Jana's Guest Starring Part 2

Re-cap from Part 1:
This semester for KSU I'm teaching Entertainment Marketing on-line for the first time. I designed the original course, and I created the on-line one as well. On-line classes are challenging to create engaging content that both capture a student's attention as well as teach them something at the same time.

Jana was my first on-line guest speaker - and I think things went pretty well, all things considering! My students had some additional questions for her - so she stopped by my blog today to answer a few of them. I hope you enjoy!  Don't forget to check out her cool website for the latest information and content from Jana. Now, Here's Jana - part 2!

Advice and Reflections

What effect if any have your characters had on your life?

Living with characters in your head is an odd thing. They’re with you 24/7, when you’re on vacation, buying groceries or driving the car. When I’m writing their stories they talk a lot in my mind. Which is very weird. Because of them I’ve had to research Victorian gunpowder factories, Jack the Ripper, demonology and castle architecture. They sure enrich my life, that’s for sure.

If you go back and do something different with your books or marketing them – what would you do and why?

I don’t know much more that I could have done in the way of marketing. As for the stories, I’m quite pleased with them.

In your opinion do you think technology has changed the culture of future writers and has the stigma of “Starbucks Writers” impacted it negatively?

Technology has majorly impacted authors’ careers. We have so many more choices in how offer books to our readers, unlike a few years ago. It used to be the only way was via a big publishing house. Now there are an abundance of smaller presses and the equally attractive self-publishing option.

I don’t think there is a stigma with writing at Starbucks, only that more folks are more aware that writers + caffeine = books.

How do you feel about someone reading a book before they see the movie it is based on?

I honestly feel folks should read the book first, then watch the movie. Most of the time there will be some differences in the plot as movies only have 180 or so minutes to tell the story. That’s equivalent of 180 pages of scene/dialog so something has to be cut. For the most part, the movie and the book are more like distant cousins rather than twins. That can be good or bad.

Do you think paper books will go away?  What about piracy?

No, there will always be folks who enjoy paper copies. I read either one, though most of my reading is e-book nowadays. Piracy is an issue. It is very aggravating to have someone buy a copy of my book at Amazon, rip it and post it, then promptly return the purchased copy. They do not realize the implications of lost sales and how that impacts an author’s career. I have author buds who are the sole breadwinners in their household, taking care of elderly parents, kids, sick spouses, so every dollar is vital to those folks.

Who is your favorite author

Don’t have just one. Ilona Andrews, Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Terry Pratchett and Allison Brennan are a few of my faves.

At what point did you feel you made it?

I don’t think I’m there yet. Still working on it.

What series did you enjoy writing the most?

I loved writing the Demon Trappers Series as it was a blast to write. I love the characters so much they were a joy to mess around with. My second fave is the Time Rovers Series as it’s an infinitely complex time travel story. I’m still stunned I pulled that off.

Do you think a non-traditional working college student would be able to self-pub if the time and resources were available?

I do believe that would be an option for a working college student. The issue is discoverability as there is a whole ocean full of self-pub works out there (not counting the traditionally pubbed ones) and your book(s) have to be found in that huge word sea. If, however, you do offer compelling, professionally edited stories and sales result, your income will begin in a month or two. Amazon pays in 60 days, other pays each month. You can track your sales online so that’s very helpful.

How would someone like me go about getting into ‘cover modeling’ for books like this, such as Elizabeth May?

Elizabeth began as a professional photographer and cover model, then became an author. As to the other question, I really don’t know that industry at all. I suspect it’s a matter of creating a portfolio of your shots and hunting up photographers who do work for publishers. Sorry I can’t tell you more than that.

What would you say is the most helpful or important piece of advice you have ever received in regards to writing?

That the only person I’m competing against is myself. Other authors may make some serious $$$$, get a movie deal, land on Oprah, but spending any time being envious isn’t productive. The only thing I can do is write the best book possible, then try to beat that on the next story. Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

And lastly, what words of encouragement do you have to offer?

