Category: Stacey Jaine McIntosh

My TBR Pile

Posted on by staceyjaine in Reading, Stacey Jaine McIntosh

AFCCB6A9-FA49-4027-97DB-4BFF2F6E544FIf you, like me are an avid reader you’ve probably got a to be read pile that keeps on getting bigger. If you don’t have a to be read pile, I’d love to know your secret to being a more productive reader. I struggle to find enough time to read to get through my pile.

Currently, on my to be read pile I have the following:

(in no particular order)

A Game of Thrones (plus the next two books) by George R R Martin

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Throne Of Glass by Sarah J Maas

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Dreamer’s Pool by Juliet Marillier

I have absolutely no excuse as to why they’re still sitting on my bookshelves untouched. It’s probably got something to do with the fact that I do get caught up reading ebooks more than I do paperbacks.

And while I schedule time to write I don’t schedule enough time to read. Sometimes sleep just has to take priority.

I believe the last paperback book I picked up was Rebecca.

But my currently reading pile? Why, that’s a list for another time.

Well, if you enjoyed this blog, drop me a comment with one book on your shelf you haven’t gotten around to reading. I’m always on the lookout for new books to read, even if I haven’t finished reading all the ones I currently own.

How to Deal with Rejection

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

1C4CDA24-390A-47D4-A4FC-A2410B9F55B3I hate to say it, but life has gotten busy. Looking for work has taken up the bulk of my time and I’m still no closer to being employed. So, as a result, August has given way to September and Spring is beginning to leave its mark, ever so slowly.

My story Owl Eyes has yet to be picked up, despite sending it out to a few different anthologies it’s been rejected. I’ll likely add it to the pile of stories I’m collecting to put into an anthology, but even so it doesn’t lessen the sting of rejection.

So, on that note I thought I’d share a few ways to deal with rejection as a writer.

1. Try not to take it personally. I know, it’s hard and you’re first instinct will be to take it personally, but do try not to. I promise good things are just around the corner.

2. Allow yourself time to be disappointed. Let’s face it… rejection hurts. Take a moment, but don’t dwell.

3. Have something on the go. Don’t force the words but have something to throw yourself into. Hope springs eternal and you won’t get published if you don’t keep writing.

4. Let it go. Let it go! (Sorry! I couldn’t resist. Hazards of having a daughter who loved (loves?) Frozen. But it’s true. Patience is a virtue and humility even more so. Don’t get angry. It’s no way to have a writing career.

5. Try to get rejected. I know it sounds crazy but you can’t get published without taking a risk and sending your work out into the world. For every two rejection letters you might receive an acceptance letter. How great would that be? A dream come true, I bet.

I hope this list has inspired you to keep going, even if at times it seems hopeless. If it’s has, drop me a line in the comments. If not, I encourage you to also comment, perhaps with your favourite song. You know, the one you just can’t get out of your head? Inspiration comes from everywhere after all.

 

 

 

 

 

When I’m Not Writing

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Stuff

It’s been quite an eventful few days around here and when I’m not writing, I dabble in a few other hobbies. On the odd occasion, I run around in period appropriate costumes and LARP. This past weekend saw me corralling eight children, four of them my own into a makeshift 1890s classroom and attempting to have them learn something.

Suffice to say it mostly backfired and what they really did was get handed a balloon and make they’re own fun, running around in a room that was actually fitted out as a church, while trying to keep their balloons from hitting the floor.

And when they weren’t playing with balloons they were making posters or running off with bandits. Yep, actual bandits! Did I mention it was a western LARP. My accent was non existent, and my teaching skills are a little rusty.

Besides LARP I do occasional get the odd moment spare to put my graphic art skills to use and work on a few book covers. I’m immensely proud of my latest two…

Time  KeeperA6A8B45E-476B-48A7-B924-6CB3C0FD728B.jpeg

and

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They turned out surprisingly well and I’m happy to say both are still available for purchase. I’d love to see them both sold in the not too distant future.

I am Morgan le Fay

Posted on by staceyjaine in faerie, Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, The Eldritch Series, Writing

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I’ve been busy working on expanding a short story that I’m hoping to offer up to the public in the coming weeks…

I’m thinking of releasing it as a series of three short stories – 6,000 words each – totalling 18,000 words… for 0.99c each.

The stories are my take on the Arthurian Myths, complete with new twists and all feed into my forthcoming Eldritch novels.

I’m looking forward to sharing them with you all and it’s because of that very reason, I’m gifting you a sneak peak…

Here it is!

Enjoy!

I am Morgan le Fay – revenge was the very last thing bequeathed to me.
My name was such that it would be written on the wind for centuries to come. A litany that would beat madly in the hearts of all those who’d wronged me.
Morgan le Fay… Morgan le Fay… Morgan le Fay.
Death would not come soon enough.
Once, I’d had a father who loved me as much as I loved him.
And they killed him.
The fair folk.
All for the want of a woman. A woman whose name was Igraine. The Queen of Camelot.
My mother was beautiful. Her fair hair shone like spun gold, and when she let it fall loose it fell almost down to the floor. Plaited, the long braid came to her waist.
I envied those long golden locks as a child, even when they turned snow white with age, I envied them. Anything would have been better than to be cursed with dark unruly curls as I was.
Nobody ever told me I was pretty, only common. How I wished I’d get to receive the type of looks of adoration my mother received. First from my father and then from Uther. I’d spent many a sleepless night as a child dreaming of the day I’d have a love as great as my mother had, had. It wasn’t until he showed up in my life, that I knew I was adored, simply for being me. Little did I know that his adoration would come at a price.

 

Winners of the Birthday Giveaway

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh

winners

So, in case you missed it, I’ve been running a little giveaway, which is now closed.

There were fifteen entries and according to random.org, the winners are as follows:

Kristin and Liv Miles

Kristin has won an electronic copy of Twisted and Liv, a copy of Twisted II. I hope you enjoy reading.

Thank You to everyone that participated and I’ll be reaching out to the winners shortly.

 

 

Popular Hashtags For Writers

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

21A34B13-D7BF-4314-A2AC-BD1996B9A506.jpegDo you ever find yourself wondering what writerly hashtags to use on Instagram and twitter? If the answer is yes, then look no further. 

I’ve compiled a list that might help you navigate the never ending sea of confusion that surrounds hashtags.

Popular Hashtags For Writers

#AmEditing – a short version of “I am editing”

#AmWriting – a short version of “I am writing”

#AmReading – a short version of “I am reading”

#WritersWrite

#WritersRead

#IndieAuthors – independent authors need to use social media in their marketing strategy.

#NaNoWriMo – national novel writing month

#PubTip – publication tips

#SelfPublishing

#StoryStarter – a prompt for starting a story

#WordCount – used by writers who want to share their writing progress

#WIP – work in progress

#WritersBlock – used by writers who are suffering from writers block

#WritersLife  – used by writers to add insight into life as a writer

#WritingPrompt – the perfect hashtag if you’re looking for inspiration

#WritingTip or #WritingTips or #WriteTip – used by writers who want to share tips about writing

#WriterMum or WriterMom – used by female writers who are also parents

#WritersfollowWriters – used for writers to follow other writers

#WritershelpingWriters

#WritingCommunity

There’s plenty more… like for example….

Day of the Week Hashtags

#MotivationMonday

#TeaserTuesday

#WIPWednesday

#ThrowbackThursday

#FollowFriday

#Caturday

#SundayFunday

Keep checking back, as when I come across other hashtags, I’ll update this post, but this is a good start for any writers out there lost in the sea of hashtags.

Birthday Giveaway

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh

9ADA5A6E-B733-487C-96C8-7E44C9DC4B23As it’s my birthday in 2 days, I thought I’d celebrate by hosting a giveaway.

Up for grabs is the following:

1 x ebook copy of Twisted, featuring two of my short stories, Red and The Summer Girl.

1 x ebook copy of Twisted II, featuring my short story The Wild Hunt.

To Enter:

Like this post and leave a comment below to be placed in the draw.

Entries  close at midnight (Perth, WA Time) 2nd August 2018.

