2.21.16 - Sunday Smatterings

Hi, guys! Amy here, reveling in the sunshine and warmth we've gotten in the South over the weekend. Even though our winter has been fairly mild, I am SO READY for spring: flowers, blue skies, soft, green grass . . . my soul stretches a little bit more when the world feels alive. Maybe I should move to a private island.

Or maybe I should win the lottery first before I continue that train of thought.

ANYWAY.

Here's what happened around the Internets this week:
 

The Guardian published an article about the Koh-i-Noor, the storied diamond behind J.T. and Catherine's first Nicholas Drummond novel, THE FINAL CUT. It's mostly accurate, too. 

Cat lovers, rejoice: the Orange Collar Project aims to get lost cats home (!).

While she's on social media sabbatical, J.T. hasn't stopped reading things (if she did, she'd explode—trust me). So writers, read up: here's a collection of links she curated just for you:

A very thoughtful piece on accessing and building vulnerability: What's Your Kryptonite?

If you don't subscribe to Steven Pressfield's blog, you should. This week: the difference between subject and theme.

A beginner's guide to growing and maintaining men's long hair. (five words: Matt. Damon. Man. Bun. YES.)

How writing helps you think. (especially the part about note taking. I always absorb more when I write it down.)

Use your own voice, people, the one thing that can't be taught: Serious Writer Voice. J.T. recommends all writers learn the grammatical rules of their trade, and then trust themselves enough to know when to break those rules. 
 

Have any of you been watching the BBC's War and Peace miniseries? Thanks to the show, the book shot up on bestseller lists for the first time since the last century. Call me crazy, but this might be one I'd watch instead of read. Sorry, Tolstoy.

Also, Chris Stapleton won a bunch of Grammys, and that made me very excited. He and his wife, Morgane, have been hidden gems around Nashville for years, and I'm glad he's finally getting the recognition he deserves. Listen to this recording of the two of them singing this folk-bluesy version "You Are My Sunshine." They're just delightful.

Agents turned booksellers in this interview, and I just loved it.

And closer to home:
 

On the Tao this week, we hosted J.T.'s friend, YA author C.J. Redwine, who just released a new series!

If you're looking for some cheap weekend reads, here are a couple of ebook deals for you: 

• Kobo is having a sale on ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS for $1.99!
• Sam Owens #3–4 are now available in one package for $11.99!

On The Wine Vixen, I disclosed why it's so important to chill your wine, and J.T. talked about one of the best value red wines she's found (spoiler alert: it's great with pizza!).

Well, folks, that's it from me. Let's cross our fingers for spring, and I'll see you next week!

–Amy

2.18.16 - 7 Minutes With... C.J. Redwine

C.J. Redwine is a rather amazing writer. She’s a rather amazing woman, actually. As a huge force on the Nashville YA-writer scene, she juggles some hefty deadlines with her multitude of kids, biological and adopted from foreign countries. Her writing is fierce, fantasy-laden, and tough (I mean, really, how can you not a love a trilogy named Defiance?). C.J. conducted an interview with me several years ago, which was possible the most fun I’ve ever had answering questions – from Captain Jack Sparrow, of course. She’s proof you can have it all – and I predict more great things to come. Here’s C.J.! 

_________

Set your music to shuffle and hit play. What’s the first song that comes up?
“I Dare You” by Shinedown

Now that we’ve set the mood, what are you working on today?
I’m working on the next book in the Ravenspire series. It’s due this coming Monday so it’s basically all I’m doing with my life right now.

What’s your latest book about?
THE SHADOW QUEEN is a dark epic fantasy inspired by the Snow White fairy tale. It’s the story of a fugitive princess who has become a fierce warrior, a wicked queen who is the most powerful sorcerer the kingdom has ever seen, and a desperate dragon shape-shifter prince from a neighboring kingdom who makes a deal to become the queen’s huntsman to save his people from destruction.

Where do you write, and what tools do you use?
I write either at my desk in my office or at the little back corner table at the coffee shop in my local bookstore. I use a notebook and Pilot gel pens for plotting, world building, character development, and fix-it notes. I use my laptop for everything else. And I always use a playlist developed specifically for that one story so that as soon as I hear those songs in that order, I’m instantly transported to the story’s world.

What was your favorite book as a child?
My boxed set of The Chronicles of Narnia. I still have that set. It’s in my daughter’s room now. And it’s decorated with puffy rainbow stickers because apparently 9-year-old C.J. thought that was EPIC.

