Downtown YA

True Confessions: Gas Station Conversations

2012-02-22T01:35:00.002-05:00

In my continuing series of posts about my eavesdropping exploits, I want to highlight one of the best places to hear great male conversations. Don’t know if you’ve noticed but guys love to hang out and talk at the gas station. Most women hit and run but guys definitely tend to buy drinks, snacks and linger. As I always sleuth for convincing male dialog —the gas station is my go to place to snag some great lines. Like this conversation. After a slow start, I sensed there’d be a big pay off so I made sure to fill up my car and wash my windows!

“Hey man, nice wheels.”

“Thanks. Spent a whole year fix’n her up. Almost done.”

“I can tell. Can I check out the inside?”

“Sure. Had the seats done in TJ but think they came out pretty good.”

“Great looking leather.”

“Yeah, I paid extra for them not to use road kill.”

“Worth every penny.”

“Still have some engine work to do but rides great.”

“I’ll bet on those rims.”

“Spent two pay checks on em.”

“Totally worth it. Makes your car look like a million.”

“You say‘n my car’s a piece of crap?”

“No, Dude. You did a great job. Wish I had something as cool.”

“Stop messing with me. You’re driv’n a Porsche Turbo. Must have cost at least 100 grand.”

“Yeah, but your car’s vintage. Classic muscle car. Chicks dig that.”

“Better than a Porsche? No way.”

“You’d be surprised. I don’t get lucky as much as you think.”

“Doesn’t look like you’re doing too bad by the looks of your girl. She’s hot.”

“Thanks, but that’s my Mom.”

So the next time you are looking for some genuine male dialog head to the gas station. You might run across a winner like this one.

Anne

annevan1111@blogspot.com

Do You Read a Book Because of the Cover?

2012-02-21T06:06:00.031-05:00

I am kind of fixated on covers this week, because my cover is up for an award on two websites. The first one, AlternativeRead.com opened February 11th and I didn't even realize it. The voting is going on now:

You go to the website and scroll down past my cover to the comments section. Your comment is a vote. Don't worry, you can vote for other covers too!

The second one where my cover is up for an award is YouGottaReadCovers.com and that one starts today. For this one I think you vote on the the number you want. Mine is #5.

All of this attention on covers makes me think about why people will want to read a book. Certainly, I am drawn to read a book from the cover, but I have read books with very plain covers and have wanted to read them for another reason. The thing is, books that are ebooks might need an extra boost, because the reader is unable to browse through the book as you would a print book. Sometimes, I like to read more than the first page. I will skim through a book to see what kinds of situations are going to happen. Then there are times when I don't even look past the first page. This is good for ebooks, because they usually include a first chapter for the reader to see before you buy the book.

I don't know how many of you were here when I agonized over my cover. When the cover artist, the talented and special Kaytalin Platt, sent me my first cover the present cover was the image I saw. At the moment I saw it I felt something. It was like a lifting of my heart, but in my mind this was not the cover I had wanted. I felt my story was a little lighter and this cover to me was too dark. I dickered about using it and drove my CA and my publisher to the wall about this. I am a very picky person and since this was my very first published novel I wanted it to be the way I had it in my mind. Then suddenly, after much discussion and seeing the opinions of the head CA and my publisher I decided to go with this cover. Then, of course, as soon as I decided on it, I fell in love!! Now I'm so in love with my cover I can't even remember when I disliked it.

The real test of a cover is how well readers like it. So when I displayed this cover for the first time the response was so positive and so many people commented that I realized this was the right one. In many cases, this cover has caused people to buy my book. Also, when I showed this cover to a bestselling author she wanted to read it.

A cover can influence the sales of your book as I found out with my experience. Now, I love the cover so much that I have entered it in two different contests. So far I am ahead in one and I hope you will get a chance to vote for it. I now use my cover as my icon, because i love it that much!!

How do you feel about book covers? Does the cover of a book make you want to read it? How many books have you read because of the cover? Until the 7th of March enjoy the rest of February, which though a very short month seems to be the longest to get through!

My Year in Publishing

2012-02-19T09:44:00.000-05:00

Greetings All!

I recently read a blog written by Arthur Slade (YA writer) about his year’s experience of putting his books up as Ebooks. He did well, overall. Here is the link to his blog if you want to read more: http://arthurslade.blogspot.com/

My one year anniversary of publishing is coming up on March 15^th. That’s the day I put up my YA faerie book, AINE on Amazon. I don’t have cool graphics to display like Arthur Slade does and I don’t have the sales he does but I didn’t do too bad overall. The best seller by far is AINE with FITZROY: THE BOY WHO WOULD BE KING coming in second. FAERIE FOLK is third, WITCH HUNTER is fourth, THE FAERIE CHRONICLES is fifth, INTERLUDE is sixth, PLEASE TO SEE THE KING is seventh and NINA is eighth. My two published books by small publishers, THE CRAZY NURSE and IF IT’S MONDAY, IT MUST BE MURDER were not included. I also didn’t include my free children’s book on Nook and Smashwords, CALLIOPE CAT either although I do have an excess of over 200 downloads of it Am I happy? YES! So, thank you, readers. May you continue to enjoy my books as much as I enjoy sharing them with you!

My current book news is that I am revising and resubmitting an 85K fantasy novel (not YA) to a publisher who is interested in it. I don’t know if they’ll take it even after the edits are done but I am keeping my fingers crossed.

I am still awaiting the cover for LORE OF FEI. I now have a cover designer and we have agreed on a picture. I can’t wait to share it with you!

I finished writing a 2K word short story about zombies for an anthology and submitted it for possible publication. It’s about a secret government agency who’s been preparing for the zombie apocalypse for years. It’s more of a serious story. My zombie novel is on the back burner for now.

I will be querying my contemporary YA novel this coming week to agents. I hope someone is interested!

I finished formatting my NaNoWriMo vampire novel and am getting it ready to put up on Kindle. I do have two agents I queried about it so I have to wait to see if they are interested in it before I put it up. If they pass, I’ll put it up. I have the cover ready to go. I am thinking of putting it on Kindle Select just to see what happens with it. I know some people have had success with the Kindle Select program and some haven’t so I will be curious to see how the vampire novel does. If I’m not able to put it up (because an agent likes it---OMG) then I’ll put up something else. Possibly my zombie novel I am currently writing.

I am eagerly awaiting the second round cuts in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award which is coming up on Feb. 24^th. I am also awaiting the second round of Crystal Kite awards, my historical fiction YA, FITZROY: THE BOY WHO WOULD BE KING is nominated.

And that’s my writing news for February! Don’t forget to keep following me on Twitter, Facebook and on my website at http://www.gaelicfairie.webs.com for all my latest news. I update at least one of them once a day.

Take Care,

Until Next Time,

Kathleen

Will You Stand By Your Words?

2012-02-17T22:51:00.001-05:00

How many of you have written or started writing a story knowing full well you would be expecting criticism and flak from others? Did you stick to your guns? I have. The novels I have written thus far began on one road before taking a slight detour along the road of improvement, enhancing the story despite disapproval and condemnation.

From friends? Family? Fellow authors? Yep.

In fact, my fellow author’s critiquing did nothing but help me. For some of my friends, they fussed when story elements had to be changed from its original conception. They worried more about themselves than the idea that a story coming to fruition that they had a part in.

Did I deviate? Nope. Did I feel bad? Nope.

What about those coming against the content of the story? Did I veer from my intended goals? Not at all. I knew there was a reason to write. I knew there was a reason I was blessed to write; to share an entertaining story to others with a message, especially YA. I was not going to conform to what others said just to appease them, and neither should you. If there is a reason deep in your heart to scribe, or paint, or sculpt, or speak. Our First Amendment rights give us the unique ability to write and speak on almost any subject in a variety of different methods. Some authors are calm as can be, writing children’s books and such, while others push the limit of what is allowed in print. The neat thing as an author, we can take topics considered taboo in certain societies and weave the concepts into a special world where ‘said’ topic becomes tolerable, readable, and at times educational.

I guess the bottom line of this short blurb today is to not let anyone deter you from what is on your heart. Write what is given to you, the passion delving in your mind, the urgency to scribe into words feelings haunting you since day one. Like Nike says, just do it.

Take care,

Nick

relicsofnanthara.weebly.com

nuclearfist.weebly.com

Do You Know Jeanette Marie?

2012-02-15T02:32:00.005-05:00

So many people enjoyed Jeanette Marie's blog, when she visited Sandra's Blog, I'm re-posting it here at Downtown. I think you'll enjoy it too.
I'm also pleased to mention that Jeanette will be a regular at DowntownYA. She'll be posting on the 29th of each month.
Here's Jeanette's post:
~*~
I’m currently an assistant for New York Times best-selling author Alyson Noёl, which means I get to help one of the nicest and coolest authors on the planet with administrative tasks and PR outreach, which can include everything from selecting SWAG items to scheduling interviews with reporters.
Over the past few years working with Alyson, I’ve learned a lot about the publishing industry. Perhaps the greatest thing I’ve learned from Alyson is perseverance. Her personal road to publication is truly amazing (she worked on her first book for more than 15 years before it got published).
Life without Harry Potter would be pretty boring, wouldn’t it?

If every writer who received a rejection gave up, the shelves at your local bookstore would look a little plain and empty right now. That’s what’s so great about this business—it’s a marketplace of ideas. And there’s always room on the shelf for another great idea.

I’m an aspiring author myself and, as I’m sure most writers can attest, the publication process can feel a lot like playing the lottery--

Step 1 - Write awesome book.
Step 2 - Query awesome agents.
Step 3 - Cross your fingers and hope you have the winning ticket.

Your email is then crashed by a flurry of requests for your book and you skyrocket to #1 on the NYT bestseller list.

Okay, so it only happens like that in the Hollywood movie version.

There’s no doubt that the publishing industry is challenging, and building a career as a successful author takes a lot more than winning a golden ticket. When I was a teenager, my dad always told me no one was going to knock on my door and offer me a job. If you want a job, go out and get it. If it doesn’t exist, create it.

So if “author” is the career you want, go for it. And don’t let anybody stop you.

Read. Write. Revise. Repeat.

Don’t stop revising that book and sending out query letters until someone says yes to you.

If aspiring authors gave up and took “no” for an answer we wouldn’t have…

Life without Harry Potter would be pretty boring, wouldn’t it?

If every writer who received a rejection gave up, the shelves at your local bookstore would look a little plain and empty right now. That’s what’s so great about this business—it’s a marketplace of ideas. And there’s always room on the shelf for another great idea.

Alyson has donated a signed copy of Everlasting to one random commenter, so be sure and add your email addie.

Keeping Love Alive

2012-02-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

So what do you do to keep romance alive? Make special dates, take getaways, tell others of your love, do special things to nurture the relationship? Do you pick out gifts to surprise that special someone? Do you have fun together?

Ah, I thought so. Now think about those things for a minute in relation to your writing. You do love writing, don't you? So why not treat your writing to the same wonderful activities you use to keep your passion going strong?

Make special dates. Don't just squeeze writing into the time left over after all your other obligations are met. Set aside precious time to spend with your loved one. Write it on the calendar, and don't let any other activities steal that time. You wouldn't break a date with that special someone. Give your writing the same respect.

Take getaways. Whether it's conferences, writers' retreats, or just weekends alone where you and your muse commune, it's important to have writing vacations. You'll come back energized and more in love than ever.

Tell others of your love. Share your passion. Let people know you're a writer. It doesn't matter whether or not you're published, if you're working on a story, an article, or a novel, you're a full-fledged writer. You wouldn't wait until you're married to tell people about the special person in your life. You wouldn't say it wasn't a "real" relationship until you had legal papers to prove it. So why hide your writing until it's "official"? Publishing credits don't make you a writer any more than a wedding ring makes you a lover. Those are outer symbols of inner truth. It may take years before your relationship turns into marriage, and it may take years before your writing gets published. Celebrate the love now. And be proud enough of your passion to tell the world.

Nurture the relationship. Do you light candles for atmosphere? Spend time gazing into each others' eyes? Try it with your muse. Spend time talking heart to heart with your characters (OK, so don't do this when other people are around, or they might have you committed), but find ways to have private trysts with your muse and/or your characters. You'll get a chance to get to know each other intimately, and these private times together will result in a much more productive relationship.

Give your love gifts. Do you pick up little surprises for that special someone? You know just what will delight your significant other. What would thrill your muse? Maybe it's a new computer or a particular writing conference. If those are out of your budget, what about a gorgeous new notebook, an unusual color pen, a research book from the library, or even a single flower on your writing desk? Surely you can find ways to surprise and delight your creative side. You'll find it will pay off because your muse will reciprocate. And what could be better than gifts from your muse?

Relieving wrist and arm pain: Exercises for writers + Bonus booklet–

2012-02-13T07:14:00.005-05:00

As the title states - this blog is about pain relief for writers - the easiest way ever. But before I get into that, I want to make note of an great FREE 166 page booklet recently made available by NINC (Novelists Inc.) Forgive me if you already have it or know about it. Maybe I'm just the last one to know about this???

However,if you happen to be like me and just finding out - this book will prove to be a great gift. It's entitled 'Comprehensive Guide to the the New world of Publishing' and it's obviously a guide to e-publishing. But best of all it's written in language even I can understand. Now that's worth my love...

So now on to the main event...

I don’t know about you, but I, and many other authors I know, suffer terribly with hand problems. It seems to go with the industry. These days, as never before really, we have to produce enormous amounts of work in a relatively short time.
And it takes its toll. On our backs, our bodies in general, our arms, our necks, our eyes, hands and fingers.

For me one of the most stressful is the hands and fingers. Actually it’s almost the entire arm thing. I get horrific pain right down my forearms, through my wrists and into my hands.

I’ve tried many things to get some relief – and three things have been successful. One of those though, rates just a tad above the other because it’s instantaneous, effective and I don’t have to leave my office.

So, what are my Top Three Relievers for arm/wrist pain?

• Acupuncture
For me it was very effective. Takes some time though as the treatment itself takes more than an hour. I like that it lasts for several months. I’d certainly recommend it if you get to a stage where nothing else works.

• Chiropractic
I love chiropractic care and I love Lisa McKee, my chiropractor. Chiro has kept me walking for years when traditional medicine said I should have been in a wheelchair after a bad car accident years ago. I owe it and my practitioners a heap.

• Exercise
This is the one I want to focus on today. These actually came from my chiro Lisa and I’ve been extolling the virtues – hers and the exercises – for years.

What to do:
Part 1
1. Extend right arm straight out in front.
2. Hand must form an upward right angle. (I.e, as in ‘speak to the hand’. Got it?)
3. Place your left hand over the fingers of the right.
4. Push these fingers back towards your shoulder.
5. Hold for a count of ten.
6. Repeat 5 times.
7. Extend left arm straight out in front
8. Copy the exact directions above (3,4,5,6) this time using your right hand to glasp the left.
9. Repeat this exercise several times throughout the day - especially when in pain.

Part 2
1. Extend right arm straight out in front.
2. Lower fingers toward floor – so that your hand is at right angles again to your body
3. Using the left hand, glasp those right-hand fingers and push them back towards your body.
4. Hold for a count of ten.
5. Repeat 5 times.
6. Extend left arm straight out in front
7. Copy the exact directions above (2,3,4,5) this time using your right hand to glasp the left.
8. Repeat this exercise several times throughout the day - especially when in pain.

If you’re doing this correctly you’ll feel those contracted muscles extend – and it will hurt a bit. Maybe even a lot. You’ll feel the pull, the resistance. For me, part two hurts more. I can feel that pull along the top part of my forearm. Agony and then ecstasy...

I’m not going to tell you, however, that I know all the medical reasons this works – but I know it does extend certain muscles that are continually placed in a contracted position due to the nature of our work. I imagine it aids circulation as well.

What I DO know is that it works. Not just for me, but for literally dozens – maybe hundreds – of other authors I’ve shared this with.

Good luck, I hope it works! Let me know and if you have any other exercises that would aid writers – please let me know!

(And forgive me for this being a little late, today. We've been experiencing a slew of electrical storm down here in my part of Oz - and the power keeps getting blown out...)

Focusing on Charaters

2012-02-12T03:00:00.000-05:00

Today I wanted to talk about characters. Specifically, how to make our characters jump off the page by using their character traits to SHOW not TELL the story.

I went to a fabulous writer's workshop a while ago, taught by Amy Koss. In this workshop, she talked about using character traits as a way of showing the story. For example, if you have a character in your story that is "lazy", don't describe him as lazy. Instead have him speak and move and act in a lackadaisical way.

I know, nothing new here. This is stuff we have heard. But honestly, it is NOT something I do as well as I would like to.

To help "teach" the point during the workshop, Amy had us make a list of our primary and secondary characters in a current WiP. We then had to come up with one or two words to describe the main attributes of the character. She suggested having this list written or printed where we could refer to it often as we revise our manuscripts.

Wow! What a powerful exercise. I have to say, this simple process has not only helped me maintain my characters voices in my current projects, but it has also really helped be zero in on my characters.

Here is a sample of the list I created during that workshop for one of my projects, TRANSCEND:
Ien - submission, insecure
Erik - confident, dominating
Katherine - controlling, scared
Kiera - untouchable, free
James - loyal
Sister Anne - passively controlling, illusive

This list literally lives on a 3x5 card I pulled out throughout the revision process. This is a strategy I now use at the beginning of my drafting, rewriting it as the character grows and develops in my mind. It is a godsend to me in the revision process, and one I hope will be helpful to you guys as well.

Try it out for yourself and let me know what you discover.

Geekalegal: DOJ investigates!

2012-02-11T13:48:00.000-05:00

When I was a 'trash lawyer' (aka I worked for many wonderful years for a waste disposal company) we had more than a few anti-trust cases brought against us. Even after seeing some of the more famous quotes end up in the Sopranos tv show, it has always been interesting to watch how the government focuses on a particular industry's (alleged) efforts to monopolize a market. Now it is the publishing world's turn, and wow, it is going to be interesting!

Recently the United States Department of Justice confirmed it has joined a European Commission's investigation into E-book pricing, including looking into the practices of Apple, Inc. and their negotiations with publishers when they first came out with the iPad. The EU Commission has included Hachette Livre, owned by Lagardère SCA; News Corp.'s HarperCollins Publishers Inc.; Simon & Schuster of CBS Corp.; Pearson PLC's Penguin; and Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holzbrinck.

How did this happen? When Amazon first started selling e-books, it sold them at a consumer friendly price, taking the cut on the profit margin, to spur the growth and sales of e-books, much to the chagrin of the publishers and of course, ultimately diminishing sales of the hardbound or paperback trade. It began the end of the publishing industry as it had been for many decades, a tale that is seen repeatedly in the IP world when technology appears.

When Apple entered the market with its iPad it changed the marketing strategy again, to gain an edge on what was a competitive, 'wholesale model'. Apple negotiated with the publishers tosell the e-books as part of their iPad launch, and at the same price, or pretty close to it, in exchange for 30% of the profit, putting e-books back on the same price base as the hardbound/pbk. This gave the publishers leverage against Amazon who had to then agree to their terms. This is called agency-pricing. It also takes away the ability to compete and offer better prices to consumers.

It is a potential violation of the anti-competition laws of the United States, most states, some treaties and other countries. Note I said potential. I'm no antitrust expert, and this is why there is an investigation by the European Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, and at least two states (Texas and Connecticut, to date). There is a class-action suit filed in California, and if I could get my Pacer account to work (wouldn't you know a geekalegal would have techno issues this morning!) I'd tell you more about it, so I'll just have to update on that one. One article noted that Steve Jobs, before his death, admitted to the agreements with the publishers, but how that will be viewed legally is a determination for the investigators and Courts.

