R.K. Finnell

The Importance of Being There

2012-01-27T13:25:00.000-06:00

To me this song has a meaning of what goes through the mind of those who are there when it would be easier to go. Those of us who are the caretakers of those who need us. For every mother who has loved a disabled child. For every wife or husband that has been there for the other at times of need. I will always be there.

I do believe in miracles

2012-01-26T10:50:00.002-06:00

Today I once again celebrate a birthday that speaks of miracles. From this starving infant that God would have taken if it hadn't been for the most stubborn woman in the world, who took in two starving little girls and raised them as her own. She didn't give up even though the doctor told her "Put her in an institution and forget her. This baby will be severely retarded. Don't put yourself through that".

A miracle that I walk when things could have turned out differently when I got hit by a car and a funny story that goes along with the incident. I mean how many people can say "I got hit by a car at my Grandfather's wedding"? I'm pretty sure not very many!

A miracle that I have three beautiful children that I'm so proud of and two wonderful grandchildren who mean the world to me. They are my miracles.

The miracle of being a writer and an imagination that not everyone gets but I love that some do get me.

The miracle of just being here.

Dear Self

2012-01-25T09:37:00.001-06:00

You've had this blog for a number of years and despite having done all you could to get people interested in commenting and joining in, there's been pretty much nothing.

Tried this and that angle to get people to pay attention and in return you've seen complete silence. Is anyone who stops by this page reading what you wrote? It's hard to say.

I implore you not to stop blogging. So what if no one is reading it? Think of it as your personal diary and write whatever the hell you want. I'm totally behind you.

And hurry up with those waffles, I'm hungry!

Life Gets Strange Sometimes

2012-01-15T13:43:00.000-06:00

I dreamed someone sent me a rock in the mail. Just a regular old rock, the color of caramel. Walking home from the gas station I came across a rock of the same color. Whether my dream was telling me I would find such a rock or if it means anything significant, time will tell. I brought the rock home. It's now sitting on my $1.00. Past experience gives me reason to listen to my dreams.

Speaking of walking, the last couple of times a strange thing has happened. While walking past one area I can smell lilacs. This is not the time of the year one would expect to smell flowers and not at all where I was walking. On one side is where the old Walmart used to be and on the other a field with some wild wheat growing. I'm sure there's a logical explanation, but I'd like to think there isn't.

The plumbing where I live has a life of its own. The kitchen faucet comes on by itself. So far they have replaced the dishwasher and the hot water heater three times each. Countless repairs to all of the faucets in the place and the toilets take about a half hour to finish filling up. There are times when showering the cold water suddenly quits and you get nothing but hot. Logically, you'd think it was because someone turned on the water in the house. Logic doesn't count in this case when it's happening at times no one is using water.

I'd like to give out copies of Kickshaw Candies through Smashwords and have a coupon. In return for a review. If you're interested, please leave your email address in the comments. Thanks!

2012-01-14T10:19:00.000-06:00

Kickshaw Candies-Amazon

Kickshaw Candies-Smashwords

Kickshaw Candies-Lulu

Kickshaw Candies-Createspace

Click one and buy a book

2012-01-13T16:27:00.000-06:00

Kickshaw Candies-Amazon

Kickshaw Candies-Smashwords

Kickshaw Candies-Lulu

Kickshaw Candies-Createspace

You're Not As Sneaky As You Think You Are

2012-01-12T01:37:00.000-06:00

I know you're here. On the right side of this blog is a counter that tells me you've been nosing around. That's fine, be nosy. I'm glad you stopped by. But instead of sneaking in and out, leave a comment before you go.

Tell a joke, give an opinion or whatever comes to mind. Tell me about your blog. I might like to visit, especially if you are another indie writer. Talk about your genre, what you like to write. Put down a link. Just do something besides running away!

The Cat Ate My Manuscript

2012-01-10T23:07:00.000-06:00

I have all sorts of reasons not to write. I could use excuses that are perfectly legitimate. It isn't working out, no one wants to read anything I've written or I'm tired of being disappointed. I could use those.

The truth is I don't write for you-I write for me. I do it because I enjoy creating new worlds in my head that find their way onto my computer.

Writing is something I enjoy. I wouldn't die without writing. It isn't what makes life worth living. I just like writing and it is the one thing that's personal to me that I don't mind sharing.

There's a Sale!

