After the Party

Thanks to everyone who took part in Monday's Muse Party Blogfest, as well as those who just stopped by. Hopefully everyone had a good time with their Valentines and anti-Valentines. I know I did! It was super fun to read everyone's posts about their muses/characters.

The Muse Parties always seem very chaotic. A lot of our muses have a lot in common. For one, there is so much sarcasm and snark being thrown around that I wish I had brought some earplugs. And having that many crazy characters in one place can be dangerous. I think if these parties were real, they would end in drunken fights, random muse hookups, police involvement, and possibly the whole place burning down. While that didn't actually happen, we came pretty close. Here are just a few highlights:

- We had several awesome muses and characters show up (along with their awesome authors!), including a fairy, a Viking, and a cannibal (just don't call her that). Luckily no one was maimed or eaten.
- A lot of muses had significant others who weren't at the party so were just there for a fun time. Others wanted to flirt like crazy. I won't say which one mine was...
- I spent most of the time making sure Jordan didn’t drink any of the booze everyone else brought (so much wine!). I *should* hold off on another Muse Party until he’s 21 but I probably won’t.
- We had lots and lots of sweets and uh, roasted goat. (Yum?)
- Not everyone was too keen on wearing the dress code colors. It's all good, though. Pink isn't for everyone. "Are you saying I dressed up for nothing?" Jordan asked. "AND I could have worn gray???"
- Too many disturbing versions of spin the bottle that involved sharing drinks and all out brawls. I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but letting Jordan be in charge of spin the bottle probably would have been safer.

- Jordan somehow got frosting all over his nice black shirt (I dunno, something happened with Will Scarlet on the table for at least seven minutes), but it worked out since he got a few cool t-shirts as musiversary gifts. Hopefully everyone snagged some cupcakes before he smooshed them, though.  

- I have no idea what happened to Jordan's tie. I'm not sure I want to know. 

- Various random fires. Probably more than one magic spell. And possibly some sword fights.
- Between Valentine’s Day gifts between writers and muses, plus musiversary gifts for me and Jordan, you couldn’t see the floor by the end of the party. Nothing but wrapping paper.

I'm done with the cartoons, I swear. For now...

Thanks to everyone for making the second Muse Party Blogfest a success!

The Muse Party Blogfest: (Anti-) Valentine's Day Edition!

The day has finally arrived! It's February 15, which aside from being the day after Valentine's Day, also happens to be my musiversary with Jordan. So we're throwing another Muse Party! All of my blogger buddies who signed up will be showing up with their muses or characters and sharing their love and/or hate of Valentine's Day! Let's get started!

I know I usually give Jordan the blue font when we share a post, but since love is in the air, today we're going with red.
Love is in the air? Someone call an exterminator. 
ANYWAY. For this party, I've added pictures! They were a lot of fun to make so I hope you enjoy. I apologize for how long this post will be, and for any inappropriate comments made (not by me...). Let's get to the questions!

1. Who did you bring to the party? Is he/she your Valentine or anti-Valentine?

Since it’s our party and our musiversary, I of course brought Jordan to the party.

Against my will, I should add.

That’s not true! You’re excited, admit it!

Nope. Hate Valentine’s Day. Romance. Stupid. Blech.

Uh-huh. We’re the epitome of anti-Valentines in case that wasn’t painfully obvious. I think listing all of the reasons would take all day.

2. Which one of you is the more romantic person?

Uhhhh you, obviously, with your “I’ve only kissed one guy my whole life” crap. I’ve never done any romantic thing. Ever.

Yet! What about Adam?

SPOILERS. How about we get the first book done before jumping to the third one?

Don’t change the subject! You luuuuuuuuuurve him.

DO NOT. I’m only 20! That’s still a good two years away from being a thing.

Jordan and Adam sitting in a tree…

For the love of God, shut up! The only reason he even exists is to save me from YOU.

Excuse me?

Everyone thinks I’m the mean one but you basically TORTURE me in the second book. I mean, really. WRITERS.

So I give you a nice boyfriend in Book 3.

Exactly.

You’re welcome!

………

3. What gift are you giving to your (anti) Valentine?

I got you a box of chocolates! Wait, where did they go?

I may have found them earlier… *burp*

Oooook. What did you get me?

Condoms.

That’s creepy on so many levels.

No, it’s incredibly practical. You need them more than I do. At least I can’t get knocked up. No one wants to end up like my mom, Sarah! 

Riiiiiiiiiihgt. You still need them, though.

