A visit from the bossy muse, a free book, and a couple of awards

The muse’s latest look (pixabay compilation)

Way too early in the morning, my muse drops down beside me on my couch and tosses her hat onto the coffee table. The howler monkey that’s been riding her shoulder for a year leaps onto my kitchen counter, curls back its rubbery lips, and flashes a yellow-toothed grin. The muse hands me a latte. “Nice progress on the draft… finally.”

“Thanks.” I’m still leering at the monkey but manage to sip my latte. Yum. “So, why the visit?  You know I’m under NaNo pressure.” I somehow forget to mention that yesterday I logged zero words.

She arches an eyebrow but for once shrugs off her annoyance. “I’m running a promotion for a couple of days. Catling’s Bane is free today and Wednesday. Your sales blah blah blah…” I’m not listening. The howler’s opened my refrigerator and taken a bite from a head of lettuce. He’s going for the orange juice.

I bolt up. “Hey! Out of there!” The beast roars at me, a sound capable of bursting eardrums. He grabs a tuna sandwich I made for my husband’s lunch, darts across the cabin’s single room, and climbs halfway up the stairs. Suspended from the banister, he gobbles and spills bits of sandwich on the furniture below. UGH. I sink back onto the couch and glower, afraid any further intervention will make it worse.

“What else,” I ask, wanting to get this over with as quickly as I can.

She smiles at me. My muse never smiles. “Two of your books were semi-finalists in the 2019 Kindle Book Awards.”

“What?” I’ve now forgotten all about the howler and the globs of tuna sprinkling my floor. I’d also forgotten that I submitted books. “Both of them?”

Sunweilder and Soul Swallowers.” She tips back her latte, stands, and snaps her fingers at the monkey. Not two seconds later, the creature swings from the banister onto her shoulder. My muse heads for the door, her familiar bossy ill-humor sliding onto her face. “Get to work.”

“I plan on it. After I clean up this mess.” As she walks out the door and into the forest, I call after her, “Hey, if I finish my first draft, can we lose the monkey?”

She glances back and slips me an evil smile.

***

I guess the muse’s visit could have gone a lot worse.

Click on the cover if you’re interested in a free kindle of Catling’s Bane:

 

And here are those semi-finalists:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Writing!

154 thoughts on “A visit from the bossy muse, a free book, and a couple of awards

  1. Prior... says:

    Hi – congrats and I so love the way you interact with your muse

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks. Some writers think she’s sort of mean, but she’s perfect for me. I need the kick in the pants, the deadlines, the no excuses approach that she usually brings. She was pretty friendly this time. Lol. Have a great day, and thanks for the visit!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. jazzytower says:

    Congrats Diana!!! Just bought The Rose Sheild, looking forward to reading:)

    Pat

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Woo-hoo! OMG! So much congratulations, Diana! You deserve it for sure. I suppose I should be thankful my Muse doesn’t have a shoulder pet. With my luck it would be something like a honey badger.

    Again, congrats! And now I have to get back to writing… 😀 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  4. I love, love, love this!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks so much, Liz. I was trying to be a little creative with the news and promotion. My muse stops in about twice a year (usually to give me grief) so this was a pleasant change, despite the monkey. Ha ha. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂

      Like

  5. Erik says:

    Wow! How’s that for incentive? Congratulations (and I’m not surprised…).

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Eric. 🙂 It was a nice surprise to me (ha ha), and I’m happy the books did so well. I’m busy trying to finish up my first draft for a new trilogy. Definitely by the end of the month. I’m so glad you stopped by. Let us all know when your book is done. 🙂

      Like

  6. Vashti Q says:

    What a clever way to make your announcements, Diana. You’re just brilliant. I loved everything about this post. Congratulations on both your books being semi-finalists! I have Catling’s Bane on my Kindle and hope to read it soon. So many good books, so little time! Have a wonderful rest of the day! ❤ xo

    Liked by 1 person

  7. YESSS!!!! I hope you win – I’ve read other winners, and Soul Swallowers is *definitely* better than them.

    If they don’t choose you, the game is rigged! Rigged, I say!