Do whatever fills your soul. If that’s writing, painting houses, building widgets, or whatever, go for it. Life is too short to do dull stuff.

I want to personally thank Jana for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer my students' questions. She is truly a representation of paying it forward.  ~Tyra

Jana loves to tell stories to both adults and teens. Her latest young adult novel, Briar Rose (Macmillian Children’s Book), is a twisty and dark retelling of Sleeping Beauty set in Georgia with Hoodoo, steampunk and vengeful Civil War ghosts. Also for the YA market, her multi award-winning Demon Trappers Series (St Martin’s Griffin) features a dystopian Atlanta populated by Hellspawn, Deaders and scheming necromancers. She recently e-published a novella, Grave Matters, that continues the story of the series. For adult readers, check out her Tangled Souls e-published offering about Gavenia, a psychic who can talk to the dead, and Douglas O’Fallon a former homoicide detective with psychic gifts of his own. When their two cases intersect this romantic paranormal mystery takes off.

Our Guest for Today's Blog is.... Jana Oliver!

This semester for KSU I'm teaching Entertainment Marketing on-line for the first time. I designed the original course, and I created the on-line one as well. On-line classes are challenging to create engaging content that both capture a student's attention as well as teach them something at the same time.

Photo by Celestial Studios

Jana was my first on-line guest speaker - and I think things went pretty well, all things considering! My students had some additional questions for her - so she stopped by my blog today to answer a few of them. I hope you enjoy!  Don't forget to check out her cool website for the latest information and content from Jana. Part 1 of her questions and answers is featured today, and stay tuned on Monday for part 2. Now, Here's Jana!

The Difficulties of Writing

Was there ever a time you wanted to give up because it was so difficult and what kept her going?

Oh yeah, big time. There have been many times I said “What am I doing?” And then about that time the characters start talking and I’m back to writing another book.

How often you get writers block and how you get rid of it?

I don’t get writer’s block for any long period of time. It’s more a matter of not knowing where the next scene is going. To figure that out, I do something totally boring like cleaning cupboards or doing laundry. As I work, my head sorts through the problem and then I can continue writing.

The Writing Process

How do you come up with ideas for your books?

The ideas are everywhere. I see something or read an article and my mind goes “What if?” and then I start spinning out a story. It’s nearly impossible to turn that off.

What is your writing process for developing a story?

I start with a bit of thinking about the characters and the setting, then I jump into a first draft. That draft is totally messy, but a great way to get a feel for the story. At this point I create some character outlines, do research on the setting, etc. Once the draft is complete, I get into the deep down editing/revising part of the process.

How do you schedule your writing time?

I usually do a couple hours of social media each morning, then try to get 4-5 hours of writing each day.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Depending on the book’s genre, anywhere from six months to a year.

How much writing to research?

The ratio depends on the type of book. For the Time Rovers Series (science fiction/fantasy/historical mystery) there was a metric ton of research as the stories are set in late Victorian London during the time of the Jack the Ripper murders. Lots of front end load on that one. Other books don’t require as much homework, but I still research the details as I know someone will catch me if I screw up.

How do you make sure you work doesn’t become stale? (mentioned writers who put out three books a year at request of publisher –but the quality suffers)

That’s a great question! There is a fine line between keeping the readers happy with new books and rushing the process. It’s important to ensure that each new book is unique, not a rehash of a previous one just so that it can make the publishing deadline. In short, it takes a lot of work and a lot of thought to find the perfect balance.

Do all of your books have a supernatural element?  What would you do if you wrote one without it?

Yes. They all have some paranormal aspect, though sometimes it’s in the background. I suspect it would be hard for me not to write a story without that element. It’s just the way I’m wired.

What about writing a different type of book?  How does a writer make that transition?

For me, that transition is not that difficult because I’ve always written across the genres. For other authors it just doesn’t work. They can’t think outside their own genre. That actually makes me a more nimble author, in the sense that I can switch gears if the need arises.

