A blog by writer j.a. kazimer

Me? Inappropriate? Really?

2012-01-19T11:44:00.001-08:00

Me? Inappropriate? Really?

Apparently so, according to the the moral majority of the WESTMINSTER WINDOW (for those who aren't aware of this upstanding newspaper, you aren't alone. Hell, most of the residents in the small community of Westminster, Colorado don't know about it either) has declared my book, CURSES! A F***ed Up Fairy Tale (not that they've read it, but judging a book by the cover is always the best indicator of moral content) inappropriate for their readers. They are a family newspaper after all, or so the editor who canceled the interview claimed.

Now I'm not annoyed because I took a day off work to do this interview, with a very nice reporter named Ashley, nope, my anger comes from this newspaper's shallow view of their readership. So my book implies the F-Bomb in the title. Big deal. Paris Hilton had a sex tape. Miley Cyrus smokes pot (allegedly). I bet even Tim Tebow has dropped an f-bomb or two (or not).

Hell, I'm sure over 3/4 of Westminster residents are, if not very familiar at least acquainted with, the word FUCK. Those who aren't live in the Amish part of Westminster.

No SOPA

2012-01-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

No.

Bad SOPA!

Writing from the Peak: January Write Brain: New Models in Publishing

2012-01-15T17:35:00.000-08:00

Writing from the Peak: January Write Brain: New Models in Publishing: Join us for a FREE "Write Brain" session on new models in publishing. Presenters include Deb Courtney of Courtney Literary, and authors Rob...

Win an ARC of CURSES!

2012-01-06T17:12:00.000-08:00

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Curses! A F**ked Up Fairytale

by J.A. Kazimer

Giveaway ends February 29, 2012.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Books Read in 2010

2011-12-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of some of the nook books I bought from Barnes & Noble and read in 2011: (Have I said how much I love my nook?)

Ranking system:

5 = excellent, 4 = good, 3 = all right, 2 = wouldn't recommend, 1 = avoid at all cost

Fire and Ice by Julie Garwood - 4

We Are Not Alone: The Writer's Guide to Social Media by Jennifer Holbrook-Talty (Editor), Kristen Lamb - 3

Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood - 5

Strange Bedpersons by Jennifer Crusie - 4

What the Lady Wants by Jennifer Crusie - 4

Shelter (Mickey Bolitar Series #1) by Harlan Coben - 5

Road Less Traveled (Eureka Series #3) by Cris Ramsay - 4

Warehouse 13: A Touch of Fever by Greg Cox - 5

Nerd Do Well: A Small Boy's Journey to Becoming a Big Kid by Simon Pegg - 3

Ink Flamingos (Tattoo Shop Series #4) by Karen E. Olson - 4

To Fetch a Thief (Chet and Bernie Series #3) by Spencer Quinn - 5

Thereby Hangs a Tail (Chet and Bernie Series #2) by Spencer Quinn - 4

Vision Impossible (Psychic Eye Series #9) by Victoria Laurie - 4

Dog on It (Chet and Bernie Series #1) by Spencer Quinn - 5

Burn Notice: The Bad Beat by Tod Goldberg - 4

Silent Mercy (Alexandra Cooper Series #13) by Linda Fairstein - 3

Psych: Mind-Altering Murder by William Rabkin - 4

Live Wire (Myron Bolitar Series #10) by Harlan Coben - 5

Electric Barracuda (Serge Storms Series #13) by Tim Dorsey - 4

Trust Me on This by Jennifer Crusie - 4

Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips - 5

Substitution Method (Eureka Series #1) by Cris Ramsay - 4

Brain Box Blues (Eureka Series #2) by Cris Ramsay - 4

Burn Notice: The Reformed by Tod Goldberg - 4

Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls (Ghost Hunter Mystery Series #5) by Victoria Laurie - 3

The Sentry (Joe Pike Series #3) by Robert Crais - 5

Moonlight Mile (Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro Series #6) by Dennis Lehane - 3

Bad Blood (Virgil Flowers Series #4) by John Sandford - 4

What about you? What books did you love, hate or wish you would've read in 2011?

All's I Want for Christmas... An Author's Shopping Guide for the Holidays

2011-12-12T16:31:00.001-08:00

For those looking to buy me something for Christmas!

Here's my list for Santa:

1) Buy my book.

Curses! A F**ked Up Fairy Tale is due out on March 1st. I'd love to sell as many book before that date as I can, so please do me a favor and buy the book. You can buy pre-order it at amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local bookseller.

2) Facebook, blog and tweet me.

Let your friends know about my upcoming release.

3) Review me.

Read CURSES or any of my other works and tell the world what you think. Word of mouth is the greatest gift you can give a writer.

4) Host me.

Host me on your blog. I'd love to meet your readers.

5) Give to a charity.

Give 5 dollars to the humane society in your area. Drop off a bag of dog food to a shelter. Donate a toy for a needy yet nice kid.

6) Read a book.

Doesn't matter if it's mine or not. Just pick up a book from your local library and read. If everyone read one book this holiday, the world would be a better place.

7) Have a wonderful holiday!

From me to you. I wish you and your family a happy holiday!

Genre Slut ~ Keep it in Your Pen, Girl

2011-11-22T23:44:00.000-08:00

My name's Julie and I'm a genre slut.

This is where you say, Hi Julie.

I wasn't always a slut. I started out writing crime fiction. But I've always loved romance books too. So slowly, over time, my crime novels began to have an element of romantic suspense. But told in first person by a male protagonist, which broke those rules. Then I added humor too. And for kicks I built urban fantasy type worlds based on 'real' places. So now I'm living in sin in this genre slut-limbo of general fiction and loving it. See, I'm a ho!

Some say my 'openness' is a bad thing. That one day I'll regret it. What do you think? Will my eagerness to taste the forbidden fruits of multiple genres ultimately hurt or help my career?

Oh the Places You'll Go!

2011-11-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

I just signed up for my very first Left Coast Crime Conference in Sacramento, CA this coming March (March 29 - April 1, 2012). What clinched it for me, besides the very cool people attending, was a town called Fairytale Town ten miles from the conference.

Yes, I'm a geek!

But you knew that already.

Left Coast Crime looks like a blast too.

I also picked up my Denver Comic Con tickets and artist table today. For those who don't know, the Denver Comic Con will run June 15 - 17, 2012.

In between those two events will be the Pikes Peak Writers Conference. It's their 20th anniversary and bound to be a hell of a party. That happens April 20 - 22, 2012.

Oh and possibly RomCon in June.

And then Colorado Gold in September.

Bouchercon in October 2012. It's in Cleveland. My first trip back in nearly 20 years.

Are you going to any of these events? Are there others I should think about attending?

What Are You Reading?

2011-10-22T00:07:00.000-07:00

I'm between writing projects right now and I need a good book to curl up with? Not that my nook's not full of unread books, but I'm always on the lookout for something new. So please help me out and give me book recommendations. What are you reading now? Whose your favorite author and why?

I Wanna Be a NANoWRIMO Weiner...ummm...Winner

2011-10-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Oh God, it's that time again. My throat is swelling with fear, so thick I think I might choke. My heart pounds and sweat pours from my every pore. Yep, it's almost November and time for National All Writers Are Freaking Insane Month better known as NaNoWrimo. This is the month where writers all over the world attempt to write a novel in a month. Yes, you heard me, a novel in a month. To win, you just need to finish the novel. 50,000 words. A plot. Perhaps a character or two. In a MONTH!

Here's my last year's rant on Nanowrimo:

http://jakazimer.blogspot.com/2010/11/nanowrimo.html

So many of my writer friends win every year, and I hate them! Each and every one. Oh you know who you are...

But instead of going on a mass writerly murder spree (which was my favorite option), I've decided to ignore the temptation to write a novel in a month, Ha! Like that will happen, and go for option 2. Just write. I will engage in the insanity and enjoy doing it. Because, as stated above, writers are crazy.

So what about you? Will you participate in the craziness? What's your novel about? Do you find November as painful as I do?

Kensington Website

2011-09-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

Kensington, Zebra, Pinnacle Imprints -- romance, fiction, nonfiction book publishers

Jefferson County Author Meet & Greet

2011-09-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

Come down to the Belmar Library in Lakewood, CO this Saturday from 11 - 2 to meet over 40 CO authors.

Meet some of your favorite Colorado authors! Activities will also include storytimes and crafts for kids. Children’s storytimes will take place at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. with drop-in crafts for kids from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1-2 p.m. in the Children’s Room.

Belmar Library
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24
303-235-JCPL (5275)
Online anytime at jeffcolibrary.org

Authors:
Mario Acevedo The Nymphos of Rocky Flats
John Barnes Daybreak Zero
Mike Befeler Senior Moments are Murder
Linda Berry Death and the Easter Bunny
David Boop She Murdered Me with Science
Julie W Buscher Homer the Helicopter Grand Canyon Adventures
Caroline Carroll I love God's Green Earth
Terri Clark Sleepless
Cesar Curiel Con la musica en las venas
Darlene Cypser The Crack in the Lens
Christine Duncan Safe House, Safe Beginnings
Betsy McKee Henry How to be a Zen Mama
Carol Hightshoe Call of Chaos
Sue Hughey Herby's Secret Formula
JA Kazimer Body Dwellers
Terry Kroenung Brimstone and Lily
Linda LeBlanc Beyond the Summit
Polly Letofsky 3mph: The Adventures of a Woman's Walk Around the World
Randi Levin Love More Feed Less
Carole Lomond Jefferson County Colorado, A Unique and Eventful History
Michael Madigan Hero's, Villains, Dames and Disasters
Margaret Malsam Camping Circus
Janice McDermott What Would Your Father Say?
Nancy Lee Merver Nana's Silly Goat's
Linda Murdock A Busy Cook's Guide to Flavor-Packed Cookies and Bars
Terry Odell When Danger Calls
Linda Osmundson How the West was Drawn: Cowboy Charlie's Art
Julie Anne Peters By The Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead: A Love Story
Erin Rainwater Refining Fires
Kimberly Reid My Own Worst Frenemy
Paul Vincent Rodriguez Tales of Fairy series
Angel Smits Message for Julia
Jane Stansfield Mapping Your Volunteer Vacation
Irv Sternberg The Persian Project
Caroline Stutson Cat's Night Out
Carol Turner Notorious Jefferson County
Denise Vega CLICK HERE: To Find Out How I Survived 7th Grade
Barbara Wright Plain Language

Shelter by Harlan Coben

2011-09-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I talked about what I'm reading, mostly because I haven't read anything lately that blew me away. But that's recently changed as I picked up Shelter by Harlan Coben. Now Harlan's other Myron Bolitar series is one of my favorites. I love his cast of characters, especially Win.

The last book in the series, Live Wire didn't disappoint. We were introduced to Mickey Bolitar, Myron's nephew. Now I am not a YA reader. In fact, it's been a really, really, really long time since I was even mistaken for a young adult. However, I picked up Shelter (Mickey's story) to see how Harlan made the switch to YA. Damn how I wished I had books like this when I was a pre/teen. Yeah, Judy Bloom rocks and all, and I learned how to increase my breast size, but Shelter offers so much more. The story is engaging. Mickey is a true hero with Myron's wit and charm. The stakes are high. No sparkly vampires to be seen.

Any other Coben fans reading Shelter? How about other YA series, anything out there I should pick up next?

From Kensington Publishing's Jan - April 2012 Catalogue

2011-09-15T13:08:00.001-07:00

Cover Art for CURSES!

2011-09-14T13:04:00.001-07:00

I just received the cover art for CURSES!

I love it.

What do you think?

Colorado Gold Conference - Do's & Do Not's

2011-09-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of days I've read blogs from some amazing authors about the upcoming Colorado Gold Conference. Read them for yourself at

http://chiseledinrock.blogspot.com/,

http://www.writersonthebrink.com/conference-tips-for-colorado-gold,

http://www.writersont.hebrink.com/conference-tips

They all have great advice for anyone attending the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference. To me, a conference is about the chance to be with other writers. I spend much of my life around people who understand nothing about what it means and/or takes to be a working writer. Hell, most of my family haven't read my first book, and I gave them FREE copies. When I complain about another rejection, or how hard it is to write when the dreaded writers block is lurking around the corner, no one understands my pain. Except for those who experience the same highs and lows known only to those in the profession.

So this upcoming weekend, if I happen upon you at the conference, let's grab a drink and talk writing. Tell me your woes. Tell me your conference yippees. For I love every minute of it.

Oh, and one more thing, a year ago today I was an author without a book deal, and thanks to the Colorado Gold last year, CURSES! A F**ked-Up Fairytale will be released from Kensington Books on March 1, 2012.

What about you? Who do you talk writing with? Any advice for this weekend?

This Book Just Won't Die!!!!!

2011-08-29T15:11:00.001-07:00

So I just received the final proof for CURSES! A F**ked-Up Fairytale. Every time I think I'm done with it, it finds a way back to my desk. This time it's just to review and correct any typesetting errors, which I haven't found a one.

Having CURSES! back in my hands is great though. It reminds me why I am working tirelessly on finishing the 2nd book, and trying not to go insane while doing so. I love RJ, the main character in CURSES! and I hope you do too.

Also just got my first cover blurb by the wonderful Mario Acevedo. Oh, how I love me some Mario!

I'm also gearing up for the RMFW conference Sept 9 - 11. Come say hi, I'll be at the bar (when I'm not filling fellow writer's heads with plenty of useful information that is :)

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

2011-08-26T16:42:00.001-07:00

For all of those in the path of the storm, be safe.

Okay, so now I must admit I love a good storm. The build up, the danger, and eventually the whipping winds and biting rain.

I've stood on a sandy beach waiting the storm surge reach far above my head (stupid yes, but I was young).

So even as the storm approaches, I hope those in it's path will at least take a small moment to appreciate the beauty, and then GET THE HELL OUT.

Do you have a weather/earth related event that you love?

Bad Advice is Better than No Advice

2011-08-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

I've written alot of crap. Really bad crap at that. Melodramatic, whiny, self-indulgent words. Crap filled with abused adverbs, boring adjectives, useless iteration, and just plain weak verbs.

I've also read alot of crap. Contest submissions, critique partner's work, and student drivel (of course I'm referring to anyone's work who isn't reading this post).

I've heard alot of advice. Advice from brilliant people like my editor at Kensington, Peter Senftleben and PPW contest judge Bill May to ego driven critiques from fellow writers to novice writers filled with writerly RULES.

I've given alot of advice. Not all of it good. In fact, most of it probably didn't help my fellow writers. Not because it was bad advice, even though it could've been. More often than not, it probably didn't fit the writer's or story's style.

So here's my point, all this advice and all these crap words are the reason I'm a better writer than I was a year ago, and why I'll be even better next year. Bad advice means that you are putting yourself out there. You're getting people to read your work and that you are willing to learn and grow as a writer. So I'll take all the advice I can get. Tell me to use Em Dashs, to cut adverbs, to be more descriptive and less campy. I want it all.

What do you think about bad advice? And how do you decide what is good and what is bad advice for your work?

Confessions of a Readaholic

2011-08-11T17:51:00.001-07:00

I have a confession to make.

It's a big one.

Here goes...

My name's Julie, and I'm a nookaholic.

Yes, it's true.

My ebook of choice...

ROMANCE

Even saying it brings a flush of shame.

Okay, not really. But I do have a point for this post. I love romance novels, and my favorite author, Julie Garwood recently (Tuesday) published a new book titled, The Ideal Man, which I devoured in two days.

While the novel wasn't her best, it did bring me happiness to read, if only because I enjoy her writing and sense of humor so much. Now I won't go into what didn't work for me in the novel, but this brings up an interesting point for me as a writer. How do I keep entertaining my readers when I feel like I've said all there is to say?

How do writers with long careers keep things fresh? Some do. While others don't. An example is Jayne Krentz. I used to love everything she wrote until she started to explore this paranormal society theme throughout all her books. Now I can't stand to read her books, even though I still buy them in hopes that I will feel differently this time.

