Sally Slayer's Blog

First of all, I was tagged by Val at:  http://thescoopbymv.com/social-media-and-anxiety/

It's hard for me to talk about Anxiety, because like you I grew up with all of the stigma attached to it, but I'm gonna give it a shot.

1. Have you come out about your anxiety?

 Well not exactly...I mean it isn't a secret or anything, I just don't talk about it too much. Guess I am talking about it now though lol!

2. How does your anxiety ever impact how you interact on social media?

When I'm going through a rough patch, I pretty much disappear from social media except for maybe the occasional meme or funny pic I may find that makes me laugh.

3. Do you have to push yourself to reply back to people?

Not usually, but it is hard for me to talk to people I don't know well. Though when people message me on the FB page or comments on the blog I do make an attempt to reply with something witty, nice or funny. 

4. Is there anything that spurs you on to complete a goal?

My goals are usually selfish in nature, such as writing my first book: totally did it just so that dream would go away. Second book: just to prove to myself I had more than one book in me. (FYI, there's a whole ton of books inside me, I just haven't invented the telepathic keyboard yet). So if I have a goal, it's not generally something that will give me a panic attack, like a deadline. 

5. When your anxiety gets bad, how is your presence affected?

 It disappears. I hide out in the batcave or hang out with my animals until I feel I can people again.

6. When you finally come out of a bad period of anxiety do you feel you need to compensate with lots of material?

 Not necessarily. I mean like I said I will post funny pics or a meme, but I feel like I'm spamming people if I start posting like crazy.

7. What’s one of the worst experiences (you feel comfortable sharing) you’ve had with your blog/page because of anxiety?

Well, the blog pretty much went unmanned for nearly a year because I felt like I had nothing important to say.  I have to "maximum effort" for the Facebook page because it's hard enough to get/keep followers without having to start over from inactivity. I don't guess I have any "bad" experiences involving other humans, though (that's cause  y'all are awesomeness!) it's mostly my own head that gets me down.

8. Do you participate in book signings? If so, how do you handle them?

Not yet, but possibly in the future.

9. What sort of support system do you have in place, if any?

Hubby and kids can usually tell and either try to cheer me up or give me space to work through it on my own. I also call "The Bob" and bug her until I feel better. Making someone else laugh even though I don't at all feel like laughing also helps. There's also my peeps who live in FB land. I can message them and not have to "people" in the traditional sense. That helps a lot! There's also
Anxiety & I , a Facebook page where you can anonymously discuss your anxiety.

10. Is there any advice you wish you had before you started your page/blog?

Just do it! Just kidding, don't jump in until you are ready to have the responsibility/obligation to get your stuff going. Make sure you have an excellent support system in place (admins, etc...) because guess what: it's effing hard to do it all yourself!!

To conclude: I hope this post helps at least someone... I would love to hear from you about your experiences!

<3 ~SS~

The Discussion Challenge:
Here’s how to play. Once you’re tagged, write an article using the questions listed at the bottom. You can always expand as much as you’d like, but it isn’t a requirement. (Don’t forget to acknowledge the blog that you got the prompt from!) Under the article, tag a blogger or three to participate after you and make sure to include the questions at the bottom. Oh, and you can post it wherever you feel comfortable. This means your facebook/blog/tumblr/whatever else I’m forgetting.

If you want to start your own just make sure to come up with a handful of questions to help encourage a rounded out article. Don’t forget to include the rules as well. Also, and this isn’t required, you should totally tag me on FACEBOOK or TWITTER so I can participate with yours.


The Questions:
1. Have you come out about your anxiety?
2. How does your anxiety ever impact how you interact on social media?
3. Do you have to push yourself to reply back to people?
4. Is there anything that spurs you on to complete a goal?
5. When your anxiety gets bad, how is your presence affected?
6. When you finally come out of a bad period of anxiety do you feel you need to compensate with lots of material?
7. What’s one of the worst experiences (you feel comfortable sharing) you’ve had with your blog/page because of anxiety?
8. Do you participate in book signings? If so, how do you handle them?
9. What sort of support system do you have in place, if any?
10. Is there any advice you wish you had before you started your page/blog?

Has it been a year since my last post? Seriously?

In my defense, I HAVE been writing...I mean yeah, I don't have any new stuff out at this exact second, but that one WIP is at least halfway finished! I was just having a little bit of trouble with a couple of scenes not meshing the way I wanted. It's frustrating!

