Into the Mind of Jaimey Grant

It's Been Awhile

2012-01-25T14:36:00.000-05:00

♪♫♪ Everlast ~ What It's Like ♫♪♫

Hello again, faithful readers! How goes life at your end? Here, things are crazy and a recent bout of [mild] illness took me out of the game all weekend. I'm still feeling the aftereffects and working at a snail's pace because of it.

In Heartless news, the edit continues apace. OK, that's not true at all. I'm still stuck in chapter five, which, if you're following my Heartless blog, you'll know contained a huge info dump. I'm trying to rectify that HUGE faux pas. Rewriting an entire chapter, for some reason, is especially time-consuming. Oh well. The story will be the better for it.

In cover news, I've got orders coming out my ears. Never thought I'd get this busy but, there it is. I may have to cut back a little on accepting clients. I have a few regulars who I will always have time for but I have a tendency to take on more than I can handle. This cuts into writing time and hubby was very clear where my focus needs to be. Love that man!

In other cover news, there are changes on the horizon for An Author's Art and I think the first will be a website facelift. Fun! I'm also in the negotiating stage with another designer to be a part of her design company. Yay!

In writing news, there's not much to tell. I've been so busy with family, covers, and editing that actual writing has taken just a bit of a backseat. I have current WIPs open on my laptop at any given moment, just in case inspiration demands I add to them.

So what's new with you?

My Heartless Journey

2012-01-06T22:03:00.000-05:00

Now playing: Fiona Apple ~ The First Taste

♫♪♫ ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

Remember this book?

But maybe you remember it looking like this:

Either way, this book has been off the virtual shelves for several months now (over a year, maybe??). I expected to see used copies for sale, of course, even suggested to a few eager readers that they check out Amazon for a used copy. This is what I saw:

Yeah, that says "3 used from $442.58" (most expensive being $738.47). This screencap was taken November 14, 2011 and I know the prices have varied since then, but not much. I have no idea what they are now.

I was only slightly surprised when I saw that B&N had one used copy and it was listed at $519.

Based on these numbers, I think it is in everyone's best interest that I get the Heartless revamp completed. (You might remember that I listed that first on my writing goals for 2012?) So far, I've been enjoying the adventure. If you'd like to be kept up-to-date on how my Lord Heartless is taking up my time, please click over to my Heartless blog. That's where I'm recording my progress.

I've already posted an excerpt as well as a request for opinions. Who doesn't like to give their opinion? ☺

Fans of Romance: Opinions Needed

2012-01-06T16:45:00.000-05:00

♪♫♪ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Daughtry ~ Breakdown ♫♪♫

Over on the Affaire de Coeur blog, TJ MacKay asked a question:

"What do YOU think about the prevalence of graphic sex in books today? Do you like it just the way it is or would you prefer more tame romance offerings?"

TJ's goal is to raise awareness that, although the big publishers believe otherwise, there is a market for clean, sweet, or traditional-style romance offerings. As a writer of clean romance, I hope this blog post and the article set to appear in the Jan-Feb issue of AdC magazine will bring out other writers of clean romance, as well as open some doors in the publishing world.

Please take a moment to click on over and weigh in on this subject so close to my heart. Thank you!

First Post of 2012 : Goals

2012-01-02T13:18:00.000-05:00

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Staind ~ For You ♫

Everyone needs goals, especially writers. If we didn't set goals, we'd never get these stories out of our heads and onto paper. Thus, here are my writing goals for 2012:

Heartless: read, edit, read again, tweak, submit to TreasureLine Publishing for re-release.
Intrigue: read, edit, read, edit again, read, tweak, offer up to beta readers, read, edit, read, tweak, submit to TreasureLine.
Temptation: finish first draft, read, edit, read, tweak, submit to beta readers.
Retribution: finish first draft, read, edit, read, tweak, submit to beta readers who have strong stomachs.
Flawless: finish first draft, read, edit, read, tweak, submit to beta readers.
My Lady Coward: finish this episodic short story and submit to TreasureLine for publication.
Sable's Secrets: give Sable her HEA or at least put her out of her misery. (Don't know who Sable is? You can read about her HERE, HERE, or HERE.)
The Dragon Curse: read, edit, read, edit, read, edit... (yeah, this one needs work).
The Keeper and the Key: figure out what the heck is going on in this short story....sheesh.
Unnamed fantasy novel (co-authored with Linda Boulanger): finish my part and send to Linda so she can add hers.
SELL MORE BOOKS.

OK, so that last isn't a writing goal. Still, if I wanna keep this writing gig, I need to step up in the marketing department. Not my cup of tea but any job demands we do things we are not totally comfortable doing.

So what are your writing goals?

Not a writer? What are your reading goals?

