Author: Andi Marquette

Andi Marquette once wanted to be a seafaring pirate. But she realized that could be a problem, growing up in the Rocky Mountain West and Southwest. So she became an editor, anthropologist, and historian instead. But that, too, didn't satisfy her weird cravings for stories and strange realms. Now, she's a writer ensconced in Colorado and when she wants to go pirate-ing, she just makes something up.

Let us think of Boston

Hi, peeps. Horrific day.

I’ve seen some of the video and a lot of images circulating online of the terrible events unfolding in Boston today. Many were graphic. Others showed the sidewalks after people had been taken away, deserted and stained with blood. Reports on the news emanating from area hospitals speak of limb losses, amputations, and shrapnel. Some people lost their limbs at the scene. Two people — including an 8-year-old child — have died thus far. One hundred thirteen, some reports say, are hospitalized. Something like twenty of those are in critical condition.

I went back and looked at some of the images and video again. I don’t know why. Maybe some macabre need to feel connected to my fellow humans in this time of grief and distress. The second time, I saw something more than the wounds, the damage, the bloody sidewalks. I saw dozens of first responders, dozens of police officers and military personnel engaged in helping and treating the wounded. I saw many regular citizens also helping, and these helpers running right into the carnage to do what needed to be done and lend aid where they could. And I’m hearing stories now about how thousands of local people have offered others places to stay in the wake of this terrible, terrible event.

I’m holding on to that, because I don’t know what else to do or how else to process.

To help, here are some online resources:
NPR offers some links

MSNBC offers some links to help, as well.

The Red Cross is taking donations. You can also text a $10 donation to them at 90999.

Google has set up a person finder site.

Boston officials have a phone number for people to call if they’re looking for information about loved ones: 617-635-4500. Please don’t call it unless you really are looking for a loved one in the Boston area.

The Boston Globe has set up a site for people in Boston willing to put people up for the night.

It also has a site for people who need a place to stay.

For those place to stay links, please don’t use them unless you are actually in the Boston area. Keep the links free for those who really need them. Thanks. Keep in mind cell phone service is touch and go right now because everybody is trying to get through to everybody else in the area. If you’re in the area, stick to texting or emailing (if you can). Keep your fellow humans in your thoughts, friends. We need all kinds of love and healing right now.

by Categories: Stuff that totally and completely sucks, TragedyTags: , 1 Comment

When indie publishing really freaking works

Hey, peeps!

Caught this article in the Wall Street Journal about author Hugh Howey and his runaway hit, Wool. It’s a postapocalyptic thriller that has sold more than half a million copies and generated over 4,000 reviews on Amazon.


Source: Amazon.com, re-sized here

Read that article at the WSJ. Howey worked his ass off to write Wool (it started as a short story, but caught on), and he approached publishing with an eye to promo and working hard to generate an audience. To that end, he turned down several publishing offers from major houses so he could retain his ebook rights (he’s made over a million bucks off Wool). What all did he do? Well, here:

Mr. Howey comes across as a charming, self-deprecating goofball (he posted a video of himself doing ballet on his lawn on YouTube after he signed his publishing deal), but he’s proven to be a savage negotiator and slick marketer. He sent free copies of “Wool” to book bloggers and reviewers at Goodreads, a social-media site for avid readers. Early raves prompted more people to try the book, and the reviews snowballed. “Wool” now has more than 12,500 ratings and around 2,200 reviews on Goodreads. He hosted an “Ask Me Anything” session on the popular website Reddit, fielding users’ questions for more than 12 hours. He encouraged fan art and fan fiction set in the “Wool” universe; his readers have designed book covers and written their own novella-length takes on the story. He conscripted 30 of his most ardent fans to be “beta” readers who edit early drafts of his books for free.
Source: “Sci-Fi’s Underground Hit: Authors are snubbing publishers and insisting on keeping e-book rights. How one novelist made more than $1 million before his book hit stores, Alexandra Alter, Wall Street Journal (March 7, 2013)

Did you read that paragraph? He used Reddit, Goodreads, and encouraged fan fiction and fan art. And he enlisted 30 of his most ardent fans to serve as beta readers of his drafts. And he turned down giant deals from traditional houses until he got the one he wanted.

