Showing posts with label announcements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label announcements. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Captured in Color: How Flash Fiction Shaped My Writing


 A magical necklace that strangles whoever betrays its owner. A plum wine shared between a Japanese ghost and an American exchange student. A stalker who paints portraits of the love he can never see. Eight miniature science fiction and fantasy stories capture moments of love, loss, and choice that shape the characters and the world they live in. Perfect for those who want a daub of inspiration and a spatter of philosophy to brighten their day. 




Release Date: Monday, November 19, 2018


How I Wrote It


Six years ago, I moved to Brea, in order start the next stage of my life. Although I’d been writing for over eight years, I still didn’t feel very confident in myself. Was I any good? Would anyone want my writing? I’d never been published. Part of the problem was that I only wrote novels. Was I capable of writing short stories? Every time I tried, I seemed to get lost in a tangle of words.
 
Then I discovered something called flash fiction, fully formed stories that clocked in at under 1500 words or about 10 pages. Publishers seemed interested in this new form of writing, but could I do it? I sat down and tried it. To my astonishment, not only did I discover that I could write flash fiction, I even got them published. Two of my stories appeared in Ether, two in Daily Science Fiction.

Now I’m starting a different stage of my life, as a published novelist, moving soon to North Carolina. But before I began this new journey, I wanted to share with you the stories that helped give me the confidence to be a writer. These eight polished tales contain unique worlds, charming characters, and interesting ideas, while also capturing the moods and struggles I faced as a growing writer.

 

Who Should Buy It?


This book is good for anyone who may not have much time on their hands, but still enjoys fully-formed stories packed with twists and turns, pretty writing, and food for thought. Although there isn’t material unsuitable for kids, thematically these stories are geared more for high school students and adults.

 

Why Should You Buy It?


I wanted to sell Captured in Color at the cheapest price I could, so that as many people as possible can sample my writing and see if it's something they enjoy. This book makes for a good stocking stuffer or a holiday gift. One notable thing I added in the back of the book is a brief description of how I got the ideas for my stories. This can provide insight for new writers, who may be looking for ways to get inspired for their own stories.

 

How Can You Buy It?


Right now Captured in Color is on pre-order at Amazon Kindle for 99 cents. It will be available for purchase on Monday, November 19, 2018. The paperback version, which cost $6.00, will also be available at around that time. (It takes a little more time to look through and proof the book, so it’s harder to predict the exact date, but it should be available before December.)

 

Still Not Convinced? 


If you’d like to look at the stories, you can read three of them free on my website, here: http://www.rebeccalangstories.com/free-to-read.html

Monday, October 24, 2016

Awesome Stuff Happening This November

Why does all the awesome stuff happen when you're busiest? Here are some local happenings that I sincerely hope I get to participate in this November.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Author Event

Who: Todd McCaffrey, John Joseph Adams, Nalo Hopkinson, David Sander
When: Saturday, November 12th, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Where: Brea Library (http://ocpl.org/libloc/brea)
Cost: Free


Blurb: "Meet popular science fiction and fantasy authors! Join us for a special science fiction and fantasy event featuring guest speakers and a moderated panel. This program is provided by an Arisia Incorporated grant and is sponsored by the Friends of the Brea Library."

My Thoughts: Even though I haven't read these authors (I'm so bad, I know), I would love to go and see famous fantasy writers.

Pride and Prejudice--the Play

Who: Cal-State Fullerton Drama Department
When: November 4-20, 2016
Where: Young Theatre, Cal-State Fullerton  (http://www.fullerton.edu/arts/theatre/events/td_productions.php)
Cost: $14
Blurb: "The beloved Jane Austen returns to the CSUF stage in this refreshingly fast-paced, witty and wildly romantic new adaptation. Finding a husband is hardly independent-minded Elizabeth’s most urgent priority. However, with four sisters, an overzealous match-making mother, and a string of unsuitable suitors, it’s difficult to escape the subject. When she meets the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy, she is determined not to let her feelings triumph over her own good sense – but the truth turns out to be slipperier than it seems. Is it possible for Elizabeth and Darcy to look beyond his pride and her prejudice, and to make the best match of all?"

My Thoughts: Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books and I would love to see it in play form. I might want to splurge on it. 
 
National Novel Writing Month, a.k.a. Nanowrimo

Who: Writers of all ages and levels of experience
When: November
Where: All over the country (nanowrimo.org)
Cost: Free



Blurb: "National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30.Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel."

My Thought: I participate in this every year, sometimes multiple times a year, although I'm not necessarily orthodox about it; I may get 50,000 words (200 pages) written in a month, but rarely do I complete a novel. Last year, I did an open Nanowrimo, writing blogs, sending inspirational quotes, inviting everyone to join. This year, I think it will be more casual. My group the Pendragons will be writing in Panera and that's about it. Still, if you want to do Nanowrimo, there are groups all over the area. Check out the website and consider dropping in on one.

Here are my old blog posts on winning Nanowrimo: