Hey everyone! Many thanks to Misha for sharing her blog with me today. Misha is a longtime blog-friend, and someone I’ve admired for her determination and dedication to the writing craft. So it’s a real honor to be here.
I recently released the second of my Moonsongs Books, a series of New Adult, paranormal-horror-action novelettes (less than 17 k words each). Consequently, I’m slowly marching around the Web to share the news.
You can learn all about the books below, but first, I thought I’d let Jenny (the heroine of Moonsongs) give you a few, quick pointers on how to cultivate your inner monster-hunting badass.
And as someone who recently learned she’s the latest in a long line of Apache monster hunting warriors, Jenny is becoming something of an expert in that area.
By Jenny Schmidt-Moonsong
I recently released the second of my Moonsongs Books, a series of New Adult, paranormal-horror-action novelettes (less than 17 k words each). Consequently, I’m slowly marching around the Web to share the news.
You can learn all about the books below, but first, I thought I’d let Jenny (the heroine of Moonsongs) give you a few, quick pointers on how to cultivate your inner monster-hunting badass.
And as someone who recently learned she’s the latest in a long line of Apache monster hunting warriors, Jenny is becoming something of an expert in that area.
Three Easy Steps to Harnessing Your Inner Monster-Hunting Badass
By Jenny Schmidt-Moonsong
1) Quit Caring – Okay, my best friend Marshal would probably tell you I never started caring, but he’s a jerk, and that isn’t true. Mostly…
I do care, but only about important stuff, like video games, Marshal on occasion, and staying alive. Thing is, I just can’t get bogged down with worrying about other people’s expectations. Sure, having lost everyone in my life who I might’ve been interested in appeasing by the age of twenty-one probably made it a little easier for me to say, “to hell with it.” But it also taught me that you only get one life to live, and it might not be a very long one–especially in my family. So screw what others think you are or aren’t, and just be.
2) Play Hard – I’m a girl who likes her hobbies. I mentioned my video game habit, but that isn’t all I get up to when I’m not squaring off against some gnarly monster or other. No, you’ll just as likely find me at the gun range (or out in the country shooting cans here in West Texas), or running down a dirt road to stay in shape.
I do them for fun, but my passion for running and shooting has kept me alive lately. The moral of the story? Play hard, play for keeps, but definitely play.
3) Embrace the Past, Especially the Crappy Parts – Okay, we’ve all had to deal with good and bad things in life, and usually it balances out. But sometimes the Universe screws you without a kiss goodbye or even a few bucks to cover the cab ride home. That’s when you have to make things personal.
I tried to bury my past, and it damn near ate me alive (literally). Instead, I recommend harnessing the grief, annoyances, and pain, then take it out on the nearest supernatural thing trying to end your life. You’ll sleep better at night, and probably live a little longer.
I do care, but only about important stuff, like video games, Marshal on occasion, and staying alive. Thing is, I just can’t get bogged down with worrying about other people’s expectations. Sure, having lost everyone in my life who I might’ve been interested in appeasing by the age of twenty-one probably made it a little easier for me to say, “to hell with it.” But it also taught me that you only get one life to live, and it might not be a very long one–especially in my family. So screw what others think you are or aren’t, and just be.
2) Play Hard – I’m a girl who likes her hobbies. I mentioned my video game habit, but that isn’t all I get up to when I’m not squaring off against some gnarly monster or other. No, you’ll just as likely find me at the gun range (or out in the country shooting cans here in West Texas), or running down a dirt road to stay in shape.
I do them for fun, but my passion for running and shooting has kept me alive lately. The moral of the story? Play hard, play for keeps, but definitely play.
3) Embrace the Past, Especially the Crappy Parts – Okay, we’ve all had to deal with good and bad things in life, and usually it balances out. But sometimes the Universe screws you without a kiss goodbye or even a few bucks to cover the cab ride home. That’s when you have to make things personal.
I tried to bury my past, and it damn near ate me alive (literally). Instead, I recommend harnessing the grief, annoyances, and pain, then take it out on the nearest supernatural thing trying to end your life. You’ll sleep better at night, and probably live a little longer.
***
Description: After receiving an ancient tribal journal from her grandfather, Jenny is sent on a mission of discovery in an attempt to unravel clues to her family’s monster hunting past. The journey becomes more than academic when she is asked to confront a coven of dangerous witches who plan to cast an insidious spell on the plains of West Texas.
Witch’s Nocturne is the second of the Moonsongs Books, a series of New Adult, paranormal-horror-action novelettes–with a Texas twist–by author E.J. Wesley.
