Mflagg.Blogspot

Retribution! is FREE on December 17th!

2011-12-11T08:29:00.001-08:00

The Wild Rose Press has included Book One of The Champion Chronicles in its yearly Holiday Promotion. I'm thrilled to be one of the authors chosen for the give-away.

If you enjoy the hero's journey with a paranormal twist, please take advantage of the FREE E-BOOK, RETRIBUTION! The Champion Chronicles: Book One, available ONLY on December 17, 2011 at http://www.thewildrosepress.com

For additional information and a brief overview of Retribution!, please visit http://paranormalpassion.blogspot.com

On the blog I share with Shela Sky, you can read the latest reviews of all three books in the trilogy.
Thanks and Happy Holidays to all! ~ Mickey Flagg

New Review for CONSEQUENCES...

2011-07-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

Yes. I broke down and entered Book Two in The PRISM contest a few months ago. Then I was pleasantly surprised to see a 5 STAR READER REVIEW on Amazon:

"I'm so glad I got this one. It was beautifully written, emotional, and hard to put down.

This is a writer to watch!"

Thank you, Nancy Brandt!

Please join me...

2011-04-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

Part of being an author is promotion, and then, more promotion.
I'm thrilled to announce the following happenings - and all in the span of two days!
APRIL 28, 2011
Interview at http://jennafern.blogspot.com/
Ms. Nixon asks some tough questions.
Drop in and see how I do!

Blogtalk Radio interview with the lovely and gracious Daria DiGiovanni. Here's the promo for the link. The interview is slated for 11am.http://dariadigiovanni.com/2011/04/writestream-welcomes-author-mickey-flagg/
Sign in to participate, but you'll be able to access the interview later on. I'll post the link.

APRIL 29, 2011
"Don't we always write what we know?" Hum... I write vampires...
Author Chris Redding has a terrific blog.
http://chrisreddingauthor.blogspot.com/ I'll sign in from time to time and I look forward to your comments!

BOOK SIGNING with author JOANNA AISLINN
FRIDAY NIGHT 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Union High School, Union NJ
Join us for an enjoyable evening of shopping as well. Some great gift ideas just in time for Mother's Day!
Thanks for stopping by! ~ Mickey

COME VISIT MY NEW BLOG!!

2011-03-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!
I've joined my good friend and paranormal author for a joint blog. All future postings will be there, so come visit when you get a chance: http://www.ParanormalPassion.blogspot.com

Shela Sky has sold a novella to The Wild Rose Press. It's entitled The Vampire's Touch, and if you've enjoyed Retribution! and Consequences, I'm sure you'll enjoy her author voice as much as I do! She's already gone through the edit process and is waiting for a release date. Yep. Sometimes things move really fast.

The blogspot, ParanormalPassion, will be an exciting venture. We're hoping to entice a few more authors to visit and guest blog with us. If you're interested, please email me at michele.flagg@yahoo.com.
Thanks ~ Mickey Flagg

The Release Date

2011-03-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I received an email from my editor, the fabulous Callie Lynn Wolfe. She congratulated me on completing my third and final novel in The Champion Chronicles Trilogy. I felt full of bittersweet excitement, having worked so closely with Callie since I signed with The Wild Rose Press in 2007.

I can't believe it. Almost five years! I'll forever be grateful for her guidance, patience, and support. As a new writer (definitely not a young one) the opportunity to work with the best of the best has been thrilling!

So back to the reason for this post. Like many authors gearing up for another book signing, I labored all afternoon once I had Callie's email, and created post cards to hand out. I had to get HIS SOUL TO KEEP and its stunning cover out there, right? Along with reviews for Retribution! and Consequences... I simply typed "coming soon" for Book Three, and the promo cards arrived four days ago.

There's a reason people procrastinate. I should have, I guess.

Last night, that altogether thrilling email arrived from my editor. And with a cyber drum-roll...

HIS SOUL TO KEEP releases in ebook and print on JULY 22, 2011

Remember my post about changing the blurb? Well, here's the final one:

Destiny is rewritten for Michael Malone, a mystically enhanced vampire, with an outcome so unexpected that everyone in his world is stunned - Michael most of all. Suddenly mortal, he faces challenges unlike any he has ever experienced.

Alana, his Guardian and soul mate, questions how the evil that lived within Michael was vanquished. Lukas, his human son, doesn't trust his father's heartbeat, and Michael himself has no answers.

The bonds of their love will face the greatest test of all when the ancient demon anchored within Michael for 317 years is discovered alive within an innocent human. Can Michael, Alana, and Lukas destroy the evil unleashed in order to give Michael his soul to keep?

I'll be signing Books One and Two on March 19th at the 2011 Create Something Magical Conference
hosted by Liberty States Fiction Writers.
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Where: Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, Rte.1 & Gill Lane, Iselin, NJ 08830

Come and meet some of New Jersey's finest authors :)

Thanks for stopping by!
Mickey

The Cover

2011-02-05T13:17:00.000-08:00

On the heels of a title change, His Soul To Keep has a cover.

So far, the blurb is as follows:

Destiny is rewritten for Michael Malone, a mystically enhanced vampire, with an outcome so unexpected that everyone in his world is stunned—Michael most of all.

“Tell me how this happened?” asks Alana, the Guardian he will always love. Lukas, his rebellious human son, is just as curious. Michael gives no explanation, believing “The why is all that matters now.”

Then, his outrage intensifies when the demon that had lived in Michael's soul for 317 years is sensed, alive and well, living within an innocent human. He'll face evil unleashed, his soul to keep.