2012-01-07T21:09:00.001-06:00

50% off until January 26th. Use the code: WD99N

Kickshaw Candies at Smashwords

New Year New Mood

2012-01-05T12:36:00.000-06:00

I started out feeling very pessimistic about the New Year. Was anything going to change for the better or was it just going to be another year of disappointment? I decided that if I wanted to see changes, I had to make them myself so I set some goals.

1. To be thankful every day.
2. 55 book sales by the 26th of January
3. To turn $1.00 into $100,000
4. Not worry about what I'm writing-just write
5. To believe I can accomplish anything

I was ready to give up blogging. I hadn't kept up much because it just seemed I was wasting my time. After some reflection and a bit of soul searching I decided a change was needed in both the blog and my attitude. I tend to be cynical by nature.

Although I haven't had success with contests and the like, I'm not ready to give up on them. Here's what I'm going to do. For this post only leave a comment with your idea of an original fantasy character (creature). No vampires, fairies, werewolves, etc. It has to come straight from you mind. Give a small description and include your email address.
The best comment will win an ebook copy of Kickshaw Candies.

Have a great year. Live your dream.

Is it time to close the door?

2011-12-30T14:05:00.000-06:00

Kickshaw Candies for Kindle

If you got a Kindle for Christmas or just want something new to read. Print version also available

I keep debating whether or not it is worth the while keeping the blog open. I offer freebies, contests and other goodies to no avail. Nothing seems to work.

Hey, I know I'm a nobody. I wrote a book. So what? Everyone and their dog is writing books these days. And it's a fantasy?! I imagine the eyes rolling. "She thinks she's the next Tolkien" Actually, no, I don't think that. I made sure I wasn't writing anything that was similar to any fantasy novel.

A better blog design? Tried it. Put the cover on it and fancied it up. Wrote clever this and that. I visited other blogs and commented because I was told that was the way to get people to my blog. I tweeted and found that was pretty much a waste of time. It's the equivalent of talking to yourself out loud in public.

"Nobody reads her book" It does seem that way, doesn't it? My pockets are pretty much empty of any royalties and reviews haven't done much to change that.

So what's the next step? I have readers waiting for the sequel. I hate to tell them it's going to be an extremely long wait. Between editing and book cover there's a lot of money needed. Money I don't have. I barely have any to live on and what little I do have must go to expenses at home.

All right, that's enough whining from me. Things happen as they are supposed to happen.

Giving Back Some Indie Love

2011-11-28T12:50:00.000-06:00

Are you an indie writer? Need more exposure? This holiday season I'm gifting anyone interested some indie love.
Send me your link and a description of your book. I will post it on my blog and on my personal Facebook page. Even if you just have a blog and would like more readers.

I only have one rule. No free books. You can mention specials and give aways, contest, etc. you are having, NO FREE BOOKS.

Contact me at roxanmurray@yahoo.com. Put "Indie Love" as the subject.

A Writer's Thoughts

2011-11-05T01:21:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel like the wrapper of a candy bar. I'm the one who tells of the wonderful things inside, entice with my seductive shininess, and give all the details of what's inside. But in the end it is what's inside that matters and I am tossed aside.
I'm beginning to wonder if reviews are worth the effort. They certainly are nice to read and know someone appreciates what I've written, yet I haven't noticed much in the way of sales. Then I see books that are read just because the author has a negative reputation or the book is so bad people read it just to say they read it. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the reviews and the fans who like what I write. They are the ones who give me that nudge to continue.
They say you need marketing and I do what I can, but when one is trying to write finding the time to market isn't all that easy. Then one has to compete with "celebrity" books-you know the ones that are most likely written by a ghost writer or at the very least all the celebrity's non-talent for writing edited completely out.
In the end the writer has to decide if the words are for show or for self. I like to think I write for myself and share with others. I'm very good at sharing

The Muse Was Delicious

2011-11-02T03:10:00.000-05:00

I'm trying out the new stuff here. Not sure I like it, but who am I to jump to conclusions? Oh, heck I'm ME!
Had to take a break for a bit. Some down time was just what I needed. Of course beating my muse to death then pickling her in a brine of creative juices didn't hurt either.
Kickshaw Candies has a new review on Amazon. Go read it. Totally awesome, but honest. This is the second review to mention the show "Haven". So if you like the strange goings on in Haven, you might want to give Kickshaw Candies a look.

New Ebook Cover!

2011-10-09T09:10:00.000-05:00

Just A Note

2011-09-22T05:13:00.000-05:00

To catch up on what's been going on. I've got a new cover for the ebook version of Kickshaw Candies in the works and should be debuting it soon.