So who's your favorite romance writer? Do you have a dark secret genre? And how do you keep it fresh?

Agents as E-Publishers

2011-07-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

BookEnds, LLC — A Literary Agency: The BookEnds Strategy for Self-EPublishing: "It's amazing how much publishing has changed in just the last year and how quickly authors, readers, and publishers are embracing this new..."

The above link is from BookEnds, LLC, an agency I've always respected. Now I'm not sure what to think. It's not that I distrust them, nor that I have anything against agents making a living in this new e-publishing economy. But I do wonder about the end results. Will agents become the new era of vanity publishers? Will they stop looking to make external sales to big publishers on the hope of having a breakout e-writer? And what does this mean for writers seeking an agent? Will the submission process become easier? Will an agent take on more books (because E-publishing is ALL about numbers crunching)?

On a more practical level, why would an indie author even need an E-agent? I can hire an editor, a book designer, and a programmer, not to mention a PR person. What purpose would an E-agent serve? Or better yet, I can do all these things myself and keep the entire 70% of the pie amazon is begrudgingly sharing with me.

So I welcome BookEnds into the E-Fray, but I also cannot help but feel sad about their decision.

What do you think? Should agents become e-publishers for their clients? If an e-agent made you an offer would you accept it? Or would you stick with a traditional agent? Or does it matter?

I'm BACK!!!!!!

2011-07-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

I hope you missed me as much as I missed you, dear blog reader.

It's been a long time. So what's been happening in our writing world?

For one thing, I finished the final copy edits on CURSES! A F**ked Up Fairytale, which, BTW, is available for pre-order on amazon.com. Right now it is listed for $10.20.

What else?

Oh, I presented a workshop for the PPW Write Brain. It was on Criminal Profiling, and how a writer can use it to enhance their characters and dialogue. I had a great time (I hope the other writers did too). I'd forgotten how much I LOVE talking about profiling and serial killers. Not to mention, hanging out with people who absorb everything and turn it into beautiful words. I listened to these writers share amazing paragraphs written in 5 minutes. Pikes Peak has a mess of excellent writers.

The Summer Writing Program ended two weeks ago, and I'm finally freeing myself from a mess of 'day' job work. The program went well. Met plenty of big time writers and artists. Developed hundreds of writerly crushes. A good time had by all.

Now, what did you do for your summer? Did you read any good books? Do anything exciting? Sell a book or two? Hook up with your dream agent?

Oh, and who's going to the Colorado Gold Conference (Sept 9-11)?

Feeling Old

2011-06-14T17:26:00.001-07:00

So I'm sitting here writing, and in the background I have on one of those music video channels (not MTV or VH1 since neither play music anymore), and I'm watching a video from My Chemical Romance, and feeling very damn old.

Not only are videos much fancier than the original Video Killed the Radio Star, but they're like mini movies, and more often than not, I just don't get it.

So I wonder if the same if true of books? Are their any books you've picked up by a younger, hipper writer that had you feeling old? I know I have, but I can't think of any at the moment...the Alzheimer's, you know...

Hey, has anyone seen my keys?

Goodreads.com Giveaway ~ The Body Dwellers

2011-06-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Body Dwellers

by J.A. Kazimer

Giveaway ends August 01, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Just WTF is Amazon Up To?

2011-05-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's me again, total paranoia.

But damn it if Amazon isn't up to something.

So here's the play by play for those e-book 'indie' authors out there. The same ones who swear by J.A. Konrath and Barry Eisler's assurances that self-electronic publishing is where the money is at and how you shouldn't accept a traditional publishing deal.

Well, Janet Reid (the Query Shark), a widely respected agent in NY has posted on her blog that Barry Eilser has signed a deal with Amazon's new publishing house imprint, Thomas and Mercer for a rumored $500,000 deal. So tell me my author friends, WTF is Amazon up to?

Are they working their way to take out the big six publishers, and honestly doing a fine job of it? By using us, authors, who believe we can make hundreds of thousands of dollars on our own ebooks? Did Barry take an advance because he knows that he cannot make that kind of money for one book selling at the standard 70% royalty rate ebook author price of 2.99? He'd have to sell a million copies to make that much money. That's not going to happen. So he does the smart thing and publish with a new big time, throwing lots of money around, imprint. Who can blame him?

So now 'inde' authors of the Kornath and Eilser kind must admit that they aren't really 'indie' authors but humps for amazon and their new conglomerate. They are no more rebel at writely heart than you or I. They want money and fame, and amazon is giving it to them.

Hey Amazon, I'd like some money and fame too! I'm willing to sell out! Cheap too! Just ask!

Six Years After Katrina

2011-05-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine not having a home for six years following a disaster like Katrina? Well for one puppy who was only six months old at the time of the hurricane, this is a reality. His name is Yogi, and he is waiting for adoption at the Longmont Humane Society in Colorado.

He and his sister were rescue from the water after three weeks. Since then he's lived in shelters and at a vet's hospital (being a blood donor for other dogs). This story broke my heart and I want to do anything I can to help him find a home. I'd adopt him myself except he doesn't get along with cats and my cats wouldn't like that.

So please, if you know of anyone who can give this pup a happy home, call the Longmont Humane Society today.

Review, Author Interview, & Book Giveaway

2011-05-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

We're Vamps Romance has reviewed The Body Dwellers. Psst, spoiler alert: They gave it 5 stars. Read the review here, as well as an interview with yours truly, and giveaway of a e-copy of The Body Dwellers.

Jennifer Crusie: Letting Go

2011-05-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Recently one of my favorite authors, Jennifer Crusie, and I'm not exaggerating here, I love her books, talked about ending her writing career. Her post made me sad, mostly because I'll never know what happens to some of my favorite minor characters like Simon from Faking It. I need another Dempsey novel, damn it!

Yet as a writer, I get it. Writing is hard (yes this is another whiny writer post). People don't realize the work not only writing but publishing a book takes. On a good day I can write 10 pages, but those days are rare. Most days I can't write at all, or worse, I have to work on self-promotion like facebook, blog posts, and the dreaded Tweet. It takes me about a year to write a novel, one that takes a reader a couple of hours to devour. Eventually one runs out of words to write, characters to torture, and plots to revise for the twenty time. So Jenny, as much as I love your books. I will let go of my Dempsey dreams and wish you the best. Thank you for years of entertainment and laughs.

You rock!

Free Summer Writing Club for Teens 14 and Up

2011-05-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

From Pikes Peak Writers:

Why Does the Internet Hate Me?

2011-05-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

I know. I know. You'll try to convince me that the Internet does not hate me. You'll come up with plenty of plausible explanations for the Internets sly insults and missing emails. Oh go ahead. Tell me about slow servers and Trojan virus, about ISP numbers and how msn really does think I'm cool. But I know the truth.

The Internet hates me.

Why else does it keep stealing my emails and badmouthing me on google? Why else would I, know matter how hard I try, not get the appeal of twitter? After all, I'm a huge fan of swallow 140 character conversations. Oh, I might mean dates...

What's that you say?

I'm absolutely right. The Internet does hate me? I knew it.

Well ain't that an Inconvenient Truth.

That damn Al Gore. He has had it in for me for years. Mostly because I don't recycle, but it could've had something to do with those naked pictures I sent of him and that masseuse to good-old Tipper.

Thanks Hallmark for Making Me Feel Like S**t Again

2011-05-07T16:36:00.000-07:00

Kidding. It's not Hallmark's fault that I forgot to buy a damn card, again this year. I blame global warming...or perhaps the asbestos leaking from my ceiling...could be that time mom dropped me on my head...

Really, now that I think about it, it is completely her fault.

Thanks mom for the brain damage. Nice one.

Happy Mother's day to my very wonderful and special mum.

And to all those wonderful mother's out there, here's to your special day.

New Rules for All Authors

2011-05-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Okay people, it's time for some rules for all authors, whether you're indie, small press, or traditional big 6 published. Hell even if you're not-yet-published.

1) Write.

2) Wash (please, I have to sit next to you at conferences) and repeat.

3) Edit. Revise. Re-edit.

4) Submit.

