I hope this blog finds everyone happy and healthy. This year has been a year full of good, and difficult things. I say this hoping 2022 will be less difficult. Although, I’m typing this blog overtaken with a cold that has turned me into a snot factory. I’m gross and had to share.
However, I do have lots and lots exciting things coming for the new year, but before I do that let’s talk about my most recent release…
Can we take a moment to talk about Nick Gallagher. For real, he has the sexiest deep voice. I couldn’t have found a better voice actor to narate Genesis Spell. After listening to hours and hours of his voice I have a major crush. I’m pretty sure anyone who listens to Genesis Spell will feel the same. Seriously, go check out Genesis Spell on audible. Not only is the voice actor crush worthy, but the story is good too. I have that on good authority from the feedback and reviews I’ve received.
What’s in store for 2022???
That is a really good question. I have plans. Lots and lots of plans.
It has been suggested, since I have developed an obsession with my playstation, I should get a twitch account and stream my game play. I’m considering this. However, I suck. I die a lot. I talk to my game as if it will replay back to me. I make stupid decisions that get other people killed when I play in a party. And, while I do like scary games, I jump scare easily. I am the target audience for scary game story creators. Anyway, this is something I am considering. I’ll let everyone know if it becomes a thing.
I have vowed and signed in blood, that I will increase my social media presence. While I will not be posting videos on YouTube. (If you saw those videos, you know what a disaster that was.) TicToc may be more my speed. I should update my twitter more, but every time I log in I find the toxicity of Twitter seeping into my brain. However, I am thinking I should post more on Facebook, even if it is a dying platform, and for sure update my website more frequently. If there are any other social formats I should consider, let me know what I’m missing.
So, now to the good stuff. Evil Bunny may be getting her own… thing. I don’t want to go into it too much because it will ruin the surprise, but be on the look out for Evil Bunny’s debut.
I’m also planning more in person events, hopefully. So, I look forward to meeting more readers and romance fans.
Lastly but also on my first of my priorities list. I’ll be working on book two in the Aurora series. It’s hot, sexy, violent, and action-y. All the things you’d expect in a good book, or at least I do.
That’s about it for now, but I promise I will update again soon.
Who am I? I’m Tiffany Easterling fixing to be super busy romance writer.
I never thought this day would come. I mean, what do you do, when a dream starts to come true. I mean, I just cant even, right now, because I’m so excited.
Okay, okay, okay, enough about my feels.
I am super excited to announce that J. M. Cavender had joined the empire, fiesty, fluffy, awesome, that she is. And yes, she bites.
You can check her out here:https://www.turnanotherpage.org/
J. M. Cavender’s book, Blood of the Forgotten will soon be available for purchase…. but I don’t want to spoil all of the surprise…. because well… that is a surprise.
Just know, there are now two Evil Bunnies. Cute, cuddly, and we like to bite.
Who am I? I’m Tiffany Easterling, the OG Evil Bunny.
Firstly, I must apologize for not updating sooner. I had good intentions to do so, but lacked follow through.
When I actually sit down to write, the first choice is always a book. I subconsciously completley disregard my responsiblity to update my blog.
I’ve had a lot going on, which led to an existential crisis. My crisis made me question whether I wanted to continue to pursue publishing.
I know, me of all people. I’m the one that loves spending the day lost in my own head creating characters, scenes, worlds… books. How could I consider quitting?
Well, sometimes opposing forces are… debilitating.
I had/have outside forces effecting me. One of which, has made a huge change in my life.
I considered not publishing what’s happened, because public opinion is varied and can be… bitter. But, I think I should explain for two reasons. One, so you understand what is going on, because I have neglected you. Two, in case there is someone else out there going through the same thing. You are not alone.
So here’s what’s happening.
As most of you know, in December of last year, I had Covid. My symptoms were mild comparatively. I never got a fever or a cough. I had cold aymptoms, loss of smell, and spent two weeks in bed due to overwhelming exhaustion. When I got better, I thought that would be the end of that.
As it turns out, I was wrong.
Since Covid, my body has not been the same. I have not been able to go back to the exercise regimen I had established pre-Covid. Also, I’ve been experiencing a myriad of side effects, including sudden onset exhaustion, joint pain, migraines, cheat pains… and the liat goes on. These symptoms got so severe that I ended up in the ER. After being tested to make sure there were no blood clots that could cause severe damage, I was diagnosed with long-Covid.
