Ann Anderson's Blog

I had it all planned out that I would have select posts for each month, preferably two a month, only, I stared at my ideas. And stared some more. Then decided to work on other stuff because of course I'd get to it. There's how many days a month? Uhm...yes, that didn't happen. But I did write. Which is why I'm happy to announce that I have two new contracts with Less Than Three Press. The first story is just a smidge over 16k and is a bit of a Cinderella remix (I actually wasn't thinking about the Cinderella movie when I wrote it, it wasn't until after it was done and I sent it off that I saw the first, full Cinderella trailer. It was a bit of a "...well shoot." moment, but I still wrote the sequel to that first one, which ended up being a bit over 52k. I actually debated a bit about combining the two, but everything I tried didn't feel right. So, I sent the first one off, polished up the second, waited until I heard back about the first before asking when I could send off the second, then sent off the second. Now it's just a waiting game for when the edits arrive (I kind of want them now, because my mind's all in a whirl wondering what the editor will say).


And then I received a contract from MLR. I was a bit boggled at all of this, but I guess it works. Between all of this I took a M/M Romance Group prompt for their Goodreads event, Don't Read in the Closet. This time around it's being called Love is an Open Road (LOR for short which has a lot of people adding a T to it, including me) and my prompt involves a genie and a pirate captain. I'm really excited for it and hope that it might help get me into writing the sequel to my first DRitC story, which is sitting there, sulking, wanting to be written but fighting me every step of the way. It's a bit sad for me because I really want to write it.


On a side note, one of my siblings has the chance for a second interview, and, depending if they go, means I may or may not be moving with them. I won't say where yet, just because I feel a strange sense that I might jinx them.


I believe that's about it. I feel as if I'm a rather dull person. *shrugs shoulders* Ah, well, at least I have my writing.


-Ann

I realized while reading some writing and editing books as well as lurking in various writing groups that there are a lot of authors who don't know that there are different editors out there. I know when I first thought about submitting a story for publication that I had no idea either. Because of this I decided to do a little post about it in case anyone is stumbling around the internet trying to figure it out. First, one has to realize that some editors wear a lot of hats, especially if they work for a smaller publishing company. There are Acquisition Editors (AE), who are in charge of reading through submitted works and deciding if these are right for their house or not or if the manuscript needs a bit more work. Then there are Content Editors (CE). Some CEs are AEs. For all of the publishers I work with as an editor I am labeled a CE but I also do acquisitions. Some of the companies I've published with or have submitted a manuscript to have AEs that accept the story and then a CE who goes through the editing process with me. Line Editors (LE) are in charge of taking your story after it's been through content edits and make sure nothing was missed from your characters' coloring to that comma you forgot to add. Most publishing houses use a Line Editor, but not all of them use a Proofreader. Proofreaders are what some consider as the final line of defense, they are also the ones who are looking at spelling and punctuation rather than anything else. It's a light edit, unless something was missed by a LE concerning consistency. Some of you might be going "Oh, so that's what the Freelance Editor meant when they said line editing versus proofreading." Which leads us to the last editor, a Freelance Editor. Some people don't use them, either because they don't have the money or because they don't think it's needed. A good Freelance Editor can be hard to come by, especially since a story is your baby and you want it treated right. Freelancers are good if you've been attempting to get published but have been met with rejection or if you decide to go the self-publishing route. Concerning using a Freelancer when you've been rejected, they, usually, have the skill to see what it is about your story that has a publishing company rejection your story. Some Freelancers will even offer a consultation, for a fee, where they will go through your story and make notes of what it is that doesn't work in your story. They will usually recommend a level of editing (from light to heavy or Proofreading to Content) and, if you're interested, what their rates are. If you don't have the money for paying the whole editing process, consider asking the Freelancer to do an installment plan. You pay them for editing X number of pages, they do that, and when you have the money ready for the next set of pages, you pay them and they do the edits. This is also a good idea if you're concerned about a Freelancer because if you really don't like their first set of edits, then you can always tell them so in a professional manner and move on to find a different one. Consider, too, if you find a good Freelancer or one who was willing to work with you, offering to write them a review. And, as a repeated reminder, always be professional. As much as you might sometimes think your writing isn't a job, it is.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writerso...

and this is where I'll be tonight. Wish me luck.