Working on the sequel, but as it stands it may be awhile after I'm finished before I'll be able to pay to have it edited or hire a cover artist to design the cover. I know there are readers who are waiting patiently for this sequel and I'm sorry I won't be able to get it published sooner.

Win An Ebook copy of Kickshaw Candies

2011-07-20T12:34:00.002-05:00

UPDATE: Contest ends at 8 p.m central time.

How? Easy, just follow this blog and leave a comment. Tell me why you should be the winner. Be creative! Best comment (don't forget your email address!) wins. In the case I like more than one comment, there may be more than one winner. You must follow to be considered. Sucking up to the blogger WILL get you points! I'm not beyond a bit of praise! LOL

Good Luck!

Winner(s) will receive a coupon from Smashwords that must be redeemed before August 7th. Contest ends August 3rd.

Weekend Special Sale Update!

2011-07-16T13:09:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: If you purchase a print copy of Kickshaw Candies, I'll send coupons to two recipients of your choice.

Kickshaw Candies at lulu

Purchase an ebook copy of Kickshaw Candies from either Amazon.com or Smashwords then send me proof of purchase along with the email address of one friend you'd like to give a copy to and I will send them a coupon to receive a free ebook copy of Kickshaw Candies. Coupon must be redeemed before August 7th.

Send proof of purchase and email address of recipient of your choice. Please put "Send my friend a coupon for Kickshaw Candies" in the subject line. Send to roxanmurray@yahoo.com

As a special bonus, if you purchase your copy from Smashwords you can get 49% off by using the code
SSW50 (Hurry! Expires 7/31/11)

Kickshaw Candies at Smashwords

Kickshaw Candies at Amazon

Kickshaw Candies-Weekend Special Sale

2011-07-15T01:22:00.002-05:00

Purchase an ebook copy of Kickshaw Candies from either Amazon.com or Smashwords then send me proof of purchase along with the email address of one friend you'd like to give a copy to and I will send them a coupon to receive a free ebook copy of Kickshaw Candies. Coupon must be redeemed before August 7th.

Send proof of purchase and email address of recipient of your choice. Please put "Send my friend a coupon for Kickshaw Candies" in the subject line. Send to roxanmurray@yahoo.com

As a special bonus, if you purchase your copy from Smashwords you can get 49% off by using the code
SSW50 (Hurry! Expires 7/31/11)

Kickshaw Candies at Smashwords

Kickshaw Candies at Amazon

This, That, and That Other Thing

2011-07-06T17:55:00.000-05:00

First let me say "welcome and thanks for being here" to my new followers.

As is typical of life, it has a habit of getting in the way. I haven't done much writing on the sequel to Kickshaw Candies. That's not exactly true. I have done some work, thrown that out and started new. The problem is nothing wants to stick.

I'm blaming part of my lack of creative flow to financial worries that are clouding my head and waiting for September when things should ease up.

I will try to post more often and let you know where I am with my writing. In the meantime I'd love to have your questions, opinions, or whatever you'd like to say.

Frequent Reader, Infrequent Blogger: Kickshaw Candies (Volume 1) by R.K. Finnell

2011-07-05T01:36:00.000-05:00

Frequent Reader, Infrequent Blogger: Kickshaw Candies (Volume 1) by R.K. Finnell: "Paperback, 234 pages Published October 17th 2009 by CreateSpace (first published August 25th 2009) ISBN 1434888827 (ISBN13: 9781434..."

Smashwords Sale Time

2011-07-03T12:17:00.000-05:00

Until 7/31/2011 Kickshaw Candies is on sale! Regularly $2.99 you can get your ebook copy for $1.50. Use the code SSW50 at checkout.

Kickshaw Candies

2011-06-30T12:50:00.002-05:00

2011-06-29T13:46:00.004-05:00

2011-06-28T18:48:00.000-05:00

http://lovelaughandread.blogspot.com/2011/06/great-canadian-giveaway_21.html

Come join the blog hop!

I Can't Make Everyone Happy

2011-06-14T08:28:00.000-05:00

I recently came across a situation concerning a person who didn't like one of my tags on Amazon. After some conversing back and forth, she admitted she would have bought Kickshaw Candies if I had just removed the tag after she complained.

I do want my readers to be happy, but I can't please everyone and where does it stop? I remove a tag, then someone comes along who doesn't like the cover. "You have too many Irish names! If you change the names I'll buy your book."