There is a myriad of issues with long-Covid, the most if which is, that doctors do not know how to treat it. So, at best, only the symptoms can be treated. So, now I’m faced with a chronic illness that causes extreme exhaustion.
Well, in the interim, I’ve been trying to finish a book and keep up with marketing. Also, I have a full time day job. It was all just too much, keeping in mind I absolutely hate marketing. Ad to that my dismal sales, or should i say non existent. (I’ve gone two months without making a single sale.) This lead me to my existential crisis.
Do I want to keep pursuing publishing? Why not just write as a hobby and take that pressure off of myself? I’d experience more joy without the pressures of marketing, right?
After some very serious soul searching, I came to this conclusion. I cant quit writing, ever. It’s part of me. So much so, it’s like needing air.
I dont want to give up publishing either. You know, maybe the dream changes and I just publish without hope of ever having a large following. Maybe, I never get to a point where I get income from my works. Most importantly, maybe, I hire a marketing professional.
So that is where I’m at, facing a chronic illness… but unwilling to give up the dream of sharing my imaginings. Also, now in the market for a marketing professional.
I do want to take the time to thank those of you that have read my work and those that have left reviews. Thank you seems to small of a word for how appreciative I feel. Thank you.
Know that I will be releasing more works in the near future.
Thank you everyone.
Who am I? I’m Tiffany Easterling, still a cheesy, scifi, paranormal, romance author.
I never thought I’d need to have this conversation. I wear a mask. I avoid crowds. I wash my hands until they are raw. I’ve been in self isolation since March.
I still got Covid19.
I’ve been watching Covid19 spread from China to the reat of the world since January. I’ve been scared of all this time. And, now I have to say something that is going to scare you, reader.
You’re probably going to get Covid19.
I know. Take a deep breath. I’m not trying to scare you. It is important to face reality. Covid19 is highly contagious. Masks and isolation will not protect you.
I want you to be prepared because there things you can do to boost/support your immune system. And, for whatever reason we are not talking about them.
So let’s start this conversation by talking about vitimin d, specifically vitimin D2/D3.
Did you know that vitimin D2/D3 has a huge impact on your body?
Lack of vitamin D2/D3 causes immune deficiency. It also slows down your body’s natural healing process. Cuts and bruises will take longer to heal. Colds and flus will last longer. Just as important, low vitamin D2/D3 can cause depression and anxiety. True story.
In relation to Covid19, there are studies that have shown that almost 99% of people experiencing complications with Covid19, besides having comorbidities had a low vitimin D2/D3 to start with.
In short, what I’m saying is, start taking vitamin D2/D3. To be clear it won’t prevent Covid19. It will boost your bodies immune system so you can better fight its effects.
I want to talk about a touchy subject, morbid obesity.
This is a very real issue. I’m not saying your, ugly, lazy, or worthless if you are morbidly obese. I want to talk about this because… because I’ve lost someone I love very much due to complications of morbid obesity. I know your a worthwhile person and I don’t want anyone else to lose the way I’ve lost. So, let’s talk about it and the complications it causes related to Covid19.
Morbid obesity effects every organ in your body, making them work harder. So, if your body is over taxed and Covid19 happens, you’re more likely to suffer serious side effects. Breathing, heart issues, and stroke are most likely to occur. There’s this whole science about how Covid19 causes blood clots, that then causes these issues. This reaction is more prevalent in morbidly obese people.
I know, I really know. Food is an addiction. We as a society don’t discuss it. And, I really know, excersize sucks. But, know that I too have this struggle. I will say that in the last 8 months, I’ve lost thirty pounds because I’ve made lifestyle changes. I really and truly believe that if I had not, my Covid19 recovery would have been worse.
I’m not asking you to deny yourself, starve, or over exert yourself. I’m asking you to consider lifestyle changes that would be advantageous to you. I’m asking that you love the people that love you enough to NOT put yourself at risk. Because, trust me, if something happens and they lose you, they will be devastated and the world will be sadder for your loss.
You’re probably wondering what my sources are? Or am I just blowing hot air out my butt? There are some good sources besides the standard media rhetoric. John Hopkins, Mayo, and Medcram on YouTube are the primary ones. I’ve simplified what I’ve learned because I want people to know that they can participate in their own healthcare. I want to have open discussion about healthcare and Covid19, not just the fear mongering that has plagued the media.
