, fuck (sorry ), mom, moist

In 10 words or less, sum up your current work in progress. 
Sexually confused former CIA Agent catches killer with ghost's help.

How would you describe your end goal as a writer?
I don't think there is ever an ending goal. I hope to continue to grow as a writer and have the masses enjoy my stories. I want to entertain people. I love reading Baldacci, and his books suck me in. I want to do that. I want someone to call off work because they stayed up all night reading my book. That would be uber cool.

What do you need to have before you can start writing? 
I prefer to have the house to myself. There are less distractions that way. A strong cup of coffee or a nice martini, depending on what type of scene I'm writing. I find that comedic scenes I write better when intoxicated. I go back sober and correct grammar and such, but I just seem to be funnier with a few martinis.

Crusader Group Feature: Elizabeth Twist from Elizabeth Twist: Writer, Plague Enthusiast

Most of you know by now that I'm part of Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Crusade.  Part of the crusade is that we're grouped with other authors that share the same genre.

I've been placed in Group 17 Horror/Urban fantasy.  So for the next few weeks, when there's not a Crusader challenge going, I'll be posting a feature with one of the group members.

Today's feature is on Elizabeth Twist, a fellow writer (with a great sense of humor) who always has a video or writing tip on her blog ready to go for anyone who stops by.  Poor soul is another crazy person signed up for Write 1 Sub 1 (but she's even crazier than me, she signed up for the weekly version!).  Come take a peek inside her brain:

When did you start writing?

Like a lot of us, I think I've always told stories. When I was a toddler, I apparently sang long, narrative stories when I was supposed to be napping. My first memorable experience with writing happened in grade three. I wrote a short piece about a talking duck. My teacher loved it. She had me write it out in super huge letters on a giant piece of paper - with illustrations! - so she could post it in a prominent place in the classroom. She told me I should be a writer. That definitely planted a seed. That was my first publication, I guess. (Thanks, Mrs. Cooper!)

Where would you say you are as a writer?

My current writing phase resembles that classic of modern film, Jaws: The Revenge: this time, it's personal. I intend to ruthlessly slaughter as many characters necessary to get where I need to be.

Context: I turned 40 this year. In the past I've occasionally had substantial periods of time to write, but life, as it does, almost always intervened. In my case I broke both my arms, got into a serious relationship, got out of that serious relationship, moved out on my own, earned a PhD in English literature, decided I didn't want to be a professor after all, and met someone wonderful. During this time I wrote some fiction, read a lot of fiction, and wrote about fiction a whole lot. A couple of years ago I got tired of writing about fiction, and remembered that what I really wanted to do was write it myself. I made a decision to drop almost everything and make a go of it. I've published a few short stories, and I am working actively on publishing more. I'm working on two novel-length projects. Despite the state of the publishing industry, I'm hopeful.

What’s your strongest writing genre? Do you often write in it? Why or why not?

I find horror the easiest genre to write. I write it often. I like fantasy and science fiction, although writing science fiction intimidates me for some reason, perhaps because of my sketchy relationship with science. I also find myself writing jokey / spoofy stuff on occasion. I try not to restrict myself within a narrow definition of any one genre, but just go where the ideas take me, whether that's a dark place or a hilarious place.

Quick, what are five of your favorite words!?!

bubonic, repellent, mellifluousness, fugiline, bloviate (not sure where those last two came from...)

In 10 words or less, sum up your current work in progress.

I've got two, so:

1. Ancient wanderer curses shopgirl with the ability to fight evil

2. Dimension-hopping fortress vs revenant army in 18th Century Canada

How would you describe your end goal as a writer?

Total world domination.

What could you not write without?
Spiritually / emotionally / financially, the support of friends and my partner (thanks, Dave!). Literally, my Rotring fountain pen. 

Crusader Group Feature: Tanya Reimer from Life's like that

Most of you know by now that I'm part of Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Crusade.  Part of the crusade is that we're grouped with other authors that share the same genre.

I've been placed in Group 17 Horror/Urban fantasy.  So for the next few weeks, when there's not a Crusader challenge going, I'll be posting a feature with one of the group members.


Today I'm hosting Tanya Reimer from Life's like that. Be prepared for insightful articles that will help hone your craft (and she should have plenty of quality advice, she's currently got seven WIPs, all past the first draft stage!). She's been nice enough to do a feature on me on her site.  You can take a look at my answers here. But for now, take a peek at what she has to say (personally love her answer for the last question):

When did you start writing?