Seems simple right? You're not a writer unless you write. Stop talking about it and get your words down. Then do what successful writers do, let it go. Your words, as beautiful as they might be, aren't so vital that you cannot make the changes needed to enhance the story for your reader. Quit being so damn haughty. Our job is to entertain and educate the reader, so if you're not doing that, no matter how great and pretty your words are, you are not accomplishing your goal.

So go write in your journal if that's the case.

5) Stop whining about gatekeepers. Janet Reid isn't a bitch. Bookends LLC doesn't hate you. They don't even know you, no matter how many times you comment on their blog.

If you truly believe you are being unfairly judged by agents who've rejected your science fiction novel told from the POV of a space slug, go ahead and self-publish. Otherwise, suck it up, take the rejection and write another book. Move on. Don't wallow. Try again and again until you hit that right agent/publisher.

Being an author is damn hard. No one, except for that one asshole every writer knows who sold his first book on his first query, wins at this game unless they keep playing. If you give up, throw up your hands and whine about how unfair the industry is, you will never succeed. Or if by some fucked up fate, you do succeed, you won't know the satisfaction involved in the fight for publication. The fight makes the sale that much sweeter.

What's in a Number?

2011-05-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

I've decided to run an experiment regarding e-stories published on amazon.com. A fellow writer swears by Dean Wesley Smith's numbers. I'll let you read them, and then come right back.

Okay, so now that you are going to forget about trying to do this writer thing for a major publisher since you can make money putting up ebooks for 2.99 - 4.99, let's get realistic. I know, right? Who wants to ruin a perfectly good illusion with reality.

The thing is, these numbers aren't going to be for every writer who uploads 30 estories. Hence my experiment. Over this next month I plan on uploading at least 25 estories, and over the course of the next year, I'll report the income numbers. So you're thinking to yourself, yeah right. Why should I believe her numbers? Okay, fair enough. I'll screen shot the monthly sales reports.

I want other writers to see sales numbers for a fellow writer on the eve of publication with a major 6 big publisher. Meaning, a writer with little to no name recognition (unlike J.A. Konrath. Not that I don't buy his numbers, but I really do believe that his name recognition helped his sales, a lot). The rules are: any story I upload is one that was published previously (yes, I still have the rights), the cover will be designed by me. I will also do all the formatting/editing.

Anyone else want to play along? If so jump into the comments section.

Conference Goals

2011-04-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

So I made it down to CO Springs and enjoyed an afternoon of pure writing, followed by a nap, and some more writing. So yay!

I also met two interesting writers this afternoon at the Thursday workshop on pitching for which I helped out by listening to Science-Fiction/Fantasy/Horror writers (which there were only two). Thank you Mike (PPW Contest Finalist for his MS, Grave Shift, that I hope Denise Little who he is pitching to falls in love with) and Leah, who has a a historical fantasy based on Rome and a female gladiator. Both books sounded wonderful and I hope they will be on the market soon.

My goals for this conference are vague. Mostly I'd like to thank people who'd made my last year possible even though they likely have no clue the impact they've had. People like Bill May, Chis M's dad, who gave me feedback I needed for Curses! A F**ked Up Fairytale. I teared up when I met him this afternoon because his feedback was so vital to me selling the story. So thank you, Bill. I can never say how much I appreciate your support and dead-on feedback.

Laura Hayden also gets a thanks for something that she probably doesn't even remember but that kept me writing when I wanted to give up. At my first PPW in 2007 she was handing out the awards for the contest where Dope. Sick. Love. placed third. When I walked up to get my award, she said, "I judged this one, and loved it." A real, live, and amazing author liked my work. It meant everything to me. Thank you, laura. If you haven't read her stuff, do so!

Bonnie Hagan and Chris Mandeville (and Ruh) get a huge thanks for one, a great conference, and for being amazing people, but also for last year's session on improve. That workshop formed the idea for Frog It! the second book in F**ked Up Fairytale.

I plan to let each of these people know how much their kindness, words, and actions have meant to me. And I also plan on doing the same for other writers this weekend.

A Couple More Rules for Indie Authors

2011-04-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

Psst, don't take me the wrong way. I think indie publishing is wonderful. It offers more control for writers, but let's not ruin it by throwing on rose-colored glasses.

Rule 5:

Stop taking yourself so seriously. This is not a all or nothing platform. You can self-epublish and query agents (just not the same projects). Don't give up your dream of traditional publication for the illusion of e-publication. Which brings me to rule #6...

Rule 6:

You are NOT Amanda Hocking, nor are you J.A. Konrath, Barry E, or any of the other e-publishing heroes. Doesn't mean you can't be, but don't fall for the 'you should walk away from any traditional publishing deal and go indie because you can make more money'. You won't. Let's face it, you don't have a readership that extends beyond maybe 100 people, if you're lucky. Having your book in a bookstore gives you that readership.

New Rules For Indie Authors

2011-04-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a list of rules for those indie authors of ebooks:

1) If you don't own or read on an ebook reader you cannot e-publish. The same holds true for people allergic to paper. If a book gives you hives, you cannot write one.

2) Quit blathering on about your reviews. So you have 10 of them. We all know you paid your friends and family to write nice things about your book. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with that. In fact, I'm glad your friends and family like you enough to write a review. Not that they have EVER actually read your book otherwise they might take exception to your veiled references to the time the two of you got drunk in your dorm room in college.

3) Don't lie to me about how much money you make a month in sales. Guess what? I can find out at novelrank.com. Besides ebooks sales are much like asking a guy in his twenties how many women he's slept with. So here's my ebook sales confession: I make roughly $50 a month in sales off two short story collections. Let's try for a little honest in this new publishing formula.

4) Stopping bragging about being an 'indie' author. Yes, you have ebooks out in the world, and yes, that legitimatizes you as a writer. Sort of. But that pedophile in Pueblo had an ebook out too.

If you want to brag, make sure your book is worth bragging about. Let's face it, most indie authors are choosing e-publishing because they've been rejected at major publishers or they can't get an agent. That doesn't make you hip for thumbing your nose at traditional publishing.

Okay, that's enough for now. Thought? Comments? Hateful rants?

6 Days Until the 2011 PPWC

2011-04-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to go to this years PPW Conference. This is my fifth year of attending, and the first year I will be participating as a faculty member. The experience is always amazing, often inspirational, and sometimes heartbreaking. But worth every minute. I learn so much, but even better, I get to hang out with fellow commercial fiction writers.

Trust me on this, literary writers are a different breed. In my time at Naropa hanging out with wonderful writers, we never break into a discussion on the merits of using naughty words in a sex scene. Just doesn't happen. For commercial fiction writers, any craft talk is open and accepted.

Meeting new people is a breeze. You sit down next to them, and say, 'So what do you write?' and you have an instant new friend. At Naropa, you sit down, wave away the pot smoke and body odor, and say, 'How about that hybrid, cyborg, transgendered piece in the latest edition of the New Yorker?' Not that you've read it, nor it even exists.

I love both worlds for different reasons. Commercial writers want to entertain me. The literary ones I know, want to save the world with words. Both have equal importance.

So if you're not doing anything next weekend and you're a writer in the Colorado area, consider coming down to the Pikes Peak Writers Conference.

You're Looking Very Green Today!

2011-04-22T10:03:00.001-07:00

WAIT! Don't click away. This isn't an loving post for Earth Day. Instead I wanted to talk about jealousy and writers. Do writers suffer from more jealousy than other professions? I've never seen a doctor smear another over the way he ends his stitches. But get a group of writers together and toss out the name Dan Brown, and look out!

I, myself, being perfect and all, have never badmouth a fellow writer.

*SIGH*

How I wish that was true. I have done my fair share of sneering at Twilight, dismissing Amanda Hocking books without ever reading one, and wishing herpes on a certain member of one of my writers groups. Oh you know who you are! I will get you! Just watch your back, you worthless hack!

Oops. My point is, writers need to overcome this ugly green monster. Or else it will destroy us. Put that negative energy to use. Stop obsessing. Easy enough, right?

Hell no.

But from now on I will do my damnest not to talk shit about my fellow writer. If you catch me doing so, smack me. Really. Right upside the head.

