The Return of WIP it Wednesday!

    I just realized that I have not updated this list in quite a while. . . I am so sorry. I will strive to update it at least every two weeks or so! (All hail the return of WIP-it Wednesday!) As far as writing habit, I'm writing on average 500 words a day, which I would love to improve and get to 1000 words a day within the next month. I am also very excited to have a couple of co-writes in process. . .

    Right now, I have two FREE READS finished. I did "The Question Game" (FINISHED and PUBLISHED) for last year's challenge on the Goodreads M/M, Love Is Always Write, and it was published in August 2012 and then I did the challenge again this year and produced "I Sing the Body Eclectic/ ISTBE"  (FINISHED and GOING THROUGH EDITS) which was rejected because it did not follow the guidelines, so I went back into that universe and created "The Missing Pieces" (FINISHED and PUBLISHED around August 17th), which compliments ISTBE, so my plan is to have "The Missing Pieces" as a FREE gift to the readers, turning ISTBE into a novella, and then "The Big Picture" to finish the story off.

     Regarding sold pieces, Two Tiny Secrets (FINISHED and PUBLISHED) came out in February, and then Exercising His Options (FINISHED and PUBLISHED) came out on July 5th. So, that means that once I finish revisions, I will be working on selling ISTBE, and expanding Shattered Mirrors (which was FINISHED as a short, and then advised to form into a complete novel).  A Little Lonely, which is the follow up to "Exercising His Options" is FINISHED and GOING THROUGH BETAS, and hopefully will be published soon. 

So . . .to recap. . .

1. The Question Game, published August 2012
2. Two Tiny Secrets, published Feb 2013
3. Exercising His Options, published July 5th, 2013
4. The Missing Pieces, set to be published August 2013
5. I Sing the Body Eclectic, in final revisions to become a novella
6. A Little Lonely, out to betas and then be submitted
7. Shattered Mirrors, being expanded to a novella
8. The Big Picture, being plotted out
9. The Perfect Marriage, (the third piece of the Kurt/Enver/Deanna triangle), being plotted out
10. The Things Edgar McMann Saw While He Lay Dying (a co-write)  being plotted
11. The Deathwalk Chronicles (5563 words) Totaling 34082 words
     a.) Dark Side of Day (14739 words)
     b.) My Father's Son (9554 words)
     c.) Broken, Not Fixed (1770 words)
     d.) Absolute Power (2456 words)
12. Another Day (17974 words) Working on BLOG
13. Becoming Carnal (6568 words)
14. Colors in the Sky (7053 words)
15. Gender Non (2362 words)
16. Ghost Love (960 words)
17. Nicest Kid (1669 Words)
18. No Breeders Allowed (3902 Words)
19. Rainbow Rage (668 Words)
20. The Black (2010 Words)
21.  The Chosen Family Chronicles (6200 words)
        a.) Picket Fences
        b.) Roads Traveled
        c.) Anger Ball -Part One
        d.) I'm Gonna Love You Through It
        e.)  Anger Ball -Part Two
        f.) The F Word (801 Words)
22. The Release (3178 Words)
23. Tulpa (612 Words)
24. The Zombie Curse (586 Words)
25. The Unknown (524 Words)
26. Two Week Notice (2657 Words)

SEVEN FREE BOOKS, A 50.00 DOLLAR GIFT CARD, and lots of love could be yours!!!

I've posted quite a bit over the last few weeks regarding my blog tour for AdDickTion Volume Three, and regarding Writer's Online Network - Blog Talk Radio (WON-BTR). This post is about both. . . and neither. I wanted to give everyone another chance to win some (one of seven) awesome FREE books. . .

J.P. Barnaby was on BTR with me two weeks ago and gave us tons of insight into her world. And then, I visited her blog just a few days ago . . . (You can check it out here) AND NOW She’s OFFERING A FREE BOOK IF YOU READ AND/OR LISTEN, and leave a comment here or there!

Next, up there is Colette L Saucier, and her interview on BTR last week (Here is the link in case you missed it!) where she tells about her name creation process, about the pressure of writing a historical, and the words she just won’t use. . . And she is giving away TWO eBooks! One copy each of *Pulse and Prejudice* AND her NEW RELEASE *Alicia's Possession*  . . .SO check that out and comment here to possibly win these books.

Brenda Cothern, featured on BTR on Wednesday, reveals her thoughts on the yays and nays of indie publishing and the work she credits as inspiration and motivation for her author journey. Amazon listed her as a Top 20 Author in gay, gay romance, and romance, listen up and find out why! Brenda is offering a chance to win one of three copies of one of her books, you can enter by commenting on her blog.

 AND FINALLY . . .

 Vicktor Alexander, who was on the show tonight, is offering a $50 Amazon Giftcard AND a free e-book copy of any one book from his backlist or a free copy of "Chain Me" when it releases in August.  To be elligible for this drawing you will need to: 1) be a follower of WON-BTR (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writersonlinenetwork) and 2) Leave a comment about the show. (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writersonlinenetwork/2013/07/20/write-on-the-edge-w-guest-vicktor-alexander)

Glee, Death, and Changing the Wind!!

I am writing this post in response to the announcement of death for Cory Monteith.

     First, let me say that I was not Cory’s biggest fan. Sure, I noticed him here and there once in a while, but overall he did not stand out in my memory. That was until I saw him on Glee. Finn Hudson, the character he played, was not my favorite. But as he stood up for Kurt and cheered on the Glee squad, I noticed that smirk and bright eyes more and more. I understand the actor who played Finn was not a James Dean or a Kurt Cobain. Some feel he did not blaze a path for others to follow, but he did try hard to give voice to that “normal kid” who was popular but still terribly insecure. And for that I give him major props. While I am a fan of the show, and maybe even a Gleek, I did not study the intimidate details of Cory’s or anyone else’s life. I did not know that he had struggles with drugs, but it was not terribly surprising to find out.  Everyone has their struggles, failures, and victories.

     The reason I write this post (and dedicate it to Cory) is simple: Because once again I am reminded of the short breath of life that exists in each one of us. I know we all think “here today, gone tomorrow”, but do we really treat life that way? Do we acknowledge the people that mean the most to us? Do we cherish every experience as if it might be the last time? Do we honor each other and ourselves in only committing what we can, time, money, or energy wise? Do we, as Tim McGraw sings, “live like we are dying”? I ask these questions not as a lecture for anyone else, but as a reminder to myself that “Tomorrow is not Guaranteed!”

And my biggest hope when I perish is that others will see my life and remember me giving all I could, to myself, my wife, my family, my friends, and perhaps even to those I don’t know. I hope that people remember the kindness I’ve shown, the forgiveness I’ve offered, the love we’ve shared, the memories (great and small) we built together. I hope that I have let go of my hatred, my anger, my grudges, and my insecurities. I don’t care if I die with money or possessions, big houses, pretty clothes, and beautiful cars. I would rather know that I meant something positive in the universe, that I helped changed people’s lives for the better.

     I admit: I am scared that I will be forgotten after I’m gone. But if I am, I can only hope that someone somewhere has an easier, more beneficial life because I dared to fight for love, honor, respect, compassion, and the truth (Which for me is that we are all connected and have the ability to change the direction of the wind.)

     I hope this letter finds you all well. And if you are not, think but this: You are still alive and have the ability to change your situation, in thought, deed and action. If you need me to focus positive energy for you, please let me know.  

      Thank you , Cory, for reminding me of all this. Yet again. –Wt

Tornado Living, dream development, and FREE books by Colette L Saucier!

Greetings, faithful reader. I'm sorry I've been away for so long. I mean, I've been posting but nothing personal because my life is a tornado . . . a "fun filled crazy sour patch kid" of a tornado. I mean, I'm been kicked out twice in as many months (no details needed, just focus on the positive!) It seems the universe likes me in chaotic form, LOL. But while surfing various couchs, looking for imaginary jobs, and trying not to give up to the pit of despair, I pray for ability to see the silver lining, or at least avoid the giant puddles of shit!

And I continue to fight for my dream . . .world peace, of course. Followed quickly by becoming a world famous author. And to that end, some things have changed. I left post with Marketing For Romance Writers as their Blog Talk Radio Coordinator and took on a new challenge. My friend, Kristyn Phipps, and I starting a new project called Writer's Online Network and I am super excited about it. It combines all my major passions while helping me to grow both as an author and a completely unprofessional professional networker. (Which as you all know is my hard core passion!)