Thanks to the talented Angela Anderson and Rae Monet, the trilogy will end with the most stunning work of art an author could wish for. Do you agree? Stay tuned for a release date ~ Mickey

It's official: HIS SOUL TO KEEP

2011-02-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

Okay. My editor warned me that I might have to change Book Three's title.

Did I listen? Nope.

The edit pass is done. We're ready to go to the next step.

Then the email comes. We have to change the title of Inheritance!

At first, panic set in along with but that's the title in my head and it's written in stone! It ends the Trilogy and maybe even provides the segue for another series.

Then I thought about it. My editor and I brainstormed, coming up with every possible one-word title to fit The Champion Chronicles and a vampire on his singular road to redemption.

As expected, every title was already taken - multiple times if you scan through Amazon.

Tucking my panic away for two days at work wasn't exactly easy. I don't have the type of job where I can share information about writing a paranormal series. One sentence, however, which came to mind the first night, had me thinking. I ran it by my daughter. She liked it. I ran it by my son. He didn't...

I thought, this fit's, it sounds intriguing. I'd read the back cover, even look inside to see what the book's about. Then I realized, not a one-word grabber like Retribution! and Consequences... but still interesting, since my vampire's soul is the heart of the matter in my series.

So now, officially, The Champion Chronicles: Book Three is ~

HIS SOUL TO KEEP

I jumped the gun by a day and referred to book three as HIS SOUL TO KEEP in an interview with Don Smith for The Wayne Patch http://wayne.patch.com/articles/wayne-resident-writes-vampire-trilogy
Please click on the link to read my interview while you're here :)

A new blurb is finished, and of course, any other revamping (yes, pun intended) requested will happily be tackled. But reading the ms once more, the title is perfection.

If you're a writer, have you had to change the title of your book? Did you experience the same kind of panic? When you wrote the novel, did you have a second title waiting in the wings?

I guess the moral of the story is keep an open mind. Sometimes, change is good.

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for a release date!
~ Mickey
Give me a few days to change the info at http://www.mflagg-author.com, but do visit and read more about The Champion Chronicles

Butterflies - Part Two

2010-09-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

I really appreciate all your great comments on butterflies. Since the post, I've learned so much from so many sources about the gorgeous creatures, legends attached to different cultures, and interesting facts about the tiny beauties. Friends of mine who don't blog even left messages through my website and in emails. One suggested maybe the little guy was too drunk on nectar to fly away. Uh-oh... I mean, would he come off his nectar high thinking, "Oh %#&*! What did I do? Jeez! Gotta lay off those bright pink flowers!" (Flutters away slowly from a distant and unfamiliar garden, full of remorse yet remembering the close, perhaps dangerous encounter...)

For one poster, it inspired her to leave her first comment on a blog. Wonderful! And my dear cousin hold fast to the idea that this was the soul of a loved one. I'm gonna agree and continue to treasure the experience because I did sense something special happening. I also have to share the thoughtfulness of a dear friend. She continues to be one of the finest teachers I've ever met. Her skill with words was fully appreciated when she took the time to correct all those grammatical slip-ups in my thesis, long before I wrote my first novel. I modeled a character after her patience and kindness in book three.

Okay, so what does this friend have to do with butterflies? Well, when I came home from school yesterday a long cylindrical mailer was waiting. To say the start of a new school year has been busy would be an understatement, but I know I didn't order anything lately, or did I? When I opened it, my eyes feasted upon an indescribable vision - the alphabet letters on butterfly wings! A simple note was attached: "Happy Birthday! I felt you needed this!" Needless to say, this awesome poster will be on my office wall as a constant reminder that like my butterfly moment, friendships are just as precious and unique.

Thanks, my dear friend!! And thanks again to all of you who left a post.
~ Mickey

Have you ever pet a butterfly?

2010-08-20T12:24:00.000-07:00

Someone said the butterfly was an angel. I tend to agree. And the feeling gave me such comfort, I won't even try to put it into words.

My vacation is at an end. I don't fully know what awaits Monday morning, but I'm sure it won't be pretty. With the unpredictability issue weighing heavily on my mind, I accepted a writer friend's invitation to spend the afternoon at her house. She's very earth-friendly, and as soon as I stepped onto her deck, the calm atmosphere had me. I stood by a pot of flowers on the deck rail, talking about my 'staycation' - the little writing I'd accomplished.

Right then a beautiful butterfly flitted around me. It settled on a bright pink flower less than a foot away. I moved closer. It didn't stop sucking sweet nectar from the little flower. I leaned in to study its black body, it's beautiful wings with yellow spots and a shade of blue I've never seen as our conversation continued.

Don't ask me why, but I reached out. With one finger, I stroked it's wing - an incredible feeling like touching a silky fine feather. Instead of zooming away, it stayed perfectly still. I pet it again and again and again. Then, it opened it's wings to reveal more shades of blue. And I continued to pet it's wing.

By now, all talk had stopped. My friend stared in disbelief. It left the flower and flitted around me once again, only to land by the next flower. Not quite sure I had experienced what I experienced, I reached out, sure it would fly away. But no. Once again, I pet it's wing, full of wonder and disbelief.

Suddenly, her daughter's friend shouted, "Oooh! Me too!" The butterfly took off with two young girls chasing it as we stood there shocked. She said she'd never seen anything like this before. I had to agree. I've never been this close to a butterfly! The feeling? Well, it's not easy to describe. I felt every little silken bristle. I saw little white spots on his body and I swear I looked into his eyes.

The inner me felt complete calm. As if time stood still or an out-of-body experience. It didn't seem real, yet three other people witnessed the moment.