Oh, and Happy Earth Day...

Doesn't the Earth look fat in that grass? Did you see the way she roots those trees? Slut....

Writing Sex Scenes at Work

2011-04-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

So I have a day job. A good one, not in the financial sense, but one I enjoy. Mostly due to the amount of freedom and a hell of a great boss, who I love as a friend too. The work is all right. My students are great.

The thing is, I have a scene to write today, while at work (during lunch) and it's a steamy one. A sex scene with plenty of bodily fluids and tongue action. My first one in this new book. I want my characters to enjoy themselves, but I'm blushing with each sentence written.

Have you ever read a sex scene, or written one in an uncomfortable place? How'd you manage it?

Is E-Publication Giving Up on a Dream?

2011-04-19T10:12:00.001-07:00

Today I was reading a favorite blog, a writer friend who is damn good at what she does, and yet, her blog post shook me to the core. She commented, Well if this doesn't work (referring to a novel she's currently writing) I can always self-publish.

She wasn't referring to not working in the writing sense, but rather, it not fitting a traditional publishing format for it's genre. But to hear someone I respect toss out the self-publishing option like it was nothing, made me wonder about writers everywhere.

Are we at a point where if we don't find any agent after three queries we throw our book up on amazon? Are we then giving up on our dreams?

What does that mean for the future of new authors?

Is traditional publishing pushing these authors into selling their books for .99 cents on purpose? Why not? They can then turn around and pick up newbies for a fraction of an advance.

Are we are writers giving up too easily by e-pubbing our work?

What do you think?

Win a Copy of The Body Dwellers From Goodreads.com

2011-04-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Body Dwellers

by J A Kazimer

Giveaway ends June 01, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Writers on the Brink Interviews Me

2011-04-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

Hey for any of you considering entering the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Contest or any other writers contest, the great people over at Writers On the Brink Blog interviewed me about my contest experiences.

I share my story to publication as well as some tips on your own entry.

Good luck!

The Body Dwellers Available in Print

2011-04-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited that The Body Dwellers is now available in trade paperback from Solstice Publishing. Buy your copy today for $11.99.

A System of Tubes Called the INTERNETS is Making Me Crazy

2011-04-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

Alas, dear reader, you might have noticed a strange, unnatural trend in your life over...let's say, the last five years. You know what trend I'm referring to, and it's not Brazilian waxers with really cold hands. This trend has to do with checking the freaking internet twelve billion times a day. I can't seem to unplug, no matter how hard I try.

My name's Julie and I'm an addict.

Even now, when I have the first chance all day to sit down and write, I'm spending my time blogging and checking email, not to mention my amazon sales stats. WTF is wrong with me?

So help me, fellow internet addicts. Share your sorted internet tales of back alley googling and high-speed hookups with avatars I'd avoid like the plague in 'real' life.

Was It Something I Said?

2011-04-12T16:35:00.001-07:00

How does a writer deal with political correctness and peer-pressured censorship? I want to be able to speak my mind, yet I don't want to listen to other people's hate speech. What is the line? The first amendment protects my right to free speech, but it doesn't clear me of consequences of said speech. How much of your writing is effected by your readers response? And, do you curtail a character to those expectation?

A Junkie Tale ~ For U

2011-04-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Junkie-dexterous

I glanced around the park, seeking a public restroom to ply my doper trade. The shaking started, my body’s own alarm system, telling me I had but seconds to spare.

I jogged up the palm tree lined path, clutching the bindle and my kit in one hand while loosening the belt around my waist with the other.

Yep, I’m junkie-dexterous.

Are you?

By the entrance to the park, next to a playground filled with tots and their Ritalin popping mothers, stood a rest area bathroom. I pushed my way inside, gagging at the stench of rotted sewage. Years of overflowing shit-water stained the concrete, turning it a muddy brown. Most of the plumbing and fixtures had been stripped away, pilfered by baseheads in need of quick cash or improvised crackpipes.

Two stalls, both without doors, faced the each other. Fecal matter, wadded paper, and desperation clung to the toilet seats. I closed my eyes, and wondered how desperate I’d become. There had to be a point where I said no more. That I refused to live this fucked-up existence. My guts cramped, forcing me to admit the terrible truth. I had a long way yet to go.

Junkie-bitious

I turned the faucet, but no water poured from it. Not a single drip. Fuck. My eyes fell on one of the toilet, and its rust-colored water. I glanced at the syringe in my hand, and back at the porcelain bowl.

Fuck.

Bending over the stained toilet, I drew rusty water into my needle while mouthing ‘what the fuck am I doing’ like a mantra. The plastic turned cold as water filled the chamber mixing with my dried blood. A rush of heat licked up my spine and into my brain. My heart sped up, and my breathing quickened.

I mixed the toilet water and a good-sized hit, cooked it up with a precision only the finest of chefs ever accomplished, and drew the bitter nectar back into my spike.

Junkie-licious.

I tied my arm with my belt, and readied myself for a foray into corroded vein territory. My veins are both my salvation and my worst enemy. At the height of my habit, it took me over an hour to find a usable vein. Now, I can usually hit after fifteen minutes of digging. I pressed the needle to my flesh, tapping my finger against a fragile blue line running on the inside of my forearm.

“Mommy,” a small voice from the doorway said. “What’s that man doing?”

I froze. My eyes met the eyes of a horrified mother. She scooped up the little boy and backed up a step. “Don’t hurt us,” she whispered. “Please. I’ll give you money.”

“I...” I dropped the needle. It fell onto the shit-coated floor, and rolled away. I raised my hands. “I don’t want your money.” Even though a part of me did. “I’m not going to hurt you. Take your kid and go.”

Tears leaked from the mother’s eyes, and the child in her arms began to cry. She kissed his forehead. “It’s okay, baby. Mommy’s right here.”

I swallowed. A fleeting memory of my own mother circled my mind. “Go. Now.”

She nodded, and ran from the restroom, the child cupped safely in her arms.

I closed my eyes, shame burning deep inside me. My stomach cramped, and I puked, splattering the concrete floor with bile and blood. Tears ran down my cheeks.

With grim determination, I dropped to my knees, and scourged the vomit-stained floor for the syringe.

From The Junkie Tales Collection ~ Buy your copy at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com

Vote for The Junkie Tales for Best Short Story Collection from Spinetingler Magazine:
http://www.spinetinglermag.com/2011/04/01/2011-spinetingler-award-voting/#more-5009

Out With the Old

2011-04-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

I spent most of my night last night shifting through years of critiques, the hard copy kind. Out of the four critiqued manuscripts I found, three of them are published or soon to be published, so when I reviewed the critiques certain realizations occurred to me. Namely, voice, style, and anything but copy editing is so subjective in a critique that I began to question whether or not expanding the energy to a critique group is actually effective. Then I read a critique from my first book, the one no one will likely ever see. In those pages I saw just why critiques are important.

How do you feel about your critiques?

To Colour or Not to Color?

2011-04-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

E-book readers, help a girl out. I currently have a wi-fi nook. I do love it, but some of the features of the new nook color make me very...umm...happy? Being able to surf the web, blog and check my email on my e-reader? With a vibrating option...

Oh yeah, baby.

So those of you with a nook color, or any other e-reader, what do you love/hate about yours? Should I make the $250 investment in my ereadering future?

Want a Bigtime Hollywood Agent?

2011-04-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

Great post by Karen Lin. If you're interested in screenwriting, this is the woman that knows her stuff!

Writing from the Peak: Column: Getting Your Script Into The Right Hands b...: "SCREEENWRITINGREPRESENTATION: HELP IN GETTING YOUR SCRIPT INTO THE RIGHT HANDSBesides pitching to filmmakers seeking scripts through l..."

Buy The Junkie Tales

2011-04-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Buy The Junkie Tales, which was nominated by Spinetingler Magazine for 2011's Best Short Story Collection Award, at amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.com for $2.99.

Vote for The Junkie Tales at http://www.spinetinglermag.com/2011/03/31/2011-spinetingler-award-best-short-story-collection-nominees/

Vote Tomorrow!!!!!

