Science of the Week, 11/28/14

I hope everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving had a good time yesterday. If you need some distraction from Thanksgiving leftovers or Black Friday shopping, here are some interesting science news articles you might enjoy:

Life's extremists may be an untapped source of antibacterial drugs

The sound of status: people know high-power voices when they hear them

Schizophrenia may be triggered by excess protein during brain development

New device could make large biological circuits practical

NASA's Van Allen probes spot an impenetrable barrier in space

High-tech mirror beams heat away from buildings into space

Explosive! Process converts human waste into rocket fuel

Global quantum communications--no longer the stuff of fiction?



 Have a good weekend, and I'll see you Monday!

Guest Post: An Author's Path to Fame and Fortune

I hope you enjoy this guest post written by R. Mac. Wheeler.

I wrote my first short-story in fifth grade. Wrote poetry to girlfriends in high school. Started my first novel in 1992. I finished it around 2002. It was horrible. But I eventually split it into three separate novels, with enormous editing, which I will say humbly, created rich, independent stories.

I wrote fairly regularly from 2002 to 2007, penning another seven novels. I sent out thousands of query letters; never snatched an agent. Transitioned from fantasy to SF to contemporary fiction, while searching for "my voice."

Wrote a couple, what I call 'lite' urban fantasy (ghosts, the unexplained), followed by vampire and werewolf thrillers, and have been hooked on paranormal since. Started self-publishing in 2011.

I love to write. (Now have 26 novels in Amazon and B&N.) Don't so much like the marketing. Have never paid a dime for advertising. Took the advice to create a social network (very hard for me, since I'm a loner), do the blogging thing.

I first targeted the focus of my blogs on other writers, before I asked myself, why? They write, they don't buy (Well, you know what I mean). I had gotten into photography about the time I had that flash of insight. Since, my blog has been all about my photography. Mostly nature. I've branched out a bit.

Every weekend I trek to one of the many wonderful wilderness areas and parks we have here in Florida, and post my photographs in my "Sunday Safaris." But a rare day goes by I don't click on a dozen different things that catch my eye. So my daily "Snapshots" developed.

Every post is about fun, enjoying the beauty around us everywhere. I hope you'll visit my blog, follow me, enjoy the amazing things I discover every day that I used to overlook.

- Cheers, Mac

R. Mac Wheeler is an author of character-driven SF/F/Suspense and Paranormal novels filled with quirky sorts who lug a lot of baggage, in worlds that aren’t that far out. Here are some places you can follow him:

Author Page…Books on Amazon…Barnes&Noble…

Best Photos on flickr…Sunday Safaris…Snapshots

 

Holiday Sales for Seasons' Beginnings and Twinned Universes

I have two separate sales going on this holiday season. Today through Wednesday, I'm advertising Seasons' Beginnings through SciFiFantasyFREAK. I promised a special price of $0.99 for the eBook, so it's currently on sale now through Wednesday. It's a pity I didn't coordinate the ad with Read Tuesday, as I plan to put both Seasons' Beginnings and Twinned Universes on sale for $0.99 from 12/7 through 12/13 for Read Tuesday. If you haven't read either of those books, early December is the best time to get them.

Science of the Week, 11/21/14

I apologize that this didn't post sooner; it wasn't scheduled for my normal midnight time.


Here are some of the most interesting science news articles I read this week:

Magic tricks created using artificial intelligence for the first time

Adjusting Earth's thermostat, with caution

Spiral laser beam creates quantum whirlpool

Gravity may have saved the universe after the Big Bang
(I first typed Big Band, which may say something about my tastes in music)

The fundamental constants are still constant

Train your way to synesthesia

Elusive dark matter may be detected with GPS satellites


Have a good weekend, and I'll see you Monday!

Blog Ring of Power: Camille Faye

I'm glad we're able to bring you a Blog Ring of Power interview this week, even if it's on Wednesday instead of Monday. The timing is actually perfect, as our guest author, Camille Faye, is holding a Facebook party tonight. Here's the official announcement:

Voodoo Butterfly Book Party--November 19 from 6-9 PM (CST)

Voodoo Butterfly is officially available on Amazon, so let's P-A-R-T-Y! Wear PJs if you want, because you can enjoy the fun from the comfort of your own home. At the party, we will have "door prizes", a live online psychic reading, and a Q&A so that you can ask any burning questions about Camille Faye's writing or her paranormal novel, Voodoo Butterfly. Join the party by clicking on this link and hit the JOIN button. Invite your friends for a magically fun time. See you on the Facebook event page at 6 PM.Here's that link again: https://www.facebook.com/events/1479342722348711/

Camille is sharing her creative process with me; please check out T.W. Fendley's blog for more information about Camille and her writing life. Emily has information about Camille's current work and her words of wisdom.

Where do you get your story ideas?

Funny enough, Sophie's story came to me in a dream when I was actually visiting New Orleans with my family. I dreamt of this woman who had the power to change evil people good. The next flash of my dream showed Saint Louis Cathedral in New Orleans absolutely covered in monarch butterflies. I tried to fall back asleep, but couldn't, so I wrote the dream in my journal. One year later I decided to write a novel about that character and since voodoo is such a big part of the New Orleans culture, I decided to have her unexpectedly inherit a voodoo shop down there. The catch? She knows nothing about voodoo or her secret power when the book starts.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

I actually don't get writer's block. [Insert crickets chirping]. Since I'm always taking notes and only have limited writing time daily, I always know what I'm going to write about. Right now, I have two folders full of notes containing my plans for book 2 in the Voodoo Butterfly series.

