tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10764218236860121072024-03-18T13:52:09.868-04:00IWSG AnthologiesCompilations of IWSG themed contest winnersTara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-62890036574753197932024-02-21T06:00:00.001-05:002024-02-21T06:00:00.254-05:00Catacombs and Criminals<div>by Sherry Ellis</div><div>In IWSG Anthology #5 Voyagers</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;">When you think of Paris, things that come to mind may be the Eiffel Tower, good food, fashion, and art museums. I doubt skeletons, underground cemeteries, and art thieves would pop into your head. Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones explores some of these darker aspects of the City of Lights. While the book is a work of fiction, there are truths in the stories within the story.</span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Were the art thieves real? </b></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;">The characters in Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones are fictional, but the information about the Mona Lisa robbery, the heist from the Museum of Modern Art, and Picasso’s granddaughter are true.</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Italian painter, Vincenzo Peruggia stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre Museum in 1911. It was recovered in 1913 when he tried to sell it.</li><li>On May 20, 2010, an art thief stole five paintings, including a Picasso and Matisse from the Museum of Modern Art. Unfortunately, the security alarms were not working, and the security guards on duty did not notice the thief. The works are still missing, and the thief has not been caught.</li><li>On February 27, 2007, thieves broke into the house of Picasso’s granddaughter and stole two of his paintings. They were worth over sixty million dollars!</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Catacombs</b></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;">The catacombs are an underground gravesite located in the Place Denfert-Rochareau district of Paris. This is where Bubba and Squirt arrive after being whisked through the mysterious portal. It’s also where they first meet the art thieves. A positively creepy place! Here are some facts about it:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The bones were once buried in the Cemetery of the Innocent in the district of Halles. When the cemetery became overcrowded, the government decided to move the bones. They chose an old stone mine. </li><li>On April 7, 1786, removal of the bones began and continued until 1788.</li><li>The site contains the remains of about six million people.</li><li>The catacombs were opened to the public in 1874.</li></ul></div><div>If you ever visit Paris, take the time to visit this unique place. It’s an unforgettable experience!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you’ve enjoyed this trivia and that you will consider checking out Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonaGNklzuMxab0Omzz0OoAG__BUuDxN_tTs-RtbBZ1ssnxYxraIRlILNN0AWjDp735q4dehKc5Uue0VTNh8_PcOjBhXI8U-uifV9X13wnxEKUIoWX3jbp3vfVJStEgzlYHUQGc6ppmMT-oRKQypCBRV5hD4Rarunvhk7X0jwJX_Vnm3q6YLlcMufYLZAK/s522/City%20of%20Bones%20by%20SE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="348" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonaGNklzuMxab0Omzz0OoAG__BUuDxN_tTs-RtbBZ1ssnxYxraIRlILNN0AWjDp735q4dehKc5Uue0VTNh8_PcOjBhXI8U-uifV9X13wnxEKUIoWX3jbp3vfVJStEgzlYHUQGc6ppmMT-oRKQypCBRV5hD4Rarunvhk7X0jwJX_Vnm3q6YLlcMufYLZAK/w133-h200/City%20of%20Bones%20by%20SE.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div>City of Bones</div><div>by Sherry Ellis</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Bubba and Squirt are back for another rousing quest as they travel through the mysterious vortex to Paris, France.</i></div><div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>It's another wild adventure as they track down art thieves, encounter terrifying monsters, and discover the whereabouts of their missing father. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Will they make it out alive or join the rest of the skeletons in the City of Bones?</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Buy Links:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bubba-Squirts-Bones-Sherry-Ellis/dp/1939844983/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">Amazon</a> ~~~ <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bubba-and-squirts-city-of-bones-sherry-ellis/1143368630" target="_blank">B & N</a> ~~~ <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/bubba-and-squirts-city-of-bones/id6447925274" target="_blank">iTunes</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/middle-grade" target="_blank">Dancing Lemur Press</a> ~~~ <a href="https://www.sherryellis.org/product-page/bubba-and-squirt-s-city-of-bones" target="_blank">Autographed Copy</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvz-feYqVfEgeoaOxWq5b3kEG_i6OJk5v12wfBc29R3ELJvAGl_bGhyphenhyphenPDa4TsSPVWZ6KQXv6RubsdPwTF1hGWyBoBifw_eYq6lh9TSr1DNOX-Zd2XYwLrhk90vXk6RagK9uviABvRDok5Wv13umr9FfJmwtpY8NYBNaBsXgzB34B2QG2cIQaDqKgOqUoXt/s1000/Sherry%20Ellis%20author%20picture.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvz-feYqVfEgeoaOxWq5b3kEG_i6OJk5v12wfBc29R3ELJvAGl_bGhyphenhyphenPDa4TsSPVWZ6KQXv6RubsdPwTF1hGWyBoBifw_eYq6lh9TSr1DNOX-Zd2XYwLrhk90vXk6RagK9uviABvRDok5Wv13umr9FfJmwtpY8NYBNaBsXgzB34B2QG2cIQaDqKgOqUoXt/w160-h200/Sherry%20Ellis%20author%20picture.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. Her books include Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China; Bubba and Squirt’s Mayan Adventure; Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones; Don’t Feed the Elephant; Ten Zany Birds; That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN; and That Mama is a Grouch. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Connect with Sherry on Social Media:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sherryellisbooksandmusic/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> ~~ <a href="https://twitter.com/513sherrye?lang=en" target="_blank">Twitter/X</a> ~~ <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sherry.ellis.author" target="_blank">TikTok</a> ~~ <a href="https://sherryellis.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/4818957.Sherry_Ellis" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> ~~ <a href="https://www.sherryellis.org/" target="_blank">Website</a> ~~ <a href="https://www.bubbaandsquirtadventures.com/" target="_blank">Bubba and Squirt website</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-42125424954585212882024-02-07T06:00:00.006-05:002024-02-07T06:00:00.134-05:00Wrapping up a Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRdEXzG-rpOtJFkZYrGHCTGMJKeufzhyHlWGU5RPZeH5sgCx6aHE5vsOe6CdOEo1dwGve3aB8OV_Uv1j-VhNNMvLSEnd6FfKQzAe6e-6GdtuF3cAOmRVMV2gqPG3PDQrOYD5fhAGNQGnuI36ocz58D3RXbsqMHK0LLhKb_VUVP-BxYOHgRLrylPVMdTP3/s612/wrap%20up.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="612" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRdEXzG-rpOtJFkZYrGHCTGMJKeufzhyHlWGU5RPZeH5sgCx6aHE5vsOe6CdOEo1dwGve3aB8OV_Uv1j-VhNNMvLSEnd6FfKQzAe6e-6GdtuF3cAOmRVMV2gqPG3PDQrOYD5fhAGNQGnuI36ocz58D3RXbsqMHK0LLhKb_VUVP-BxYOHgRLrylPVMdTP3/w200-h170/wrap%20up.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>by L. Diane Wolfe</div><div><br /></div><div>The fourth and final instalment in my In Darkness series comes out this month. And there’s something both satisfying and a little bittersweet about finishing a series.</div><div><br /></div><div>The four novellas don’t follow the same characters all the way through the series, so it’s not a sadness of missing old friends I’d been with a while. I will miss coming up with new twists on the paranormal romance genre though.</div><div><br /></div><div>It’s great knowing I did finish this series since time to write is fleeting in between my responsibilities with Dancing Lemur Press and my clients. (Fortunately, two stories were completed and polished over seven years ago, one was finished almost 30 years ago and needed a rewrite, and only one did I have to write from scratch.) It’s a different genre for me, which was also exciting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, I have a lot of other stories and ideas that could fit into the paranormal romance category should I decide to continue the series!</div><div><br /></div><div>But for now, I present to you the final novella, The Alien.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RISSodGy9gDzTU3ZCEKe8lD4PMr4QiWKifsoTKaalAIpdHNRTEbnRnB9xNIixlRPUHV6I71byLckQVv_vUEtwXzoL5Uvw-IkBAJyQ6wCZ91PEzpZEjxhrnMLJg4BBUuI-g3QdNvTjMbb2Spr-CmURdgJ2jvqIuH53aKo5g5p4C8xa8SivlhFBOgl5XW6/s1096/InDarknessTheAlien-LDianeWolfe.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RISSodGy9gDzTU3ZCEKe8lD4PMr4QiWKifsoTKaalAIpdHNRTEbnRnB9xNIixlRPUHV6I71byLckQVv_vUEtwXzoL5Uvw-IkBAJyQ6wCZ91PEzpZEjxhrnMLJg4BBUuI-g3QdNvTjMbb2Spr-CmURdgJ2jvqIuH53aKo5g5p4C8xa8SivlhFBOgl5XW6/s320/InDarknessTheAlien-LDianeWolfe.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>In Darkness: The Alien</div><div>By L. Diane Wolfe</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Souls shrouded in darkness…</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Abducted from her research station, Liz’s life is flung into chaos. Sold into servanthood for her knowledge of planetary mining to a race called the Stren, she discovers her problems go far deeper. She is to marry her alien master, Krist, after enduring a procedure designed to eradicate her emotions.