I brought this article up to you, dear readers, to demonstrate how much publishing has changed even in the past 3-4 years. Savvy indie authors are writing really good books and generating fan appeal and then, if they’ve got Howey’s chops, they’re incorporating their fan bases into their writing processes and promotion, as active participants. And I think it’s important to note how Howey took charge of his writing life, and held out for the deal that worked best for him.

Not to suggest that what happened to Howey is going to happen to every indie author out there. It won’t. That’s the hard truth of writing. Howey wrote a book with a theme that is super-hot right now. It’s fortunate that he loves science fiction and has been reading it since he was a kid. The WSJ notes that the entertainment industry was looking for another “high-concept dystopian” (and/or postapocalyptic) hit like Suzanne Collins‘ Hunger Games. So Howey wrote a great postapocalyptic story and slowly built a fan base by releasing it in installments and working the social media sites. It took off. Kudos to him for how he approached indie publishing, and for what’s happened to him.

That said, the lesson here for all of us who do indie publishing exclusively or non-exclusively is to treat it like a job. Be professional. Put out professional work that is professionally edited. Give it a professional-looking cover. Interact with your fans (both extant and potential), and be willing to lose lots of sleep to constantly promote your work and build that fan base. It’s a win-win. You get to write stuff you love, readers get to read stuff they love. So give them a good product.

And don’t just take any deal that comes down the pike. Think about not just short-term, but long-term as well. Good luck!

Happy reading, happy writing!

by Categories: Books, Cool articles, Dystopia, Postapocalyptic, Promo n' marketing, Publishing biznessTags: , , , , 3 Comments

I haz done ‘nother interview! Plus gud readz

My gracious, peeps. I’m sort of out of hand up in here. I went on down to the Cocktail Hour for a Bar Conversation with Andy. We talked about books, writing, writing process, the upcoming GCLS conference, and a whole slew of other stuff. Hope you go and check it out. We had a hell of a good time. But then, I ALWAYS have a good time at Cocktail Hour!

I believe I’m slated to do a readings thingie on the Liz McMullen show in the next week or so. Not sure yet what I’ll be reading of mine, but it’ll probably include some unknown and unseen works-in-progress. I’ll let you know when that’s ready for your listening pleasure.

So now I’m a little lost without Walking Dead to get therapy over. Thank god(dess) Lemony Snicket took over Twitter for a bit to help us deal with our fears. Check it out. It’s darkly funny, as you would expect.

And here’s a cool post at Writer Unboxed by author Erika Robuck on how words can nourish in various ways.

And one of my fave writers/bloggers, Chuck Wendig, points out again that self-publishing versus traditional publishing isn’t some kind of epic war between Orcs and Hobbits. One might not work for you, or the other might not. Who cares? Do what works for you. I’m a hybrid between the two, and I generally tinker and explore all kinds of options and platforms. Oh, and check out his review/experience with Bioshock Infinite.

Oh, and cuz I kind of collect a few comics, here are some cool comics blogs to check out:
Comics Worth Reading (lots of great, meaty discussions here)
Comics Alliance (good info about stuff that’s out there, events, and stuff that’s on the way)
Bleeding Cool (comics news and other groovy stuff like that)

by Categories: Announcements, Cool blogs, Cool stuff to read, InterviewsTags: , , , , , , , ,

I’ll be teaching a class

Hey, peeps!

As some of you found out last week, I’ve got some stuff in the hopper, some stuff comin’ up, and a new novella for your (hopefully) reading pleasure. Here, in case you missed that info.

I will also be attending the GCLS conference in Dallas this June. I’ll be on a panel and doing some chat stuff and all that good stuff. Oh, here’s the schedule, so you can see what’s up.

Yes, that’s me, there, teaching a master class. Not that I’m a “mas-tah” type, mind you. That’s just what these kinds of things are called. So I thought I’d provide a little bit o’ info for you, so you can see what this class is all about.

It’s called “Setting at the End of the World.” Uh-huh. One of those cryptic Andi things. Here’s the description:

Setting is part of the infrastructure of fiction narrative. Setting can determine plot arc, characterization, and subplots. The WHERE of a story is, in a sense, another character, because it can play into regional differences, the culture behind a character’s motivations and identity, and the parameters of actions that characters can take.