So, I had only been planning on a "I'm Back with the Living" post, but decided, as I've been writing a lot lately, that there's something else to talk about. And that's setting goals/resolutions/whatever else you want to call it for the new year. I've seen a lot of people talking about how they try and set themselves a goal at the start of the year and how, by the end of January, it's already fallen through. Now, I'm not saying I'm an expert, because I'm not, but some other people have mentioned how trying what other people recommend doesn't work for them. And I, personal, think that's because you have to take an idea and adapt it for yourself. For me, I read an author who said to keep their writing on track they make a table in a document and write the month in one column, their word goal in another, and what they actually wrote. They also kept a notebook on them and wrote down what they wrote each day. I stared at that idea and realized it might work. I'd heard from others that they tried to set day word count goals, but that didn't work for me. This, though, just might. I've done NanoWrimo (Nation Novel Writing Month for anyone who hasn't heard of it, and there are a lot, I know. I have to remind my family each year and I've been participating for a few), so this would be somewhat like that. That author put down fifty thousand words as their goal each month. I stared at that number and quaked. For one it would be like every month was another Nano novel. I struggle enough with balancing my jobs and writing that that didn't sound appetizing. So I choose a small number. Each month I'd aim for ten thousand. Small enough that I don't feel daunted since this is my first time setting such a goal, but big enough that if I'm having a bad month I feel I can still make it. My only exceptions are November (when NanoWrimo takes place) and December (which I put as five thousand because after a Nano I'm drained). Then I set up an Excel spreadsheet because that's what I use during Nano to track my progress. I made two tabs, one that would have my month total, and the second was my January day total (I'll add each month as they come as a new tab, but no need to clutter the spreadsheet just yet). Since I don't tend to write anywhere but on my laptop, it works better than a planner. For the first six days I averaged about a thousand words a day. And, after fourteen days, my total is over twenty thousand. Do I expect this to continue? Not really, no. But I can hope it will, and I can look back when I'm having a tough month and go "You know what? I managed over twenty thousand words in January. Even though I'm only at five thousand this month, I'm still on track to reach my goal at the end of the year." And it will also remind me that meeting your goals needs to be realistic. Which is why I also tend to set a word count goal for each story I write. I look at the idea I have written and think, "Do I have enough of a setting in my own mind? Enough detail? Will all of it be included?" If it's a contemporary novel I expect it to be a smaller word count than a fantasy novel. And if my word count goal for a story manages to boost my monthly word count, all the better. Just like with anything else, your writing goals need to be realistic. And I hope, whether you're a writer or someone you know is one, that this idea might help them, because time management is a pain in most everyone's butts, and we can all use a little help sometimes. -Ann Anderson

Hello everyone! So, yay, I'm back on my blog. I've spent the past year collecting myself—kind of like a long, drawn-out quest—and I'm taking steps to alter my work environment so I can write more. I hope to write more adult fiction as well as young adult through this coming year. As well as keeping active in promoting my books. That's part of what I did this past year is figure out how to promote myself. I'm a rather reclusive, introverted person who shies away from most social interactions (though people tell me I'm not all that bad at them), but it's the psychological effects that stall my tongue and have me second guessing myself. But you don't want to hear about that. Instead, if you're wondering what I've been doing in 2014, there was a lot going on. On my editing side, one of the authors I had worked with on several stories passed suddenly and it was a bit scary to learn about since we were close in age and had, I like to think, a great bond. Then, not even a few months later, the place I work at tells me I might not have insurance. I applied for it through my company, had it for a month, then, after everyone else had closed their doors, they dropped me because I "didn't have enough average hours". I was a bit terrified of that too. Tried for a few months to sign up with one of the options about having lost insurance, but it didn't work. That's life though. I signed up as soon as early enrollment was available and have insurance. Yay! Aside from that we had to put down one of our companions, our eighteen year old cat who was also our first cat. It was heartbreaking and I still miss her. As for what I hope for in 2015, I have a YA written and partially edited that I hope to have fully edited by the middle of February so I can begin submitting it places. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll be accepted somewhere, whether with an agent or publisher is fine. I also have a story, two parts, that is in the editing stages and I hope to have submitted somewhere by March. That one's an adult (M/M). I'm also working on a sequel, or two, for other stories. If you're hoping one of those sequels is for my free Goodreads story Bound by a Red Thread then we're in the same boat. My characters might finally have an idea of where they want to go after I've done research on several topics. I want to redeem my bad boy, but it will be a journey, for both of them. That's all for now. I hope everyone has a fantastic start to this new year. -Ann Anderson