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Desperate, Liz persuades the Stren to grant her the duration of a short voyage to change his perception of emotions. But how can she convince someone lacking feelings of their value? And is there a means of accessing the emotional side of Krist?</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Release date – February 6, 2024 from Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.</div><div>Romance-Science Fiction / Science Fiction-Alien Contact / Romance-Paranormal</div><div>eBook ISBN 9781939844972</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Book Links:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6QVWB2K" target="_blank">Amazon</a> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6449979850Le" target="_blank">iTunes</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940166065681" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844972" target="_blank">Kobo</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844972" target="_blank">Scribed</a> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/171026121-in-darkness" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xyrD3fojxwzKn06JQKlPk-FzmPqQXd4YUQDX7WCIuvTu5zrTf_WcxsnBuL2XTnXdb8Zt7j7aD8YxBBaNCjfDNtri6hFm3X69lZeWLyn6GKrafV-_g-4LJ1_oBwv-ajEzW-p0WZdX2HtWAAKIioLSIBkUtjQUnC_i8C7rHXnaJbhrI_UXxHVVRHX50UUv/s300/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20promo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="300" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xyrD3fojxwzKn06JQKlPk-FzmPqQXd4YUQDX7WCIuvTu5zrTf_WcxsnBuL2XTnXdb8Zt7j7aD8YxBBaNCjfDNtri6hFm3X69lZeWLyn6GKrafV-_g-4LJ1_oBwv-ajEzW-p0WZdX2HtWAAKIioLSIBkUtjQUnC_i8C7rHXnaJbhrI_UXxHVVRHX50UUv/w200-h197/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20promo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A professional speaker and author, <span style="font-size: large;"><b>L. Diane Wolfe</b></span> conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s an editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spunkonastick.net/" target="_blank">Spunk On A Stick</a> ~~ <a href="http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Spunk On A Stick’s Tips</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</a></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-30205615165026086222024-01-08T06:00:00.001-05:002024-01-08T06:00:00.157-05:00Happy New Book!<div>We're starting off 2024 with some great news!</div><div>C. Lee McKenzie has a new release and she's grateful to have some space here today to talk about it. Read about her exciting journey and story... Here's Lee.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This book is a bit of a departure from my usual contemporary/realistic young adult ones. I stepped into the paranormal area and sent my main characters back in time to bring long overdue justice to a family. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Here’s what the story is about:</b> The desert town of Rattlesnake isn’t a destination. It’s a last resort. Seventeen-year-old Jonah Guthrie’s aunt sold their home in New England and fled to this place to escape the humiliation of his dad’s indictment for embezzlement and subsequent disappearance. </div><div><br /></div><div>While their late uncle left them a house and a silver mine, the house is a shambles and the mine is defunct. They’re almost out of money, so they have no choice but to stay in Rattlesnake. And then Jonah discovers they’ve inherited something else. Her name is Catherine, and she’s been dead for over a hundred year. Now, she needs his help.</div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve scared a few readers with my title, but after they discovered Rattlesnake wasn’t about a nest of those poisonous reptiles, they enjoyed the story. Rattlesnake wasn’t my first tittle. I think I had three others before I settled on that venomous sounding one. Each previous title had ghosts included—No Such Thing As Ghosts, Ghost Dreams, and one other that must have been so bad I can’t remember it. I think the word, Gulch, was involved. Fortunately, I dispatched all of these, and once I settled on Rattlesnake, I was happy. It had the flavor of the desert, a hint of the old west, and it was also ominous. </div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75Vu-AzkUavozJa4cjK3YcJz8qeXjxDVYhdlRsrlVSANUqAkKbwyUVNhyoO5PN8BgkV9QecNM7UvNTXoulSwcq0mcHkAR6UFJ-bpApegshFKRm1-j0BpVzc7DI8bstJ967PgVzowWOo-X7ODW87TR63OvYhM3rOqirlFAtWtdmfh7Ds9_E3SddP7eU8U-/s624/Rattlesnake%20promo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75Vu-AzkUavozJa4cjK3YcJz8qeXjxDVYhdlRsrlVSANUqAkKbwyUVNhyoO5PN8BgkV9QecNM7UvNTXoulSwcq0mcHkAR6UFJ-bpApegshFKRm1-j0BpVzc7DI8bstJ967PgVzowWOo-X7ODW87TR63OvYhM3rOqirlFAtWtdmfh7Ds9_E3SddP7eU8U-/w400-h225/Rattlesnake%20promo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">AVAILABLE NOW!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look for Rattlesnake at these distribution centers</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Rattlesnake-C-Lee-McKenzie-ebook/dp/B0CNJLNKHV/ref=sr_1_1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> . <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1481237" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> . <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/rattlesnake-11" target="_blank">Kobo</a> . <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rattlesnake-c-lee-mckenzie/1144383328" target="_blank">B&N</a> . <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201519328-rattlesnake" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05uYrFZ8hEQnuzzofULwBeItQMQ0YT7uXUq9ObFhe76V460N_1yhTmbjf4xXsOe-QMc_nXyFKJM7Mw37frQE9DaOkN-1ZStudiYTYZOAzQwfd6VhK59WaOlmfyuwO4mtLUG72rljHA6YlYJmbitBXm_EUuch8RWP4vEgj9Zl4XvOsxC_FiR87MS3HkRPl/s200/C%20Lee%20McKenzie.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05uYrFZ8hEQnuzzofULwBeItQMQ0YT7uXUq9ObFhe76V460N_1yhTmbjf4xXsOe-QMc_nXyFKJM7Mw37frQE9DaOkN-1ZStudiYTYZOAzQwfd6VhK59WaOlmfyuwO4mtLUG72rljHA6YlYJmbitBXm_EUuch8RWP4vEgj9Zl4XvOsxC_FiR87MS3HkRPl/s1600/C%20Lee%20McKenzie.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>C. Lee McKenzie is a native Californian who grew up in a lot of different places; then landed in the Santa Cruz Mountains in her home state. She writes, gardens, hikes, and does yoga a lot, and then travels whenever she can. Her favorite destinations are Turkey and Nicaragua, but because she has family in England, Switzerland, and Spain she goes there when she can. </div><div><br /></div><div>She takes on modern issues that today's teens face in their daily lives. Her Evernight Teen Publication, Double Negative was voted as one of the best top ten Young Adult books in 2020. Her most recent novel, Shattered, won a 2022 Indie Book Award.</div><div><br /></div><div>Connect with Lee...</div><div><p class="Default" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Hyperlink0"><a href="https://substack.com/@cleemckenzie"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif">Substack</span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">
. </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2809083.C_Lee_McKenzie"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif">Goodreads</span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> . </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cleemckenzie"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" lang="NL">Facebook</span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> . </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cleemckenzie/"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" lang="DA">Instagram</span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> . </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3tHs4-CC-EW5XNdQwJYtuA"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif">YouTube</span></a></span><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> . </span><span class="Hyperlink0"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleemckenzie/"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif" lang="NL">LinkedIn</span></a> . </span><a href="mailto:no_reply@apple.com"><span face="Helvetica, sans-serif">Email</span></a></p></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-44425098533088921722023-11-01T06:00:00.001-04:002023-11-01T06:00:00.132-04:00Finding and Collecting Characters<div>by Bish Denham</div><div>author of Blind Ship in VOYAGERS anthology</div><div><br /></div><div>If you have a hard time imagining characters or drawing them up out of thin air, maybe you need to start collecting them, like stamps or books. Characters are everywhere, like ants at a picnic. All you have to do is look around. They lurk within your family, hang out with your friends, skulk about your community, and flounce across your TV screen. They are in magazines and, nowadays, all over the internet.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxw4_xZCy1JfBIYg9KmNdzRc2KH-a3wjBNDghFLga9ALaup94vgDoT7A7B9hvlkEctCggHsspduSN0zM-I_CTsVpS4nF7JPkq79nwZKOfQFRJdcyisc7tD2vHXBT4fKXho7skc8Dgz_tTYJ4tTB3_39gOc-OWhHrFnU_Hp_NCVXzP6b1-n4vdlIYwTmM8/s549/drawing%20characters.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="474" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxw4_xZCy1JfBIYg9KmNdzRc2KH-a3wjBNDghFLga9ALaup94vgDoT7A7B9hvlkEctCggHsspduSN0zM-I_CTsVpS4nF7JPkq79nwZKOfQFRJdcyisc7tD2vHXBT4fKXho7skc8Dgz_tTYJ4tTB3_39gOc-OWhHrFnU_Hp_NCVXzP6b1-n4vdlIYwTmM8/w173-h200/drawing%20characters.