Are you a “plotter” or a “pantser” (do you plan/outline the story ahead of time or write “by the seat of your pants”)?

For Voodoo Butterfly, I was a pantser. A scene would flash in my mind, I'd jot it down, and then deal with it during my writing time. When I had enough of these bits and pieces, I worked them into a loose outline. With the second book in the series, I decided to try an outline, but I give myself flexibility to move things around.

Do you use critique partners or beta readers? Why or why not?

Both. A few beta readers provided feedback for the first version of Voodoo Butterfly. I did have several agents and NYC editors request a partial or full manuscript, but it just wasn't getting picked up. Then I was asked to join The Lit Ladies critique group. They provided feedback and I worked through the manuscript for about three years (in the midst of moving twice, having a surgery, having a baby, etc.). After I went through all of their suggestions, I submitted to some writing contests. In October 2013 I finaled in the NW Houston RWA's Lone Star Contest. One of the judges was the owner of Soul Mate Publishing, who offered me a contract. So that's how I landed a publisher.

How much time do you spend on research? What type of research do you do?

"Research" for my books is extremely fun. I utilize some of my own experiences (from growing up in a haunted house and visiting haunted locations), but I've also made a trip down to New Orleans in the name of "research." On that trip, I was pregnant so I couldn't get into too much trouble. (Ha!) But I did get to go on a cemetery walking tour through Saint Louis Cemetery Number One and I also stayed at Oak Alley Plantation (which was made famous by the movie Interview with a Vampire).

Is there anything you find particularly challenging to write?

Writing is soooo hard for me, but the challenge is a part of why I love it.

Camille Faye lives in Missouri, loves on her family, and writes during the baby’s naptime. She grew up in a haunted house, which sparked her fascination with the paranormal. The Northwest Houston RWA named her novel, Voodoo Butterfly, a 2013 Lone Star Contest finalist. Read an excerpt at www.camillefaye.com.

Author Contact Information
Website: www.camillefaye.com
Blog: www.thelitladies.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/camillefaye
Twitter: @CamilleFaye

When twenty-five-year old Sophie Nouveau inherits her grandmother's voodoo shop she knows nothing about voodoo. Or her family's history of Mind Changers, who have the power to change evil people good. To complicate matters, someone doesn't want Sophie in New Orleans and sends a series of death threats to scare her away from her new enchanted life.

Tipped off by her grandmother's ghost, Sophie realizes her mind-changing spell's been missing one magic ingredient: true love. If Sophie cannot experience transformative love, she cannot make her spell work, and she will be powerless to fight back when confronted by the one who wants her dead.

D. Buy/Book Links:
Amazon: Voodoo Butterfly by: Camille Faye

Is your book in print, ebook or both?
Ebook for now, but will be released in print in early 2015.

Interviews or Guest Posts, Anyone?

Just a reminder that this blog is open to host blog tours, interviews, and guest posts. If you write SF or fantasy and would like to promote your work, feel free to contact me, either through my e-mail (displayed on the right) or leave a comment below. Thanks!

Science of the Week, 11/14/14

Besides the comet landing, here are some of the most interesting science news articles I read this week:

Touchdown! Rosetta's Philae probe lands on comet

Gut bacteria: how genes determine the size of your jeans

New research lights the way to super-fast computers

Google wants to search for cancer--inside your body

Atomic timekeeping, on the go

Study blocks MS relapses in mice

Single molecular switch may contribute to major aging-related diseases

Altered milk protein can deliver AIDS drug to infants

The cat's meow: genome offers new clues to domestication

 Reducing food waste and saving money at Thanksgiving

Archaeologists discover remains of Ice-Age infants in Alaska

Too many people, not enough water: then and now

Did men evolve navigation skills to find mates?

Have a good weekend, and I'll see you Monday!

All About the Beets--Song Parody

You know a contemporary song is popular when even I hear about it--or at least the parody versions. The first parody version I heard of Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass" was the Star Wars version by Team Unicorn. Last night, my husband shared MDI High School's version of "All About the Books" on Facebook. It wasn't long before my own tongue-in-cheek, vegetarian version foisted itself on me. Here are my vegetarian-inspired lyrics to "All About the Beets" for your pleasure. And for your even greater pleasure....I won't sing them (trust me on this).

Standard Disclaimer: These lyrics written for non-commercial use. I do not own any rights to the original music or lyrics.

Non-Standard Disclaimer: And it's OK if you like eating meat.

All About The Beets

Because you know
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets

Yeah, it's pretty clear, I gave up all meat
But I can cook beans, cook beans
So that they’re good to eat
'Cause I got that spice rack that all the boys chase
And all the right fruit in all the right places

I see the megafarm wearing out the dirt
We know that shit ain't healthy
C'mon now, save the Earth
If you got quinoa fritters, just eat 'em up
'Cause every inch of me is veggie
From the bottom to the top

Yeah, my doctor she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Protein is more than steak, fish, and chicken fries."

You know I must reduce my carbon footprint for my son.
So if you’re into consumption then go ahead and move along.

Because you know I'm
All about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets
Hey!

I'm bringing tofu back
Go ahead and tell them burger eaters that
No, I'm just playing. I know you think it’s bad
But I'm here to tell ya
Every inch of me is veggie from the bottom to the top

Yeah, my doctor she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Protein is more than steak, fish, and chicken fries."

You know I must reduce my carbon footprint for my son,
So if you’re into consumption then go ahead and move along.

Because you know I'm
All about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets

Because you know I'm
All about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets

Because you know I'm
All about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets, no bovines
I'm all about the beets
'Bout the beets
'Bout the beets, 'bout the beets
Hey, hey, ooh
You know you like these beets