I told my cousin about this last night. "I think it was an angel," she whispered.
"You think?"
"Oh yes... How many people do you know who have pet a butterfly?"
I couldn't answer.
"Have you ever heard of anyone standing next to one or a butterfly allowing someone to touch it's wings?"
"No," I replied, still unable to explain how or why it happened.
"Wow. I'll bet this is a one in a million chance." I shrugged and smiled. She shook her head and smiled back. "Leave it to you to do something so strange. I still think it was an angel."
"I have no idea," was my reply, very soft, very tentative.

The more I think about it, maybe she's right. I'll never know, but I will always remember how I felt when I touched a butterfly's wing and it didn't fly away. How serenity claimed me on a hot summer's day. I may not have had the fabulous, fun-filled vacation hoped for. But this simple unexpected experience made this one summer I'll never forget.

RT reviews Consequences... The Champion Chronicles: Book Two

2010-08-03T16:03:00.000-07:00

This release has been a long time coming, but it's finally HERE!!!

I learned so much as a writer while preparing this manuscript for my wonderful editor, Callie Lynn Wolfe at The Wild Rose Press. This was the first book I contracted, second in the series (of course, I do things backwards). Callie gave The Champion Chronicles it's name. Retribution! Book One debuted in March 2009. When I wrote Consequences...Book Two, the story was solid, the characters like old friends. I am pleased to announce that the last book in the Trilogy - Inheritance, Book Three is already in edits with Callie! Three books out in three years. Not bad for someone who never aspired to write a novel.

Consequences...Book Two has just been reviewed by Romantic Times Book Reviews, and here's what Donna M. Brown had to say.

CONSEQUENCES - M. Flagg - 4 Stars (Compelling - A page turner) Heat level: MILD
"Book two of the Champion Chronicles is a really wild ride. This is a story about a different sort of vampire. There are battles, tender moments, and a large dose of teen angst. Very enjoyable!"

"SUMMARY: The beast remains within. Mystically enhanced vampire Michael Malone survived a vicious assault by three evil sorcerers, only to face this one last obstacle. But he is not alone. The faithful have gathered for an exorcism.
Soon the beast is gone, but this Michael is different. It will take much more to bring him to the present. Many, including his love, the Guardian Alana and his human son Lukas, are there to pull him through. When he's back to his "normal" undead self, the Champion must atone for 300 years of transgressions. But an unlikely circumstance disturbs the malevolent Volstad, who vows to destroy Michael and turn Lukas."

Thank you Ms. Brown! I'm totally thrilled to share her words with you! ~ Mickey Flagg

Share your latest release or just leave a comment to win a copy of CONSEQUENCES.
Contest ends August 9th!! Thanks for visiting my blog!!

It's a TRILOGY.

2010-06-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

The release date for Consequences, Book Two in The Champion Chronicles is early August. It will be available at Amazon as well as The Wild Rose Press web site. I am so looking forward to this release, but I also have other news to share.

I've signed a contract with TWRP for the third book in this paranormal romance series. Inheritance continues Michael Malone's story of redemption and then some. Questions are answered, a new threat looms for him and Alana to battle, and Lukas discovers more about himself. All in all, the title of Book Three has many meanings.

To celebrate, I've changed my blog spot around a little. Yep. I went for the dramatic. For those of you who know me, it's no surprise. On June 21, I have a post up at http://twrpblackrose.blogspot.com on the topic of e-readers. Feel free to stop by and leave a comment. There's Kindle, the NOOK, and of course, the new Apple creation for downloading and reading ebooks. Please pardon my techno-savvy if I've left any others out. I have a SONY Reader (which suits me just fine, thank you).

So here's the treat. If you go to that post on June 21 and can come back here to http://www.mflagg.blogspot.com to tell me why I like the e-reader, you'll be entered in my celebration contest for a copy of Consequences to read.

Paperback or ebook - the choice will be yours!
Thanks for stopping by ~ Mickey

Current Good Reads

2010-05-29T07:20:00.001-07:00

Recently, I blogged about current good reads over at The Black Rose Blog of The Wild Rose Press. I'll admit to neglecting my own blog for the past months. My days are very busy, filled with so many urgent issues. I know. There's no excuse. So I'm making a promise to post more this summer. I thought a good way to get back into blogging would be to share what I had to say over at The Black Rose Blog. And if you want to hear what other paranormal authors have to say about current good reads, that's the blog to read!

Like many of us, sometimes just the simple pleasure of devouring a good book is a necessity. And when that writing muse takes a short vacation, I tend to dive into books with similar zest and, uh, I guess one could say 'rigor'. I grew up on Dick, Jane, Spot and the Bobbsey Twins. My interests are varied and often quirky. Whether it's combing through an author friend's current WIP, which totally thrilled me, or cracking the pages of an intense fantasy-fiction, if my mind is stimulated, then I'm game.

I like catchy covers, but if a title tweaks my interest, this reader is totally drawn in. An author's voice often prompts me to pick up other books he or she has written. Since the beginning of May, I've escaped into The Joining: Bound by Blood by Erika Sands. This Scarlet Rose author knows how to create a gripping, steamy love story. This is a great book! Then I decided to see how my Sony E-reader library works. Whew! I couldn't swipe the e-pages of He of the Fiery Sword fast enough. Skhye Moncrief's poetic use of words and humorous double entendres breathes life into this sexy tale. Her hero's a dragon, but no pun intended. The other book I downloaded was The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown – and well, now I know more about secret societies and buildings in Washington, DC than I did before. I loved The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons (right up my alley, so to speak) but Brown's study of a demented mind seemed more important than the actual quest for the lost symbol. Switching venues, to create a question guide and lead a book study with a colleague, I read Effective Instruction by Jim Burke. I get to do this sort of thing for in-house staff development. But if you're called upon to teach anything anywhere, Burke explains (in simple terms) how to delve deep into subject matter. Workshop presenters can find many good tips here as well.