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>Collecting characters is simple, easy, and fun. If you collect one a day, you’ll have 365 characters at the end of a year!</div><div><br /></div><div>As you go about your daily routine, start looking at people. Notice what they’re doing, how they’re dressed, what they’re talking about. Every day, or once a week, look for one person to study, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Try not to be overt about this observing, you don’t want to make someone uncomfortable. Unless you have a great memory, take notes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe you saw a cashier who wasn’t smiling and seemed angry. She may have even upset you with her bad attitude. But, as a writer, it’s your job to be a dispassionate observer. Your notes might read something like this: “Black haired, over-roughed cashier. Mid to late 50s. Dark eyes. Frown lines between eyebrows and at corners of mouth. Clipped, abrupt speech. Seemed angry. Never smiled.”</div><div><br /></div><div>When you have more time, you can flesh out her skeleton. Start asking yourself questions. “Why was she so sour? Has she always been this way? If so, what made her so unhappy? Did she just get some bad news? Didn’t she get enough sleep? Does she have worries weighing on her mind?” Give her a story, give her an excuse for being the way she was. Write it down. Describe her physical appearance in more detailed. Make it up if you want. What was she wearing? Did she have a wedding band. Maybe she’s recently divorced. Were her nails manicured or not? Give her a mannerism. Maybe she has the nervous habit of chewing on her lower lip. Lastly give your character sketch a title or name. How about, “The Sour Cashier” or “Mabel’s Bad-Hair Day.”</div><div><br /></div><div>As you gather and write up character sketches, organize them as you want. I’m old school, I use a three-ring binder with dividers and have a few basic categories: women, girls, boys, men. You can be more specific if you want to: old men, extraterrestrials, teen-girls, toddlers, bully boys. You get the picture.</div><div>So, now you have a bunch of people on paper. What next? Maybe you have a great idea for a story, but you can’t picture the main character. Or maybe you have a great main character, but you need a couple of side-kicks. Get out your file, it’s a giant mall. You can browse it like a shopper. You can mix and match bits and pieces and make a whole new persona.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeWOInpV5DWut2xY52JkiVqHHnMOhyi2beRMew1TdfimD-wOGf2C1n6PRXdSYT_9tqcTXjA0BNvIjE_TJaouYM93JpbZDxS7SnagkP_PHkg2sEwiMOuPTYB49e1YAPuR5e35_75hbGSELik_qTt04ULoE9wWfKaXA6k2EjmyEvOVBgx_FP8A3zVyGWR-p/s4296/character%20collection.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2567" data-original-width="4296" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFeWOInpV5DWut2xY52JkiVqHHnMOhyi2beRMew1TdfimD-wOGf2C1n6PRXdSYT_9tqcTXjA0BNvIjE_TJaouYM93JpbZDxS7SnagkP_PHkg2sEwiMOuPTYB49e1YAPuR5e35_75hbGSELik_qTt04ULoE9wWfKaXA6k2EjmyEvOVBgx_FP8A3zVyGWR-p/s320/character%20collection.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But wait! There’s more! Maybe you need an idea. This is where the titles or names of your sketches may light the match that starts a creative fire.</div><div><br /></div><div>Something else I do is collect names. Any kind of name that’s unique or different or interesting. I organize them, too: place names, magical names, foreign names, people names, animal names, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now you can find the perfect name to fit your perfect character to act out your perfect story.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have fun and break a pencil!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEr9_XT-XabjPJSLRdEZK4IUvOCPxGikAQSrUhbL3lXPKknWAG-GMkpoXZ6BFjImSHLB31Ghmpn3EaLt2FJn-BZp3gwOIii5J09ZPxDeP1pd13VSp2__Q4KqUCKsGZ7F8Fz4AyywUSDC4/s1600/thumbnail.jfif.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="408" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEr9_XT-XabjPJSLRdEZK4IUvOCPxGikAQSrUhbL3lXPKknWAG-GMkpoXZ6BFjImSHLB31Ghmpn3EaLt2FJn-BZp3gwOIii5J09ZPxDeP1pd13VSp2__Q4KqUCKsGZ7F8Fz4AyywUSDC4/w150-h150/thumbnail.jfif.jpeg" width="150" /></a></div><p>Bish Denham is from the U.S. Virgin Islands, where her family has lived for over a hundred years. The author of two middle grade novels and a collection of retold Jamaican Anansi stories, she says, “Growing up in the islands was like living inside a history book.” Learn more about Bish at her blog <a href="http://bish-randomthoughts.blogspot.com/">bish-randomthoughts.blogspot</a>.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-20413195442726638942023-10-16T06:00:00.001-04:002023-10-16T06:00:00.143-04:00Art Inspires Art<div>by Mary Aalgaard</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been rather disconnected from this group and blog, and I'm glad to be reconnected. When my story, "One More Minute" was selected for the 2018 anthology, Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime, I was thrilled. I loved being part of the group who were promoting the book and their stories. I miss that camaraderie. I even made a book trailer for the book!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/5089489997459828782/7803044015312323109?hl=en#" target="_blank">Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime Book Trailer</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I've tried writing novels. I get to a certain point, then abandon them. I've written a couple short stories, now, that have been published. I like getting the writing prompts and know the parameters for the story. The challenge of keeping the word count down and still creating a compelling story appeals to me.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3_FqUwfrbG2arJ7M26U_AnvAQ5KOYgNxOFXt5Rsvx_NmzxBg5zraF45FC4ehShkV3OP6ACMQXxe6Ursgc6WQ0tOuIObyKyiBO-BwuxA6FWZtOD9dwBy7XL038hMPO5W07gbtkTlx7V46MHaoVFvz7e2hE7oFTWRb4gy6etEuMUy4JZy-kitWtdkFjZYu/s320/Mary%20Aalgaard%20&%20Jeanne%20Cooney.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3_FqUwfrbG2arJ7M26U_AnvAQ5KOYgNxOFXt5Rsvx_NmzxBg5zraF45FC4ehShkV3OP6ACMQXxe6Ursgc6WQ0tOuIObyKyiBO-BwuxA6FWZtOD9dwBy7XL038hMPO5W07gbtkTlx7V46MHaoVFvz7e2hE7oFTWRb4gy6etEuMUy4JZy-kitWtdkFjZYu/w150-h200/Mary%20Aalgaard%20&%20Jeanne%20Cooney.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mary Aalgaard and Jeanne Cooney</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It's Murder, Dontcha Know?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stage Play Reading at Central Lakes College</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brainerd, MN</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>In addition to writing, I enjoy going to the theater and have built up a reputation in the Minneapolis/St. Paul theater community for writing reviews. I'm studying the craft all the time. So, when Jeanne Cooney, a local author and friend, asked me to write a stage adaptation for her book, It's Murder, Dontcha Know?, I said, yes, without hesitation. I've enjoyed the process of bringing the page to the stage, as they say, reading and rereading the novel, pulling out dialogue and looking for the most dramatic parts. I worked with the local community college theater department and director Joseph Yow to develop it. We had a stage reading of the play at the end of September with local actors reading the parts. Jeanne was in the audience and took extensive notes! I have work to do to revise and edit the play and have great expectations of seeing it fully produced some day.</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEEmroDR6h4eEDGFGkq7d1KwbbCk9WErb43GOLlZrkVRk2kD2KVDf0iJ4Y_BeQ8JlhKWAHlVrD0rLVnJwvvQSzoAS8OZZ9Kd4WK9MgsNB-jhVV8FDB3St7Imvpvxmj5hh59ZAMgTKVt3JiRISQlABH0pCIf4ZjHiVYpGhR1FJp8FKOcwijPMnGtx-VxZt/s320/Mary%20Aalgaard%20w-crew%20of%20play.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEEmroDR6h4eEDGFGkq7d1KwbbCk9WErb43GOLlZrkVRk2kD2KVDf0iJ4Y_BeQ8JlhKWAHlVrD0rLVnJwvvQSzoAS8OZZ9Kd4WK9MgsNB-jhVV8FDB3St7Imvpvxmj5hh59ZAMgTKVt3JiRISQlABH0pCIf4ZjHiVYpGhR1FJp8FKOcwijPMnGtx-VxZt/w320-h240/Mary%20Aalgaard%20w-crew%20of%20play.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mary Aalgaard with cast and crew</span><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2uG0iFnPFfJ0k4OK2LbSZ3ERp98VwyMgIOZALShMKoe0xRqx-9MWro2BC2nYOwOOdHzlQG1rfF8PIxx4A6NOWkaEuX729PPycvExhqnrZ11d5ynlpZp-lOLn5Dh-34JRq1AOTnQlBCwEjtUPjCo7rPhICtyHhWFiRvk3SWIyq-rzPyJzG38exggcanuD/s320/Mary%20Aalgaard%20&%20director.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2uG0iFnPFfJ0k4OK2LbSZ3ERp98VwyMgIOZALShMKoe0xRqx-9MWro2BC2nYOwOOdHzlQG1rfF8PIxx4A6NOWkaEuX729PPycvExhqnrZ11d5ynlpZp-lOLn5Dh-34JRq1AOTnQlBCwEjtUPjCo7rPhICtyHhWFiRvk3SWIyq-rzPyJzG38exggcanuD/w150-h200/Mary%20Aalgaard%20&%20director.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Playwright Mary Aalgaard and</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Director Joey Yow</span></div><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>After the reading, several people talked to me about the process. They told me that they felt inspired to do more creative work after being part of this project. In my opinion, the project is already a success. I'm so glad that people told me about their inspiration and what they plan to work on in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe that Art inspires Art. When we see people doing something they love, from making music to writing stories, and all the other creative endeavors you can imagine, we feel the stirrings to also create. I hope that you all have wonderful, creative projects in the works and that you are able to see them through and witness the wonderful ripple effect of putting it out there to inspire others!