The magic power of deadlines – by Vijaya Schartz

Find Vijaya's medieval fantasy series and other BWL books HERE

Deadlines can make you do what you thought was impossible. The first time I was given a deadline by a publisher, I panicked. It had taken me eighteen months to write my last book, and I only had six months for this one.  But I didn't want to miss this publishing opportunity, so I signed the contract. Then I realized what a great motivator that deadline provided.

Whether it’s a high stakes countdown in an action novel, or a self-imposed goal, or an imperative work time limit, for some reason, our subconscious treats deadlines like a do or die situation. Unlike new year resolutions, which tend to fade by February, deadlines can motivate us all year long.

If my critique partner didn’t come to my living room every week, I might not have my chapter ready, or the floor might not get cleaned as often. The prospect of taking pictures at holiday parties certainly motivated me to lose the three extra pounds I gained in early fall.

This month, I wrote “the end” on the second book in the Azura Chronicles series, making my January 1^st deadline, and it’s a good feeling. Last year, without a specific deadline, it took me much longer to write the first book. I discovered that deadlines not only keep me on schedule, but they sharpen my focus on my story and characters. They force me to stay the course. Next to my wall calendar are reminders of my deadlines for next year. Three book releases. And because I have strict publisher deadlines, these books will be released on schedule.

So, instead of New Year resolutions, I suggest you give yourself deadlines. Keep the goals realistic and take control of your life. Using deadlines as a motivator, you will reach your goals, and get a great sense of accomplishment.

As for me, back to my newly finished novel. It’s polishing time, and this is my favorite part of the work. I wish you all a wonderful year in 2019.

ANGEL FIERCE, Book 2 of the Azura Chronicles is coming out in February. In the meantime, you can read ANGEL MINE, Book 1 in the Azura Chronicles series.

What in the frozen hells of Laxxar prompted Fianna to pursue her quarry to this forbidden blue planet? Well, she needs the credits... badly. But as if crashing in the jungle wasn't bad enough, none of her high-tech weapons work. She'll have to go native, after the most wanted felon in five galaxies. It's not just her job. It's personal.

Acielon has never seen an outworlder like this fascinating female, strangely beautiful, and fierce, like the feline predator loping at her side. He always dreamed of exploring the universe, despite the legends... and the interdiction. Is it truly a hellish place of violence, lies and suffering? If it spawned this intriguing creature, it must also be a place of wonders, adventure and excitement.

Fianna's instincts tell her someone is watching. Sheba, her telepathic feline partner, doesn't seem worried... yet, something on Azura isn't quite right.

"... fast-paced space adventure/romance with lots of twists, turns, and enough action to satisfy sci-fi enthusiasts... storytelling is imaginative and action scenes vivid... pleasing happily ever after that sets up a sequel." Ind'Tale Magazine.

Vijaya Schartz, author
Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com
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The birth of a book in a writer’s head—Tricia McGill

This and all my other books can be purchased from numerous online retailers

For the past few weeks I might have been getting on with life here in the present, but my mind has been dwelling way back in the past, as research takes over my life once again. For some time people have been asking me when I am going to write a third book in my Settlers series. The early pioneering days in Australia seem to capture the imagination of almost as many folk as the early days of settlement in America. I guess most of my fellow writers are just like me, and can only work out what book to work on next by the voices in our heads urging us to get cracking and get their story down.

For me I have always needed to know who the main characters are going to be, which means finding out from those pesky voices who wants to be the leads. For the hero I had a few choices this time. There was always Carlo O’Shea, brother of Remy (Book 2) and Bella (Book 1), who arrived in the settlement of Sydney Town in the 1820s, or their younger brother Bob, who came out as a free settler later on. Bella and Tiger ended up with eight children so any one of them could be the main character. At one stage I thought of sending Remy or Carlos back to Spain to trace their father’s heritage, but no, my mind refused to leave Australia and decided to force me to remain here and entrench myself back into its past. I guess, in the end, the best and only choice of hero had to be Tim, Bella and Tiger’s eldest son. I was there at his birth so know him well. After all, I created him, know exactly where and when he was conceived and know his parents inside out.

Problem number one fixed, now the female lead must tell me who and what she wants to be. That has been trickier. The story will begin in 1840 when Tim is 21. Unlike his ex-convict father, mother, and uncles, Tim was born free. The Australian continent has changed considerably in the past 15-20 years. Explorers have ventured further inland, forging new roads to traverse, finding new rivers that need bridges built across them. This means a new set of research for me the writer. New South Wales has a different Governor, rules have changed. Port Philip that will become Melbourne is a fledgling city. Travellers are setting off across the country in search of new pastures for their sheep and new lands to claim as their own.

Tim was a small child when his father, Tiger, decided to embark on the tremendous trek across the Blue Mountains with Bella and Tim to set up a sheep property on green pastures around Bathurst so it is inevitable that Tim will have inherited itchy feet—but which direction will he take, and why? And the woman who travels with him will be feisty and a tomboy, I know that much by now. No wilting, tittering, blushing damsel in distress for Tim, she must be his match. Only one small drawback by this time—she simply will not let me know her name—yet. It will probably come to me around five am as many of my other ideas do. Mistress Muse seems to work the best around that hour when I am half-awake. Oh, and there’s just one other small thing missing—a suitable title.

I look forward to my next journey of discovery.

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Christmas Eggnog Blog

https://books2read.com/u/m2oPdk

It is December 25th. Yes, a day of traditions. Turkey. Presents. Mistletoe. Family squabbles. And one of the great traditions...listing the greatest Christmas movies.

In the past this was challenging because people seemed to disagree as to what constitutes a Christmas movie much less which is the best. No need to have concern about that. My list, by chance, is the official movie list. Certified by Really And Nice Decisions All Like Luckily.

1. Shall we start with the obvious classic. You know, the movie that has all of the seasons main themes. I barely need to write it. Of course, we are talking about Elf. Bathroom scenes. Mini toilets. Ginormous toilets. Woman serenaded by a giant elf while showering. And, of course, downing liquor in the mail room.
2. When we think of Christmas we think of parties. The story of our next movie literal wouldn’t take place if it were not for the party. Enter John MacClane to surprise his estranged wife at her party. Awe, sweet. So, what happens next? No, it’s not Uncle Jim making a scene after too much spiked eggnog. We get our Christmas wish. A fun adventure revolving around automatic weapons and explosives.
3. Christmas is the time of miracles. What could be a bigger miracle than the third movie in a series having as much entertainment as the first two. Yes, thank you Clark Griswald. You alway come through. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation gives us the charm and serenity of the season. A house with so many lights one asked “Is your house on fire?” A squirrel and a vicious attack a neighbour knocking on your door. And a near death experience going out to get a tree.

Ah, good times.