Summer Writing Retreats, the Pause that Inspires

My writing station

I just got back from a writing retreat on Cape Cod. I go to a retreat every July and January. It's an amazing, inspiring, informative, fun experience and it builds community. I often start the draft of a novel in July, and this summer was no exception. Finally, I had the time and peace of mind to plunge into an NA historical fantasy, set in the 1930s. I also had time to open a Pinterest account and create a board for my new novel. Why did I wait so long to visually organize my novel elements?! Wanna follow me there? I'll follow you back!

At the retreat we do readings in the evenings,

Our gang

and they're always helpful. There's nothing like running your newest work by fellow writers who you trust implicitly, to make sure you're on the right track with a fledgling project. Each night someone makes a dinner. Good way to sample interesting food.

Emily's veggie fest dinner

Other retreats and conferences that I recommend are Squaw Valley, the SCBWI Summer Conference out in LA (& winter one in NYC), the Mendocino Writers' Conference, the Chautauqua conference & Southampton workshop. If you have the time, you could do a residency. I have a friend who liked Ragdale.

Emily and her coconut yogurt
with lemon zest!

Stairs to beach

Helen ordering pizza

Maggie being writerly

Have you attended a retreat or conference you'd recommend?

In June, I also taught at a writers' retreat in Rosemont College for MFA students, which rocked the house. I got to try out some crazy-fun new writing prompts on them *insert evil cackle here*

My smart & uber-creative MFA students

Rosemont gargoyles

Some of the Rosemont teachers & faculty

So, do you do retreats, conferences or workshops? Have you ever organized your own? If not, how do you refresh and relight your creative spark?

Susan Kaye Quinn's Second Daughter is out today-plus enter for prizes!

NEW RELEASE

Second Daughter (The Dharian Affairs #2) Assassins, skyships, and royal intrigue... Kindle, Kobo, AllRomance Second Daughter is the second book in The Dharian Affairs trilogy (Third Daughter, Second Daughter, First Daughter). This steampunk-goes-to-Bollywood (Bollypunk!) romance takes place in an east-Indian-flavored alternate world filled with skyships, assassins, royal romance and intrigue.

Reviews of the first book, Third Daughter:

"The author fuses carriages, steam trains, airships and clockwork with the rich eastern culture that underlies Bollywood storytelling..." - Cherie Reich

"The political intrigue, the steampunk gadgets, and the beautiful costumes kept me in wonderment." - Tony Benson

ìThird Daughter is vividly breathtaking. Quinn delivers royal intrigue, exotic locations, and sweeping romance. Not to be missed!î - Pavarti Tyler, author of Shadow on the Wall

ON SALE - 99cents until 7/21 Third Daughter (The Dharian Affairs #1)

Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iTunes, AllRomance (also available in print) The Third Daughter of the Queen wants her birthday to arrive so she'll be free to marry for love, but rumors of a new flying weapon may force her to accept a barbarian prince's proposal for a peace-brokering marriage. Desperate to marry the charming courtesan she loves, Aniri agrees to the prince's proposal as a subterfuge in order to spy on him, find the weapon, and hopefully avoid both war and an arranged marriage to a man she does not love.

NEW

Both books now have a map!

Download the map free here

Speedy Tweets to Share: NEW RELEASE: Second Daughter (Dharian Affairs #2) Assassins, skyships, royal intrigue #steampunk #fantasy #romance http://bit.ly/SDAmazon WIN Gift Card and PAPERBACK Third Daughter (Dharian Affairs #1) #steampunk #fantasy #romance http://www.susankayequinn.com Skyships, saber duels, royal romance: Third Daughter (Dharian Affairs#1) ON SALE 99cents http://bit.ly/ThirdDAmaz

Thank you so much for helping me get this book out in the world! Win paperback copy of Third Daughter  $10 Amazon Gift Card

check out the gorgeous formatting of the print book!

