Tag Archives: #ChaosAccounts

Updates for some and for all

#ChaosAccounts, New Release Details, Out in the World, ToTV saga, Writing, , , , , , , ,

Hey there, Vikans! Been a while. Last you heard from me, I was prepping to return to RavenCon, as my 2nd year as a panelist. First off, IT WAS A BLAST!! I had my boyfriend, along with the amazing [Tee Morris] and Sonic Boom, accompany me this year (minus one [Pip Ballantine], unfortunately), which made it even better. I struggled a bit though. This RavenCon was the first in three years that JV didn’t join me. I took JV Jr (my stuffed Haruhi I take everywhere, symbolic of JV still near me), and snapped a few pics, though not as many as I’d planned. There were some amazing people that joined the panelist’s list, who I wanted to spotlight, because I’m nice like that:

[G.B. MacRae]

[David A. Tatum]

[Sean CW Korsgaard]

[Misbehavin’ Maidens]

There were a LOT of amazing talented acts, but only the above answered with links, so they really take their networking seriously. Props to you guys!

Anyway, all of my panels went well, aside from a stupid mistake I didn’t realize until my last panel on Sunday. When I go to Ravencon, I discount THE PROTEKTOR’S REALITY for a Ravencon-only price. It wasn’t until the end of that Sunday AM panel that I realized my mistake and was able to squeeze in the info about the con-pricing. Then, a few minutes later, as people filed out, I had two purchases of TPR, as well as a handful oTheVikanQuartetProofsf others taking the printouts of “Account of Anxiety”, detail postcards, and business cards with the 100% discount of THE VIKAN QUARTET for RavenCon participants, valid only
until the end of May (If you got that code, time’s running out! Only 14 days left for that code!!)

Now, onto next order of business: THE VIKAN QUARTET.

It released yesterday in eBook, and print on Amazon the day before. Go grab your copy as soon as you are able! It is essentially my four Tales of Terrara Vikos short stories in one copy. Around 4:30 EST on eBook release day yesterday, I went onto Amazon and found this::

 

VikanQuartet-ReleaseDay_2017-05-15_16-25

 

😮 I KNOW, RIGHT?!

Alas, I really have no idea how many people have actually purchased these, as it seems there is a lag in reporting. -_- I know, right?

So, spread the word!

Alright, topic #3: THE CHAOS ACCOUNTS. I put Account #4 (tentatively named “Account of Secrets”) on hold, due to this post’s topic #4 below. Topic #4 needed my undivided attention, and still does. I’m working on AoS as much as I can manage, but my #secretproject takes precedence. So, I am still working on Account #4, but when it will be completed or released is still majorly “TBD”.

Now, my last topic of interest: #secretproject. No, I’m not saying anything now, other than this project is my ultimate dedication to JV and her amazing life. I’ve finished editing it, and it’s about to go into post-production.

BUT!

My Patrons will get more details on what this #secretproject is this coming weekend. The rest of you who are not Patrons will have to wait another two weeks or so. My Patreon also has a lot of awesome reward tiers, including news first, booklets of short stories, even FREE, AUTOGRAPHED books!! Interested? Click [here].

Well, that’s all for this post. Be back on soon, hopefully.

And, as always…

Keep Faith, guys. 😀

 

EXCITING NEWS: #Secretproject WIP

#ChaosAccounts, New Release Details, Publishing & Writing Career, Writing, Writing Process, , , , , ,

So, for those of you familiar with my little slice of the Interwebs, you might have noticed I’ve been spacing on blog posts recently. So, to make up for it, I’ll have a snippet of something below for you guys, even newbies to my sanctuary of a website.

The reason I’ve been otherwise occupied and neglecting this blog is because I’ve been working on a very special WIP. If you follow my social media, you may have noticed me using the hashtag #secretproject for the past couple of weeks. Well, guess what?

It’s finished.

59,000 words in exactly five weeks.

FIVE.

WEEKS.

😮

Yeah, I know, I’m kinda shocked too. I started this manuscript at my regular trip to the Smoky Mountains for our writing retreat. A week in the mountains of Tennessee helped me start this project, and cranked out a little over half of the final word count (~31,000).

