I've been a little too quiet lately.
But I've had a good reason. Well, a few actually.

First of all — I've just received the first round of edits for "Watch Me".
No cover yet, no blurb or anything, but I'll get that to you as soon as I have something.

The other reason… I've just signed the contract for another book.
It's Book 2 in a series called "Gatekeepers". It's an exciting idea, and right now, all I can tell you is that the hero's name is "Caedir" (which is also the name of the book). He's a Daoine Sidhe (Deannan Shee), a warrior fae, who is in charge of a gate linking our world with…another. He's sworn to protect that gate at all costs and not let anything get through.
He's a pretty brutal and ruthless guy, which is why he was chosen for the job.

Can't tell you much else yet…because I haven't written it yet. I'm 5,000 words into it though — and I have a great cover to reveal:

Yummy.

Bitten by Books reviewed Howl and gave it a whopping 4 Tombstones!

Read the review here: http://www.bittenbybooks.com/41908/howl-by-silke-juppenlatz/

I've censored the following, in protest of a bill that gives any corporation and the US government the power to censor the internet–a bill that could pass THIS WEEK. To see the uncensored text, and to stop internet censorship, visit: http://americancensorship.org/posts/35286/uncensor

One of these days I'll find a self published book I'll actually enjoy.

Not because the story told is bad, but because the spelling and use of words will be on par with the storytelling.
There is nothing worse than being jarred out of a story than the wrong word used in the context.

I know I keep harping on about it, but it really annoys me to the n'th degree when I see a writer use lightening where they mean lightning. Lightening does not split the sky. Lightning does.
Friends tell me "Get over it. You're too critical."
Am I? What's so bad about insisting the writer learns his or her craft? After all, if you expect me to pay for your book, I expect you to have applied rigorous editing procedures. Surely every writer is aware of words they often misuse and checks for them?
Apparently not.
If it were only the occasional misused word…fine. It happens. But some seem to like mixing it up with blatant spelling mistakes. (I know the difference between a typo and a spelling mistake…) When you see the same word misspelled all over… It tells it's own story, and it's not the one you want me to read.

If you're not sure if you have errors in your manuscript, either hire an editor, or get someone who is very good at spotting this stuff to read over your finished work. (Hey, here's a wild thought — ask your former English teacher.)
Grammar and sentence structure is often subjective, but there is only one spelling for a word, and only one use for a word within the context you're using.
Misused words are not found by a spellchecker. A mispelled word (and lightening could be both) might not be found either, if the error makes it mean something different.

As a self published author, the only one who can be blamed for the mistakes a reader finds is you. There is no hiding behind a publishing house.

Make a good first impression, rather than an (often) lasting bad one.

The first time I went to a local writers’ group meeting, someone mentioned a writing contest, with an entry deadline in two weeks. It was a week before Thanksgiving, and I had no idea what to write about, but decided to come up with something. Holidays seem fraught with emotion—good for most families, and downright awful in others. And since writing a short story presented a challenge for me (my ongoing 1st novel at that point had already capped out around 189k words), I opted for a story that would leave readers to decide the ending for themselves. The premise was this: a woman out for a walk on Thanksgiving, after in-laws had gone home, facing a decision about her marriage after she’d caught her husband fooling around the night before at a party. While she’s out walking, she meets a man (and they have instant chemistry), who shows obvious interest in her, going so far as to confess he watches her out walking every day. Which is a little creepy and makes his character a little iffy… During this meeting, she feels drawn to him regardless, and ends up spilling her troubles to him. He asks her what she’s going to do about her marriage, but she doesn’t know yet, and leaves him wondering, along with the reader.
I won 3rd place in the writing contest.
But then…
Even though I loved leaving my readers hanging, I’d kind of gotten attached to my main character Mandy. I liked her pithy, smart-ass way of seeing things, and really wanted to see if she’d take her wayward husband back, or go for the new guy. And, being a pantser, I honestly had no idea how it’d turn out. I did know her husband wasn’t all bad, and she wasn’t perfect, and Adam (aka New Guy) wouldn’t be 100% good—because I was tired of stories with perfect lead characters and totally evil bad guys.
The result turned out to be something like this (here’s the book trailer link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NJUIDdanyg ):

One good heartbreak deserves another.