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My big news! Book #2, Private Internship is forthcoming in the Art of Love series

My big news is that Inkspell Publishing picked up the second in my new adult Art of Love series, Private Internship, to be launched this fall! *Happy Dance* It follows artist, Sienna Karr into her first wonderful and horrific paid internship. Here's a summary:

Sienna’s bestie, Harper warned her not to intern for famous bad boy artist, Casper Mason. After all, he just fired Harper who helped Sienna land the interview. But the moment Sienna sees Casper—or Caz—sweaty and practically shirtless and swinging from chains while he works on his sculpture, she’s hooked. He’s the richest, hottest artist in New York, and he lives in the fabulous Williamsburg Sugar Factory. But he’s also an incorrigible game-player, who seems to relish testing Sienna’s loyalty with a string of unsettling tests.

She knows she should get away fast. But by the time Sienna sneaks into his locked storage room and begins to unearth his dark and terrifying secret, she’s fallen way too hard for the handsome, charismatic Caz.

The shuttered Domino Sugar Factory

The odd thing is that I set it in a place that is now getting tons of attention: the old Domino Sugar Factory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I've been obsessed with that place for many, many years, ever since I moved in around the corner from it when I first came to NYC. 

Kara Walker's gorgeous sugar sphinx

So, it was news to me this year when I heard it was slated for partial demolition, and even bigger news to me when I read that well-known sculptress Kara Walker had crafted a gigantic Sphinx mama, made from sugar in the defunct annex there, and it was attracting lines around the block. You see, my main character's love interest, Caz lives and works in the factory, and he makes . . . wait for it . . . sugar sculptures!!!! 

I had to pay a visit my old haunt. And it did not disappoint! It brought back strong memories of my very first visit and it still smelled like burnt sugar. I'm sad that the place is now closed, and will be altered in preparation for an ambitious waterfront building project that have many in Brooklyn up in arms.

But I'll have Sienna and Casper Mason's love story set in the factory to cheer me up. And

hopefully, if and when you read it, you'll fall in love with the sugar castle too. In the meantime, here are a few other amazing sculptors who spin sugar art.

Notes from BEA

I went to BEA recently and had a blast signing books, meeting friends, checking out forthcoming novels and snapping photos!
Plus, the night before the expo, I got to hang out at the Harvard Club, and pick up a YA finalist Next Generation Indie award for Ruby's Fire! The place brimmed with other interesting writers, including Lindsay "LC" Barlow, a finalist for her horror ebook, Pivot, and Janet Shawgo, a finalist for her romance novel Find Me Again. I was impressed by the VP, Catherine Goulet for her enthusiasm, professionalism and intense dedication to promoting great indie lit.

I signed at the SFWA booth and the Headline booth, where the Next Gen Indie winners and finalists signed. It was big fun getting to talk directly with librarians, teachers and bloggers.

Meeting Kelly Hashway

I met Kelly Hashway, an online blogger and friend. She was signing at the Spencer Hill booth for The Monster Within. I also said a hearty hello to Jonathan Maberry, a fellow Philadelphian, who is quite beloved for his amazing horror novels.

Stopped by to meet and greet the inspiring Georgia McBride, founder of Month 9 Press and Swoon.

Chatting with the fab Georgia McBride

And hey, I couldn't resist getting my picture snapped with the uber-buff Ellora's Cave cover models. One of them even writes romance. Who would've thought?!

The Ellora's Cave cover models were good sports

Hanging with Hugh Howey

The next day I got to meet Hugh Howey, darling of the indie scene, and hot damn, his Wool series proves that he's one excellent writer. Have you read it yet? The first in the series is perma-free!
He wrote a smart post about Amazon and Hachette debacle.

I also sat in on a fascinating panel with some of the most successful indie romance authors, HM Ward, Bella Andre and Barbara Freethy ( a hybrid author). They all said that readers love series, and that when creating one, a writer should leave it as open-ended as possible so that you can add on more books should the series become popular.

Bella said that she has a family series, the Sullivans, with eight siblings and when readers clamored for more, more, more she actually extended the family into a series about the cousins, and then extended it into a handful of cities. These women are all super-fast writers. They say in this era of insta-buy ebooks that people want the next books in the series immediately after finishing the last one! I guess I'll have to get better at fast drafting.

