Wednesday, January 6, 2016

IWSG

First Wed of Every Month
 
Hi everyone. This is probably one of the biggest days of my life. Today I get to make two major announcements.

First, my short story, Haunted, was selected for the IWSG anthology. This story is very special to me and I’m thrilled it found a home in this book. Thank you so much to the IWSG administration for this honor.

Second, as promised, I am revealing the new book format I’ve developed. First, a little background. When I was thirteen I read The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub; that wasn’t all that unusual, I read Stephen King all the time at that point in my life. What was different was that time I’d just gotten the soundtrack for Legend—one of the best soundtracks of all time, if you ask me. I listened to that track over and over again as I read the book. The effect was nothing short of mind-blowing . I’ve never felt that connected to a story, not before or since. I always thought it was the music, and now as a writer myself, I know it is. I have my playlists, like I’m sure all of you do. A few years ago, while I was writing Newstead, I wished I could somehow engage my readers with the music that engaged me. You know, like they do in the movies—eerie music during the tense scenes—soft during the romantic parts; something to draw you in and never let go. With those thoughts of that intimacy between reader and writer and book in mind, I now give you Ubooks:

 
 
I plan on publishing a chapter a week, beginning with The Newstead Project and then going on to include all of my books. I would love it if all of you shared this on your twitter/blog/facebook/whatever. If demand is high, I’ll up how often I publish—up to three a week. I’m also producing a narrated version, for those who prefer audiobooks. And of course, all are free. Thanks for the help spreading the word.

And the last (but not least) reason this is such a wonderful day is that I’m currently on a beach in the Caribbean sipping something fruity in a coconut with my husband of twenty years today, which means I have no access to computer/phone/internet, so forgive me for not stopping by to visit you until sometime next week. I’m sure you understand. J

-Mel

20 comments:

  1. Huge congrats on selection for the anthology and I bet you are onto something with that format. I have aged out of the attention span necessary to attend two things at once, but when I was younger I frequently did. It would be perfect for YA.

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  2. I was just at the IWSG site and saw the anthology winners. Congratulations to you!! And the new project sounds amazing - best of luck with it. Finally, Happy Anniversary!! This really is an amazing day for you - what a way to start the new year.

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  3. What a cool idea! Music is important when I write and would be just as awesome while I read.
    Congratulations again - your story was just awesome.

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  4. Aw! Happy anniversary. Here's to 20 more epic years with your amazing hubby.

    What a unique and amazing idea! Oh, and hey, huge congrats on the anthology.

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  5. I just read about that the other day. I'll see if I can find the article. It said that while soundtracks for books hasn't caught on yet, it's still just beginning.

    I loved your story Haunted. The title fit so well with the feel of the story.

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  6. What an interesting idea for a book! Congratulations on all fronts. The Caribbean? I'd love to know where since I'm from the Virgin Islands....

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  7. I loved that soundtrack too and The Talisman, although I never experienced both together. I wish I could write while listening to music, but for some reason I need silence. I think it's because my brain refuses to do two things at once. But as a kid, I would always study and do homework with music. Maybe I could retrain myself sometime.

    Good luck with you Newstead project.

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  8. Wow, that's neat. Congrats on making the anthology!

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  9. Congratulations on all your wonderful news! Placement in the Anthology, a vacation on a beach, and a new book format. You must be inspired by WriterlySam - she loves the written word combined with music! I too am influenced by songs when I write!

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  10. Fabulous. Congratulations on being one of the wonderful anthology winners.

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  11. Congrats on the short story. It is wonderful. And on your anniversary. And on being on the beach. And on the great idea for music and reading.

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  12. Congratulations on having your story accepted in the anthology! That is wonderful news!

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  13. Congratulations on making it into the anthology! It seems like your year is getting off to a good start!

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  14. Congratulations on being in the IWSG anthology. Happy anniversary, too. Hope that your trip is lovely and inspirational!

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  15. Hey Melanie! I came by to congratulate you on your inclusion in the Anthology! How super cool! Can't wait to read all the stories!

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  16. Taking risks is what writing is all about. Good luck with your new format.

    And congrats on both counts, too.

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  17. Congratulations! And your new idea sounds fascinating, though I'm like Hart Johnson--I can't do music and anything else at the same time (well, anything but housework, which doesn't require any thought, or at least doesn't get any).

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  18. Congratulations. What super news! Enjoy your vacation with your hubby. You've chosen a great place. Best wishes for 2016.

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  19. YAY! A great week all around. Congrats on getting accepted to the anthology. I can't wait to read it. And I love your new idea. I never really think about the music that would go with my books. Maybe something cheery? My current project is about cheerleaders...so maybe "Mickey" by Toni Basil! But that's too obnoxious, so perhaps a peppy classical song?

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