Wednesday, June 29, 2011

LEUCROTA PRESS



I had suspected but, now have confirmed that Leucrota Press, the small publishing company that published my first short story is no more. From what I can glean from the Internet, it looks like they closed due to bankrupcy as the main reason.

I had hoped that Leucrota would be able to ride out the turbulent publishing industry after purchasing Arkham Tales and signing Shaun Jeffery's The  Kult over for a movie deal.

I have to say that, it's a bit sad to see the company that published my first story taking me from aspiring writer to published author was not able to to hold it's own. Maybe like the Phoenix it may rise from the ashes.

Later,
Melissa

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

SUMMER VACATION


Summer vacation has begun for my kids so, as any Mom knows...you must become the summer fun/tour guide for your children. Because inevitably if you ask what do you want to do, you will get, "I don't know." Shoulder shrug.



My first adventure for my babies was an epic fail. I planned a hiking trip that five minutes into the hike, we ran into Mr. snake. I wasn't scared because Mr. snake was getting his arse kicked by fire ants and slithering as fast as he could away and into the water.



Here he is on the wood bridge curled up on himself before he mad a run for the water.




The trip wasn't a complete bust. There was some beautiful scenery and I got a good feel for what it would be like to work and live in a national park. Which is good being that one  of my characters is a park Ranger or junior park Ranger. Nice way to do research and enjoy the family too.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

L A BANKS GRAVELY ILL

It is with profound sadness that we have to inform you that our beloved sister and friend, Leslie Esdaile, (“L.A. Banks”) is most gravely ill. She is facing an uphill battle in her struggle with serious illness. Please know that as Leslie needs all of her energy in this fight, she is absolutely not able to receive visitors, answer emails, texts or phone calls, or receive flowers. What she is able to receive is your continued prayers.
Also, Leslie’s medical expenses are mounting at an astronomical rate. If you wish to assist Leslie, a fund has been established to help with these ever increasing expenses. If you wish to send donations (please note that donations are not tax-deductible) to help Leslie, please see the information listed below:

Leslie Esdaile Fund
Account #81538801
Police and Fire Federal Credit Union
Operations Center
901 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107-2404
215-931-0300

If you live in Philadelphia, PA, you may take donations directly to any Police and Fire Federal Credit Union branch. Please be sure to note the account number. You may also send them to the P.O. Box listed below*.

Police and Fire Federal Credit Union Branch Locations:
Main Branch:
901 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Additional Branches:
Leo Mall, 11705 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116-2515
Davisville Shopping Center, Street Road, Philadelphia, PA
Andorra Shopping Center, Ridge and Henry Avenues, Philadelphia, PA
City Avenue Shopping Center, 7604 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19151-2007
Mayfair Branch on Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Northeast Branch, 7500 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Grant and Academy Shopping Center Branch, Philadelphia, PA

You may send good wishes and cards to*:
Leslie Esdaile
c/o Tina Ryan Wise
P.O. Box 37189
Philadelphia, PA 19148-9998

On behalf of Leslie, her daughter Helena, her sister Liza and all of her family and friends, we sincerely thank you for all of your continued prayers and support.
Tina Ryan Wise
Tinarwise@gmail.com


 I learned this bit of sad news yesterday. Please send your prayers and if you feel so inclined, donations to this lovely awesome woman.
Melissa


 

 

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

SLOW GOING


It's been a bit since I posted. The writing has been slow going lately. But, tonight I sat down and went through fifty plus pages and added 535 words to my WIP. I updated my nano meter which I hope over then next day or two will start to show some real progress.

I saw a video today with the Magical Words authors that they basically said, if you are a writer, then write. Worry about getting it perfect later. Just get the story down. I know that's the logical thing but, it's so hard not to edit as you go. It is for me anyway. I am going to work hard over the next couple of weeks. I am going to try to just write my story. Don't worry about getting it perfect the first time. That's what rewrites and edits are for.

Later,
Melissa