    Liked by 2 people

  8. Widdershins says:

    Congratulations! 😀 … or at least teach the simian some manners. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  9. J.D. Riso says:

    Huge congratulations, Diana. You are the hardest working writer I know and so deserve this.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, J.D. You’re very sweet and you’ve got me smiling, though I think there are a lot of writers who work harder than I do. Or at least are less of a train wreck (lol) at this particular time in my life. Thanks for the visit, my amazing writer friend. Have a wonderful day.

      Like

  10. Woohoo! Congratulations, Diana! This is fabulous news. I have Catling’s Bane on my KIndle. Thank you for this generous gift. 🙂 My holiday reading list rocks!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks so much for the cheerful congrats, Natalie. I hope when you get around to Catling’s Bane that you enjoy it. I don’t even know if you’re a fantasy reader. 🙂 So I appreciate the leap of faith. Happy Reading!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. areilly88 says:

    I love everything about this post, Diana. Well done you!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks. The muse comes in handy – usually not in this way, but I’ll take it. She’s tough, but she does get me writing. When I finish this series, she’ll shapeshift into another look (and lose the monkey), but the sweet personality always seems to stay the same. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  12. What a great way to start my Wednesday morning! I’m sipping my tea and smiling as wide as my lemon slice bobbing on top. Many congrats, Diana. Well deserved. I’ve read both books and given them as gifts to family members who like to have their mind expanded with excellent fantasy.
    Now, about your muse. She’s just too nasty for me/for you. She needs a bit of comeuppance, if you ask me. A new model? After all, your books are semi-finalists!!! (actually, I think they are all winners).

    Liked by 1 person

  13. acflory says:

    That’ m’dear, is phenomenal! Congratulations. Getting both books to the semi-finals is a Seriously big deal. 🙂

    Oh and…commiserations on the tuna. Sprinkling bi-carb on it should get rid of the smell. 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    • Lol. The tuna has been cleaned up. I had to move the TV to get behind the cabinet. I was pretty happy with the outcome, and really did forget for a while that I’d entered the competition. I’ve entered a few without any luck. Thanks for the congrats, Andrea. Happy Writing!

      Like

      • acflory says:

        Keep entering! I have to say I’m tickled pink that one of my own favourites [Sunwielder] did so very well. Speaking of, is the audio book out yet?

        Liked by 1 person

        • It is out (woot woot). I’m still feeling out how all this works. It’s so different that book sales for some reason. A different market in a way without tons of cross over.

          Like

          • acflory says:

            Congratulations! Yeah, although Amazon does list Audible versions along with ebook and print. And apparently there are a LOT of people who prefer to ‘read on the go’. Bit of brave new world happening here. 😀

            Liked by 1 person

  14. Norah says:

    Congratulations, Diana. I’m not surprised Sunwielder is a semi-finalist. I wish you a great result in the finals. I’m enjoying it immensely. It’s not like anything I’ve ever read before. Best wishes,

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Louise Brady, Author says:

    Congrats on reaching the semi finals, with two books too! That’s amazing 😀 Good luck with the rest of Nano 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  16. What a fun post Diana. Many congratulations.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Brigid. I had some news and just couldn’t bring myself to do a “promo” post. The muse giving me a hard time usually goes over well. Ha ha. I appreciate the visit. Have a lovely day, my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Thêa says:

    Nice Muse! 😉
    Concrats! It’s impressive, and you have without doubt earned it. 👍😃

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks, Thea. The muse is tough on me, no sympathy whatsoever. But I do my best under pressure, so I’ll endure her visits. Today I have to crank out some words. I hope your writing is going well. Happy NaNo-ing!

      Like

      • Thêa says:

        😀 My Muse is quite nice. He just demands a lot of sandwiches and coffee, and then he grabs my ear and says with a dark voice: Sit. Down. And. WRITE!!!
        And I do.

