Bored? Love SciFi? Creating an Alien Language with me at Apex Book Company

Talk Like an Alien at Apex Book CompanyFor the past six months or so, I’ve been exploring and sharing my process to create an alien language. This series has been extremely popular on the Apex Book Company blog and it’s been picked up by several places including i09.com. To me, the creation of an alien language is fascinating because it can evolve into the cornerstone of an entirely new culture with its own rules, beliefs and way of life. I’d like to test that theory, but I need your help to do it.

So, for 2011, I would like to extend a friendly invitation to all those of you who love science fiction. Whether you’re an author yourself or are looking to do something fun, I hope you will join me in what may prove to be an exciting adventure in worldbuilding.

To participate, visit my post Talk Like an Alien. Create a Language With Me and simply respond to two questions. Easy! And…fun. (I hope.)

My Horror Short Story and The Zombie Feed

Hi everyone,

I am thrilled to announce that my horror short story entitled “Tomorrow’s Precious Lambs” has been selected for the debut anthology from The Zombie Feed. This story was a lot of fun to write; the words sounded like music when I wrote them down. If I had to give this one a rating, though…it’d definitely be more on the “R” side.

Anyway, thought you might want to check out the Table of Contents to see some of the other authors.

The Zombie Feed, Volume One

Zombie Anthology Table of Contents

  • Cold Comfort by Nathaniel Tapley
  • This Final December Day by Lee Thompson
  • What’s Next? by Elaine Blose
  • Rabid Raccoons by Kristin Dearborn
  • The Twenty-Three Second Anomaly by Ray Wallace
  • Not Dead by BJ Burrow
  • Tomorrow’s Precious Lambs by Monica Valentinelli
  • The Fare by Lucien Soulban
  • A Shepherd of the Valley by Maggie Jamison
  • Broken Bough by Daniel I. Russell
  • The Last Generation by Joe Nazare
  • Goddamn Electric by Ken Wood
  • Hipsters in Love by Danger Slater
  • The Sickness unto Death by Brandon Alspaugh
  • Lifeboat by Simon McCaffrey

The anthology will debut in February or early March. I’m going to talk to the publisher to see if we can’t post a preview for you to check out on www.flamesrising.com or elsewhere.

More to come!

New Short Story and Stoneskin Press

Hi everyone,

I am pleased to announce that my short story entitled “Fangs and Formaldehyde” will be published in an upcoming anthology from the newly-launched publisher Stone Skin Press. The theme for this anthology is about iconic characters. The idea is so “big” that they’re publishing two of them!

The iconic character I created goes by the name of “Atlas” and he’s a vampire who helps other vampires. In my setting, vampires are not the romanticized kind that well… Glitter. They are the kind that feed (and feed regularly) on humans. To them, we’re food.

If you’ve read any of my other stories, you know I often build worlds for my characters to live in. This story is no different and could easily be part of something bigger. I won’t give any more away, because to tell you what my vampires are all about will spoil the surprise.

Be sure to watch for news about how you can get your hands on a copy of New Heroes or New Heroes Two, edited by Robin Laws. With names like James Lowder, Matt Forbeck, Ed Greenwood, Alex Bledsoe, Kyla Ward and Monte Cook in the mix, I can guarantee that you won’t want to miss out.

– M

My Role with Apex Book Company

Hi everyone,

As you know, I’ve been looking for new professional opportunities. After posting about my pursuit, I had a good discussion with Jason Sizemore who runs Apex Book Company who decided to help me out while I continue to look for a full-time job.

For a few hours a month, I’m going to be consulting and directing their marketing efforts to help coalesce their initiatives into a big picture strategy I’m designing. Apex has a really smart and dedicated team of people in place that the previous Marketing Director, a lady by the name of M.G. Ellington, helped put together. My efforts will be behind-the-scenes.

I’m really excited about helping Apex for a few reasons. Months ago I turned to a few recruiters who suggested that since this is an employer’s market, in order to get a good job, I really need to keep my online marketing and writing skills fresh. I’ve been able to do that with my writing, because like so many writers, that’s something I’ve always done, even when I was working. Now, I’m able to elevate my visibility for online marketing and pad my resume a bit.

Another reason why I’m happy to provide a few hours of marketing support for Apex, is because this is my chance to apply six years of online marketing knowledge to the publishing industry. Apex produces quality books, anthologies and a magazine. Jason has made it clear that I wouldn’t be given any special treatment. So, if I want to publish a story through Apex, I better write a good one.

Believe me, I am doing everything I can to step up my writing and my career to new heights. I’m excited, because ever since I posted my news about how things have been going, so many people like Jason have reached out to me cheering me on. I don’t know what 2011 is going to bring, but I’m ready to find out.

If you’re job-hunting like I am, I really hope you consider reaching out to uncover potential opportunities–regardless of whether it’s a volunteer position or a few hours a month. I know I am.

– M

Alternate Cover for THE QUEEN OF CROWS

Just how important is a book’s cover? Well, I’m going to find out. After a tip from Lori Devoti, I decided to try a different cover for the Kindle and Nook editions of THE QUEEN OF CROWS. I was going to add a starburst that read “bonus content included” but going to try this first.

The Queen of Crows e-Book | Alternate Cover

Previous Posts Next Posts




Monica Valentinelli > Announcements

Looking for Monica’s books and games that are still in print? Visit Monica Valentinelli on Amazon’s Author Central or a bookstore near you.

Archives

Back to Top