Last Post of 2011

2011-12-31T15:31:00.000-05:00

I don't really have anything to say. I just wanted to post something on this, the very last day of 2011. Heck, I still find myself almost writing 2010 on checks. (Oh, I know. Strange, right? I still have to write checks for some bills.) I think this says more about me than I wish to reveal.

It's after 3pm and hubby's still sleeping. I've consumed a pot of coffee on my own so I'm almost shaking as I sit here typing. Still, I wanted to say nothing for a few minutes, wasting my time and yours.

Aw, heck. You lovely people are the reason I'm still here, sporadically. You lovely readers, fans, and occasional naysayers. I love you all and thank you all from the bottom of my clichéd heart.

(Like that? I made that just for you. Yes, you.)

2011 was good, bad, and ugly.

I started my cover design service back in January and that has been fabulous fun from the get-go. My Regency romance, Honor, hit the shelves in May and my short story fantasy, The Dragon's Birth, followed suit in November. They are available at Smashwords, Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Sony, Diesel, Apple...and probably a few others I'm forgetting.

My book sales fell down and haven't quite picked back up but that's part of life. Not good when one comes to rely on royalties to pay a bill or two.

My adored and adorable cat, Stinkerbell, died, taking five of her kittens with her. A couple months later, my grandpa died. Definitely the ugly part of the year.

All-in-all, this year was...normal. Every year has its ups and downs, traumas and triumphs. 2011 was no exception. Keep that in mind when venturing into this new year. Strengthen yourself to face the traumas and ready yourself to rejoice in the triumphs.

Thank you, my friends, family, fans, and readers. Thank you for adding to the triumphs of the year and thank you for allowing me into your lives through my writing. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs. Thank you. I appreciate it. I appreciate you.

I wish all the best to everyone at the start of this new year.

Until next year, happy reading, writing, and blogging!!

Melody of Dragons

2011-12-22T15:48:00.000-05:00

Over a month ago I was asked one question (shortest interview of my life!) and it was:

What song reminds you of your story, The Dragon's Birth?

I answered, in great detail, with not one, but TWO Breaking Benjamin songs that bring this story to mind. Click on over to West of Mars to find out what songs I picked and how they fit this fantasy short story. HUGE thank you to Susan of West of Mars for having me!!

For the interviews I've done, check out the little list of links in the right sidebar, just below the free UNLOCKED download. :O)

For the Record

2011-12-18T22:24:00.000-05:00

Haven't done one of these in a while. Here's a subject near and dear to my heart. Without further ado, my latest whining rant...

Food ingredient labels are not accurate. They have never been accurate. When high fructose corn syrup is allowed to be labeled as fructose, sucrose, or corn syrup, and MSG can be rolled into the all-encompassing ingredient SPICES, how much of the rest of the label can you trust?

Never trust a label. And since it's impossible to eat totally healthy (a wee bit too much world pollution for that) remember: ALL THINGS IN MODERATION.

~Regency Wednesday~ Vicarage House

2011-12-07T11:24:00.000-05:00

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Brooke White ~ Free ♫

From Ackermann's Repository, October 1816:

Architectual Hints.

Plate 19. —A Vicarage-House.

The annexed design was intended for the residence of a clergyman, and purposed to be erected in a situation where the scenery is both rural and romantic, and well disposed to accord with the style of building which may be considered as peculiarly ecclesiastic, from the extensive patronage that architecture once received by the munificence of church government.

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, October 1816. For more details, check out the linked Google book.

~Regency Wednesday~ Chaw Bacon

2011-11-30T10:38:00.000-05:00

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Billie Piper ~ Honey to the Bee ♫

Simple definition post today, folks (and my apologies for failing to post a Regency Wednesday last week).

Chaw Bacon. A countryman. A stupid fellow.

*Taken verbatim from 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, available for free download from Amazon's Kindle store (as far as I know...)

To My Readers, Fans, and Loved Ones

2011-11-28T15:15:00.000-05:00

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Maroon 5 ~ Won't Go Home Without You ♫

Thank you. That is all. Much ♥ to all of you!

For One Day Only!

2011-11-25T09:09:00.003-05:00

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: The Chordettes ~ Lollipop (Squeak E Clean & Desert Eagle Remix) ♫

I'm offering all of my eBooks for FREE. That's right, free. Today only (Friday, November 25) you can download one or all of my eBooks from Smashwords for FREE. The codes stop working on Saturday so take advantage NOW.

Have I said FREE enough?

Here are the links and codes. All you have to do is click over to Smashwords, add the book(s) to your cart, apply the code(s), and submit your order. Make sure your cart total is $0.00 before you click submit.

The Dragon's Birth (fantasy short story)

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93831
Code: KX58A

Honor (Regency romance)

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/60023
Code: DY39S

Betrayal (Regency romance)

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1324
Code: VL69J

Deception (Regency romance)

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/22609
Code: RH36B

Spellbound (Regency romance)

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1375
Code: AY43H

Redemption (Regency romance)

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1433
Code: KE43Q

Happy reading!!