Winners will be announced at random courtesy of random.org. by midnight 3rd August 2018.

 

 

Down the Rabbit Hole… Part 2

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Updates, Writing

883F3C8F-C282-4D91-AD89-61FDC2F975A0Two and a half months ago, news broke about author Faleena Hopkins filing to trademark the word Cocky.

It angered the indie author community at large and many people spoke out, petitions were sent out and court dates were set.

And still Faleena defended her right to protect her stories… well finally it has come to an end. The trademark on the word Cocky is no more. Authors everywhere are rejoicing.

Now, that doesn’t mean we are entirely out of the woods yet, as I’ve seen other authors attempt to trademark other words and phrases.

I guess it’ll pay to be vigilant. But for now, it’s a win.

And if you missed it, here’s the latest video from Faleena surrendering her trademark… Click Here to Watch

 

 

Missed Deadlines

Posted on by staceyjaine in mum of four, Parenting, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, The Eldritch Series, Writing

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And… I had this post all written out and then it got eaten by gremlins.

So, I’m forced to rewrite it.

24th of July on a personal level is hell. Every year I dread the clock ticking over to today because nobody likes to be reminded of tragic events in their past. I’m certainly no different.

And today, well today marks the anniversary of my mum’s rather unexpected passing. Worse… today marks 10 years since she passed away.

And it’s no less easier than the year before. It’s hard and sad, cause my kids don’t remember her… two never got to meet her… which is crappy.

Anticipating the sadness and tears and the general blanket fort and tv binge that was in store for me given the nature of today, I attempted to put a positive spin on today.

In doing so, I gave myself a deadline. Finish Nightshade by today. Sadly, that didn’t quite happen. Life, as they say, got in the way.

But I am closer to finishing the novel at least. Which is a good thing and I’m trying not to dwell on everything else. At least for the moment.

Since I wasn’t successful in my endeavour, I’ll leave you with a question to ponder, until next time…

What do you do when you miss a writing deadline? Let me know in the comments. Because I am rather curious and desperately in need of a distraction.

Drawing Inspiration from Dreams

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing

D76EB3F1-B447-4E18-A927-398319F2A838Inspiration can strike at the most inconvenient of times. Often, I find myself drifting off to sleep and then an idea pops into my head, for a story or novel and I just have to write it down before I forget.

Other times, I’ll wake up in the morning or the middle of the night after the most interesting dream, and again I just have to write it down.

Why the hell wouldn’t you?

I know, I know. Drawing inspiration from a dream… It’s cliche, right? But what if it’s not? What if you have a really kick arse dream that is just the right fit for a story? With all it’s untapped potential, you should totally use it. It would be a shame not to.

Now, I’m not talking about making a full blown novel out of one teeny tiny dream , that might not be feasible but maybe you can get some mileage out of it to create a really cool short story.

You won’t know until you try.

I’ve done just that in the past, actually. Other times my dreams have been weaved into a single scene.

That’s the thing about inspiration. It can be found in the most unlikeliest of places. So, don’t go discounting or discrediting your dreams just yet. You might just be lucky enough to find that rare gem.

I have, a few times. So, I’ve written them down, stored for later use. Ready for when, I finally get around to expanding upon them.

Just last night I had a dream where some of my extended family all gathered together on my front lawn awaiting my return. I thought it was weird (and slightly annoying) that they’d come to my house without any prior warning. Upon waking, I still find it weird. But also curious. I can’t quite shake the feeling that there’s a message in this dream, as it was all just a little too real. But I’ll dwell on that aspect of it all tomorrow when I have a clearer head.

 

Submissions & Works in Progress

Posted on by staceyjaine in Indie Author, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, The Eldritch Series, Writing, Zooey

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I just submitted a flash fiction piece to a flash fiction anthology moments ago. I have another longer piece that I’m writing and two other short stories on the back burner that I plan to write and submit to other anthologies if I get the time.

I might be juggling just a little too much currently.

