How is everyone surviving November so far? I’ve been doing well with getting stuff checked off my to-do list until recently. I submitted stories for three anthologies. The first one is a secret since I’m still waiting to hear if I’ve been accepted or not. The second anthology was Witchy Wonders (which released on Halloween) and the third was Holidays Bite. My plan was to use November/NaNoWriMo to catch up on two projects I’m behind on, but it’s officially day five and I haven’t started yet. (So now I’m officially behind on NaNoWriMo, too.)

If you haven’t heard of NaNoWriMo before, it’s a special event where during the month of November writers from all over try to write fifty-thousand words in thirty days. It’s a way to get a first draft started without overthinking it too much. For some, it’s a way to get past the fear of trying to write their first novel or get used to writing on a deadline. But it’s also a fun way the writing community gets together and supports each other. Even when you start late or fall behind (like me,) trying to beat the countdown clock has this weird effect of helping you to get super focused.

Want to give it a try? All you have to do is sign up on the NaNoWriMo website, create your profile, declare your novel and use the word counter to keep track of the words your write each day. The goal to win is 1,666 words per day. You’ll do your actual novel writing in a separate program like Scrivener or Microsoft Word, but by keeping track on the website you’ll earn badges and if you finish on time you’ll get a printable certificate. Plus, NaNoWriMo always has sponsored discounts to offer their participants.

But enough about that for now. Have I mentioned I have two new anthologies out?

I think I mentioned Witchy Wonders in my previous post when it was up for preorder, so let’s talk about Holidays Bite. Holidays Bite is a collection of short stories from thirty authors and the central theme is vampires around the winter holidays. My story is Crimson Kiss and it’s about a vampire named Cosette and her part in a secret plot, which if it goes wrong will have deadly consequences. I enjoyed writing Cosette’s story and the cool thing about it is that’s it’s an introduction to a novella I’m going to be writing about the other main character of the story. There’s some romance, some revenge, and a dash of holiday cheer. Want to know more? You’re going to have to keep reading and find out. Blurb incoming.

Holidays Bite: A Limited Edition Collection of Holiday Vampire Tales

‘Tis the Season…for vampires!

When the days grow shorter and dusk comes earlier, we may spend our time decorating with holly and mistletoe, drinking cider, and playing in the snow. But the creatures who stalk the night are in their element—and while visions of sugarplums dance in our heads, they’re lurking in the shadows, knowing there’s nothing so delicious as a vampire’s kiss. 

So settle in for a long winter’s night full of winter holiday vampire tales from these New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling authors. Including paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and dark fantasy, this collection give a whole new meaning to the term heartwarming.

Because sometimes, the holidays truly bite.

One-click now for holiday reads you’ll never forget—even if you live forever.

Featuring stories by: 

Laura Greenwood, Margo Bond Collins, Mirren Hogan, Edeline Wrigh, Elizabeth Dunlap, Kat Parrish, Elise Hennessy, Renee Hewett, Helen Scott, Sharon Rose Mayes, Quirah Casey, Cate Cassidy, Joe Quackenboss, Nicole Zoltack, Deb Christie, Sheena Austin, Krista Ames, J. A. Cummings, Meghyn King, Lily Luchesi, Lexi Ostrow, Tricia Schneider, R. L. Wilson, Fatima Bader, N.J. Ember, Tameri Etherton, Merrie Destefano, and Angela Nicole Chu. 

Still not convinced this is a book for you? What if I gave you a preview of the beginning of Crimson Kiss?

If you want to check out Holidays Bite you can do that by visiting my website here. You also find Witchy Wonders there, as well as preorder another anthology I’m in called Dead of Winter.

I have a few more anthologies planned for the future, but my NaNoWriMo project is a novel. I’m also still working on my co-written series with author Amir Lane. Our first book is scheduled for next year, and hopefully my turtling won’t slow us down. With the way the year has been going it’s easy to get burnt out or fall into a procrastination trap, so please remember to be patient with yourselves, okay? And if you’re participating in NaNoWriMo this month I want to say good luck. You can do this! I’m a slow writer, but I love the stories I write. It’s okay if you don’t finish on time or your draft isn’t perfect. First drafts are never perfect. (I need to take my own advice.)

My next posts will probably be a little more in depth about my new short stories, but I’m always open to suggestions. Please leave a comment below if there’s something you’d like me to talk about on here. Or just tell me how you liked the opening to Crimson Kiss. I love hearing from readers. Until next time.