Have you used a PR firm and how was it?

I have a pair of lovely ladies from England who conduct blog tours for me and they are really excellent. They help take some of the heavy lifting out of book launches.

What don’t you look forward to about writing?

The first draft is never that much fun, a hot mess where I’m trying to figure out the story. Once I’m through that, then I enjoy the process as I flesh out the story and make it sing. But to me, first drafts suck.

Playing well with Others – or Agents, Publishers and Foreign Rights:

For sales of your manuscript to foreign markets, who makes the decisions about branding and marketing including the cover art?

The editor, sales and marketing people make those cover decisions based on what works best in their country. The UK folks had a clear idea of what the series was about and made sure that was conveyed through the covers by ensuring that the “brand” was consistent. The readers could tell that and responded accordingly.

What does the timeline look from contract to book to published to next in series?

Working with my NY publisher, the timeline was much longer. With my UK publishing house, there is usually about six months between the contract to when I turn in the story, then another five months or so before the book is published.

Is the literary agent becoming obsolete?

Not really. An agent will still get you better contract terms and serves as an intermediary between you and the editor. They can play “bad guy” if the need arises. That’s very helpful when things are not going well with your editor.

Where have your books been the most successful?

I have had the best success in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and Brazil.

How does it work for your books to be translated into different languages?

When it comes to translations, I don’t have much control over that. At least not with books that are contracted through my major publishers. They license the right to produce my book(s) in XYZ language. The foreign publisher contracts the translator and proofreader, decides what the cover image will be and then publishes the book. I do not have the opportunity to vet those books before they hit the shelves.

  

Jana loves to tell stories to both adults and teens. Her latest young adult novel, Briar Rose (Macmillian Children’s Book), is a twisty and dark retelling of Sleeping Beauty set in Georgia with Hoodoo, steampunk and vengeful Civil War ghosts. Also for the YA market, her multi award-winning Demon Trappers Series (St Martin’s Griffin) features a dystopian Atlanta populated by Hellspawn, Deaders and scheming necromancers. She recently e-published a novella, Grave Matters, that continues the story of the series. For adult readers, check out her Tangled Souls e-published offering about Gavenia, a psychic who can talk to the dead, and Douglas O’Fallon a former homoicide detective with psychic gifts of his own. When their two cases intersect this romantic paranormal mystery takes off.

Epic Failing

Well, I didn't quite make it a week… sadly, on Friday I failed the 30-day blog challenge. This morning, I was so frustrated with myself for not carving out some time to write in my blog, that I ignored the fact that I could have just gotten up and written two on Saturday. So what if I failed the 30-days in a row, I would still be blogging and continuing in my quest to do so more often.

I think there is a lot of times when we fail and our inability to get ourselves up and dust ourselves off keeps us from progressing. I know that is what happened to me today. I spent the afternoon with Jana Oliver (a great friend and writer), but by the time I got home and was feeling more inspired, I had friends arriving and a night of fun gaming ahead of us. Now, my hubby is in bed and I decided it was time to hit the keyboard again.

Part of the reason I started this challenge wast to prove to myself that there is time in every day for me to start finishing my novels. Yes, novels…and I really need to get to work on getting them out of my head and on digital paper. All my life, I have tried writing stories. I teach through storytelling. Stories and books have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and it is one of my great dreams/goals to actually finish writing one of these ever-present stories. I simply must find time, and I keep re-evaluating my life to decide what can I give up to make this happen.

See, I love my job. So much so I probably should have used capital letters when I wrote that and I spend a lot of time doing my absolute best at my job. Outside of work, my life is crazy and jammed packed and I love it - I would just love it more with some more me time. More time to write - for me. Being the good Virgo that I am, I feel guilty many times when I do something just for me. It's stupid, but I'm a giver, I put others first most of the time, and I have a damn hard time saying no. But I've got to learn, because if I can't find time to blog during this 30-day challenge of mine, I'm never going to find time to finish the book. And I've been epically failing at that for much too long. Life is too short and in the wise words of John Lennon, "life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans."