The only information I can give at this time is that this project is a testament to JV’s life and free, youthful, random personality. By that, I mean in multiple ways. First off, the characters hold a special place in my heart, but that’s all I can say about plot/character details at this time. In case you can’t tell, this stuff will be *hushhush* for a little while. Need to know basis.

Also, the whole project was me channeling JV in spirit. She always was the most random, funny, relaxed, and spontaneous individual I ever met. In her spirit, I did no planning for this project. NONE. All I started with was the main five characters and the opening setting, and only part of the initiating event. Then, I just let my imagination do the rest. Every time I sat down to work on this project, I had no idea where the story was going, or where it would take my characters and plot. So, when I say every detail and plot thickening scene was completely spontaneous and on-the-spot created, I’m not kidding.

I have also started communicating with an editor, and plan to send this manuscript out to her soon. I’ve also got a beta reader whose opinion I trust, and also layout freelancers on standby. I also want to use the same cover designer who designed “THE PROTEKTOR’S REALITY”, as that cover came out completely badass. She’s got quite an amazing portfolio behind her, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else with this cover. She’ll give it the amazing cover I know it deserves. J

Also, brief update on THE CHAOS ACCOUNTS: I have finished edits on Story #3, titled, “Account of Friendship”. This one follows Luz, a transgender boy whose experience and finesse with technology surpasses a majority of middle-aged IT consultants, and his obsession with Tom Hiddleston and Benedict Cumberbatch is supplemented with a secret eidetic memory and love of pop culture, movies, and entertainment. At the beginning of this story, Luz fears his friendship with Blaine might be weakening, as Blaine starts to neglect him and his own siblings to train and chill with the other members of Division 3. When Blaine realizes he has a life-changing performance back topside, Luz goes with him, not only as tech support, but to help him should the enemy find out he’s unprotected. However, what if ChaosBlaze had known months ago? And, if they did know ahead of time, who would have told them?

Cover reveal in a few days, followed soon after with preorder link once I deal with the nitty-gritty details with Amazon and Smashwords. Aiming for an official release within two/three weeks or so.

To close, I’m going to link to my social media and other links below. The first one below is my Patreon. I’m going to ask every one of you this; PLEASE SHARE MY PATREON! The #secretproject I talked about on this post is slated for a release in very early 2018. Timing with getting things done shouldn’t be a problem. The funds to actually get this #secretproject officially in my hands and the hands of my readers… Yeah, that’s a slight problem. Even if you yourself can’t pledge to me (trust me, I understand not having money to spare), PLEASE just share the link. If everyone reading this shared this post and/or my Patreon link below, I can get a lot more eyes on the page, and hopefully new Patrons. I’m lagging in the Patron’s department, and all the money I make on Patreon for the next year is going toward this #secretproject , and every little bit helps. All my Patrons, regardless on pledge amount, will get access to my Patron-only feed, which will receive news and updates and sneak peeks and cover reveals a few days before the public. Also, I’ve added a $4 pledge amount to my Patreon page, with only 30 slots, to be added to my secret Facebook group, the members I warmly call my EXMakers. The EXMakers will receive news and updates even sooner than Patrons, and definitely a decent amount of time for the public’s reveals. They will also get sneak peek snippets, sketches and quotes from characters for ANY projects I work on, AND occasionally, I will pose questions for info and polls that might help me decide things for WIPs. After those 30 slots are filled, that benefit of membership will be restricted to $10 pledgers, so pledge while you can!

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/discoverywritin

Like my Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/christinemcdonnellauthor/

Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/discoverywritin

 

Links to other info on this blog—

Terrara Vikos saga: https://terraravikos.com/terrara-vikos-saga/

The Chaos Accounts series: https://terraravikos.com/the-chaos-accounts/

Original Patreon Announcement

 

And, as always, Vikans: Keep Faith.

(Please share!)

 

Snippet below if from “Account of Friendship”, Story #3 in THE CHAOS ACCOUNTS::

“Luuuuuuuuuz!” yelled Kayla, “Get outta bed, sleepy-head!”