I truly hope that Covid19 becomes a thing of the past, but I do not feel that will be done easily. So I wanted to share what I’ve learned because of my Covid19 experience.
Who am I? I’m Tiffany Easterling. One of the millions that tested positive for Covid.
As most of you know, DragonCon was essentially cancelled for this year due to safety concerns. They are having an online event You. can check that out at dragoncon.org.
I’m going to be sad about this for some time. Truth be told, after serious consideration, I had already decided to roll over my table to 2021. It was still a hard decision, and it’s even harder to hear that the event was cancelled all together.
I love DragonCon. The 24/7, 5 day geek-a-thon, (I say this with affection because I am a geek) with all the costumes, panels, gaming, vendors, mech wars… the list goes on and on. Mostly, I think I will miss the people. There’s a comradeship that happens there that cant be explained. People in your fave fandoms become your new bestie after spending an hour in line with them. And, you can spend hours talking about things that happened at the gaming table. So much fun.
Rest assured, I will be at DragonCon for 2021, peddling my brand of cheesy, scifi, romance.
In the meantime, I’m revamping my marketing plan. I think I’ve got some exciting stuff planned. I’ll be posting that later.
Anyway, that’s really all there is to update. I’m still following quarantine guidelines so I’m spending a lot of time at home, playing video games and writing.
Just for funsies, here’s my lazy cats enjoying their quarantine.
Who am I? I’m Tiffany Easterling, a little sad science fiction romance writer.
I know I haven’t updated in a while, but I had to get through a thing… and I did.
When I got through it, I found myself in quarantine.
Admittedly, quarantine is very lonely. I miss my friends, Julie, Angel, Jessica… I’m talking to you. And, I miss being a bad influence to my kid. As much as I miss them, I don’t want to be anyone’s Ground-0 for the Wuhan-covid. So I stay away, like a sad lonely bunny.
On more exciting news, I got an email verification that my lip gloss will be delivered today, and my hair dye will be delivered Friday. Yes, I’m shallow. I like to look good even when I’m by myself—but that’s not the point. The point is I’m getting hair dye and lip gloss soon. I’m ridiculously excited about it. So, I thought I’d share.
In the meantime… I am working on the re-launch for Priestess, with updated cover. I cant wait to show you the sexy that I’m gonna be adding. Suffice to say…. deeeeeaaaammmmmnnn.
That’s all that is going on with me. I’m kind of boring. My books are way more exciting. I’ll talk more about my current project next post.
In the meantime, check out the view from my office window.
Who am I? I’m Tiffany Easterling, romance writer, and sad lonely bunny.
So I’ve had an idea, mostly because I want too, but also because why not.
Why don’t I/we/you do an everyday cosplay week? You know, that cosplay you can wear every day, that only fans or other cosplayers will recognize.
How about next week, Feburary 10th through the 14th.
Yes I know it overlaps with valentine’s day. I just think it would make it that much more fun.
So here are the rules:
You can participate in one, or all 5 days.
If you have a job or other obligations that require a dress code, you must style your everyday cosplay to follow that dress code. Seriously, your boss isn’t going to believe that the ‘Evilbunny made me do it.’
Any form of fandom cosplay will he acceptable. It can be something as major as a complete outfit, or as minor as a button to represent.
I’ll be representing my own fav. Fandoms. And, I’ll be posting pics on both Twitter and Instagram. If you participate please tag me @evilbunnyempire on both instagram and twitter.
Let’s be crazy and cool and wear every day cosplay.
Who am I? I’m Tiffany Easterling, romance writer, and average every day cosplayer, at least for next week anyway.
Normally I don’t like to complain, mainly because when i get aggravated or angry, I don’t hold on to those emotions very long.
However, on this occasion, I happened to run into a real arrogant, ignorant, self-righteous idiot. And, well, I just couldn’t let it go.
The conversation was centered around going out of town to work, and how difficult it was for afore mentioned idiot, because of his anxiety. The conversation went as follows.
Idiot: complaining about last minute preparations and how he hoped to make money
Me: I understand, I get the same anxiety when I go out of town to sell books…
Idiot: That isn’t the same. That isn’t work….
How the idiot managed to sound so condescending and so stupid at the same time, I will never know, but he did. He really did.