What’s your secret talent?
I can snort just about anything up my nose on accident. Don’t believe me? Here’s a list of recent offenders: Chicken nuggets (this is what death feels like), Diet Coke (sinus douche!), a tiny shard of a tortilla chip that defied gravity and leaped from my lips straight up my nose (moment of silence for his courage), bread pudding (I was really worried the raisins were going to be permanently lodged …), and wasabi (spontaneous combustion starts in the sinus cavity, I always say).

What book are you reading now?
I don’t read while I’m heavily drafting, but my reward for finishing this book is Renee Ahdieh’s THE WRATH AND THE DAWN.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
When I was in second grade and was given an assignment to write a 3-paragraph story. I turned in 4 pages (with illustrations!) and never looked back. Story-telling is how I translate my experiences.

Who is your writing idol? Have you met him/her? If so, did you completely nerd out or keep your cool?
J.K. Rowling! I haven’t met her, and I love that you actually think I have a cool to keep. Awkward fangirling all the way, baby!

What’s your favorite bit of writing advice?
Take risks!

What do you do if the words aren’t flowing?
Stop and do something mostly mindless so I can let the story play around in my head until the solution shows up. By mostly mindless, I mean take a walk or a drive or … I was going to say do housework, but let’s not get crazy.

Are you creatively satisfied?
Yes, while at the same time always striving for more. At least once a week, I wish I could be one of those people you hear about sometimes that can sleep maybe 3 hours a night and they’re fine. Martha Stewart is like that. Of course that led her to believe she should do things like make her own mirrors out of little sheets of silver that you can only find from like … three vendors in the entire country, so … maybe that’s not such a great idea.

What would you like to be remembered for?
For loving people well.

Alright, now for the really important questions:

Beach or mountains? Beach! (But with mountains and cliffs)
Coffee or tea? Peach tea
Skydive or bungee jump? Oh dear Lord, my stomach just plummeted. Nope. ALL THE NOPE.
Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate. If you’re going to ingest the calories, you might as well go for broke.
Winter or summer? Autumn!
Cake or pie? PIE. YES. PIE. EVERY DAY. PIIIIIIIIIIIIE.
Cats or dogs? Cats, though I love dogs too.
Pens or pencils? Pens! Pilot gel pens in a rainbow of color options, to be specific.
Truth or dare? Truth
Print or ebook? Print, though ebooks for trips are the best thing since pie.

_________

C.J. Redwine loves fairy tales, Harry Potter, and Sherlock. She is the author of the Defiance trilogy, a post-apocalyptic fantasy from Balzer + Bray. C.J. lives in Nashville with her husband and children. If the novel writing gig ever falls through, she’ll join the Avengers and wear a cape to work every day. To learn more about C.J., visit her website at www.cjredwine.com. 

Think you'd like THE SHADOW QUEEN? Learn more here!

2.16.16 - What you should really be afraid of

2.14.16 - Sunday Smatterings

Hi, guys! Amy here, trying my best to fill J.T.'s big shoes (metaphorical, of course) while she's on her annual Social Media Sabbatical for Lent. You may know me as the other half of The Wine Vixen, where I review mostly white wines (I'm a sucker for Riesling and Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc) and beg J.T. to come with me to review Nashville restaurants. It's a really tough sell, let me tell you. I also love Mexican food, NPR, and greyhounds.

I mean, come on, how could you not?!

They are also 45 mph couch potatoes that love to sleep.

ANYWAY. You came here for links, and links are what you're going to get. J.T. is still reading things while she's on sabbatical, so some of these links are hers and some are mine. We'll be dividing things up like this until after Easter. There will be lots about food, books, and dogs, just so you know.

And without further ado . . . 

Here's what happened around the Internets this week:

 

Here's something to stick in your back pocket: 9 Dates for Book-Loving Couples. (Boyfriend, take note: literary road trip!!!!)

You know what would be a great companion for your literary road trip? This literary road map, OF COURSE.

If you're in the Knoxville area and want a cheap, low-key Valentine's meal, head to Sweet P's BBQ. The original location is on the river, just off the Maryville Pike, but there's a downtown location, too. 3 courses (including wine pairings for each course!) are only $25. Just sayin', folks. And the regular menu is open, too, perfect for a Lady & the Tramp moment over a rack of ribs!

This is the book I'm obsessing over right now: Ariel Lawhon's FLIGHT OF DREAMS, which is coming out in a couple of weeks. An expertly-paced plot, intricate historical details, and a lovely romance against the backdrop of tragedy. This ain't your mama's historical fiction. 

If you've been hiding under a rock, you might not have heard that J.K. Rowling is giving us an 8th Harry Potter book . . . sort of.