Mandy plans to leave her husband the minute their month of counseling is over. How can she forgive his outrageous affair? It would almost be funny if the consequences weren't so harsh. They've got kids, and families with strong–and warped–opinions on marriage.
Her aunt thinks she should take a page from the black widow spider. Her brother's begging to avenge her broken heart, and their marriage counselor offers to play the willing victim in some payback sex.
While her clueless husband launches a campaign to win her back, Mandy meets Adam, the perfect shoulder to cry on. Will perfect justice prove just how sweet revenge can be when you wait for it?

Content Warning: Real people aren't all good or all bad. Neither are the characters in this story. The shade of right or wrong you see may depend upon whose glasses you are looking through.

Waiting for Revenge is available wherever ebooks are sold, for $0.99.

Autumn Piper
Got romance?
http://piperpatter.blogspot.com/
www.autumnpiper.com

Still playing with the new pony.
Well, he's a horse, even if he's a small one.
But technically he's a pony, as he's under 14.8 hands.
Anyway.

The release for "Watch me" was pushed back to August.
Not terribly happy about that, but alas, nothing I can do about it.
So in the meantime I'm finishing up my self publishing venture.
Okay, it's not going majorly fast. I have about 30k right now, which makes it about half done. Maybe a little more than half.
It'll probably go to about 50k.
I've been working on this series on and off for several years. The later books are sitting on my drive, but I wanted to start the series off with a little introduction of how the series starts. So that's the one I'm writing at the moment.
I'm not letting the cat out of the bag just yet, but when I'm ready…I'll give you the details.

But… I'll let you take a peek:

     Kelverian tried to pull away, disgust and fear warring for dominance inside him, but found he lacked the strength. Unused to being so helpless, he could only lie in the dust and let the angel proceed as he wished. He shuddered when the man’s lips touched the fragile skin on the inside of his wrist, leaving a burning pain behind.
     Once the angel let go, Kelverian tucked his arm beneath his body to protect it. Damn it hurt, the burn radiated outward, shooting from his wrist all the way to his heart.
     “Kelverian, you are now under my protection. If you dare rebel against us, I will revoke my seal and Raguel will have you hunted down and destroyed — by your own kind.”
     Before Kelverian could utter a single word, the weight on his back was gone and the angel vanished. He glanced at Raguel, unable to hide the terror he’d experienced. “Who was he, and what was this about?”
     “My boss. Camael.”
     It rang a bell. A loud, clanging alarm bell. “Remind me who he is.”
     “A Great Crown Judgment Prince.”
     Oh holy crap. He knew there were eight of them, and they held jurisdiction over every angel. Even Metatron deferred to them on occasion. Kelverian stared blankly at his left wrist, at the slight glow beneath the skin. It didn’t hurt anymore, but damn. He carried Camael’s sigil. No wonder he’d felt a burn. He struggled to his feet, feeling completely wiped out. God, he’d never known pain like it.“What did he do?”
     “I’m sorry he dropped his shield. Being so close…he had no right to do it.”
     “Shield?” Oh hell, they shielded themselves?
     Raguel nodded. “If we were to lower it, or drop our shields, you would be unable to stand in our presence.”
     “It felt like I’m dragged into the abyss! Do you have any idea how it feels to be crushed?”
     “Not the abyss. He didn’t lower you. He raised you.”
     “Raised?” It dawned on him what Raguel meant. “Heaven? That’s what heaven feels like?”
     “To you, yes. A few more moments, and he would have liquefied your body.”
     How could they defend themselves against that? Horror gripped his spine and twisted hard. He hadn’t known, and he doubted his brethren knew, either. Oddly, none of the angels he’d fought had affected him like this. “Was it just because he was so…elevated? Or can all of you do this?”
     “We all can. The lowest to the highest.”
     “I don’t understand. If you have a weapon we have no way of defeating, why not use it to exterminate us? No angel ever did this to me.”
     A smile quirked Raguel’s lips. “No, they would not. It is a double edged blade. You cannot use Heaven as a weapon. It is forbidden. And if they had, then humans for a hundred miles would have felt the Grace and come running. Even now, I suspect, many are on their way here because of Camael.”
     Grace? That’s what they called it? As far as he was concerned, there was nothing lovely about it. Pure agony, that’s what it was. “Did it ever occur to either of you to just tell me what you want, rather than slam me into the dirt, Grace me, and do it?”
     “I don’t command him.” Raguel shrugged and helped him up. “Your other wrist, please.”
     “This whole kissing my wrist stuff is gross, just for your information.” Nevertheless, he let Raguel grip his arm. “And we seriously need to work on our communication.”
     Raguel placed his lips against the inside of Kelverian’s wrist. Another burn, less painful than Camael’s mark, then a second sigil glowed beneath the skin.
     Kelverian drew his arm away. “Are you done molesting me now?”
     Something dark and hard crossed Raguel’s features. “We did not molest you.”
     “Felt like it,” Kelverian muttered and rubbed his forearm. “So what happens if I get killed again? Purgatory?”
     “If you are killed before you find your vessel, yes.”
     “Vessel?” Kelverian’s head jerked up. “Could you elaborate on that? I have to find a container of sorts?”
     Panic entered Raguel’s eyes. “I cannot tell you. I said too much already.”
     “You haven’t said enough. How can I find something when I don’t even know what I’m looking for?”
     “I cannot–”
     “Come on, Rag. Throw me a bone. At least tell me where to start looking.”
     “No.” Raguel’s gaze hardened. “And don’t call me Rag. My name is Raguel. Unless you prefer to call me Rufael, Suryan or Akrasiel.”
     Amusement took hold. “One name wasn’t enough for you?”
     “Do not be insolent.”
     “I think I’ll call you Rag. Just because you hate being called that.” Kelverian grinned. “So, Rag, are you going to help me out a little? What’s the big secret?”
     Raguel’s expression became thunderous. “I cannot tell you. Do not ask me again.”
     “And you call yourself the angel of fairness.” Kelverian slapped the dust off his clothes, trying to appear as if he weren’t fazed. Truth told, Raguel’s change in speech pattern hadn’t gone unnoticed, nor had his expression. He wasn’t about to push his luck with an Archangel.