To be fair the idiot probably didnt know how stupid he sounded. I’m not sure the idiot is that self aware. So, I thought ‘Hm. Maybe I should post a blog about what I put into the books I publish’
Keep in mind, I do all of the following whilst working a full time day job. I imagine if I didn’t, maybe it wouldn’t take so long from start to finish.
First, writing the book. It starts as a concept. For me its usually characters. I then create extensive character profiles for my primary characters. Then comes world building. Magic and paranormal structure needs to be created. All of my paranormal rules have some basis in theoretical sciences, and requires extensive research. If I have a setting that is in a different country or culture, that too requires extensive research. Or, I write out detailed descriptions of culture, political systems, and settings, if the story takes place on an alien planet. I create detailed maps. I even have mapped layouts of the living and work quarters of my main charecter. Next comes secondary characters. They too get complete profiles and history. Then there is tertiary characters, and their profiles.
After I do all of that, I start writing the book. However, I do have to continually research during the writing process. There have been times that I have spent two days researching something for it to be a mere paragraph in the book.
So on with the writing process. My last book, this took two years.
Next comes editing.
I start by going through my work first, correcting any continuity or charecter errors. Keep in mind, if I change it add something at the end of the book, I then have to go and thread that through the rest of the book.
Next, editor number 1. The first editor is for content and continuity. It’s this editors job to pull out slow, or confusing aspects of the book. It’s often a painful process because a good editor will very likely tear the book apart.
I input the changes.
Then editor number 2. Grammar and punctuation. It is exactly that simple and complicated all at once.
I input the changes.
On to beta readers. Ideally, it’s best to have more than 20, but it doesn’t always work out that way. So off goes the book to the people I’ve literally begged to read it in a very short amount of time.
Time to start the publishing process.
While the book is being reviewed by the beta readers, this is when I start working on my cover. First finding an artist. This is never easy. Finding an artist that mashes, and is available is difficult at best. After I sign a contract, its time to look for stock art for the artist. Other authors skip this step. Me, I want to make sure I help my artist get as close to my vision for my cover as possible. It saves a lot of frustration. Also, I’d recommend working with an experienced cover artist that knows the market. Their feedback is invaluable.
At this point I’m getting feedback from my beta readers. Again, this can be a painful process because sometimes I’ve made obvious errors in continuity and context. Some beta readers just dont like my work, and that’s okay. Even though I’d prefer it didnt happen, I generally get at least 1 beta reader that is not into the whole paranormal romance genre.
I input the changes.
Next, I send my manuscript to the final editor. It’s their job to polish my work.
While my manuscript is at the last editor, I’ve usually gotten the preliminary art from my artist. Time to enter into negotiations for changes. Sometimes I do get stonewalled because ‘artistic license.’ And then have to find a second cover artist, it has happened. To be clear, I dont get upset when this happens. It just means me and the artist didnt mesh. But, getting cover art is an extensive process. So on to changes… and or a new cover artist. Eventually I get the cover I both want and need to get my manuscript the attention I feel it deserves.
At this point I’m getting ready to market. I write a short, medium, and long synopsis. As well as updating my author bios.
I also start marketing the book. Keep in mind, I already keep an active presence on social media. So, the marketing is extra to that.
By this time, I’ve gotten edits back from the last editor. I input those changes.
Simultaneously, I send my cover art to a graphic designer. Sometimes the cover artist will do the graphic art on the cover. I like to consult with an actual graphic designer. Or, have the lettering and graphic design done completely separate from the cover.
At this point I go in and assign the book ISBNs. I need one for both the electronic and paper copy of the book. And, the application is detailed.
Now it’s time to review the lettering, and book spine graphics. This takes a back and forth because not all graphics look good in small print. Not all graphics look good in large print. And, yes all printing styles should he checked. It’s very important for marketing.
Now that everything has been approved and ISBNs assigned I upload the book into amazon. This is also time consuming because it takes 12 to 24 hours for Amazon to approve the formatting. Sometimes getting the bleed and headers just right is very difficult
After Amazon approves the book it is time to order proofs and check my work.
I input any changes and re-upload the book. Finally…
It’s time for the book release. Which means back to marketing, lots and lots of marketing.
This is the point where I have to go relearn HTML coding because my website needs to be updated, and I’ve completely forgotten how. Hours of work is spent for the most minor changes on my website. Major changes take days.