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mary Aalgaard writes theater reviews and supports the arts through her blog Play off the Page. She teaches youth theater workshops in the Brainerd lakes area of Minnesota, writes articles for regional magazines, and works with both seniors and youth in multi-generational programs to enhance </span><span style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px;">quality</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> of life and build community. E</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">mail her at </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="font-family: inherit;">Mary@playoffthepage.com</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Find out more:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">mary.aalgaard@yahoo.com</a> | <a href="https://playoffthepage.com/">Blog</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryAalgaard">Twitter</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryAalgaard">@MaryAalgaard</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PlayoffthePage/"></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PlayoffthePage/">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maryaalgaard/">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.playoffthepage.com/">Website</a></div></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-89535671073697712232023-10-04T06:00:00.001-04:002023-10-04T06:00:00.133-04:00Happy “almost” Halloween! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyPGs87Vu2GbflkCC2Y8hyphenhyphenYncG3ffKblXAZNC-m-mF42vb9qIAygtENqvCCnPDplauFuCvQmLLyTJmnnCncSO7hcHwhj8NqRXYkKwyDwE4M9OqfVj-mJFEBAOMCN1m76-M9E8C_Yv87DW3GPn0DMMsllZLHSs6VtHQF5-NxUeiuPwvtpaP2meTPY46RiT/s365/Great%20Pumpkin.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="365" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyPGs87Vu2GbflkCC2Y8hyphenhyphenYncG3ffKblXAZNC-m-mF42vb9qIAygtENqvCCnPDplauFuCvQmLLyTJmnnCncSO7hcHwhj8NqRXYkKwyDwE4M9OqfVj-mJFEBAOMCN1m76-M9E8C_Yv87DW3GPn0DMMsllZLHSs6VtHQF5-NxUeiuPwvtpaP2meTPY46RiT/w200-h149/Great%20Pumpkin.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>October is my favorite month of the year. Fall is finally here, the weather has cooled off, but most of all it’s Halloween month! And that means good, clean fun. I don’t do horror—I’m a big chicken. (There, I said it!) I want to be fun-scared, not scared-scared (see my bio below). I even have the viewing tastes of a child. Give me It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown any day. Or Hocus Pocus, or Casper. </div><div><br /></div><div>My point is that I don’t do scary, and real world stuff fits into that category. That’s why I write paranormal cozy mysteries. You get the fun ghostly stuff, along with a nice, gentle, murder mystery. Because with cozy, anything involving violence happens off the page. And in the books and stories I write, it’s the ghost who shows up first, and the murder investigation happens afterwards. </div><div><br /></div><div>But it’s not always about murder. In A Stitch and Crime, from the third Insecure Writer’s Support Group short story anthology, the story involves a little ghost girl, the old nun who raised her, and a candy shop mystery. Reluctant Ghost Whisperer Indigo Eady, along with her ghost pal Franny Bishop, a former Victorian madam of some repute, solved the case and reunited the girl and nun who had been lost to each other for years. The story is fun, lighthearted, heartwarming, and most of all, has no violence. And a candy store background is a pretty sweet setting 😉</div><div><br /></div><div>I have a friend with breast cancer recently say that she started reading cozy mysteries because in this increasingly violent, crazy world we currently live in, she enjoys escaping to the low stress of a cozy mystery. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you’d like to escape into a cozy world…</div><div style="text-align: center;">From the same series as A Stitch in Crime…</div><div style="text-align: center;">And currently FREE at all outlets…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4N7-njiQEUXeYd8uksZTHm4CokW9f-5Dqjws7TefMA7e5tUQfOUArjrCWkkC812NfwsFb5XIWbRMNLxGR9eMsSog4mXDKbXstNsVdfGmfH__3TG9tdkeUOSvgM46Dl96kiI5n_CVGOPOqy7bbYxSGymJjIxVy9VWGotGu9jPAyZRfVm2hcRPq_Zjq52L_/s2703/Gardner_Gwen%20A%20Scandal%20in%20Boohemia%20cover.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2703" data-original-width="1804" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4N7-njiQEUXeYd8uksZTHm4CokW9f-5Dqjws7TefMA7e5tUQfOUArjrCWkkC812NfwsFb5XIWbRMNLxGR9eMsSog4mXDKbXstNsVdfGmfH__3TG9tdkeUOSvgM46Dl96kiI5n_CVGOPOqy7bbYxSGymJjIxVy9VWGotGu9jPAyZRfVm2hcRPq_Zjq52L_/s320/Gardner_Gwen%20A%20Scandal%20in%20Boohemia%20cover.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><b>A SCANDAL IN BOOHEMIA</b></div><div><b>by Gwen Gardner</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Indigo Eady can’t live on ramen noodles forever…She jumps on the first job offered. All she has to do is work undercover at Sabrina Shores Theatre, find a ghost thief, and cross him over. Easy-peasy, right? Until an actor is murdered and Indigo’s fingerprints are all over the pistol like ink on a Rorschach test. </i></div><div><i>Forced to dust off her rusty sleuthing skills to clear herself, Indigo enlists the help of her ghost friend Franny and her sort of hunky ex-boyfriend Badger to help solve the crime. Now, how to keep her investigation from the handsome inspector?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>***</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Indigo Eady is a reluctant ghost whisperer, but she’s grown quite attached to Franny Bishop, a former Victorian ghost madam of some repute. Franny’s afterlife makes Indigo’s life look like she has one foot in the grave. Much to Indigo’s chagrin, Franny is determined to find her a man. After all, there are plenty of handsome men around ripe for the picking, and Franny’s an expert. In the meantime, Indigo and Franny have murders to solve.</i></div><div><b><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Available
at: </span></b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Scandal-Boohemia-Gwen-Gardner/dp/0988419548"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Amazon</span></b></a><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> | </span></b><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Gwen_Gardner_A_Scandal_in_Boohemia?id=FTHKEAAAQBAJ&hl=en&gl=US"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Google Play</span></b></a><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> | </span></b><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bOGkRN"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Barnes & Noble</span></b></a><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> | </span></b><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bOGkRN"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Apple | Kobo</span></b></a><b><span style="line-height: 107%;"> | </span></b><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bOGkRN"><b><span style="line-height: 107%;">Smashwords</span></b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzcpQF_y_u-8a9OPXW_u7UPIY4dDjhM-0v3W3ukE-X0LDxVStQPloigOnS2UNZHRQ5bE-ASMGYFu2IQifwWd9llnVRRMU6p2_N_I2hfF2QO-rmbmIaK_XCG-vXyuCvQHHkFlwEaWqAC11jhbHSijLIeYLiyIwiNV4V8s_4GMNpMk_wvuyhunnf1jmqMvZ/s339/Gwen-Gardner-Author-Photo-2-200x339.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzcpQF_y_u-8a9OPXW_u7UPIY4dDjhM-0v3W3ukE-X0LDxVStQPloigOnS2UNZHRQ5bE-ASMGYFu2IQifwWd9llnVRRMU6p2_N_I2hfF2QO-rmbmIaK_XCG-vXyuCvQHHkFlwEaWqAC11jhbHSijLIeYLiyIwiNV4V8s_4GMNpMk_wvuyhunnf1jmqMvZ/w118-h200/Gwen-Gardner-Author-Photo-2-200x339.jpeg" width="118" /></a></div><b>ABOUT GWEN GARDNER</b></div><div>Gwen Gardner writes clean, cozy, lighthearted mysteries with a strong ghostly element. Since ghosts feature prominently in her books, she has a secret desire to meet one face to face — but will run screaming for the hills if she ever does.</div><div><br /></div><div>Her lifelong love of books and reading transitioned naturally into a love of writing, where adventure can be found around every corner—or down a dark, twisting alley. She thinks there is nothing better than a good mystery (being an excellent armchair detective herself), unless it’s throwing a ghost or two into the mix to “liven” things up. Don’t worry, though. Ghosts may be tricky to keep in line, but it turns out they’re darn good sleuths.</div><div><br /></div><div>Find out more about her writing journey at <span face=""Lucida Sans",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://gwengardner.com/">GwenGardner.com</a></span> (and watch for ghost-crossings!) or follow her on <span face=""Lucida Sans",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/IndigoEady">Facebook</a></span><span face=""Lucida Sans",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">and</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span face="Lucida Sans, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></span><span face=""Lucida Sans",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://twitter.com/LadyGwenTweets">Twitter</a></span>.