Not for everything…

4. Are you guys wearing red or pink (or black...)? 

Well, I did just buy this great pink dress, and since it’s the internet, I’m going to pretend if fits without Spanx. But black tights! Mostly because I like black tights.

Pink is pretty much the last color you will ever catch me in. I’m going with black just because. But with a pop of red, you know, to be festive.

A tie? I thought you didn’t care about this party enough to dress up.

Yeah, I’m just hoping some cute boys show up.

5. Did you bring any Valentine’s Day treats?

Don’t say it…

I made cupcakes!

You’re so predictable.

But they’re my Valentine’s Day cupcakes! I had to make them. You know you want one…

Can’t talk. Eating.

6. Name a song for our Love Playlist or Anti-Love Playlist (or both)!

I’m going to add Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” for the Love Playlist. Because I’ve decided it should be you and Adam’s song. Because you luuuuuuuuurve him.

You’re not allowed to watch Twilight movies anymore.

Ok, then Mr. Rock Star, what’s your anti-love song?

Hmm…so many choices. I can only pick one?

Yes.

Uhhh….I don’t think so. I choose several. I’ll do you a favor and only pick songs you have. Otherwise this could take me a week. Plus it will be easier for you to put it together for me.

I hate you.

7. Got a great anti/Valentine party game?

We could always play spin the bottle again…

After the stunt you pulled last time? I don’t think so!

Pardon me for trying to keep things interesting.

You just don’t want to have to kiss a girl.

You just don’t want to have to kiss ANYONE.

8. Feeling the love or just feeling nauseous? How will you have fun at the party?

I’m nauseous, but it’s probably from eating too many sweets…

Well, since so many people showed up to my party, I’m definitely feeling the love!

9. Has your muse been a good Valentine?

Not even a little bit.

You see? She’s so mean to me.

You didn’t let me finish! You’re the perfect anti-Valentine! And I’m just fine with that.

Can you go back to being mean? I’ll take mean over mushy any day.

Wait, where's my bonus question? Don't you want presents???

Right, because our Valentine's Day presents to each other went so well. If other people want to give us musiversary presents, that's up to them! 

Booooooooooooooooo. 

It's going to be a fun party! I can't wait to see the answers from everyone else!

I need a nap.

Remember, you can still sign up and post through the end of today! Thanks to everyone for coming to my party!!! 

It's Almost Party Time!

Happy Friday, everyone! I'm super excited for a few reasons. First off, this weekend is a three day weekend for me (my first at the new job). My fiance and I have a few errands to run (laundry, booooooo!) but we're going to try to get that out of the way early tomorrow morning so we can relax the rest of the weekend. We're going out on Saturday night and then hibernating on Valentine's Day. I plan on just making dinner at home and relaxing.

Then there's Monday! Which is of course the day for the Muse Party Blogfest: (Anti-) Valentine's Day Edition! If it is anything like the first one, it should be awesome! Since I'm always a procrastinator, I haven't quite finished all of the questions for my post yet. But I have gotten some of them done, and Jordan is being inappropriate as usual, so like with his monthly posts, I feel like I should apologize in advance.

Another thing I'm adding to my post is Bitstrips! I remember this being a huge thing on Facebook a while ago but I never got into it. While I would love to be able to draw people, I'm really just not good at it, so I Googled "cartoon maker" and this seemed like the best choice. I'm hoping to make a few comics to sprinkle in with my blogfest post, which will just make it even more awesome.

Here's a sneak preview. FYI, Jordan isn't all that excited for the party (but he kinda dressed up so I call BS). And he doesn't like hugs.

You can still sign up for the blogfest through Monday so come to the party! Find all of the details and sign up here! See you all on Monday! 

The Muse Party Blogfest: (Anti-) Valentine's Day Edition

Blow up the balloons and grab your party hats, it's time for another muse party! After two seconds of much debating, I've decided it would be fun to get all of our muses and characters together for another day of shenanigans. But this time, there's a theme!

That's right, this party is a Valentine's Day muse party! Well, sort of. While I'm sure none of us are romantically involved with our muses (that would be weird on so many levels...), we do still love them (sometimes). Whether you have a real life Valentine or not, you may love Valentine's Day or hate it. I actually can't stand it most of the time, but since this party has absolutely nothing to do with sappy romance and greeting cards, I thought it would be fun.

It just so happens that my musiversary (that's muse anniversary for those of you playing at home) with Jordan falls on the day after Valentine's Day. So he's kind of always been my anti-Valentine. This year marks our fifth musiversary, so it seemed like a great time to celebrate and throw a party! 

So it's kind of an anti-Valentine's Day party. But also a Valentine's Day party. Basically it's whatever you want it to be. We're celebrating the most nauseating of holidays along with the most dysfunctional relationships we probably have--the ones with our muses. 

All right, I'll stop rambling! The details! The Valentine's Day Muse Party Blogfest will take place on Monday, February 15. I'll be hosting the party here and you and your muse can come! On that day you can post on your blog and answer the questions I've provided. I'll be answering them, too, and visiting all the other blogs to check out your answers! 

If you don't have a muse or don't want to bring them, feel free to bring a character from one of your books (published or not!). If you came to the first party, you can bring the same muse/character or someone different. Maybe we'll get to see how much we and our muses really love each other...

Here are the questions:

1. Who did you bring to the party? Is he/she your Valentine or anti-Valentine?

2. Which one of you is the more romantic person?

3. What gift are you giving to your (anti) Valentine?

4. Are you guys wearing red or pink (or black...)? 

5. Did you bring any Valentine's Day treats? 

6. Name a song for our Love Playlist or Anti-Love Playlist (or both)! 

7. Got a great anti/Valentine party game? 

8. Feeling the love or just feeling nauseous? How will you have fun at the party?

9. Has your muse been a good Valentine? 

*Jordan's Bonus Question (feel free to ignore him...): Did you bring me & Sarah a musiversary gift? (Because we've put up with each other for five years and I think we deserve something.)

Feel free to add any other details you'd like to share! And be as pro or anti-Valentine's Day as you'd like. Or both if you and your muse differ. Sign up on the Linky List below to participate! 

The Muse Party Blogfest!!!!!

The day has finally arrived! It's time for The Muse Party Blogfest! Now I can finally stop trying to pimp it out...

I wanted to throw this party to celebrate my fourth blogging anniversary. I can't believe it's been so long! I still feel like I'm getting the hang of it. So I decided to throw a party where my fellow bloggers can come and bring along their muses (or characters from their books). It should be lots of fun! If you'd still like to sign up, the Linky List will be live for the rest of the day.

Onto the party!!! Everything is set up and the guests should be arriving shortly. We've got balloons, an open bar, karaoke, and a giant snack table! My muse is awake...

Barely…

*ahem* Since Jordan wasn't going to let me run this whole show on my own, he gets the blue font so you'll know when he's talking. I told him to keep his swearing to a minimum. 

Wait, what? Motherf---

Let's get started! For this blogfest, everyone had to answer the same questions about how they and their muses would act at the party. So Jordan and I will be playing along as well.

I know I promised you guys a picture but it turns out I just really can't draw. Like, at all. Especially people. I tried, really! My fiance has dabbled in cartoons and even tried and he doesn't even know what Jordan looks like. So yeah. Didn't happen. *womp womp*

1. Who is your muse (or character)? Tell us a little bit about him/her and why you brought them.

I think we’re good, right? Everyone knows you already.

EXCUSE ME? Are you trying deny me the spotlight??

Oh, all right. This sassy SOB is my muse, Jordan. He’s been attached to my brain like a leech for a little over four years now. He’s the lead singer of a band with his friends, has the biggest sweet tooth anyone’s ever had, and is mildly sociopathic (Like seriously, don’t get on his bad side. You’ll regret it). He’s also the main character in my WIP, which we will hopefully finish someday. I brought him because he’s my only muse and pretty much the only POV I write from so he basically runs my life.

Sounds about right. 

2. What are you guys wearing? Dressing up or keeping it casual?

I’m definitely dressing up! I will take any chance to wear a pretty dress and high heels.

You’re such a girl.

Well, yeah. What about you?

Well, I’m not gonna go nuts and wear a suit or anything. Probably just jeans, a t-shirt, and a nice jacket or something.

You wear skinny jeans more than I do.

Don’t you have to go take six hours to straighten your hair or something?

3. It’s a potluck! Did you bring something yummy!

I made my lemon raspberry cupcakes, of course!

I brought enough guacamole to feed a small country.

Did you bring tortilla chips?

How is that my job??

4. Open bar! What are you both drinking (booze or otherwise)?

My go-to bar drink is usually Malibu and pineapple juice.

Yeah, I’ll just have what she’s having. I’ll probably have some shots later.

Uh, no. He’ll have some tea.

WHAT?!

Water, then? You’re 19.

I’m a muse. I’m ageless. I can be whatever age I want to be. Plus you’ve been working on Book 3 so I’m 22.

Well, I’ve been working on Book 1, too, and you’re 15 in that so your argument is irrelevant. No booze.

You’re no fun. I mean, really. Zero fun.

5. Wallflowers or social butterflies?

I’m usually a wallflower but it’s my party so I guess I should play host, at least. I may need a few drinks first…

I can’t have any booze and I highly doubt there will be anyone here I could even try to flirt with so I’m just gonna sulk in the corner.

Oh, come on. Have a little fun.

HOW?! You’ve taken away the only two good things about going to a party. Alcohol and the chance to get laid.

Just wait and see…

6. What song(s) will you and your muse sing for karaoke?

FINALLY. My moment has arrived! Wait, do I only get one???!!!!

There are a lot of people who will want to sing, too.

Yeah, but if I go first no one will want to follow me.

Be nice, please.

This has nothing to do with being nice. This is about being talented.

How about we each get our own song and then do one together?

*sigh* Fine. I'm always up for singing "Satisfaction."

It’s practically your theme song. Well, I have to sing “Ordinary Day” because it’s our song!

Please don’t get sappy on me. We’re singing “Centuries” together.

What?! No! I suck at that song.

I don’t! *evil laugh* Do not even try to pretend like you don’t want to sing Fall Out Boy with me.

Maybe a little bit.

Suuuuuuuuuuure.

7. What’s your favorite party game?

Everyone do a shot every time Jordan rolls his eyes!

HEY. How about spin the bottle? But no do-overs if you land on the same sex.

Ok, but no do-overs if you land on the opposite sex.

DAMN.

I’m not playing. I’ve only kissed one person my entire life and I’m keeping it that way.

Don’t be so uptight! Someone get her another drink…

8. Which one of you is more likely to end up dancing on a table top?

Agh! I guess me because I’m the only one drinking.

If I was drinking I’d probably say something stupid and then pass out. I’m a sad drunk. I don’t know how that happened.

I just talk too much when I drink. So I’d say there won’t be any table dancing. Hopefully.

9. Has your muse been a good date and would you ever hang out with them again?

You’re ok, I guess.

Gee, thanks.

Oh, who am I kidding? I would totally hang out with you again. You’ve got this weird hold on me.

Well, if this ever happens again and I can’t bring an actual date, I guess you’d be my first choice.

Aw, you’re so sweet.

That wasn’t even a little bit sweet.
It’s about as sweet as you get so I’ll take it.

Thanks to everyone participating in the blogfest and whoever is crazy enough to read through my posts (especially this one)! Be sure to check out the other names on the list and see who else is coming to the party!!

Party Prep!

It’s Friday and that means we’re just one post away from the epic Muse Party Blogfest! There’s still time to sign up so I’ve included the Linky List below, but click on the link if you need to check out the guidelines! I’m hoping that everyone is going to have an awesome time enjoying the party and getting to know everyone and their muses. Now if I could only find Jordan. He’s supposed to be helping me set up…

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz………

*kicks* Wake up!

Huh? Oh man, you gave me the blue font again? I’ll just get back to my nap, thank you very much.

You’re supposed to be helping!

You know this isn’t a real party, right? There isn’t actually anything to set up.

Indulge me. Here, you can blow up the balloons. I have to get back to making cupcakes.

You’re not making those cupcakes, are you?

I always make those cupcakes. I’m practically famous for them.

Except you stole them from my book, you slut.

Excuse me?! You know that phrase “the pot calling the kettle black?” Well this is like the pot calling the porcelain teapot black.

*Pfft* Fine. But it’s not a white teapot. Off-white, maybe.

WOULD YOU BLOW UP THE BALLOONS ALREADY?

Ok, geez. Relax. So how many people are coming to this thing?

Twenty-two sign ups so far. So with their muses that makes forty-four….I think I’m gonna need more cupcakes. Are you making anything?

Haven’t decided yet. I think I’ll bring something you can't resist like shrimp cocktail or onion dip so that you’ll just be eating and not yelling at me.

Because that requires sooooooo much work!

Ugh. Fine. Maybe I’ll make some guac. Actually, I’d better get out of here. I’m gonna need like, a million avocadoes…

You just keep blowing up those balloons, mister.

*sigh* I still don’t get why I can’t bring a date.

It’s a muse party. You’re supposed to be my date.

Ew. Are there any guys coming, at least? Or is it going to be a chick fest?

There are guys coming but I’m pretty sure they’re all straight. So no flirting.

Boooooooooooooooooo. You never let me have any fun.

You can make some friends!

I don’t need friends, I need to get laid!

You never struggle in that department so that’s not even true. All right, we’re probably annoying everyone out there so I should wrap this up. We pretty much just need to finish the decorations and the snacks, set up the bar and karaoke machine, and that’s it!