Have you been to BEA? Any other great conferences?
Oh, and before I forget, the huge book giveaway is still open. Click here to enter the Rafflecopter. Plus a must-read from Indie author Dean Wesley Smith here.

Featuring two great novels: Edge of Truth and The Monster Within, Plus Prizes!

Today, Idea City celebrates two novels: The Monster Within, a paranormal by Kelly Hashway and Edge of Truth, a dystopian by Natasha Hanova. Woo hoo!!!

The Monster Within is the first in Kelly Hashway's newest series. Check out this great trailer for it on YouTube! It launches with Spencer Hill Press on June 17, but you can pre-order it here! B&N, Amazon 

The moment seventeen-year-old Samantha Thompson crawls out of her grave, her second chance at life begins. She died of cancer with her long-time boyfriend, Ethan, by her side—a completely unfair shot at life. But Ethan found a way to bring her back, like he promised he would. Only Sam came back wrong.
     She's now a monster that drains others' lives to survive. And after she kills, she’s tortured by visions—glimpses into her victims would-have-been futures had she not killed them. Barely able to live with herself and trying to make things right, Sam ends up a pawn in a vicious game of payback within the local coven of witches.
     But when the game reveals what Ethan had to do to save Sam, she must make a choice that will change all their lives forever.

Kelly Hashway writes for children through teens. Her YA novels include, Touch of Death (Spencer Hill Press), Stalked by Death, Face of Death, The Monster Within, The Darkness Within (SHP, 2015) and Into the Fire (Month9Books, 9/14). Her debut MG series, Curse of the Granville Fortune releases in 2014 through Month9Books. Visit her website & blog. Kelly's repped by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary.

Natasha Hanova's Edge of Truth is officially 1-year old today! In celebration, she's hosting a big giveaway with book contributions from multiple authors. Edge of Truth has landed on Amazon's Teen & YA Science Fiction & Dystopian Top 100 List, earned a review rating of 4+ stars and gotten a new cover with bonus content. Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter contest for a chance to win tons of great swag! But first, enjoy this excerpt of Rena's first encounter with love interest Nevan. She's out past curfew, on the run from the Overlord's robotic lawmen. This scene takes place right after she knocks on Nevan's door seeking refuge:

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Nevan’s dual-colored eyes—one blue, one hazel—captivated Rena. She drowned in them, in his dark eyebrows, his long, wide-based nose, his full lips. Even the faint V-shaped scar on his forehead that first appeared two years ago was too beautiful to look at. Her heart pounded, as if struggling to close the distance between them. She chewed her lip, dreading the usual shock of pain from emotional spikes like this, only it never hit.

When Blaze poked her in the back, she exhaled, but couldn’t force any words out. Warmth rushed through her from being near Nevan, with his slight smile and shoulder length dreads. In spite of the cool night air, her armpits prickled with sweat. Looking at him made her cheeks hurt. She focused on a random spot near his shoulder and struggled to think of something, anything to say. This wasn’t how she pictured their first conversation. But what if it didn’t amount to words? What if he slammed the door on her?

Blaze pushed hard enough to move her two steps forward. The way Nevan focused on her made her knees wobbly. He traced a finger across his forehead and down his temple. She’d never observed him make that gesture before. Was it meant to calm himself? Or did he feel the heat, too? The thought made another burst of warmth blanket her.

“Ummm…uhhhh.” It was all she could force out. She backed away. Her friend, turned roadblock, caged her in. Down the street, the second set of Synbots reached scanning distance and headed for them. Panic raced through her, spiked her heart with adrenaline, and jump-started her survival instincts. She spun toward Nevan. “We need a safe place to stay for a few hours. I know you don’t know us, but I’d . . . we’d be grateful if you would let us inside.”

He leaned forward, glancing down the sidewalk. The movement stirred the air between them, and his warm citrus scent surrounded Rena. He stepped aside and spoke in a loud, booming voice, most likely for the Syns’ monitoring devices. “Yes, we’ve been waiting for you.”

She blinked twice in disbelief. The Syns marched up the sidewalk. Blaze grabbed her by the shoulders and shoved her into the house.

