September 06, 2017

A Stressful Month



NOTE: I'm having a horrible day. It'll take me a while to reply back and visit blogs. Sorry.


Award:


I got this a week ago from 10greatest.com: 



You might notice a few other familiar names/faces on the list



August: 

August was a tough month. 

I went about 5 days without an AC for my house. In Florida heat.

I had to do car repairs right after my AC was fixed. Then I decided to sell my car and get another used car.

The good news is I started writing a new book (new idea) and wrote over 100 pages in 10 days, but with the car issues and editing, I haven't done much on it in over a week.

Now I am attempting to start a street team. Not trying to get sympathy sign-ups, but I'm wondering if this'll work. This is my current insecurity.

Anyway, here are some perks if you're considering joining Fey's Sparklers:

- Free ebook when you join
- Prizes awarded for missions
- Random prizes/giveaways 
- Advance Reader Copies
- Name characters and places
- Come up with book titles 
(and get credit in dedication)
- See cover art first
- Share ideas
- Chat

I plan to make it a lot of fun.




GOODREADS GIVEAWAY:  I'm doing my first Goodreads giveaway for a print copy of Seismic Crimes. The giveaway will end on September 11th.

Click to enter the Seismic Crimes Goodreads Giveaway


****



EEEK!: I did a LIVE YouTube interview with Evan Carmichael for the IWSG. Just before, I found out my webcam wasn't supported by Google Hangouts. Enter panic mode. Evan was waiting. We could hear each other, and I could see him, but he couldn't see me. So I quickly booted up my laptop. Thank goodness it worked, and with seconds to spare, too. The lighting on my end would've been better otherwise. I also had to shoo away two of my cats during his answers. Those pesky creatures! lol


You can watch the video and get great advice for authors here.

Or here:



104 comments:

  1. My sympathies on the AC being out. It can't happen when it's only mildly warm, can it?

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  2. That's awesome about the award! Congratulations!!! Good luck with the street team. I'm still too skittish to try one for myself.

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    1. Thank you! I'm nervous about the street team, too, but mostly about getting enough members to participate.

      Delete
  3. Sorry about the AC. Remember when ours broke during the summer a few of years ago. I'm in VA but the heat was boiling. By the time we got it fixed we'd got used to it somewhat but the guys who came to replace it was like whoa when they entered the house.
    Hopefully September will be better, good luck with your new story and stay safe during Irma.

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    1. By the last day of not having AC, I was starting to feel sick. Not good. So far, my September has been more of the same, and today was really rough. :\ Thanks, Lidy!

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  4. Yikes on the ac in this heat! We had something similar happen to us recently - so not fun.

    I thought the Evan Carmichael interview went well, Chrys. :)

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  5. AC always goes out at the worst of times. Car woes sure suck too. But 100 pages sure isn't too shabby.

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  6. Wow, congratulations on that award! What a great group to be part of, and it's very well deserved. Hooray!
    Sorry August was rough for you. I hope September is better. And that you and your family (kitties included) all stay safe during Irma.

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    1. Thanks, Julie!

      So far, September isn't shaping up to be any better. I'm praying that it doesn't get disastrously worse because of Irma.

      Delete
  7. Congrats on the award. Not the time to be without AC here in Florida. We have an old car that just developed a problem. It's hard to know whether to invest the money in the old or get new. I think we will go used this time around. Hang in there...and I think we are going to be lucky "fingers crossed" and Irma pass us by here in the Panhandle. It's "funny" how people freak out...but it is essential to be prepared. We always are and if it's too bad we'll get out of town.
    sherry @ fundinmental

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    1. It is really important to be prepared. If you start preparing before hurricane season starts, you don't have to go all crazy when a storm comes. I start putting aside non-perishable foods May/June.

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  8. Sorry about the AC and the car. I can't imagine not having AC in that heat!
    100 pages in 10 days is pretty awesome! I would love to have a writing burst like that.

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    Replies
    1. After 9 months of not writing, I was so thankful for that writing burst. :)

      Delete
  9. Being without AC is tough! I almost had a heat stroke four years ago, because my woo-woo ex-roommate refused to help with paying for AC for the few months we needed it, and because she was convinced "toxins" were lurking in AC, waiting to maim us all.

    Congratulations on the award!

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    Replies
    1. Your ex-roommate sounds a little nutty. lol

      Thanks!

      Delete
  10. I live in fear of my AC dying because I'm way too wimpy to deal with Florida heat without it.

    And hooray for a new story idea—hope you get back to it soon. Maybe after we all run away from Irma?

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    1. I am enjoying this story, but with continuing problems, editing, and...yes...now Irma, it may take until October before I can truly dive back into it again.

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  11. You did great with the interview.
    Hopefully the AC in your new car doesn't go out. You've had enough.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks!

      I have to recharge the AC, as a matter of fact. lol But it works.

      Delete
  12. Our AC went out for several days during the hottest week of summer. 90+ weather. UGH! I feel your pain.

