D.M. Slate

Thanks to the Tribune and Mirror!

2009-12-10T14:14:00.000-08:00

I wanted to give a big thanks to the Greeley Tribune for my front page article on December 7tt...What a great way to launch my book! I couldn't have asked for anything better. I also wanted to thank the UNC Mirror for printing an article about the book in their December Graduation issue. Yipee!

Release Day!

2009-12-07T14:29:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's already release day! How Exciting! And I couldn't ask for a more fitting day to launch this story; cold outside, a light breeze and a fresh dusting of snow on the ground. Sets the scene perfectly for the story!

My day got even better when I looked at the Tribune this morning... right there in front, an article on my book release.

Join me tonight at www.eternalpress.ca for the live chat from 5-6 pm, and for your chance to win a free copy of the book!

Day 94 Excerpt 1

2009-11-18T13:00:00.000-08:00

Debris fell from the sky all thru that night and into the next day. Occasionally a rock or clump of dirt would pummel the house, reminding me of hail. Several times the wind hammered with tornado force dimming the lights and causing the TV to flicker. The walls shook and vibrated sending family photos crashing wildly to the floor. With each horrendous battering I questioned the stability of our house. We stayed away from the windows not knowing if they’d withstand the force of the wind. One gust caught the edge of our back screen door, ripping it open and slamming it against the house. Karlie and Ian were terrified and clung to me in fear until Grant ran up and pulled it shut again.

The first night we slept huddled together on the couch in the cool unfinished basement. The cement walls were comforting, creating a solid structural barrier against the elements. The TV remained on all night as we waited for any new information or directions. Grant and I slept very little; it was uncomfortable and downright scary. We passed the hours in awkward silence, not knowing what to say or make of the situation. I stared at the clock for eternity awaiting morning’s salvation. But morning brought no more light than night had provided.

By afternoon things began to calm some. The wind died down and debris from the sky ceased its attack on the house. However, sand fell from the heavens like rain pattering against our roof. Although the sky was black it was eerily illuminated during the day. By the next afternoon we ventured out of the basement and tried to go about life as we normally would’ve, with the exception of leaving the house. The kids felt safe enough to play and sleep in their rooms and it seemed that we’d weathered the worst of the storm.

Live Author Chat 12-7-09 @ Eternal Press

2009-11-10T13:03:00.001-08:00

Please join the Eternal Press live author chat on December 7, 2009 for all of their December releases. This is your chance to interact with the authors and ask questions, as well as win prize give-aways from each select author. Also, join the Yahoo Group for Eternal Press Readers to get lots of insider info from all your favorite authors. I look forward to talking to you soon!

My Inspiration for Day 94

2009-11-04T13:25:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked what inspired me to write the story Day 94. I had to chuckle because this is actually kind of funny. It's amazing how a small thought can trigger such a detailed plot. So this is the story of my great epiphany.

I was at home emptying the dishwasher thinking feverishly about another story I was working on. I'd reached a point where I needed to come up with the next big dilemma or twist to keep the story interesting. I stopped removing the dishes, leaned back against my kitchen counter, and stared out the skylight that rests within my kitchen ceiling. It was beautiful. The bright Colorado sunshine drifted through the plastic covering down into the kitchen, basking me in its warm glow. In that second I thought to myself, "Wow, I wonder what it would be like if that one ray of light through the skylight was my only link with the outside word?" And that's what started the idea for this story.

I started considering different scenarios that could force people to stay within their homes. I finally decided on an airborne disease, thinking this was the most realistic idea. From there the story took on a life of it's own. The characters weren't hard to create or envision, I just used my own family and what we'd be doing if we were in this situation. I was always instructed to write about what I know, and I know about being a wife and a mother. This developed the underlying theme of the story.

From there, each new predicament that the characters got into had a domino affect on the rest of the story. A little at a time, the plot got thicker. In my first draft the story ended at day 94, when Grant returned to the house. The ending was left up to the reader to decide. But eventually I finished it off. And that's how the plot of Day 94 was developed - based upon a glimpse out my skylight while doing dishes. Kind of funny now, looking back :)

Spreading the Word

2009-11-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

I've officially jumped on the promotion bandwagon. I've joined several online groups, such as; Good Reads, Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction and Author's Den. I plan on advertising on these sites and hopefully the word will start to spread about the story. I've also started visiting local business to post my fliers. Only one more month to go before the release!

E-Publishing

2009-10-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to be a published author, but I'm now facing the realization that the burden of advertising falls 100% upon me. Now that I have the official cover (which I'm not crazy about, but can't be too picky at this point) I can start my advertising campaign. I'm planning on sending e-mails to everyone I know and plastering Greeley with fliers of the upcoming release of Day 94. I hope to be able to get a small article from the Greeley, Windsor, or Loveland newspapers. If anyone has suggestions, please feel free to share them! I can't wait to get this story up and running!

My Website

2009-10-19T13:37:00.001-07:00

Check out my website at www.dm-slate.com where you can read the original ending to Day 94, and get a glimpse into my next story Isolated. This will be my first full-length novel.

My First Blog

2009-10-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

Wow, this is really exciting - my first blog! I can't wait until December 7th (my release date for Day 94), I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I received the first draft of the cover art today and was surprised by the artist's impression of the story. It wasn't exactly what I'd pictured, but it's growing on me now. I can't believe the process is moving along so quickly!