May is drawing to an end. And yesterday, I finished a newly released paranormal romance by a fellow Black Rose author. It took me away into a paranormal world with a feisty empath I classify a true heroine, a proud member of The Nobility, and an exciting story where good trumps evil - the kind of storyline I like. Noble Heart by Linda J. Parisi is a fantastic read!

On another note - Consequences… The Champion Chronicles: Book Two is slated for release at the beginning of August. Book Three is finished and with my editor. I'm gearing up for some good summer promo, so be sure to stop back next month for an update on my new release and more good books to sink your teeth into. Can you tell I write vampires?

Take a moment and share what you're reading. Is it a good read or a great read? All genres welcome! Happy reading to all!! ~ Mickey

www.mflagg-author.com

Visit M. Flagg's facebook page and become a fan :)

March(ing) right along

2010-02-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged much lately, but I've sure seen a heck of a lot of snow. It's not that I don't have something to say. I'm pretty talkative most of the time. Perhaps my muse has taken a vacation to where it's sunny and warm, not slushy and chilly. At times, this break from writing worries me. The days are very busy right now, and I can't complain. As my son said the other day, "It'll come. Your intellectual curiosity is saturated lately." Sometimes I question how accurately he can put things. I mean, I'm the parent, right? I'm supposed to have all the words of wisdom flowing from my maternal mind. Is it a testament to parental success that those we've nurtured have become fine adults? His degree is in philosophy. I guess it shows :)

So amidst new changes in my life, all of them pretty good, I'll don my author hat for two new promotional activities I've listed below. In addition, the music teacher will re-emerge to sub for a fellow colleague at a local university this month. I'm looking forward to talking about portfolio assessment in the general music class. First and foremost, the teacher in me gets excited about guiding a room full of novice educators who soon will be out there looking for a job. If just a fraction of my discussion stays with them, then I'll have done a small part in preparing them for the classroom.

Here's hoping all this white stuff melts very soon. Stay warm and safe, everyone ~ Mickey
March 13, 2010:
Liberty States Fiction Writer's Conference
The Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel
Book signing event

March 22, 2010:
Author discussion & Book Signing Event
Three Takes On Love - with Christine Clemetson and Linda J. Parisi
Franklin Lakes Library
470 De Korte Drive
Franklin Lakes, NJ
7 - 9 PM

But I've been busy...

2010-01-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

Whew! Life get's busier by the month. I've been remiss with promotion, keeping up with blogs, posting updates, etc. "But I've been busy," has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Nothing bad; all good!

I'm happy to announce that Book Three of The Champion Chronicles: Inheritance is now in the hands of my goddess of an editor. Yep. I finally let it go after many, many revisions. Now the wait begins - again...

I feel very blessed to be an author who can say this. Statistics are staggering on how many individuals say they are going to write a book, and then actually do so. I've completed three in the four years I've been writing paranormal fiction. My thesis doesn't count (gotta grin here).

Now to other good news. Here's my new cover. Consequences... The Champion Chronicles: Book Two also has a release date from The Wild Rose Press: August 6, 2010. I'm very proud of this one. It was a rejection letter that forced me to write it. It was the first book my editor contracted. My sister Linda read the initial manuscript so fast that I was stunned. I poured my heart into it, wrote like a banshee on a mission for four months straight, and held my head high when I wrote the last word. I am pleased to share the cover with you :)

In February, two other Wild Rose authors, Linda J. Parisi (Noble Blood) and Christine Clemetson (A Daughter's Promise) and M. Flagg (Retribution!) will be appearing at the Pequannock Library (973-835-7460 for more details) on February 8th at 7 pm. We have a great presentation called "Three Takes on Love" which includes short examples of our love stories and a discussion session. Everyone's invited, of course.

On February 9th from 7 - 8 pm, I'll be talking at Marketing For Writers in Newton, NJ. The address is 133 Spring St. For more info, call 973-383-0027

March holds two more events and book signings. I'll keep you posted :)

So Happy 2010 to all. I hope your new year is filled with tons of good news and blessings!

Mickey

2009-11-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

NOVEMBER PROMOTIONS

The trees are shedding and change is in the air. The Halloween Book signing was a hoot! Linda J. Parisi (NOBLE BLOOD) and I donned our costumes to greet over thirty guests at THE FINE GRIND in Little Falls, NJ. For all the pictures, visit http://www.facebook.com/mickey.flagg

My daughter took some great pictures!

November highlights:

I start the month off reading a passage from RETRIBUTION! on Red River Writers Live Blog Talk Radio show November 5th at Noon, Central time. I should be on the air about 12:30. We are an hour later in good old NJ. Hope you tune in. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/RedRiverWritersLive/2009/11/05/Red-River-Writers-Live--Tell-April-Laurie-About-Yo

FREE READ DOWNLOAD at THE WILD ROSE PRESS!!!

Friday the Thirteenth (cover above) is a spicy hot, paranormal short story that is now available for your reading pleasure. It's free and downloads like a PDF. Just follow the link below to meet Simone and Maximilian.

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/friday-the-thirteenth-p-3734.html

FREE READ - A SWEET LOVE STORY SANS THE PARANORMAL - I PROMISE :)

November 19th - Thrifty Thursday at The Long and Short of It.

Hollow Hearts, a sweet romance between Agatha and Darby - after many years apart.

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/index.htm

Above all else, celebrate our family and friends as we approach Thanksgiving. How blessed are we to have such love in our lives. Stay well ~ Mickey

http://www.mflagg-author.com/

Halloween Happening

2009-10-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS, LINDA J. PARISI!!!

