Ride That Wave into Summer

Ever feel like you're at the head of a wave that may wreck you, but can't help but feed off that wild energy? Yeah. 

    Here. 

            We. 

                    Go.

I am full on swept in. I'm not just feeding the beast that is Kindle Vella, I'm bare back riding that bad boy. I'll be honest. It might throw me. Enough with the metaphor. I have *six*, yes, *six* Vellas running amuck. The last one breaks out in August! Seriously, go check them out. I'll be here. Okay! See! Not lying. Oof! 

To be fair, I feel like I've been waiting for something like this. Every Vella I'm working on is fed from a damned dusty WIP that was too weird to pitch, or that my publisher dragged ass on for so long that I gave up.  

I'm not a great writer. I'm sure as hell not everyone's cup of tea. But, I'm having a hell of a good time. And, I'm getting paid to write my own stuff! No more ghostwriting, or articles, or dull blogs about things I don't give a fluff about. Writers out there! If you're waiting to be noticed, don't! Join this madness before someone out there catches wise to it's greatness and snuffs it out. 

I'm not sure if I mentioned, I really dig this Vella thing. Yeah. A pinch. I try so hard to encourage my writing students; if you want to write, you have to read. Read the good, the bad, and the totally out there. With the community of Vella, it's built into the success. If you want to really make something of yourself in this you have to;

1. Write - Like every single day, write. (This is not an issue for me. I get grumpy when I can't write for more than a day or so. And my imaginary friends miss me).

2. Read - The communities are very much built on this reciprocity of readers. Let's be real, no one else really knows what is going on because *serial stories are so new and unique*. (They are not, but I digress).

3. Build Consistency - We have all gotten to that muddy middle of a story, right? And then we walk away. Unless! We have a dedicated readership that is desperately waiting for that next episode! 

Seriously, this is the best thing for new writers, old writers, good writers, writers who are trying to improve. Because yes, you get feedback. You can try ideas out. You can go back and fix errors. 

Now, if I could just get the same sort of returns or reciprocity on my YouTube channel. How on earth do people get so many followers on that thing? 

On the other side of the madness classes are going just as well as the writing. Well, all but the Writing classes. Yeah, we are *still* listed as a kids class so we are still only getting the barest number of students. They are amazing, no doubt, but it would be nice if Writing classes saw the same numbers as Bellydance and Sword Fitness. 

Well, I feel like I filled most of this update with preachin' the good word of Vella, but it is a sincere pulpit I stand behind. Other than that, rehearsals and panel planning has begun for CoKoCon 2022, the wine is still flowing, and there are still great things in the cards as we ride the wave into the second half of 2022.

See you soon! Oh! And here's another totally crazy thing I did this past week:

 

And We're Back!

 I might have missed a month with the updates, but that just means I have way more to talk about this time! And do I ever! 

I'm starting with the epicness that is publishing on Vella. Let me preach the good word for just a minute here. I'm a working writer again! Writing novels is great, and getting them noticed is awesome, but writing serials is a wholly different experience. It's the joy of novel writing, with the returns of article and essay work. So here I am feeling like a B-list celebrity (*okay, I'll be real here, my pirate shenanigans, stunt work, and fly by night performances were more D-list than anything more, but you catch my meaning. And I regress.) who is making a comeback with a streaming TV series. So, yeah! If you haven't been sucked into Vella yet, check it out! There's a ton of great stuff on there, and you can always check out my growing list too. 

It's not just writing that's booming right now either! Podcasts are bumping with Rachelle of Ra Intuition, and Mary on Casing the Cover. 

Speaking of astrology; Ra and I are working some behind the scenes magic to create a new course using a mix of modalities. It deeply appeals to my polymath brain. If you really want in on the ground floor of that action, start poking around at the podcast, and watching for more videos on my YouTube channel. 