So with this development my show Write On the Edge has moved over to the new network and as Director of Writer's Online Network Blog Talk Radio (aka WON-BTR) we have five new shows that will be debuting in August. I am very excited about this shows that will feature everything from contemporary authors to paranormal, as wide as the spectrum goes. Behind the Book will feature those who work behind the scenes, Ask the Editor will be anyone's chance to hear from the horse's mouth, and Freshly Booked, a series geared to people new to the craft of writing. There will be more information released about these shows in the upcoming weeks. And there is still room for you. In September we will debuting five more shows! So if you have an idea and you want help bringing it to life (and people's ears), email me at wtprater.jwasg@yahoo.com

And speaking of Write On the Edge, tonight I got to meet Colette L Saucier, whose bestselling book, Pulse and Prejudice, is a brilliant revamp of a classic. Find out about her inspiration for writing this book, how she incorporates her kids in her writing process, and who her greatest inspiration is. She also tells about her name creation process, about the pressure of writing a historical, and the words she just won’t use.Check out Write On the Edge w/ guest Colette L Saucier at http://tobtr.com/s/5113401. #BlogTalkRadio

AND IF YOU COMMENT BELOW YOU ARE ENTERED TO WIN A COPY OF ONE OF HER BOOKS! SO DO IT! (The drawing will take place next thursday on that episode of Write On the Edge.)

AdDickTion Volume 3 - The Release, The Tour, and Ways to Get It !!!

     Ad-Dick-tion Volume Three was released TODAY!!! This is my third big release and I am so excited. This anthology features my short story, Exercising His Options.

     Marriage is already an obstacle course but this is one hurdle they never imagined. This is the story of Enver Mann and his wife Deanna, who have their marriage challenged when Enver begins to lust after someone else. . .a man.

      This steamy story will have you running to the bedroom for some alone time, or maybe, some together time with the one you love. Either way, it will provoke conversation and bring the question "What defines a marriage?" I will do a blog tour to promote the anthology (and this story) throughout all the July and August. Starting with Raven's Ramblings... http://www.ravenmcallan.blogspot.com/2013/07/ad-dick-tion-3-is-here-and-so-is-wt.html TODAY and check out the list below to see who else's blog I'll be appearing on. And if you just can't wait and you want to buy the anthology now, here's the link . .

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=18&products_id=460&zenid=9k2bci5sdle7diob81rcbi6d36
AND HERE
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-addicktionvol3-1228214-166.html
AND HERE
http://www.bookstrand.com/ad-dick-tion-vol-3

And here are the posts where I'll be, when I'll be there, and what my post will be about:

July 6th Mychael Black  http://www.mychaelblackbooks.com/category/blog/ 

That Line Ain't So Straight (Thinking Outside of Labels)
July 8th Becca Butcher  http://beccabutcher.wordpress.com 

PDS (Public Displays of Sex)

July 12th Louisa Bacio  http://louisabacio.blogspot.com 

Down On My knees (A discussion of Christianity Vs Homosexuality)
July 17th JP Barnaby  http://www.jpbarnaby.com/ 

We're All Prostitutes Here (Understanding the pay rate)
July 18th Dianne Hartsock  http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/ 

Sexuality, DOMA, and Beyond

July 22nd Michael Rhua  http://www.michaelarhuaauthor.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Enver Mann - Writing Myself Into the Story
July 25th Morgan Danes http://morgandane.wordpress.com/  

Deanna Mann - How Naked Can I Get? (The Road to Self Discovery)
July 26th Word Enlightenment  http://wordenlightenment.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Small Words, Big Plots ( The subtle element of storytelling)
July 28th Tales From the Writing Cave  http://talesfromthewritingcave.blogspot.com/

Do Gingers Have Souls? (Picking Physical Traits for Characters)
July 30th Babes in Boyland  http://www.babesinboyland.net/

Thumbing Our Nose at the Institution of Marriage
July 31st Xara  X Xanakas  http://xaraxanakas.com/x/Blog.html/ 

From Cos Play to Cat O'Nine Tails ( Geeks and Kink)
August 2nd Jacob Flores http://www.jacobzflores.com/

Poly . . .The Naked Truth

Write On the Edge and A Chance at FREE books!!!