</div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-41404820910309024192023-09-20T18:00:00.001-04:002023-09-20T18:00:00.136-04:00Why Write a Series?<div>by L. Diane Wolfe</div><div><br /></div><div>Anthologies usually feature stories connected by a theme. So do full-length book series: characters, location, etc. So, a bit of planning goes into a series, whether it be three, five, or seven books.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZaB64UvJHut6W--Cx41isp5iILoh0nsosXyK7tdoM7os6rnbsqIWgQ93GNswNegEJ-aQctJPmpEA7DLgWRBQbc_EY_R8oJ1tyj68SqU_IqFt-YaH-EbxWnzodTXhBWIIcsDOwDmcaNZNDFh6-v83aXMBnStIA39YBxbqC3td5iZgZjdd4O86hGnBAX0q/s452/3%20books.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="452" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZaB64UvJHut6W--Cx41isp5iILoh0nsosXyK7tdoM7os6rnbsqIWgQ93GNswNegEJ-aQctJPmpEA7DLgWRBQbc_EY_R8oJ1tyj68SqU_IqFt-YaH-EbxWnzodTXhBWIIcsDOwDmcaNZNDFh6-v83aXMBnStIA39YBxbqC3td5iZgZjdd4O86hGnBAX0q/w200-h151/3%20books.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There are some major advantages to writing a series:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Readers who enjoy the first book will probably read the other titles. Even if they catch the first book on its release date, they will likely continue picking up the other books as they are published.</li><li>If for some reason they catch a later book first, readers will go back for the earlier ones.</li><li>It builds one’s author brand.</li><li>A template from the first book’s marketing can be duplicated, making it easy to set up promotions. (With adjustments as this industry is constantly changing.)</li></ul></div><div>Series work best when you plan them in advance, although sometimes multiple books catch even the author by surprise. Planning the series involves several things:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Determine genre, length, and theme. Length might vary from book to book, but generally books in a series are close in length. The theme of each one might vary, too, but there is always the overall theme to consider.</li><li>Outline (as best as possible) each book. Not everyone outlines, but at least a general idea for where the series is going helps.</li><li>Be aware of overlaps and continuing characters. This is where a story Bible comes in handy. Keep track of characters, events, items, etc. for consistency. A timeline of events can also help.</li></ul></div><div>When doing a series, it’s best to be at least two stories ahead, three is even better. With a traditional publisher, release dates are out of your control, but it will help in the query to state that the next one or two in the series are complete. If self-publishing, definitely keep a few manuscripts ahead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember that many tasks will overlap—writing, editing, marketing. Authors need to juggle multiple tasks and for several books when creating a series.</div><div><br /></div><div>And of course, know when to end a series. You don’t want to bore your readers by repeating the same storyline over and over. End on a good note.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, who’s ready to tackle a series?</div><div><br /></div><div>I am very familiar with stories and the current releases from Dancing Lemur Press LLC are all part of a series. In Darkness: The Werewolf, the third in my own series, just released two weeks ago, with the fourth book coming out next February. Blood Red Steel, the third book in Damien Larkin’s series, comes out next month. And Bubba and Squirt’s City of Bones, the third in Sherry Ellis’ series, comes out next January, followed closely by books #4 and #5. Plus, we already have four books in Alex J. Cavanagh’s Cassa series. Series definitely make me happy!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BBOFaBYW6eCEo3V6Wg6KZSnV5bM6uCJFxx4VgLiRC58n1dew9r5ZEFq63y9q1bNhwnsnC4sRlQOe-OusMSt65bISAZR7Ct3yQ_Wqf8a2ze0xggzBd0B16eN1y3WuUUD7pSXcD5f8pOQOqzPDpOKYntyus9bdCL0SBNWWCzQXO-8iFrWWcb2JjXcYp47N/s1940/BigRed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1940" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BBOFaBYW6eCEo3V6Wg6KZSnV5bM6uCJFxx4VgLiRC58n1dew9r5ZEFq63y9q1bNhwnsnC4sRlQOe-OusMSt65bISAZR7Ct3yQ_Wqf8a2ze0xggzBd0B16eN1y3WuUUD7pSXcD5f8pOQOqzPDpOKYntyus9bdCL0SBNWWCzQXO-8iFrWWcb2JjXcYp47N/w400-h124/BigRed1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgld7TRJBurwPcVzjYj-qhkkzHuXHmDTcmOKQDQOYOIRYA9arfBT4xpilsrLn8POqw8MZl57Ke8mFSDHZpYkbpmRd4fZRZeDZ74o-LK5Gvt6EIVeuPm1ryLxBkuF1yeb5084d6paJcJWUXRctGA39GmEFSLFMiFofIHvlH1lcqiRk-l65dl_xfiWsq9O4d/s1940/BubbaAndSquirt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1940" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgld7TRJBurwPcVzjYj-qhkkzHuXHmDTcmOKQDQOYOIRYA9arfBT4xpilsrLn8POqw8MZl57Ke8mFSDHZpYkbpmRd4fZRZeDZ74o-LK5Gvt6EIVeuPm1ryLxBkuF1yeb5084d6paJcJWUXRctGA39GmEFSLFMiFofIHvlH1lcqiRk-l65dl_xfiWsq9O4d/w400-h124/BubbaAndSquirt2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwb1Ah-xpySfJK7_w__lWW0XIUkMWB5-Ua1Di8rsu7YPWjKKk1S39J5FSUYUhdJ1f1He4QyE_wbgxgaoQFSFQ4OUVeEsokTDk_1afW5B30H5bNoE_CzL5dCQDRlUN76C3OaifusOwgXwf0686t4PV08nzhxXJzlfAxj6pKHjqiRJGjAXNSpwLS10ZXF4nJ/s1940/InDarkness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1940" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwb1Ah-xpySfJK7_w__lWW0XIUkMWB5-Ua1Di8rsu7YPWjKKk1S39J5FSUYUhdJ1f1He4QyE_wbgxgaoQFSFQ4OUVeEsokTDk_1afW5B30H5bNoE_CzL5dCQDRlUN76C3OaifusOwgXwf0686t4PV08nzhxXJzlfAxj6pKHjqiRJGjAXNSpwLS10ZXF4nJ/w400-h124/InDarkness.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDN1ZwDZO4Hx7Uw46DIIJxs7sGOKIRY40oav_9udfmm2Ba0Jz7pT6PhKlLQJ11Ul0P8A5Qkn9TwjHniThieAKW7IzGSFUzHxXhyXJ_pLyonF-n_JmdIpugQ4OdTU_TU2Qb4po7egMqr4aLWLTfL83_rAdt2qm0FLTBzsTuodfen5tbhWHCygoeKuHdKyrq/s880/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20-%20DLP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="880" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDN1ZwDZO4Hx7Uw46DIIJxs7sGOKIRY40oav_9udfmm2Ba0Jz7pT6PhKlLQJ11Ul0P8A5Qkn9TwjHniThieAKW7IzGSFUzHxXhyXJ_pLyonF-n_JmdIpugQ4OdTU_TU2Qb4po7egMqr4aLWLTfL83_rAdt2qm0FLTBzsTuodfen5tbhWHCygoeKuHdKyrq/w200-h125/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20-%20DLP.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spunkonastick.net/" target="_blank">Spunk On A Stick</a> --- <a href="http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Spunk On A Stick’s Tips</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</a></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-52095106008408702782023-08-16T06:00:00.001-04:002023-08-16T06:00:00.136-04:00How to Write Talking Animals<div>by Ellen Jacobson</div><div><br /></div><div>When I set out to write my new cozy mystery series – the North Dakota Library Mysteries – my muse insisted that there be a talking animal in it. At first, I thought she meant a cute dog or cat. I could get on board with that. But while I was trying to decide if it should be a regal Siamese cat or a playful golden retriever puppy, my muse rudely interrupted me.</div><div><br /></div><div>“It’s a chameleon,” my muse said firmly.</div><div><br /></div><div>“You mean like from those insurance commercials?” I asked.</div><div><br /></div><div>“That’s a gecko, not a chameleon.” My muse sighed. “You really need to bone up on reptiles.”</div><div><br /></div><div>“Yeah, I’m not really a fan of things with scales,” I said.</div><div><br /></div><div>“Tough. The decision has already been made. You either write about a chameleon or you quit this whole author gig and go get a real job.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, I gave in. And now I’ve written a book starring a talking chameleon. Well, at least he thinks he’s the star of the show. He really isn’t. But it’s easier to let him believe that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, if you’re thinking about writing about a talking animal, here are a few tips that might be helpful.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1 – Do Your Research</b></div><div>Learn about the animal you’re going to write about, especially if it’s one you’re not as familiar with. The last thing you want is for your readers to point out how you got it wrong. In my case, I needed to do some research on chameleons. I’ve been having fun weaving in chameleon facts into my story, like how they catch flies with their tongues.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2 – Interaction with Humans</b></div><div>Decide how your animal interacts with the human characters in the story. For example, can humans understand the animal when it talks or does it just sound like regular animal noises to them? If so, is it all humans or just one special human that understands the animal? For example, in my series, only the main character, Thea Olson, can hear the chameleon talking. In fact, no one else can even see the chameleon.</div><div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="193" src="https://giphy.com/embed/l0IycI0rreFNQwmSQ" width="280"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/marvel-guardians-of-the-galaxy-2-l0IycI0rreFNQwmSQ">via GIPHY</a></p>
<div><b>3 – How They Talk</b></div><div>Does your animal sound like a human when they talk, or does their speech reflect their species? For example, if you’re writing about a sloth, you might have them speak very, very slowly. Alternatively, you might not want to make them sound any different from a member of the human race. In my case, my chameleon sounds like an old chain-smoking guy from New York City. If you closed your eyes, you might not even realize he’s a reptile.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4 – How They See the Human World</b></div><div>Although your animal character will probably have some human traits, ultimately they aren’t human. The unique perspective they have on the human world is a great creative jumping off point. Have fun using animals to provide commentary on the human condition—both the good and the bad.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMmVY1S6bYVTepuzzWMlyVNUWfCaDpgR41KTjVLBkU6i1ldHgqQ0L3hj_1DMJN1_U0NKMhWq0muKtfcQBHvj4Td_4xpDE8Wgm1nEFGF9vpqq5YtJSVi_W2mdYIfUbJa-ONPW9sjEr61mXIw6QizCJ581Mox6yPED9dwxZKgrVSZ105JsJwlaYaSBGpmi_/s2700/Murder%20at%20the%20Library%20-%20EJ.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMmVY1S6bYVTepuzzWMlyVNUWfCaDpgR41KTjVLBkU6i1ldHgqQ0L3hj_1DMJN1_U0NKMhWq0muKtfcQBHvj4Td_4xpDE8Wgm1nEFGF9vpqq5YtJSVi_W2mdYIfUbJa-ONPW9sjEr61mXIw6QizCJ581Mox6yPED9dwxZKgrVSZ105JsJwlaYaSBGpmi_/s320/Murder%20at%20the%20Library%20-%20EJ.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><b>MURDER AT THE LIBRARY</b></div><div>A cozy mystery by Ellen Jacobson</div><br /><div><i>Libraries are full of books . . . and deadly secrets.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>When Thea Olson agreed to volunteer at her local library, she anticipated shelving books, not stumbling across a dead body.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Concerned her brother, the acting chief of police, is in over his head, Thea is determined to find out whodunit. She investigates the murder with the assistance of her grandmother and the handsome new library director.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Just when the trio of amateur sleuths hit a dead-end, a snarky chameleon appears in the library with cryptic clues for Thea. At first, she thinks she’s hallucinating. But once Thea accepts the fact that the obnoxious reptile is real, she realizes he might just help her crack the case.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Can Thea discover who the murderer is before someone else is taken out of circulation?</i></div><div><br /></div><div>This is the first in a new library series set in the fictional town of Why, North Dakota. If you like quirky characters, chameleons, way too much coffee, and all things bookish, you’ll love Murder at the Library.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Available at:
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9T85PL8"><span class="StrongEmphasis"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration-line: none;">Amazon</span></span></a></span><span class="StrongEmphasis"> | </span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1142015593?ean=2940185575819"><span class="StrongEmphasis"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration-line: none;">Barnes & Noble</span></span></a></span><span class="StrongEmphasis"> | </span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/id6443286952"><span class="StrongEmphasis"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration-line: none;">Apple Books</span></span></a>
</span><span class="StrongEmphasis">| </span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://www.kobo.com/en/ebook/murder-at-the-library"><span class="StrongEmphasis"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration-line: none;">Kobo</span></span></a> </span><span class="StrongEmphasis">| </span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=x8zMEAAAQBAJ"><span class="StrongEmphasis"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration-line: none;">Google Play</span></span></a></span><span class="StrongEmphasis"> | </span></b><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1427724"><span class="StrongEmphasis"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration-line: none;">Smashwords</span></span></a></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr5Fh1Vga-tdo-OIrEp6Sv-64DGaRosSXulqQRt2s3nTdttlyqzrodUvj2xTfpNo-omhwOd4qvlq85NADV_WZlLZ-v7xBKK0E07XqJFOe8wPPssSoNLy5eumNRbvU1mZCUA-IeYNk4rGm/s1600/Murder+at+the+Marina+-+Sailboat+Square+Icon+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="186" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitr5Fh1Vga-tdo-OIrEp6Sv-64DGaRosSXulqQRt2s3nTdttlyqzrodUvj2xTfpNo-omhwOd4qvlq85NADV_WZlLZ-v7xBKK0E07XqJFOe8wPPssSoNLy5eumNRbvU1mZCUA-IeYNk4rGm/s200/Murder+at+the+Marina+-+Sailboat+Square+Icon+-+Copy+%25283%2529.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>ABOUT ELLEN JACOBSON</b></div><div>IWSG Anthology author: Hero Lost - The Silvering</div><div><br /></div><div>Ellen Jacobson is a chocolate obsessed cat lover who writes cozy mysteries and romantic comedies. After working in Scotland and New Zealand for several years, she returned to the States, lived aboard a sailboat, traveled around in a tiny camper, and is now settled in a small town in northern Oregon with her husband and an imaginary cat named Simon.</div><div><br /></div><div><em>Find out more at </em><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://ellenjacobsonauthor.com/"><em><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration-line: none;">ellenjacobsonauthor</span></em></a><a href="https://ellenjacobsonauthor.com/"><em><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration-line: none;">.com</span></em></a></span></div><div><br /></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-10469045531591061392023-08-09T06:00:00.001-04:002023-08-09T06:00:00.164-04:00Patience Through Metaphors<div><b>Waiting: Acquiring Patience Through Metaphors</b></div><div>by Bish Denham</div><div><br /></div><div>The old saying, “patience is a virtue”, is wrong. When it comes to writing and publishing, it’s a necessity. To help on your journey here are a few metaphors that may help to keep you centered and patient.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Jigsaw Puzzles</b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SIjkDuJuEeWEt3PjwfOOrA7xhPMPni4Kle_YnKy2SCHS8Nsoa-GxskJ9BvOz2WAuDfL2h0W06YJgMx2LK0OreToQVM7QsQQYzas_pLarXmUD3Raoh9NIq_Umjy11BB3dOb0IY8HSCpo1DMKsodGrZ9owMNBKyPxRzg1_OKJTP5sAB2huK660ivdzYhRs/s1697/puzzle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="1697" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SIjkDuJuEeWEt3PjwfOOrA7xhPMPni4Kle_YnKy2SCHS8Nsoa-GxskJ9BvOz2WAuDfL2h0W06YJgMx2LK0OreToQVM7QsQQYzas_pLarXmUD3Raoh9NIq_Umjy11BB3dOb0IY8HSCpo1DMKsodGrZ9owMNBKyPxRzg1_OKJTP5sAB2huK660ivdzYhRs/w200-h133/puzzle.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Each piece put in place is one less that has to be found; is one more that brings the whole picture into clearer focus.</div><div><br /></div><div>When it comes to writing, instead of looking at everything that has to be done, start by sorting the edge pieces which might include: a to do list, getting your basic materials together, reading one bit of research instead of five, cleaning up your desk, organizing notes or taking notes. In other words, begin small. As each task is finished it will be easier to see what the final picture will look like.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTzHBAmNDPHvX0rWGkcBmvqyapwnX1UAH8P3Y-hBZWlHJDwrr3JuRP6kQT59Q7EZsBt8LlVu5R2ASh6dTDw0GTP9PvI7oCtIxtm85XxUCi7IU_L_PWTSxbEGLsMWWerx8nmvNr0AdDi3_0zZCKvCcv3y7HAqLSJf17RxmpWC0tmIwFAHwefF9yE8evh_S/s278/gordian%20knot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="278" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTzHBAmNDPHvX0rWGkcBmvqyapwnX1UAH8P3Y-hBZWlHJDwrr3JuRP6kQT59Q7EZsBt8LlVu5R2ASh6dTDw0GTP9PvI7oCtIxtm85XxUCi7IU_L_PWTSxbEGLsMWWerx8nmvNr0AdDi3_0zZCKvCcv3y7HAqLSJf17RxmpWC0tmIwFAHwefF9yE8evh_S/w200-h182/gordian%20knot.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>The Gordian Knot<br /></b></div><div>Legend says that whoever unraveled the Gordian Knot would rule the world. Alexander the Great approached the problem by thinking outside the box. He simply whipped out his trusty sword and hacked the knot to pieces.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have always loved this image. All of us have moments when we feel tangled up inside. When we’ve got so much to do, we don’t know where to begin. This is when a little mental imaging can help. Picture Alexander’s sword in your hands. Picture your problems as a tangled mess. Picture yourself hacking that tangle into small manageable pieces.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the very least, there should be a relaxation of tension. The problem(s) may not have been solved, but it is a way to begin the process of opening yourself up to thinking outside the box.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fishing</b></div><div>Fishing is the best metaphor I know for the process of waiting. First you get your gear together which is equal to your notes, books, pen and paper, or your computer files.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, you have to find a good fishing hole. This equals researching agents or publishers. Then you have to bait your hook and throw out the line. In other words, write your cover/query letter and send it off.