It's Those Troublemakers

Say hi to Sami at the ICFA!

2013-03-18T23:56:00.003-04:00

Celebrate the Fantasy Genre!
Art (cc) by David Revoy

Our very own Troublemaker Samantha Holloway will be attending the 34th International Conference on the Fantastic in the Arts! The conference is March 20-24th in Orlando, Florida.

The conference is held by the International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts and is a great place to meet writers and publishers. Coincidentally, IAFA is a great place to meet Sami.

Have a blast at the conference, dear, and if you readers would like to know more, check out the IAFA website. Neil Gaiman is guest of honor, ooh la la!

Sami will also be posting about the conference on her blog, Herding the Dragon. Stay tuned!

Shaking up Colossalcon!

2013-03-02T23:17:00.002-05:00

Image (c) Colossalcon/Nostalgia Conventions. Source: FB

Hey, hey! Good news for anime fans, gaming geeks, and pop culture enthusiasts! If you ever wanted to take a stab at popular fiction, Troublemaker Kristina Elyse Butke is going to be holding two writing panels exclusive to Colossalcon 12!

The schedule's still being put together as Colossalcon is working through panel submissions, so we'll keep you posted on the specific event dates and times...but here's a little preview of each topic, as they'll appear listed in the Colossalcon program:

Give Good Spec! Sci fi. Fantasy. Horror. This triad of awesome is known as speculative fiction, and it's everywhere--books, games, movies, comics--you name it. But a genre that's this popular can still be problematic for writers and artists (hello, clichés and tropes!). So how do we give good spec? We get to the heart of storytelling!

Fanfic into Fiction Want your fanfic to rise above all the rest? Do you want to go beyond fan fiction and start your writing career? We'll break all the myths and misconceptions of fanfic so you can stake your claim in the world of publishing!

Colossalcon will be held June 6-9th at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio. You can purchase admission here and read more about the convention at the official site and on the forums. We hope to see you there!

Get Lost in the news for "Intelligence"

2013-02-13T23:59:00.000-05:00

Everything he touches turns to sexy.
Actor Josh Holloway is confirmed lead
for the CBS pilot of Intelligence...
none of this would exist without
JOHN DIXON'S MARVELOUS BRAIN!
Image Source

(Ha ha. See what I did there, with the title?)

We've got great and exciting news for Troublemaker John Dixon! His novel Dissident caught the eye of CBS, who picked up the rights to it as the new series Intelligence. Now it's been booked for a pilot episode, with Lost alum Josh Holloway starring as the lead.

This is such big news and a great publicity boost for John. Just google any of the following terms--Intelligence--Josh Holloway--John Dixon--and you'll see the internet explode with articles. You can of course, read the awesome news from the author himself...

...I personally learned about it first through Buzzfeed and Uproxx and all of those fun pop culture websites. Which means it's on the internet, it's out there, and it's ready to be devoured by the masses.

In the meantime, I'd like to give everyone a pleasant reminder that although the news articles say Dissident is unpublished, it won't be for long. You'll see it in print January 2014 from Simon and Schuster.

CONGRATULATIONS, JOHN!

Troublemakers Shake it Up!

2013-01-30T22:19:00.002-05:00

Yesss! We will take over the publishing world!
Anchorman gif via Funny or Die

It's been quite a while since our last post, but I'm happy to share with you all the good news about our fabulous Troublemakers!!

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CONGRATULATIONS to

Joe Campbell||Jo Crosier||Jennifer Della'Zanna|| William Fay||Priscilla Kissinger||and||Chris Von Halle for completing their Masters of Fine Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University!

GO FORTH AND SET THE WORLD ON FIRE! -Ignatius Loyola

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CONGRATULATIONS to

Joe Campbell

on the release of his book, Thanksgiving at Auntee-Mama's House, available at Amazon.com!

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CONGRATULATIONS to

Jo Crosier, aka Rachell Nichole

on the release of her book, Spicy with a side of Cranberry Sauce, available at Loose Id, Amazon, B&N

as well as Queen of Hearts, available at Amazon and B&N!!!

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CONGRATULATIONS to

JOHN DIXON

whose book Dissident was acquired by Simon & Schuster for a January 2014 release! If you missed it, the book was also purchased by CBS as the upcoming TV series Intelligence! Click the pic for more!

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Great things are sure to keep on coming for this awesome group of writers. Stick around and we'll update you on every success and adventure we have along the way! Thanks for your support!!!

John Dixon--stirring up some trouble!

2012-09-23T15:30:00.000-04:00

Some awesome news re: one of our own, author John Dixon:

Click the screencap for the official announcement from Deadline Hollywood.

CONGRATULATIONS, JOHN!!

For more of the fabulous John Dixon, head over to The Dark Flibbertigibbet.