        I’m glad I’ve allowed myself to count everything I write. Except short comments like this. I caught a cold, though, and my imagination has been a bit … hm… non-compliant (?) for a couple of days. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Sue Vincent says:

    Congratulations, Diana! And good luck!

    Liked by 1 person

  19. jomz says:

    Well done, and good luck!

    Heh. Write, or get more monkeys. Hahahaha. This post style is amusing to read.

    Liked by 1 person

    • No more monkeys, thank you. I can’t wait until this one is gone. Lol. And thanks for the comment on the post. I tried to make it a little different that the average promo post. And it was time for the muse to stop by again anyway. 🙂 Happy Writing!

      Liked by 1 person

  20. CarolCooks2 says:

    Well done, Diane and good luck.. Thank you for the freebie.. 🙏 X

    Liked by 1 person

  21. dgkaye says:

    Huge congrats Diana!!! Can we help to vote? And lucky me, I already have your book (you know the one I’ve been trying to get to, lol), but I will happily share your promo in our FB Literary group! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  22. memadtwo says:

    Congrats! (K)

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Lyn Horner says:

    Big Congrats, Diana!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Congratulations! I’m so excited for you!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. tomangel1 says:

    A muse is very useful in writing..

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Darlene says:

    Congratulations!! That’s some Muse you have there. xo

    Liked by 1 person

    • She’s always like this, Darlene. Bossy, unsympathetic, and goal-oriented. This was actually her “sweet” version. But she’s just what I need to stay on track, so I put up with the grief and the monkey. Thanks for the congrats too! Happy Writing 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Steven Baird says:

    That’s amazing news, Diana. Congratulations! But an unfortunate waste of a good tuna sandwich.Still worth it, though. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  28. petespringerauthor says:

    That’s fantastic news, Diana. It’s nice to be appreciated. Congratulations and continued success!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, Pete. I was pretty excited and around my house everyone is so “ho-hum.” I think only other authors can truly appreciate the thrill. 🙂 I appreciate the visit and kind comment. Happy Writing!

      Liked by 1 person

  29. How wonderful, Diana! Congratulations! This informational and “imaginational” PSA was a great way to share. Cheers, and keep up the great work! ;-)))

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Fabulous all around, Diana. You rock! ❤ xo

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Reblogged this on Jacquie Biggar-USA Today Best-selling author and commented:
    One of my favorite authors, D. Wallace Peach has a #free book for you and a couple of well-deserved finalist awards to share. Oh, and you’re going to love her muse, lol

    Liked by 2 people

  32. Got my copy, thanks! Congrats on the awards- well deserved!
    Your muse is one tough cookie, lol

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks so much, Jacquie. Yeah, the muse is not known for the gentle and sympathetic manner, that’s for sure. But I write best when under pressure it seems (even if I gave myself an easy goal this year). I’m not an “award winning” author yet, but getting closer. 🙂 Thanks for the visit!

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Biggest congratulations Hoorah! going your way xoxo

    Liked by 2 people

  34. Congratulations. I like to see a muse doing her job. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  35. Congratulations, Diana! This is exciting news! Don’t worry about the word count…just do double tomorrow…LOL! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Oh, yeah, right. Ha ha ha ha. Thanks for the laugh, Jill. I’m going to give it a good four hours today, and at my snail’s pace that should give me about 1k words. Hopefully enough to keep the muse in the woods. Thanks for the visit and the congrats. Happy Writing!

      Like

  36. What an exciting commotion to get your early going, Diana. You treat your muse well and he is loyal to you. Congratulations on not just one, but two books on the semi-finalists in the 2019 Kindle Book Awards. My book just got the 2019 Summer eBook Solo Award in Poetry.

    You’ll catch up with Nano in no time. Happy Writing!

    Liked by 2 people

  37. I love the muse concept as a Jiminy Cricket like conscience/motivator.. That’s the trouble with Kindle, so many books available for download. I now realize that I downloaded your book a while ago but have not yet read it. Tends to get lost in the shuffle of incoming books. I always seem to have about 20 unread books hovering in the background. I’ll put it next on my list and give you a shout when read.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thanks, Len. That happens to me too, trust me. I go to download a book and Amazon informs me that I already did. I did? Lol. My muse changes her look with each book, but she’s always bossy and totally unsympathetic. And for some reason, I take her seriously. Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Writing!