In librarylandia all is going extra awesome too! You are lookin' at the new, improved, upgraded library Jenn! Yeah, I bit the bullet and jumped up from Page to Circ. It's fewer hours, which means more time for writing! And reading! And book club! And classes! 

Holy monkeys, the classes! 

Writing Workshop is holding steady with our diehard little band. Oh, yeah, one of them is also published on Vella *nudge nudge. Bellydance is overflowing! We are on a waitlist again! And Sword Fitness is taking the high ground! Okay, we are moving to the second floor fitness room instead of the mirrorless, low ceiling classroom on the first floor. And we are moving to Fridays! 

So, yeah, a ton of crazy stuff happening. The wine is still flowing. Art is still happening. Magic is everywhere. 

And the biggest news; Resurrection is live! It's one more for the land of Vella, but it's the sequel so many people were begging for. Bob and I are plotting offer at least one chapter per week, and the first one dropped on Easter morning. (Because of course we did).

So, until next time, I'll be writing, dancing, crafting, swinging swords, strumming the uke, and flipping cards. Let creativity move you! 

And the Beat Goes on!

Ever feel like the flood gates have not just opened up, but were torn off their hinges? Yeah. February. 2022 I may not have been quite ready for you. But here we go! 

Turns out I am getting back to my roots in 2022. Like way back. The universe has seen fit to activate my former flag twirling, band geek to lead the next generation. Do I know what I'm doing? Nope. Have I lead a wild band of high school color guard? Nope. Did I say yes anyway? If you have met me, you know that's a giant yep! I mean why not? I get to reconnect with some old skills. I get to work with some awesome humans, and kids too. And high school drama has to be good for plot ideas, right? 

So, yes, I will be leading high school color guard while still teaching bellydance, sword fitness, writing, tarot reading, and all the things I do. It's gonna be a blast! 

Oh, and song writing! 

In 2021 I taught myself how to play the ukulele. Yes, we will use that term loosely. I dusted off my harmonica, and toyed with a bunch of other unique instruments. All in the name of the February Album Writing Challenge. A sort of NaNoWriMo for the musically inclined. A note, while I enjoy words, wit, and a bit of poetry now and again, I am not what one might call a song writer, nor a musician. That said, see the paragraphs above for my sentiment on giving new things a go. Flexing that polymath muscle, indeed.

My foray into the world of songwriting lead me to discover there is an entire community of songwriters in my locale. I will be adding the Arizona Songwriters Gathering to my annual adventures for sure. The best advice was familiar advice. Songwriters, as with story writers, have a similar outlook on their craft. You don't have to be the best, you just have to do the thing! If you are willing to work for it and keep trying the world will open to you. 

So, on top of continuing my Kindle Vella stories, working on a sequel to Cloud to Cloud, teaching classes, and diving into my usual madness, I have a pretty substantial number of songs on SoundCloud. Full disclosure I was *politely* asked to leave choir in high school. But I've been offered quite a few great suggestions, comments, and compliments. I may even be so fortunate to have the local doo-wop group, Lilac Crazy sing one of the songs! So that's a big deal in my world.

See how I wrapped this snake back on it's tail?

The world is turned on again, and it looks like the dial is cranking up to eleven. I won't say I'm ready, but I will say I'm willing to try. Here we go! Forward March! And, keep that beat! 

This was Unexpected or Omicron Visits the House of Rainbows and Awesome

Well I dove into 2022 with a bit too much force, and ran right into Omicron. At least I was ahead of

schedule on most of my Vella serials, videos, and class preparations. I had intended my first Full Moon

post of the new year to be all about how excited I am about all the potential projects. Instead it’s looking

more like a day by day run at my adventures in Covid. So here we go. I will preface that I got my

second vaccine dose, Pfizer, back in April and I dragged my feet and never got my booster. 

I was only out of commission physically for a day or so, but it felt like a week, and now I’m *enjoying* a quarantine vacation. I should be ready to teach my classes once they start though.