Anyway that's my excuse. I am working on getting something out, but I won't be satisfied with this one unless it's perfect, or at least a near to perfect as I can possibly get it.

I also have some plans for my previous books. I haven't gotten a chance to work on them lately, but I plan on giving them a complete makeover just as soon as I finish the current WIP! It's kinda exciting in a nerdy way. :D So I've made my excuses and now will get back to writing. <3

Lots of love my Slayers!

It's that time of year again!  November is for NaNoWriMo!

I'm participating this year, and am hoping to reach my goal of, well at least 50,000, but I'm hoping for a completed novel. This one has been stewing in my imagination for quite some time. :D

 If any of you are participating this year, feel free to add me! My Nano username is Sally Slayer (may have to look it up as sally-slayer)! I'm usually up for some word wars!



I am going to *try* to put a NaNo word count app on the site, but please forgive me if I can't make it work. (I'm only on my second cup of coffee today, after all haha!)

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Dovey says it's not fair that I did not have to do an interview...so here we are. If it sucks, totally not my fault, blame her lol!!


1) Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?

I grew up in Small-town-USA, TX. I spent a LOT of time reading, so that helped with writing.

2) What are your five favorite books, and why?


First ones to come to mind are: The Count of Monte Cristo, All Harry Potter books, anything by Chanda Hahn, The Black Unicorn (Terry Brooks), and The Vorkosigan Saga (Lois McMaster Bujold).


3) What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?


It’s hard for me to write unless Bobblehead Batman is judging...I mean watching me.


4) What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?


The most surprising part is that not everyone in the world gets quite as excited by researching some random fact that I need for a book. They tend to stare blankly at me and edge uneasily away. 


5) What was the hardest part of writing your book?


Not losing my mind, waiting for it to be finished.

6) Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned there are some scary things in my Google search history...

7)  How did you come up with the title of your book?


*sobs* It wasn’t easy. I suck at naming things!



8)  Does Prince Charming exist?


Yes. No. Maybe...probably. I’m sure you’ll find him if you search hard enough.


9)  If parents say, "Never take candy from strangers" then why do we celebrate Halloween?


...Dude! Why IS that?


10)  Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?


You’re AWESOME! Also, please don’t lynch me cause I WILL finish another book soon.






I will leave you with this hilarious joke...





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<3 SS <3

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The lady we spoke to today has been one of my best friends for long enough that it makes both of us feel like old folks. Please give a warm Slayer welcome to: the lovely and talented Dovey Mayali Cralk! Her latest story, Warlock's Kiss, is part of the Twisted Sisters Anthology, Twisted Love. She was also a part of the first TSA, The Twisted Veil.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

-I was going to be an FBI agent!

 When did you first start writing?

-haha! When the computer class teacher made us write poems to practice our typing and imagination skills!

 Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?

-short story, no. But I was writing an awesome evil Santa Claus (in the style of Goosebumps) in Jr. High, and even my teacher seemed to be enjoying it as I wrote it!

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?

-EVERYWHERE. We moved around a LOT when I was a kid, and the written word my only real source of constant companionship.

What are your five favorite books, and why?

-Five?! FIVE?!  Well, I suppose I shall try...The Complete Collection of Jane Austen novels, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, the Slow Burn series, Spark of Light, (dammit this is hard!!), Safe and Sound. Iunno!  These are just the first ones that I loved to pop in my head!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

-that while I suck at writing, I keep doing it anyway?

 What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

-Writing is the EASY part!  Good grief!

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

-wondering if there was any point in even finishing.

 Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

-that writing is HARD. Following through is HARD.

That making yourself push that publish button is HARD. Do you have any advice for other writers?

-Beta readers, editor, and find people to do the work after the writing is over haha!



 Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

-hey sexy!  All 5 of ya effing ROCK!

Dovey Mayali Cralk 
Hi, I'm Dovey, mother of children both with fur and without in Texas. Because of mothering and wifery, I don't get time to write until the wee hours of the morning. Which equals string cheese and copious amounts of coffee and Doctor Who! I've been writing on and off since I was a little tyke, and I hope you enjoy what I love creating.


Connect on FacebookConnect on TwitterBe sure to stick around this week for more interviews with more wonderful writers!!! (Not to mention a giveaway!)


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Besides being one of the absolute coolest and most awesome writers out there, today's inteviewee is an awesome and cool person, too! Let's give our loudest and most welcoming...uh, welcome...to: the fabulous Riley Ross!!! On to business...
Her latest stories, The Getaway and Coming Undone, are part of the Twisted Sisters Anthology, Twisted Love. She was also a part of the first TSA, The Twisted Veil.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I really wanted to be an actress. However my failure to memorize lines for a play that I was in stopped that dream in its tracks.