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Natasha Hanova is an award-winning author of YA and adult dark fantasy/paranormal fiction. Edge of Truth (June 2013) is her debut novel. Her short stories appear in multiple anthologies. She loves nibbling Peanut M&Ms while reading paranormal, dark fantasy, and dystopian books with heavy doses of romance. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and children. Find her at NatashaHanova.com.  

Social Media Links

Blog    •     Twitter     •     Facebook     •     Google+

Edge of Truth Buy Links

Amazon     •     Smashwords     •      B&N     •     BooksAMillion

Enter the Rafflecopter to win great stuff (including my NA romance novella, Model Position :) )

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Interview with Cherie Reich on writing & Reborn!

Idea City's thrilled to chat with Cherie Reich about writing and Reborn. Oh, and enter the Rafflecopter to win LOTS of great books from Cherie and other Untethered Realms authors!
Cherie, tell us about your main character. 
Yssa is god-chosen as the Phoenix Prophetess. She’s grown up knowing who she is, but that doesn’t change how she wants to be normal, like everyone else. She’s sometimes naïve, self-centered, and wishy-washy, but she can be strong and caring. She genuinely does want to change people’s terrible Fates, even though she often fails.

In what ways does she change? 
Yssa would rather be anyone besides the Phoenix Prophetess, but she must learn and grow to accept her role in Amora’s history. She can still be a little selfish at times, but she’s learning to be less naïve and more certain of herself.

Your favorite line from your protagonist: 
My memories weren’t enough to take with me. I just wouldn’t go to Amora.

From an antagonist:
“Your queen is not all she seems.” Odjin half-heartedly laughed.

An emblematic, teaser paragraph:
The child’s life-thread ripped from his mother’s hand and joined the pulsing jewel on her belt. The piece sizzled, reattaching to the gemstone, and transformed to blood red.

What keeps you going when your inspiration flags? 
Reading. I can always tell when I’m not reading enough since the writing goes downhill.

What truly inspires you and fires up your vision? 
Daydreaming. I love thinking about future scenes, acting them in my head, and figuring out where to go next.

Best words of advice you ever received? 
Write a draft and then put it aside for a while. Coming at a draft with fresh eyes really helps to find problems with the story.

Worst? 
You must write every day. Every day works for some authors. I find I write best in spurts.

Advice to aspiring and new authors?
Read! In your genre, out of your genre. You’ll pick up ways to write by absorbing what you read.

Which do you enjoy writing most: action, romance, setting, dialog?
Good question. Can I say “world building”? It’s similar to setting, but I still feel like I have a hard time with description, but I love finding ways to delve deeper into the world the characters live in.

How is it writing a trilogy? 
I’m still learning about writing a trilogy. Book One is finished and published, but I only have part of Book Two written, and Book Three is only an outline. The biggest challenge will likely be not dropping a story thread. I’m trying to tie everything up at the end, and I fear I’ll miss something. I do love building the world and learning more about the characters and the Kingdom of Amora as I write and plan.

What is the most important theme of book one? Book Two? 
Accepting who you are is a strong theme in the books. Life and death is another as well as free will versus Fate.

Care to share a hint of what’s to come in book three? 
Since Book Two isn’t out yet, I don’t want to give away too much. Let’s just say everything comes together in one epic conclusion.

A hint of what you’re working on next? 
A princess must rise to challenge Fate. I’m expanding a short story within The Fate Challenges’ world to novella-length. The new title is Repledged, and it features Princess Magna and is set 800 years before Reborn.

Find Cherie on the web: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Reborn is available in Ebook and Print! Amazon | Createspace | Google Play | Kobo | Nook | OmniLit | Smashwords | Other Retailers. Click to add on Goodreads.

To save a kingdom, a prophetess must challenge Fate.