Looking back in my poetry binders, I was 13 when I started collecting my work. First time my writing was published in a local paper was probably a few years after that when I wrote articles for my high school. I wrote my first novel when I was 19. It sucked something horrible, but it was a mystery and what I learnt, I used to piece together the challenging plot puzzles of the Notebook Chronicles.

Where would you say you are as a writer?

I’m 34, and just decided I needed an agent to support my habit. I had to write a lot of crap before I wrote something I felt was worthwhile.

What’s your strongest writing genre? Do you often write in it? Why or why not?
My passion is writing novels. I’ve tried; a mystery, a dark thriller (I’m seriously afraid to reread it), a romance, a historical fiction, and now I’ve found my true love in the urban fantasy genre. I’ve written six for adults and one for the mid-grade genre. I get to play with magic, build romances, travel time, and piece together interesting plot twists. I write for me. My sister says that’s good, because I’m so normal, everyone should like it. We’ll see.

What do I write the most? Non-fiction; articles and editorials. I’ve published in newspapers and news bulletins.
Quick, what are five of your favorite words!?!

PLEASE SEND ME YOUR WORK. (I’m dying to hear that)

In 10 words or less, sum up your current work in progress.
The dying seducer falls for the devil herself.

How would you describe your end goal as a writer?

Others enjoy what I write, the world I created comes alive for them. I want to say, “I wrote that.”

What could you not write without?

Got me thinking how dedicated I am. Would I write without hands? Probably. Would I write if I had no computer, no friends, no cash? Yup, been there. I like the modern day technology, it makes writing easy, but I could write without it. Of course, having my resources at hand helps with spelling, but I can write poorly, and still be happy. So, I guess the one thing, that every writer NEEDS is a reader. What’s the use writing if I’m the only one swept up in the magic?

Crusade Challenge Lie Revealed!

I have to say that while I entered into this challenge with some reluctance, it really was a lot of fun.  And while I was sure that everyone would guess my lie, it turns out that only one person came close, although she chose my hypochondria as her final answer.

Yes, Aimee L Salter was so close!  My lie was laughing out loud at a windbag professor in class.

While I've laughed inwardly at lots of self-important academics, I've managed to refrain myself from letting that creep into my face.

But what about the rest, you say?  Surely it's to crazy to all be true?  Nope, it's all true, if somewhat exaggerated a bit.

1. Cinderella costume: Yes, I did pretend to be the put upon princess while doing chores. And I did wrap my hair in a bandanna and such to heighten the experience, but I only did this around family and friends that were almost family. So luckily I never embarrassed them in front of complete strangers, just those that knew I was a bit...off.

2. Toy desecration: I would in fact hang my Barbie's for various acts of villainy. What's interesting is that my father would make me nooses our of shoelaces for my games. What can I say, my family really encourages imagination! And don't worry, any blades that came into play were always plastic ones. Even as a child I was paranoid of hurting myself. Which leads into:

3. My hypochondria: We can blame Charlie Brown for my first onset of this. I watched a special where Snoopy runs away and gets taken in by a girl that has Leukemia. When Charlie meets her he asks her about the disease and she assures him it's not catching. She just has to take lots of medicine and be careful because it makes her bruise easily. I've always bruised easily, so for quite some time, I held the secret burden from my parents that I was dying of Leukemia (I had also seen enough St. Jude's commercials to know it was a bigger deal than the cartoon had made it). After a couple of months went by and I was still alive, I decided I must be ok. Those diseases listed are just a small section of what I've self-diagnosed. Just let me say that watching House is a delicate affair in our house.

4. The Peabody: Yes, I have stayed there.  It was part of a wonderful 6th anniversary trip that my husband planned. It was as wonderful as I had hoped and loved every minute.  If you're ever in Memphis, make sure to stop by and see the parade of ducks to the fountain. It really is a sight to see!

Crusader Group Feature: Summer Ross from My Inner Fairy

Most of you know by now that I'm part of Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Crusade.  Part of the crusade is that we're grouped with other authors that share the same genre.

I've been placed in Group 17 Horror/Urban fantasy.  So for the next few weeks, when there's not a Crusader challenge going, I'll be posting a feature with one of the group members.

