Happy Holidays from the Valley of the Sun!

Well, this might be my last blog until the new year. I'm taking off a couple of weeks with hubby to play around the Valley of the Sun. Lots of local fun stuff that we never seem to get around to doing.

It's been cold and wet here the past few days. Highs in the 50s and lows near freezing. We don't usually get this cold until January so it's a real treat. And there's more of the wet stuff predicted for next week. We're turning on the fireplace this weekend.

Have a wonderful holiday season. Drink lots of cocoa.

Happy New Year and happy reading!

Desert Magick: Superstitions Available!

Well, after a delay, Desert Magick: Superstitions is now available for purchase! Where: www.barnesandnoble.com, www.amazon.com, as well as many other online book stores now have it. You can also order it from the large brick and mortar stores in your neighborhood, such as Barnes and Noble, Borders, Waldenbooks, etc.... I'm so relieved my publisher got this one out before the holidays. You can always pop over to my website www.danadaviswriting.com for more info and to watch the video.

So now, I'm on the marketing boat for Desert Magick, in addition to working on other books. I got a little behind on the synopsis for my adult sci-fi but should have the final draft completed by the end of December. That's the goal anyway. Might not complete it since hubby and I are taking off 2 weeks. We plan to stick close to home and do some stuff around the Valley of the Sun, like local museums, movies, hiking, biking, stuff like that. Yeah, I've told you before, writers aren't usually the most exciting people.

I'll post updates on the new teen fantasy ebook as I get them. That one will probably be out in about a year. My publisher for this one (SynerbEbooks) will let me know a publication date as it gets closer.

Meanwhile, I'm reorganizing my office. Hubby bought me a new desk for the holidays and we spent the weekend setting it up. I have more work space and more places to hide stuff. My office seems larger with the new layout too. I'm almost done putting things away. Just a couple more adjustments and I'll be done! Well, that's it for now. Get out there and finish your shopping.

Happy reading!

Buy Local Week in Phoenix!

Well, I just heard that the mayor of Phoenix has declared Dec. 8-14, 2008 Buy Local Week. So get out there and spend money in your community. Hubby and I will be purchasing the masa for our holiday green corn tamales this week. Tamales are a holiday staple around these parts. If you don't want to, or are just too darned busy to make your own, check out the local stores and farmers' markets. They usually carry several varieties.

On the publishing front, Desert Magick: Superstitions is getting closer to being available for purchase. Thanks so much for your patience this last month. I should receive my sample copy for approval in a few days. If it looks good, then we're set. Check back for more info.

Happy reading!

Desert Magick Update

Well, I promised to keep readers apprised of Desert Magick Superstitions. It went to print yesterday. So, there is still hope it will be available for purchase before the holidays. Check back here or on my website www.danadaviswriting.com for more news.

And congrats to my brother, who's work is being published again in his university magazine. You go, bro!

Happy reading!

Winter in the Valley of the Sun

I hope those of you in the U.S. had a nice Thanksgiving. Unfortunately for my family, my grandmother died the day before Thanksgiving. She was in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's and I think was ready to leave this existence. That day was also my nephew's birthday, the first after his recent death, so we had a bit of an emotional weekend. This has been a trying year for my family but we're doing well and looking forward to the new year.

Desert Magick: Superstitions has had a delay in publishing, as I'm sure most of you who've been following my blog already know. The publisher made a few mistakes so we're working to get those fixed before it goes to print. Yeah, it happens and I just have to roll with it. For those of you who have been inquiring, I will post as soon as the book is available for purchase. I hope those who took the National Novel Writing Month challenge at least got a good start on your novel. I finished editing two last month--is it December already?-- and got several chapters written on a first draft. I feel good about that.

I'm also feeling good about the weather. It's finally winter in the Valley of the Sun and time to break out those sweaters and jackets. And by that, I mean highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. Those of you in snow country are probably laughing your butts off right about now. But hey, when you get 7 months of 100 plus degrees, 70 is darn cold! We love it and are outside in droves walking and biking, grateful to be able to flaunt those colorful exercise pants we bought three months ago but couldn't wear and thankful they still fit after all that food we just ate. Now, where is that last slice of pumpkin pie?

Happy reading!

Meniere's woes!

Well, I've been getting questions about my plight with Meniere's Disease from several people lately and thought I'd post here. The disease (vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus, fluctuating hearing loss and other symptoms) is acting up again. About a year ago, after I had gone a year without a major vertigo attack, my ENT (ear/nose/throat doc) informed me that I might be in remission. This doesn't mean the disease goes away--It just means the vertigo that kept me in bed for hours at a time had disappeared. Remission can last a few weeks to a few years to forever and I was thrilled. So I began to live normally again and not worry about stress or my salt, caffeine and sugar intake. Basically living like a normal person, eating like a normal person, pretending to be a normal person. (Though I certainly can't travel or go on roller coasters without meds.)

