Thank you for having me over, Charles. Before we get started, yes, I am an honest to the Gods Greek Muse. The author C. S. Boyack is my charge.
My job is to inspire him any way I can. Craig is an odd fellow in that if I work really hard at it, there are no results. If I whisper something on the breeze, he’s good for an entire novel.
I once whispered in his ear while he watched the Disney movie Brave, with his grandchildren. He wrote an entire novel called Will O’ the Wisp that had nothing to do with the movie. It broke onto the top one-hundred lists a few times, so who am I to argue?
The Hat is a novella about a girl, Lizzie, who comes into possession of what she thinks is an old hat. It’s actually a being from another dimension and he is thousands of years old. He’s been in Lizzie’s family the entire time. They have to work together to solve a major crime, and wind up dispensing a bit of justice along the way. Lizzie even tries her hand at a new career because of their relationship, and maybe it’s the opportunity she needs for a better life.
I know what you’re thinking, but the sorting hat had nothing to do with this story. Like I said, Craig is a little bit odd. I mean, I was talking to him one day about how preconceived notions can hold people back. He wrote a story about a man with a prosthetic arm who pitches in a professional baseball league. I have no idea how he made that leap, but a Muse has to take her successes where she can these days.
Honestly, I don’t want to become the Muse of YouTube fail videos. You know the ones where boys jump off of something and hurt their testicles. Working with an author is held in higher regard than that, even if the author is a strange one. I’ll keep visiting him as long as he keeps creating.
So, back in 2016, I dropped by the writing cabin. I was only there to drop off some Christmas presents. Craig’s assistant had some music playing, like most people that time of year. You may be familiar with her, Lisa Burton the robot girl.
Lisa offered me a cup of eggnog and we got a bit talkative, as girls do. I swear, I only muttered one verse under my breath while the music played in the background. “There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found…” I glanced up and Craig disappeared.
I found him in his office typing away on the Notes app. Like I said, he seems to react to accidental inspiration more than purposeful. Still, if it keeps me in my apartment on Olympus, and my cup filled with ambrosia, who am I to argue.
My main concern is that Craig remains creative. He’s the one who wants to publish these stories. It would make him happy if you would read The Hat, and he’d be ecstatic if you left a review. It’s priced at 99¢ and I think you’ll enjoy it.
Blurb:
Lizzie St. Laurent is dealing with many of the struggles of young life. She lost her grandmother, and her living arrangements. Her new roommate abandoned her, and she’s working multiple jobs just to keep her head above water.
She inherits an old hat from her grandmother’s estate, but it belonged to her grandfather. This is no ordinary hat, but a being from an alternate dimension. One with special powers.
Lizzie and the hat don’t exactly hit it off right away, but when her best friend’s newborn is kidnapped by a ring of baby traffickers, Lizzie turns to the hat for help. This leads her deep into her family history and a world she’s never known.
Lizzie gives up everything to rescue the babies. She loses her jobs, and may wind up in jail before it’s over. Along the way, she and the hat may have a new way of making ends meet.
Humorous and fun, The Hat is novella length. Wonderful escapism for an afternoon.
CLICK HERE FOR AMAZON SITE!
I was born in a town called Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times, and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction.
I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century, and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet.
I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.
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Thank you for hosting Lorelei today. The inspiration for this one might surprise a few people.
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You’re welcome. It’s a really fun story too. Amazing where our ideas will come from.
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They come from everywhere. Unless you’re an author people don’t understand that.
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Nope. They also think it’s a fairly logical jump too. You never know the winding path of an author.
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
Lorelei the Muse is out stumping for THE HAT today. Stop by Charles’ place and find out how this unusual story came to me originally.
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Hope the post brings in the sales.
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Me too. They seem consistent so far. Maybe I should comp a copy to one of the Wheatons.
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I’m honestly curious what would happen. I’ve seen authors send free copies of their books to famous people all the time, but never hear if anything came of it.
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I have a theory they get deleted unopened by an assistant somewhere.
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That’s probably the most likely scenario. Physical copies are put in the fancy fireplace during winter.
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Yup.
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Very entertaining post. I have to agree with Lorelei. Craig is a bit odd but very creative.
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To be fair, he is an author. We aren’t known for being normal and having all of our screws in place. 😛
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Wait what? 😀
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Sorry. Thought you knew.
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Ha haha
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Ha ha. I wear it like a uniform.
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🙂
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Sounds like a delightful book!
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It’s a great concept and I’ve loved reading about his progress too.
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Thank you so much.
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Oh, that Lorelei. She really can tell a story. Great post, gentlemen.
Craig, as always, wishing you all the best. The Hat is awesome.
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Thank you, Staci. I need her to come back and help me with my WIP soon.
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It’s fun to hear the inspiration behind The Hat. Lorelei knows just the right thing to say, and at the right….or is it “write”… time. Wishing you much success with the release, Craig. At .99c it’s a steal!
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Thanks, Mae. It always surprises me what turns into a story idea, and I thought maybe other folks would find it entertaining too.
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Gotta love the puns.
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What a fascinating insight into that weird and wonderful creative process. Or is process the wrong word? Process implies order, and my muse is chaotic, although I must admit I’m not unhappy when my muse (Cyril) takes me hostage. I enjoyed this post immensely. I look forward to reading and reviewing ‘The Hat’. Thanks for featuring Craig today, Charles!
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I think process could still work. At least for me, it only means pushing ahead even if it’s blindly.
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Thanks, Soooz. I’d love to learn what you think of it.
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Great Promo from Lorelei (and you too of course Charles for hosting) of what looks to be a really fun great from Craig!
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Thank you so much.
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Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
C. S. Boyack’s muse is quite clever at slipping him creative ideas – read how she does it!
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Thanks for the reblog.
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You are welcome, Charles!
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Thanks for sharing it.
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You are welcome.
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This is a fabulous author post, Craig and Charles. Loved it and have the book.
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Thanks. 😁
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Glad you enjoyed it, and hope you enjoy the story.
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Loved this post and the book! Congrats, Craig, and best of luck! Charles, it’s great to pop in and see you today! 🙂
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Thanks. Nice to see you too. 😁
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Thank you, Harmony.
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