Winner of NJRW's Golden Leaf for

FIRST BOOK: NOBLE BLOOD

My fellow Black Rose Author at The Wild Rose Press has won the prestigious Golden Leaf Award. Linda's speech was so very poignant and straight from her heart.

Happily, you can meet Linda this Halloween at THE FINE GRIND Coffee House, voted NJ's best coffee house for 2009. We will be together (in costume, of course) for a book signing on October 31st from 10 - Noon.

The Fine Grind is located on Rt. 23 South in Little Falls (in The Farnisi Shopping Center) In fact, Retribution! as well as Noble Blood are already on their bookshelf for purchase.

Do stop by for a great cup of coffee and the chance to win a beautiful gift basket. There will also be a tarot reader available for the event. Rhonda and Jon are terrific hosts. We hope to pack the place, so put this on your Halloween to-do list and come on over.

Hope to see you there!

Mickey

www.Mflagg-author.com

October is looking good to me.

2009-09-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

I usually love September,

but October looks to be filled with loads of paranormal fun!

Come read the free short story: Friday the Thirteenth
Visit: www.thewildrosepress.com

October 3: The Backstory to Retribution!
www.blogtalkradio.com Catch my interview with Steven Clark Bradley
6:30 am Eastern Time, 9:30 am Pacific Time ~ I might even address snarky reviewers.

October 7: One very interesting interview with Sharon Donovan and Oliver
http://www.sharondonovan.blogspot.com

October 22: There's always something great happening on Dayana's blog.
Visit with me http://www.dayanaknight.blogspot.com

October 24: Book signing at NJRW Conference
The Woodbridge Hotel/Conference Center, Iselin, NJ

October 31: Fantabulous Halloween Event
Two paranormal authors signing their books – In costume - really!!
Tarot readings, gift basket give-away, GREAT coffee!!
The Fine Grind Coffee House
Rte.23 South, Little Falls, NJ

The owners, Rhonda and Jon, liked my 'entourage' so much that they invited me back. But no way do I do this alone! Linda J. Parisi is signing her terrific first novel, Noble Blood, as well.

We'll be there 10 - Noon, but hoping for so many customers that we'll have to stay all day.

Just who on earth checks these people?

2009-09-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it's the end of summer that brings out mean-spirited people. I tend to look forward to autumn - cooler nights, beautiful, vibrant color - all those warm, toasty things that beg for a fire in the hearth and hand crocheted blankets. Just when I'm settling in with a smile, out come the odd balls.

I belong to several author groups. Tales of pirated e-books, publishing houses that close, and the sudden onslaught of hurtful reviews are being mentioned on a variety of blogs.

Is it the economy? Is it the fall breezes or loud cicadas? I mean, just who on earth checks these people out before they cheat authors out of their royalties, decide to close up shop, or just simply spew such trash?

I thank the Lord every day that I'm with The Wild Rose Press. I have a great editor, an accessible publisher who puts out high-quality romance, and fellow authors that support each other. This house has integrity. It tends its garden and makes me proud to be with the Black Rose Line.

So let's skip back a paragraph; take a look at those above-mentioned charlatans.

Pirates! In the 21st century! They can find anyone's novel on the web and take what isn't theirs to take. Pay for your ebooks. Own it the same as you'd own a print copy. Don't share it, don't give it away, and above all, don't begrudge someone, who went through the process of writing a book and selling it, the royalties we work hard to earn.

Those fly-by-night houses! Imagine that! They close or don't pay a cent for your story. What!? There are places to check publishers out. Go there. Read. Think. Research before you hit the send button. It is your creation so protect it. You deserve a royalty statement you can read and understand every quarter. You deserve to be with a publisher who answers your questions, no matter how ditzy you think it sounds. There are honest houses out there. Find them and query them. Take the contract to a literary lawyer and learn what each sentence means. What rights are yours? What does the house own? These are simple questions. Learn to ask them.

Now to the reviewer. I'm proud of every review I've received - the good and the bad. What I don't get are those who decide to trash a book, not on just one site, but on many. And some of these people have the audacity to consider themselves experts because they learned to read! Do they all write a book and sweat through the process? The good ones with integrity have. They are literate persons who know the entire journey that you've taken. Others hook up with a multitude of web sites, use a variety of names, and post the exact same garbage in many places! Think about it. Now, the unsuspecting author has a plethora of trashy reviews from one person - who never should have critiqued the book in the first place. What a racket!!

I'm a music teacher. I have credentials that say I can critique a student's musical ability with a proven knowledge base. Liking a song does not mean that you can notate it or perform it correctly. So why should someone who has never penned a full-length novel, gone through the process of query, contract, and edits make or break an author's career? Why give them any credence at all?

To me, they are worse than the pirates and the pub houses that don't pay a cent in royalties. They break spirits with intentional bad manners. They don't get the plots, the characters, or the blood, sweat, and tears a writer pours into his or her work. They use words as poison instead of entertainment. In other words, they're jealous wannabees who don't have the courage to write their own story.

So these are the odd balls. They crop up in the creative arts as well as politics. Thank God they don't build the bridges and perform intricate surgeries on our loved ones. A little knowledge turns someone into an expert with power. And they tend to go on and on and on...

I mean, just who on earth checks out these people?

It's update time...

2009-08-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

As August fades away, I thought I'd share some "Author" things with you. Of course, so much coming up means the web site will have to be updated soon. My fingers are crossed and I'm praying for one particular announcement before I do that. In the meantime, should you stop by this blog, here's what's going on as we wave good-bye to a rainy summer and say hello to (hopefully) a lovely fall. But this is New Jersey where we've had fireplaces on in May and a/c's on in November. Go figure. Oh, and here's what's going on...