So why write about something that is still 'in investigation' and all about the money? Because that is the core of any business, and certainly the core of the publishing business. It is one reason I went back to get an LLM in Intellectual Property & Internet Law, because of the changing legal issues as this giant industry moves into a new world.

Whenever there have been major changes to the laws, it has mostly come with changes in technology. We have all watched as the technology of e-books has filtered into the traditional publishing world. The business paradigm has changed, we will be watching the law change with it. These investigations make sure that the playing field is level for the consumers, the readers.

We've watched as authors, some professional organizations and others have fought to keep e-publishing rights in tact, viable or even reformed in a contract. It boils down to profit margins, ultimately it is always about the money. I for one, am hoping for the transformation of an industry that recognizes the changing times, and comes up with some creative business plans to make the publishing world both adaptable to the ever changing technology and profitable for the entire commerce stream. I have some ideas on how that could happen, and maybe will write about them sometime here. In the meantime, I'll be watching for news on these investigations and keeping you updated. We always hope that there is no fire behind the smoke, and Jobs' own alleged statements to the contrary, it would be nice to think that there was no collusion and violation of anti-competition laws by the publishers that would make it impossible for Amazon or others to compete in the e-publishing world.

What was up in the Soprano show? Oh some sort of statement like “We'll squash them like a bug”.... Now those were the days my friends! Happy writing.

Testing Out the Pitch: What to Write Next

2012-02-09T13:19:00.005-05:00

I’m teaching an online mystery course for Low Country Romance Writers and the first lesson was on the concept of the book or the pitch. Although the pitch is often presented as the end result for getting an agent or a publisher, it is also a great way to test your overall concept in the beginning. Wonderful online resources for writing a concept are:

http://thedarksalon.blogspot.com/2011/10/nanowrimo-prep-whats-your-premise.html

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/how-to-hook-a-reader-and-never-let-go/

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2011/12/writing-killer-loglines.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+QueryTracker+%28QueryTracker+Blog%29

http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2011/11/01/structure-part-5-keeping-focused-nailing-the-pitch-understand-your-seed-idea/

Lately, I’m full of ideas, but which one to center on? I have to admit that one of my criteria is, which would publishers be most interested in? My mother is visiting, and her response was, “You have too much of an emphasis on getting published and not enough on writing because you want to write.”

I do want to write, and I do write – every day in some form or another. But my argument to her is that every writer I know, both in person and on-line, has the goal of getting recognized through publication and being paid.

Here are my recent ideas in concept form:

A cozy mystery series combining culinary and paranormal elements: A scone recipe handed down from her Irish in-laws sparks Elle Dakin’s new home baking business when her husband is laid off. Elle’s recipes have the magical power to get people to say the truth, which can sometimes leads to murder. As well as her scone baking, Elle finds another avocation -- solving these murders in her small town near the Shenandoah Mountains.

Dark YA: After seventeen year old, bi-racial Wanda, born with HIV transmitted from her now-dead mother, nearly dies from a cutting episode, she finds that she has developed the paranormal ability to stop sexual assaults in progress, punishing offenders by infecting them with HIV. When a decent boy finally shows interest in her, Wanda finds it difficult to keep up her double-life, even as a serial rapist escalates to murder and must be stopped.

YA: Seventeen year old American Jane Austen blogger, on a Jane Austen society treasure hunt, time travels to Regency days and discovers a murder and a lost Jane Austen manuscript, which she investigates while trying out for her high school production of Pride and Prejudice opposite the popular yet stuck-up Senior who will play Darcy.

What if you never did get published or not by a “big six New York” publisher? Would you keep writing?

Are there any ideas I’ve posed above that are novels you would like to read?

True Confessions Part Two: Bathroom Conversations

2012-02-08T01:59:00.000-05:00

In my last post I confessed that one of my favorite pastimes is eavesdropping. I have a little book where I scribble down the random conversations I hear. Terrific inspiration for my writing!

This time I’m going to feature a conversation I heard in a bathroom at the airport. Normally, I try to get in and out quickly so I can catch my flight with time to spare. But this conversation had me lingering to the point that I almost missed my plane!

“So where are you headed?”

“Cleveland.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“Yeah, not the most glamorous place on earth.”

“Do you live there?”

“No. My boyfriend does.”

“You must be excited to see him.”

“Not really.”

“So you guys have been together for a while?”

“Only about a year, but I’m done.”

“So you’re flying all that way to break up with him?”

“Kind of.”

“Well, couldn’t you just do it in a text? Save you some cash.”

“I needed to be with him one more time.”

“Oh, so he’s good in bed.”

“Not really. He’s kind of got a small package.”

“Then why?”

“Because every time I see him he buys me something expensive.”

“Like what?”

“Oh, he’s bought me designer clothes, jewelry, a BMW.”

“Wow, sounds like you’ve got it pretty good.”

“Yeah, this time he promised to get me a house.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“I’m trying to get an upgrade to a mansion. Then I’ll dump his ass.”

So the next time you are at the airport and you stop to use the bathroom, don’t forget to listen in on the conversations. You might just catch a fun exchange like this.

Anne

annevan1111@blogspot.com

Hard Decisions

2012-02-05T09:44:00.000-05:00

Blog of Feb. 5, 2012

Greetings All!

I had to make a difficult decision a couple of weeks ago. I terminated my relationship with my agent. I wasn’t sure I was doing the right thing but after several weeks----and I do mean weeks---of thinking about it, I decided to do it. Will I get another agent? Maybe. I’m going to try but if I don’t that’s okay, too. The agent just wasn’t a right fit for me. Maybe the next one will be.

I submitted THE VIDDEN, my YA Dystopian with zombies to the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in January and I am awaiting the second round picks on Feb. 24^th!!!! *fingers crossed*

I am still on the lookout for my next project. I thought I had one but it fizzled out. I want to do another YA so there you go.

*INSPIRATION HITS * Two days later: Yeah, I stared a new WIP with zombies, witches and ghosts in it. It’s definitely YA and it has humor in it. It’s not a serious-The Walking Dead-type novel and it’s not quite Zombieland either. My zombies are warm---well, you know what I mean---fuzzy zombies. They aren’t really fuzzy. You get the drift, right? They aren’t scary although they can be.When I write I have a tendency to write it all down in one fell swoop and then go back and edit as needed so I am on the writing roll right now.

I am behind on my “read a book a day for 2012.” It’s Feb. and I have only read 18 to date as of today. I have some coming up on Kindle I want to buy as soon as they’re released. I hope to catch up soon but if I don’t I know I’ll catch up by the end of the year.

I spent a couple of hours looking at pix to use in the LORE OF FEI book trailer I want to do. I have the music picked out. All I need is the cover design and I’ll put it up on You Tube. Oh, and I found the perfect zombie picture for my new zombie book. If I decide to put it up myself, I’ll use it. I am thinking about doing the Kindle Select KDP program for one book just to see what happens. I think my new WIP would be perfect for it. But, first I have to finish it and edit it!

I had the pleasure of speaking to a high school creative writing class this past month and it was so much fun! I chatted about my writing process, writing my first novel WITCH HUNTER, different genres of fiction and taught them how to do a story map. I read them one of my flash fiction stories. I did a giveaway with several of my YA books and the students asked me to autograph them!!! That was a surprise but a great one! I spent 15 minutes answering their questions and got everything from: Where do you get your ideas from? To: What kind of an animal are you? A couple came up to me after class and asked me more questions. The teacher sent me an email and said other students from different classes (not in creative writing) came into her classroom asking if there were any books left! I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

I also started a new part-time job (not in writing) and I am so tired from working but I needed to find something to help pay my rent while my writing takes off *like a rocket, please*

I am looking forward to teaching an online writing workshop in March and I will write about it then. Go here to register: http://www.novelistsatwork.com/ It starts on March 5^th and the title is: Writing the YA Novel. As the date gets closer, I’ll put the info on my website at: www.gaelicfairie.webs.com

Until Next Time, Take Care,

Kathleen

Calendar Malfunction

2012-02-03T08:30:00.003-05:00

Or else a malfunction in my ability to read calendars...

I knew I had a blog post due today. It's the 3rd of the month, and I post on the 3rd and 17th. I have it written down on my calendar and on the list I keep of group blogs to which I contribute.

And yet somehow I didn't get the post done for today. I could have sworn I'd done it; I usually try to have my posts ready a couple days in advance, thanks to the feature that allows us to pre-schedule things. But for some reason apparently I hadn't done that this time.

Honestly, sometimes I swear I have a brain like a steel sieve. I plan so many things and have so many commitments that occasionally, even with reminders all over the place, I forget.

But at least I remembered before the day's over, and since I'm in the Eastern time zone I'm not even all that late.

How do you keep track of your commitments and plans? Have you ever forgotten something important, or something that might not have been so important but that it was a bit embarrassing to forget? (Like your own birthday...I've done that a couple times, and it isn't because I don't want to get older. LOL.)

Murphy In the Paw Paw Patch

2012-02-01T03:59:00.001-05:00

Friend and fellow-author Ruth Hartman has just published her first children's book. For those of you with young ones, grandchildren, or nieces and nephews, this sounds like a winner to me. Here's where you can purchase it:

http://www.amazon.com/Murphy-Paw-Paw-Patch-Ruth-Hartman/dp/1935817205/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322682840&sr=1-1

http://www.turquoisemorningpressbookstore.com/collections/childrens/products/murphy-in-the-paw-paw-patch

And here's what the story's about:

Murphy the cat is different. And he doesn’t like it! All the other cats have paw pads. But he was born without them. Will Murphy’s journey to find some at the Paw-Paw Patch fulfill his dream?

~*~

I love cats. They’ve always been a huge part of my life. There’s one sitting on my lap as I type this, in fact. And the way he’s curled in a perfect ball with his paw covering his face, he’s not going anywhere for a while. So that means, neither am I.J

Way back when, I took a course on writing children’s books from the Institute of Children’s Literature. “Murphy in the Paw-Paw Patch”, in an earlier form, was what I wrote for one of my assignments. It’s gone through lots of changes over the years and was submitted to countless publishers. No takers.

But Turquoise Morning Press, a publisher of several of my romances, had started a children’s book section. Murphy found a home with them earlier this year. From the time I took that course, I always wanted to write a children’s book. And it had to be about a cat. It had to! There’s never been a time in my life when I haven’t had at least one of the little furballs hanging around, and I hope there never will be.

I’d always heard the term paw-paw patch, although I’ve never seen one. One day, though, I decided it would be funny if the paw-paw patch had something to do with paws. Animals paws. Cat paws. Yep. My story was born.

Murphy the cat was born without pads on his paws. He sees all of the other cats running, skipping and doing cartwheels. But he can’t do those things. It hurts his feet since he’s padless. He takes a journey to a place called the paw-paw patch. His adventure leads him not only to his dream, but he makes a friend, Oliver the owl along the way.

I hope you’ll enjoy reading this story to your children, as much as I enjoyed writing and illustrating it.

Do You Make Any of These Mistakes?

2012-01-28T04:30:00.000-05:00

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I'm going to don my editor's hat for a moment to talk about a few mistakes that authors make that date their manuscripts and let editors know that it's a been a while since they've brushed up on grammar and punctuation. Young writers should be learning these rules in their classrooms.

Let's see how up-to-date you are:

I always put all periods and commas inside quotation marks.

You may have been taught that the following is correct: Whenever I read the poem "Leaves", I cry. Nope, not any more. The correct way to write that sentence is Whenever I read the poem "Leaves," I cry. The old rules no longer apply. Every single comma and period goes inside quotation marks. No exceptions. Yeah, it's sad, but true.

I always type only one space after a period.

If you put two spaces between your sentences, editors figure you were probably trained on a typewriter rather than a computer. Have you ever noticed those green squiggly lines between sentences when you have grammar check on? The computer is warning you that you should only be using one space after a period. Computers automatically adjust the amount of space between words and sentences; typewriters did not. Do your editor a favor and send your manuscript in with only one space after every period. It's amazing how many authors, even multi-pubbed ones, are unaware of this. Believe me, your copy editor will love you.

I use "an" only before words that begin with a silent "h."

If a word begins with an "h" that is sounded out, use "a." For example, "an herb" is correct. So is "a historical building." Not what you learned in school? It's time to brush up on your grammar and punctuation. English is a growing and changing language. Writers, who use the language daily, should keep up with those changes.

If you've been out of school for a while or if you answered no to any of the statements above, pick up a copy of the Chicago Manual of Style. It's what most publishing houses use to edit manuscripts.If you weren't aware of these new rules, you may want to check out the CMoS website and glance through their "Significant Rule Changes in The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th Edition." Many of the changes above were found in the 15th edition. The 16th has additional changes. You can also sign up for the online version. Then when you have a question about grammar or punctuation, you can look it up. It's well worth the price.

Launch time – well almost...

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hi again – great to be back.
This time I come to you for advice...
But first, I just thought I’d update you on what’s happening on the other side of the world. ...

Yesterday was our national day – Australia Day. Typically, it’s a day of bbqs and picnics , boating and various public festivals. Sadly, it’s not a day I love because that day always signals the near end of our summer break. This year it was indeed the end. In my state, teachers return today, and school resumes on Monday. It means back to work for me – and as always presents a huge stress as to how I juggle everything - and still keep up my 3k word daily output. I’ll keep you posted on that...

We’re about two thirds through summer, though this year hasn’t been typical. It’s been cool and damp, with the odd scorcher thrown in. We’re more used to lots of scorchers, and I have to say I’ve missed them.

The sun’s peeking in through the slats of my wooden blinds this morning though, so I’m hopeful that after I’ve completed this and my words for the day, I’m going to be able to dive into that much ignored pool.

And no doubt most of you will be hoping to cuddle up by the fire. Isn’t the world an amazing place?

So, as said, this time I come to you all for advice...
You see, my next YA novel, Dead, Actually, will be released here in Oz on March 1st – yes, just a mere 5 weeks or so away. And I’m still planning the launch.
Here’s the blurb:

Willow's having a bad week. A dead body, a funeral and now she's being haunted by the star of it all, the dead queen of Ruth Throsby High herself, JoJo Grayson.
Being dead hasn't made JoJo any nicer. She's still venomous and vacuous and, unfortunately, determined to stick around unless Willow finds out what happened.
But the mysteries keep multiplying. There's a missing phone. An anonymous blackmailer. Dirty secrets that won't stay buried. And the blame is being cleverly pointed right at Willow.
The only good thing? The gorgeous Seth Pentecost. He's got his own agenda but it looks like he's going to help Willow out. Could JoJo's death be what it takes to finally bring Seth into Willow's life?

Sadly, at this stage, it’s not available in The States, but that’s something my agent is working on, so who knows and fingers crossed.

This book is special to me because, believe it or not, despite having over 60 books in print, I’ve never really had a big, proper glitzy launch. My other YA’s were released in the States and not out here, so while I celebrated, it seemed a bit pointless to host a launch for a book that wouldn’t be available for sale here.

And then the ones that were released here were smaller books and while we had small celebrations to send them off into the world, the timing was never right. I wasn’t here at release time, the dog needed de-fleaing - or I was having my hair washed that day... The excuses go on and on – but this time, I’m in the right place at the right time and we’re making the most of it.

The book is being published by Allen & Unwin, one of the biggest publishers here in Australia – and I couldn’t be more excited. They have been my dream publisher for eons and so far I haven’t been disappointed. So, how can I make the most of it?

I’m going to share the short synop so you know what it’s about – roughly – and I’m hoping you might be able to help me come up with some fabbo ideas.

The great thing is that I feel no guilt in coming to you because most of you won’t even be able to purchase it – so it’s not even remotely a sales pitch. It’s just what it is... A plea for your ideas on what you think:

A) makes a great launch
B) makes a disastrous launch
C) would be a fun thing to add
D) or maybe share the best launch you’ve ever been to
E) even share the worst

I’m not heaping all the responsibility on you. I ‘have’ done some research. My clever writer friend Angela Sunde, had a launch for her YA novel, Pond Magic (when you click the link above, go to her 2010 entries for some great pics) that featured a French theme. So she had all things French, of course. Food, music, girls dressed in berets. That was great fun. My theme? Dead....

Um Houston? I’m sensing a problem...

Another, Aleesah Darlison had a book set in Hawaii. It was for a series of books aimed at the 7-10 group, and at her launch the attendees came dressed in tropical garb. Very cool. Very colourful and very fun.

Yet another had the police commissioner launch her crime book. Call me unadventurous, but I can’t see a funeral director having the same wow factor or audience pull...

So, I’m throwing myself on your mercy. What would you do?

Times Are Changing...

2012-01-26T03:00:00.000-05:00

Spend any amount of time reading about the publishing industry and you know things are in flux. Big deals are still happening, yes. But authors have many avenues. Digital formats are becoming a larger piece of the puzzle and royalties may or may not be getting into thehands of authors as they should. Agents are diversifying, becoming e-publishers of their clients backlisted material. Midlist authors are struggling to find their place, as the publishers cut their marketing money, and brick and mortar stores cancel orders.

All of this just leaves authors scared, confused, and wondering:

“Should I consider self-publishing? Small presses?”

“Is this the right time to be in this crazy business?”

"Can I find an agent, editor, publisher?"

“What does the future hold?”

Some newbies are worried about their future as authors, and establishedauthors are just as concerned.

Personally, I think the change is all good for writers. We have more options then ever before. Digital format is bringing MORE books into the hands of readers. Small presses are bridging the gap for some authors who are struggling to find their path, but are not ready to consider self-publishing for various reasons. There is a place for every option.

Yes, it is a greattime to be a writer. That is, if you are willing to grow and change as well. The key, in my opinion, to thriving as a writer during this changingenvironment –

FLEXIBILITY.

Let me say it again – being flexible. In times like these, writers needto look at ALL of the options for getting their work into the hands of anever-hungry consumer. Diversification can help the new (or existing) authormake use of all of the options now available.

Maybe you can self publish a short story, use a small publisher for anotherwork, and go the traditional route with yet something else. The possibilitiesare endless.

So rather than be afraid or anxious about these uncertain times, embracethem. Now is a GREAT time to be a writer!

What do you guys think?

Geekalegal and the Supremes

2012-01-25T01:51:00.000-05:00

GEEKALEGAL

This isn't too geeky but it is definitely legal, and something all author's should know about. Last week the Supreme Court, in Golan v. Holder, ruled that Congress had the power under the Constitution to restore copyright to foreign works that had previously fallen under public domain in the United States. Sounds a bit strange? And what does this mean to you as an author?

A bit of history here. Prior to 1976 you had to go through formal hoops to receive copyright privileges under the statutes and that included the renewal extension. Many if not most foreign authors of original works did not comply with those formalities and their works fell into the public domain here, even though they were and are still protected in their own country. Under the Berne treaty, the U.S. agreed to give the same recognition to those authors as they had in their own native country. Since that treaty had no real enforcement clause, it wasn't until another set of negotiations when an agreement with trade sanctions came about that the U.S. was pressured into actual compliance with those terms. The legislation, the Paraguay Round Agreement Act (“URAA”). This legislation “restored” any foreign work that had not complied with the pre-1978 formalities or the pre-March 1989 notice requirements. This restoration was to whatever term they would have had under U.S. law.

The legal arguments as the case wound its way to the Supreme Court turned around the First Amendment, analysis of the treaties and the essence of what is copyright from a constitutional stance. The Supreme Court's opinion, as has been its trend over the past decisions, was supportive of Congress's right to legislate copyright as it sees appropriate. Here the Court said there was no time limitation on Congress for copyright, which I interpret simply as “If Congress can extend the time forward, then it can extend the time backwards.” The Court upheld the Statute, and thus a great chunk of foreign works fell out of the U.S. public domain.