Wunderlist, Save Me!

It's Day 6 of the 30-day blog challenge and we have arrived at our first Thursday. The potential for 'cutesy' names to associate with today abound. There's Trendy Thursday or the classic Throwback Thursday...but I'm not sure they fit The Geeky Side.  Ok I lied... it is very possible that this Throwback Thursday photo from my Facebook fits The Geeky Side just perfectly, but in an effort to not embarrass myself on a weekly basis, I have decided on a different theme! Welcome to the first Technology Thursday. I plan on talking about things related to technology including devices, apps and the frustration that goes with them. Today, I'm going to review an app that I have had for years on my iPad but just never used, but now that I have discovered the wonders of Wunderlist, I just can't stop using it. So, let's talk apps!

Wunderlist falls into the category of an organizing or to-do app. It's been sitting on my iPad being ignored for quite a while, but when I started to look for a to-do/task organization system, Wunderlist kept popping up.

The Wunderlist Logo

I took it for a spin, and I have no idea how I made it through life without it. It's available on iOS, Mac, Andriod, Windows and Web platforms for free. So you can check it out without risk, because like a good friend of mine, Jana Oliver (a great writer - but that's for another blog), you may not like it. For some, it will have too many options, for others not enough, but before we go too far - let's talk about what I love about it.

Honesty here, My brain can't keep track of everything anymore. I remember the days when I could tell you my schedule and what all I had to do with no problem, plucking the items from thin air as if I was a magician waving my magic wand only to find a rabbit in the hat. Now, I'm not going to say it's because I'm getting older...which I am...I prefer to think it is because my life is packed to the gills. If there is a girl with one too many irons in the fire, it is most likely me. And I need help getting the irons organized as well as where I put the blasted things.

Here's what my Wunderlist screen looks like.

On the left-hand-side is a list of categories/lists. I created categories for each of the main 'areas' I have to-do list for to help me keep things organized. I have a category for each class that I teach as well as general things for work, the student organization (KMA) and continuing education. If we take a look at my 3800 category (the one highlighted in blue) it has the list of to-dos associated with it in the middle block of the page. Now, since this is a to-do list for one of my classes, I set it up for each week of the course to have its own subtask list. The subtask list for week 10 is on the right hand side of the page. For instance, in week 10 I need to grade the gaming discussion, record theater presentation, upload the theater presentation, create test # 3 and grade the rest of the field experiences - and this is for only one of the three classes I teach.  I can't remember all that - and if I don't remember to do it, which has happened oh so many times, I fall behind.  Then there is late nights, no-sleep and me stressing to catch-up.

Once I finish all the subtasks - I can check it off the big to-do list in the center - and viola! it appears on the bottom of the page reminding me that I did get something accomplished! I love that you can 'star' items to highlight them. I use the stars to indicate what I need to get done this week since I set -up the task for my classes at the beginning of the semester. It can be difficult to trudge through the categories I have on the left-hand side to find the 'do it now' tasks - the starred function helps me do that.

A feature of Wunderlist that I don't use much is the add list member function. I keep hoping my husband and I will collaborate on the grocery list, but so far his invitation is still pending. Wonder if he is trying to tell me something? You can also schedule reminders, set due dates and add notes to subtask entries. There is a print option, and most important for me - it syncs across devices and the web. They have a Pro version with some additional features, but the free version is working great for me.

Also don't forget to check out their Wunderlist blog. The recently did a social media promotion on Twitter to encourage students to submit their best #studywithWunderlist tips. Great suggestions both for how to use the app and studying in general.

My True Shadow

It's pet spotlight day on Day 5 of the 30-day blog challenge. Originally, I was going to post about my sweet puppy, Shadow, but as I lay here on the sunroom sofa, I have realized who my true shadow is...Clover. She is laying on my arm as I type this on my iPad, keeping close to me after I was away working for over 11 hours. 

