I solemnly swear that I am up to no good...

Are you all wondering what I've been up to??? Definitely lots of random-y stuff.

-First, and least important, yes, I've changed the background again. Apologies... I just can't seem to find one I'm satisfied with. If you like one you've seen or the one that's currently the background, feel free to comment and let me know!

-Nadine Brandes hosted her release party for A Time to Rise last Tuesday, and it was a great time! I have never before attended such an event, as they always seem to collide with other events in my life. I am psyched to read A Time to Rise, but I do not yet know when I can get my hands on it. It is one of those kind of waiting-for-this-book-so-much moments that you just want to sit at the computer hitting refresh on the library website until it says it's on hold for you. I absolutely loved her books, and the Shalom mug that was part of her giveaway was beautiful. 

- I have read Nicole Bianchi's post on website building (platforming) and laid my head on the table wondering what I am doing. I don't get this stuff. So, I have a lot of work ahead of me. I realized (again) I am only taking stepping stones right now, and have a lot more ground to cover. You can help me out by reading my blog posts and commenting on them. 

-I did title this post "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good" for very good reasons. I am excited to tell you that I am beta-reading Schuyler McConkey's 1920's novella. I can't tell you anything more, as it's really her baby (I'll let her do all the gushing when she's ready), but I do wish I could, because so far I'm entranced. I'm actually about to continue reading it in just a few moments. (Aren't you jealous?!) You can also find Schuyler on Facebook, so please do hop on over there to find her and let her know you're looking forward to the new novella! Here is a snippet for you to whet your appetite: 

-Finally, I do have something new I am working on! The characters are almost completed, there is always on-going construction with some characters and plot details, but most of the work that I needed to hash out before beginning the actual writing has been completed. Since last Friday, I have accomplish the first 10 pages. 

-I have been gathering ideas for more blog posts lately, too. In the future, I'd like to have some character analysis posts. What kind of characters would you like to read about? I love to pick apart literature and find moral or Christian themes in them, plus I love talking about a good story. If you have ideas for other posts, please share them! Things like interviews with other writers could be a possibility. Also cats. I really like talking about cats. I could interview my cat. What do you think??? Send ideas!

Update

Hello all!
I wanted to let you know that I am still working on writing projects, just so you don't think I went away.  (((I know you tried to run. ))))

I do have something beginning, but it's not quite a seedling yet.

My "break" lasted about 1.5 days* and while Atremento has been shelved (today) I was sneaking into unused offices on lunch breaks this week to borrow white boards and create some rather messy thought bubbles. Forget outlines. Pssht, I never used outlines anyway. Just brainstorm!

*the 1.5 days included a Sunday, so it doesn't really count. It is more accurately measured as .5 days according to my brain-clock. I do not count numbers when telling time. Time is like "morning" "afternoon" and "evening", followed by "when I'm supposed to sleep."


Second, Nadine Brandes, author of the Out of Time series is hosting a Facebook release party on Tuesday for her third book in this series A Time to Rise! I have just completed the second book, A Time to Speak, and once again I have found a new book to fall in love with. Her dysotopian novels combine fiction and faith head-on, calling readers to consider what they plan to do with their time today. She asks the question, if you knew when you were going to die, how would you live differently? I discovered her books through Tricia Mingerink, who lives here in Michigan. Tricia Mingerink's Blades of Acktar are a wonderful mix of adventure and action in a western setting but with a fantasy-like feel. Her characters struggle against persecution because of their faith in God.

Breathe Christian Writer's Conference & Moving Forward

First writer's conference is complete! I am so glad I went. It was a great learning opportunity, and wonderful time of fellowship with others. If you want to write seriously, then seriously, go to something like this! As Christians, we are called to worship together not just individually, but together, as a congregation. Events like this are another way in which we can share with each other and grow individually as well as communally. Communion of the Saints is as important as your personal devotions and always worth the effort and time. (Psssst: even for us introverts.) Although writing is a solitary calling, it is a also one that requires bravery, and you will need strong people beside you for that. I recommend the Breathe Writer's Conference because it is a way to learn from other Christians who write a wide variety of genres in a welcoming, Godly atmosphere. I walked away honestly believing that these people truly want you to succeed in your craft.

That being said, I also learned a great deal more, some of which I can't even begin to share, nor do I have the time, and some I'm still figuring out.
The "figuring out" part means I'm taking a break from my 9+ year project, only recently dubbed the "Atremento Chronicles". Since it's taking a break from me, and I from it, I can tell you it was currently 3 books, all partially written, and the first of which was over halfway or nearly finished. I knew Nico in and out. He became my voice throughout, and I was having a blast with Izére. Her witty comebacks and bad habit of popping (literally) into scenes was not only amusing for the other characters, but for me as well. There were minor characters I'm going to miss, whom I put just as much effort into as my major characters.
Putting it down is going to be very strange for me, and it may not mean a permanent goodbye. I have plenty of other projects that are possibilities but I'm going to take my time in making a choice in any direction. In the meantime, there is much to study and new adventures to take (no hints). Perhaps one day, I will pick up this project again, or maybe its characters will find their way into other stories. There are more dark corners I haven't peeked into, slippery stairways I have yet to explore and dusty attics I'm dying to break into. Who can say? There's no pressure. Today, I'm just writing for God and for me.

In case anyone is interested, here is a link to the Breathe Christian Writer's Conference website. This year was their 10th annual conference. The people were all very welcoming and encouraging before I even arrived, they worked hard to keep it at an affordable price and still offer everyone the very best. There was also great food, and plenty of breaks in-between sessions for your brain and for just chatting with others. It had a very relaxed atmosphere, so you were free to come and go to sessions as you chose and not feel pressured, and books to browse for further learning.
http://breatheconference.com/home/