So that's what's coming.
I hope you enjoyed the little taste.

Writing Endings

Today I’m going to be talkin’ about story endings. There are some simple guidelines with sometimes overwhelming edits to follow them. But in the end, your story will be tighter, your story more believable and your readers will be satisfied.
Number One rule: Let your characters take control of your story. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what happens to the plot. Sometimes authors/aspiring writers come up with great ideas for a book, along with a great ending and then wonder why the plot driven story is flat. Well… fiction writing is much like living; you have no idea what’s going to happen so the story needs to be character motivated. And, most times you’ll have to rewrite the ending idea, anyway. After all, how can you know how a situation is going to turn out, if you haven’t worked through it yet? Your characters are the same.
There are some major problems with having a set idea for a great ending when you first begin your story. 
The ending will seem too contrived and disappoint the reader, and you, because it wasn’t done naturally or logically. How do you avoid this?  Foreshadowing with sub-plots and secondary characters. This will make the ending, when it comes, believable. Also, try and trick the reader. Lead them to expect a different ending. I love the surprises when it happens!

With a predetermined ending, your characters won’t have the freedom to be spontaneous, either. Nor, go in the direction they desire. This can result in writer’s block because your characters will be stuck living in the world you want for them, not their own free choosing.

Also, most times, authors/aspiring writers will rush toward that ending they’re so excited about, and forget the all important sub-plots that make a story believable and enjoyable.
Now, if your ending idea is too good/too shocking to forget about, give it away as soon as possible. Ever been shocked in the middle or toward the end of a story? Isn’t it the best? In my opinion, the Obligator Scene is the best place to give the surprise away. It’ll provide some answers, (don’t give all of them away) it’ll keep your reader reading and satisfy your need to write the scene. Plus, your characters will be free to end their story on their terms.
Advantages to not knowing your ending: 
You’ll keep your audience reading because you’ll have the chance to start other story lines. Sub-plots and secondary characters can really keep a book from stalling. And your readers won’t have to wait for that fabulous ending that they might not get to because of boredom.
With the blank page, pun intended, your characters will be able to move and live all sorts of different possibilities. Nothing will tie them down. They’ll find a new ending, a better ending, a more exciting ending. Your characters will push your creative mind and make you better at your craft. Don’t hold back on any of your good ideas. Write them as they come and don’t save them for the ‘next book’. This work in progress is what’s important. And if you try to jip your characters on their ending, they will let you know!

Hope this was helpful! I love dissecting creative writing and learning new ways to achieve my craft.

Thank you for having me, Silke. Have a Sparkling Holiday!

Rebecca Rose

Don’t forget to stop by Lyrical Press for our Christmas bash where my novel, Divine Redemption is 30% off!

