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! 

THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP

What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way for readers to discover authors new to them.  I hope you'll find new-to-you authors whose works you enjoy.  On this stop on the blog hop, you'll find a bit of information on me and one of my books and links to three other authors you can explore!

My gratitude to fellow author Rhea Windrider for inviting me to participate in this event. You can click the following link to learn more about her work.  Website:

In this blog hop, I and my fellow authors, in their respective blogs, have answered ten questions about our book or work-in--progress (giving you a sneak peek).  We've also included some behind-the-scenes information about how and why we write what we write--the characters, inspirations, plotting and other choices we make. I hope you enjoy it!

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!

1: What is the working title of your book?

I am currently working on two books; Maxmillion’s Despair and Vril.

2: Where did the idea come from for the book?

For Maxmillion’s Despair, this is the second book in the DREAD Fleet pirates’ series. The idea comes from performing with Arizona Pirate troupe, The DREAD Fleet.

Vril is a little something different. I was inspired to work with some former characters, add a bit of fantasy, and write in the realm of the Dime Detective.

3. What genre does your book come under?

Despair is adventure, but Vril is sort of a blur of Mystery, Fantasy, and Noir.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I don’t think I am allowed to choose the pirate characters without consent, so I refer readers to TheDREADFleet.com to post inquiries there.

For Vril, I have to say any young Harrison Ford type for the male lead. I think Uma Thurman would make a good female lead, but I am not a movie buff so I am not too sure. Maybe on all counts it would be better for me to say I would look to my Indie Film friends and get some unknown names to star.

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Commodore Max regails the glorious and inglorious moments that made him a king among pirates.

A hard boiled detective and his assistant visit a small town portal to a noir fantasy city with some magical investment problem.

6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

Considering I was just informed that I am now a Brick Cave author, it is pretty safe to say these will be published at the Indie level, and I am very excited!

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Despair has been like pulling teeth from a shark, the draft is still pretty rough, so I will let you know what the final number is when I have it.

Vril is one of my NaNoWriMo babies.

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I would compare Despair with most of the classic pirate and adventure novels of the late 1800s, like Treasure Island, but it might have a bit more modern humor.

Vril is probably a blend of Goodis’s works with Urban Fantasy.

9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?

The “real” Commodore Max is the inspiration behind despair. He is quite a character and hard not to write about.

I am not sure where is the inspiration for Vril came from, I guess, myself. I haven’t been very good at working on projects that are personal rather than connected to other people, or groups. I think I have a little of that noir era running through my veins as I really appreciate the romance of the dime novel characters.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

If you want to gain an interest in my pirate novels go watch the pirates who inspired them. The characters are real and the adventures are varied. Check out The DREAD Fleet then tell me why you wouldn’t want to read more.

Vril, Vril is about growing older and revisiting the past, my past, as I work with characters from my youth, and the characters’ past as they clean up old messes that they thought were long ago swept under the bed.

Who’s next on the NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP?

So glad you asked!

Below you will find authors who will be joining me by blog, next Wednesday. Do be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on Works in Progress and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading!

P. J. Hultstrand: azpublishingservices.blogspot.com

Sharon Skinner: sharonskinner.com

The Next Big Thing Blog Chain

I was recently invited to participate in the Next Big Thing blog series, By Lori Hines, another Phoenix local author. Lori and I originally met at a Read Local Event in Glendale, Arizona. Lori’s novels “The Ancient Ones,” and “Caves of the Watchers,” published by Aberdeen Bay, include information about ancient Arizona as well as a balance of mystery and the paranormal. Check out Lori and her books at http://lhauthor.wordpress.com/

 

The idea of The Next Big Thing is each writer answers the following questions then tags five more up and coming authors.

Ten Interview Questions for the Next Big Thing:
What is your working title of your book?

I am currently most excited about the much anticipated release of Trolls, but I am working on the second book in the DREAD series, Max’s Despair. I am also working on several other pieces including a noir fantasy tentatively titled Vril.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

Most of my books start as ideas stemming from the research that I do merely out of curiosity. I will dive into study on various topics and some will strike my fancy enough to write a story instead of a research paper.

What genre does your book fall under?

All of my current books fall under fiction and adventure, the fantasy or historical aspect is secondary. I am such a fan of classic adventure.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I do not currently have any actors in mind primarily because I am not a fan of new actors but the ones I do like are getting a bit too on in years to play the parts anymore.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Trolls – A young girl’s adventure in a fantastic world of magic and monsters, appropriate for all ages.

Vril – All crimes have an element of the bizarre, some have elementals equally bizarre.

Max’s Despair – The king of the DREAD Fleet tells all, in this history of how Maxmillion de Xavier became captain of Despair.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I am currently and hope into the future, represented by Arizona Publishing Services based here in Phoenix, Arizona.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I am a long time NaNo-warrior and I write all of my rough drafts since 2003 during NaNoWriMo. The editing obviously takes much longer.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Trolls definitely has been compared to Alice in Wonderland or Peter Pan, while I hope readers feel the Captain Blood or Treasure Island ambiance in Max’s Despair.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Trolls is of course inspired by my son and the children that I come in contact with. Kids are great inspiration for adventure stories.

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

I hope that readers really enjoy that all of my main characters never go it alone. There is always a need for allies. I really want readers to love the secondary characters as much as the heroes.

The Next Big Five:

Ashley Barnard

Ann Chamberlain

Patti Hulstrandt

Chet Shupe

Todd VanHooser

Trolls Official Release Event!

Trolls is finally released! Emily and her friends have been waiting to share their adventure with you for a very long time and on December 2^nd they will finally get the chance!

The official release event:

Brick Cave Book Browse

Lo-Fi Café

105 West Main Street, Mesa

December 2^nd, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Event Cost: FREE

I will have copies of Blackstrap’s Ecstasy, Fresh Blood, bint Hazine, and most important, Trolls! All titles will be $10.00 each! I will have tons of swag and merchandise for some of the books! There may even be a few pirates from The DREAD Fleet and possibly a few trolls wandering about!

Thank you Brick Cave books, Sarah Price, and Arizona Publishing Services!