Can you hear me now?

I’m your inner voice. The one that keeps saying, “You’ve got to do something or it’s never going to happen.” The one that reminds you, “You’re never going to be where you want to be as a writer.” The one that shows you the truth.

Sure there have been studies.

Psychologists will say that you, and you alone, have control over me. If every word from my mouth is negative, you have the power to change me.

Ha!

Come a little closer. Let me tell you a secret. We both know it’s so much easier to listen to the negatives. So much simpler-and safer-to believe you can’t than to go to all the trouble of trying and risking failure.

Forget the hogwash about failing yourself. Forget it!

Oh sure, you can put positive words in my mouth. You can make me say two positive things for every one negative. Like learning to walk, you can program me to celebrate you.

But that takes effort.

You’ll wind up treating yourself with the love and care you give others, acknowledging your successes. Noting your strengths instead of dwelling on your weaknesses. What a Putz! Right?

Even that Gandhi guy knew.

“Men often become what they believe themselves to be. If I believe I cannot do something it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can then I acquire the ability to do it even if I didn’t have it in the beginning.” M. Gandhi

It’s all about me. 

Succeed or fail, try to not, positive or negative, it all comes down to what I, your inner voice, say. 

Can you hear me now?

Here's hoping you find the happy channel in your head!

Lisa Tapp

Masque Winner!

Congratulations to Heather Dent who won our drawing for a copy of Bethany Griffin's Masque of the Red Death.  Be sure to check out the After The Masque.., More Masque post below to learn more about the impending sequel.

Six Signs You've Got A Writer In Your Life...

Like most professions, writers have certain characteristics that set them apart from the mechanics, doctors, and duck hunters of the world. We’re fairly easy to spot if you know what to look for, so here are a few ways to identify the writer in your life.

1.  If you see someone you know constantly arguing with people that aren't there, they're probably a writer. Or an escapee from the mental ward. Could go either way…

2.  If their work uniform consists of fuzzy socks, tank tops, flannel pants, or pajama jeans, there’s a good chance they're a writer. Or a tragic fashion victim that likes soft things… (or both—like me)

3.  If someone in your life consumes more than a gallon of either coffee, jolt cola, or Mt Dew in a single twenty-four hour span, they're definably a writer. We thrive on caffeine. (warning - Stay clear in cases of caffeine shortage!)

4.  If a friend or loved one does something that makes you question their sanity, such as quizzing firemen on how to get away with arson or locking themselves in the trunk of your car to see how it feels, there's a good chance they're a writer. Or, again, an escapee from the mental ward. ( Funny how we share a lot of the same traits… ) 

5.  If they can’t resist the urge to rewrite ads (Newspaper, magazines, ect), rearranging sentences or changing and cutting repeated words, there’s a good chance you've got a writer.

  

6.  And lastly, if when people irritate them, you find your loved one drafting elaborate death scenes, complete with dialog, motivation, and possibly gratuitous amounts of torture, they're a writer. Or someone in need of psychiatric evaluation..

Am I forgetting anything? Do you have a writer in your life? What are some of the quirks that set them apart?

After the Masque... More Masque!

Time for all Bethany Griffin fans to celebrate.  Her deadly, sexy, (and alligator-filled) Masque of the Red Death is now available in paperback.  What’s more, the conclusion to the two-book series, Dance of the Red Death, comes out on April 23^rd.  To celebrate, we’re giving away a paperback copy of Masque.  But first, here’s a bit about the books.

If you haven’t read the first book, Masque, you’re missing quite a ride with heroine Araby Worth.  I won’t spoil the ending, but I can promise romance, action, costumes, steampunkish gear, monsters (both the human and animal kind), plus the heavy air of revolution.  The emotional weight of Bethany’s writing is addictive.

Good as Masque is, though, Dance is even better.  The world grows larger and denser, Araby hits new highs and lows, the plot--as they say--thickens.  On her website, Bethany begins her description of Dance with the phrase “Everything is on fire” and I agree.  Reserve your copy now.

     

Please comment below to be considered for the drawing. Extra points offered for posting about the contest on Facebook or Twitter (please include mention of this in your comment). Email MUST be included in the comment to be considered. Open to US and Canadian entries only - apologies. Contest closes at midnight EST on 4/14/13.

If You Find Me, Giveaway Winner!

Thanks to everyone who commented and entered the giveaway for my ARC of If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch.

The winner is...

CHRISTINE!

I was especially excited to see Christine's name selected because she's a psychology and sociology major (like I was!), and this book explores abuse, drug addiction, resilience, healing - and how others can help. It's gorgeously written, raw and brutal, but full of beauty, love, and hope.  If you missed my review of the book, or are looking for other chances to win, go here.

Have a great week!
Kristin