Today's feature is on Summer Ross from My Inner Fairy. If you stop by her blog, be prepared for lots of tips for writing poetry (which is what she writes most) and lots of leads for great blogfests.  I'm not sure how Summer keeps them all straight!  Check out her answers to my getting to know you questions:

When did you start writing?
I started writing when I was in third grade- I actually put together my very first novel- or so I thought. It wasn't but a few pages long, but I wrote every word by hand in the best writing I could, I colored every picture, designed the cover and even stapled it all together- just so my grandmother could have it when she came down from Denver Colorado. I really got serious though when I was in fifth grade- that's when I decided full heartedly I would be an author someday.

Where would you say you are as a writer?
I would say I am on my way to making a name for myself- through poetry at the very least. I am accomplished because I have a paid publication, and because I'm doing my best to complete my goals.

What’s your strongest writing genre? Do you often write in it? Why or why not?
I really do not know what my strongest genre is- but I know I'm good in poetry. I write in fantasy, romance, and nonfiction as well, but I'm still finding my voice.

What could you not write?
I can't write Science fiction, I have tried and failed miserably. It is just not my subject. but almost anything else is fair game as long as it doesn't include space, spaceships, aliens, etc...

Quick, what are five of your favorite words!?!
Phantasmagoric, Lady, supercalafragileisticexpealidocious, fairy, and giggle.

In 10 words or less, sum up your current work in progress.
A fairy chapbook and a romantic dictionary portal

How would you describe your end goal as a writer?
My end goal, well I do not plan on making a living as a writer, I will be published several times, but I will make most my money from and editing job hopefully. I will be considered a good poet- I hope :)

First Crusader Challenge: Allow me to introduce myself...

I suppose to really understand me, you have to know that I have a powerful imagination.  Some would call it overactive. To the point that it gets me in trouble sometimes.  

For instance, I once began to daydream while a professor bloviated about some topic he was an expert in, that I imagined him puffing up with air to the point he exploded.  And I exploded in laughter.  In class.

Even when my imagination wasn’t damaging my GPA, it would often make my parents a bit, concerned. I used to pretend that I was Cinderella when forced to do my chores as a child.  I would even put on my most ragged clothes and smear dust on my face.  My parents didn’t care for that much, especially when company was over.

But they preferred that to when I would hang my Barbies for treason and stick a plastic blade to my stuffed rabbit’s throat to make him give up the goods on the plot to kidnap Ken.

When pared with my hypochondria, however, my imagination takes an even darker turn.  Through the years I have diagnosed myself with leukemia, early-onset Alzheimer's, male pattern baldness, and rubella.

Every now and then, though my imagination allows me to relax and escape from the world.  For a long weekend, my husband and I stayed in the luxury of the Peabody hotel, and among the fuliguline floor shows and the fluffy robes, I was able to forget the student loans, crap job, and spoiled food waiting in the refrigerator for us at home.

My imagination has certainly been a tough one to wrangle and control through the years, but without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Jobless and half crazy with plotting and revision.

~~~

While much has been colored with creative license, something I've told you is an outright lie.  Which one of you will be the first to correctly guess where my imagination has once again gotten out of control?

One monumental task accomplished, countless others to go

So call me OCD or whatever you want, but when I joined Rachael Harrie's great Platform Building Crusade, I knew I wanted to follow all the people that signed up.   I knew I'd get great tips, book reviews, and all sorts of information from this group of people.

And then I found out that 215 people are taking part!

First off, that's really amazing.

Secondly, holy crap what have I gotten myself in to?

Well, I've finally gotten around to adding everyone to my feed list, and now want to go around and comment on everyone's blog.  I have a sneaky suspicion this will take a while.

Perhaps a very long while.

So, if you're a fellow crusader that's come across my blog, or even just a random visitor, feel free to leave a comment and introduce yourself. 

PS--I've now met my limit of followers on Blogger and am now just adding people to my google reader.  Does that mean that people I follow from now on don't get a boost in numbers?  

I'm a Crusader now!

Thanks to J.C. Martin, I ran across Rachael Harrie's Second Writers' Platform-Building Crusade. (Wow, that was a lot of links!)

Basically, it's a way for authors, bloggers, and industry people to connect, grow, and begin to build a healthy platform online.  Expect articles, challenges, and lots of interacting with people who are interested in the same thing: becoming better at what they do.

I'm really excited to get down to business with my blogging.  I've been falling off it lately, but with the boost to followers and traffic that yesterday's blogfest provided (yeah 100 followers!) I'm ready to get back in the saddle again.