Authors can overlook it or don’t use its potential in their work. They take it for granted (easy to do, people. Don’t think I haven’t, either), and don’t observe the things that go on even in the every day places around them. Therefore, what I encourage authors to do — those who are just starting out and those who have been at it for a while — is to take an extreme scenario and use that as a backdrop to practice character sketches and plot outlines.

An extreme setting gets people out of their usual place, both literally and figuratively, and encourages them to pick its elements apart and apply those lessons to the settings with which they’re more comfortable.

So in this class, we’ll be working with a post-apocalyptic setting on Earth and explore how something like that can affect characters, their relationships with each other and the world around them, and the overall narrative structures and plot arcs of the fictional scenarios we come up with during the session. When we’re done, I hope to have demonstrated how important setting can be as an element in fiction, and ways to effectively integrate it into story-telling. I also hope to stimulate the powers of observation of those who participate, so that they take that with them back to their writing with which they can create deeper, richer layers for their narratives.

There you go. Sound groovy? Well, if you’re going to be at GCLS, hope you check it out.

Otherwise, happy writing, happy reading, happy Monday!

by Categories: Announcements, WritingTags: , , 3 Comments

What’s Happenin’

Hey, peeps–

Okay, so wow. It seems that people are digging the two main characters in From the Boots Up and I’ve gotten some luuuuv and some questions about what’s next for Meg n’ Gina. Well, don’t you worry. I’ve got a novel I’m finishing up with the “what’s next.” You didn’t really think I was through with those two, did you? Muah ha ha! Stay tuned!

Other stuff. I was interviewed recently by the awesome Liz McMullen at her show, so if you’d like to hear me blather on about books and writing and go off on some tangents with her, well, there it is. I also do a reading from the latest in my New Mexico series, which is in progress and not published yet! So if you’ve been following that series, well, here’s your chance to see what Chris is going to be up to in book 4. Plus, Liz put together a super-awesome slideshow to accompany the chatting. Hit the link up there to check it out.

Other, other stuff. I will be attending the annual GCLS conference in June. It’s in Dallas this year. I’ll be running around like a freak, as usual. I’ve been scheduled for a panel or two (not sure yet; waiting to see), and I will be TEACHING A CLASS, people. Or workshop. Whatever you want to call it. The class deals with setting and learning how it can be its own character. I’m trying to get y’all to think about your surroundings in ways that will help you bring it into your own writing. I’ll let you know the deets when the schedule is posted for GCLS.

I’ve also got something planned for mid-September. It’s kind of still percolating, and an awesome crew of fellow authors and readers are working on getting some stuff together for that, but I’ll keep you posted. It’ll be super-groovy. For reals. You’ll see.

What’s in the hopper: As you know, I just released From the Boots Up. The third in my Far Seek Chronicles is with the publisher and in editing. I’ll probably be getting the edited manuscript back next month. New Mexico 4 (I’ll release the title once I’m closer to sending it to the publisher) is nearly done; I’m planning on sending that to the publisher in June. And THEN. Well. I’ve got a couple of romance novels to deal with, including the follow-up to Meg n’ Gina (from Boots).

So there you go. That’s the scoop. Staying busy. Hoping everyone’s well and that you all have a fab Thursday.

by Categories: Announcements, Books, Interviews, News, Teasers, WritingTags: , , , , 3 Comments

Isn’t it romantic? Romance as a genre

Howdy, peeps!

So I released another romance novella, From the Boots Up, on March 8 on Kindle.

I’ve gotten quite a few nice comments about it, including a few that want more of the main characters. Well, have no fear. I do have something else in mind. 😀

Anyway, that got me thinking. I don’t really have a reputation as a romance writer. I do put romance in the mysteries and sci fi that I write, but I haven’t published a full-length novel that’s romance. The freebie short stories on my site here are romance (with the exception of one much racier one), and the two novellas I’ve indie published are romance.