Here she is watching over every word I write, so I better make this good!

I went to Good Mews to look at a cat named Nutmeg in February 2009. My dad had a stroke in the summer of 2008, and something told me it was finally time to stop talking and longing for a cat and to just go adopt one. Nutmeg was a beautiful calico who they had been trying to find a home for awhile. So, I made an appointment and met an adoption counselor to meet Nutmeg. Upon arrival I was greeted by a tabby who stretched her paws up on my skirt and demanded to be picked up. So I did. And as I held her, she purred and crawled all over me. I met Nutmeg who couldn't have cared less about me if she tried - my guess was the cat I was holding had already told her in kitty telepathy to buzz off I was taken. And I was. 

Clover was called Lena back then and was as the volunteer put it, "the ho' of the center." I was told she loved everyone and to not think I was special. But what this volunteer didn't know was that I had asked that the cat who was to be mine chose me, and well she had. I have a picture of Clover staring at me as I looked at other cats...she was not happy. Eventually the volunteer relented when others at the center commented on the fact that Lena/Clover had found her home. She even pawed the glass at me when I had to leave. I thought I would go nuts until I got her home, but a day later she was taking the car ride to freedom and I gain a true familiar. 

Clover is pure magic to me. She opened my heart to love and made me feel accepted and loved in a way I hadn't before. She would run to the door when I returned home and snuggle with me every night in bed. Sometimes she would sleep with her head on my shoulder, sometimes beside me while I held her paw. And when Shane, my husband, came into our lives, she loved him as much as I did. He was the daddy I promised her when I held her on the sofa crying because my daddy was sick and I was still very much alone. She is my miracle. 

We've been together for five years now and have survived a lot together. She still sometimes sleeps on my shoulder but usually makes her way to the pillow above my head where my sweetie holds her paw. She checks on her dog brothers, though she acts like they are pests when people are looking. She likes to prove people wrong with what they believe about cats. She adapts to change and loves people. She once slept in her cat tree in the middle of the room while we had 35+ people over for a party.

So here's to my true shadow, my animal companion, the cat my dad couldn't believe I adopted because I was allergic (I still am). One of the last conversations I had with my dad was about her escaping from the house for a few minutes. He loved to hear stories about her and she would sit in his lap when he and mom visited. In the end, I remember him telling me how glad he was that I adopted her, that she was a great companion.  And she is....my Clover girl, my shadow. 

Mardi Gras...You had me at the Music

Mardi Gras starts today and my heart calls to the music of two artists that I associate with this particular event - Harry Connick Jr. and Jimmy Buffett for Day 4 of 30 blog posts. Connick's connection to NOLA is unmistakable in his music and heritage (his father was the District Attorney of Orleans Parish for 30 years). Jimmy's Margaritaville situated in the Market District of the French Quarter greets you with the party that only Parrotheads (Buffett fans) truly understand. They are two of my favorite musicians and their music is playing as I write this blog. So, in celebration of NOLA and Mardi Gras here are my top five songs for both Harry and Jimmy. Let the Good Times Roll...times five.

Let's start with Harry who is getting more screen time these days because of American Idol. His accent alone is reason enough to tune in... My love of big band music started with my parents, but when I found Harry Connick Jr. it grew exponentially.
 No. 5: We Are in Love on the When Harry Met Sally Soundtrack
This song just gets my toes tapping and reminds me of how I discovered Harry. I love the big band behind him and it makes me want to find my hubby and dance, or at least try to dance.
No. 4: Don't Fence Me in on 30
Harry, a piano and a microphone - what more is there to say?
No. 3: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year on What a Night!
It's not the holiday season until I hear Harry singing about snow, sleigh bells and reindeer. With three Christmas albums to choose from, there is plenty for everyone's taste.
No. 2: Come by Me on Come by Me
Again, it is the piano that draws me in and has me swaying back and forth. Then the band joins in and the joint starts rocking. I love the message and the feel of this song, making it almost my favorite.
No. 1: Just Kiss Me on Blue Light Red Light
Blue Light Red Light was the first CD of Harry's I purchased, and since that fateful day, I have all but worn it out. It's my go to CD when I need to feel better and this particular number is timeless, but then again most of Harry's music is.