When did you first start writing?

In second grade we had to write short stories. Writing always stuck with me after that. I would go through notebooks of short stories. I stopped for an extended period of time but picked it back up in 2009.

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?

Yes and it was horrible. It was about how I hated being picked last for kickball. I was a menace to everyone when it was my turn to kick.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?

I grew up in a small town in Virginia. My location didn’t really influence my writing.

What are your five favorite books, and why?

French Silk by Sandra Brown, Dragon’s Portal by Sally Slayer (*blushes* Shucks), The Chronicles of Valen by Dovey Mayali Cralk, Becoming Us by Amy Daws, and Smother by Lindy Zart. These are my favorites because they are so well written and you can immerse yourself into these books and forget about all of your troubles.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I can plan out the course of the story but the characters take over. When I get into the writing zone, I lose track of time and I forget everything else around me.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I think what surprised me the most was how twisted and dark my sense of humor can be.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Writing the final chapter for my characters. It is hard for me to say goodbye to the characters that I created.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned that you should have fun with writing. It should not be a chore to churn out words. Go at your own pace and be in competition with no one.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write the story how you want to write it. Do not let others tell you that you should not write.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you for reading my stories.



Riley Ross
While growing up in rural Virginia, I dreamed of making my escape. Don’t get me wrong I loved the beauty of Virginia but I didn’t have the happiest of childhoods. It was a struggle to survive an alcoholic and abusive father but reading was my escape to a happier place. I was reading Jackie Collins books before the age of 12. Jackie Collins, Sandra Brown, Danielle Steele and others were my inspiration to write stories. I would love to thank them for providing me with a safe haven to escape to. Also a huge thank you goes to my grandparents for introducing me to wrestling and romance novels. My grandmother would always read a Harlequin romance novel; I got my love of books and wrestling from her. I joined the Air Force when I was 18 and I didn’t look back. I was in the service for twelve years and on my first day, I met my version of Prince Charming, we are parents to two little Siberian Huskies, Sammie and Demon. Our furbaby family has grown to include Brutus, Shy, and Fluffy. So for those that are in dark situations dreams do come true.
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  Be sure to stick around this week for more interviews with more wonderful writers!!! (Not to mention a giveaway!)


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.customfont { font-family:'Kaushan Script', cursive;} We have with us today an amazing (not to mention one of my favorite) up and coming authors: Kaydence Rayne! Let's give her a warm Slayer welcome! (And by that, I mean like clapping, cheering and happy stuff.) Her story is called, Forget About Me, in the second Twisted Sisters anthology, Twisted Love. The first anthology, The Twisted Veil, can be found here.
Hopefully you will all love her as much as I do! (both are Amazon links)


1. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?


Be an astronaut ballerina on mars.


2. When did you first start writing?


When I could hold a writing utensil.


3. Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?


No. But I remember being in 2nd grade and having my teacher throw away my story because she didn't like it.


4. Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?


Houston. I have access to a ton of libraries and book events.


5. What are your five favorite books, and why?


What kind of cruel question is this?! There's 7 Harry Potter books, alone.


6. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?


I've no idea.


7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?


Editing sucks.


8. What was the hardest part of writing your book?


Motivation.


9. Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?


I learned things that made me afraid of the NSA tracking me down for a bit.


10. Do you have any advice for other writers?


Find a group to help motivate you. And GET AN EDITOR.


11. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?


How you doing? *wink*






Kaydence Rayne 
Kaydence Rayne is a self proclaimed nerd who spends way too much time on the computer. She's also a wife, mother, blogger, nanny, professional hooligan, and is currently working on her first full length novel.

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Be sure to stick around this week for more interviews with more wonderful writers!!! (Not to mention a giveaway!)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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So we've heard from some awesome authors this week, and I think we can all agree that each has an amazing story to tell. 
Which of these Twisted Sisters is your favorite? (Personally I pick ALL of them) Are there any questions I missed or that you want to ask? Ask away in comments!! 
Again I'd just like to thank all of you for showing up. I have a huge bear hug with your name on it! Lots of love from all of us at Twisted Sisters. Don't forget to come visit us on our Facebook page!


P.S. Good luck on the giveaway!!!

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 <3 ~SS~ <3

Happy Mother's day to all you mothers out there!!

Happy Mother's day to all you mothers out there!!