I do think using the term “restoration” is confusing. How can you restore copyright to a work that never had it, and is in the public domain? Yet that is what has been done. I haven't read the treaties, but it seems that the more universal fairness approach would be to honor the copyright terms of whatever the author's country provides. What is even more confusing in reading the varied comments emerging on the recent case is the view that this legislation will have a chilling effect on creativity.

The law says that if someone is using a work that was in the public domain (e.g. such as say, an Alfred Hitchcock film) then there is a year grace period for a derivative work and then, if the author files a notice that this is a copyrighted work, one must cease or pay reasonable royalties. If someone is making money by reproducing a now copyrighted work, then after a year that must cease, unless of course copyright is assigned or some other agreement is attained.

For you as an author this could be problematic. What of the quotes and excerpts that once were so easy to use in a book? Now you and/or your editor or publisher must make sure that the work is still in the public domain, and free to use. Or find the copyright owner, get permission and/or pay for the right to use. The old adage, “When in doubt, don't” could well apply now. The problem with this is that it may be difficult to track down the copyright owner of some foreign works, to arrange the permission for use. It would be helpful if there were some sort of international clearing house for the many and varied works but the enormity of such a project makes that project costly. Yet at the same time, as copyright holders, we can sympathize with the owner of a foreign copyright that has to date, been refused the benefit of their work after complying with the laws of their own country. Would we want our own copyright from the U.S. to be honored elsewhere? How would you feel if your work was considered public domain in other countries simply because you didn't comply with the formalities of each and every nation?

One last analysis on this case for you to ponder. The Constitution provides that the purpose of Copyright is to encourage creativity and to promote the creation of new works. With this law, many of the works that were once in the public domain here in the United States, are now possibly out of reach due to the costs or impossibility of obtaining the copyrights. Does this mean the end of that Constitutional intent? Some authors believe that this ruling is the beginning of the end of public domain works and with that, a stifling of new works. Yet others believe that as an international community, we must give comity to the laws of other countries. Are we being arrogant Americans to want it all on our own terms with this, or is has the Supreme Court ignored the Constitution's simple mandate on copyright in an effort to avoid trade sanctions? Is there any balance between the two?

For now, as authors, you are in the tough position of making sure that if you use any quotes or work that you think is in the public domain, you double check to insure it is still available and free to use. Otherwise you might be infringing on a valid copyright.

See you next blog. As always, if you have any question, send me an email: ionamcavoy@gmail.com

The High Price of Low Cost: Why 99 Cents isn’t a bargain

2012-01-24T10:54:00.000-05:00

I was looking at feeds on Facebook when I came across this illustration by Kilu Zamana which, if you find it, is worth sharing on your feeds:

https://www.facebook.com/Chugamooc

I couldn't stop thinking about it days later because it brought home several points most authors don't like to talk about. Creative people often toil for years on work that may never find a home, and even when they do, the payment may not be in proportion to the time invested. We pay for classes, perfect the craft, attend conferences, invest in computers, printers, and all the supplies that go with it. We contribute to the bottom line at Apple, Dell and HP, at the art store, the office supply store, and the post office. While publishers pay salaries and benefits packages to their editors, marketing staff, I/T department, and clerical staffs — authors and illustrators (the engine behind those companies) work without retirement packages, health insurance, or paid time off.

Bottom line: businesses expect to profit off an artist’s work, but expect the content creator to give it to them for a negligible amount or worse -- free.

It's as if people believe that artists simply create beauty out of thin air. As if the talent exhibited requires no practice, no hard work and no investment in time or materials. Photographer John Mueller’s blog entry said it better than I could. He estimates that the cost of producing the photo shown on his blog was $6,612 (seen at this link:) This Photograph Is Not Free:

Mueller gives his breakdown as follows:

“$12 in gas to go from work to this spot and then home. The camera I took this with cost $2500. The lens was another $1600. The Singh Ray Reverse Neutral Density filter was $210. The Lee Wide-Angle Adapter and Foundation kit was another $200. The Slik Tripod was another $130. The shutter-release was another $60. When I got home, I uploaded it to a computer that cost me $1200, and then I used Lightroom 3 which I got for $200. I then exported it and tinkered with it in Photoshop which costs about $500."

I calculated the cost of creating FLOW at $5,000: a used Imac desktop, a printer and discount ink, internet access, software including the Adobe Suite, website and book trailer development, assistance with cover design, week-long writing retreats, conferences and professional memberships. If you count the value of hours spent writing and revising over two years, the cost is much higher even when calculated at minimum wage.

Prior to the Internet, e-books and digital delivery, authors made the least amount of revenue from their books. 10% of retail on average. Or less. The shift to digital delivery was supposed to change that. To give artists a fighting chance to earn a decent living from their work. To let content creators earn a fair percentage for their work. But as with all things, theory didn't match reality.

So what happened?

The market flooded with authors and publishers staking a claim in the new territory. It became harder and harder to stand out. It wasn’t good enough to simply offer a sample - indie authors began offering their books for 99 cent and then dropped them to "free" in the hopes of building an audience.

At 99 cents, Amazon takes most of it: 65 cents leaving the author with 34 cents per book. It the rumors are true, and Amazon adds a surcharge overseas, then Amazon makes $2.65 and the author still makes 34 cents. At free, Amazon and the author get nothing. All this for a book which - if printed, would retail for approximately $16.99-$19.99.

I followed the blog of a colleague who was honest enough to post the real numbers from his ebook sales in all venues. With multiple titles available he had distributed close to a half million copies when he made them available for “free” but only hundreds to a few thousand when he sold them at a $2.99 price point. His net after sales worked out to be less than minimum wage over the course of six months.

Which begs the question? Are we driving demand and reader expectation to the point where we won't be able to make a living from our work?

We don’t ask AMC or Cinemark to let us see a movie for free. We pay $9 or more for a combo meal that includes 5 cents worth of popcorn and 10 cents worth of carbonated syrup. We don’t ask for a refund for a $10 ticket if the movie sucked. We critique red carpet designer outfits worn by celebrities whose mansions we helped pay for with our ticket purchases.

But we often ask struggling artists to forgo a living wage because we somehow think that art should be free and that creativity comes without sweat or effort. Free art works if you have a trust fund to pay the bills. It doesn't if you have $50,000 in college debt from your art major.

99 cent isn’t cheap. It's the price point that will destroy the market and drive talented artists out of the business.

So how about this: once a month, support an author and or artist at a sustainable price: $2.99 or $3.99. That's the equivalent of a cup of coffee (or tea in my case). It’s less than a trip to a fast food restaurant. But it might mean the artist or author can make the rent, or keep the heat on. It might mean they can pay the tuition at college due after all the scholarships are accounted for. It might mean a decent meal instead of ramen noodles, a shot at a retirement plan, or money for health insurance.

It might save a life.

At $2.99-$3.99 an indie author makes about $2.00 - the same royalty $ they'd earn if their hardcover book sold at $19.99. The author remains viable, the reader gets the content at 80-90% off retail.

Once a month buy a reasonably priced ebook or piece of artwork from a not-so-famous person who deserves it. Someone who really works at craft, takes the process seriously, has skin in the game. At that price, you get a bargain and the content creator gets breathing room to keep creating work you love.

WE ARE THE 99% and survival means taking care of our own.

Live long and prosper.......H.C. Lawrence
http://www.iamflow.net

Generating Story Ideas

2012-01-23T08:07:00.001-05:00

For the last week, I’ve devoted myself to coming up with proposals for cozy mystery series, writing the series overviews and brief synopses of three books for each of the three series. Nine books in all! Hopefully, the literary agent who has requested to see them will like them. It was quite an exercise coming up with all those ideas, me who believes that ideas are her weakest point. How did I do it in less than a week? I wondered if I could break the process down, so that I could help other people.

1) I tried to play on some current trends – Jane Austen, blogging, hoarding, malti-poo dog breeds, scones, unemployment, cruises

2) Then some current controversies – McMansion subdivisions in undeveloped areas of natural beauty; whether pit bulls are inherently dangerous; puppy mills

3) Then I mixed in some of my own life circumstances – raising young children, facing the prospect of a job ending, having Irish relatives, adopting animals, and volunteering at an animal rescue with my daughter

4) I brainstormed suspects in each mystery by typing out a list of possibilities. By the time I reached five on my list, I usually had one, or I had to sit and let the list gel for awhile until I came back to it. By that time, I would usually have a clearer sense of what would work

5) I did research on the internet, following Chris Baty’s (National Writing a Novel in a Month) rule about setting a five-minute limit on research, otherwise it can take over, and you find yourself distracted from actually writing

6) I did research on my public library catalogue, putting holds on books that I thought would help with background information or fiction with similar topics that could inspire me

7) Once I had a first draft of a series, populated with the characters, and the basic outline of each book done, I would show it to my husband, my mother, and my critique partner. They each have different perspectives but all came at it from the “big picture” view rather than word-smithing. The added benefit of seeking their input was that it forced me to let ideas digest awhile longer, so that while I waited for their feedback, I was working on something else. When I went back in to add in their feedback, I had other tidbits of my own to mix in as well.

In all, this was a big accomplishment for me, coming up with so many ideas in such a short period of time and building them into a coherent form. How do you come up with ideas? What strategies work for you?

True Confessions

2012-01-22T02:49:00.001-05:00

True confessions: One of my favorite pastimes is eavesdropping on conversations.

I’m a very dialog driven writer, and I get so much inspiration from the little tidbits I overhear just doing my normal routine. Whether I’m at the grocery store, the mall, or out to dinner—I always find myself getting sucked into the conversations of the people around me. I’m a bit of a word sleuth, so I have a tiny little book that I use to capture the conversations. They are great for lending an authentic voice to my writing.

A word of warning: You have to be subtle or you might get caught. I’ve had a couple of close calls, but my book and pen are so small that I can stash them away quickly. Plus, it’s amazing what a pleasant smile and fast feet can save you from.

Here’s the first of a series of posts highlighting my favorite conversational tidbits.

The things you hear while shopping at the grocery store—especially the snack aisle!

“What are we doing here?”

“I need a sugar fix.”

“But I thought you wanted to fit into those awesome jeans you bought to impress Shawn?”

“No problem.”

“Umm, you’ve got about 5,000 calories in your hand.”

“You’re such a buzz kill. Okay, what about these?”

“Are you kidding me?”

“What’s wrong? They’re diet.”

“Right. Did you see the serving size? I know you won’t stop at one.”

“I’m beginning to question why I asked you to come with me.”

“Because you need a conscience.”

“Well, why don’t you take my conscience out to the car so I can buy these double chunk cookies in peace.”

So if you're ever stuck on dialog—get out there and eavesdrop. Just don't get caught!

Anne

anne.van.1111@blogspot.com

Ways to Promote Your Book!

2012-01-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

You've written your book and it's been out for a few months. When it first was released you probably had a big party and you went on a lot of blog tours. For me my book came out as an ebook, so I had a big blog party and then a book signing where I live and in a larger venue with book postcards. I then went on practically every writing group available to promote my book and now I get email from both LinkedIn and Facebook groups. Yet, the sales didn't really go up even though my reviews are 4 and 5 stars on both Amazon and Goodreads. I have over 1400 Facebook friends and I'm increasing my Twitter followers every day! However, I'm still not sure enough people know about my book and my sales rank on Amazon is way too low!!

So how I do I promote my book? I carry my book postcards around with me wherever I go. I tell anyone I meet about my book and give out a card that I sign for them. You would be surprised how many people are excited to meet a real author. This week so far I have given out four or five cards. I gave one to the eleven year old daughter of the cake maker I visited to get my daughter's birthday cake and signed it for her. Two weeks ago I gave a card to the nurse who helped me with my colonoscopy. Today I was with my daughter for her endoscopy and I started talking with these two women in the waiting room. I handed them each a card and told them I would sign it for them. They were so happy to see I was an author and they were thrilled to have me sign it for them. One of them wanted my website.

I have gotten some of my paperback books from my publisher and I plan to go to as many independent book stores as possible. I will also probably drop into the school that was interested in having me visit and bring them a copy. I have sent an ebook to the National Eating Disorders Association and I will be sending them a paperback copy for their library. I will be sending a goodie bag to a book fair and I continue to give out free copies on my blog and other people's blogs.

I think when you bring promoting your book into your daily life you can find lots of places where you can promote it. So next time you are wondering how you can promote your book think of using your own life and let the people with whom you come in contact with know you are an author.

My book, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor is the 2nd place winner of the Young Adult category of the Preditors and Editors Poll for Best Book of 2011. So, maybe this will bring up my sales. I do believe in doing things gradually, so maybe my one to one promotion will pay off for me.:) See if it works for you

Thoughts on 2012 So Far

2012-01-19T09:54:00.000-05:00

Blog of Jan. 19, 2012

Greetings All!

American Idol, the eleventh season began last evening. I’ve been watching it since the first season so, of course I wanted to watch the auditions. I had been having a not-so-great day so I wasn’t sure I wanted to watch it. Well, after I watched it I was inspired to continue to follow my dream because isn’t that what all of these people are doing? Following their dream? I may no longer be as young as they are but a dream is a dream and I am not going to give up on mine. My bad day turned itself around and I felt like I could conquer the world of writing again. After thinking about it I decided it was because I finished the last edit of my faerie novel, LORE OF FEI, set to be published in April, 2012 by Muse It Up Publishing. I am always sad when I finish a book. Does that ever happen to you?

I finished editing my YA Dystopian WIP. I think. *scratches head* In any case, I’m leaving it alone for a while. I am still deciding if I want to enter it in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award at the end of the month or not. LINK IS HERE: http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Novel-Award-Books/b?ie=UTF8&node=332264011

I entered FITZROY: THE BOY WHO WOULD BE KING last year and it made it through the quarterfinals. The issue I am having is if I enter it I can’t send it to my agent until June! Yikes! If I don’t enter it, I can send it to her right away and she can get started on sending it out to publishers/editors. So. . .what would you do?

I’ve been reading zombie books. And watching zombie shows/movies. In fact, The Fades, BBC ‘s new show about zombies came out Jan. 14^th and this is what I thought of it: Interesting but not taken with it right away. I’ll watch more of it to give it a chance. I mean, it is BBC America after all.

Of course I love the AMC show, The Walking Dead and can’t wait for the Feb. 12, 2012 debut of the next season. So, any “new” zombie show has to live up to my expectations of it being as good as TWD.

And I have to say that Resident Evil movies 1&2 are my fave zombie movies so far. I guess I prefer the more serious type zombie movies. Wait, isn’t that an oxymoron?

I placed #12 in the Preditors and Editor’s Readers Poll of 2011 for IF IT’S MONDAY, IT MUST BE MURDER and at #19 for FITZROY: THE BOY WHO WOULD BE KING. I am happy with the results. I was hoping to place in the top ten because then you get a cool badge for your website/blog/Facebook page. I am grateful for all those that voted!

I wrote a short story (8,000 words) in two hours, edited it and sent it out to a competition. I need to write more short stories. I like to write flash fiction but I haven’t written anything in a while. Give me a picture or a short phrase and I’ll write a story about it. I call these writing prompts. My short story was inspired by a nursery rhyme. I want to do more of these. They are fun and keep your writing chops sharp. Give me three words and I’ll write a flash fiction story about it. Any ideas?

I got invited to speak at a high school creative writing class about being a writer and I’m so excited! I am going to talk about my first novel, WITCH HUNTER and the process I went through to get it published. I have a mug with the cover on it and the book itself as a giveaway. The teacher can decide if she wants to do a raffle or not.

I changed my desktop screen saver to a sign that says: I AM A CERTIFIED WHOVIAN. I changed my FB profile pix to be: HOLD ON TIGHT AND PRETEND IT’S A PLAN. I’m also a Browncoat.

Take Care Until Next Time,

Kathleen

Creating Your Creative Paradigm

2012-01-18T10:10:00.003-05:00

Hey all,

I figured on sharing a neat post by a very successful and intelligent author, Randy Ingermanson. Yes, he gave me permission (see below). So, without delay...

Getting your first draft written is a major strategic goal in writing your novel. But how do you get there? You need what I call a "creative paradigm" -- a method for doing your creative work. Creation tends to be messy and chaotic and hard. Your first draft is all about creation. Once you've got your first draft written, you'll be able to focus on editing, which is a whole other game. But you'll never have anything to edit until you've first created it, so in this article, let's worry only about the creative part. When I was writing my book, WRITING FICTION FOR DUMMIES, my editor believed that there is one best creative paradigm to get that first draft done. She thought it was "obvious" that you should write an outline first, then write your novel sticking tightly to the outline. If that were the only possible creative paradigm, a lot of great books would never have been written. Plenty of authors simply can't write a novel from an outline. Their brains aren't wired that way. In my book, I identified four common creative paradigms for getting to that first draft. Here they are: * "Seat of the pants." When you write by the seat of your pants, you don't know how the story is going to end. You typically don't even know what's going to happen on the next page. You just sit down and start typing. Stephen King writes by the seat of his pants, and he's done all right with it. So has Jerry Jenkins, author of the LEFT BEHIND series of apocalyptic novels. This is a very common road to the first draft. If you're a seat-of-the-pants writer (often called an SOTP), then don't try to change yourself. There's nothing wrong with you. There's nothing wrong with your method. However, when your first draft is done, there'll be a lot wrong with your manuscript. It'll be a big brick of paper with a wandering story that had no planning, and so it's going to need major revisions. That's the biggest problem with writing by the seat of your pants. Most SOTP writers love the revision process, so they aren't intimidated by the fact that they're going to have to do a lot of it. Once the first draft is done, for them the real fun begins. Sometimes the SOTP creative paradigm is called "organic" writing. In my view, this label really doesn't make any sense. Seat-of-the-pants writing is no more natural than any other creative paradigm and it doesn't produce inherently better final products. * "Edit as you go." This creative paradigm is similar to writing by the seat of your pants except that you don't go very far before you stop and edit what you just wrote. Maybe every page. Maybe every scene. But you edit it. And edit it again. And again. Until it's perfect. Only then do you move on. This is a fairly slow way to write a first draft, because you may revise a single page 20 times before you move on. It may seem like your progess is frozen-slug slow. But when the draft is done, the book is done. It's as perfect as you're going to make it. That's one of the nice things about the edit-as-you-go creative paradigm. You don't have a long extended phase of revisions to do after you finish the first draft. You just turn it in and move on to the next project. Dean Koontz is a well-known edit-as-you-go writer, and his results speak for themselves. This method is fairly rare, but if it's your style, then it's your style and you probably can't imagine doing it any other way. * "Outlining." Many writers simply can't face the idea of writing a first draft unless they know where they're going. All the way, in detail. So they first write an "outline." This is NOT the multi-level outline that you learned in fifth grade, using bullet points labeled with Roman numerals, letters and numbers. Instead, a novel "outline" is a synopsis, a narrative summary of the story, told in present tense and focusing on the plot, but possibly including some discussions of character development. Your outline may be a short synopsis of two pages, the typical length that you'd submit to an editor when trying to sell your book. It may be a twenty page synopsis with every scene sketched in. It may be a 150 page tome that functions as a very short first draft. Robert Ludlum was famous for writing enormously long synopses for his spy novels. Many other writers over the years have found that they can't write a novel without an outline. If you're an outliner, then outline and be proud of it. Don't let anyone tell you that you're somehow more rigid and less natural than an SOTP. Write your novel the way you want to write it. If outlining works for you, then use it. * "The Snowflake method." If I'm famous for anything, it's for inventing this creative paradigm, which I named after the famous "snowflake fractal" from pure mathematics. The main idea of the Snowflake is that you start small with one single story concept and then flesh it out in a succession of steps, each time adding more detail. You alternately work on the plot and the characters until you've got a strategic plan to guide you in writing your first draft. In early 2003, I posted an article on my web site spelling out the Snowflake method. I had used the method to write my first published novel, and it just felt natural to me. (I used a very early version of the Snowflake to write my Ph.D. thesis in physics when I was at Berkeley back in 1986.) I've been pleased that the Snowflake has taken off massively all around the world. The Snowflake article on my web site has been viewed over 2 million times. Clearly, it struck a nerve. But I'm the first to tell you that it's not the only way to write a novel. If it works for you, then use it. Otherwise, find another road to nirvana. How do you decide what creative paradigm you should use to write your novel? I suspect that in reading the descriptions of the four paradigms above, one of them seemed natural to you and the others seemed unnatural. In that case, try the one that sounds natural. It's a good bet that your brain is wired to use that method. You may find that none of them seem natural. In that case, try each one for a month or so. See what works. When your book is published, nobody is going to know or care which creative paradigm you used to write your first draft. They'll care about whether your story works. Your story has the best chance of working if you write it using a creative paradigm that suits you. If you want to know more about each of the four paradigms, then feel free to consult chapter 4 of my book, WRITING FICTION FOR DUMMIES, which has much more detail than I've had room for here.