I'm willing to listen to feedback while I'm writing and if it is something that I feel is beneficial to the story, I'll consider it. However, once it is written and published-that's it. You get what you get. Tags and all.

Interview At Sue's

2011-06-04T11:57:00.000-05:00

R.K. Finnell intervew

Just Stuff

2011-04-27T13:13:00.000-05:00

In June I will have an interview coming out. I'll post the link when it happens. There will also be some reviews coming out-I hope. At least I'm waiting my turn. Not so patiently.
Meanwhile you can read a review here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3P6O55NTB2FIT/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Good Friday and The Earth is Just Fine

2011-04-22T07:03:00.000-05:00

Christ died on the cross for us. Whether you believe or not, nothing comes closer to a true sacrifice for others.

I have been saying for some time the earth does what the earth does. We are merely parasites being allowed to exist and NOTHING we do can make a difference. Should we keep the earth clean and protect it? Of course, but for ourselves and the other creatures on the earth for our benefit. Without us, the earth would go on doing what it does. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and other catastrophic happenings on earth would still go on. Using expensive, dangerous light bulbs isn't going to do a damn thing except harm your health.

Remember Good Friday. Forget Earth Day.

Networking My A** Off

2011-04-21T00:21:00.000-05:00

I've been going to new sites and doing more interacting these days. The best was to get exposure is to get yourself out there and be seen. If you look to either side of this blog you will find all sorts of ways to connect with me on different sites.

I'm mostly on facebook and would love for you to stop by and like my page. If you're a writer and have a page let me a message on fb and I'll be sure to like you back.

R.K. Finnell on Facebook

If you do reviews I am interested. Please leave your web address in the comments and I'll stop by your blog. I write fantasy/horror so if you are willing to read I'd greatly appreciate it.

If you just happened by welcome and I hope you will become a follower.

A Mixture of Thoughts Going Through My Head

2011-04-18T11:48:00.001-05:00

My clueless neighbor is moving. They woke me up with all their crashing and banging. If I wasn't so tired I'd go help to get them out quicker. For being such a screw up she has good kids and them I will miss.

I'm working on getting Kickshaw Candies reviewed. I have two bloggers set to do reviews and I'm considering some more. Speaking of reviews-Is it strange to be looking forward to my first bad review? Out of the 5 star reviews I've received, one is from someone who doesn't know me at all. I'm told 5 stars are ignored because people think the person who reviewed is related to you. I can honestly say, none of them are related. My family would tell me straight up what they thought about my writing. To my face.

I've been connecting with more people and visiting around blogs. Hopefully, I'll get some visitors back. If you're visiting I'd love a comment. If you like what you see a follow would be great too. Networking is a good thing.

Trying to get funding through Kickstarter for a book trailer and other related necessaries. So far I'm not seeing the generosity, but that's okay. I never was lucky when it came stuff like this. I'm ever hopefully that will change.

Kickstarter Funding for Kickshaw Candies
My Kickstarter Project

Breaking The Write Rules

2011-04-17T12:23:00.000-05:00

All-On Writing has some advice for those who love to break the rules when it comes to writing. If you feel daring and adventurous go over and take a look.http://allonbooks-thekingdomofallon.blogspot.com/2011/04/dealing-with-backstory.html

My pet peeve is the "write what you know" rule. Some people get so hung up on that silly rule. Granted, you shouldn't be writing about rocket science if you have no clue what it is, but if it is a subject you like and you want to write about it-learn it.

Don't be afraid to be unconventional and original. The hero doesn't always have to win and sometimes the dragon can devour the knight. The villain could even get the girl at the end and the damsel may not be the one in distress.

Be willing to drag your readers kicking and screaming to fresh ideas and new reading experiences.

2011-04-15T10:43:00.001-05:00

Help me get the word out. Kickshaw Candies needs exposure! The reviews are in and they are awesome! Go on-click that link!

Help get Kickshaw Candies a new cover and book trailer

Coaxing The Muse

2011-04-14T18:19:00.000-05:00

There are days when the writing goes nowhere. Sometimes I get a sentence or two written and nothing else. It isn't that the ideas aren't there-they are. Eventually I'll write a garbled bunch of apparent nonsense on a piece of paper, sit down at my computer, and start writing. If you looked at this scrap of paper you'd probably wonder why I'm not in the home for the creatively insane. (Kind of like how I feel when stuff comes with man directions).