Luz’s bed felt like a trampoline, his body bouncing up and down. His eyes shot open to find that the kids had broken into his room. Again. These unwanted wake-up calls had been happening for the last week. He loved Kayla and Richie, but wished Blaine, as their older sibling, would spend more time with them. The four of them had been confined to this underground “Sanctuary”. While he acknowledged the MRC did this for their safety, Luz felt cabin fever really strongly now, after a month in restrictive captivity.

Richie, the youngest of the Foster brood, dropped halfway on top of Luz, knocking the wind right out of him. “Luzey, wakey-wakey!”

Laughing lightly, Luz gently pushed Richie to the side. “Alright, I’m up, I’m up.” Sitting upright, Luz gazed around his room. The MRC’s budget must be lax or overflowing, based on all the decorations and objects they’d allowed him to buy with their funds. They wanted him to stay so bad that they let him make his room feel more comfortable and homey. Posters of Thor, Captain America, the Suicide Squad, Gotham, and Agents of Shield plastered over the boring tan paint that encased the whole room. Oh, and there were a few Loki posters too. Okay, a little more than a few.

ALRIGHT, Loki essentially wallpapered the room!

Blaine teased him about his Tom Hiddleston obsession, but he didn’t mind. Hiddleston held the number one spot on Luz’s list of extraordinary actors, closely followed by Doctor Strange himself, Benedict Cumberbatch. Blaine may have songs and impersonations memorized and also have talent as a musician, but no one beat out Luz when it came to cinema, technology, and pop culture. While most would label his knowledge about the entertainment industry as female gossip, Luz countered every time by pointing out that gender labelling someone based on their un-stereotypical interests was as effective as telling a bear to not eat the food out of your picnic basket while you’re camping because it’s people food. Not very effective.

(Releasing later this month. Stay Tuned!)

Pre-Smoky Jitters

Uncategorized, Writing, , , , ,

Greetings, Vikans!

So, Story #2 of The Chaos Accounts, titled “Account of Unrest”, released on February 16th (two Thursdays ago). Compared to its predecessor (“Account of Anxiety”), sales reactions responded weakly. “Account of Anxiety got 81 downloads in less than a month. My biggest download days were the first three days after release. With “Account of Unrest” having been out for over a week, I’ve only gottne three downloads.

THREE.

house_whatthe

However, I will NOT be deterred! In fact, I’ve come close to finishing up Story #3, and the only hint as to what happens that I’ll give at this time is that it’s from Luz’s POV.

Now, for the topic mentioned in the title: SMOKY!

Every year, a bunch of crazy, incredibly talented authors and their equally as amazing chefs, rent out a cabin in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee for a week. During this week in the majestic mountains, writing is our full-time job. Eight hours a day with lunch in the middle, for seven days. We get a “Free” day to explore the surrounding arear too, but I usually just get another day of wordsmithing in.

So, why does my title use the word “jitters”? If this is Year 3 for me, why so nervous?

Well… for a few reasons…

  1. My anxiety has been manically wild for over a month now, so I’m jittery enough at home in day-to-day life.
  2. This retreat is my safe haven. A place where I’m among people who are accepting and caring (and crazy, but we already mentioned that). The jitters will come from being away from home for a week after all the previously mentioned anxiety that’s cropped up recently. I know my fellow Smokies will be there to hold me up, but I don’t like the idea of burdening my friends with my problems.
  3. WILL I BE PREPARED?! Last year, I cranked out 36,000 words in 5/6 days. With everything worrisome in my brain space, will I be able to focus enough to crank out even a fraction of last years total word count?

To wrap up this worry-fest, I’ve been counting the weeks until Smoky for months. Now, with only days until we arrive in our “Valhalla” of a cabin, I’m starting to feel nervous. But, while I may have worries, Smoky is my safe haven, and all the people in that cabin are my writing family. They’ll be there to help guide me through all of this.

I’m so grateful I have them to get me through this. 🙂

TWO DAYS! Smoky, here I come!

11021147_10205204431726986_4919789665877364578_n

The Aftermath: Keeping my Promise

Out in the World, Publishing & Writing Career, , , , , , ,

So, it’s already been a week since one of the most precious rays of sunshine in my life passed on. JV was my best friend. She made me a better partner, a better writer, and a better person. A week has passed, and my brain still won’t accept she’s gone. I even saw her, looking almost asleep, so peaceful with that stuffed teddy bear next to her.