This E-zine is copyright Randall Ingermanson, 2012.
This article is reprinted by permission of the author.  Award-winning novelist Randy Ingermanson, "the Snowflake Guy," publishes the Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine, with more than 29,000 readers, every month. If you want to learn the craft and marketing of fiction, AND make your writing more valuable to editors, AND have FUN doing it, visit http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com.  Download your free Special Report on Tiger Marketing and get a free 5-Day Course in How To Publish a Novel.

The Blahs

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

That's where I am right now. Deep in the depths of The Blahs.

The Blahs may not be a real place, but they sure feel like one sometimes. They're the place where the sky is cloudy and the weather's cold. Where the stories don't flow, or at least don't flow smoothly, and the water does--usually out of a pipe that it shouldn't be flowing from.

It's winter here, and I think a lot of people find themselves in The Blahs at this time of year. The daylight hours are short, and this winter we don't even have snow to make the leafless trees and browning lawns look prettier.

Under my top-secret pen name, I had three deadlines to meet during the past week. I've met them all, but doing so sent me further into The Blahs, and has also caused me to sadly neglect the young adult novel I should have finished writing by now. Knowing that I haven't been working on that as much as I should have isn't helping me get out of The Blahs.

But...I met those deadlines, and I am over halfway finished the YA novel. I know what happens in the rest of it, it's just a matter of getting the words on the pages. I have another YA project planned for when I finish this one, and I'm really looking forward to it. And I tentatively have another YA release scheduled later this month.

So there's a lot to look forward to, and I won't be in The Blahs long. They're just not much fun while I'm here.

I Dreamed I Was A Horse

2012-01-16T10:44:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, my heart raced as I ran and danced with Lusitanos,Arabians and Painted Horses in a magical forest. At least, that’s what I felt as I watched Cavalio’s production of “Odyesso”in Atlanta, Georgia. Cavalia is like theCirque du Soleil with horses.

Picture a blazing white tent almost the size of Hogwart’squittich field. Inside the tent, theperformance area has three sides like a standard theater with its fourth wallopen to the audience. Here under the bigtent nothing will exist but the magic of the story. And forawhile I journeyed with a company of artists and horses to be moved by theirrelationship based on trust and love.

The opening scene began with total darkness. Then dim light from behind a see-through curtainevoked the signs of dusk waking up the forest. Nine horses take the stage. Alone.

As if looking through a peep hole I watched horses roamfree and wild. They danced, noozled each other and ran withtheir thick manes and tails trailing behind them. Then six men entered the stage. Both creatures curious of theother. Dancing and running together, they tested the boundaries, nevertouching and always free.

Joy surged through me with tears ready to be released by thebeauty of what I was seeing. I wonderedwhy it was so moving. Perhaps, it was the spirit of the horses as theywere meant to be. Whatever it was, Iwill remember it as the day I dreamed I was a horse running free.

Till next time,

Elizabeth

The Priest and The Peaches

2012-01-15T04:27:00.001-05:00

Joining the Downtowners today is Larry Peterson to tell us about his new release The Priest and The Peaches. Welcome, Larry, tell us about your current project. I have started writing the sequel to “The Priest and The Peaches”. This will see the younger boys go to rural New Jersey for their summer vacation to stay with friends of Father Sullivan’s. Things will happen and we shall delve into the paranormal, no vampire or zombies, but rather a good vs evil thing. That’s all I can say right now.
How do you respond to a reviewer if its not favorable?
Unfavorable reviews should be welcome (unless they are all unfavorable—then you might have a problem) because you can learn from them. It is nice to get a different slants or POVs from people you do not know. It can only help you as a writer.
How do you advertise your work?
Well, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and, of course, these type of reviews and guest blogs and interviews etc. I am weak in this area but hopefully I’ll get better at it as time goes by.
Do you have daily writing goals you set for yourself?
Not really. Some people want to make sure they do so many words a day etc. I can’t do that. ---my goal is to write something and to discipline myself so as not to be distracted by ‘stuff”. When you work from home all sorts of things go on and you have to stay on track as best you can. So, sometimes I can throw down 10k words. Other times I might get two paragraphs done. I am what I am and that’s me.
Do you belong to any writing chapters and how do you feel they help you?
I belong to the Catholic Writer’s Guild and I do post a blog for them about once a month about writing. I listen to the feedback and it helps that way.
What books of yours are currently for sale and where can a reader buy them?
My children’s book, “Slippery Willie’s Stupid, Ugly Shoes” is available in hardback and all of the e-apps. www.slipperywillie.blogspot.com and “The Priest and The Peaches” is available in all the e-apps. http://www.thepriestandthepeaches.com You can also go to www.tribute-books.com for both of them.

Larry's Information:
Larry Peterson's blog:
http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com

Larry Peterson's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/larrytpbx

Larry Peterson's Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/slipperywillie

Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

The Priest and the Peaches Book Summary

Historical fiction novel set in the Bronx in the mid-1960s

Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.

They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Larry Peterson's Bio:

Larry Peterson was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. A former Metal Lather/Reinforcing Iron-worker, he left that business after coming down with MS. He, his wife and three kids moved to Florida 30 years ago. Larry began doing freelance newspaper commentary after graduating from Tampa College in 1984.

His first children's picture book, Slippery Willie's Stupid, Ugly Shoes was published in 2011. In 2012, his full length novel, The Priest and the Peaches was released and he is presently working on the sequel.

He also has a blog (http://www.ThePriestandthePeaches.com) where he posts weekly commentary. He lives in Pinellas Park, Florida and his kids and six grandchildren all live within three miles of each other.

eBook
ISBN: 978-0-9837418-4-8
ISBN: 978-1-4658-6327-0
Pages: 285
Release: January 1, 2012

Kindle buy link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P0EYI8/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tributebooks-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006P0EYI8

Nook buy link
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fthe-priest-and-the-peaches-larry-peterson%252F1108051518%253Fean%253D2940013858190%2526itm%253D1%2526usri%253Dthe%252Bpriest%252Band%252Bthe%252Bpeaches

iBookstore buy link (coming soon)

Smashwords buy link
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/116166?ref=tributebooks

PDF buy link
https://www.payloadz.com/go/sip?id=1538819

Writing for Glory, Gain, or Fun

2012-01-14T07:11:00.000-05:00

Image: Pong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Many people write because they dream of publication. Some even hope to be famous or long to be immortal. Others say the only reason to write is because you love it, because the muse grabs you and won't let go, because you won't be fully alive unless you get the words inside you down on paper.

Writing advice contains so many either/or propositions. You must choose: Will you stay true to your art or prostitute yourself by doing hack writing? Will you go with a "legitimate" publisher or choose self-publishing? Each question is posed as if there's only one right answer. Everyone knows that a true writer only writes for the joy of it, never takes on hack jobs, and never, ever self publishes. To do otherwise means you aren't a "real" writer. Or does it?

Years ago a well-known YA editor once posed the question to a group of us at a conference: "Would you rather be known as a literary writer or be a commercial success?" He went around the table and people made their choices. Interestingly enough, those who chose money over craft felt the need to defend their preference. When he came to me, I said, "I'd rather be both at the same time." Everyone just stared at me, including the editor. Apparently, no one had considered the two did not have to be mutually exclusive. Since then, many YAs have been written that are both literary and bestsellers, so it isn't an impossibility.

As creatives we should be the last to embrace an either/or mentality, but should always look for ways to be inclusive. What is brainstorming? Coming up with off-the-wall, unusual ideas and then making them work. So why can't we do that with the traditional dos and don'ts of the craft? Expand our viewpoints to include all of the above?

This may be a rather long-winded way of introducing myself and my rather checkered writing career. I've tried to do it all, which means that I've been traditionally published, done ghostwriting, worked for hire, and written for the sheer joy of it. I've written fiction and nonfiction, have both e-books and print books, published for both children and adults, and been on both sides of the editorial desk. I've written under multiple pseudonyms and under my own name. I've struggled doing other jobs (teacher, children's librarian, restaurant cashier, business owner) while collecting publishing credits that paid in free copies of the magazine or journal, and I've also spent the past 6+ years totally supporting my family through my writing. And if there's one thing I've learned--it's OK to do it all. The truth is that I want it all: glory, gain, and fun. Don't you?

About the Author

After careers as a teacher andchildren’s librarian, Laurie J. Edwards moved into editing and writing, where she freelancesfor a variety of publishing houses. She writes for both children and adults underseveral pseudonyms. In addition to having more than 1800 magazine and educationalarticles published, her most recent releases include Pirates through the Ages (Cengage, 2011), Rihanna (People in the News) (Lucent, 2009), Summer Lovin’ (Wild Rose Press, 2009), and the 5-vol. Encyclopedia of North American Tribes (Gale,2012). She is also ghostwriting an MG action-adventure series and a YAhistorical fiction series. Other WIPs include a YA fantasy trilogy, a YA historical set in Ming China, and several adult novels.

What’s a Goal, Anyway?

2012-01-13T01:00:00.000-05:00

Wow, my first post for the Downtown YA-ers! I’m super, super excited to be here – and given that I’m the token Aussie from way Downunder, it’s an even greater honour. I look forward to getting to know you all – and you getting to know me.

And because you have no idea who I am, let me start with my name: I'm Kaz Delaney. I'm as said, an Aussie living on the beautiful Central Coast district of NSW and the beach is at my back door. I've written over 60 titles for midgraders and YAs, and some of you 'may' remember my titles from Dorchester's Smooch line: 'My Life as a Snowbunny' (a lead title)and 'Princesses Don't Sweat'. My latest YA is with Australian publisher, Allen & Unwin and will be a March 2012 release. It's entitled: 'Dead, Actually' -= and I can hardly wait to see it on the shelves.

So, to kick it all off - Happy 2012! I love even-numbered years - I always think they're more successful for me - so here's hoping. Of course my preference makes no sense given that I was born in an odd year and on an odd-numbered day!

Not that I’m superstitious. Or anything... Much... Okay, so I might be. A little bit. Like, I won’t put new shoes on the table, walk under a ladder, walk on pavement cracks, raise an umbrella indoors, step in front of a black cat, drink from a cup held in my left hand, eat green M&Ms, wear red – not even cherry lipgloss – on any day starting with a ‘T’ or share body fluids with anyone born under the Capricorn sign.

Superstitions? Really? I much prefer to call them quirks. And hello???? I also won’t wrestle a crocodile with my bare hands - and we’d hardly call that a superstition, would we? Point made. Right?

Okay, one thing I DO, is make goals - and given that it’s a brand new year, I’ve been doing a bit of that lately. In fact yesterday, my crit group met at my house and we sat out by my pool (yes, we’re in the throes of summer here) and pondered what we’d like to achieve this year.
That’s when the fun started. It began when someone said they wanted to sell three books this year, and someone else (not pointing fingers, dobbing or mentioning any names here, KL!) responded that, selling three books wasn’t a goal, it was a dream. And so ensued a lively discussion on what actually constitutes a goal.

And here’s what we decided. A goal must be:

Specific
I guess this means you can’t be namby-pamby about it. So for me that means I can’t just say, ‘I’m going to write this year’. I need to say, ‘I’m going to write 2 YA novels in the Dead series, and begin a new midgrade series’.

Measurable
No, this doesn’t mean measure if it’s a big goal or a small goal. (Surely someone thought that, right? Someone else? Right?)

Okay, well just in case someone (else) really did think that, I’m here to tell you that’s not quite correct. A measurable goal is one that has a measurable limit placed upon it. After all, if we don’t know when we’re supposed to have achieved this goal, or how much we’re supposed to achieve, then when will we know if we’ve been successful?

Quantifying our goals gives them purpose and makes them achievable. So, instead of me saying, I’ll write every day, I need to place a specific measurable limit on that. So, my goal ultimately read, I’ll write 3k words every day, because that will get me to my target.

This also allows me to check my progress – which of course is non-existent. So far.

Yes, it’s already mid month. And yes, that cracking sound was indeed my head hitting the desk.

Attainable
This is the biggy really, and the biggest definer of whether we’re spouting goals or dreams. Let’s go back to the girl who wanted to sell 3 books. Dream, right?

Why? Because it’s something she has no control over. Now, if she said she was going to ‘write’ three books – then that’s totally different. That’s a goal.

Why? Because it’s attainable, achievable – it’s within her control.

Short definition? Make sure it’s something YOU have control over – and then it’s a goal.

Realistic
This is the one I’m still stinging over... Come on people! Like, can you really say that Brad Pitt will never call me up and invite me to dinner to discuss the movie he’s going to make of my next novel? Never? Really?
That’s so harsh...

Time Sensitive
This is the ‘when’ part of the equation. When do you expect to achieve your goals? By now I was dragging out my calendar. So, by end of January, I’ll have the first draft of the first book in the midgrade series completed. It’s the thing I have to work towards. Or against, depending on how you cope with deadlines.

Considering my next novel is well and truly underway, I’m also quietly targeting the end of March as the completion date for my next YA novel.

So, there you have it. Goals 101. And yes, okay, time to ‘fess up. Of course this is the definition of SMART goals – and no, we didn’t really make them up.

Phew – so glad I got that off my chest. I make a point of never telling whoppers on any days that have an ‘s’ in them. Not that I’m superstitious or anything...

Are you? Care to share the weirdest superstition you’ve ever heard? If you’ve never heard any weirder than you just read here, maybe you’d just like to say ‘hi’. I’d love to hear from you.

Till then - have a great 2012! I’ll be here on the 13th and 27th – mark it in your calendar. That way you know what days to come by – or which ones to avoid... ;-)

Introducing....Me!

2012-01-12T02:00:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I am so honored to be one of the newest additions to the Downtown YA family. Since I am new around here, I thought I would tell you a little - or maybe a lot - about me!

The Basics -
I'm an educational psychologist by day, working with kids from preschool through high school. I'm trained as a school psychologist, and up until a few days ago that was my primary job. BUT...2012 brought with it a little promotion; so now I get to be involved with program development, training, and the formation of new services involving the support of mental health and behavior disordered children. I am so excited about this I can't stand it! Of course, my position doesn't start until my current position is filled, and I am on double duty a bit - but that is all fine. I am thrilled to be starting a new adventure with my "day job".
Addition to the day job, I am a wife (married 23 years last Nov.) and mother of 2 beautiful girls - my teen and my tween. And yes, they read and comment on many of my stories, offer reviews for my authors' blog and contribute to my Teen Talk Friday.
I' wear many hats like most moms - including taxi driver, study partner, cheerleader, fashion consultant, cook, confidant, etc, etc, etc
I write both non-fiction and fiction. My debut YA Gothic romance series, The Requiem Series, comes out in Feb by Compass Press, with a special novella, DIES IRAE (Feb 22, 12) and the first full length novel, LACRIMOSA (Mar 21, 12). I have two additional titles (Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students and 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids) on the shelves. Check out my blog or website for more information about any of my books, including some exciting new projects.
My Loves - In addition to the things I have to do (see above), there are plenty of things I LIKE to do:
I love to read and am part of the Bookanistas, a group of writers that blog only GOOD reviews of the books they love. The books I'm currently reading - Wolfsbane, the Secret of Spruce Knoll, and a few unpublished manuscripts. Of course, I have roughly 30 books in my every growing TBR pile. I'd better get reading!
I love to cook, though I don't do it nearly enough. Thank goodness for husbands that like to cook.
I love to write - though I will admit I get angsty with my writing at times.
I love to garden, not that you can tell by the weeds covering my garden at the moment. Yea, I've learned there are only so many hours in the day.
I love surfing, kickboxing, running, swimming, and hiking. I have not done any of these things in the past year for a variety of reasons. .
Some Things You May Not Know -
I used to work in fashion a LONG time ago.
I used to model as a teen and new adult.
I have three or four friends that I really only know online, and yes...they are closer to me than almost anyone else in my life. We talk...um...daily!
I love to scuba dive, and dream of diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
If I had more time, I would spend a lot more time at the beach. Just sayin....
I recently lost a TON of weight...no really... A TON. I still have a bit to lose, but man does it feel good!
And...there you go - Me!

I will be blogging here at Downtown YA 2 times a month - on the 12th and the 26th, covering topics related to teens and writing. Who knows, maybe my very active teen group may even stop by to share a little of their wisdom!

Want to know anything else about me?? Just ask! And thank you again for welcoming me to the fold I am THRILLED to be part of this! OH! And be sure to hop on over to my author's blog tomorrow for some exciting news about my debut series. WOOT!

Your turn now... tell me something about you!

Geekalegal

2012-01-11T00:53:00.000-05:00

Greetings,

I'm new to the blog list, so a brief introduction- I'm an attorney with a business/corporate law background of about 28 years. I'm presently pursuing a specialization in Intellectual Property and Information Law, prompted by the amazing and fast speed changes in our world of writing, copyright, e-publishing. Things are changing daily and I have to tell you, it is simply the best time to be an IP lawyer. The Courts are trying to keep up with technology... as if that's possible. We've seen our own world morph into a digital landscape that was unknown when I first started as a librarian long before I ever thought of becoming Perry Masonette. Oh yes, and I'm a writer and author with a mystery short story, a children's book and a YA WIP.

When I blog here, I want to talk about things that are important to you as an author from this legal-geek viewpoint, hence the geekalegal. There are so me interesting lawsuits happening in the publishing and software world, and initially I thought I'd talk about these giant battles first. But I keep getting questions lately about security, so I decided maybe the New Year should begin with everyone locking down their creative works.

You've probably read about copyright, that isn't what I'm going to address. If you want, we can discuss it here, but the law is fairly simple. Once you write something down (however it is fixed to a tangible medium- typed, computer, crayoned) it is copyrighted. There are advantages to having the work sent to the U.S. Copyright office and their web page is a great resource for further information.

What is meant here is the security for the documents you have stored on all those nifty devices you carry with you...the smart phones, the tablets, laptops, and even your personal computers. What about the Cloud services that are luring you to store your documents on them so you can access them any time, any place? What happens if these are stolen, or you get hacked by that bored guy in some remote country that no one has ever heard of but suddenly manages to find your hard drive and take everything?

The key theme you should learn from this blog today is encryption. I'm not talking super spy codex, although that could be fun if you are into that sort of thing. Knowing authors, some of you will be putting that into a short story or book won't you? But this is about simply making sure that you transmit and store your documents in a safe manner so that should you lose them, no one can easily access them without the encryption code. While this may not be necessary for every document, (and I wouldn't recommend you do this when querying obviously! EGADS!) it may be important for you if you've a series, working on edits, or have security concerns for any reason. One client had a fan that stole her laptop in an effort to get a peak at the next book. Fortunately she had it locked down (as should we all) with a computer password, and a software password, but still, the extra step of encrypting the stored documents would have saved some extremely nervous moments. (luckily the hotel security managed to retrieve it before any harm was done).