September 19th ~ Another great Special Event with NJRW. Check out http://www.njromancewriters.org/ for a writing workshop with Mary Buckham.

I hope you'll stop by and leave a comment.

October holds some interesting new experiences.

October 3rd ~ The backstory to Retribution! on a Blog talk radio program out of California. Yeah... I'm excited about this one & more info to follow.
October 22 ~ Please visit me at http://dayanaknight.blogspot.com
October 23/24 ~ NJRW Conference - It looks to be a great time for all!
October 31st ~ Okay this is a biggie!! The Fine Grind Coffee House has invited me back for another book signing event. Linda J. Parisi (Noble Blood) will be with me. I hear they're having a tarot reader join us as well.
Sounds like a good way to celebrate Halloween.

And did I mention that "Friday the Thirteenth", my little shape-shifter short story has been contracted by The Wild Rose Press as a free read?
I believe it will be available for your reading pleasure in October as well.

Whew! It's gonna get busy. So where is the time to write? Accompanying the church choir, school starts, other personal commitments, time to spend with my wonderful family and good friends. I'm thinking some serious time management exercises will have to be implemented and quick. But all good things, all blessings I never expected to happen. That's a good thing.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mickey

LET'S HEAR IT FOR LEFTIES!!

2009-08-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

August 13th is "Left-Handers Day" which for some of you many mean nothing. But for a left-handed person, it's cause for celebration. Odd how this was not always so. My handedness was established long before I walked into Kindergarten rarin' to learn. Yep - a left-handed trait. (Not the walking - the rarin' to learn!)

According to http://www.lefthandersday.com/, there tends to be more intellectual thinkers among us. Need I mention da Vinci, Einstein, Mark Twain? Although many of us could never cut a straight line, we have found our ways into baseball, fencing, art, music, writing, and other endeavors where line equals form and a scissor in hand equals inconsequential. Check out the Handedness Research Institute for more information (handedness.org).

Southpaws have met teachers who didn't understand our outer awkwardness. Going to school in the 50s, one zealous teacher tied my left hand to the chair to turn me into a righty. Back then, seven-year-olds didn't argue with the good Sister. Well, this little girl couldn't function. 3 was E, d was b, and every other letter or number was written backwards. The words on a page floated and my fast-paced brain shut down. By the end of the week, I walked home in tears, fully believing I was stupid. (we could use that word back then)

Monday morning, Mom (a righty) marched me into school and had "a few" words with the principal. My hand was never tied again, but the damage was done. I hold my writing paper in such a way that no one can pull it away from me. And my script looks right-handed. To this day when I get nervous, I have to consciously think which way left or right is. For those of you with little lefties, the trick is that you make and L with your left hand - trust me, it works during times of stress.

I won't go into eating at the dinner table or even setting it for that matter. My family understands. Left turns are 'this way' and right turns are 'that way' so just deal with it!

However, I wouldn't give up the creative, skewed way of seeing things to be in the majority. Not for anything! Good teachers love lefties because they see the world differently and think through problems with a totally refreshing edge.

Many years ago, when my son entered Kindergarten, I was prepared. The left-handed child looked like a klutz, but ah, his mind was steps ahead of the others. Very concerned, his teacher called me. He couldn't hold a scissor, couldn't cut a straight line or form his letters correctly. Not as feisty as my mother, I said "Give him time." The teacher was out for a week, and her substitute pulled me aside with a bright smile on her face. It seems my son's jumbled scribbles had to be held up to a mirror to read. He had deciphered "da Vinci's code" and made it his own at the tender age of five. To this day, his writing is chicken-scratch, but his fascinating sonnets (you read it correctly) have to be held up to a mirror to read - it's just a natural talent.

Why be different? What makes us this way? There are many books that disect the left-handed personality. Yes, we hear a different drummer! I read music before I could read, my left hand on the piano is much faster than my right, I'm a wiz at cryptograms and Scrabble, and 1000 piece puzzles are done in a day.

Research indicates that a lefty is forced to develop both sides of the brain. Many survive and come back from strokes. Howard Gardiner's "Multiple Intelligence Theory" also hailed the left-hander's brain. Wiggins' "Backwards Design Theory" is a lefty manifesto! And yet, some research indicates that left-handed children are the result of brain damage during birthing, to which I say, "I beg your pardon?!!"

But lefties have more freak accidents with tools and while driving cars. Looking right before I crossed streets in London almost got me killed. I don't want to get into how hard it is for me to peel a potato - you'd laugh like hell.

As a teacher, it's a blessing. I think differently, which engages students to encourage deeper thinking. Lefties make fabulous educators because we understand the oppression of "like-mind" mentality, and usually get a bit rebellious. I believe it was a lefty who thought up the creative classroom.

If you love a lefty, kiss them on the left cheek for once, and sit across from them at the dinner table. Don't trust them with a handsaw unless you have good insurance. Above all, celebrate our difference. I'd take deep thinking over a straight line any day. Ooops. Another lefty trait!!

Please share your thoughts. Do you love a lefty? Did you raise a leftie? Are you a "chosen" one? Leave a comment because I love a good discussion. ~ Mickey

How FAR does promo go?

2009-08-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the better question is: As a new author, how far will I go to promote my book? That's a fairly loaded question. When we sit down to write, does promoting even come to mind? I never considered it. Call me naive, but the bigger picture didn't make an impression on me. At first!

Simply writing a query letter can be intimidating. You have signed a contact, survived rounds of edits and the final galley. Now you're a trooper. Anticipation grows unbearable while you await the release day.