2011-03-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, today Spinetingler announced their nominee's 2011 Spinetingler Best Short Story Collection Award. Guess what? The Junkie Tales is nominated!!!! Holy Crap, right? I'm so amazed and happy!

Do me a favor and vote for The Junkie Tales at http://www.spinetinglermag.com/2011/03/31/2011-spinetingler-award-best-short-story-collection-nominees/.

Guide to Literary Agents - 7 Things I've Learned So Far, by Stephen Graham Jones

2011-03-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

Guide to Literary Agents - 7 Things I've Learned So Far, by Stephen Graham Jones

Tip number 7 is my goal in every work I write. What are the seven things you've learned?

Writing from the Peak: Creating Compelling Characters by Jodie Renner

2011-03-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Writing from the Peak: Creating Compelling Characters by Jodie Renner: "Who are some of your favorite fictional characters? If I look back to some of my early reading, icons like Orphan Annie, Huckleberry Finn, a..."

Lots of great stuff in this article. It makes me ask alot of questions about my characters, and what it is I love and hate about so many stories.

For the most part I agree with Jodie, but when it comes to annoying characters I have to say, I'm a fan. At least an annoying character makes me compelled to learn about them. Yet, when the protag is whiny or annoying in a non-witty way, I don't like them.

So I guess the question is, what will I put up with as a reader? Are these the same traits I seek in life? What about you? What annoys you about a character?

Writing from the Peak: Top Ten Writing Tips From PPW Members by Julia All...

2011-03-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Great advice from PPW Writers!

Writing from the Peak: Top Ten Writing Tips From PPW Members by Julia All...: "Top Ten Writing Tips from PPW Members By Julia Allen As writers, we each have our own unique process for getting words on the page. ..."

My favorite is Mario's, but I agree with all of them.

What about you? What advice would you give me about writing?

A Sign of the Apocalypse?

2011-03-23T19:57:00.001-07:00

The end of the Mayan calendar? Not quite, but I'm pretty sure it's a sign. At the very least, some damn great luck! I hit the trifecta this week, in that, I signed with my third publisher in the last five months. My quirky urban fantasy novel, Holy Socks and Dirtier Demons will be published by Champagne Books this spring.

I'm so excited, and thankful, and genuinely amazed that after five long years of trying to sell even one book, I've sold four in the last five months. So you can see why I suspect an impending doom, right?

Let's just hope the end of the world waits until after I make Twilight dough!

Trifecta

2011-03-20T21:11:00.000-07:00

I very likely hit the publishing trifecta today, but more on that news later. For now, I'd love to hear about what you're currently reading? And what books you are looking forward to being released soon?

Off to Writer's Fest

2011-03-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard the Colorado Author's League is hosting a writer's fest on March 19th from 10 am to 1pm at the Tattered Cover LoDo. There will be tons of writerly stuff going on including presentations from Co authors as well publishers, agents, and writer programs like Naropa University's Summer Writing Program (where yours truly holds a day job). So if you're in the Denver area, swing by and enter to win a bag of books and swag from the SWP and ME!

RMFW Conference ~ One More Reason to Attend

2011-03-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

As if you need another reason to attend the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Conference this September. But here goes, just got word today that the RMFW powers-tha-be have accepted my proposal to teach a workshop on e-publication called: E-Formatting: A Quick and Dirty Guide to E-publication.

Trust me, this won't be your mother's workshop on e-publication. I plan to show everyone that e-publication isn't that hard, and in fact, anyone with word can do it. I'll show you step by step how to publish on amazon on a matter of an hour, even if you're not that computer savvy.

So if you took this workshop, what are those burning questions you might have about e-publication? Have you e-pubbed? If so, how difficult was it?

Rejection ~ The Ten Minute Rule

2011-03-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

Great post by Janey Fogg over at the Chiseled Rock Blog. Basically, she says when you get a rejection give yourself 10 mins to react, and then get back on that horse and send out another query.

I find this to be great advice. After over 1000 rejections, they still bother me, but only for a few minutes. Face it, life is too short to suffer over one person not loving your work. Who knows if the next query you send out won't be the ONE that lands you the big agent, or a ten figure book deal.

Do you have a process for rejection? Is it cake? If so, can you invite me over the next time?

Relief for Japan

2011-03-11T19:56:00.000-08:00

It's not often that everyone in the world stops, but today that happened as the destruction of the earthquake in Japan unfolded. My thoughts go to those who've lost so much. If you would like to donate to a relief fund for people effected by the earthquake, the Red Cross is a good choice.

To Good Read or Not to Good Read? That's My Question

2011-03-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

For the last year I've used the goodreads.com site, mostly for networking and book suggestions. I don't find it particularly exciting or useful, but I want your opinion. Do you use it? And if so, for what? Do you find it helpful in locating new books or authors?

Jim Bianco, Will You Marry Me?

2011-03-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

Okay, so not really. But I am damn excited to see Jim Bianco play at the Walnut Room in Denver on March 29th. This guy is amazing! He's sexy, smart, and plays the room like nobody else. Oh, and his music ain't bad either :).

All kidding aside, he has a new record coming out soon called LOUDMOUTH, which I personally guarantee with knock your panties off. Come see for yourself on March 29th.

100th Anniversary of Women's Day

2011-03-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

100th Anniversary of Women's Day

Not the magazine my friends, but of the celebration of women and all we can do. So to all those gorgeous, amazing, brilliant women out there, happy yesterday to you (I'm a chick, I'm always running a day later :). May this year be the one in which all people are treated equally and accepted, no matter what their gender.

How Much is Too Much for an E-book?

2011-03-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

Nathan Bransford had a great article about e-books on his blog yesterday. It got me to thinking about the cost of an ebook, and how much I would be willing to pay for an ebook. Now I sell my ebooks for cheap (The Junkie Tales - $2.99, Stolen Kidneys - $.99), and I think that's a fair price for them, seeing as they are short story collections, not too long, and most of the stories can be found online for free or in print journals. So the question is, does price determine how people perceive a work?

To me the answer is simple. Hell yes. When I'm digging through the hundreds of thousands of ebooks at B&N, I often disregard those sold for a low price. Why? Because I'm a book snob. No other answer. My perception is that an ebook costing so little has little value. It's a terrible assumption and I am endeavoring to end it, but right now, that's my mindset. As I'm sure it is with others. Not only that, but are we as authors devaluing ourselves and our profession by selling books for pennies? What will that mean for the future?

So tell me, what do you think when you see an ebook priced way below the big six publishers price? Do you buy it because of the cost? Does the cost of an ebook really matter to you? Are you selling your own ebooks and if so, for how much?

Electric Barracuda Anyone?

2011-03-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

Electric Barracuda, a Serge A Storms novel by the amazing Tim Dorsey is on my list of books to review today. First off, let me say how much I LOVE Serge, and subsequently the voice behind him, Tim Dorsey. I've been a fan since his very first book, Florida Roadkill, which I was lucky enough to get signed at the PPW in 2010.

If you've never read a Tim Dorsey book, you are in for a fast paced, mad capped ride around historical Florida with a sexy, demented serial killer at the wheel. Serge is smart, funny, and absolutely batshit crazy. Which is why I love him so.

Electric Barracuda is not Serge's greatest adventure, but it is a fun time. In it we meet a wealth of new characters including a wee one, as well as spend time with plenty of old favorites, namely Molly, Serge's crazy ex-wife. Oh how I long for a reconciliation. To top it off, we learn the history of Loop Road, and Al Capone mystery.

This book is worth your time, so pick it up today and enjoy all the crazy Florida has to offer.

Free mp3 workshop from PPW

2011-03-06T17:49:00.000-08:00

The Pikes Peak Writers is an amazing group of people and writers. They want writers to succeed. And they do it for free. Yes, that's right. The PPW is now free to join. No annual membership dues. Why wouldn't you join?

Here's a mp3 file from a Write Brain (monthly workshop hosted by PPW) on the craft of writing. It's worth 45 mins of your life.

"The Three Stories: Front, Back and Perspective", presented by multi-published authors Linda Rohrbough, Jodi Anderson (aka Jodi Dawson), and Laura Hayden. (45 minutes, 50MB)

Mario Acevedo is a Hell of a Funny Guy!