You can find free encryption software. My husband (a true Geek) likes anything from Linux which also happens to be free, but recommends you find what works for your system. You can find apps that work as well for smart phones and tablets that will help keep your documents safe. Remember, these are not just phones anymore, although many people forget this. These phones access your email, and often can get to sensitive documents. Treat them with the same security measures you would any of your computers, because that is exactly what they are these days.

The Cloud is the big newest thing. Although many of us think it is really a new twist on an old concept of having everything in one 'server' with the server being lots of PCs in what I think of as a farm. Sort of a PC farm where they all happily work together to provide what the client needs. You can use a Cloud service to use programs instead of buying them, paying on a 'as you go' basis, or use it for storage, or many other types of applications that the companies are dreaming up as I write. However, security in the Cloud is a still a huge issue and one of the big topics of debate. Already there have been breaches in some of the Cloud services, and you should be very careful when you use them. What is the secret word? You guessed it- encryption. If you store documents on the Cloud, and you want to make sure they are safe, encrypt them.

Check the Cloud service you use carefully, examine what they offer in terms of security provisions, and what will happen if they get hacked. But the cool thing about the Cloud is that you could avoid taking a laptop anywhere, all you would need theoretically is a keyboard, terminal and an internet connection. Many savvy folks these days already take thumb drives with them, with their docs (encrypted of course) and use a computer spot, hotel or business center rather than risk losing pricey laptops or pads. Try to think in terms of security for your work when you travel, so that you can minimize your risks, both in terms of software and hardware.

Moving away from digital for a moment. I imagine everyone has heard a horror story about someone's story or book that was leaked, or somehow got to the wrong hands, perhaps even stolen. Sadly sometimes even a trusted reader can be tempted to share. I know that we all hate to think that a friend or someone we trust would do anything like this, and yet it happens. To this end, my advice is that you blame your lawyer and tell folks that on advice of counsel you need to have anyone who reads your work sign a Confidentiality Agreement or a Do Not Release Information Agreement. It can be something very simple, but should have some sort of remedy for what happens should they break that agreement, so that you have some recourse. You know that here is where I'm going to say consult with a lawyer, who will help you put something together in writing with both your signatures, reflecting your intentions as you can so you can prove up your agreement. An email is not sufficient usually since it is hard to prove the person received it, agreed to it (even if you get a responding email, they can always say the dog responded). It takes a little extra work but that ounce of prevention....you know the rest. For those of you with employees it is important this be included in your employment agreement with them. You do have a written employment agreement right? This includes even those hourly and temporary type employees that help you work on your manuscript.

As for your own security, it is important to realize that use of the internet and software as well can link you into being tracked for data on you as an individual. While it may not get into as much as your name and specifics the tracking will find out what you like, where else you go on the internet and begin to provide a history linked to your ISP. That ISP is linked to you, and at some point that information can be obtained. Identity theft is an issue outside this blog article, but I wanted to mention it so that every writer is aware that while you surf, research and move around in the cyber world, there are interested parties watching. You'll know this by the ads you get. I get a lot of dog and cat food advertisements on my google searches much to the delight of my furr kids. The word privacy has a completely different meaning than it did even ten years ago.

As usual I've gotten a wee bit off track. I've got so much more to tell you all about what is going on in the digital legal world. I thought I'd start off with a short blurb on security- which is, as we now know, all about encryption- and keeping a tight hold on our works of authorship before distributing them around. Be careful with the Cloud. It is nifty, but it has some interesting security issues that haven't been tweaked yet.

Next time I am going to talk about the recent lawsuits going on in our publishing world, but if you've something you'd rather hear about, let me know at ionamcavoy@gmail.com . I'm always reading and talking about the geekalegal world, and would love to hear your questions.

Until next time,

Iona McAvoy
Attorney & Author

Oh and remember, I'm not your lawyer. Any advice on particular issues or questions should be directed to an attorney in your state for the best advice on how to proceed. (Yes I have to say all this.)

New Year, New Attitude

2012-01-10T12:06:00.002-05:00

Coming out of the darkness and into the light.
I just returned from my first trip ever to Europe. I emptied out my piggy bank, strained my credit cards and made it happen. I traveled to a tiny walled town north of Rome which has retained all of its medieval charm. Viterbo, the home of the Pope's summer palace is a self-contained, amazing place that has managed to keep modern buildings from creeping inside its walls. Instead it is populated by tiny shops, cobblestone streets, and a warmth and charm you won't find anywhere else. I marveled at ancient carvings, authentic Roman architecture, and overflowing fountains.

Where dreams become reality

And the food.

Oh the food!

There were no signs of preservatives, red dye number 2, blue dye number gazillion, or artificial sugars (except in the gum which I avoided). Just a lot of fresh fruits, home-made pasta and pesto, roasted meats and melt in your mouth mozzarella served in multiple courses at a table where people actually talk to one another -- or gestured in my case as I tried to turn four months of crammed Italian lessons into coherent dialogue.

First of many courses.

On the first day, suffering from jet lag and a long train ride from Rome, I crashed in the hotel only to get a call telling me I would be picked up for dinner in a few hours. The meal seemed modest - thin slices of prosciuitto, olives and bread and I was humbled by the experience. The family lived in a small apartment and I was respectful, only sampling small amounts of the meal. And then course #2 arrived. A huge bowl of fresh tortellini in a steaming broth that was so flavorful it came close to the true meaning of ecstasy. I ate heartily while catching snatches of words I understood and nodding my approval with refrains of “Grazie!” (Thank you) and “Piacere!” (I love it!) Thrilled with the response, my host offered seconds. I declined, my stomach full, and he insisted. Not wanting to insult him I smiled and said "Si, grazie!” and he emptied the remains of the pot into my bowl.

A bigger portion than the first.

Now bursting, I put my napkin down only to see his wife return from the kitchen with huge mounds of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. “Mangia! Mangia!” she said.

I responded with hand gestures and a hearty, "Basta! Basta!" (Enough! I’m full!)

My protests had no effect. I tried to eat only small amounts as my midsection strained to make space for it but my mouth burst with flavors and textures unlike anything I get from the prepackaged cheese at my local grocery store for sure. I wondered if I could be outfitted with one of those luggage zippers that allows you to expand the space. More so when the next course arrived: a huge bowl of salad followed by yet another course - a bowl filled with fresh fruit.

A glass of honey wine to finish the meal left me both giddy and wondering how I would survive the week. I sampled a kiwi, the smallest fruit in the bowl. The woman looked at me with amusement as I attempted to cut it into slices. She took another, cut it in half, and showed me how to scoop out the flesh with a spoon. So much easier than my way of approaching the task. Heavenly bursts of sweet and tart exploded onto my palette.

Shortly after dinner, I was then informed there would be three more days of feasting with the relatives - thirty of them - all bringing dishes to the meals. And so, as I learned to pace myself - both in eating, and in mastering Italian fluency - my body adjusted. I figured out how to say no to endless glasses of wine prepared from grapes in the family vineyard. I learned it was okay to devour huge slices of moist cake filled with raisins. I marveled at the simplicity of life and the pure joy of family members relishing each other’s company and who adopted me into the fold as well.

I ate until I dropped then walked everywhere. No car, no bus, just my two feet exploring narrow streets filled with merchants and people. Most of the town closes for lunch and the streets became deserted. You can really sense what it was like to live in the town in the Middle Ages when the town is silent and still. Up and down centuries old staircases, past churches with amazing architecture and carved sculptures, looking out at landscapes and hills untouched by skyscrapers. In the evening, life returns as the streets fill with people on strolls. It’s the custom to walk which explains why so many of the women I passed where thin.

I came home having lost 8 pounds that had previously refused my demands for a divorce despite endless sessions on a treadmill (and embarrassing attempts to complete a Wii Fit obstacle course.). I also came home with authentic experiences I could not have gotten just researching an environment in a book.

And so my 2012 writing journey begins - and I found a backdrop for a new novel. Sights, sounds, tastes, smells and textures that will breathe life into my work and give it a ring of authenticity. A feast for all the reader's senses, and mine.

Life can be marvelous. May 2012 be the beginning of something great for you too.

Harriet
www.iamflow.net

Life: One Big Amusement Park

2012-01-08T03:33:00.003-05:00

Welcome to 2012! I’m not going to write about resolutions. Instead I’m going to write about the possibilities the new year brings. Like the opportunity to join the fantastic writers of Downtown YA! I figure life beats you up enough, you don’t need to make a list of resolutions that you might not keep. No. When I see a new year on the horizon, I think of it as an all year pass to Disney World—or my current favorite amusement park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

I can’t wait to get out there and see what the new year brings. Life is always adding new rides. Sometimes there are no lines for your favorite ride and you can rush right on and have a blast. In fact, you can keep getting on and off until you make yourself sick. Then there are times when the lines are five hours long for every ride in the park. At these moments I could easily say screw it. I’m giving up and going home. Instead, I strike up a conversation with the person in front of me and the time flies. The next thing you know I’m riding the Dragon Challenge Coaster screaming my lungs out.

For me, life is just one big amusement park. And let me tell you when I decided to jump into the publishing world, I had no idea that I was signing up to be stuck on the biggest roller coaster of all. But I’m happy to say that every year that has gone by I’ve mastered bigger and bigger coasters. I find myself boarding an even bigger roller coaster this year—selling my pet YA project.

When I look up at the enormous set of rails that reach almost to the sky, all I can do is smile. Life is good. Last year I had a short story published in a wonderful anthology and landed an agent. This year I’ll land a deal. I look forward to riding the publishing world roller coaster with the wind in my hair and an occasional fly stuck in my teeth.

2012 bring it on!

Anne
anne.van.1111@blogspot.com

What's So Great About the Preditors and Editors Poll?

2012-01-07T06:00:00.010-05:00
If you are a published e-book author this week you may have taken part in the frenzy that is the Preditors and Editors Poll. It began on December 24th and finishes on January 10th. The categories are very varied and authors are just a part of them. Also able to be nominated are publishers, cover artists and editors. The poll is interesting since it starts with only a few in each category and by the time it is finished there are many more nominated. When you nominate someone you are also voting for them as well.

The poll is done by using your email address to vote and some people use more than one to give more than one vote to a category. You are only supposed to vote for one entry in each category, so doing this gets around this requirement a little bit. Also, unlike some contests, you can go in and change your vote. The only requirement is the email must exist and you can only vote for the same category once with each email.

Each year I have gone in and voted for the people and books I knew. This year I am part of the poll. I was nominated for my category. I learned later, that a lot of people nominate themselves. Just like self publishing, I would rather wait until the last minute to do that. I really thought I had no chance, since my book was just published in September and so I was shocked, surprised and honored that it went to #1 and has stayed there for a long time. I am hoping it will be there at the end, but I am just happy it got there!!!

I guess I have to thank all of my readers and followers who voted for it. However, being first is also a problem, since you don't want to slip and move down and yet, you don't want to pester people or they might change their minds and vote for someone else's book! The Young Adult category is filled with books from my friends, so when I voted I had a hard time deciding. My editor's book is even there!!

However, just being in the top 10 of the Preditors and Editors Poll is a big honor! When I think of it at this time last year I wasn't even a published author and now there is my book in this poll. So I am thrilled and excited and checking all the time! Thank you to all who have voted for me and my book and no matter what the outcome I am just really happy to be there!!!

For anyone who doesn't know the title of my book:
If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor by Barbara Ehrentreu.

Preditors and Editors Poll for Young Adult is where you can vote if you haven't done that yet for the Best Young Adult Book of 2011: http://critters.org/predpoll/novelyoungadult.shtml. Look in the second group. But also while you are there consider voting for other categories like Best Publisher and for my cover artist, Kaytalin Platt for the amazing cover she has done for me. I am very happy to see so many people from MuseItUp Publishing in the Top 3 and if you skim the categories you will see them too.

Our fledgling publisher is showing very well and no wonder. Lea Schizas, our publisher, is no ordinary person. Not content to just be an e-book publisher she has moved into the print world and the excellence of her print books is on a par with the best books coming from the so-called Big 6 publishers. She and Litsa, the business person of our publishing house, have put together a model that includes and does not exclude authors. So if you are looking for a place to send your ms. look no further. Send it to MuseItUp where it will get the care and love it deserves. I know I'm going to send out my new ms. to them as soon as I can screw up my courage.:) Seriously, check out the MuseItUp bookstore and see for yourself how many great books are being offered and their awesome covers.

On another note, I went back to look at some of my past stories and I have found a lot of funny flash stories that are as always verging on the bizarre. Since so many of you enjoyed the last one I posted, here is another one that made me laugh out loud. Remember, I warned you!

Machine Merge in 2085
by Barbara Ehrentreu

“Video Head Central?”

“Yes. What can we do for you?”

“Two months ago my boys had the operation to add the screen to their heads. All their friends were doing it and they said it would be so ‘ool’ as the kids say. They were able to take them off at the end of the day. Now both of my sons have their video heads stuck. HELP!!!!”

“Lady, calm down. We will help you. Where are they now? Standing I hope. Do not let them lay down on anything.”

“Okay. When are you coming?”

“We’ll be there in a second. We’re coming by DNA dispersion.”

“I hope you get here. The plumber tried that and wound up in the middle of the road facing oncoming traffic.”

“We are experts. Don’t you worry.”

Two geeky guys showed up in Linda’s kitchen immediately. “Where are the kids?”

Two video heads with blaring music came into the room. TV’s replaced their usual heads and programs switched around constantly. “Take these off now.” Both boys’ screamed sounding like they were in a tunnel.

The boys ran around the room with the geeks chasing them. Their heads banged into the cabinets and dishes crashed to the floor. Chocolate syrup fell and split open causing the geeks to slip and fall. A peanut butter jar cracked adding to the mess and just as the boys got near the spills, Linda screamed at the top of her lungs, “Enough. Sit now.”

Linda cleaned up the floor and wiped the syrup peanut butter mix off the geeks. She grabbed her sons by the arms and pushed them in their chairs over to the geeks.

Both geeks started working on the video heads. They took out the pry tool. They tried the pulley tool. Finally, they tried to twist them off, but neither could get them off the kids’ heads. “Listen, lady, we’ve got to take them to the Help place. There is danger of electrocution if they stay on longer than two hours in this condition. We only have one hour left”

The boys screamed and bounced up and down yelling, “Get it off, get it off.”

“Yes, hurry.” Linda said.

The geeks pressed a button and a box arrived. “We can’t use DNA dispersion on the kids. They’ve got to use the special box. Get in boys.” The box looked like a large coffin. They pressed the button and everyone reappeared in the Help place.

Hundreds of kids wearing video heads sat on benches lining the hallway. Hundreds of TV programs exploded into the air and the noise made Linda hold her ears.

“Go sit on the end there next to the kid in red,” the shorter geek told the boys. They stayed with Linda.

Suddenly, three of the video head kids started wiggling around and soon were on the floor. Their video heads sputtered, sparked, and died. The kids exploded and body parts went everywhere. “See, it’s just a matter of time.” The shorter geek said. “There’s no way to fix it. Once it’s stuck, we wait until two hours are up and our work is done.”

Linda turned purple and hugged her boys to her. “You mean you watch kids get electrocuted for a living?” Why didn’t she read the fine print on that paper they handed her before the operation?

“Yeah, but it’s better than my last job.” The taller geek said.

“What did you do?”

“I vacuumed up the body parts.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-05T08:33:00.000-05:00

Greetings All!
Happy New Year! I don’t do resolutions but here’s a list of what I want to accomplish in 2012:

Get a publishing contract from one of the “big six” with all the bells and whistles that go along with this. Yeah, I know I had this on my list for last year, too.
I think that 2012 will be a great year for me. I don’t necessarily believe in the art of numerology but if I did, 2012 adds up to be five. Five in numerology means: happy-go-lucky (among others). Of course they are talking about people not years but I believe that 2012 IS MY YEAR TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS. And by success, you know what I mean (see #1).
I am also looking for my dream job as a creative writing or children’s literature teacher at a community college or university. DREAM JOB AWAITS IN 2012.
And all the usual stuff, good health, happiness, good health and happiness for my kids and cats and family and friends.
Go to more plays/concerts/cultural stuff. I love museums and don’t go enough. I want to do more of this in 2012. I also love going to plays although as a former theatre major I do tend to critique the plays rather harshly.
Drink more Starbucks.
Watch more BBC America. (see #13 and #19)
Write more. Every day. Every single day NO MATTER WHAT. Even if I am tired or sick or annoyed or angry. Or my characters are.
Stop Twittering so much. Okay, I probably won’t do this one because I LOVE TO TWITTER. I am a Twitter addict. Yep, you heard me. An addict. Wait, was that my iPhone telling me I have a new follower or a Twitter message? I’ll be right back. [fifteen minutes later] Oh, sorry. I’m back now. Where was I?
Watch more zombie movies. We are starting a New Year’s tradition of watching zombie movies and only zombie movies on New Year’s Day. Let the zombie apocalypse begin!
Watch The Hobbit in December of 2012.
Do a book signing in April when my YA fantasy book, LORE OF FEI is released. Get tons of people who want to buy it. Along with this I’m doing a book trailer for it as soon as I have a cover designed for it. Tweet about it. Obsessively. Oh, I already do that. LOL.
Walk for thirty minutes a day if the weather permits. I already do this but I’ve been getting slack now that the sidewalks are icing up.
Fall in love. Oh, wait, I’m already in love with BBC America, I forgot.
Tell my kids I love them and am proud of them every single day. Oh, I already do this, too.
Brush my long-haired Himalayan/Siamese mix cat every day. Yeah. Right. As soon as she sees the brush in my hand she runs like the wind and skitters under the chair and then up the stairs to hide under my bed until the bad brush thing is gone. *sighs*
Do more housework. NOT.
Do more laundry. NOT.
Drink more Starbucks. Oh, right. I already said that. (See #6)
Watch more BBC America in the fall when Dr. Who season 7 returns. “Come along, Pond” and “Hello, Sweetie” are two of my favourite quotes. I’ll miss Amy and Rory. Who will be the next companion? When are auditions? Wait, didn’t I already do this last year? Not the audition, but the asking of when it is? Oh, never mind. Come along, Pond. Ditto for Sherlock Holmes in May.
Listen to more music. I tend to listen to music on my walks. So far my favourite walking music is anything by Lady Gaga. It has to have a beat and I have to be able to dance to it. Oh, I mean walk to it.

So, that’s my list for 2012. I think it’ll be fun to look back in 2013 to see if I’ve achieved any of it.
Fingers crossed. Come along, Pond.
What’s on your list for 2012?
Remember I am blogging on the 5^th and 19^th of each month now.
Be sure to follow me on Twitter: @kathleea
I have a Facebook fan page at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Witch-Hunter/142372955812353
Or my website is: http://www.gaelicfairie.webs.com

Take Care, Until Next Time,
Kathleen

Meet Ananri Aldem-Ze

2012-01-04T13:27:00.011-05:00
Today, I thought of introducing you to one of my new characters in my upcoming book, Sons of the Trident, Book 1 of the Trident Trilogy.

This beauty is Ananri Aldem-Ze, a young swordmaiden from the realm of Laan, a land ruled by a ruthless mercenary warlord. Ananri is a Grinasheem, a gray-eyed human race who bear several unique gifts. Their characteristic eye color is found only in Grinasheem, and none other. Being a Grinasheem, Ananri is able to perform two special abilities: rapid healing and camouflage. Although you may wound this warrior in battle, she can heal 10x faster than normal humans. Cool, huh? And, she can morph partially or completely into an object and take its form to hide in. She cannot travel "in" the object, but her skills make her nearly undetectable. On occasion, if the skill is developed enough, Ananri can hold onto one other person and hide them in the object as well.