As a recently-published author, nothing held more satisfaction than having that hot-of-the-press book in my hands. Emotions spewed forth quicker than hot lava. And nothing frightened more than knowing I had to shove myself out there to promote what I had written.

Regardless of how the story poured out of me, that it turned into a novel meant I wanted an audience. An untapped realm of readers might find entertainment in my words. Many people who I'd never consider fans of this genre turned out to be lovers of juicy vampire tales.

But promo is a tough nut to crack.

It's downright hard to sell yourself. Actors know it. Musicians, costume designers, dancers and artists of all kinds know it as well. The creative side slams into the wall of harsh reality. But I want readers. So do you. I'll continue to explore every avenue and keep looking for new ideas.

Here's what I've found that works:

1. An article in the local newspaper ~ This led to a book signing at a popular coffee house. I followed up with an article to announce the event. The newspaper published that as well. The successful event led to being asked back - on Halloween (did I mention I write paranormal??)
2. Join legitimate writers groups to network with other authors, and a host of on-line groups to listen and learn from.
3. Book signing at my local writing chapter.
4. Always carry material to hand out ~ postcards, pens, and business cards
5. Participate in group advertising and take out affordable ads alone in smaller publications.
6. Have a web site and blog.
7. Join Facebook and create a Fan Page. (Feel free to become a fan!)
8. Use every contact imaginable and encourage others to write.
9. Create a presentation with fellow authors to showcase our books together.
10. Venture out of my comfort zone a little each time.
11. Follow some great blogs like http://dayanaknight.blogspot.com

Now for something I've not done before. Here's a little bit of Retribution!

Perhaps it was the purity and the power of the blood—along with the fact that a distance now existed between Michael and those he loved. No longer drinking the life force of Lukas or Alana, the blended blood was Georgian, the contribution of all twelve Council members. Michael had clarity.

His eyes shot open at dawn, not needing to look at the alarm clock beside him. Alana still slept, lost in happy dreams. She lay curled to his body, safe and secure. As if Michael had willed Alana to turn, she sighed, head resting on the pillow. Her arm flung across the empty side of the bed. He slipped out from beneath the satin sheets… No sound, no disturbance to the lovely woman beside him.

After a quick shower, he pulled on the sweats and shrugged on an undershirt still hanging behind the bathroom door from last night. Standing at the sink, Michael picked up his toothbrush, the one Alana had purchased in Pisa the other day. The habit was hundreds of years old…An absentminded glance in an empty mirror as the vampire ran firm bristles back and forth over even white teeth. But this time, he stared in disbelief. A cloudy image peered back—one that hadn’t been seen in centuries. High cheekbones, straight nose, square chin and strong brow were unmistakably his. Leaning into the mirror, Michael couldn’t see his eyes clearly, but it was his reflection, something lost the night he’d been turned. The one thing that sets me apart from humanity, he thought, one thing that should be lost forever. The image fascinated, but also frightened. One more secret I must keep from Alana—for now.

Promotion is still the scary beast. I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts, so please leave a comment. Thanks for stopping by today.

With a little help

2009-07-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

There are times when I just feel blessed. I'm sure that many of you will agree, it's an awesome as well as awe-inspiring feeling. But no one greets success alone. If you look over your shoulder, either left or right, there are friends and family plugging for you, edging you on, believing in your dream.

This leads me to say that angels come in all sizes and shapes in our lives. Some lurk in the shadows of our past, a mere remembrance of a secure hug or a gentle kiss. Others pass like stormy wind through tree branches, only momentarily touching our lives. Then there are the forever angels who through the years, pause with us and cry with us, who remain constant through thick and thin. They rejoice when we sing and create memorable mantras when we slack off.

Sometimes we just have to pause and show our appreciation. I treasure every angel that I call a friend. Like I said, I'm blessed with fabulous family and graced with the friendship of those I choose to call family. I keep that circle tight and private. You know who you are. That's all that matters.

I just had to share this thought. I had to put it to post because at my most helpless times, the rush of angels felt as real as the pain. And I survived.

July Happenings!

2009-07-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

Did I hear someone say a busy month? But this is summer, right? A time to kick back, vacation, and generally mosey on down the road. Well not for me. Summer School has started and my calendar is really filling up. Engagement parties, baby showers, birthdays, and so much more. I'll also be helping some music educators with integrating core content into some newly developed jazz lessons for K-8 students.

Some other good news. I've just signed my third contract with The Wild Rose Press. Friday the Thirteenth is a short story offered as a free read. It's about a shape-shifter who gets to be human for one year. Of course, there's romance...

I recently workshoped with Margie Lawson and learned so much in one day that my brain was spinning. Getting the short story ready for release and finding time to re-edit Inheritance, Book 3 in The Champion Chronicles, will come in dribs and drabs for the next few weeks. But there's always August...

Here are some "author" happenings going on in July.

Be sure to check out the "LET FREEDOM RING" summer guest blog event going on at http://www.dayanaknight.blogspot.com
Daily prizes and a great Grand Prize. YOU may be the winner!! I'll be blogging over at her site on July 20th. Lots of great authors are there. Please stop by.

While we're on special events, don't forget about THE FINE GRIND BOOK SIGNING - Saturday, July 25th on Rte. 23 South in Little Falls, NJ.
Talk about a great cup of coffee! I'll be there from 10 till Noon signing my debut novel Retribution! As part of The coffee house's "Meet the Author" series, the book is right their on the shelf and still on sale. If you surf web, look for it on B & N, Target, and www.amazon.com not to mention various sights (including one in Italian). The Kindle version is available as well.