Witch’s Nocturne is available now:
Blood Fugue, Moonsongs Book 1, is also available:
Amazon (Free to borrow for Amazon Prime members.)
(Note: These stories contain some language and content better suited for mature readers.)
(Note: These stories contain some language and content better suited for mature readers.)
~About the Author~
E.J. lives in South Texas. He likes his words and food spicy, and tries to give a little extra ‘kick’ to the stories he writes. He enjoys reading horror, sci-fi, YA, MG, New Adult–basically anything with words. In true Texas fashion, E.J. is very neighborly, and welcomes you to say ‘howdy’ at:
Funny! And no, I don't think Jenny cared much to begin with. Just enough though.
Good stuff, EJ!
Fun stuff. Good luck with your new release. I'm thinking of doing more novellas. They fit well into the ebook format and you can bundle them for print books.
Yes, funny. Love the voice.
Nice to meet you, EJ! Love the snark in this piece, but I have to say that I completely agree with your #3. Learn to harness old pain or it will bury you.
“I recommend harnessing the grief, annoyances, and pain, then take it out on the nearest supernatural thing trying to end your life. You'll sleep better at night, and probably live a little longer.”
Great advice. I'll keep that in mind next time I come across a supernatural think trying to end my life. I prefer to be able to sleep better at night. Makes it easier for defending myself against all the supernatural things bent on destroying me. 🙂
She definitely sounds like a badass.
mood
Moody Writing
That was hilarious advice, I love it. I'll add the badass list to the evil overlord list.
Great tips. Some could actually be used in life to harness nervousness and lack of self-confidence. Enjoyed the advice and congrats on your books E.J.
Thanks Alex!
I think that's a great idea Sean. But I'm biased. 🙂
Thank you! Comes straight from the character, though I do wish I had more of Jenny's attitude in my real voice at times. 🙂
Nice to meet you, too, SA. Jenny is definitely one to speak her mind. And like all good fiction, I think there's a bit of truth in her advice as well. 🙂
Can't we all? lol Thanks for your comment Stina! I think you and Jenny would get on fabulously. 🙂
She's a tough cookie Mood. 🙂
I'm not familiar with the Evil Overlord list, but I think I'd probably love it. And so would Jenny. 🙂
Thank you Sheena! I agree, we could probably all use a little encouragement to be bold from time-to-time. That's a big reason why I read and write fiction, because I CAN draw from it at times. However, we probably wouldn't want to emulate Jenny too much. lol
Direct tips. I like it.
Congrats on your book!
Fantastic tips! I just love Jenny's voice. So much fun. 🙂
Thanks Laura!
Thanks Cherie! Jenny is a mess that's for sure. 😀
It was great to meet Jenny! All success to you, EJ … which reminds me, I owe you an email… will go dig that up…
Hi E.J.! Imagine traveling halfway around the world to see someone who lives close to me. I love the internet! Best of luck to you with your books 🙂
Hi, Misha!
Witches interest me and this sounds great. Thanks for sharing your blog Misha.
Just replied! lol
I know! I think we could just as easily send smoke signals to one another. 🙂
The were certainly fun/interesting to write about. 🙂
E.J.- It's great to hear about your books! Good luck with them.
Thanks Karen!
She sounds like a gal who has seen and experienced an awful lot. Great job with her voice. And thanks for the monster hunting tips.
Shannon at The Warrior Muse
Jenny sounds great, her tips are super. Nice to meet you E.J Wesley.
Ref: Embrace the Past, Especially the Crappy Parts
Best. Advice. Ever. on how to beat a monster at his own game.
Thanks Shannon! 🙂
Nice to meet you as well Rachna. 🙂
If she were being honest, Jenny would say that MOST of her past has been crappy, so she kind of has to embrace or just forget. She's tried the forgetting and it just didn't work out. 🙂
Fun stuff. Good luck with your new release.
Hi Misha!
Great advice of embracing the crappy stuff from the pst. A little hard-boiled background can add much character to a character.
That was a fun post. Congratulations on the new release, EJ. I've seen the cover around the blogging world all week.
Ha! I enjoyed Jenny's take on it.
Great post, EJ. Thanks, Misha, for hosting him.
Appreciate it Nas.
Some characters just demand to be tough, Stephen. Jenny actually started out as a guy who was much more passive, then slowly morphed into this hot mess. 🙂
Thank you Ciara! 🙂
Thanks Lynda!