Blurb for Divine Redemption
Sometimes redemption is the only salvation needed to forgive yourself.
In his first selfless act, Donald Write takes a bullet for Daniel Allen. Now he's changed his name and moved across the country to live with Daniel’s family, whose welcoming home reception wasn't very warm.
Jacqueline is Daniel’s daughter. This soft spoken, well dressed lady soon teaches Donald that looks can be deceiving and her heart can be his if he’s willing to open up and except her gift of love.
Donald hadn't counted on the intense and immediate attraction to Jacqueline. She’s the boss’s daughter and off limits; that is until he finds himself with an irresistible primal need to be with her. She shows him love in a way he's never felt before and gives him the strength to become the better man he's always wanted to be. But how can Donald touch and care for someone so pure of heart when their future can be destroyed by his past? A future built on redemption and second chances.

Content warning: M/F romance, action, and explicit sex.

Excerpt:

“Hey, Donald, I need that expense report. Where are you?”

“Under the desk.” Since Donald started working for the Allens, he’d learned a valuable lesson in patience. Not touching Jacqueline was the hardest thing he’d ever done.

“You know, Donald, there’s talk that you’re the most eligible bachelor in town.”

Donald craned his head to look at her. “That’s my chair you’re sitting in.”

“Yes, but I like the view of your behind.”

He wiggled it for her and she laughed.

“Donald, what are you looking for?”

“I dropped my paperclips.”

His dry response had another giggle coming from her.

“You’re too cute.”

“I’m not trying to be cute. This job really sucks sometimes, you know.”

“But you’re so good at it.” She rubbed her foot along his bottom, then attempted to go between his legs but Donald closed them.

“We talked about this, Jacqueline.” He turned and placed a hand on each of her knees.

“I’m only flirting with you.”

“You’re sexually harassing me, and I believe there’s a strict policy about that.”

“Donald,” she said, bringing her face close to his.

“Ya.” His eyes went to her lips and back to her eyes.

“I need that expense report.”

Today I have author Cristal Ryder with me.
I asked her to tell us about some Christmas Memories.

Hi there, Cristal!

When I was a kid, it was about this time a package would arrive from England. It was wrapped in brown paper, secured with tape and string and covered with stamps.

Mom hid this mysterious package on the top shelf of the coat closet by the front door. I would peek in every day to make sure it was still there.

We were allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve and it was this package. The anticipation of unwrapping this package was tangible. Inside would be numerous other packages wrapped in Christmas paper. There would be one for me, my brother, my mom and a few raunchy post cards for my dad. And there was always a Cross and Blackwells Plum Pudding. My mom is very British and until Mark's and Spencer's crossed the pond, nothing over here was as good as back home.

The package came from my mom's friend Ann. They exchanged gifts every year. I can't remember when they stopped, maybe when us kids grew up. Ann had two daughters and we were all about the same age. Ann and my mom were teenage friends in Eastbourne, England. Ann's husband Harold and my dad were pretty close and he was the one that sent those questionable post cards which usually had naked breasts on them. Both Ann and Harold are gone now. Ann passed away just after Christmas last year. I know its been tough on my mom not having Ann at the other end of the phone line. They would talk for ages a few times a year.

Memories of Christmas stay with you through the years. Brown paper packages wrapped up with string is just one of the many memories I hold dear. I can only hope I've created memories for my own kids that they will carry with them through the years. Maybe I need to ask them.

Below is an excerpt for Being Ariana, the prequel to Being Bound which will be released February 20, 2012.

You can find me at www.cristalryder.com I'd love to hear from you!

Is it better to get lost in your fantasy, or be found in another's?

On the 3rd December, to be precise.

It's the reason for slacking off with blogging and uh…a lot of other things.

In case you wonder what the reason was:

That's "Oscuro Del Gavilan".
He is a 9 year old, dapple gray (when no mud is available) Paso Fino gelding.

He has the prettiest head, and fur as soft as a cat's. So far everyone has fallen in love with him.

So yeah, it's his fault.

It'll also be his fault if I start writing horse books lol.

We'll be back to regular programming soon.

It's 44 Days until Christmas.

Shocking, isn't it? Are you ready?
I know I'm not, and I'm having a monster month ahead of me.
I will be doing a blog tour, several other guest blogs, a give-away (21st December @ TRS), and some Christmas shopping.

Right now, I'm looking at my calendar, and it's a frightening affair.

I will add a little event calendar in case anyone wants to visit with me, but I'm still working on the links and stuff.