2011-03-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Biting Edge: Going down...

If you haven't read any of Mario Acevedo's books, you're really missing out on one of the funniest, talented, and smart writers of vampire fiction (as well as other stuff) around. But more than that, Mario is a hell of a great guy and his blog, The Biting Edge, with partner Jeanne C. Stein (also a brilliant author) is worth reading on a regular basis.

This is by far my favorite post!

Colorado Gold Contest

2011-03-04T20:04:00.000-08:00

http://chiseledinrock.blogspot.com/2011/03/novel-meet-your-new-agent-and-editor.html

Do you want feedback on your manuscript? How about 100 bucks? If you enter the Colorado Gold Contest hosted by the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers you can get both. I entered numerous times over the past four years, and loved it each time. I even won 1st place once for The Body Dwellers, which is now available from Solstice Publishing. So yeah, it's worth it.

Writing from the Peak: Sweet Success: Fleur Bradley

2011-03-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

Writing from the Peak: Sweet Success: Fleur Bradley: "If you regularly read this blog (and of course you do!), you know I'm normally behind the curtain as the managing editor. I like to put..."

This is great news worth sharing. Congrats Fleur!

I've Been Bitten by the Query Shark

2011-03-03T16:36:00.001-08:00

To anyone wanting an agent or to sell their commercial novel, you need to check out Query Shark, written by the brilliant agent Janet Reid. I'm sure to most of you this isn't news, but Query Shark actually critiques your query letters from an agent's perspective. Sure I can tell you what I think, but it's not nearly the same as a shark bite. I'm saying this as a victim of the shark - #16. I learned so much since that ill-advised query, and I hope Janet's take on query letters will provide you with the same.

Akilah Oliver (1961 - 2011)

2011-02-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

Today I received news about the death of Akilah Oliver. Though I didn't know Akilah well, we worked together for the past three summers, her loss is truly felt. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and students. She was very much loved in our community.

Wow, How Much Do I Like My Fellow Writers

2011-02-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

A whole lot is the answer.

I received a very nice email today from Chris M from Pikes Peak Writer. If you don't recongize the name, you will the woman and her extrememly big and sweet dog, Ruh. Anyways, she sent me this from Publishers Marketplace:

New deals for February 22, 2011
FICTION
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
J.A. Kazimer's THE BODY DWELLERS, to save those she loves, a mutant rebel in pink combat boots must decide between the treacherous body dwelling lover from her past, and a mysterious man who promises to change her future, all before her altered cells succumb to a mutant plague destined to destroy her kind, to Melissa Miller at Solstice, by Sharon Belcastro at Belcastro Agency.

Yep, that's right. For a second time, I'm in PM under new deals. And even better it was listed first. So thank you Chris for making my day. A day that The Body Dwellers was released on ebook.

Pikes Peak Writers Conference

2011-02-21T19:03:00.000-08:00

I just registered for the 2011 PPW Conference in Colorado Springs this April. I'm so excited. This will be my 5th year attending, my first year with a book deal or two, and the first time I will be working with the PPW. The PPW is amazing. Not only the conference, but the writers and volunteers who make up a very special organization. I couldn't love the PPW more, and hope to meet many new writers while catching up with some of my old favorites in the Springs.

Procrastination Is the New Black

2011-02-20T17:55:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I decided to spend the day writing. Yes, actually writing. I'm on a roll with the 2nd book in the Fairytale series, and wanted to use the momentum. Unfortunately found out, I suck at planning to write. I'll do almost anything to avoid writing. I googled frog DNA in the name of research. I did laundry for god sakes!

What is wrong with me?

What's your process like? Do you struggle to write?

The Body Dwellers Release

2011-02-18T13:19:00.000-08:00

I'm so proud to announce the release of my urban fantasy novel, The Body Dwellers from Solstice Publishing. The novel will be released on Feb 22nd in e-book formats, and then released in print edition in a couple of months. I'm hoping in time for the Pikes Peak Writers Conference. You can buy a e-book copy from the Solstice website at http://www.solsticepublishing.com, or from wherever you buy your e-books.

The Body Dwellers Book Trailer

2011-02-10T13:14:00.001-08:00

The Body Dwellers Cover Art

2011-02-07T18:46:00.000-08:00

Just saw the cover of my urban fantasy novel, The Body Dwellers, from Solstice Publishing. Any thoughts?

Southland! WTF?

2011-01-28T16:13:00.000-08:00

Really, you killed the gorgeous cop off? WTF?

In all seriousness though, the TV Show Southland on Tuesday nights on TNT is an amazing show. This past week was an episode that still sends chills down my spine. If you watch one show, make it this one.

WIN!!!!!

2011-01-27T11:01:00.001-08:00

I'm giving away a monthly prize to anyone who enters the contest at http://www.jakazimer.com/.

This month's prize is a $20 Gift Card.

Enter once and you're eligible to win any prize.

ABNA Starts Tomorrow

2011-01-23T18:26:00.001-08:00

The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest starts tomorrow. I know plenty of writers excited about this contest, and I understand why. It would be great to win the contest out of 10,000 other writers, get that contract, and start your publishing career. But I also know thousands of writers who don't win that grand prize, and, yet, they are still amazing writers. Contests are subjective. Judges aren't perfect. Do your best, but don't let this contest make you crazy. Best of luck.

The Post I'll Regret Writing

2011-01-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I'll probably regret writing this post, but here goes.

This weekend a friend asked for a favor. I agreed, taking time out of my day to research and reply. Now in the normal societal interaction said friend would show his/her appreciation with a small token of two little words.

Thank you.

Right? Isn't that what you're supposed to say, even if the favor doesn't quite turn out as you wanted? It would've taken said friend two seconds to hit reply on his/her email and type thank you. But no. No appreciation showed up in my inbox.

Maybe it got lost? I heard email pirates are afoot. Maybe even now, my THANK YOU, is being held captive at san serif point, awaiting rescue. Maybe a Nigeria prince encountered my THANK YOU and is now using it to shuffle billions of dollars out of his country before he succumbs to the plague?

In case it's neither of those things, THANK YOU to all those people in my life that I might've forgotten to thank. For those who I love. For those who put up with me. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I Have a Dream

2011-01-17T00:07:00.000-08:00

The New Never News

2011-01-12T17:14:00.001-08:00

I'm proud to say The New Never News Blog is now available on Kindle for the low price of $1.99 a month.

Or you can read the New Never News, your #1 fairy tales news network, for free at http://thenewnevernews.blogspot.com/

So You Have a Book Deal (Or Two)!

2011-01-11T16:06:00.001-08:00

This week brought me the exciting news of a brand new book deal for my novel, The Body Dwellers from Solstice Publishing. It's a great feeling when someone likes your work, even better when they want to make it into a book, and give you money.

Of course with any good news comes the bad.

This morning I received a rejection email from a small press publisher regarding a query I submitted sometime ago. They hoped I would find a home for my book, just not with them.

Goes to show me. I'm not as cool as I thought. Oh well, I'll keep plugging away.

Nothing to Fear Except Losing It All

2011-01-10T20:19:00.001-08:00

Today a writer friend told me about the loss of his agent. Not for anything he did, but he still lost his only access to traditional publishers. See, most major publishers refuse to accept non-agented proposals, which means the only way a writer can get published by one of these houses is to have an agent. That search is perhaps harder than finding one's spouse. For me it was. I spent four years querying for an agent until I was lucky enough to find Sharon Belcastro.

While I love my agent, not only because she sells my work and treats me with respect and kindness, I fear what could happen if our relationship ended. What would I do if Sharon retired? The thought of searching for another agent must be like searching the personals for a date after a divorce. Only harder. What would my personal ad read?

Single Writer Seeks Super Agent.

Will work for publication, God and Dan Brown Bless.

Would I even have the strength to move forward? Or would I give up my dream? Probably not, but it is something that would keep me up tonight. So here's to my writer friend and his drive to publication. When he makes it, and he will make it, his journey will be that much sweeter.