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  13. Man when it rains it pours. Glad its is behind you. Congrats on the writing. I think you did great. Join your Sparklers. You have some pretty cool ideas girl. Can't wait to see what you come up with next. HUGS
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

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    Replies
    1. It sure does pour. And it floods. :\ I thought it was behind me, but today proved my wrong.

      Thank you so much for becoming a Sparkler! I'll set up the group as soon as I can...with Irma, it may be a bit.

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  14. Looks like you had a lot on your plate and you still managed to write. That takes determination and commitment. Way to go. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  15. Good luck with the new book! 100 pages in ten days is amazing.

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  16. Aw, Chrys. This reminds me it doesn't rain, it pours eh? Loved your interview! I will be a sparkler for you :D

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    1. Chrys, I'm having trouble entering info on the sparkler entry form. the cursor isn't showing up. I've tried re-loading a few times. Is it me? :P

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    2. And it is still pouring. :\

      Thanks!

      I checked my form on my phone and computer, both showed the cursor. But don't worry. I'll jot down your name as a Sparkler. Thank you so much for joining! I hope I didn't pressure you too much. :)

      Delete
    3. Not at all. Thanks for putting the info in for me :)

      Delete
  17. I hope your day gets better. That's a rough time with the AC and car situation.

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    Replies
    1. It got a little better. I'll be pouring a glass of wine soon. lol

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  18. I hope your day gets way better!
    Best wishes on all of your endeavors! Great interview, too!

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    1. Thanks, Tyrean! I had a headache of a day and almost had a panic attack, but what's done is done. I'm doing my best to forget this day.

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  19. Oh no! Bummer on the AC. I've been there before and GA heat isn't as bad as FL but still not fun.

    Hope things settle down for you soon. Good luck with the street team. I've seen those before on FB and wondered myself how well they work.

    Yay for new story idea and also for being brave and facing those interviews. I hate being on camera.

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    1. Thanks, Meka! My group will be different from the big reader groups on FB. I plan to make mine more small and intimate. :)

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  20. Sunnyside up, Lady Chrys! You're such a beacon for us all. While the Dog Days of summer get all the credit, nobody mentions the pesky gremlins that disable A/Cs and dismantle cars. Grr...But they're out there.
    Fabulous interview - and what a great save! My 'One Word' would be Persevere. This week, anyway ;-)
    High Five on the Top Ten award! You never cease to amaze me.

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    Replies
    1. Those gremlins have been very active lately. I need to find some kind of repellent.

      Thanks, Diedre! Good to hear from you. xoxo

      Delete
  21. congrats so much on your award AND your new venture - i'm curious to see how it goes...
    and hang in there, sorry about your stress upon stresses!
    things will look up in sept!
    Tara Tyler Talks

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  22. First, congrats on the blog award!! And 100 pages in ten days is impressive and inspiring. Summer is why I will never live in Florida (my folks are there), but autumn is on the horizon, so better times with cooler temps are on the way.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! I wish I didn't live in Florida, and not just because of hurricanes. lol I hate the heat.

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  23. Congrats on your blog award and way to go on your projects! Your ability to stay so prolific is inspiring.

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  24. No AC sounds like a drag. I just bought a car in July and it was a time suck getting it done. Then had to help my mom with her car insurance and to settle her claim when she got in an accident. So haven't been writing as much either. Awesome that you started a new project.

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    1. Car problems and other life issues makes our muses run away. *sigh*

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  25. So much stress!! I hate when technology doesn't do what it should do!
    Good luck with everything you've got going on!!!

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    Replies
    1. Technology is great until it stops working.

      Thanks!

      Delete
  26. I think it's too hot up here in Michigan without constant AC. I can't imagine what it would be like in Florida. Shudders. HOpe the weather cools off for you soon.

    A hundred pages in ten days is pretty good, even if you did have to set it aside for a while because of life.

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    Replies
    1. No AC anyway sucks.

      Yup, I am proud of that page count. That was the most I've ever written in ten days.

      Delete
  27. I think I have a street team of about three people. I have no clue what it's all about. The whole marketing thing just makes me want to cry.

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    1. I'm hoping for 10-20 members in my street team, but that may take a long time to build. It seems I don't have much of a readership yet. *sigh* But I will try.

      Delete
  28. I know your pain. Our a/c died earlier this summer, and we were without for some warm days. Luckily, it got replaced before the blazing heat of last week :)

    Good luck with your street team.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, thankfully I did miss out on some if those blazing days.

      Thank you!

      Delete
  29. I'm sorry you have had to deal with the heat and the car issues plus the rest that has happened to you. I hope you will be out of harm from Irmas path. Stay safe and thinking about you. Congrats on starting a new book!

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Birgit! :)

      Delete
  30. I'm sorry that you've been going through a rough time; A/C is definitely important to have, especially in a place like Florida! And I always think of cars as being like computers; that is, we don't really think about how much we need them until they break down, and then it just feels like we can't do most of the things we need to do until they're fixed. And of course, they always break down at the most inconvenient times.
    I hope that things get better for you. If it wasn't for the fact that we live far away from each other and every time I bake something I end up burning it, I'd bake you a batch of cupcakes. :)

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    1. If I didn't need a car, I swear I wouldn't have one.