So, Day One I had that meh feeling that could be allergies, could be something more. *Shrug* No worries, the air quality in Phoenix right now is trash. 

Day Two, yeah, this is for sure something not quite right. Feeling a bit more congested than allergy, but I double up on masks and do my normal day. Still not thinking Covid, nope, not even a little.

Day Three, The Frontal Assault! Enemy forces have breached the fortress! This is not a drill! Day three was a day spent sleeping and wondering why my sinuses hated me. No fever though. No chills. No body aches. No sore throat. No Covid. Right? I don’t have to go anywhere anyway. I can miss a day of being super productivity. Naps and a bad movie. Yep. 

Relief, sort of, Day Four. Still feeling bleh. But this is the tail for sure. *Cough* *Cough* Who said that? Okay. I’ll go do the test thing. See what this is all about and call in tomorrow anyway, just for the long weekend of writing and catching up on that lost day, whatever that was about. 

Day Four, Part Two: Showers make everything better, so I’m dressed and good to go on the hunt for a home test kit. I hear they are hard to come by so I start at the furthest I am willing to go on my venture radius. Then, the frustrated Czep only has to do a short drive back to base. What luck! First place I go to has stacks of test kits! I snag one and head back to base. 

Act Three, yeah, it’s still Day Four. I set up my little pop up med lab. This is sort of fun. Yay science! Stick the mega q-tip up the nose. Both nostrils? What? Boo, science. But, okay. Prod. Twist. Sneeze. Pokey thing in the vial. Pokey thing out of the vial. Test strip in the vial. *Wait* Much wait. Play a short game. Test strip out of the vial! *Stare* Two lines. Two lines means--checks info sheet--positive. 

I have Covid? 

Messages to the world at large. >> So. Turns out I have Covid.<<

Day Five, for those still keeping track. I’m fine. Maybe a small cough if I talk too much. Which I do, because I record another Zoom edition of Casing the Cover with Mary that evening. I still get through the recording with only one rough spot. I’m otherwise totally good. It’s just another day in my little cat paradise. Words were written. Calls were made. Audio was edited. Foods were tasted and smelled.

Day Six, Are We There Yet? I can’t go out to play. So I’ll stay inside and edit all the day. I take another test. Why not. I have like six now. Repeat day four act three. Oh? What’s this? That is a much less pink, pink line. And, yep, still doing fine. 

Seven, Day Seven. Still with me? I’m up at 0700. Cats are fed. 0830, Czep is ready for action! Audio edits, done! Sent! Tarot videos, five you say? Done! Scheduled, locked and loaded! Updates and emails complete. House tidied. Wait. It’s only 1300? I guess I should nap. You know. Don’t over do it. Right? We are still supposed to be healing. *Side eye*. 

So, here I sit. I’ll be taking the test again tomorrow to see what happens. I’ll be masked up and toeing myself back into the world on Tuesday evening for Writing Workshop. Then it’s Bellydance, and Sword Fitness, on Wednesday and Thursday. I’ll probably not go out much of the weekend though, and I’ll warn the world of my presence for a good while after. 

My current outlook is; Yay modern medicine. Also, Omicron is weak sauce against the Czep. If you think you just have the sniffles, check! And if you have even an inkling, mask up or stay home. 

I’m still great friends with myself. She does fun stuff. I’m off to update my Vella stories, play some ukulele, learn new languages, make art, and organize the chaos of my little corner of the world.

The new episode of Tarot and Astrology with Ra Intuition is out. The next Casing the Cover will be out soon. As always, check out the site for all the random going on in and out of the House

of Rainbows and Awesome. The doors will probably be open again before you finish reading this. 

Stay safe out there! And let someone know if you need a hand.