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA5G57XKIC_3xgjYrACO9bWNtsm5ryLCmurzHcm0gbKLCg0c7AugMQ6jLDV0cEWkLCtuYRqrvV8HhTGKAcbFY5InOPhn5RmdGIX1fimnpLbxKsGLJlv_tfwY-6-fdMbnyI72hB-M6lc66bQOqqU1VFtNwgQVWNtmLed4gwycQWClQSfvdZogcCDIk5upb/s1602/fishing%20woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1602" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA5G57XKIC_3xgjYrACO9bWNtsm5ryLCmurzHcm0gbKLCg0c7AugMQ6jLDV0cEWkLCtuYRqrvV8HhTGKAcbFY5InOPhn5RmdGIX1fimnpLbxKsGLJlv_tfwY-6-fdMbnyI72hB-M6lc66bQOqqU1VFtNwgQVWNtmLed4gwycQWClQSfvdZogcCDIk5upb/w200-h144/fishing%20woman.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Now comes the hard part, waiting for the bite. Time to enjoy lounging on the riverbank or trolling in the boat. Fishing isn’t about the bait, just as writing isn’t about the story. It’s about the whole process which includes getting ready for the next project.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then…there’s the nibble. But wait! Be prepared. The hook may not be well set and you could still lose your fish.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, there’s no need to tell anyone how exhilarating it is to land a fish. Big or small, our patience has been rewarded.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, bait your hooks and throw out your lines. If they get tangled, whip out your sword and chop them to bits. While waiting notice that you’ve moved forward, that you have another story out there, another one taking shape on the page. Notice you have another piece added to the puzzle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep yourself busy with the process of writing. Enjoy all its aspects. If you do, you won’t need to be patient because time will fly and when the acceptance comes it will take you by surprise.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Have fun and break a lead.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeE_43Z9WoZ8vgYZBA5zQXWO-Dcv8gu9i6tJQtjlci-YqyzmBK8c1jQzwMnZDA4VooLZxdHj5b9FBaEGZH2QuDkZpOlvcbzou5S34Jye1bkDve4Ub7XoWmFJhgw75BxMXo-QZCgiYAPa-UuZtkxSZ7EDJfJmqA20HIDI_G-tUNtRP1gVCGxDa-10XuqPXT/s408/Bish%20D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="408" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeE_43Z9WoZ8vgYZBA5zQXWO-Dcv8gu9i6tJQtjlci-YqyzmBK8c1jQzwMnZDA4VooLZxdHj5b9FBaEGZH2QuDkZpOlvcbzou5S34Jye1bkDve4Ub7XoWmFJhgw75BxMXo-QZCgiYAPa-UuZtkxSZ7EDJfJmqA20HIDI_G-tUNtRP1gVCGxDa-10XuqPXT/w200-h200/Bish%20D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>With over a hundred years of family history in the Caribbean, Bish Denham still has plenty of family and friends who live in the islands. She has written and published three children’s books and has had numerous stories and articles published in magazines, including the story, <u>“The Blind Ship”, which is in the IWSG anthology, Voyagers: The Third Ghost.</u></div><div><br /></div><div>She says, “Growing up in the islands was like living inside a history book. Columbus named them, pirates plied the waters, Sir Francis Drake sailed through the area, and Alexander Hamilton was raised on St. Croix, while hundreds of years of slavery have left their indelible mark. It was within this atmosphere of magic, mystery, and wonder that I grew up.</div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BishDenham.Author/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">,
</span><a href="http://bish-randomthoughts.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Blog</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">,
</span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6439315.Bish_Denham"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Goodreads</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">,
</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bish-Denham/author/B00HLSJT92?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Amazon</span></a></p></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-35078914970593866092023-08-02T06:00:00.002-04:002023-08-02T06:00:00.140-04:00Getting Middle Schoolers Excited About Reading<div>By</div><div>Sherry Ellis</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hDM2p9m2T6Lw9E8KoGa7udwWpMYwa783Av0tuw3V0fjTPmPDXBpHxyDbbkHdX1TJcqjCzK9Ecc8-9NpMNIhVsJng3GYM9HVUENOP0hxl7Cp_639yxFmTk1NCBTw1kN1wjtS-AfHt0oSLhGENetEXf76aPPwi7vZ2QABnVUumAzwVyAulnlCmcd4_yC9Q/s1080/middle%20schoolers.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hDM2p9m2T6Lw9E8KoGa7udwWpMYwa783Av0tuw3V0fjTPmPDXBpHxyDbbkHdX1TJcqjCzK9Ecc8-9NpMNIhVsJng3GYM9HVUENOP0hxl7Cp_639yxFmTk1NCBTw1kN1wjtS-AfHt0oSLhGENetEXf76aPPwi7vZ2QABnVUumAzwVyAulnlCmcd4_yC9Q/s320/middle%20schoolers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When kids are young, they are excited about books. Many even want to be authors when they grow up. I always chuckle during school visits when I ask the question, “Who wants to be an author when you grow up?” Inevitably, every hand goes up in the kindergarten and first grade groups. As the grade number goes up, the hand numbers go down. Middle-schoolers rarely have ambitions to become an author. Sometimes that also means they don’t enjoy reading. How can we get these kids excited about reading? Here are some tips teachers can use in their classrooms to get them motivated. </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Plan lessons around your favorite books and topics. If you’re excited about the book, that enthusiasm will show and may infect your students – in a good way!</li><li>Show students you’re reading, too. Post a picture of your current read on a board each week and encourage kids to ask about it. </li><li>Maintain a classroom library. I see this in classrooms for the little kids all the time, but not so much in classrooms for older kids. Fill it with a wide variety of popular novels – books that would appeal to both boys and girls. Consider including shorter stories and some with illustrations that may appeal to reluctant readers.</li><li>Encourage independent reading by providing time to read. Have students set individual goals and reward students for reaching them. Don’t attach a grade to it though. Students may get turned off by that.</li><li>Watch movies of the books after reading them and compare the differences. </li><li>Use audio books. Okay, so that’s not exactly reading, but it could get reluctant readers interested in books.</li><li>Implement classroom book clubs in which students get to choose what they want to read from a list of books and then get grouped with others who want to read the same thing. Give them some ideas for topics they can discuss that are related to the books. Encourage them to come up with their own.</li><li>After reading a book, have students participate in activities that help them flex their own creative muscles: imagine a different ending, write a letter to the main character referencing a specific scene, interview the villain, draw a map of the story’s setting, etc.</li><li>Introduce students to a popular new series. The cliff hangers might entice reluctant readers to keep reading.</li><li>Adopt an author. If students are excited about an author’s book, visit that author’s website and find out if that author can do a school visit or Skype visit. You can also see if that author has done any videos or webcasts that can be shown in the classroom.</li></ol></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;">With a little ingenuity, teachers can make reading fun, interesting, and engaging. And who knows? Maybe if a lot of teachers do this, the number of hands of middle-schoolers who want to be authors will go up!</span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: normal;"><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwrwFuOGO7frAzzMWHXvOu9f0ieFz9-tboG3kJj1IHmlybjY-A6qBb-B8ISLST_Jbx4iVGT1tdj5B4SpGWro665VIKghPRK1RivUBjLinlLkVnv09Tohirw4K9sP2RPDK4jvp0k3Sf9o/s1600/Sherry+Ellis+300DPI.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="850" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwrwFuOGO7frAzzMWHXvOu9f0ieFz9-tboG3kJj1IHmlybjY-A6qBb-B8ISLST_Jbx4iVGT1tdj5B4SpGWro665VIKghPRK1RivUBjLinlLkVnv09Tohirw4K9sP2RPDK4jvp0k3Sf9o/w145-h200/Sherry+Ellis+300DPI.jpg" width="145" /></a></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sherry Ellis - </span></b><span style="font-size: large;">The Ghosts of Pompeii </span><span style="font-size: medium;">(in VOYAGERS)</span></p><p>Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. when she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world.<br /><br />Ellis' books include <i>Don't Feed the Elephant</i>; <i>Ten Zany Birds</i>; <i>That Mama is a Grouch</i>; <i>That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN</i>; <i>Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China</i>; and <i>Bubba and Squirt's Mayan Adventure</i>.<br /><br />She lives in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information about her work, she invites you to visit her website at <a href="http://www.sherryellis.org/">www.sherryellis.org</a>.<br /></p></span></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-26665066368256359802023-07-05T06:00:00.001-04:002023-07-05T06:00:00.134-04:00Restart with a Bang!<div>by Tara Tyler</div><div>"Reset" in TICK TOCK</div><div>"Sentient" in DARK MATTER</div><div><br /></div><div>Anthologies are a great respite and exercise for your writing muscles, especially when you're stuck on your WIP. I've been very discouraged about writing for quite a while. I was used to cranking out a book a year for several years, then <i>BLAMMO, BANG, BOOM!</i> I was blown away by several bombs aimed at my writing life. While I was crawling to safety, I almost gave up.</div><div><br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="140" src="https://giphy.com/embed/NQRRqqkImJ3Da" width="250"></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/ewan-mcgregor-renee-zellweger-down-with-love-NQRRqqkImJ3Da"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">via GIPHY</span></a></p>