Between several novel projects and short story projects, coordinating book reviews, writing up author interview questions (and trying to mix it up a little each time with each new author – not so easy) as well as keeping on top of three social media platforms and a blog. All while trying to keep up with a house, hubby, for kids… not to mention fulfilling job networking requirements when looking for suitable employment for part time work.

That’s the really sad part about this. Having spent the past eleven years raising kids, I’m kind of unemployable. And freelance work… as I’ve said before is kind of hit and miss. The jobs I have gotten, while promising to be ongoing have dried up after a month or two.

That said, I am hard at work making improvements to my novel The Winter Princess. It’s coming along slowly because there’s one PC for six people… and my children have found a few PC games that they like to play on weekends… so stealing time at night is very much my routine of late… unless the hubby beats me to it and steals it for himself.

And because I’m feeling generous, I’ve decided to share a small portion with you.

Here it is, the opening of The Winter Princess

The Winter Queen lounged on an icy crystalline throne as her gown of dark grey silk and taffeta billowed out around her. The hair piled atop her head held a darkness that paled the silk; the tiara of silver and sapphires shone in contrast. Having counted silently on my fingers, one hand held the sum of occasions that I had entered the drafty throne room before now. Setting foot here was unusual for me which led me to be painfully aware of every detail as I approached.

I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, let me know in the comments and maybe I’ll share more.

 

Writers Block and How to Prevent it

Posted on by staceyjaine in Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing, Writing Advice

062A0903-0290-4E84-A776-FDB4140EB813.jpegI come across a lot of writers complaining about writers block. They seem to all have one thing in common. How do you overcome it, and even better: How do you prevent it in the first place?

Firstly, some tips to overcome to overcome writers block.

– Go for a walk. A change of scenery and fresh air often brings about new ideas.

– Read a book. Often reading a book written by someone else is enough to trick the mind and get you in the mood to write again.

– Listen to music. Instrumental or songs with lyrics. Either can work.

– Create a routine. I’ve spoken of this before. Writing daily creates a habit, which in turn creates a want to write. A desire to write.

– Journal. Keeping a journal, while not fiction, is still writing and may help banish your creative block. At best, if it doesn’t banish your block, it will help clear your head.

Secondly, some tips on how not to overcome writers block.

– Television. It’s such a mindless activity but I do enjoy several tv shows. So to compensate I watch tv a little less. Or I write while watching tv.

– Refusing to write. While inspiration is one thing, you have to write something. Otherwise the well will just dry up. Don’t just wait around for you muse. Force her to show up.

– Procrastinating. Putting off writing is also not the way to overcome writers block. It’s the way to avoid it completely and counterproductive.

Lastly, the way to prevent writers block is quite simple. Really it is.

Pick up your pen (or go sit at your computer) and write.

And, if you’re still not convinced, try it.

Write about a memory. Write about something you saw while shopping… a person you met. Anything, as long as you write and don’t stop, stick with it. Because  if you love writing, if it’s what truly drives you then it’s better to write something than nothing at all.

 

 

 

Twisted II Anthology is LIVE

Posted on by staceyjaine in Anthologies, Indie Author, paranormal, Stacey Jaine McIntosh, Writing

IT’S RELEASE DAY!!!

Title: Twisted II Anthology
Compiled By: Gina A. Watson
Genre: Speculative Fiction

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Where the twisted lurk and the horrors hide, will you find what lies within?

From horrifying demons and witches to ghosts haunting people and places. Strange creatures to strange places. If it’s twisted this anthology has it.

18 equally twisted stories by 19 amazing horror and paranormal authors.

Will you take the plunge into this twisted world?

Featuring authors…

Michael Young * Kelly Matsuura * Kerry E.B Black * Jack W. Finley * Jordanne Fuller * Jakki Hatchet * Liz Butcher * Duncan Swallow * Michael S. Walker * Aziza Sphinx * Shebat Legion * Beth W. Patterson * E.M. Valentine * Stacey Jaine McIntosh * Daniel J. Volpe * Scott Carruba * Carole Weave-Lane * Kerry Lee Holder * Gina A. Watson

Purchase Links…

Amazon AU | Amazon US

Amazon UK

There’s also a Release Party happening on Facebook here. Come along and say Hi!