2021 A Year of Madness, Adventure, and Stories in Review

It was a year of adventures, enlightenment, and new experiences in the House of Rainbows and Awesome and beyond. Within the ever more artistic and confusing walls of The House of Rainbows we played host to fireworks displays, beat saber matches, Red Tent nights, sword fights, belly dance rehearsals, and tarot readings. We hosted two Salons, one presented by Max on the Nazca Lines and his endless research for his book; the other on hypnosis and past life regression, led by author and hypnotherapist, Ronald Tobin.

The House of Rainbows and Awesome enjoyed visits from Katy, Janette, my cousin Danny and my family who traveled from afar to bring us an RV packed with history, food, and a spiral staircase (more on that later). We experienced Sunday gatherings, craft and movie nights, and all manner of holidays with coworkers and students who have become dear friends.

We also enjoyed virtual adventures that bridged home and the world with musicals, ballets, conventions (*waves to CoKoCon friends*), and even weddings (congrats to AE & Heather)! 

Beyond the comfort of home there was live music by friends Jen X and the Boomers, and dancing at the Van Buren to AbbA of all things! And a triumphant return to live conventions with Glendale’s LibCon and the Purple Lotus Psychic Fairs. We celebrated old traditions in new ways, like Easter at Danielle's with a food pick up window. And new to me holidays, like Passover with Kim’s family. 

Travel extended to Jerome, AZ for a three day retreat with the girls, Payson and Pine for weekend adventures, antiques shopping and tree hunting. And as far as Oxnard, CA for my first (and potentially last) deep sea fishing adventure, where I learned about boats, fish, and seasickness.

Got a new tattoo, or I guess it should count as two, since it’s one on each arm at Fifth Finger Tattoo

Even in all of this madness we still found time to improve the House of Rainbows and Awesome with a spiral staircase, all manner of garden veggies, more mirrors, and a new kitchen!

We learned to make wine, and most of it was impressively received as palatable! I started drawing again, created new perfume scents. And I even spent a month writing songs for ukulele, harmonica, and theremin! They are awful, but I did it! I continued to study French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and of course, Valerian. All while sharing knowledge in classes for Sword Fitness, Bellydance, Tarot, and Writing to new friends and old. We even started a Discord server! 

I wrote thousands of words, including the sequel to Cloud to Cloud; published serial versions of An Ideal of Roses, and a return to Blackstrap’s Ecstasy on Kindle Vella and Tapas. Created eleven episodes of Casing the Cover with Mary and eight episodes of the Ra Intuition Podcast with Ra. And goodness knows how many Tarot videos I’ve posted to Youtube! 

It was a year of ups and downs, but I think I can safely say I’m on the other side of it stronger, smarter, and better than I was a year ago. The show must go on, and all that, but it's a show I am happy to still be writing and performing in.

Speaking on shows, my kid finally moved into his own place and is doing all those real life adult things that great spin-offs are built on. I look forward to his adventures vastly outshining mine in the years to come.

A massive thank you to everyone who played a starring, or supporting, role in the chapter of my life in 2021. I look forward to 2022 and I hope so do you! 

Until then,

Let Creativity Move You! 

In case you are interested in some of the madness and pop culture I consumed in 2021, here is a list of books, movies and TV series I devoured in varied degrees of enjoyment. Read/ watch/ listen at your own risk. 

Books:

Amish Country Christmas

Arctic Fury

Before She was Helen

Burnt Tongues

Carmilla

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead

Extreme Ownership

First Conspiracy

Gulp

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Kings and Griffins

Marrow Thieves 

Memory Police

Mexican Gothic

Midnight Library

Murders of Molly Southbourne

The Round House

Southern Book Club's Guide to Vampire Slaying

Swamplandia!