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#16) REVEALED

2011-11-25T09:07:00.002-05:00

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Evanescence ~ Lithium ♫

Did you guess flower, stamen, or more specifically, chicory? Woo-hoo! Great guessing! :O)

A Time to Mourn

2011-11-24T23:23:00.000-05:00

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Jordin Sparks ~ No Air ♫

My maternal grandpa died Saturday, November 19. He's the first grandparent I've lost. My own children lost their grandfather (my father-in-law) almost two years ago, but this is a first for me. He fought cancer and the cancer won, eventually. I suppose we all knew this would happen; he was 82 years old. Still, he gave it a serious fight before it prevailed.

Growing up, I had grandparents and great-grandparents. Every year, we enjoyed family reunions with my dad's side of the family and recently, with my mom's side of the family. Pictured here is my grandpa at our family gathering the summer of 2010.

Grandpa was a hunter, fisherman, trapper, and farmer. He loved nature.

He loved his family. He loved to spoil his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And he always smiled. I can't recall a time that he wasn't smiling.

It's so hard to believe he's gone. He will be greatly missed.

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#16)

2011-11-18T09:40:00.000-05:00

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Arabian Nights (from Disney's Aladdin) ♫

Ready for another mystery pic? What is this?

(I apologize for the lack of clarity in this pic.) Post your best guess here or on facebook or anywhere you happen to see this blog feed. Happy reading, writing, and guessing!!

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#15) REVEALED

2011-11-18T09:10:00.018-05:00

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Evanescence ~ You Only Call Me (When You're Sober) ♫

Did you guess last week's pic was bull thistle? If so, pat yourself on the back. You're a flower (weed?) expert!

And here's how I used this pic over on Zazzle:

Bull Thistle Magnet by jaimeygrant
Join Zazzle's graphic design affiliate programs

Stay tuned for a new mystery pic. Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!

~Regency Wednesday~ Fashions for December 1819

2011-11-16T09:19:00.097-05:00

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Sarah McLachlan ~ Fear ♫

Plate 36. —Walking Dress.

A pelisse composed of kerseymere: the colour is a peculiar shade of grey; it is lined with white sarsnet. The body is tight to the shape, the waist is rather long, and the sleeve is set in so as to just touch the point of the shoulder: the sleeve is wide and falls very much over the hand. The skirt is moderately full, meets before, and fastens down on the inside. The trimming is composed of ruby-coloured velvet; it is of a new pattern, and exceedingly rich and elegant; it goes round the bottom, and up each of the fronts. The epaulettes and cuffs correspond with the trim. High standing collar, trimmed in a similar manner. Head-dress, a bonnet composed of ruby velvet, intermixed with levantine: the crown is made of folds of these two materials, so disposed as to form a point in the centre, which has a light and novel effect: the brim is large, and of a singular but becoming shape; it is finished at the edge by a rich roll of ruby levantine, to which is attached a full fall of blond lace, set on narrow towards the ears, and broad in the middle of the brim: this style of trimming adds much softness to the countenance. A high plume of ostrich feathers, to correspond, is placed upright in front, and a rich ribbon ties it under the chin. Gloves to correspond with the pelisse. Half-boots, the lower part of black leather, the upper part grey levantine.

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, December 1819.

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#15)

2011-11-11T15:04:00.002-05:00

♫ Now playing in Jaimey's mind: Sinéad O'Connor, Nothing Compares 2 U ♫

Here's the next mystery pic in my ongoing series. Do you know what this is?

Comment here on this blog or anywhere you happen to see this pic/question. It's all in fun, so guess, guess, guess!!

Happy reading, writing, and guessing!!

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#14) REVEALED

2011-11-11T08:55:00.002-05:00

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Shinedown, The Crow and the Butterfly ~♥♥~

Did you guess pink rose petals or flower petals? Woo-hoo! You're absolutely right. Way to go!

Stay tuned for a new mystery pic later today. Until then, happy reading, writing, and blogging!!

~Just Released~ The Dragon's Birth...cont'd

2011-11-10T10:32:00.003-05:00

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Chloë Agnew, Someday ~♥♥~

Forgive me for the multiple posts on this topic but my excitement knows no bounds. The Dragon's Birth is now available in the Kindle Store on Amazon. There's a handy link, just to the left here, that will take you right to the listing, should you be interested in checking it out.

If Amazon's not your cup of tea, there's still the listing at Smashwords, and soon (hopefully) it will appear on B&N, Kobo, Apple, Diesel, and a few others I can't think of off the top of my head.

And if you like to try before you buy, there's an excerpt (from the first edited draft, not the final) on my website and Smashwords allows you to read the first 10%. Amazon also will send an excerpt to your Kindle, if that's how you prefer to roll.*

Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!