      Liked by 1 person

  38. I love your muses, but they come with monkeys now? A BIG, BIG congratulations on having TWO books as semi-finalists. That award is a big deal. I’m proud of you. (I tried entering then I chickened out.)

    Liked by 2 people

    • No chickening out, Mary. It’s not that expensive and and they don’t make you jump through hoops. And there’s no voting, so you don’t have to pester your followers. 🙂 That’s the best part. My muse is a shapeshifter and changes her appearance with each book. This one has been around a little long. Ha ha. With that darn monkey, too. Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing!

      Like

  39. Solitaire says:

    She will get you in trouble for sure…

    Liked by 2 people

  40. Teri Polen says:

    Congrats, Diana – and well-deserved! Definitely makes up for logging zero words, lol.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Ha! No kidding. I was babysitting all day yesterday and too tired when I got home. A few more hours of blogging and then I’ll hit the word count hard. 🙂 Thanks for the visit!

      Like

  41. I am so happy for you, Diana! Can I vote? I’ve read those–both–can attest to their greatness. Give that howler monkey a banana. Any cuter he’d be a puppy.

    Liked by 2 people

    • It’s not a voting thing, Jacqui. I could never make myself ask for votes, so I don’t enter those competitions. Much too much an introvert for that. And the monkey… cute? NOT. Ha ha. He’s a terror. Probably has germs. I gotta finish the book so the muse will send him back to the wild. 🙂 Thanks for the visit, my friend. Happy Writing!

      Like

  42. Jina Bazzar says:

    I love your muse, Diana! Huge congrats on the nomination. Is it open for outside votes? Sorry I can’t download a copy of your book from here, i’m sure it’s amazing – I did read an excerpt somewhere, though am not sure where. Good luck with nano.

    Liked by 2 people

  43. V.M.Sang says:

    Wow! 2 semifinalists! That’s AWESOME! Congratulations.

    Liked by 2 people

    • I was pretty pleased to get that far, though I don’t get a “sticker.” Ha ha. Still, worth letting the muse toot the horn a bit, or at least, mention it. Thanks for the kind comment. Happy Writing!

      Like

  44. Congratulations, Diana. That sounds very exciting. My word count for today was about 20 words. I had just started when I got a work “urgent” and that blew the whole afternoon. The story of my November life.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Yeah, it’s so hard to keep up when you have other priorities tugging on your time. Knowing you, though, I think you’ll push onward and make it up. And if you don’t? Oh well, such is life, and writing is writing no matter the total word count. Thanks for the visit and the congrats. Have a great day and Happy Writing when you get back to it. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  45. Annika Perry says:

    Not one but TWO semi-finalists, Diana! Congratulations- that is wonderful! 😀 I love the way your muse informed you (and us) about the awards … and then smiling how you forgot you entered them into the competition! 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    • Ha! I did forget, honestly I did. I entered them so long ago. The muse had to do the announcement for me (such an introvert). Thanks so much for the kind comment and for stopping by to read. 🙂 Have a wonderful day, my friend. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  46. Class, Diana – only you would let us know your news through a monkey and your muse!

    Liked by 2 people

  47. What a clever way to introduce your books and muse Diana. We’ll just hop over to the couch for another snack on these tasty treats. Thanks for the gift and congrats on your books being semi-finalists. I feel a celebration coming on! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  48. I love that your muse handed you a latte ❤️ Congrats on having not one but two books in the semi-finals! Soul Swallowers is sitting on my kindle bookshelf waiting for me ☺️

    Liked by 3 people

    • I saw one book, Theresa, did a happy dance, and then noticed the second. It was a good day. My muse visits a couple times a year and sends in a stand-in when she’s super annoyed with me. She’s tough, but has my best interests at heart. 🙂 Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing (and reading).

      Liked by 2 people

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