Speaking of Amazon, there's a new 5 star reader review which states: "I am very anxious for the sequel!" That warmed my heart. Gave me a few tingles, too. I can promise you that Book 2, Consequences, is worth the wait.

So now that I've rambled and shamelessly promoted, let me know what you have happening in July. We can compare calendars.

Enjoy the summer!
Mickey

Is that the sun I see?

2009-06-21T12:33:00.000-07:00

If you live in my area of the US, you know that it has felt like we've been under the 'Noah's Ark' alert. Weeks and weeks of rain! Finally, today it feels like June. Of course, now we'll be sweating at school - just in time for the 8th grade moving on ceremony this week. As a music teacher, rehearsals can be just plain cruel during hot, sticky days. But odd as it may seem to some, I love my students and I'm actually looking forward to leading Summer School for all of July (please don't throw anything or say 'yuck', 'cause I do enjoy the kiddies - a lot!).

While in New Haven two weeks ago, the weather reminded me of London. Those without umbrellas handy had that "left out" look on their faces. I traveled to Yale University to accept a Distinguished Music Educator Award (Yale Symposium on Music 2009). 50 music educators from across the US got to network, discuss, and dialogue on two important subjects. Of course, I bragged about my students at this prestigious event. And I had my umbrella :)

But coming home from a writing workshop yesterday, the NJ Turnpike was nothing less than a hazy, frightening road. The windshield wipers have been on full blast more times than I can count since the middle of May! The only good coming from this is the brilliance of the flowers, the deep green of the thick forest, and the happy ducks paddling away in the new pond next to my house. Ah, the simple pleasures...

But rainy days are great for curling up with a good book :) And what would an author's blog post be without some shameless promo?

Take a peek at the latest review: Retribution! [The Champion Chronicles: Book One] by M. Flagghttp://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/06/retribution-champion-chronicles-book.html In case you're wondering, my main character, a pretty hot vampire, will find a few more bumps in the road to redemption in Consequences, Book 2 contracted with The Wild Rose Press.

I'm also delighted to announce that my book's available for purchase at The Fine Grind in Little Falls, NJ Rte. 23 South. This wonderful coffee shop has made me their paranormal author, and on Saturday July 25th, I'll be signing books and chatting with the customers. Please stop by for an outstanding cup of coffee from 10 am till Noon if you can.

Check out http://www.dayanaknight.blogspot.com/ Some wonderful authors will be guest blogging during July. I'll be there on Monday, July 20th.

Oh no. Cloudy again. Anyone for a chorus of "Rain, rain, go away...?"

And if you made it all the way to the end, please leave a comment. I will put all the 'commenters' into a hat to win a free copy of Retribution! to read on a rainy day, of course!

Stay dry! - Mickey
http://www.mflagg-author.com/

What a great day!

2009-05-02T17:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think everyone needs a day to get lost in. That was today for me. The cooler weather certainly helps! It's spring for sure with the lilacs blooming outside my window. I have two bouquets positioned in the house with the lovely fragrant blooms. And the scent of spring cleared my mind.

Of course, responsibilities came first, as did a visit with my sister. Then I wrote. It felt good to clear some of the cobwebs away and put a short story down. Tomorrow it will be edited with fresh eyes, but tonight, I feel like I've accomplished something.

And it feels soooo good! What did you do today?

Silly me...I'm still green at this!

2009-04-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

Okay. Slowly getting the hang of this blogging thing. I listed an incorrect link to the review of Retribution!!

Go figure!

If you'd like to really read the review, please go to http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/search/M.%20Flagg

In any event, it seems that we've skipped spring here in NJ and went right to the middle of summer. I was caught off guard without AC's in my writing room, but that didn't stop me. I actually filled out my author page at ManicReaders today. As I stated, I'm still green at this. Ended up creating a page with my full name as opposed to M. Flagg, so just key in Retribution! to read an except.

Hope this Sunday is a lovely one for you!
Mickey

Retribution! is a "You Need To Read"

2009-04-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

"I recommend this book to those who are looking for something a bit deeper in their romance."
www.yougottareadreviews.com calls it "a great story".
This is my first review. You can check it out by scrolling down to M. Flagg (that's me) and read what Janelle had to say.

Letting go of the first anything is always the hardest. I find writing short stories during the 'post-publication' stage refreshing. It's a chance to step back from the series to see what else is cookin' in the brain. I've even submitted two of them.

I'd like to add something really deep here, but not tonight. There's still so much to do before I rest :)
Stay tuned!

2009-03-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
If you've come to visit, I'm still new at this. However, the news is that Retribution! is now available in E-book. I'm so proud of that accomplishment. It's been a long road, but one with fantastic experiences. Will the book sell? Wish I had a crystal ball to answer that one.

Writing is a process. It's also a journey into my imagination that tinted with personal innuendo that somehow impresses upon my subconscious mind. I do it to relax more than to make a statement. There is also this creative urge that takes hold. Sometimes, a scene plays itself out in my head. Sometimes, it's just a phrase, a turn of the word that sparks inside me. After the story pours out, it's edit time. I'm good at that. Had lots of practice.

Wouldn't it be great if life were the same way? We could go back and edit, and edit, and edit... Maybe that's why I like writing. It's my world and I get a re-do.

If you get a chance and find yourself interested, go check out The Wild Rose Press. I'm into week two of e-book release and still in the top ten. Let's see what tomorrow brings :)

2008-10-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

As a new author, I'll be doing my first guest blog this week. I'm learning as I go, so stick with me and I'll get the hang of it really soon! So I've got the book cover uploaded - yikes! I think I'll try some clip art too! May have to work on that one some!