On the day of Yssa’s death and rebirth, the god Apenth chose her as the Phoenix Prophetess. Sea serpents and gods endanger the young prophetess’s journey and sour the omens. Yssa is cursed instead of blessed, and her duties at the Temple of Apenth prove it. She spends her days reading dusty scrolls, which does nothing to help her forget Tym, the boy back home. But the annoying yet gorgeous ferryman’s son Liam proves to be a distraction she can’t predict, even though he rarely leaves her alone for two sand grains.

Her boring temple life screeches to a halt when visions of her parents’ murders consume her. Yssa races across an ocean to stop the future. If she can’t change Fate, she’ll refuse to be the Phoenix Prophetess any longer. Fate, however, has other plans for her and the kingdom.

Yssa must either accept her destiny or fight to change Fate.

Cherie Reich, a self-proclaimed bookworm, is a speculative fiction writer and library assistant living in Virginia. Her short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies, and her books include the horror collection Nightmare, a space fantasy novella collection titled Gravity, and the fantasy series The Foxwick Chronicles and The Fate Challenges. Reborn is her debut novel. She is Vice President of Valley Writers and a member of the Virginia Writers Club and Untethered Realms. For more info, visit her website.

Cherie and the authors of Untethered Realms are giving away over $50 worth of books to one lucky winner. The giveaway is open internationally. Enter the Rafflecopter below.

On an unrelated note, Catherine Stine signs at BEA this week! Click for the schedule.

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Heading to BEA & more Exciting News!

First of all, my futuristic thriller, Ruby's Fire is a YA finalist in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards! How cool is that? I get to attend an award party at the Harvard Club. It's the one year anniversary of Ruby's launch so I'm a proud book mama.

The other fun thing is that I'm going to sign at BEA (Book Expo) in NYC. I'll be at the Science Fiction Writers of America Booth 2561 (SFWA) on Thursday (11:30 am to 12) and Friday (3 to 3:30 pm) signing copies of Ruby's Fire and Fireseed One. And I'll also be at the Headline Booth, 2368 on Friday from 4 to 5 pm selling and signing Ruby's Fire with some of the other Next Generation award-winners. 

Are you headed to BEA too? 
If so, then heck, come see me!!! I love to meet my online friends and associates in person!

Thursday, May 29: 11:30 am-12 noon-SFWA Booth 2561

Friday, May 30: 3-3:30 pm-SFWA Booth 2516
Friday, May 30: 4 to 5 pm-Headline Booth 2368

Haven't read Ruby's Fire yet? It's on sale at Amazon! ebook, illustrated paperback

If everything about you changes, what remains?

“Seventeen year-old Ruby and her little brother Thorn, have only known a life blighted by the extremist Fireseed Cult. The night Ruby is set to be claimed by one of its cruelest and oldest leaders, she makes a bid for freedom. With Thorn in tow, she stumbles into the world beyond, and finds an opportunity for a fresh start in Skull’s Wrath under the guidance of Nevada Pilgrim, a woman who may not be all she seems. Ruby's new life could bring her friendship, love, even fortune, but nothing comes without a price. Is Ruby's talent for elixirs keeping the roof over their heads, or do some of her associates have a more sinister and lucrative interest in them? Life outside a strange cult isn't without its dangers, and the experience leaves Ruby transformed and communing with the Fireseed more closely than she ever would have imagined. Stine delivers a thrilling adventure led by an exciting cast of characters, and the romance is well handled.”   -YA’s The Word

Praise for Ruby's Fire:

“Hidden agendas, love triangles, good old-fashioned jealousy & a stunningly imaginative chain of events.” –Mousehead Tales & Reviews

“Ruby's Fire is a novel of creativity and imagination. The worldbuilding is excellent, full of visuals and original concepts.” - Fluttereal Flight

“A heart-pounding tale of deception and danger set in a futuristic world teetering perilously between metamorphosis and destruction.”  -Ciara Knight, author of Weighted & Escapement

And for those in the Philly/Jersey/Delaware area who want to attend an amazing writing retreat, I'll be teaching a concentration of writing YA and NA at the Rosemont, PA writing retreat from June 22-27. Still time to sign up! The deets here!

I even have a little more news! Yup, after a long, cold winter it's a newsy spring. But I'll save that for my next post.
What are you up to this May and June?