      Aw. LOL Well, I'll take a virtual cupcake. :D

      Delete
  31. Hi Chrys - I sure hope the sparkling spark returns soon - I'm sure it will ... that interview was great. Just things tend to happen - and I hope Irma stays sufficiently far away ... all the best and here's to a better Autumn - take care - Hilary

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    1. I hope the sparkling spark does return. I can't talk about sparks and be spark-less, can I?

      Thank you, Hillary!

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  32. I hope the rest of the year is much better and the writing picks up again. 100 pages in 10 days is awesome! Congratulations on the award.

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  33. CONGRATULATIONS on being selected as one of the top ten writing blogs! That's quite an august group. You should be very proud of yourself. Not just for being selected, but for the recognition that all of your hard work is truly appreciated. Concentrate on that. Good vibes, good vibes... you're doing GREAT, kiddo!

    I hope Irma treats you kindly.

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    1. Thank you, Susan! I am proud. :) I don't know how they found or chose my blog, but it is neat.

      Delete
  34. Sorry to hear you have been having a hard time with AC and cars. Great that you have a brand new idea to work on and 100 pages seems brilliant to me. I've hit a midway slump with my ms at the moment. Hope the Sparklers team works out, it seems like a cool idea.

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    1. Thanks, Suzanne! I haven't been able to work on my book in so a week and feel that I'm becoming disconnected for it. I hope that changes soon. And I hope you beat your midway slump!

      Delete
  35. Hi, Chrys! So sorry to hear of your troubles. Yikes! I can't live without my air, and I live in New Jersey. Can't imagine doing without it in Florida.

    I've entered your book giveaway and have enjoyed your interview. I thought I was following you on Goodreads but when I saw the "follow this author" button, I tried to click it and it didn't work. Just to let you know. But I'm tech-challenged.

    I've connected to your Sparklers team although I want you to know I may not be able to participate fully at times due to work load. All best to you.

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    1. In Florida, it's unbearable.

      Thanks for entering my giveaways! Good luck! If the button on Goodreads didn't work, Goodreads must have a glitch. Sorry about that. I'll test it out and try to contact Goodreads.

      I appreciate that you joined my street teams! I understand not everyone will be able to participate all the time. Thank you o much! :)

      Delete
  36. Sorry about the woes, Chrys! I'd be in full panic mode without my a/c. And don't get me started on broken down cars. On a brighter note, congrats on your top ten writing blogs award! That's awesome! You have so many positive things going - a lot to celebrate. :)

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    1. Thank you, Sandra! I'm trying to let the good outshine the bad.

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  37. I grew up in Michigan where barely anyone has AC, so I can't really sympathize. If it got hot (and it never got up to Florida heat) we suffered through it with the knowledge winter was coming.

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  38. Chrys, you know the axiom when it rains it pours? Your AC then our car. That's bad enough. I'm sorry you're having a bad time. I hope Irma leaves you & your family alone. Congrats on the blog award. Hugs.

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    1. Unfortunately, it's still pouring, too. Thank you, Diane! I ask prepared and also hoping for the best.

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  39. Sorry August has been such a tough month. I hope it doesn't get worse with Irma on the way! Wish I could be one of your sparklers. I'm up to my eyebrows with work of my own. Stay safe!

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    1. Thank you, Sharon. I hope so, too. And I completely understand. I'm unable to join other author's street teams for the same reason.

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  40. Hi Chrys!

    I hope Irma spares you and all of Florida. Sorry that August was not a good month for you...mine was also not so good with some legal battles now ahead of us.

    Hugs.

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    1. I'm sorry you have legal battles ahead. I wish you luck!

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  41. Hi Chrys, hope September is better for you. 100 pages in 10 days is super. Wish I could do that.

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  42. It does seem like a stressful time. Well done on perseverance. Yay to the award, and well deserved, too!

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    1. Thanks, Yvette. That was just a bare minimal summary, too.

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  43. Sorry to hear August has been so stressful. Good job on the interview, and I hope you stay safe down in Florida with Irma on the way :(

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  44. Sounds like there are some silver linings in your cloudy month. Hope September treats you more kindly! @mirymom1 from
    Balancing Act

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  45. I'm hoping despite IRMA that your month goes much better. Your blog offers writers many useful resources, and I'd love to be a part of your street team. Beth

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    1. Thank you so much for joining my street team! I'll try to set it up soon. :)

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  46. 100 pages in 10 days is impressive, and it's not even Nanowrimo! I hope September will be a better month for you. I like your new profile pic, by the way.

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    1. I've never done NaNo, but if it was that time, I think I would've net my goal. :) Thank you!

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  47. Tough month. But, hey. It's not that bad. Congrats!

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  48. Sorry to hear about the issues, but getting a start on a new story sounds like a good way to even it up!

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  49. I hope you are ok and staying safe!!!
    Congrats on starting a new book!

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  50. Florida I hope you are staying safe! Might not be a great week for writing, and you can hardly be blamed for that!

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    1. I did manage to finish editing for a client, so there's that. Thanks, Rebecca! I am safe.

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