As a person, Ananri was brought up in a loving family, including three siblings. She is a follower of Sovereign (God), as all Grinasheem are. Proper in her mannerisms and etiquette, she is well-spoken, educated, articulate, and wise. When she puts her mind to something, she is committed to the fullest. Gain her trust, and you have a friend for life. Hurt her family, and you won't live long enough to make a choice. Why? Grinasheem are skilled warriors. Yet Ananri goes above and beyond the normal combat abilities: she is trained by her father, a Weaponsmaster. When in battle, she prefers to wield two Laan scimitars.

While most characters use their beauty or strengths to manipulate or deceive others to gain their own goals and interests, Ananri does not. From the lowly beggar to an orphaned child to a handsome prince, Ananri treats them equal and with kindness.

It was fun using this female as one of my main characters. She was different from E'Umae or Eriss in the Relics of Nanthara trilogy. She ended up being a great pillar of strength for Naltharion (the prince) to lean on and trust in. Ananri may come across as calm, perhaps a bit timid, but don't push her. She is not afraid to tell a noble off or stand up to cutthroat brigands threatening her. The neat thing about her name was that I did not create it: my son did. One day he said, "Hey dad, I got a cool name for your next book. Ananri." Truly, it was before I began writing the Trident Trilogy.

There are several secrets about Ananri I will not reveal at this time. I kinda want you guys to find out for yourselves when the books are released. The website is about complete and I will post it soon. Well, that's all for now.
Remember, check out my other websites and see what is up and coming.
Take care,
Nick

relicsofnanthara.weebly.com
nuclearfist.weebly.com

My first 2012 post!

2012-01-03T03:00:00.000-05:00
And it falls on a release day for me! A scheduled one, at least.

First of all, I want to wish everyone a happy new year! This is my first post on the new schedule, which Sandra posted a couple days ago, and I can only hope I don't get too confused. I'm easily confused, you see; just ask my kids. Anyway, I hope all of you enjoyed your new year's celebrations and were able to spend New Year's Eve with the people you wanted to spend it with.

Second, on to the new release! A while back, I mentioned my publisher, Featherweight Press, has started a new line called Helping Hands. Helping Hands stories feature GLBT main characters, and all royalties (author and editor) from each story go to a charity, chosen by each author, that supports GLBTQ youth. The line's launching this week, and my story, Life Skills, is part of the kick-off. Brian Monahan isn't thrilled when his guidance counselor tells him he'll be volunteering in the school's Life Skills class to fulfill the new community service requirement his school has instituted. When he sees one of the students from the class being bullied in the cafeteria, Brian decides to do something about it. With help from his girlfriend Trista and boyfriend Javier, he starts a Spread the Word to End the Word event to encourage people to stop using the word "retard."

Proceeds from Life Skills will benefit the Day of Silence project and the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network. I'll also be making a donation to Special Olympics, who allowed me to use "Spread the Word to End the Word" in the story.

So what are your plans for the new year? Hope 2012 is awesome for you!

Dream Catching

2012-01-02T16:48:00.000-05:00

This time of the year, everyone is talking about goalsetting or making plans. I like to thinkof it as dream catching. Remember thelyrics, “gotta have a dream to make a dream come true?” Well, now is the time to think of what youwant and ways to catch it that elusive dream.

I’m all for out of the ball park kind of dreams, butsometimes you need to do it in steps. Forexample, let’s say you’re dreaming of seeing your book in print, or perhaps it’san agent you want, but you haven’t even finished your book. Hmmm. That’s a big step from no book to book in print in one year.   I’m talking about the traditional way ofpublishing, so don’t jump down my throat and bring up self-publishing. All I’m saying is when dreaming the bigdreams think about what is humanly possible this year and that it doesn’t relyon someone else to help you fulfill it. Am I making sense?

So, first dream of what you want, then make a plan. I forget who said it, but if you can imagineit, it’s possible. Remember, theuniverse is waiting for you to make the first move.
Till next time,
Elizabeth

Happy New Year from the Downtowners

2012-01-01T01:14:00.002-05:00

I'd like to wish our readers and followers a prosperous and happy 2012. I hope its the best yet for you. 2012 will be bringing some changes to DowntownYA. We've expanded our family. Instead of seven, we are now fourteen. In case, there are specific authors/bloggers you follow here's the schedule:

Sandra Cox 1 and 15 of each month

Elizabeth Gibson 2 and 16 of each month

Jo Ramsey 3 and 17 of each month

Nick Giannaras 4 and 18 of each month

Kathleen Allen 5 and 19 of each month

Pat Dale 6 and 20 of each month

Barbara Ehrentreu 7 and 21 of each month

Anne Van 8 and 22 of each month

Jacqueline Corcoran 9 and 23 of each month

Harriet Lawrence 10 and 24 of each month

Iona McAvoy 11 and 25 of each month

Christine Fonesca 12 and 26 of each month

Kaz Delaney 13 and 27

Laurie Edwards 14 and 28

Happy New to All of You From All of Us

Happy New Year Thoughts!

2011-12-31T13:33:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe, but it's the end of the year and I can feel the creaky old bones of 2011 wanting to pass on and bring in the fresh young baby of 2012. This has been a great year for me in terms of writing!! My book, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor, was finally published in September and it's now in both ebook and paperback. It took me five years to get any publisher to consider it and I'm thrilled to be with MuseItUp Publishing who have given me such a wonderful home and where I have made so many amazing friends! Also this year, I was privileged to have my story, "Cancer Didn't Get Him" accepted and published in the memorial anthology, Lavender Dreams, published by MuseItUp to benefit cancer research. Finally, as if the first two weren't enough, three of my poems are included in a beautiful anthology edited by the amazingDr. Pearl Ketover Prilik, Prompted: An International Anthology of Poems, which was conceived and contributed to by my poetry group, The Anthologists and is now in both ebook and paperback, published by one of our members Really Love Your Book publishers. The profits from this are going to LitWorld for literacy research.

As if all this weren't enough, last night someone nominated me for the Best Young Adult Book of 2011 on the Preditors and Editors Poll!! Of course, I should also mention that Fran Lewis picked my book as one of her Five Best Books of 2011. So this has been a fantastic year for my writing.

In November, I was thrilled to meet several authors who are part of my publishing house, in Montreal, where we all met and bonded with our publisher, Lea Schizas, who though in charge of a brand new publishing house has managed to grow it to hundreds of authors and now publishes both ebooks and paperbacks. Participating with my fellow authors in a huge book signing was definitely the highlight of my year. Of course, publication day was amazing, but holding my book in my hand was an indescribable feeling!!

What's in store for my writing in 2012? I am spiffing up my story, When My Life Changed, which is based on the real events that happened to my family when my husband had a heart attack and bypass surgery. Only it is told in the POV of a fifteen year old girl. I have been working on this story for almost five years and I think it is now ready. But it is always hard to set your fledglings free and see them fly on their own. Now, too, I know what publishers are looking for and once again I don't have the prerequisite werewolf or vampire or paranormal characters. This is the story of a girl who has to deal with an event that rocks her world. We'll see what happens with it.

In the New Year I am hoping that some surprises will happen. I am going to try to set up some school visits and also I am going to approach some local bookstores to see if they will carry my book. In addition, the times I will post on this blog have been changed and I might be posting here in the middle of the week. We have some new authors who will be posting so that is the reason for the schedule change. So if you have gotten used to seeing me on Saturdays, expect me to be on the 7th and the 21st of each month. It's interesting that in January those are on Saturdays, but in February they are on Tuesdays.

I wish all of you a very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year!! I hope all of you are able to keep your resolutions and I have a few that I want to keep. My resolution this year was to try to be more patient in my life. I think for the most part I have succeeded, but of course I did slide back a little now and then. This year I am still thinking about my writing resolutions. The trouble is my life takes its own turns and I never know what is going to happen or where it will happen. I'm going to post my writing resolutions on my blog, Barbara's Meanderings, on January 1st, so if anyone is interested, pop over there to see them.

In addition, I am featured on Georgia Saunders' blog until 1/1 so please go over there and see the interview with my MC Carolyn Samuels. Also, if you would like to do it, you can go to The Preditors and Editors Poll and vote for me. I'm in the Young Adult section and also vote for the cover which has gotten lots of attention and is also nominated for Best Cover. My cover artist, Kaytalin Platt is nominated for two awards, but I hope you will consider my cover first.:)

Enjoy your New Year's celebrations and I will be back on January 7, 2012. See you next year!!

New Year's Goals

2011-12-30T03:00:00.000-05:00
I don't set resolutions for the new year like many people do. If I have a resolution, I feel like I have to meet it no matter what, and if I don't meet it I start coming down way too hard on myself. So instead I set goals, which are flexible and if I don't meet them I don't kick my own butt as much.

For 2012, I have a lot of goals. Some writing-related, some not. I need to work on my health and on spending more quality time with my kids; those are things I try to work on every year. I have a couple of publishers I want to submit to, which will involve writing new books because I don't currently have anything planned that isn't promised to another publisher. Promoting my work is always a goal, because I'm not always very good at it.

Usually I make a list of my goals and hang it on the wall above my desk (along with the few dozen other pieces of paper up there...) But last year I did that, and seeing that I wasn't meeting my goals because I'd kind of diverged from them somewhere along the line bugged me. So this year I might just keep my goals in my head and not write them down. Or if I do write them down, I might not hang them up.

I already know 2012 is going to be a very different year from the past few, in good ways. Hopefully the goals I'm setting will add to the good stuff.

How about you? What are your goals for 2012?

Genesis of Motivation and Inspiration

2011-12-29T11:25:00.002-05:00
I'm specifically writing about YA novels today. What motivates you to write a YA? Better yet, what inspires your muse to do a YA?
I may be all wrong but I get the notion that some YA writers are doing so to impart a life lesson to the younger generation. A noble effort, but is it enough to pull a real novel together? Call me old school if you will, but I've always held to the belief that a story must first be a story. Once you have it, you can manipulate the words to get that noble message in there. Kids are pretty canny and, I believe, can detect a sermon disguised as a story. As I said, I may be wrong, but I don't think so.
As to the inspiration for a story, I almost always draw from my own experiences. Sometimes it is a person that did something remarkable. Or stupid. Or just plain zany. This AM I re-read a YA teen novel I've recently submitted for publication. As I read, I remembered the genesis of the various stunts my kid protagonist pulls off. He takes dares and, egged on by his pal, goes to increasingly difficult and dangerous lengths to uphold his reputation. Four of the stunts in the book had their origins in my own life experiences. Not that I did all of them, but I did a couple and witnessed the others.
This story gave me an opportunity to impart more than one message to young people, but it was the story that had to come first. We learn from life, from the brilliant, the zany, and yes, even the stupid things we attempt. If somebody up the line hadn't once burned themselves, how would we ever know to warn our kids not to touch a hot stove?
As often happens in my writing, I'll leave the philosophical argument for you to work out on your own. I mean, I'm a writer, not a preacher. LOL
Happy reading and writing, everyone. And Happy New Year to you all!
Pat Dale

Last Blog of 2011

2011-12-28T09:08:00.000-05:00

Greetings All!
I hope everyone had a great holiday and is well on their way to recovering from the holiday stress.

Did you get the gifts you wanted? Although I didn’t get any of my “wish list” items—no publishing contract from the big six yet---I did get a nice purse/bag made by my daughter with a Tardis on it and the words: Hello Sweetie on it. I also got a Henry VIII mug and when you put hot liquid in it the six wives “disappear” and below their blank images it says how they died as in DIVORCED, BEHEADED, SURVIVED. LOL.

This is the last blog of 2011 and I have to say that I’ve enjoyed doing these weekly blogs. As of January I am only doing two a month every month, the 5^th and the 19^th.

What are your favourite moments of 2011? What stands out for you?

Here is my list (you know I love to do lists!):

1. Writing took a big part of 2011 because of a back injury at work that caused me to stay home and well, write. I ended up 2011 with eleven novels published, another one coming in April, 2012 (I signed the contract in 2011 so it counts) and getting an literary agent. So, I’d have to say that 2011 was a great writing year for me.
2. My health is so much better than it was last year at this time. I am grateful for that.
3.       My rugrats are healthy and strong and doing well in school.
4.       Ditto for my cats. Well, not the school part but you know what I mean.
5.       So many great movies, TV shows I watched. Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, Being Human, Primeval,Torchwood, Dr. Who. Except for Sherlock Holmes, the majority of them are on BBC America (Torchwood used to be then it went to Starz). Hmmm—I think I see a trend here. Speaking of BBC America, the new zombie show, FADES looks so interesting. I am looking forward to that one in January.
6.       I began writing this blog. It’s hard to believe that last year at this time I didn’t even know what a blog was. I remember asking my daughter to describe it to me. ROFL. Ah, how times have changed.
7.       My iPhone. Okay, technically I got it the year before but I upgraded this year. I love reading on my Kindle/Nook apps at night before bed. Right now I have 177 novels in my Kindle archive. My goal was to read 365 novels and I probably read close to that with library books and books I bought. After the first of the year I’m going to keep a running total of books I’ve read beyond my iPhone so I keep to my goal for 2012.
8.       Lady Gaga. I discovered her this past year and I love her music.
9.       Dr. Who. Yeah, I know I already mentioned it but I have to put it in a separate category because I was such a huge David Tennant fan that I refused, yes, you heard me right, refused to watch Matt Smith as The Doctor. Well, I watched the Christmas special last year and he wasn’t so bad. Not David but still. . . then my daughters asked me to watch it with them so we started a marathon to catch up. It took me a while but I finally decided, I LIKE MATT SMITH and Amy and Rory, too. I am sad that Amy and Rory are leaving just as I am getting used to them.
10.   Learning to make my own book covers and book trailers. I thought there would be no way on earth I could ever do either and here I am, doing them. And having fun, too.
11.   Continuing to write. Every time I end a book I think to myself: “What if I have no more good ideas? What if that was my last book? What if I can NEVER WRITE ANOTHER BOOK AGAIN?” Yeah, I know. Of course I come up with another idea. I am loving the YA dystopian with zombies I am working on now. Speaking of zombies (again?) I love the AMC show, The Walking Dead (forgot that one earlier).

And, that’s my list for now. As you can see, writing takes a big chunk out of 2011 and I hope to do more in 2012. I’ll blog about my New Year’s Resolutions in January.

Have a Happy New Year and may all your writing wishes come true in 2012!

Take Care, Until Next Time,
Kathleen

Using a Pic for Ideas!

2011-12-27T10:38:00.008-05:00
Hey all,
My apologies for not posting, but work has had me bogged down before we went out of town. This article may fall in line with a topic I listed before, sources for making stories, but I've dealt with this particular method more this week while working on my newest series, The Trident Trilogy.
I've gone to several websites(epilogue.net, deviantart.com, google images, elfwood.com, fantasyart.toplisted.net to name a few) loaded with great artwork to download samples for some examples of my characters in all of my books. As I was perusing the various pics, I spotted some that captured my interest. Whether it was the character, the background, or the color, I kept thinking, "Hmmm, this could be a story."
Despite the fact I already had a decent grasp of my current characters, downloading some pics allowed me to study them a bit closer. During my inspection, characteristics began formulating as I sat in observation. The color of the artwork, the facial expression, the armor/clothing being worn all came into play in feeding more detailed ideas into my mind.
One thing I learned in high school and college was a unique study format that allowed me to comprehend things very quickly. I would read my notes/text and formulate my own test questions. On an index card, I would number them and write 4-5 questions on one side with the numbered answers on the back. As I wrote the questions, I used as many of my senses in the process: reading, hearing, seeing, writing. Doing so allowed things to sink in quicker.
The same principle applies in using a pic with other mediums. For example, have appropriate music in the background, or have a related movie playing nearby. Even "mood" lighting can come into play. Utilizing all these factors, along with your imagination, can enhance your ability in creating that special character for your next success story.
In relation to the pics, you can also create files specific for a particular novel you are working on, or gather pics under a specific type: villain, knight, cleric, detective, priest, etc. Good luck!
Take care,
Nick G. Giannaras

relicsofnanthara.weebly.com
nuclearfist.weebly.com

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00
Wishing you love, laughter and a heavy dose of golden fairy dust today and for the New Year.

God bless everyone!

Elizabeth

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T03:00:00.000-05:00
Just a quick post amidst wrapping, baking (well, okay, watching my husband and my 13-year-old bake), and trying to finish galley proofs and some revisions so I won't have to work on them over Christmas.

Whatever holiday you celebrate, or if you celebrate none at all, I hope for the best for you this season and hope that you have good times with family and friends.

I'll be back next week with a preview of 2012.

How Big Is Your World?

2011-12-22T09:34:00.002-05:00
At first glance, this might seem an innocent question. As you think about it, though, you'll come up with some interesting answers. Clue: You have to look out from where you stand at the moment for your answer.
For example, my answer today would be totally different than it was three weeks ago. After doing damage to my knee, I was almost totally incapacitated on the first of the month. As a consequence, my world 'shrank' to a recliner, from which it was difficult to extricate myself. I sat there, I ate there, I slept there, making infrequent painful trips to the bathroom.
Three weeks later, I've been able to get outside with the aid of a walker and a very helpful helpmate. I've enjoyed trips to see the doctor, my physical therapist, and a couple of jaunts to my favorite cafe. I get around the house with that walker and my new wheelchair, and even have raided the 'fridge a couple of times. My world is expanding.
All this led me to reconsider my life on planet Earth. Prior to birth, my world consisted of a nice warm, liquid nest inside my mother's tummy. Small but relatively safe. Is it any wonder someone came up with the phrase, cold and cruel world? That's what we encounter at birth.
I could take you through the expanding universe of a child's life, but I think you get the point. So let me ask the question again. How big is your world? Think not only in terms of the physical world, but also of the amazing infinity within your mind. Aha! Now you get it!
We write about our 'universe' for ourselves, but also for others willing to expose themselves to our perspective. And there's the rub. How can you entice me to step inside your world? Conversely, how can I tempt you to visit mine? The writer's answer is to create the famous (infamous) 'hook'. Title, first line, first paragraph, last sentence of a chapter; all are essential to good writing.
When I first began regurgitating my fantasies onto paper, I wrote cohesive complete thoughts, logically laid out. Each new section had a beginning, a middle, and an end. In my logic-laden conception, I'd been successful. It was only after I got less than a positive response from critique partners that I began to examine and compare my writing to some that I admired.
Now, I rarely have a chapter that ends a scene. My opening lines usually demand more information than they impart. My titles always, without exception, have a direct connection with the plot or characters of the book. To wit, I've learned and am still learning how to perfect the concept of the 'hook' to entice my audience to suspend reality. In other words, leave their world and enter mine for a few minutes or hours.
Relating this to the world of music, I remember the shock of seeing the actual manuscript that Beethoven left in his wake. I'd always imagined that his music sprang full blown and perfect onto the pages, ready for the orchestra to transform into music that will last through the ages. Actually, it was the most indecipherable bunch of scribbling, crossing out, and over-writing, I could have dreamed up. Some of the world's favorite themes had been changed six, eight, ten times as he struggled to come up with the right combination of tones and rhythms.
Likewise, an author's final manuscript may have been modified countless times before the writer got it right. Editors help the process along, but the text is the author's 'baby' and deserves to be nurtured to maturity before the editing process begins. Final clue: your inner world can be as big as your mind allows it to be. This is especially important for authors of books for kids.
Remember, their world is still relatively small. That's one reason they want books that will take them to places they've never been; even to worlds that only exist in your mind. Let's help them enjoy the trip. Happy reading and writing, and Happy Holidays to all of you!
Pat Dale

Gifts for Yourself (well, me, actually)

2011-12-21T08:15:00.000-05:00

Greetings All!
Last week I did a blog on gifts for writers. This week I thought I’d write about your dream gifts that no one in their right mind would ever get you but you want.
Here’s my list in no particular order:
1. - I can haz a purse- http://behlerblog.com/i-can-haz-purse/
                This is the coolest gift I can think of! Your book cover as a purse! Since I have eleven books out,                I’d need eleven purses. Yeah. Get on that, will ya?
2. -Another bag I am wishing for is here: http://www.gaelsong.com/product/146307/Accessories_Handbags
It’s called the Midsummer’s Night Bag and it’s so lovely. *sighs* However, the price tag is a little steep.
3. =As long as we are wishing, I wish someone would buy me a trip to Ireland. The north coast of Ireland, please. Rent me a small thatched roof cottage with a fireplace, ‘kay? Oh, it has to have an ocean view. This one is so beautiful: http://www.shamrockcottages.co.uk/properties/kerry/rossbeigh-176/
4. - My book wish list is too huge to include here but I want any YA dystopian book out there. It’s my new fave. Oh, and if it has zombies? Bring it!
5. -Anything Dr. Who related is fine, too BTW. I want the Tardis disappearing coffee mug for starters. Here it is: http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Who-Disappearing-Tardis-Coffee/dp/B003Z31K7G/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I27MAPN141JIYS&colid=3KBFDTI7NBQ7Y

The complete David Tennant Dr. Who years here: http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Who-David-Tennant-Years/dp/B005FQ1OQ8/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1324410396&sr=1-1
6.       Anything Torchwood related is fine, too. I’d love the entire series on DVD. It’s here:
http://www.amazon.com/Torchwood-Complete-Original-John-Barrowman/dp/B0050UEVJ6/ref=sr_1_5?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1324410326&sr=1-5
7. - I collect teapots so any unusual teapot is good. I’d love to find the Harry Potter one they used to “tell” fortunes in the Prisoner of Azkaban. Here’s a Dr. Who one I like: http://www.ohmz.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/il_570xN.273631710.jpg
Here are some unusual ones: http://freshpics.blogspot.com/2009/02/unusual-and-unique-teapots.html
8. - I like old movies, like Gone with The Wind, Wizard of Oz, Breakfast at Tiffany’s anything with Bette Davis in it, Gene Tierney, John Garfield, Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe. . .and the old sci fi ones like Them!, The Day of the Triffids, The Day the Earth Stood Still (not the remake). So, there you go, movie memorabilia of any kind or the actual movie itself.
9. -A castle in Wales. Need I say more?
10. -A limo with a chauffeured driver. Might as well dream big.
11. -My own personal chef. Yeah.
12. -A fairy godmother. Everyone needs one, right?
13. - A magic wand. ‘nuff said.