Never before has Write On the Edge attempted an author roundtable, but this challenge was well worth it. Gotten together by The Mixed Tape Anthologies, recently released by ManLoveRomance Press, these five artists are all brilliant in different ways. Cherie Noel, Jambrea Jo Jones, Embry Carlysle, CJ Anthony and editor Kris Jacen  discuss what drew them all to these anthologies, how important Goodreads is to authors, and what they think of Vanilla Ice. This discussion is guaranteed to make you giggle as we talk about Paula Abdul, songs you can't get out of your head, and how  many people Kris Jacen has roped into writing.

AS A BONUS . . . just by listening to Write On the Edge and answering the question below, you will be entered to win a FREE copy of one of the four stories written by Cherie, CJ, Embry, or Jambrea. PLUS if you are really lucky. . . a FREE copy one of the four books in The Mixed Tape Anthology.

Laugh and learn by listening HERE!



And the question is: How many new authors are showcased in The Mixed Tape Anthologies?

A Declaration of Pride!, a Blog Hop, and a "Ask the Editor" session

Wanna win a copy? Leave a comment, and enter to win! 

I am a coat of many colors. Some people would like to  color me as only a gay man, but I am many other things. Being gay is not a strength or a weakness, it is simply a part of my DNA. When asked about my life, I say the only choice I made was to be comfortable with the feelings and attractions that I had had since I was five years old. But again, being gay is not the only thing that makes me me. Yes, I am an activist. And I am do write M/M. And I don't believe in secrets! (But many of my characters do, like Victor and Marissa of Two Tiny Secrets, my latest short story on sale here!)

I have gay friends who talk about gay things, but I also have straight, bisexual, and transgendered friends who inform, educate, and entertain me on matters of their first culture.

I am not and will not be pigeon holed into being only one thing. I am writer. I am a husband. I am a poet, a humanitarian, and a deep thinker. I am against bullying, hate, and discrimination of anyone. period. I am a hippie, a social butterfly, and a bibliophile. And I choose to believe I am all these things and would be all these things, whether or not I am gay, queer, or otherwise strange. Each of these things are a part of the quilt that make up my mentality and physicality. They are, as Dolly Parton sung, my coat of many colors which I hope to wear until the day I die. And I will have pride in all this, and more, as I discover new and interesting things about myself as I grow older.

And speaking of a coat of many colors, I got the chance to do an "Ask the Editor" session with Kris Jacen, who I have the honor of calling a great editor, an excellent advisor, and an incredible friend. She answered a ton of questions about the ideal author for an editor, her various projects (including Butt Pirates in Space), and the things she can (and cannot) teach as an editor.

Check out that Q&A and be educated, enlightened, and even tickled.

Her bio . . . Kris Jacen is the Executive Editor and Formatting Director for ManLoveRomance Press and its imprints. She was invited to join the MLR staff in 2008 and has never looked back. Working with over thirty-five phenomenal authors such as Rick R. Reed, JP Bowie, Ally Blue, Jet Mykles, and S.J. Frost has allowed her to both hone her editorial skills and indulge her inner fangirl. Kris also acts as editor, mentor and sounding-board for newcomers including Kendall McKenna, Parker Williams and Z. Allora. With this stable of talent under her guidance, Kris is quick to tell anyone who will listen that she loves her job. And her authors are just as quick to say that they love their editor.

And we part of the Rainbow Blog Hop, hosted by the Marketing For Romance Writers group. Tour around and see what else you can win while learning about other authors and projects!

AND A FREE GIVEAWAY!!!
Free to everyone -- No entry needed.
Download your favorite version of the exclusive Marketing for Romance Writers Rainbow Excerpts Book, with 60 pages of excerpts and samples from our authors. This version features gay romance.
Kindle http://marketingforromancewriters.org/media/RainbowExcerptBook-Vol1.prc
Nook / ePub http://marketingforromancewriters.org/media/RainbowExcerptBook_Vol1.epub
Adobe PDF http://marketingforromancewriters.org/media/RainbowExcerptBook-Vol1.pdf