While my brain is grappling with the truth, I’m still sticking to my promises I sent up to her up in Heaven. I WILL get our books published someday. I WILL keep up with my Youtube Channel. And I WILL continue to write. My uncle inspired me to be a writer, but JV motivated me to continue to be a writer.

THE CHAOS ACCOUNTS saga is now entirely dedicated to JV’s amazingly bright life that ended WAY too soon. Each story will have a unique dedication, instead of the same one copy/pasted, because she deserves the extra effort.

The first story, “Account of Anxiety“, still has 6 days left until its #FearlessChaos charity campaign ends. Every download of that 1st story will equal a small monetary amount that I will donate to Freedom of Fear. Also, if you’ve already read it, head over to Amazon and leave a review, as reviews equal an added donation to the pool. We’ve raised about $20 since release day; let’s see if we can get more!

account_of_unrest-coverAlso, this post is my official announcement of the second story in THE CHAOS ACCOUNTS, titled “Account of Unrest”. This story follows Gael, Commander of Division 3 and how his struggles with his past affect him in the present. Release Date is set as February 16th, as that would have been JV’s birthday.

The charity I’ve picked for “Account of Unrest” is Newborns In Need, an organization that supplies needy families with baby things, such as clothes, blankets, bottles, toys, etc. I believe this organization is perfect, given what has recently happened in my life. This organization also gifts clothes and blankets to grieving parents of newborns who didn’t make it, so that they can see their beautiful baby in a beautiful outfit as one of their only memories of their child’s short or non-existent life. That teddy bear in JV’s casket was gifted by one of her sisters to resemble the baby she would have had this coming August. In honor of JV’s unborn child, I am choosing this charity.

Any sales between 2/16 and 3/9, I will add it up for a monetary donation toward Newborns In Need after that last day of this charity campaign. I plan on writing a letter, that they can hopefully get to the director of this organization, outlining JV’s life, how she touched so many people, and how I know she would have wanted to deliver actual items to them, because children were a big part of her life. I – and everyone that knew her – knew she would be a great mother, and it pains me she never got the chance…

Their Wish List is linked [HERE], if any of you would like to donate items to this charity for JV.

The hashtag for this campaign is #JVsChaoticNewborns

Hopefully, I can get preorders set up within the next day or two (this is a first for me, so fingers crossed I don’t mess it up), and will share links as they become available.

Links for THE CHAOS ACCOUNTS can be found [HERE].

Keep Faith, Vikans!

And, JV, I hope I’m doing you proud. ❤

 

TWO WEEKS LEFT for #FearlessChaos!

Publishing & Writing Career, , , , , , , ,

“Account of Anxiety”, the first story in The Chaos Accounts saga, kicked off amazingly well. So far, almost 80 downloads in less than two weeks! Seems small, but unprecedented for me. 🙂

Actually, shorter time than that, because this story hasn’t had ANY downloads since Friday (1/27/2017).

o-ashamedanimals-facebook

😮

*GASP*

 

Yeah, it’s been that long. Three full days with no attention. It’s a shame, because my #FearlessChaos campaign is still running (until February 14th, 2017). Up to date total is somewhere around $17.00 already! In less than TWO WEEKS! But, I think we can do better. I will put the links below to “Account of Anxiety”, with the request and hope that you all share them, along with mentioning that every download will add to the donation pool for a mental-health charity! Making a difference, one download at a time.

Also, all of you out there that have finished reading “Account of Anxiety”? Reviews add to that pool of donations for Freedom From Fear as well. So, hop on over to Amazon and leave one, sillies!

I’d like to take a moment and thank my Patrons on Patreon, who are few in number, but not in support. It is my patrons who fund the writing and completion of The Chaos Accounts stories. If you liked “Account of Anxiety” and want to be a part of supporting the telling of Division 3’s adventures, considering becoming a Patron too. Patrons also get news and updates first, as well as other gifts for being a supporter of my work. Click [here] to be taken to my Patreon and to see what that’s all about.

More new on The Chaos Accounts coming soon. If you’d like to make sure you don’t miss any announcements, Like my [Facebook Author Page] or follow me on [Twitter].