Release! Scheherazade and the Library of Pergamum

2012-09-16T14:10:00.001-04:00

For most of last year, I wrote and edited for Black Chicken Studios on a game called 1931: Scheherazade and the Library of Pergamum. And now it's out!

We're really proud of it, and everyone in the world should play it. You can read more about it on my main blog here, or you can go to www.ScheherazadeGame.com!

And tell us what you think!

What kind of reader are you?

2012-09-16T12:56:00.001-04:00

This article discovered via Flipboard, an awesome app for Ipad

First and foremost, writers are readers. This fun little guide from The Atlantic Wire breaks down reading habits and offers tongue-in-cheek book recommendations. Although it doesn't dive into the correlation between reading and writing, I bet you'll find a way to see how your reading style influences your writing habits if you think through it.

I'm a Delayed Onset Reader #1. Read the definition here. This probably indicates my perfectionism when it comes to my own writing as well as my issues with time management. Reverence is a form of procrastination! :)

What type of reader are you? How does your reading style impact your writing style? Be sure to post your answers in the comments.

Quotes about Troublemakers

2012-08-20T13:48:00.002-04:00

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers… The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” -Steve Jobs

Look who's making trouble!

2012-08-20T12:07:00.003-04:00

Available August 21st from Loose Id!
Cover by Tibbs Design.

Congratulations to author Rachell Nichole, whose book An Affair Across Times Square launches August 21st! This brazen and sexy erotic romance is sure to cause a stir for readers everywhere, and you'll see why:

Layla Morgan is tired of getting into trouble, and getting hurt. And she fears her wild nature is going to strike yet again. But maybe this time, she's finally met the guy that can stand close enough to touch her inner flames, and not get burned. The man across Times Square seems enthralled by her wildness instead of scared in the face of it. He can't seem to look away as she shows him just how much fun she can have… with herself.

After one glance of silky skin and talented fingers, Tyler Lachlan doesn't stand a chance of resisting the delicious distraction of the mystery woman from the Marietta Hotel. He's sure there's more to her than her sultry voice and mahogany thighs, but he doesn't know if he's willing to risk his career to find out.

Could what began as a voyeuristic affair across Times Square develop into something more?

Read the first chapter here! By the book here! And check out this awesome promotional video from the author herself:

Rachell's also been busy on the blogosphere! Check out her guests posts, shout-outs, and author appearances:

We'll keep you updated, since there will certainly be more to come! In the meantime, you can buy the book here!

We wish you tons of success, Rachell!

For more of the wonderful Rachell Nichole:

Visit her on Facebook
Add her to your circles on Google +
Follow her blog, The Divas of Desire, featuring authors Nona Raines and Danica St. Como
Check out her out on Loose Id
Subscribe to her YouTube channel
Visit her official author site, RachelleNichole.com

Sami Post: My Name Is Not Bob: Revision Tips for Writers

2011-06-10T10:43:00.000-04:00

My Name Is Not Bob: Revision Tips for Writers

I know at least several of us are going through revisions either right now or very soon, so I thought I'd share: a nice rundown of things to think about while handling your revisions.

~:)

what we're reading

2011-04-05T09:18:00.000-04:00

Hi everybody! I was just wondering what everyone's reading right this very minute?

I'm reading Boneshaker by Cherie Priest, The Restorer by Amanda Stevens (not out yet), Earthling Hero by our own Anita Laydon Miller, and Mansfield Park by Jane Austin. What are YOU reading?

If You Ever Meet me...

2011-03-29T23:08:00.000-04:00

If you ever meet me in an alley...
I'm probably doing research for a book. Because alleys scare the hell out of me - even well-lit ones in the middle of the day. I would not suggest approaching a paranoid writer in an alley-way - especially me. Though a friendly "Hey, are you alive over there?" couldn't hurt. It will most likely be ignored.

If you ever meet me behind a computer...
If my eyes are on the screen and the fingers on the keys - BEWARE. I may ensnare you to be my sounding board while I talk my way out of a problem. Or bite off your head if you begin a conversation. (or your hand if it comes within good masticating distance).

If you ever meet me at a conference....
I'll be sure to be talking or listening to someone important because I LOVE meeting new people and I think everyone's important in their own right. Come and join us. We won't mind.

If you ever meet me when I'm teaching...
Beware - the children are probably frikazeeing my brain and I won't have enough mental fortitude to speak with anyone over the age of twelve. You'll have to give me some adjustment time. Or HELP. PLEASE HELP. So my darling little monsters won't overrun me :-)

and finally...

If you ever meet me when I am with my family....
Do not judge me by the company I keep or the gene pool I come from... Please. They are insanity incarnate these people and I love them will all my heart. But if you're not a Crosier, you simply will not understand.

link: Beware Of Writer

2011-03-29T10:50:00.000-04:00

Beware Of Writer:

I've decided to take any mention of being a writer and being a troublemaker as a reference to us, and I'm going to post them all here and take the credit for their inspiration as our own. Just so you know. Also, this is an awesome article.