*Edited at 12:54PM to add: I just sampled the Amazon version and they don't give any of the actual story, just the copyright page. Sorry about that. lol

~Just Released~ The Dragon's Birth

2011-11-09T18:47:00.000-05:00

I'm pleased to announce that after several months of fine-tuning and tweaking my non-romance, fantasy short story The Dragon's Birth, it has finally been accepted, approved, and released with TreasureLine Publishing.

At the time of this posting, the e-book is available at Smashwords but will be available in the Kindle store soon. To read an early draft excerpt, click on over to my website.

Happy reading, writing, and blogging!!

*Winners of my celebratory giveaway, you have already been emailed with a download code to get the book for free.

~Regency Wednesday~ Fashions for December 1813

2011-11-09T08:40:00.089-05:00

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Kid Beyond, I Shall Be Free ~♥♥~

Plate 40. —Promenade or Carriage Costume

This dress, when divested of the spencer, or jacket, exhibits the

Evening or Opera Costume, Plate 41.

In order to render these commodious habiliments the more clearly understood by our readers, we shall commence with a description of the Evening or Opera Costume: which consists of a round robe of morone or crimson-coloured Merino, kerseymere, or queen's cloth, ornamented round the bottom and up the front with a fancy gold embroidered border. The bodice is composed of satin, or velvet of the same colour, trimmed round the bosom and sleeves with gold braid and narrow swansdown; the front of the bodice richly ornamented with gold and pearl buttons. A gold band or pearl and diamond clasp confine the bottom of the waist, with a gold frog pending on each side, inclining towards the back of the figure. The robe is laced behind with gold cord. Hair disposed in dishevelled curls, falling on the left side, and decorated with clusters of variegated autumnal flowers. Necklace, composed of a treble row of pearl, white cornelian, or the satin bead, confined in front with a diamond clasp. Ear-rings and bracelets to correspond. Slippers, of crimson velvet, ornamented with gold fringe and rosettes, though we recommend those of white satin in preference. White kid gloves, below the elbow. Fan, of richly frosted silver crape.

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, 1813.

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#14)

2011-11-04T12:58:00.000-04:00

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Oleander, Why I'm Here ~♥♥~

The last couple mystery pics were rather difficult so here's an easier one (I hope)...

What is this? Post your best guess wherever you happen to see this pic/question. This is all for fun, so guess away!

The answer will be posted next week. Happy reading, writing, and guessing!

~Photo Friday~ What is it? (#13) REVEALED

2011-11-04T09:16:00.007-04:00

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Adele, Someone Like You ~♥♥~

If you guessed feathers, way to go! If you guessed peacock feathers, even better. Pat yourself on the back. :O)

A new mystery pic will be posted later today, so stay tuned! In the meantime, happy reading, writing, and blogging!!

For the Record

2011-11-03T10:57:00.000-04:00

In an ongoing effort to whine my cares away, here's the next installment of...

FOR THE RECORD

Facebook is NOT PRIVATE. Facebook has NEVER BEEN private. Facebook will NEVER BE private. Privacy settings are not as private as they'd have you believe.

FACEBOOK: Making it easier for stalkers since 2004.

Thank you.

~Regency Wednesday~ 1815 Advertisements (#2)

2011-11-02T09:07:00.072-04:00

~♥♥~ Now playing in my head: Hayley Westenra, Who Painted the Moon Black ~♥♥~

HEMET'S

Essence of pearl and pearl dentifrice, which excel, both in elegance and efficacy, every other preparation for the Teeth and Gums, price 2s.9d. each. The essence is particularly recommended to Parents and Persona have hae the care of Children, as the greatest preservative of young and tender Teeth. None are genuine but what have the words "J. Hemet, Bayley and Blew, Cockspur-street," engraved in the stamp. (January 1815)

BEAUTIFUL IMITATION OF DIAMONDS.

T. Duddell and Co. solicit the Nobility and Ladies, at the present season, to inspect their much approved fine imitation of brilliant Diamonds, as also of the carious coloured Gems, as Rubies, Emeralds, Topazes, Amethysts, &c.; having now complete elegant suits of Necklaces, Bracelets, Tiaras, Ear-rings, and Brooches—the whole of which are set by the first diamond artists, and are not to be distinguished from the real stone. Merchants and Captains may be supplied with them as usual, expressly assorted for the different Foreign Markets, by T. Duddell and Co. 106, Holborn Hill, London. (February 1815)

IMPROVED IVORY PAPER,

FOR PAINTING IN MINIATURE.

A very great improvement has of late been made in this article, by laying on a surface of dissolved Ivory, which embraces all the properties of the animal substance, at a much lower rate, and it rendered perfectly smooth and clear.

Sold wholesale and retail by R. Ackermann, 101, Strand. (March 1815)

*Taken verbatim from Ackermann's Repository, 1815.