A Tale for the Time Being

Touch of Jen

We Sold Our Souls

Movies:

1776 (Musical)

Anna and the Apocalypse

Army of Darkness

Being There

Children of the Corn

Craft

Crawlers

Crow

DownEurovision

Evil Dead

Evil Dead 2

Exorcist

Friday the 13th III

Heavy Metal

Howl's Moving Castle

Just F*cking with You

Krampus

Kubo and the Two Strings

Lodge, The

Midnight Kiss

Missing 411

Moana

My Valentine

New Year, New You

Promare

Purity

Quiet Place 2

Red Shoes (Matthew Bourne Ballet)

Shining, The

Space Sweepers

Spirited Away

Sword and the Sorcerer

Treehouse

Wolf of Snow Hollow

Wool 100%

Series:

AHS: Red Tide & Aliens

Archer: Season 11

Ash & The Evil Dead Season 1 - 3

Beyond Evil

The Great: Season 2

Great Courses: 30 Great Works of Art

Great Courses: Ancient Cities

Hannibal: Season 1 - 3

Only Murders in the Building: Season 1

Sarah Connor Chronicles

Full Moon Adventures

The world is clearly opening up again if I have events and gigs booked multiple weekends in advance. This past weekend Rachelle of Ra Intuition Podcast , and I popped up shop at the latest Purple Lotus Event in Tempe. This is the second time we were able to participate in one of their events and it has been such a pleasure. The organizers are the most down to earth and sweet people, and things always seem to run smooth for vendors, staff, and attendees. It is nice to see family run events like this draw a warm and welcoming crowd of all ages too.

I cannot help but spoil myself a little bit at events like this, and I have never been able to resist great art by local creators. So, I'll share with all of you the latest finds and offerings to my growing collection. 

This one is by Rachelle. She started working on it at the last event we attended together and finished it up as we packed it in this time. For those who are into astrology (or Sailor Moon), the little images in the painting should look familiar as zodiac and planetary symbols. Rachelle creates personalized astrology paintings and each one is uniquely stunning. On most occasions she will tell you all about your signs and astrology as she is painting too! I don't know of another astrologer who does anything like it.

On an equally unique and fun note, my dear friend Beverly made me a spectacular set of custom coasters in honor of my little cat family. There are six of them, 'butt' since I have two calicos and a trio of black cats I'll share just a sampling. And yes, there are matching fridge magnets! 

I love my creative friends! And I love that they are willing to trade and gift in exchange for each of our talents! 

Returned from Exile

     I was exiled from my Amazon Author accounts due to technical issues. But now, as if right on schedule, I am back and discovering so many interesting things. I'm looking into Kindle Vella, adding episodes to Tapas.io and learning how to turn chapters into cliffhanger experiences. 

    That's the latest stuff to look into, but I have been up to so much more. In 2020 I taught myself to play the ukulele, and blew the dust out of my harmonica. I entered a song writing challenge in February, because, of course as soon as I can plunk a tune that's what I should be doing. So that mess is on SoundCloud, if you are looking to torture the auditory senses of your friends and enemies alike. 

    In December of 2020 I completed a Gothic Novel. An Ideal of Roses. It will be my experiment into the world of serial releases, which seems appropriate for a story filled with a serial killer. It is currently released through Tapas, and will be available on Kindle Vella as soon as that goes live in a few weeks. 

    At some point in the middle of pandemic land I rediscovered my YouTube Channel and my Tarot cards. That made for some interesting videos. This is what happens when I am trapped inside. I find new ways to unleash my madness upon the world. As it goes though, once the Universe caught wise of what I was up to, and the world opened up again, the cards and I were called out of hiding to attend events in the real world. So, I and my dear friend Rachelle have popped up shop at the Purple Lotus Events in Phoenix.

    And through it all I never stopped dancing, sword fighting, and making my usual mischief. And currently I am back to teaching bellydance, sword fitness, and writing classes at Rio Vista Community Center in Peoria. 

    Oh! And I would be slacking off if I didn't mention that Mary and I are still actively producing Casing the Cover episodes. Which consist of a ton of insights on books, covers, and the not so occasional rant about fonts. 

    So, busy. Yes. I stayed busy while in exile, and if a pandemic couldn't slow me down, wait until you see what it wound up!