Warming up: Why it's important for writers, too

My monthly blog post on writing and fitness is up now at Writers Fun Zone. This month's topic is the importance of warming up, both for working out and writing.

Speaking of warming up, I've gotten hit with a virus this past week and it's been slowing down both my karate and my word count. Ugh. I'm starting to feel better today, so I'll try to get back into my normal workout/writing zone tonight. Is there anyone out there who's able to maintain their word count, even while sick?

Super Sargasso now available!

That's right, my new collection of stories, Super Sargasso, is now available to purchase at Smashwords. Links to purchase at Amazon coming soon!

And if you're at Marcon this weekend, be sure to attend my release party. I'll be reading my favorite story from the collection, Purse Dog Apocalypse. You can also purchase a signed copy of Slideways, and enter to win a free copy of Super Sargasso. Plus, free snacks and wine (wine only for those over 21, of course).

The party will take place Saturday evening, 8 to 10 p.m. More details as soon as I have them!

Super Sargasso cover!

So, here's the big news I've been holding off on. I'll be releasing my collection of offbeat horror stories, Super Sargasso, next weekend. The official launch party will take place at Marcon, so if you're attending, be sure to stop by. In addition to entering to win a free copy, I'll also be providing refreshments and reading my personal favorite story from the collection, "Purse Dog Apocalypse".

I'll post more details post-release. In the meantime, feast your eyes on the cover:

New guest post and Marcon news

Bit #1: My monthly guest blog at Writer's Fun Zone is up. This month's topic: writing outside.

Bit #2: In addition to the previously listed Marcon panels, I'll also be doing a reading and book signing. I will have copies of Slideways for sale, or bring your own and I'll sign it. In addition, I'll be having an exciting release party! More news on that soon.

Marcon 2013 schedule

I've gotten my schedule for Marcon this year. Like last year, it will once again be on Easter weekend, March 29-31 this year. According to the programming committee, they'll be switching back to Memorial Day weekend next year. Frankly, I'm conflicted. The con had better attendance when it was on Memorial Day, but then, last year was the first year they put it on the new weekend. Also, because I don't have Marcon this Memorial Day weekend, I'm able to attend Scorched Nuts, which I'm really psyched about. They do it that weekend annually, so next year I'll have to make a tough choice.

Anyway, on to the schedule:

SAT 02:30pm Union C: Literary--Good Gods and Goddesses!
SAT 05:30pm Knox: Education--There, Their, They're: The Lost Art of Spelling and Punctuation.
SUN 01:00pm Union C: Literary--Genre Mishmash

I'm also scheduled for a reading and autograph session, but the time for those hasn't been confirmed yet. Also this year, I'll be debuting a special surprise!

Hodgman's advice to writers.

I just had to share this video. John Hodgman is one of my writing heroes; he's part of the reason I started writing again as an adult (but that's a topic for another blog post). He makes two thoughtful points in this video. The first points out the success of the modestly talented writer who continues to work and submit (provided he/she isn't crazy). The second breaks down "Write what you know" into 2 sub-points:

1) You have to know interesting things; and

2) You have to know what you know.

What do those mean? Well, since Hodgman's so much more eloquent than I (plus his voice is so much prettier), you should just watch the video:

Writer's Fun Zone and Marcon

My latest post for Writer's Fun Zone is up. This month, I'm talking about the health dangers of too much sitting, a real issue for writers. I talk about how I switched to a standing workspace for this very reason, and how you can, too. In other news, I've submitted my panelist registration for Marcon. As soon as I get my schedule, I'll post it here. I'm really looking forward to it this year; hoping to show up to the con with a surprise. :)