14. -And, last, but not least, a publishing contract with one of the “big six”, months on the NYT bestseller list, talk show go ‘rounds, Lady Gaga wants to meet me and so does Queen Elizabeth because I am so fabulous.

Notice that my list went from possible to completely improbable? Well, except for number 14, that’s totally doable, right? Right? I can’t hear you! RIGHT? *crickets sound in the background*

Until Next Time, Take Care,
Kathleen

ps/Beginning in January, 2012 I will be blogging here on the 5^th and 19^th of the month with the last day (the 19^th) kept for book promotions/releases/book news. Of course if I have anything exciting to tell you I will put it up on my website at: http:www.gaelicfairie.webs.com
Happy Holidays!

Traveling

2011-12-19T06:11:00.001-05:00

myfreewallpapers.com
I'll be back next Monday. Happy Holidays.

Secret Santas Paying It Forward

2011-12-18T03:00:00.000-05:00

Finally good news on the news! Secret Santas have invaded Kmart with theirChristmas spirit showing it’s all about the giving. Anonymous donors have been losing out layaway accounts of families withsmall children. These secret Santas havesingled out families who use Kmart’s layaway plans to pay for toys forChristmas. Toys they might not be ableto get without the layaway plan.
Every time I hear this song it brings tears to my eyes. It's by Newsong, "The Christmas Shoes."
Another favorite Christmas story of mine by O. Henry is“The Gift of the Magi.” (use the link for a free download for Kindle orPC) Without giving away too much of thestory, it’s about a young couple who don’t have any money for presents so theyeach sell a treasured possession to buy a gift for the other. It’s a beautiful and heartwarming story.
The watercolor painting, "The gift of the magi" is by Lisbeth Zwerger

Next to this story at Christmas, I also love “It’s aWonderful Life,” “Scrooge,” [the old b&w] and “White Christmas.” What's your favorite holiday story?

Till next time,
Elizabeth

What Makes Me Write!

2011-12-17T08:22:00.001-05:00
Yesterday I was very excited to find out that my YA novel, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor, was on the Top Five Picks for best book of 2011 by Fran Lewis. Fran is someone who I respect very much. She is not The New York Times list, but I know that she reviews a great many books and she is very honest about how she feels about them. The thrill of being on that list is hard to describe. Am I on the bestseller list of anything? No, because when I look at my Amazon standing it is over 1,000,000 for the paperback and a little smaller for the ebook.

Before I saw I was in the top five I read an email from one of my author friends who wrote to tell me she was going to review my book, but she just had to write and tell me how much she loved my book. She told me she couldn't put it down and it was probably the best Muse book she had read this year. The words made me cry and I had to wonder why. I guess the reason is that, though I would love to have a popular book on the bestseller's list and be making lots of money in royalties, this is the reason I write.

For years I had so much to say and would keep it to myself, because it didn't fit into conversation. Some of it I wrote in poetry, but that wasn't a large enough medium for me to express myself. I wasn't into writing epic poems.:) So when I realized I could just put my thoughts down in the character of another person it was a very freeing experience. Certainly not all of my character's thoughts are indicative of who I am, but taken as a whole the characters in my book give you a good idea of the person I am.

As I wrote each word a part of me seeped into that book. I hoped that people would be able to see how I felt about things. I had a different take on life and no one was listening to me. All through my life I was the compliant one. I went along with the crowd and did for the most part what people wanted me to do. That's not saying I was a doormat, but I deferred to most people unless I really didn't want to do it. No one in my family seemed to hear me when I spoke about anything that didn't relate to them. In discussions my husband would control the conversation, since his life and experiences were much more colorful than mine. That's not to say that no one listened to me or that I was a quiet shrinking violet. No, that wasn't me. I fought and I shouted and many times I did things regardless of whether people wanted me to do them or not. But underneath was a voice that no one knew or seemed to care about. My writing voice, which occasionally came out in poetry.

Then I wrote my book and agonized over it, even though I had no idea if it would be published. I wrote and rewrote it and then had it critiqued. I sent it out and got a lot of rejections. My amount of rejections doesn't even come near the rejections of many well known authors, yet they kept coming. I don't know how I got the courage to try one more time to send it out, but I wanted everyone to read my words. I wanted people to know my thoughts. It is the reason I started my blog and it is the reason I continue to write this post each week. There is a force within me that must be heard and it is not an ordinary thing. This force comes out in my writing and it is who I am. If you could scrape the outside of me away and get rid of the everyday parts of me you would come to the inner core and that is what keeps me writing. It is what flows through me when I start a new story and continues to fuel me. I used to think everyone had it, because it was so much a part of me, but I have come to realize it is not so common.

Most people don't think in those terms. They don't go to sleep thinking about a story that has been rolling around in their head. They don't sit down and write anything. Instead they play games and go about their lives and writing is not a part of them. Then there are the writers like me, who are driven by this urge that may or may not bring them fame and fortune. It's more a need to be heard and have other people know what you are thinking. So when someone enjoys what you have written and lets you know, if this fulfills a primal need, then it becomes very emotional. As I broke down in tears over the words my author friend wrote to me, I realized how much I needed to know someone read and loved my words. I had heard this from my editor and publisher, but hearing it from a reader is the best!!

A reader comes upon your words and doesn't know anything about you, except what they read. Your story moves them or it doesn't. When it moves a reader there is a joy inside me as the writer that someone got me. After I read a book I would love to have the author there to discuss it with them. I would love to say to an author whose book I enjoyed that I really loved the book. I just finished one of those books, The Future of Us, by Carolyn Mackler and Jay Asher, where I would love to be sitting across from the authors, to tell them how much I enjoyed the book. It wasn't about much, but the authors conveyed the feelings they must have had as teenagers. I read a lot of YA, because I believe it is important to read as much as you write. Good YA leaves you with a comforting feeling. You might call this book quiet YA, because nothing important really happens in the book, except the characters come to a realization of how they want their lives to be.

That's what I always thought about my book. Though my character changes by the end of the book, nothing really happens except in her thoughts. There is a lot of fantasy, dystopia, vampires, werewolves, even zombies in YA, but I love the quiet YA. The kind of book I enjoy is one that delves into the world of teen angst. It brings me back to those days when all you had to think about was school and which boy or girl you liked. I think that's why so many people are returning to reading YA. Yes, some enjoy the grittier YA, and the vampire stories, but even those are basically about the feelings of teenagers. What causes us to want to relive those days? Maybe it is the innocence we all wish we still had. Maybe YA writers still have to work out issues from their past. Whatever it is, I am happy to be a part of this rare group of writers. In fact, I am happy to say I am a writer and proud to be an author. To be in the company of other people who think the same as I do is awesome. To be singled out for my writing is the icing on the cake.

For anyone who might be interested in reading my YA novel, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor, now one of the top five picks of the year by a very respected author and reviewer, and with four and five star reviews on Amazon, you can find it in paperback and ebook for both Kindle and Nook. As the reviewer who picked me, Fran Lewis and several other people said, this is is a book that all teen aged girls should read. What better gift for the tween or teen in your life? Give them my quiet YA.

Before I go I have to tell you about this wonderful new poetry anthology in which I have three poems, Prompted: An International Collection of Poems. It is now on Amazon. My poetry group, The Anthologists is responsible for this beautiful volume. We conceived, organized and published this. The publishers come from our group. The publisher and we are donating all the profits from the receipts to Literacy Research. So you are helping education by getting a copy.:)

I also want to let you know about the prose anthology, Lavender Dreams, which is a memorial to an author who we lost to cancer. It is full of stories, both fiction and non-fiction that memorialize people we knew who passed away from cancer. My story, "Cancer Didn't Get Him" is in there. All the royalties from this ebook go to cancer research. It is only $1.99 on the MuseItUp Bookstore site.

What Kids "Should" Read

2011-12-16T03:00:00.000-05:00
I thought of this after I commented on Dale's post from yesterday. We see a lot of complaints about the topics addressed in YA fiction. Even though my Reality Shift books are pretty benign, I've had parents tell me they wouldn't allow their kids to read them because of the energy healing and channeling in the books. Which is fine; parents have the right to choose what their kids read, even if those kids are in their teens and think they should be allowed to choose for themselves.

The problem is, some parents think they're allowed to choose what *everyone's* children read. Because of that, some great books have been banned from schools or entire districts. If you don't want your own daughter to read Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson because it might disturb her, or don't want your son to read Scars by Cheryl Rainfield because it might encourage him to cut, that's your business. But please don't tell me that my children shouldn't read those books. I'm capable of making that decision all by myself.

(My 16-year-old has read both books, and found a lot of comfort in Speak after being assaulted by a "friend." My 13-year-old read Speak for summer reading this year, and doesn't seem to have suffered any adverse effects from it.)

Every kid is different. My 16-year-old has probably read things I wish she wouldn't, or has read things at an age where I didn't consider those things appropriate, but she's got a pretty solid footing in reality and talks to me when she reads something that upsets her or that she wasn't ready for. At this point, the only thing I don't allow her to read is erotic romance. She could probably handle it, but erotic romance is intended for age eighteen and up, and she's not eighteen. (And I don't know if I could handle her reading it...)

My 13-year-old, on the other hand, has Asperger's Syndrome, sometimes known as high-functioning autism. She's incredibly smart and can read anything you put in front of her, but because of having Asperger's, she sees things in a very black and white way, and the subtleties and nuances of life fly right over her head. I'm much more careful about what I let her read, because there are some topics that she wouldn't understand, and some that would be upsetting to her because of the way she would understand them. She's less mature than her sister was at 13, so I tend to think of her more as a mid-grade reader than young adult at this point.

Those are decisions I make for my own kids. Other than my daughters, it isn't up to me to make decisions about what kids should read. The only exception is with the books that I write, and even then I don't say "No eleven-year-old should read Connection" or "There's inappropriate content in Cluing In. If I'm asked, I will say "Shanna's mother abuses her in the Reality Shift series and some of those scenes might be disturbing for pre-teens" or "There's a teen pregnancy, mention of abortion, and a suicide in Cluing In, so personally I'd recommend it for older teens", but ultimately it's up to parents to determine what's appropriate for their own kids.

If you're buying books for the holidays, please take the time to consider the books you want to buy and whether they're appropriate for your intended recipient. If you're a parent, pay attention to what your child is reading in school, at home, and at the local library, and if you have a problem with it then talk to your child about it. If it's a school assignment, ask the school if your child can read something else. (Schools generally have alternate books for kids whose parents have strong objections to an assigned book for some reason.)

But please don't tell the school they can't use that book for any student. Don't tell the library to remove the book from circulation. You make the decisions for your children. Please let the rest of us make the decisions for ours.

Violence in YA Writing

2011-12-15T09:16:00.002-05:00
This may seem an unlikely subject for this time of year, but it's also a time when many folks are considering buying books as gifts for kids. For instance, I have seven grandchildren and almost all of them are bookworms, or nearly so. One in particular reads at a senior high level though she's only ten.
Recently, she recommended that we read Suzanne Collins 'The Hunger Games' trilogy. She'd read it and understood the plot perfectly. If you've read it, you know what I'm getting at here. If not, I recommend it but be advised going in that it is not a typical YA read. Not long after I began reading the first book, I had serious thoughts about putting it down. It was clear that the games would be a youthful version of the lions vs. Christians, ala ancient Rome. As the plot unfolded, I gritted and groaned but couldn't put it down, wishing and hoping the girl protagonist would find a way to prevail. I won't spoil it for those of you who've not read it yet.
There are other YA books that contain gross or ugly scenes, so this is my advice as regards book buying for young folks. You should consider the kid you're buying for before grabbing a 'hot' YA seller off the rack. Of the kids in my family, five of them would read such as I outlined above with no regret, but the other two would react negatively. Possibly as though I'd left a lump of coal in their stockings. There are lots of books for young people out there and I have no trouble finding books this pair will like. And read. After all, that is the purpose of gifting a book, isn't it.
Pie in the sky, or mud in your eye, we write for a readership that is increasingly sophisticated. We should always reference that readership when we pick a story topic. My thoughts on a gray pre-Christmas morning. Cheers all, and happy reading!
Pat Dale

Gifts for Writers

2011-12-14T09:12:00.000-05:00

Greetings All!
Since it is so close to the gift buying season, I thought I’d spend some time today chatting about what gifts to get your writer friend or gifts to get for yourself. I’ve read two blogs about this including Shevi Arnold’s here: http://shevi.blogspot.com/2011/12/find-perfect-gift-for-writer-no-matter.html?spref=fb
So here’s my list of great gifts in no particular order.
-YA books
                Writers are avid readers and we always want the latest YA book. Peruse the shelves at your local bookstore and choose a few for that writer friend. I have several on my wish list including: The Hunger Games (I’ve read one and two but not three yet. I am on the waiting list from my local library for it), Imaginary Girls, Matched and Crossed, Across the Universe and A Million Suns to name several I’d like to read.

-A new laptop with all the bells and whistles including writing software and a mind map program
                Yeah, this is a dream wish. *sighs*

-Time to write
                This gift is important if your writer friend is on a deadline especially if you can babysit the kids/pets/significant other for a few hours really helps out. A two hour time block will work for me!

-Fancy pens
                I rarely write with a pen these days but I still love the ones with real ink and nibs. A set of those would make my heart go pitty pat. I found a set at a thrift store that looked like it had never been opened and bought it! Now it sits on its own shelf. I also love those sticky notes with writer quotes on them. I’m one of those writers that use a lot of sticky notes so this is an ideal gift for me.

-Autographed books by me
                Yeah, this would be the ideal gift for a writer. Buy tons of their books and then ask them to sign them. Perfect gift that is only beaten by a publishing contract with a big name publisher and subsequently being on the best-seller list. *sighs*

-Subscription to Publisher’s Weekly
                This is the way writers get all their publishing news. I subscribe to their free service but the indepth information is only by paid subscription. See this link for more info: https://www.pubservice.com/subnew.aspx?PC=PW&PK=MNSITE

-Writing Inspired jewelry
                I ordered myself this quill pen necklace last year from London Particulars and I still adore it. Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/65918265/steampunk-jewelry-the-writers-quill-a

-Coffee gift cards/Mugs
                What writer doesn’t like coffee? Or tea? Or both? I’d like a gift card to my two favourite coffee places, Panera Bread and Starbucks. Yum. This gift could include a k-cup pack if the writer has a single-brewer coffeemaker or if they don’t have one, this could be a gift for them. It’s fun trying the different coffees. Along with this idea is a mug with your writer’s friend book cover on it. I ordered several of these for book signings as giveaways from Vistaprint and ordered an extra one for myself. Right now I am drinking coffee out of the NINA cup. I haven’t gotten all of my book cover mugs yet but I am working on it.
There’s a pic of two of mine at the top of this blog: The one on the left is the cover of FITZROY: THE BOY WHO WOULD BE KING and the one on the right is the cover for IF IT’S MONDAY, IT MUST BE MURDER!
                Another great gift in this theme are business cards or MOO cards.
Here is their link: http://us.moo.com/
T-shirts, hoodies etc. with your writer's book cover on it or a witty saying. Cafe Press/Zazzle has these.
Here are their links:
Cafe Press: http://www.cafepress.com/
Zazzle: http://www.zazzle.com/

-Writer’s Retreat/Conferences
                Yeah, this is another dream wish. I’ve often thought how wonderful it would be to write near the ocean. And who wouldn’t want to go to Ireland for a retreat? Rent a cottage by the Irish Sea and write to your heart’s content. *dreamy gaze out of window*
Poets and Writers magazine offers a list of conferences/residencies here: http://www.pw.org/conferences_and_residencies.
The Shaw Guides also has a list here: http://writing.shawguides.com/

So, there is my list. What’s on your wish list for either yourself or your writer friend?
Until Next Time,
Take Care,
Kathleen

Farsighted

2011-12-12T06:02:00.000-05:00

BLURB:
Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still "see" things others can't. When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider.

Alex Kosmitoras's life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival--an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future.

EXCERPT:

“Did Dad tell you? A new tenant moved into the old pharmacy next door.”

“Really?” I ask, not letting on I already know. If I feign ignorance, Mom’ll divulge all the details. “What is it?”

“It’s a psychic shop,” Her voice crackles with excitement like a fire that’s just beginning to burn. “The All-Seeing Miss Teak. Isn’t that cute? Miss Teak, Mystic. Ha, I wonder if that’s her real name.”

I laugh. “That is funny. Never had a psychic in town before. What’s she like?”

“Oh, she’s very friendly. Why don’t you go over and say ‘hi.’ I’m sure she’d like to meet you.”

“Okay, I think I will.” I’m incredibly intrigued, because first off, it’s a psychic shop—how weird is that?—and second, its presence made Dad super uncomfortable—also very cool. I waste no time heading next door to check out the scene.

As I step cautiously into the new shop, a recording of soft, instrumental music greets me. I can make out chimes and a string instrument I don’t recognize but for some reason reminds me of snake charmers. The smell of incense fills my nostrils, which explains the burning I detected earlier.