"I’ve seen a meme bouncing around that reveals reasons why you shouldn’t ever date a writer. It’s true, to a point. But I think it goes even deeper than that. Frankly, you should probably get the hell away from us. Anybody. Not just the people we date. But everybody. See us in line at the grocery store? Run, don’t walk. Escape. Avoid. Awooga, awooga. On a good day, we’re eccentric troublemakers. On a bad day, we’re malevolent sociopaths. And with writers, it’s usually a bad day."

Hi Everyone!

2011-03-27T12:27:00.000-04:00

This blog has been up and running for a little bit now, and I've yet to jump on and introduce myself. Seeing as how I'm looking for an excuse to take a break from cleaning my house... I thought I'd jump on and see what's happening on the Troublemaker Blog.

I'm Prisakiss. Romance writer, mother of three, wife of one, employee of a local metro St Louis community college, full-time graduate student in Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction Master of Fine Arts program, volunteer with several organizations, avid runner (though not so avid in the cold weather), baseball/football/tennis fan, ESPN viewer, and musical theater aficionado. That pretty much covers the big stuff.

I'm proud to be a member of the Troublemakers!! We're a great group, okay maybe a hodgepodge, of writers from all across the US striving to get published (or published again) and impact the emotions of readers across the globe.

We're funny, emotion-driven, a little quirky, and REAL. So stop by sometime to see what we're chatting about. Or ask a question you'd like us to answer.

We're all writers, so obviously writing questions are a "go." But we're people from all walks of life, so shoot away and let's see what we come up with. Maybe you'll find some sage advice. Maybe you'll get a laugh. Maybe you'll shed a tear-- happy or sad. But we'll do our best to evoke some type of emotion from you-- hopefully a positive one.

Cheers!!

link: Pass-Along Poems | Poets & Writers

2011-03-22T10:29:00.000-04:00

Pass-Along Poems | Poets & Writers

I wanted to share this little gem of beautifulness: 12 free poems by new poets, that you can print up and staple into a chapbook to hand out to people, and maybe change their lives.

I firmly believe that the possibility implicit in every single poem is that maybe it'll change someone's life. This little book lets you leave little landmines of literature all over the city, and gives space where you can include your own unpublished stuff, if you want-- or maybe leave the pages blank and let other people fill in their own poetry, the songs in their own heads.

So go here, get this .pdf, and add a little more art to the world, okay?

nonsense, troublemakers style

2011-03-14T00:13:00.001-04:00

Ten Top Trivia Tips about The Troublemakers!

It's bad luck to put The Troublemakers on a bed!
The Troublemakers once came third in a Charlie Chaplin lookalike contest.
Pound for pound, hamburgers cost more than The Troublemakers.
Pacman was originally called The Troublemakerman.
The Troublemakers can usually be found in nests built in the webs of large spiders.
American Airlines saved forty thousand dollars a year by eliminating The Troublemakers from each salad served in first class.
Bees visit over three million flowers to make a single kilogram of The Troublemakers.
A thimbleful of The Troublemakers would weigh over 100 million tons!
Ostriches stick their heads in The Troublemakers not to hide but to look for water.
You share your birthday with The Troublemakers.

now we've been formally introduced...

2011-02-16T12:14:00.000-05:00

Hi! I'm Sami. Samantha Holloway if you want to be professional.

I was just thinking this morning of the very first book I remember reading for myself. I learned how to read pretty early-- I had basic words and numbers down before I started school because I used to read the comics while my dad read the paper in the morning (I remember how impossibly huge those pages seemed to my four-year-old self). Then I spend several years officially learning, and being totally bored of books with less than ten pages and really short words, so I read everything that had words on it-- signs, the backs of cereal boxes, the subtitles for Clan of the Cave Bear (which taught me how to read faster, and also the basics of how babies are made). Somewhere along the line, I moved up to skinny chapter books before I was supposed to. And then, when I had just turned eight, I got Charlotte's Web out of a bookstore of my own accord, and I spent two months reading it so carefully that I think I could have written a dissertation about it. It was the first book that was really mine. The first one that made me cry just because of the combination of little letter-squiggles on the pages. The first one I clearly remember impacting my life--I still feel bad squishing spiders, and I've considered giving up all pig products (and actually do, whenever I re-read it, for a time... except that bacon is so damned tasty and I don't have that much willpower).

That book is probably why I started writing. The first thing I remember sitting down specifically to write was very soon after reading that book, and the first thing anyone noticed me writing was within a few months of it. I gave it to my niece when she started reading, and now she's eleven and devouring books as quickly as I did. I'm trying to talk her into starting a blog. Because I think that's the next step: I gave her Charlotte's Web, and now I need to encourage her to write, too.