Now that that is all done, it’s back to marketing. Blogs, contests, online interviews, applying to reader groups and websites for the opportunity to have my book included for their readers/newsletters.
Also, I put in applications at multiple venues, so that I can go sell my books.
Also, also, I send out inquiries to several bookstores to see if they will stock my books.
Remember I work a fulltime day job.
And, I’m still keeping up with my social media relationships.
So now that the book has been released, its time to prepare for face to face sales and encounters. Time to order, approve, and print posters. Order, approve and print bookmarks, bags, and any other giveaways.
I’d like to point out here, whilst marketing is necessary, it is not writing. And, most definitely not nearly as fun.
From start to finish, it took me 3 years to release my last book.
3 years.
I will confess writing is truly a labor of love. There is nothing more wonderful to me, than getting lost in my works as I write them. But make no mistake, it is laborious. It is work!
So, when you see an author dont be like the idiot. Please respect them and the work they do.
Who am I? I’m Tiffany Easterling, and I have 2 jobs, one of which is writing cheesy scifi romance.
Normally, I really dislike posting my goals because a lot of the time I miss my own self-imposed deadlines. Yes, I have issues.
But, I do have goals that dont have a definite deadline, so I can talk about them. The rest are plans, and ideas in the works.
One of my goals, to get healthy, lose weight, and wear some awesome cosplay. I’ve already started… so that’s that. It will be done. Eventually.
Another goal, find some cute summer sandals that are comfortable to walk in before summer. This might prove slightly more difficult.
Right now I have dozens of notebooks filled with projects. Thanks to encouragement from my posse, I’ve chosen one. I’m 12,000 words deep. And, it’s going to be amazing
As far as upcoming ideas, I’m thinking on a 3 series lecture to offer at my local library. If they let me. And, a 1 series lecture for distant libraries, again if they let me. I never thought I’d do how to ‘writer’ stuff. But, I see a need in the writing community, and I have the knowledge. So, why not share.
I’m also thinking on contests. I’m just kind of lacking creativity. I always base these things on what I would find appealing. However, what I find appealing and popular opinion are not the same. So, I’m open to ideas.
I do have one idea, something I’ve always wanted to do. And, if I get others to participate, well hells yeah. I’ll be posting about that idea next week.
I traveled a lot this year. Starting it with a cruise, and ending with a mountain vacation. And, there was a trip to Dragoncon in between. I got to see ancient cities, lavish castles, and met some amazing people.
Shout out to Karen. I met her at Dragoncon when she bought my book.
I accomplished a lot too.
I managed to survive a company restructuring for the day job. I finished and published Priestess. I got to go to Dragoncon as a vendor… to sell my books. I got to see my dad. I have improved my writing style exponentially. I started my weightloss, get healthy journey. I’ve kind of/sort of started a goal, which is to help other indie authors publish themselves. I found a face moisturizer that works, and yes that is a big deal. This is not new, but I am and was surrounded by people who love and support me. Oh oh, and I found out my sister is an amazeballs manager.
And… there was the setback.
Most everyone knows I took down Priestess because of some fatal grammatical errors that changed a lot of the context.
This devastated my writers ego.
I was forced to re-examine my author dream.
I always had this idea in my head that my success as a writer would mean I could support myself as a writer. I thought if I worked hard enough writing would be my day job. And, I’d always be smiling. I didn’t have the expectation of being a millionaire. I just want to write full time, maybe travel to some cons and spend hours talking about characters with fans. Yes. I realize the ridiculousness of that dream… now.
My books are grains of sand on vast beaches.
Because, I made the decision to take Priestess down, I came to believe that I would never accomplish my dream. I’d ruined my own reputation.
Well, I’ve matured a lot in three months because the scope of my dream has changed and I realize, that I’m living it.
I’m a writer. I’m an author. I’m a story teller. Monetary success can’t give or take that away from me.
So the dream has changed. I’m probably never going to make money as a writer. But, I am still living my dream.
I’m a published author. And, guess what. In 2020, I will expand my dream by publishing more works. And, those stories are going to be amazing.
So expect more super cheesy, scifi actiony romance from me… a lot more.
By the way, I did get the edits back on Priestess, and i will be doing a re-release with prizes, new cover reveals, and deleted scenes. It’s an amazing story and needs to be in the world. So look forward to that.
Also, look forward to more interaction from me.
Who am I? I’m Tiffany Easterling, writer, author, storyteller… still.