 

“Account of Anxiety” links::

Amazon: http://bit.ly/2j5dPj6

Barnes&Noble (Nook): http://bit.ly/2j5dPj6

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/697306

Also on the iBooks app for Apple products.

 

Big year ahead, Vikans! Keep Faith!

RELEASE DAY!! The Chaos Accounts #1

Career, Publishing & Writing Career, Writing, , , , , , , , , , ,

Today is the Release Day for the first story in my Chaos Accounts saga. To say I’m excited…

… Is an understatement!

This story is my first one I’ve published since The Protektor’s Reality in November 2014. So, big deal.

Also, I’m running a donation campaign for each download and review I receive between today and February 14th, 2017. I’ll donate a little bit of money for each to Freedom From Fear, a national non-profit focused on mental-health awareness and support. I picked them because my main character in Account of Anxiety (Blaine) suffers from high Anxiety and ADHD. I felt this charity suited the story and character well. The break-down on what type of download gets what amount of money, see my last blog post HERE. The hashtag to share for this is #FearlessChaos .

These stories are made possible due to my Patrons on Patreon. If you like this story and want more, consider donating to this adventure with Division 3. My Patrons also get frequent updates and news before the general public does.

I have partially updated the “My Works” page here to reflect this story’s release. The links to Amazon, Smashwords, and (hopefully soon) Barnes & Noble will be there, as well as below::

“ACCOUNT OF ANXIETY” links::
Amazon
Smashwords
B&N (link coming soon)

Soooooo, here we go! Enjoy the ride!

And, as always, Keep Faith!

Free and for a Cause

Career, Fiction, Publishing & Writing Career, Writing, , , , , , , , ,

Hi there, everyone!

If you follow me on social media, then you already know that I have a new story releasing this week. If you’re not following me on social media, then you need to click [here] and follow my antics on your choice of social media platforms.

This story was created with the inspiration of starting my own Patreon page. The funds my Patrons give me will keep me inspired to write this series. My Patrons also get updates that aren’t anywhere else, as well as access to public updates before anyone else. There are also different rewards depending on a Patron’s pledge amount. If you might want to become my Patron for this series, click [here].

Anyway, you’re here to hear about the actual content of the saga, aren’t you?

Let’s begin:

My elevator pitch: Agents of SHIELD mixed with Divergent, if the teens had superpowers.

The Chaos Accounts is a saga that follows Division 3 of the MRC, an organization dedicated to keeping peace between humans and Metas, humans with incredible gifts. They also try and counter any destruction or injury caused by ChaosBlaze, and I’m sure you can infer their intentions based on their name.

acct_of_anxiety-cover_edited-1

 

 

The first story, “Account of Anxiety”, follows Blaine, a teen musician and impressionist, as he gets thrown headlong into the world of the Metas when his family is kidnapped by ChaosBlaze. This is essentially a brief introduction to the series and main characters, as seen by a confused, anxiety-ridden outsider.

I’ve got many others planned, and as long as I have people who want to read this journey of painful pasts, confusing and conflicted present, and uncertain futures, I will continue to write it.

 

 

Now, here’s a “catch”. At least for me.

The story goes live on 1/18/2017 (this Wednesday night). Between then and February 14th, here’s what I am going to do:

-For every free download of the story (it will be free everywhere but Amazon, cuz Amazon won’t allow it), I will donate $0.25 to Freedom From Fear, a national, mental-health advocacy based in Staten Island, NYC. (Details below)

-For every PAID download (aka-Amazon Kindle), I will donate $0.50 to Freedom From Fear.

-AND for EVERY REVIEW on B&N, Amazon, or Smashwords, I will donate $0.50 to Freedom From Fear.

So, essentially, this is money from my pocket that will be going to a good cause, and one that relates to Blaine’s anxiety issues, as well as making the world even slightly less scary for those of us with mental/emotional conditions.

To read more about Freedom From Fear, click [here] for more. The hashtag to share for this donation campaign by yours truly is #FearlessChaos

So, spread the word, because I will only be tallying downloads and reviews until February 14th!

Can’t wait for you all to jump on this crazy train with Division 3 and me!

And, as always, Keep Faith, guys. 🙂