Anyway, this whole behaving like I was normal was probably a bad move on my part. The past week, I've been experiencing what I call mini-attacks, vertigo that lasts a few seconds, accompanied by hours or days of the crooked, or fun-house, effect. So, I've been napping more, trying to cut down on stress and have given up caffeine again. This is major since I love coffee and chocolate! I've been adding more sweat-inducing workouts to my schedule and getting on the trampoline again. Jumping helps me with the dizziness for some reason.

I can't complain too much as I'm one of the lucky ones. Some Meniere's sufferers I know can't even get out of bed, much less drive, work, go to classes, movies, dinners, etc....

Though this blog will remain focused on writing/reading/publishing, I'll post my plight with Meniere's from time to time.

Happy writing!
And Happy Thanksgiving to my US readers!

Desert Magick: Superstitions Delayed

Okay, so I had to cancel an upcoming appearance at the local ArtFest because of Desert Magick Superstitions delays in printing. Ah, so goes the biz. I'm not worried. Just a few minor corrections and we'll be on our way. Hopefully before the holidays. Also, I've got a nibble from another publisher on another novel. I made it to round two. Which basically means they liked the initial submission, synopsis and first 3 chapters. I've been here before so not getting excited.

Meanwhile, I'm still writing other stuff, as it's still National Novel Writing Month, for a couple of weeks anyway, and submitting other work to publishers. It's a never ending process of submissions, rejections, and occasional acceptances. Those are the best, of course. I'll post more on my publishing adventures as I go along.

Happy reading and writing!

Get your pen on! It's National Novel Writing Month!

November is National Novel Writing Month. If you've been writing that book in your head but just haven't gotten it in the computer or ever read a book and thought, gee, I can write better than that, now is your chance. Experienced writers and novices all over the country are accepting the challenge to get started on that novel they've been putting off for whatever reason.

Okay, so what am I doing about it, you ask? Well, I'm editing two novels and writing another two. Light a fire under your butt yet? Yeah, that's a glove to your face.

I challenge those in the Valley of the Sun and around the country to get to that computer or get out that pen and paper and write that novel! If you need more of a challenge than me and my glove, or some loving inspiration, visit http://www.nanowrimo.org/ and get your pen on!

Happy reading and writing!

President-Elect!

Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama! Good luck with your term.

Halloween scare!

What would Halloween be without something a little scary? In my case, it's the delay of my new book Desert Magick: Superstitions. Which will not be available for purchase at my November 1st book signing. Talk about scary! I was sooo hoping my publisher would have it ready but it just wasn't to happen. I am disappointed but have been assured I will have it by my next signing, scheduled for November 22nd. What's that saying? Oh, yeah. "Stuff Happens" Well, that's the G-Rated wording.

Ah, well, onto other scary things. Hubby and I have decided to go as vamps for the big day, or rather, night. I even found some really cool Hollywood style pointy-teeth caps that we can wear even when we eat and drink. Can't wait to try them out. I'll try not to stay out too late. Don't want to be bleary-eyed come Saturday morning when I'm greeting readers. For all of you celebrating tomorrow night, have a safe and spooky Halloween!

Happy reading!

The Heat is On!

Well, I'm still waiting for my galleys (proofs) of Desert Magick: Superstitions. I've been told by my publisher that I'll receive them any day now. I'm excited, I can tell you, really excited about this new series, and have been approached by so many people wanting to know when they can buy a copy. So not only is the heat on here in the valley--we're topping at 107 this week--but the pressure's on to get the book out to all you wonderful readers. So please check here or my website www.danadaviswriting.com for progress.

Again, I would like to thank all of you who sent me wonderful emails concerning my family. They're going to be fine. My aunt in Galveston still hasn't been home to check on her place but I looked her up on the city's aerial web views and the house is still there. Whether it's still livable or not well....

While you're waiting for my new paranormal fantasy book, please pop on over to www.podiobooks.com/title/quest-for-freedom and check out that sci-fi audio book. Yes, it's for teens but adults enjoy it too. And there are about 30 chapters out of 46 that are live.

Happy reading!

Houston/Galveston family okay!

Well, I'm not posting about writing today. I would like to thank everyone who sent their good thoughts out for my family living in the Galveston/Houston area as Ike roared through. I spoke with my mom this morning and everyone is okay, but those who had to evacuate can't get home and we have no idea what kind of damage they will find. My aunt, who lives on Galveston Island, probably won't be home for a while. My brother and his family have some damage to their home but they got lucky that the neighbor's tree missed the house and cars when it toppled. My brother really doesn't need this added stress, since he lost his son in April, so your continued good thoughts are appreciated.