The Body Dwellers

2011-01-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

About three years ago I finished a novel titled The Body Dwellers, which was an urban fantasy filled with mutants and romance. There are great twists and turns, and a wonderful chemistry between the lead characters. It also has lots of puns and laughs. The manuscript won the Colorado Gold Writers Contest in 2008, and took 2nd place in the PPW Contest.

I thought for sure this would be my breakout novel. The one to finally get me a publishing contract. It didn't. That happened in October when I signed a two book deal with Kensington for my F**ked Up Fairytale series. And yet, today I signed a deal with Solstice Publishing for The Body Dwellers, and I couldn't be happier.

Thank you to my agent, Sharon Belcastro at the Belcastro Agency for working tirelessly on finding The Body Dwellers a home. If you need an agent, I couldn't recommend Sharon more.

Not sure when The Body Dwellers will be released, but I'll update with more information as soon as I know.

To E-Publish or Not to E-Publish

2010-12-27T20:07:00.000-08:00

A recent post by J.A. Konrath at http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2010/12/bedtime-story.html discussed his success at selling e-books, and self publishing. Why I don't disagree with the opportunities surrounding e-publishing, I can and will answer his question 'Why should authors live from advance to advance, hoping to get another contract? Why put up with heartache, depression, and abuse, when authors can, for the very first time, take control of their own career?' and self-e-publish?

Well, here's the long and short of it. E-publishing like self published and vanity press authors are not treated with the same respect that traditionally published authors are afforded. J.A. Konrath knows this. That's why he spent 12 years working toward publication. Granted, once you have that publication credit, e-publishing seems like a great idea. Why not e-publish your backlist? Why not make a few bucks by polishing old manuscripts that were deemed unpublishable by traditional presses? It's a win-win for authors and readers.

The problem is, if you don't have a following generated by a traditional publication credit, your odds of selling more than 15 e-books a month aren't great. Sure there are outliers, and exceptions, and I'm thrilled that there are, but overall, a debut writer won't sell that many e-books. And definitely won't be making 20,000 a month. Worse, when faced with traditionally published writers, the stigma of e-publishing and self-publishing is hard to overcome. Which is ridiculous in so many ways, but very real. It's not right, and it's not pretty, nor fair. But it is our reality.

Thank You, Mr. President

2010-12-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

This really isn't a post thanking the president, but rather a thank you to all the amazing people in my life who've made this year one I will never forget. And to all the people who make everyday differences in other people's lives.

Jim Bianco Recorded 12/12/10

2010-12-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

Video starts at 28 minutes.

Watch live video from jimbianco1 on Justin.tv

Jim Bianco Live at 4pm (MST)

2010-12-12T14:02:00.001-08:00

Jim Bianco will be playing a live concert from his apartment in Hollywood at 4pm (MST) today. I'm so excited! Happy Christmas to me!

Watch live video from jimbianco1 on Justin.tv

Year in Review ~ WTF?

2010-12-09T09:19:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I read a friend and wonderful fellow writer's blog, Ian T Healy, about his past year in terms of writing projects. He completed 4 and started 4 more. Ian deserves success, because he's a great writer.

Yep, it's official. I suck. I was excited about completing one project this year, and starting one more. In comparison, it looks pretty bad. And that's what I want to talk about, comparisons. Writing is isolating, and often painful to one's self-worth and ego. We see our fellow writers achieve success and sometimes wonder why not me?

An unfair question. Each writer's path is different. Embrace that difference. It will make you a better writer and person.

Stolen Kidneys, Dead Hookers & Other Nursery Crimes

2010-12-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

Happy release day to me!

It's offical, you can buy my e-short story collection, Stolen Kidneys, Dead Hookers & Other Nursery Crimes at amazon.com, barnes & noble.com and smashwords.com.

Edit, Edit, Edit

2010-12-06T00:53:00.000-08:00

Possible Cover. What do you think?

That's what I'm up to today. I plan to release my 2nd Short Story E-Collection, Stolen Kidneys, Dead Hookers & Other Nursery Crimes on December 13th, so in the meantime, I am furiously editing, laying out, and reeditting the collection so people won't buy it, open the first page, and scream!

What is it about editing that makes me happy? I mean, writing I understand. That's creative and gives me a satisfaction and accomplishment. But what does editing provide, because I really do like it. And I'm not usually one for order.

Ideas?

A Cold Wind Blows In

2010-12-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

Not really. It's actually a beautiful day in Colorado. Maybe 55 degrees and sunny. Not quite right for December 3, but I'll take it. Then again, I'm finding it hard to get into the Holiday spirit. So reader/writer friends, what gifts are you giving this Holiday? Any books? Anyone buying an e-reader (CUZ THEY ROCK!)? What would you like to see under your tree, bush, pile of sticks?

Author Who?

2010-12-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry about not blogging for a while. I know my one follower (thanks mom (kidding cuz we all know my mom couldn't turn on a computer, much less find my blog)missed me.

Today I want to discuss author interference, and suggest a penalty for such as in football. Recently while reading Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane (Yes, I'm a slower reader when I'm writing) I noticed Dennis popping into the book to give commentary about his thoughts and feelings on subjects. Of course it was said as if they were Patrick's (the character's thoughts) but I just knew it was Dennis. The things said were too pronounced and intrusive to be part of the story.

The example I'll give is a reference to 9/11 and people leaping off the twin towers, and the latest trend toward 9/11 bumper stickers. Not that I don't feel the same, nor appreciate Dennis' desire to connect with me as a reader, but there is a time and place. In a story is neither.

A writer should do his damnest not to intrude on a story, and an editor should make sure it doesn't accidentally happen. And that means, for the readers out there, don't believe that what you are reading is a reflection of the writer. Because it often isn't.

I write stories about junkies, yet I'm not an addict, nor have I ever been one. I write in the first person male prospective, and again, not one and have never had a penis...well, you get my drift. Stay true to the story and characters, and they will stay true to you.

Reading BookLife

2010-11-18T00:38:00.000-08:00

I'm reading this book called BookLife to get an idea of what I need to be doing to support my writing career. It has a lot of great information, and then some I'm not that big of a fan of. Namely the need to a strategic plan. My plan is to write, and one day make enough dough doing it that i don't have to supplement my income with a day job. Not that I don't love my day job, because I do, but to write for a living would be a dream come true. So do I really need a strategic plan? Since my major goal is accomplished by writing. I don't have many steps to achieve that part. And the rest is luck, craft and timing, right? Has anyone read Booklife? If so, did you following his steps?

So How's Your NaNoWriMo?

2010-11-17T11:53:00.000-08:00

Mid-November and I'm sick of the term NaNoWriMo. Not that I hate the idea, nor the effort by so many writers. I don't agree that these books are trash and shouldn't be written. Instead, I am just tired of failing at it. It sets up such an obligation, even if you're not participating. Writer Friends will ask for word counts, excited to share their own, thereby making me feel even worse for writing 15 words in one day.

So writer friends, What's your word count? And please lie.

Interview Me?

2010-11-16T04:28:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago, Dave at Chiseled Rock Blog (http://chiseledinrock.blogspot.com/) a fun time to be had by anyone interested in writing or RMFW, asked me to answer a few interview questions for the blog about my recent book deal with Kensington. It felt great to be asked, and even better to start this part of my writerly journey. I picture book signings and readings, fantasize about workshops and award banquets with rubbery chicken and even worse vegetarian meals. I'm so excited. But first, I need to work on my revisions. So so long for now, and thanks for all the fish!

Just Write Already

2010-11-15T00:12:00.000-08:00

So I've been sitting at my computer for 3 hours, doing anything that I can to avoid writing. I have no idea what's wrong with me. I know where my story is moving. I know the scene and characters. I like it so far. So why am I writing yet another blog post, or surfing the Internet for get rich quick schemes? Not that I'll ever be rich, or quick. But still, there is the appeal of not having to write this damn scene.

Deep breath. Start typing.

Two sentences later I'm checking my email for the thousandth time.

Stupid words. Why won't they come?

Happy 39th Birthday to DAVE!!!!!

2010-11-13T00:19:00.000-08:00

I love you Dave.

You've been my best friend for more of my life than not, which makes us both old and sad.

Have a great day!