I'm really excited that my free story for the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's Love Has No Boundaries event, Bound By A Red Thread, is available. You can find it here. There are a lot of good stories, so make sure to check them all out. And I am planning on writing a continuation that will hopefully be in my beta's hands by the end of October...hopefully. Enjoy the reading.

Dear Lordi, when did I last think about writing a post? Work's been crazy, what with a transition that HQ didn't properly plan for; being sick for over a week where I couldn't even think straight (walked into a bunch of hanging shirts that had just been ironed because I didn't see them); taking my mom to the hospital for surgery because she knew I'd be the least likely to freak out while waiting (lucky for me I had my notebook and finished off the ending to a story. Yay! Now I just have to put it in the computer and edit it); and lastly, one of the grad schools I've applied for hasn't received my transcript and wants me to re-send it. Um, what? Those things are really expensive and if I don't have to pay for it, I really don't want to, especially since they basically handed me an e-mail address they want it sent to, but there's no little field in the transcript form that asks for an alternate e-mail in case the one they have on file doesn't work. *heads desk*

So, how's everyone? Me, I'm rather excited and nervous and OMG when will I know! about my story for the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's Love Has No Boundaries story. I have no clue yet when it will be coming out, and I'm biting my nails nervously because it's a rather open-ended, kind of not really happy ending and I'm really nervous about what people will think. (I usually take the approach of 'Not everyone's going to like everything, so it's better to take what they say, find the good in it, and move on', but this one just has me nervous 'cause it's not my usual thing.) Oh, and did I mention that I'll have another story coming out with SMP sometime next year? It's for their Snatched call and I'm kind of excited 'cause I'm working through the sequel to it, though it's slow going at the moment, since I'm focusing on my sequel to Chocolate Power and a super secret call that has me kind of giddy because it's a pairing I'd been toying with, but never found the right environment for, and now I have.

Otherwise I'm just busy, though I have been taking some time between working at my PT job, editing for different publishers, and writing to play a bit of Skyrim. *Sigh* I always forget how much I love playing that game until I sit down and play, though my number one complaint shall always be that it's too dark which makes it difficult to see what you're doing. And I shall always and forever play an Argonian. ^_^

Hope everyone else is doing well,
Ann

So I wanted to try my hand at writing reviews for others' works. I'm not claiming to be a professional, but I figure since I'm reading them I might as well let others know what I thought of them. Today I have two.

Dirty Laundry by Heidi Cullinan

I picked this book up when it was discounted and it took me a while before I actually got around to reading it, but oh my gosh! I had to grab the tissue box when I got to Chapter 17. I loved Denver and Adam, two men broken in their own way and feeling they don't deserve love, but they do. They do so much it makes you want to reach into the pages and give them big hugs. The portrayal of Adam's OCD was very authentic and somewhat heartbreaking to witness. The side characters were also amazing and wonderful compliments to the MCs. I highly recommend this story. (My muse gives it a 5/5 rating)

And...

Frat Boy and Toppy by Anne Tenino

I was looking for something fun and quick, and this one seemed just right. The title did have me scratching my head wondering if I'd really like it, but after looking at other reviews, I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did. It was funny at just the right parts, cute where you wouldn't think to find it, and heart-wrenching at just the right moment. The only part I didn't like, and this is all me because I hated when my buddies in college did it, was when they agreed to move in together when they barely knew each other. But I really liked the story and recommend it to anyone who's looking for something funny with a lot of sex. And if you read Frat Boy and Toppy then I recommend you read the free epilogue on Anne's web site. Do not read it if you are drinking something.