I'll be back on my blog later in the week when I have more information.

My best to all those who were in Ike's path.

Audio books, dust storms, and cable outages, oh my!

Sheesh, this is turning out to be one active week. For all those following my Quest for Freedom teen audio book, I just submitted chapter 23. That's the half-way mark! Woohoo! It should be posted in a day or so at www.podiobooks.com/title/quest-for-freedom, so pop on over there and sign up for your downloads. Three chapters went live last week and I was scrambling to get as much up as possible before tomorrow. My cable company is updating my neighborhood so I will get knocked off Tues/Wed and may not get the chance to post anything. I should be up and running again by Thursday/Friday. Thanks for your patience.

While we're getting nothing more than a dust storm around here, I have family in the Houston/Galveston area watching out for hurricane Ike. I know they would appreciate your good thoughts that Ike winds down before it hits.

Happy reading!

The Big Monsoon!

OMG, just when I thought monsoon season was winding down, we get the monster storm. The lightening storm that accompanied it was very much like being inside a strobe light. It just didn't quit. For about three hours! Wind, rain, hail and lightening. The biggest monsoon I've ever experienced. Some areas got hurricane force gusts that ripped stuff up and tossed it around. Wild weather all around. It may sound selfish, but I'm so glad Gustav missed the Texas coast as I have family there. My best goes out to all those who weren't so lucky.

The weather's not the only thing that's wild around here. I'm wild with anticipation about my Desert Magick series. So many people have been asking when they can purchase the first book. Another couple of months. I'm as anxious as anyone.

Happy reading!

Desert Magick Closer to Publication!

Okay, so I've been a bit remiss in blogging this month. I'm uber-busy. My teen audio book Quest for Freedom now has 17 chapters live. My goal is to get at least one chapter per week uploaded, and I'm on schedule with that. This is a long book and each chapter takes some time to record and edit, so please be patient.

And the much-anticipated paranormal fantasy novel Desert Magick: Superstitions is getting closer and we're still a go for the October/November release. I'm just waiting on the galleys (proofs) so I can okay them. Once that's done, we'll be go for publication. I've had a lot of people ask me about this series and I'm very excited that so many of you are interested. Please keep checking back for updates. I'll send out a blast when the book is available for purchase.

Happy reading!

Moving and shaking!

In case you haven't heard, yet, the LA area had a pretty good shake, rattle and roll today. Hubby and I have several family members who live there and I'm glad to report that everyone is just fine. I must admit, I kinda miss the earthquakes. Well, the little ones. My last significant one was the Northridge quake back in the early 90s. Tossed us right out of bed. If you've ever tried to make it down a flight of stairs while your home is moving, it's quite an adventure. Sure, they're scary when they're happening, and I certainly wouldn't want to be on the epicenter of a huge one, but the smaller ones are quite the heart booster. Better than a whole pot of coffee. I even guessed the magnitude range on the Northridge one when it happened!

And speaking of moving and shaking, I'm getting more and more excited about Desert Magick: Superstitions moving into book form. I'm working with my publisher now and we're pushing for an October release. So, be sure and check out my blog for updates. Meanwhile, get on over to my website at www.danadaviswriting.com and check out my latest teen audio book. It's not just for teens!

Happy Reading!

Monsoon hits Valley of the Sun!

Well, the monsoon season is in full gear here in the Valley of the Sun. Guess we should now call it the Valley of the Rain and Humidity for the next two months. To quote one of our weather guys last night was "a real gully washer!"

The weather isn't the only thing running around here. I just saw my first glimpse of the cover for Desert Magick: Superstitions and I'm thrilled. The artist still has some work to do but she's doing a fine job. I'm excited to share this new series with readers and can't wait for the finished copies to be available. And since it takes place here in the valley, those who live here might recognize a few things.

Have a wonderful weekend and stay dry out there!

Happy reading!

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July to all my American readers! Have a safe holiday weekend. And for those of you in the Valley of the Sun, it's going to be another scorcher so stay cool, drink lots of water, and keep that sunscreen on.

Desert Magick Getting Artwork!

Well, my adult series Desert Magick is finally in the works. The first book is getting the cover artwork done as I write this. I can't wait to see the final product. The book will go into production after that and I'm hoping to have it available before the holidays. Please check back for progress.

Also, Quest for Freedom, my 2nd teen podiobook, now has 8 chapters live. Be sure and get to podiobooks.com/title/quest-for-freedom to download them to your MP3 player or computer.

I'm not sure I'll be blogging next week so to all my U.S. readers, have a wonderful Fourth of July!

Happy Reading!

Dana Davis is now on Mars!

I'm on Mars! Yep, you read that right. My name, along with hubby's, was burned onto the Messages from Earth Phoenix DVD that launched with NASA's Phoenix Mars Mission. Complements of The Planetary Society. The rover landed on the Mars surface May 25, 2008.