So…what gives? Should I consider myself a romance writer, too? Or a writer who occasionally does some romance? I’m not entirely sure, since I’m never sure I’m writing to the formula that people want to read in a romance. Yeah, that’s right. Like space opera and mystery, romance has formulas, too. Actually, a lot of writing venues argue that there’s one predominant formula. I think that could be true in some circumstances, but things have certainly expanded over the years.

Where am I going with this? Click on!

Continue reading →

by Categories: WritingTags: , 6 Comments

Interview

Well, been a busy week, friends. My apologies for not checking in sooner.

I done went and got myself interviewed by Liz McMullen on her fab Liz McMullen Show. There you’ll hear me talk about random things about my writing (and not) and do a reading of a work-in-progress. THAT’S RIGHT, people. A reading from the 4th NM mystery, which I’m slamming on and hoping to send to the publisher in June.

And Liz and I are running a book giveaway, in honor of my interview. But you have to answer a question. If you’re read the New Mexico series (particularly State of Denial), you should get this one. Here’s the link to the interview again, for instructions on how to enter and where to send your answer and all that good stuff.

Anyway, the fourth NM book is a Chris Gutierrez mystery (Chris gets even-numbered books and K.C. gets odd-numbered books), so hope you decide to go check the interview and reading out. For more info about my mysteries (including excerpts and where to buy), click here. C’mon. You know you want to.

I also JUST released my latest romance novella, From the Boots Up, on Kindle. Go have a looksee. Might be right up your alley. If you’re not sure, well guess what? It’s free on St. Patrick’s Day. YES! Grab a green beer (or not), your Kindle, and head on over to Amazon for some “Boots” on that day.

And as always, for the haps in the world of lesfic/books with strong women characters, head over to Women and Words. You’re sure to find SOMETHING you like there.

Happy Friday!

by Categories: Announcements, Interviews 2 Comments

From the Boots Up is now available on Kindle

And…we’re off, people!

Amazon was kind of awesome last night and got my latest novella loaded pretty quickly. Thanks, Amazon! That would be From the Boots Up, and you can go see what’s up with it at the handy-dandy linkie below:

From the Boots Up on Kindle

I’m always excited about new releases, but I’m also kind of angst-ridden. I blogged about that over at Women and Words yesterday, if you want to get inside a writer’s brain when it comes to new releases and writer angst (speaking for myself). But I am really stoked about this release. I’ve spent a long time with these characters, and I’m hoping you enjoy their company as much as I have.

From the Boots Up WEBSITE USE
[cover by Melody Simmons]

Happy Saturday!

by Categories: Announcements, Ebooks, New Releases, WritingTags: , ,

My latest novella: From the Boots Up

Well, lookie here, peeps.

I’ll be releasing my latest novella, From the Boots Up, on Kindle this weekend. Barring a zombie apocalypse, at any rate.

From the Boots Up WEBSITE USE
[cover by Melody Simmons]

Pre-vet college student Meg Tallmadge comes home to southern Wyoming in May 1999 like she has every summer since she started school to help her father Stan run the family ranch. He’s managed to get the Los Angeles Times to send a reporter out to do a story on the Diamond Rock, which doubles as a dude ranch. Meg knows the ranch needs all the publicity it can get to bring in more customers, but she’s not looking forward to babysitting a reporter for a week. When the originally scheduled reporter can’t make it, Meg worries that they won’t get a story at all, which is worse than dealing with a city slicker for a few days. Fortunately for Stan and the ranch, the Times finds a replacement, and Meg prepares to be under scrutiny, under the gun, and the perfect hostess. She knows what this opportunity means to her father, and she’s hoping that if it goes well, it’ll ease some of the tension between them as a result of her coming out a few months earlier. What she’s not prepared for — and never expected — is the reporter herself and the effect she has on her.

In spite of what she feels, Meg can’t risk the fallout that could result from overstepping a professional boundary. But as the week draws to a close, she learns that not taking a chance becomes the biggest risk of all.

—-
There you go. Yer handy preview. And just so you know, this pup contains adult language and situations. So don’t say you weren’t warned. 😀

I’ll post again when it’s LIVE, so you can go ponder whether you would like to add it to your Kindle stable. Here’s hoping you do. In the meantime, happy reading, happy writing, and happy Thursday!

by Categories: Announcements, Ebooks 6 Comments