I’m so going to win at karaoke.

It’s not a contest.

I’m still going to win.

You always do. Oh wait, I forgot! I really want to draw a picture of us!

WHY?

Because it would be cool! Plus no one knows what you look like. Actually, there’s probably still a few people out there who think you’re a girl…

Fine. Draw your damn picture. I’m going to get back to my nap. Who in their right mind has a party on a Monday anyway?

Well, no one blogs on a Saturday night, so…deal with it!

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Yeah, this is pretty much what I deal with on a daily basis. No wonder I never get any writing done…

Come back on Monday for all the festivities! And sign up below if you haven’t already. It should be lots of fun!!!

Jordan Takes Over: The Reluctant Co-host

**The first Monday of every month, I let my muse take over the blog. I apologize in advance.**

Did you miss me?? Is everyone sleeping? Well, that's what I was doing all through April while all of you were losing your minds, so I'm all nice and refreshed! Anyone out there??

Anyway, if you were awake (or sane) enough to stop over here on Friday, you may have seen a certain announcement. We're throwing a party! Yay? Ok, look. Parties aren't really my thing. I don't have a great history with them (looooooooong story). So now I'm forced into not only going to one, but co-hosting it?!! Ugh.

But I'm not going to be the one who ruins everything. I'd need a good reason to do that. And I guess I'm not the most helpful of muses so I can at least help out with this. Plus it could be fun and not a disaster. Who knows? What I do know is that YOU (Yes, you. The one reading this right now.) should come! Why? So you can show off your muse and see how well you two would interact. Plus you get to come to a party! Normal people like that, right?

All right, so I'm gonna tell you all of the details in case you missed them. So if you want to come (because you do), here's what you have to do. The party is happening on Monday, May 25. You can bring your muse or one of your characters. On that day, answer the questions below on your blog.

1. Who is your muse (or character)? Tell us a little bit about him/her and why you brought them. 
2. What are you guys wearing? Dressing up or keeping it casual?
3. It's a potluck! Did you bring something yummy?
4. Open bar! What are you both drinking (booze or otherwise)? 
5. Wallflowers or social butterflies? 
6. What song(s) will you and your muse sing for karaoke?
7. What's your favorite party game?
8. Which one of you is more likely to end up dancing on a table top?
9. Has your muse been a good date and would you ever hang out with them again? 

That's pretty much it. I'll even make it easy for you and leave the sign up list below. Go on! You know you want to! You'll have a great time. Will I have a great time? Well, that's debatable. Let me guess! You all have chicks for muses so there aren't going to be any hot guys at this party. *longest sigh ever* I mean, I haven't made out with a girl since...well, since the last party I went to, actually. Weird. But! Don't think I didn't notice that there's going to be karaoke. I'm going to put all of you guys to shame. You've been warned.

All right, that's about it. Was I persuasive enough? I hope so. It's kinda my thing.

JP

The Muse Party Blogfest!

So the A to Z Challenge is over and it would be a great time to take a blogging break, right? WRONG. Why? Because I'm a crazy person. You didn't know that?

My fourth blog anniversary is coming up this month and I thought I'd do something special! I've had this idea for a while, and it seemed to fit in with the overall mood of my blog, so...drum roll please.....I'm throwing a party! 

Well, a virtual party, anyway. A muse party! Where you and your muse can come and we can all have some fun and get to know each other.

It's pretty simple! The Muse Party Blogfest will happen on Monday, May 25. I will be hosting a party and you and your muse can come! On that day you can post on your blog and answer the questions I've provided. I'll be answering them as well and of course visiting all of the blogs who participate! 

If you don't have a muse or you just don't want to bring them, feel free to bring a character from one of your books (published or not!). I'm hoping this will be a fun way to express your own tastes and maybe to get to know your muse a little better!

Here are the questions: 

1. Who is your muse (or character)? Tell us a little bit about him/her and why you brought them. 

2. What are you guys wearing? Dressing up or keeping it casual?

3. It's a potluck! Did you bring something yummy?

4. Open bar! What are you both drinking (booze or otherwise)? 

5. Wallflowers or social butterflies? 

6. What song(s) will you and your muse sing for karaoke?
7. What's your favorite party game?

8. Which one of you is more likely to end up dancing on a table top?
9. Has your muse been a good date and would you ever hang out with them again? 

Feel free to also add on any other details you'd like to share!

Sign up on the Linky List below if you'd like to participate! If you need more persuading, stop back here on Monday. My co-host for the party may have a few things to say...