For news and updates on the Phoenix Mars Mission please visit http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/

For more on The Planetary Society please visit http://planetary.org/special/messages

And for those of you waiting for the Quest for Freedom podiobook, it's coming soon. I'm hoping to have the first chapters submitted by next week. Finally, I know! Thanks tfor your patience while my family dealt with the death a fine 17 year old young man.

The Mask of Tamirella wins 3rd award!

Well, readers, The Mask of Tamirella has just one the Indie Excellence Finalist Book Award. This makes 3 awards! I'm absolutely thrilled by the news. For more information on this book please visit my website at www.danadaviswriting.com

Happy Reading!

Back in desert action!

Thanks so much to everyone who sent their sympathies regarding my nephew's tragic death.

That said, I will be back at my desk tomorrow and getting on with recording the Quest for Freedom podiobook. Thanks for your patience during this trying time.

Happy reading!

My nephew dies from car accident.

I won't be posting for a while, as my nephew died yesterday morning from injuries he sustained in a car accident. Please send your good thoughts to my brother and his family.

Another Award in the desert!

Well, The Mask of Tamirella won the 2008 Eric Hoffer Finalist Award! I'm so thrilled about this. Sure makes these hot desert days more tolerable. Also, I'm still finishing up Quest for Freedom the podiobook and should be ready to publish the first chapters in May. Check back for more news.

Happy reading!

Things are heating up in the desert!

Well, the heat is on and I'm working like mad to get my next podiobook finished. Many of you have asked when it will be available for download and I'm thrilled you're interested. But please be patient. I do all the recording, editing and uploading myself and that takes a lot of time. I'm hoping to have the first chapters up by the end of April so keep checking back for my progress.

My flash story "Let Your Hair Down" is coming out in Strange Worlds of Lunacy next month so be sure to check it out. You can order from my publisher directly from my website at http://danadaviswriting.com/my%20writing.htm

Also, I've finished the second draft of Desert Magick: Desert Dreams, the 2nd book in the Desert Magick series, and am now editing. I'm in the process of getting the first one published now. And if that wasn't enough work for me, I'm also writing a sci-fi futuristic novel.

So you can see that things are heating up here in the desert, and I'm not only talking about the temperature.

Happy reading!

Green in the Valley of the Sun!

Happy St. Paddy's Day! While I have a lot of Irish ancestors from good ole Erin, today, everyone is a wee bit Irish. And boy is it green in the Valley of the Sun right now. Wildflowers are blooming everywhere. I posted new pics on my website photo page at www.danadaviswriting.com, so pop over there and check them out.

Thanks to everyone who came out to Fountain Hills for the book festival. It was great meeting you and signing your books.

About halfway done recording Quest for Freedom podiobook and plan to start editing soon. Check back for release dates--probably somewhere around April-May. New starts for the new spring.

Happy reading!

Silly and sunny in the Desert!

Well, I just got news that one of my flash fiction stories was accepted and will be published in Strange Worlds of Lunacy April 1. Lots of good, clean silliness for teens and adults. Check back for more info on how to order your copy. A great end to a sunny desert day!

Happy reading!

Cloudy and rain in the Valley of the Sun but not in podiobook land!

Okay, so I'm a bit remiss about blogging so far this year. I'm blaming it on the numerous projects I've gotten myself into. Great projects, mind you. Or maybe it's just the cloudy and rainy weather that has those of us in the Valley of the Sun shaking our heads and saying, "Where did all this wet stuff come from?" Is this still the desert? I like the clouds since they're so few and the rain will bring wildflowers.

But no clouds or rain can stop my latest teen podiobook, Quest for Freedom. I'm recording like mad and am 1/3 of the way through. Have uploaded the music tags and almost completed the video for youtube. Editing to come next. Check back on progress. Also, those of you in the Phoenix area be sure to check out the Second Annual Fountain Hills Book Festival on March 8. I'll be there signing The Mask of Tamirella with Gridleys of Fountain Hills. More info here http://www.fhla.net/bookfair.htm Hope to see you there!

Happy reading!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone! I'm thrilled at The Mask of Tamirella success over the past year and would like to thank readers and listeners who have sent me wonderful emails concerning the book. I'm hoping to have another published this year so keep your fingers crossed. Might even get another podcast novel out there, too.

Whew, we made it through 2007 here in the desert. After complaining of one long hot 2007 summer, we're now moaning about the freeze warnings we've had lately. Boy, just can't please us desert dwellers! I, for one, love having the fireplace on for an hour or so in the chilled mornings. It's even supposed to rain again this weekend. 2008 is starting off with a bang. Have a wonderful week.

Happy reading!