“Hello?” I call out into the otherwise quiet room.

Nobody answers. I walk in deeper, sweeping my cane out in front of me in a metronome fashion. This place is new to me, so I need to be especially careful while moving around.

Thump! Despite my precautions, I stub my toe on something hard, big, and made of wood. Just my luck to stub the same toe twice in one day. I reach down to press my fingers into my throbbing foot to alleviate some of the pain. Something teeters before rolling off of the chest and across the floor; the sound it makes indicates a curved path. Suddenly, the object stops. Somebody’s stopped it.

“Hello?” I call again.

“Hello,” a deep, feminine voice responds, placing more emphasis on the first syllable than the second.

“I- I’m sorry I knocked that thing over. I didn’t mean to…” I hope she’s not angry. Probably not a good idea to get on a psychic’s bad side.

“That wasn’t just a thing, it’s a crystal ball,” she says as she walks over, sending my blood pulsing through my veins. I sense her looking at me for a moment before she places the ball back on top of the chest.

“Can it see the future?” I ask, allowing my curiosity to outweigh my uneasiness.

“No.” After a pause lasting several beats, she continues. “But I can see the future sometimes when I look into it.”

“Oh, okay.” I tighten my hand around my cane and turn to leave. It may not be the most polite thing to do, but all of this hocus-pocus stuff is freaking me out more than I would’ve guessed.

The psychic lady speaks again, stopping me cold. “Don’t run away, Alex Kosmitoras.” She must’ve spoken to Mom earlier today. That must be how she knows my name.

“I’m not running away,” I say meekly. “I’m just going back over to Sweet Blossoms.”

“Don’t run away,” she repeats—this time she speaks louder and with more energy. “Don’t run away from your abilities. They are gifts.”

“What?” I ask in confusion. What abilities is she talking about?

“You already know. Watch. Listen. Be open to your gifts.”

I turn to face Miss Teak, but find she’s already gone, returning to wherever she was before I got there.

Is it safe to leave? I trail my fingers across the wooden box I ran into earlier; a thick coat of dust clings to the tips as I pull away. If this shop just opened, why is it already so dirty? I wipe my hands over my shirt to get the gritty substance off. Shivers rock my whole body. Something about this place is wrong, and I’m not sticking around to figure out what. Tapping my cane along the floor, I’m able to find the exit without knocking into anything else.

REVIEWS:

Alex Kosmitoras might not have a magic wand or vampiric strength and speed, but he is a totally swoon-worthy hero that any mom would be proud to let her daughter date. -- Melissa Luznicky Garrett, author of Turning Point

You don't have to be psychic to know that Farsighted is going to take the world by storm. Vampires are so last year. -- Kimberly Kinrade, author of Forbidden Mind

An epic battle of good versus evil that moves at breakneck speed to a stunning and totally unexpected conclusion. -- Terri Giuliano Long, author of In Leah's Wake

Is Alex blind? Yes. Bullied? Yes. A victim? Absolutely not! Emlyn Chand expertly tackles high school bullying, making Farsighted both an entertaining and an educational read. -- Kevin Carey-Infante, Author of Bani's Dilemma

There's nothing blurry about Farsighted. With keen insight, Emlyn Chand creates complex characters that pop off the page. -- Lauren Clark, author of Stay Tuned

Psychic or not, you'll never see the end for this one coming! Emlyn Chand is pioneering "the next big thing" for YA. -- Emily Reese, author of Second Death

*Winner of the Alternative Booker Award, 2011

*Winner of the WritersType First Chapter Competition, September 2011

BUY LINKS:

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Farsighted-Emlyn-Chand/dp/0983930805/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

B&N - www.barnesandnoble.com/w/farsighted-emlyn-chand/1106607652

Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/91611

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she's not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publ icity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb.

Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!
For a chance to win a download of Farsighted just leave a comment and your email addie.

Sending Out Your Manuscript

2011-12-10T06:47:00.000-05:00
Reading Jo's post got me thinking about my own writing situation. I have several novels that are finished due to NanoWriMo and I actually have had one of them critiqued and beta read. So why can't I send it out? I am going over it and realize it is really ready. It is not at all like my first novel, though it is YA. It deals with an even grittier subject, my husband's heart attack and bypass surgery. There were whole sections of this novel that I found very emotionally draining to write, yet they came out sounding dull and boring to other people. So I thought I'd write about how to get your feelings into your writing.

When I found that scenes I had cried over were leaving other people cold I had to go back and see what I had done wrong. Why didn't the emotions I felt come across in my writing? Examining an emotional scene can show you what it was you wanted to say and when you dissect the emotion you want to get across you can realize maybe you didn't put the energy you wanted into the scene. Describing a situation can be boring unless you put in your feelings. You have to show them. The nausea in the pit of your stomach when you hear the results and the shock when you see your loved one. Legs can wobble and eyes fill with tears while voices catch in your throat. Giving details of how you felt by showing what happened to you recreates the scene for your reader and helps to get the emotion across to your audience.

Don't be afraid to take apart any scene that doesn't work. It's like when you are knitting and you drop a stitch. You have to take apart the entire item until you get to the dropped stitch or else the item will look wrong. Take apart your scene and see the emotions. Go back to the original experience and feel the same feelings. Did you start to tear up or did you hold them in? Was there anger and how did it make you feel? What were your thoughts? What are your character's thoughts? How is it affecting your character? Are you showing it as it unfolds? Then you will have a stronger scene.

Writers hear these words, show don't tell, but too many don't understand what that means. How do you show a traumatic experience? Maybe you concentrate on the physical objects in the room. In a hospital room you might focus on the heart machine and count the beeps or watch the zig zag of the lines on the monitor. Hearing the breath is another way to show how you feel. Are you listening for catches? How do you feel looking at someone you love in a hospital bed? Show your reactions and the deterioration of your condition.

Anyway, go back over your writing and see if it grips you or brings a tear. If that happens you have probably shown emotions. Still, send it out for a few comments, because you still can't be sure it is where it should be. I am going to send out my manuscript before the end of the year. I will keep you posted.

Meanwhile, if anyone is interested in getting a free ebook I am running a contest on Love Romances Cafe on yahoo groups to get a free ebook of If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor. Here's how it works. Once you read the message on Love Romances Cafe come over to my blog and leave a comment. I will do a drawing of all the comments on my blog. I will also add in anyone who comments here as well.

Have a great week!

Dreaming Big

2011-12-09T03:00:00.000-05:00
All I want for Christmas this year is confidence.

There have been a few changes lately in my writing career. I'm not going to get into everything, because some things aren't completely finalized yet and some of them are private. When I'm more comfortable mentioning them, I will.

The publishers I've worked with so far, Jupiter Gardens Press and Featherweight Press, are small presses. I like working with small presses. Authors get personal attention, and small presses are sometimes more likely to take a chance on things. (I still doubt my Reality Shift series would have been picked up by a major publisher, mainly because of the channeling and "higher level beings" threads.)

I've only ever submitted one project to a major publisher, and that wasn't young adult. It was rejected, and was recently contracted by MuseItUp Publishing. It's a paranormal novel that will be published under this name, even though it isn't YA.

There are a couple other publishers I have my eye on, and I have projects--not yet written, but prepared to be written--that would fit each of them. So in 2012, I've decided, I'm going for it. I will submit to each of those publishers, and if it works out, yay for me! If not, all I've lost is the time spent submitting, and the cost of postage in one case since they don't accept email submissions.

I just need to write those projects and find the confidence to actually submit them.

Ever have to work up your confidence to try something, whether it's submitting or something else? How did you do it?

IT'S ALL RANDOM!

2011-12-07T09:25:00.000-05:00

Greetings All!

Now that NaNoWriMo is over, what are you writing? Many people either start editing their novels or put them in the drawer to marinate. Which one are you doing? I am doing the marinating. I didn’t want to start on my vampire novel until I finished the YA dystopian. I am about 36K on it so it’s trudging along.

I finally read The Hunger Games and am excited to read the second book in the series. How do you feel about reading books while you are writing? I used to think that I couldn’t read anything because it might influence my writing and I’d end up writing a similar story or with similar characters. Now I don’t worry about it because I know what my story is, who my characters are and what I want to accomplish. Any books I’ve read over the years probably influenced my writing anyway. I read The Hunger Games after I started my YA dystopian so it didn’t even strike me as the same as mine. Besides, mine has zombies. LOL.

Someone asked me yesterday, “How long does it take you to write a novel?” and I pondered the question for a moment. How long does it take me? Did they mean a first draft? Revised? Which revision? Do they mean the final version, the version they can buy? So, I answered, “it all depends.” Not a very satisfying answer but it’s true. It all depends. On what, you may ask? The weather? The phase of the moon? The aether? No, and pay attention here, IT’S ALL RANDOM. All of it.

I usually pound out a first draft in less than a month, sometimes shorter depending on the time I have to write and the storyline. I am the type of writer to get it all down as quickly as I can, edit a bit as I go and then do any major editing after the story is down on paper. It takes longer to write a first draft if I am editing as I go, but that’s the way I like to write. Once I have edited it for the first time, I send it out to my critique partner and take any suggestions my CP has and revise again. I also do either autocrit.com or editminion.com to catch repeated words, sentence structure variety, prepositions, adverbs, etc. The one problem with these editing sites is that they don’t like sentence fragments and I write with fragments all the time. It’s my style. Of writing. A fragmented pantser. So, it took me a month to write my NaNoWriMo novel and it’s just over 50K and it’s done. Last year I finished my faerie novel at 86K and considered it done. The YA dystopian is almost done and it will probably end up around 50 or 60K but it could be longer after I get into the editing/revising stage of it. I have no idea. A novel ends when it ends. When the story is finished, it’s finished. Well, sort of. It all depends. On what, you may ask? Wait, didn’t we already do this? Remember, IT’S ALL RANDOM. All of it.

How do you like to write?

Take Care Until Next Time,

Kathleen





New Trilogy Project Update

2011-12-06T09:59:00.004-05:00
Hey all,
Today, I figured on posting a bit about my newest project. It's a YA fantasy taking place in my world of Nanthara. For now, it is being called The Trident Trilogy. The first book is entitled "The Sons of the Trident"; Book 2 is "Revenge of the Darkwitch"; Book 3 is named "Vindication". These are WIP's and I am currently on Chapter 29 of the first draft of book 1.
The stories take place years before the Great War of the Relics, my first trilogy. A Darkwitch seeking revenge and power sets a trap against the realm she resides in by having three sons. Her plans are, once matured, to bring them into power before raising war and claiming what she desires. Instead, a paladin escapes her keep to report the birth of her offspring, and dies in the process. As her initial plans are thwarted, she escapes and sends her sons to be raised by darkhearted rulers within the realm in secrecy. Only two reach their destination; the third is found along the road by Ganethin's ruling family, his riders having been killed, and is raised as one of their own.
Upon reaching the age of 18, things happen to Naltharion. Frightful dreams and haunting visions bombard the prince, causing him to question the strange events. Once the truth of his identity is revealed, a struggle for his soul between the forces of light and dark rages as his kingdom is cast into a bloody war. Will Naltharion remain true to his beliefs, or will he be tainted by evil and become the wicked ruler the Darkwitch was promised. The triology follows the prince's plight through this harrowing experience alongside his trustworthy companions: a witty and wise bard, and a beautiful Weaponsmaster, so far.
There are other characters involved, but this is still a rough draft. Regardless, it is panning out into a neat story. Like all my fantasy based stories so far, they take place along the timeline in Nanthara with the Great War of the Relics serving as the focal point of reference. I plan on beginning a website on this, but not quite yet. I still have some work to do.
While I wait for my edits of Book 3, Dawn of the Apocalypse and book 1 of a sci-fi series: The Chronicles of Nuclear Fist-Darksoul, I will be working on finishing this trilogy while two other ideas, one already started, sits simmering on the back burner. That's all for now.
Remember, feel free to contact me with any questions. (chiro49nct@hotmail.com).

Take care, Nick
www.relicsofnanthara.weebly.com
www.nuclearfist.weebly.com

Seasons of Reading

2011-12-05T01:04:00.002-05:00

When fellow Downtowner Jo Ramsey asked me if I wanted to take part in her Seasons of Reading Blog Hop, I jumped at the chance. It touched on a subject dear to my heart. Books as gifts. Can you give a better gift, especially to a young person, where worlds await to be discovered and conquered? Growing up, for every birthday or holiday, I could expect a new book. I could hardly wait. My passion at that time was horses. I read horse stories voraciously: The Black Stallion Series, Frog the Horse That Knew No Master, Indian Paint and the list goes on. Some of them remain in my library today.But probably the book gifted to me that touched me the most was Little Women, a present from my mother, who I inherited my love of reading from. Most of you have probably read this classic.This story is based loosely on the author and the lives of her sisters as they grew up. I stand in awe of author Louisa May Alcott whose stories thrive over a hundred years later. Little Women is a story that never goes out of style. Who's characters are so strong you weep and cheer along with them. If you haven't read it, I urge you to give it a try. I think you'll enjoy it.
For an opportunity to win a download of VAMPIRE BAY, and have a copy of GROUNDED donated in your name to the library of your choice (if in the United States, otherwise it will be donated to the Iredell County Library in your name) just leave a comment along with your email addie.
Happy Holidays.

Kick into Creative Play Time!

2011-12-04T03:00:00.000-05:00

After a month long drive to cross NaNo's finish line it’s time to replenishthose creative juices. It’s time to setyour mind to relax, read and watch movies. Or whatever way that let’s your mind run free without anyrestrictions. Spend some time in thegreat outdoors and push yourself away from the computer. Yup! It’s time to regenerate. Giveyourself some space to regroup and let your mind wander wherever it wants togo. No, you’re not wasting time! You’ll actually be increasing your productivetime if you let yourself relax. Even ifit’s just for a few days you will reap the rewards of a surge of creativeflow.  Kick into your play time and smile like the Kung Fu Panda.
Here’s 29 ways to stay creative:

I’m spending the next few weeks to catching up on my readinglist and movies I missed. What’s your way ofrejuvenating?
Till next time,
Elizabeth

Thoughts on driving!

2011-12-03T05:25:00.001-05:00
Unfortunately, last week I wrote about bullying invading shopping, but this week I want to talk about how people have suddenly stopped having any kind of manners on the road. Seriously, I always thought that the person who is driving straight down the street has the right of way! Yet too many times people just come right out into the road from a driveway and take up the whole road as you are passing them. This is especially frightening when you are going at normal speed and you see someone about to get out of a driveway and a minute later they are in the street. Today, I had to swerve to avoid someone like that. But the worst was when I was trying to change lanes and I had my directional on to warn the drivers. As I was easing into the right lane, a motorist was too close to me so I had to wait and drove slowly as the driver got in front of where I needed to go. At that moment the driver behind me, who must have seen my directional honked me. I couldn't believe it. How rude do you have to be not to slow down when someone in front of you has their directional on and is almost in the other lane. I couldn't believe it. Yet, this is not the only place you find rudeness. If you linger for even a second more when the light turns green the driver behind you honks you. If you dare to move after a Stop sign and then you see the driver who is in the cross street has decided to move too and then you stop, the driver behind you will honk you. Never mind that there is a safety issue! Today at Target's parking lot a person was crossing in front of me as I was getting out of the aisle. The person in back of me honked me. What did they want me to do? Run over this pedestrian?

It is a sad situation when people forget their manners and do despicable things to try to move in front of you. I will say that most people, though, show good manners and occasionally someone will let you through on the road. This is just something I would love to hear about from my readers of this post.

I'm not sure how this came about and I'm wondering if maybe it has something to do with the relentless pace of our lives. Everyone has somewhere to go and they have to be there ASAP. Maybe it's the holiday shopping frenzy or maybe it's people who are angry for no reason. Whatever it is this is something that I have rarely seen. Life seems to be moving along way too fast and sometimes we just have to slow down a little and not be part of this pace.

There's one other thing I would like to talk about here. Unfortunately, another little boy has succumbed to being bullied. It was in the U.K. and he was an autistic 12 year old boy who was doing very well considering his disabilities. However, a group of mean 8th grade girls bothered him both in and out of school and he killed himself. This was all due to bullying and he has become another victim of this mean action.

As a writer, I feel this is an opportunity to reach kids who might not be reached any other way. Kids are reading a lot of fantasy these days and I think it's fun to read that too. But in many of these books the message is that it's okay to do awful things as long as it's to the bad guys. I don't think there are enough books that address the problem of bullying that are written for young adults. Of course as a writer you never want your message to dominate your book, but there is a way to let kids know how to deal with bullying. Several of the reviews of my book, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor, say that all young girls should read my book. As I say in my guest post on Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf today, I didn't write this book about bullying. Yet, several people have gotten that message as they read it. I wrote the book about girls who had poor body images and girls who developed eating disorders for one reason or another. Yet the bullying is an underlying factor that affects the main character and causes her to do things she might not have done if she weren't bullied.

If you are a YA writer, have you read a book recently that tackles the subject of bullying? With so many instances of fatalities caused by bullying it would be great if every YA writer would tackle that subject in some way. I think even vampires and werewolves can be bullied too! Weren't all the tyrants of the medieval era really big bullies? Ask yourself, how can you put bullying and how to deal with it in your next book.

I would love if you left me a comment here about this.

When Writer's Block Attacks

2011-12-01T17:08:00.000-05:00
This post is inspired by the fact that I've been sitting at my computer since yesterday trying to think of a topic for this post. My brain went completely blank the moment I signed into my Blogger dashboard. That's writer's block.

Writer's block is one of those insidious things that just sneaks up on a writer. I think we've probably all experienced it. Staring at a computer screen or paper page, wondering what on earth is supposed to happen next in our story. That's assuming it doesn't strike us when we sit down to begin a new story. We probably have some idea about our characters and the plot, at least a basic "this is a romantic story" or "they save the world", but when we go to write it down or type it, the words just won't come.

The time I'm most likely to experience writer's block is when I'm starting a new story. Even though I probably know who the characters are and what I think is going to happen in the story (I'm not much of a plotter, but I sometimes at least jot down a few sentences as to what I think the plot's going to be), figuring out that first sentence is sometimes the hardest part. I want to grab the reader and get them excited about reading the rest of the story, but I want to start in the right place.

With my novel Fresh Meat (coming in 2012 from Featherweight Press), I started in completely the wrong place. The plot of the story is that a 15-year-old boy is turned into a werewolf during an assault by a sexual predator. For some reason, I chose to start the first draft with the boy, Tobias, being awakened by a thunderstorm and having to help his mother calm his younger sisters, one of whom is autistic. It was a nice introduction to Tobias and his family, but had almost nothing to do with the plot. When I revised, I started the story with Tobias meeting the predator--whom he doesn't realize is a predator, and develops an insta-crush on--at an arcade. A shortened version of the thunderstorm made it into the novel a little later on, where it did fit the plot because it showed one of the reasons Tobias wishes he could move out and live with the guy he thinks he's falling in love with instead of staying with his family.

Sometimes working around writer's block ends up giving us better ideas than what we had in the first place. And sometimes we wind up with something we can't use, or at least can't use at that point in the story. The good thing is, if we just power through the block, or go around it and leave that scene for later, we can always fix it when we revise.

When I was young and still writing my stories in spiral notebooks, if I got blocked I just stopped writing the story. Even in some of the notebooks that contain complete manuscripts, I have a number of stories that I gave up on after just a few pages. I don't do that anymore. Now if I get stuck, I just work on another project, or wander off and blog, or even socialize for a bit on Facebook and Twitter, until the block goes away. Sometimes on the social networks, I'll even mention that I'm blocked and ask for suggestions.

Writer's block can be conquered. It isn't always easy, but sometimes once we get past the block, we end up with something even better than we expected.