I hope you'll check these two out and, if you read them, let me know what you think.

-Ann

Over on Goodreads, Less Than Three Press has challenges that they post with awesome prizes. The prompt can be found here and here's my response to it. I hope you all like it.


Dashing Through the Woods
Jacoby scowled as he came to from the drugs. His body ached and the dawn sunlight sent shards of pain into his eyes before he could even lift the lids. He'd heard that waking up was horrible, but it wouldn't compare to how he'd feel if he didn't begin moving. If he was waking up, then others were too. Stumbling to his feet, Jacoby scanned his surroundings, fighting through the tears that clouded his vision as his eyes adjusted to the light. There were a lot of trees a few feet in front of him. He could try and walk the parameter, hope that no one spotted him while he searched for a way around, or he could head into the thick of it, hope the shadows protected him, and try and find his way.
He scrubbed a hand over his face. His instincts were screaming to find cover, which he knew everyone else would be doing. Grinding his teeth together, Jacoby headed for the trees, quickly scaling one then jumping to another. He kept going until he found one tree with a lot of leaf coverage. Settling into a little spot, Jacoby looked around as he felt his pockets, taking inventory of everything he'd been left with.
They'd been told they could stock up on whatever they thought might be useful, but it didn't mean they'd wake up with everything they'd packed. That reminder sent a jolt of fear through him and he reached up, sagging in relief as he felt the necklace, warm from his heat, still in place. He fingered the swirling design, wondering where Hansen would be in this game of a test. It would have been nice if they were near each other.
A shift in the shadows had Jacoby stilling, mind focusing. He hunched in on himself, instinct driving him to be as small as possible while he waited to see what danger might be present. He tried to listen for any sound as he watched someone slink through the shadows, looking around fervently every few steps. Jacoby debated with himself to pull out his blow dart gun, but decided not to. Killing had always made him a bit queasy. There was only one reason he'd joined the training school, and that was to follow Hansen.
Jacoby was leaning towards throwing something to warn the person that they were being stupid when another shadow moved quickly, a flash of steel in the light filtering between branches, and Jacoby turned his head away as the idiot who hadn't paid proper attention in their class went down with a faint gurgle. Jacoby stayed in his perch as the other shadow moved away, easily blending in with the surroundings.
He waited, poised to bolt if there was even the faintest indication that someone had spotted him. By the time the sun was almost halfway across the sky, Jacoby decided he'd have to move. Eyeing the trees around him, he picked one with sturdy branches and went across, moving slowly and carefully, doing his best to stay hidden at all times.
He didn't stop at a stream even though hunger and thirst were becoming annoying, constant companions. He searched the woodland floor every so often while he kept a watch out for others. When he finally found a patch of edible plants, he nearly fell out of his tree in gratitude, but he checked himself. It was too easy. Taking a twig he'd collected earlier, Jacoby chucked it into another tree, and froze as an arrow shot into the tree he'd thrown towards.
Oh, he'd have to be very careful. There were only a few people in their class who could use a bow, and Hansen wasn't one of them. Swallowing against a swell of panic, Jacoby retreated back the way he came, making sure to be extra careful as he traveled the treetops. It wasn't until the sun was beginning to set that Jacoby found a secure patch of edible plants that had a special sap used in the field to quench thirst.
Picking as many as he could, Jacoby climbed back into the trees and moved away. No need to risk being attacked by staying near a food source. He ate a little as he moved, wishing night would descend faster so he could find some of their teacher's clues. He just wasn't good enough to picked out the daylight clues their teacher would have left. As much fun as moving in a random direction was, Jacoby really wanted to get out of the area and away from some of his more bloodthirsty classmates. And he'd love nothing more than to see Hansen again.
Moving through the trees, Jacoby had to witness two more of his classmates being killed, while one of the attackers had been wounded, limping away from the dead body. Jacoby didn't linger in those areas. Slipping away quickly, he looked for a place he might be able to rest while waiting for nightfall, but nothing seemed suitable. There had been a cave, but for those how usually traveled on the ground, it would be a place they'd claim.
When night finally fell, Jacoby was ragged. His muscles screamed and ached from overexertion, but he couldn't stop. Now that the moon was rising, the clues left by the teacher would be clear. He continued moving, scanning for the telltale glow of moonsigns. There! Jacoby nearly whooped as he saw one. Steadying himself, Jacoby slunk through the trees, getting as close as he dared.
He memorized the symbols, pondering them as he moved away, dredging up lessons from years ago to find the answer written into the bark of a tree. If only Hansen was nearby, he always knew exactly what their teacher wrote in code.
Finding a group of close-together bushes, Jacoby climbed from the trees and hunkered down for the night, the symbols swirling through his head as he drifted to sleep.
 