Now, to Mr. Buffet, who I think is one of the most uncelebrated songwriters of my time. His ability to weave a story is astounding and his showmanship hasn't diminished through the years. If you've ridden in my car you know that if I have XM Radio it's most likely on Margaritaville. WWJBD? He'd raise a glass and remind us it's five o'clock somewhere.
No. 5: Five O'Clock Somewhere performed with Alan Jackson
This song marks the first time that Jimmy Buffett hit No. 1 on the charts. Part of both the appeal and problem with chart topping (and award winning) for Buffett is his inability to be classified into any one genre. In the end, it appears island country may be the genre he built for himself with Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney and the Zac Brown Band all along for the ride. When this song comes on the radio, I hit the up volume button!
No.4: The Tiki Bar is Open
Well, it is. I know, my husband built us one and it rocks. Our outside patios are decorated with tiki torches and pink flamingos. There might be a theme, but I'm not admitting to it.
No. 3: Fruitcakes on Fruitcakes
The video for this one is partly filmed in NOLA, so it has to be included. It also helps that it is one of my all-time-favorite Buffett songs. Let's not forget, "It's the Buddhist in you, it's the Pagan in me..."
No. 2: Love in the Library on Fruitcakes
What is not to love about a song with a little romance and books? It shows off Buffett's poetry and skill as a songwriter at its best. It's also from the first album I bought of Buffett's and maybe because of that it contains some of my favorite songs.
No. 1: Come Monday
Every couple has a song or two that they consider their's - this one along with the Zac Brown Band's Toes is mine and my sweetheart's. If you step into our tiki bar/sunroom you'll see a print entitled 'Come Monday' with an artist rendition of a couple walking on the beach. "I'll be holding you tight..." makes everything better.

Go enjoy Mardi Gras wherever you are today! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

EGOTs and Oscars

I just watched an amazing couple accept their Oscar for best original song. I had never heard of the gentleman before but his win of the Oscar completed his EGOT. I didn't even know what an EGOT was until a few moments ago either, but let me explain - because it is amazing.

An EGOT is considered the grand-slam of entertainment. A person who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony is said to have an EGOT.  Only 12 people have managed to be the proud owners of an EGOT - including some traditional greats like Mel Brooks, Audrey Hepburn, Rita Moreno, Mel Brooks and Whoopi Goldberg. Robert Lopez became number twelve last night when he and his wife won for best original song in a movie for "Let it Go" the theme song from Disney's Frozen.

Robert and his wife, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, were adorable accepting their award, ending with reminding their daughters to never be afraid to be who they are. They won my hearts - and then I turned to the internet to find out more about this entertainment grand-slam winner. Little did I know - I already knew his work.

You see Robert Lopez is the man behind two musicals - both of which have, shall we say, unique soundtracks that may not be SFW (safe for work for the abbreviation challenged) and are certainly not as child-friendly as Frozen. He is the man behind the music of The Book of Mormon. Yes, that musical. And now for the shocker - I've been joking about one of his songs for a long time. I've song it at DragonCon with a room full of people trying to convince Blizzard (the creators of World of Warcraft) to come. It's the song for one of my absolutely favorite YouTube videos set in the World of Warcraft. Yes, Robert Lopez was one of the song writers for Avenue Q and "The Internet is for Porn."

I'll leave you with my favorite song by him and with this final trivia tidbit. He managed to complete his EGOT in ten years, the shortest amount of time of any of the 12 people.  The next closest is 17 years.  I honestly can't wait to see what else this man and his wife have up their sleeves.