The sleeping muse yawns, stretches, and sits up. After a lot of coffee and cussing, she notices what's going on and says "What do you think you're doing?" I explain in a way only she and I understand, with all the warped details. My muse ponders for a moment and finally she gets that grin on her face and says "Get to writing."

Losing My Idols To A New Realization

2011-04-12T10:48:00.000-05:00

They are no better and no more worthy of being noticed than I am. If I like their page, I expect a like back and hey, I'm more than happy to autograph their copy of my novel.
No more of this 'holier than thou" nonsense because they became famous. At one time they were just as obscure as I am right now.
Don't get me wrong. I appreciate what they went through getting to this point in their lives. I'm just reminding them they that once stood in the line with the rest of us.

Maybe I Need A Gimmick or at least some reviews

2011-04-11T10:44:00.000-05:00

Trying to market a novel with a zero budget isn't easy. I could use some reviews and some kind strangers who like to do random acts of kindness.
I'd like to spend more time on writing the sequel to Kickshaw Candies and not have to worry whether or not I can afford to put food on the table. Starvation is way over-rated.
As for a gimmick, I just don't know. Maybe a picture of me in a ~~gruesome scene with blood and guts~~ picturesque scene of flowers and kittens.

Now You've Run Out of Excuses

2011-04-05T06:37:00.001-05:00

Kickshaw Candies is available on Kindle. Only 99 cents!

Kickshaw Candies-Kindle Edition

Now available at smashwords.com

2011-03-26T03:48:00.000-05:00

You can now purchase Kickshaw Candies at a low price for your Kindle and other digital reading devices.

Behind Kickshaw Candies-The Bringer

2011-03-10T17:52:00.000-06:00

The definition of a bringer is in the name itself. It brings.

There are different types of Bringers. One can bring things out of itself. Another brings together. Both kinds are rare with the latter being more rare.

The type of Bringer that functions alone creates the Spiorad which is basically the blood of the Bringer come to the flesh. As the Bringer does, so does the Spiorad.

The more rare Bringer has three parts. At birth there is one. At four years a part of it becomes another, taking a part of the original with it. The part left goes through a type of metamorphosis. The body dries out becoming a hard shell and incubates for several years. By the time the third part is "born" the second part is already in its teen years. The original Bringer of this type remains a child.

As in some human genetic conditions, the mother is always the carrier.

Behind Kickshaw Candies-The Siog

2011-03-09T14:09:00.000-06:00

For general purposes the Siog is a fairy of sorts. The average height of a Siog is 18 inches but there have been claims of as tall as 22 inches. They resemble humans for the most part with wispy frames and tend to be rather hyper. The males of royalty have been known to be chubby unlike the rest of their clan.
They can be vicious especially to their own kind, but death is rare among them and only those from the older generation are prone to illness. The preferred method of punishment is biting and expulsion from the clan. This is usually reserved for the most unforgivable of deeds-anything that changes the clan as a whole. Biting is used to mark the Siog so any clan they come across will be able to identify and drive them away. Females also mark males they intend as a mate.
Reproduction falls almost completely on the females and can only be accomplished through dreams. The female Siog enters the dreams of the male of choice. As with humans, celebrity gets the most attention and there are usually several females carrying the royal bloodline. These offspring are not considered royalty. Only the mate of the king can produce royal offspring. The king's offspring can be easily identified as they carrying the same deformities as their father. Dreaming outside of the clan is strictly forbidden but it does happen and is promptly dealt with.
To understand the why the Siog treat transgressions against the clan as they do one must understand that what happens to one happens to all. Thankfully for the Siog they are not prone to illness or disease. For example if a female dreamed with a male outside of the clan with blue eyes all children born after that would have blue eyes. Deformity is common among the pure blooded Siog but absent with those who are not pure blood.
Contact with humans is rare and females cannot enter their dreams. They can enter the dreams of those of the other world and produce children with them. Despite the risk of punishment, it is popular among the younger female to dream outside of the clan and is known as "A Bronach" in honor of the first female who dared to defy the clan.

Hey, I'm Not Writing As Fast As I Can!

2010-11-12T01:17:00.000-06:00

The ideas are definitely there and the ending to the novel is firmly tucked away in a corner of my brain. Motivation is the issue at this time and trying to smack myself in the middle of creativity.
I need positive feedback. I crave it like the addict craves the drug. It keeps me going, makes me want to write more and more. Every time someone buys Kickshaw Candies or gives me a review it sparks that thing I need to go on. But I find I need more and more. When long periods pass and no one has bought a copy of the novel I feel the withdrawal pains.