Jacoby woke with a pounding heart as he listened to a scuffle not that far from his sleeping spot. Shifting only his head, Jacoby tried to peek through the leaves, looking for who might be fighting and whether he'd have a chance to escape without drawing attention. They were people he vaguely recognized, and had thought were friends, but there was no way to know who was winning, not at the angle he was at. Swallowing against the bile clogging the back of his throat, Jacoby ducked his head and closed his eyes, focusing on keeping his breathing as quiet as possible and not expelling his bladder all over his pants.
There was a sickening squelch. Jacoby looked without meaning to. He bit his lip, tasting blood as he stared at the victor, standing over the fallen body with blood staining her hands, a gleeful smile stretching her lips. Shit. Jacoby trembled, wishing Hansen was there to hold him as he choked on vomit.
Luckily he managed to hold it in until the girl had walked away, cradling her injured arm. He tried to be quiet, but he knew he hadn't managed. Scrambling from his spot, Jacoby raced around the trees, scrambling up a tree as he heard heavy footfalls behind him. If he couldn't hide then he'd be dead. Cursing his luck, Jacoby leapt for another tree, not paying attention to anything but getting away. One of the branches he landed on snapped beneath his feet and he had to reach out, jagged bark cutting into his hands as he hauled himself up and continued to move, trying to be careful, until he finally collapsed in a tree, breathes heaving in and out of his chest.
A sharp trill had Jacoby stilling, memory stirring. Cursing himself for his stupidity at not remembering, Jacoby willed his heart to calm, going more carefully as his hands throbbed in time with his heartbeat, heading in the direction the trill had come from. After a few minutes of careful movement, Jacoby saw it. A wide, open field with several of his classmates being tended to by medical staff, his teacher standing tall, staring into the trees.
Glancing about, Jacoby took a deep breath and vaulted from the tree branch, rolling as he hit the ground and running before he'd gained his footing. As he darted that last, dangerous distance between danger and safety, Jacoby saw him, Hansen. His body screamed in relief as he slammed into his lover, finally feeling safe.
"Welcome home," Hansen whispered in his ear as he held him tight.
"Good job finding the way," their teacher laughed, slapping Jacoby on the back.
Jacoby didn't care, he just clung harder to Hansen.

It's been awhile, and I have some exciting news. I finished my story for the M/M Goodreads group Love Has No Boundaries event. I just have to send it in, and hope that it's enjoyable. I feel kind of bad that the ending's so open and not really a HFN, and nowhere near a HEA, but I might do a sequel. Aside from LHNB I'm also working on a super secret prompt which I'm between half and a quarter done, it all just depends on how the villian wants to play. I've also got the rest of my sequel for Hot Blood planned out, as long as one of the MCs plays by the rules. I don't have a title for HB's sequel yet but it does deal with John, the alpha introduced at the beginning. Hmm, oh yeah! So I just finished reading Yes, Sir by Ellis Carrington and it was a nice, quick read. I was wondering how it would work for the two MCs and I have to admit I liked it a lot. I'm going to have to see if there's anything else by this author and hope it's something a bit longer, because I'd like to see what this author does with longer works.