Writers, take note: Steven Pressfield is discussing theme, and it will change your writing in the best possible way.

Fascinating article from the Nashville Scene: KFC Has Created the Luke Bryan of Hot Chicken.

Also, I'm a TV junkie who's a frequent binge-watcher. My latest binge-watch was Showtime's Nurse Jackie, which just came on Netflix. Oh my. It's dark, for sure, but has some spit-things-out-of-your-mouth funny moments (that, um, happened to "a friend"), courtesy of Merritt Wever's character, Zoey Barkow. Edie Falco is excellent in this, and while there are some plot points that raise my eyebrow, I thought it was an overall well-done series. I watched 7 seasons in . . . well, a shamefully short amount of time.

And speaking of TV, I know J.T. nearly shrieked with excitement when she found out that Deborah Harkness's All Soul Trilogy is being adapted for television!

Even MORE TV news: Outlander Season 2 will debut April 9, and here's a trailer (!). Even if you haven't read the books, the show is worth a watch. J.T. would call blasphemy on this statement, but I think the show may be just as good as the books (sorry, boss, just being honest . . . ).

And closer to home:

On The Wine Vixen, J.T. and I compiled some of our favorite wines for you and your honey to enjoy tonight, and I wrote about tasting the (supposedly) most cancer-fighting wine in the world.

Are you a fan of the book (or movie) THE MOSQUITO COAST? Then you need to catch J.T.'s newest A Word on Words interview with the unforgettable Paul Theroux! If you missed J.T.'s A Word on Words interview with Greg Iles (author of NATCEZ BURNING and THE BONE TREE), you can watch it here. 

If you're in the mood for creepy love stories, Two Tales Press has the MAD LOVE bundle on sale for $0.99!

And PS: J.T. still has a couple of Goodreads giveaways that are still live! You could win one of 30 ARCs of NO ONE KNOWS or one of 20 ARCs of FIELD OF GRAVES. Good luck!

Well, that's all I've got for you. Happy Valentine's Day, have fun with your loved ones, and I'll see you next week!

–Amy

2.11.16 - On A Social Media Sabbatical

Lent is upon us, and as I do every year, I am taking a social media sabbatical.

As I write this, it hasn’t begun quite yet, and I’ve been cruising through Facebook and Twitter, having wee panic attacks at the thought of 6 weeks without either. Plus, of course, I have a book launching toward the end of Lent (which is from February 10 to March 24 this year.). This is an accurate portrayal of my inner struggles. 

Thankfully, I have the Divine Amy, who will be running the show while I’m away. 

In this day and age, it really is hard to simply disappear, especially when, like on my Facebook page, we have a community going. The cool thing is, said community can function without me. These people know each other. They talk, they share book recommendations, they tell each other jokes and lift each other up. It’s just that I’ll miss stopping by, chatting, being a part of everyone’s lives. 

So if this Lenten fast causes me concern, why am I doing it?

That’s a good question. 2016 is my Year of Lent. I’m working so hard loosen my hold on things that aren’t in my control. For someone who keeps about 6 calendars for fear of screwing up and forgetting something important, you can imagine how difficult this is for me. 

Lent is about giving up things that are precious to you. My online community is VERY precious to me. And, as happens, I’m spending too much time on social media and not enough time on writing. 

But that’s the cop out answer, too. The truth is, I need to find some quiet space. There have been a lot of changes this year, a lot of cacophony at home, with construction and sick cats and leaks and family issues, and I need to slow down, turn inward, find some space for my creativity to flourish. I’ve been running away from a few stories that are begging to get out. I have new deadlines on everything, a massive shift in content creation, and I need to make excellent use of my time to get ahead of the game, so to speak.

I am a natural multi-tasker, which isn’t a good thing. Proof positive right here. I’ve been feeling the strain of trying to juggle too many things, so I am looking forward to mono-tasking, and really accomplishing a ton.  

Because normally during Lent, I get a LOT of work done. One year I wrote 60,000 words in 6 weeks. Another I drafted two short stories and revised a full manuscript. I have great hopes for getting the new Nicholas Drummond book done, then getting a big jump start on the new Sam novel. And I have a short story that wants to come out and play. The blog needs tending. Amy and I are working on a secret project.

Plenty to do.

Lent, for me, is a time of great creativity, of quiet reflection, of focusing on what’s in front of me. There will be some travel, a lot of reading, and, I hope, a bit of peace for me to fill my well with.

 I will be blogging, and Amy will be running all the usual exciting staples. You might not even miss me. But if you do, feel free to shout anytime through email, or through Amy.

Have a blessed Lent, chickens! See you on the other side!