<div>But my heart and brain were still hanging on. If I didn't have the IWSG <a href="http://taratylertalks.blogspot.com/2022/" target="_blank">monthly blog posts</a>, I'd have surely been done for. Instead, I slowly recovered, patching myself up with short stories and anthologies. One of my stories miraculously made it into a Christmas anthology ("A Cold Case for Christmas" in <a href="https://books2read.com/DSPMagick" target="_blank">MAGICK AND MISTLETOE</a>) I've always wanted to do a Christmas special, and having it published gave me a real boost.</div><div><br /></div><div>That led to me telling others about it, and several teachers at school showed interest in my writing. They read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Travel-Tara-Tyler/dp/1699660026" target="_blank">POP TRAVEL</a> and raved about it, reading more of my books, which encouraged me even further. At the end of the school year, I gave a couple of copies to interested students -- I was just happy they wanted to read at all! And the final push was my son's girlfriend who took Pop Travel on vacation. When she returned, she told me how much she loved it and is now reading the other books in the series.</div><div><br /></div><div>All that reminded me how much I love writing and connecting with readers. Not to mention that there are still readers out there! So, hallelujah! I'm finally working on CONDUCTION, Pop Travel #4 again. Though it's been mostly done for about two years, I was frustrated with editing and procrastinated fixing it. But now that I'm getting back into it, I'm excited! And all because I didn't give up. I even created some mock covers (part of my process)...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Reb5jkMjBsn0SSJQMnDs2GysGef18toqi_xKDdbBAq0iRAZvRNsMxz-NXRb6rZvZtQPTDqTHt3lNC4DRWD4M4eyeCZh-dZjiZzK5SG-PgDtCCbM-EW2oNHA9NbSJ-8wt8ccrtvQBOyzhjgyc8yqXYrhTJnO-jdI_kyDauTRd053lmMrRoTMoxBvSjuhw/s3617/Conduction%20sample%20covers.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="3617" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Reb5jkMjBsn0SSJQMnDs2GysGef18toqi_xKDdbBAq0iRAZvRNsMxz-NXRb6rZvZtQPTDqTHt3lNC4DRWD4M4eyeCZh-dZjiZzK5SG-PgDtCCbM-EW2oNHA9NbSJ-8wt8ccrtvQBOyzhjgyc8yqXYrhTJnO-jdI_kyDauTRd053lmMrRoTMoxBvSjuhw/w400-h129/Conduction%20sample%20covers.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>And here's a blurb:</div><div><i>In 2085, cutting edge technology is the most valuable currency. Jared Nertz is an ex-juicer gone legit working for Pop Travel Technologies. As soon as he finishes his long-awaited Conduction project - the process of using live specimens to store data - someone immediately steals it and kills his mentor, framing him for the murder. Now it's up to his lawyer wife Miki and their loyal, resourceful friends, Geri and Cooper to prove Jared's innocence by recovering the stolen tech before the thief and killer sells it. But that's only the beginning, as they discovery a deeper deception when they dig into the case.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Don't give up on your dreams -- even if you have to put them on hold for a while. Listen to your heart!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCvVeYI372nRNSWgWST0UFEha9sHvAMTxz0a5iZPrU8vBIf5T4nAsPptcJyhScbJfHlHSOG5Tj7q-t-KOKBk4ibqbUx7ymGJQTxH18M6dWHNDuLPMCw8dTV3UVT0JxWQQsiAvq6cqYAeA/s2048/profile+pic+2017.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="2048" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCvVeYI372nRNSWgWST0UFEha9sHvAMTxz0a5iZPrU8vBIf5T4nAsPptcJyhScbJfHlHSOG5Tj7q-t-KOKBk4ibqbUx7ymGJQTxH18M6dWHNDuLPMCw8dTV3UVT0JxWQQsiAvq6cqYAeA/w200-h167/profile+pic+2017.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;"><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her husband, though they still love to travel and visit their three boys. She has two novel series, Pop Travel (sci-fi detective thrillers) and Beast World (fantasy adventures), plus her UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves. She's a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife—someday she might write a book on that... Make every day an adventure!</div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span><span><a href="https://twitter.com/taratylertalks" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></span></span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span> | </span></span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TaraTylerAuthor">Facebook</a> | </span></span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="http://taratylertalks.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> | </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/taratylertalks">Youtube channel</a> | </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/taratylertalks/">Instagam</a> | </span></span></span></b></span><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7143899.Tara_Tyler">Goodreads</a></span></span></b></div></div></div></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-7575368940320401472023-06-07T06:00:00.001-04:002023-06-07T06:00:00.134-04:00How Did the IWSG Begin?<div>by Alex J. Cavanaugh</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgsyWb7UWhyKPiph3ecHLnARb3XtDti9nMFvwVa65mVSZLh0Z6ppCRujyPrFIRXB10wMAQIc6uHqe1SiRtyGOu7YawvOUc-ApIl6XqTjQAKZ_TnMOWWkMo0xFVZLKFGEibDJMR9GTsUIVbpQUX6mK0a2ZzXYc0UhBBLLV8mTlZeA7uvwryb_7zScueA/s932/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgsyWb7UWhyKPiph3ecHLnARb3XtDti9nMFvwVa65mVSZLh0Z6ppCRujyPrFIRXB10wMAQIc6uHqe1SiRtyGOu7YawvOUc-ApIl6XqTjQAKZ_TnMOWWkMo0xFVZLKFGEibDJMR9GTsUIVbpQUX6mK0a2ZzXYc0UhBBLLV8mTlZeA7uvwryb_7zScueA/w200-h197/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>On September 7 of this year, the IWSG will celebrate its twelfth year. Twelve years! Considering where we began, that’s just incredible. And just where did it begin? </div><div><br /></div>
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<p>Here is its story.</p><div><br /></div><div>I’d noticed blog posts from writers mentioning their doubts, concerns, and lack of confidence. I also saw the positive replies they received and realized that the writing community offered an abundance of support. Writers want to see other writers succeed. An email exchange with another author led me to tell him that he needed an insecure writer’s support group. That’s when the lightbulb came on!</div><div><br /></div><div>What if we posted as a group every month? The group would act as a form of therapy, letting writers post about situations where they need encouragement or to offer words of encouragement to others if they have experience. I tossed out the idea to my fellow writers and on September 7, 2011, we launched the monthly blog posting of the IWSG.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the first Wednesday of every month, we share our thoughts about writing on our blogs. We also have an optional monthly question to assist with member's posts, which can be found on the Sign-Up page. But it’s become a great way for members to not only receive support, but to stay in contact with one another.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Insecure Writer’s Support Group has grown since conception. Over 130 people are a part of the blogging community that posts on the first Wednesday of every month, known as IWSG Day. (At one point, that number topped out at around 330.)</div><div><br /></div><div>The group has expanded beyond blogging into other forms. We have a Facebook Group with 5000+ members, an Instagram group with 1200+ followers, and a Twitter account with 12,100 followers. Our free monthly newsletter, which has featured industry experts like Jane Friedman and Sandra Beckwith, has 700+ subscribers. We have an IWSG Goodreads Book Club as well. And of course, the website boasts thousands of links to other great writing sites and databases.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNfHNbN2toWjoDf3ZX0-76dZLL6aiiv8q4TA83sFmiP-5oN8ftJAc80bBW6laIIbnrkQ-AYfzIfEnHd-MEJUE3q1ykcQuaUY0mt5TIkkOjMjd6O-liuCb6b8dsw35OnSDIvYXFQCcsscSIHkq6PTUXZ0oNr4oJIegieTGLhBFiZzOWlOdbiXbUsLQvg/s360/IWSG%20Pitch%202023.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="360" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNfHNbN2toWjoDf3ZX0-76dZLL6aiiv8q4TA83sFmiP-5oN8ftJAc80bBW6laIIbnrkQ-AYfzIfEnHd-MEJUE3q1ykcQuaUY0mt5TIkkOjMjd6O-liuCb6b8dsw35OnSDIvYXFQCcsscSIHkq6PTUXZ0oNr4oJIegieTGLhBFiZzOWlOdbiXbUsLQvg/w200-h120/IWSG%20Pitch%202023.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div>For several years now, we’ve run a Twitter pitch event, #IWSGPit, every January. Many writers have signed with a publisher or agent as a result. (IWSG Admin Diane Wolfe, who runs Dancing Lemur Press, has signed four authors from #IWSGPit!)</div><div><br /></div><div>We offer two free guides for writers: The Insecure Writer’s Support Group’s Guide to Publishing and Beyond and The Insecure Writer’s Support Group’s Guide to Writing for Profit. Our anthology contests have produced seven books - Parallels: Felix Was Here, Hero Lost: Mysteries of Death and Life, Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime, Masquerade: Oddly Suited, Voyagers: The Third Ghost, Dark Matter: Artificial, and First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0BtuBMRU9QqPJpsKFAGz8CFrQe4dwafryLAgGOKoP0kw53u5tKwSJ276Pese4rjpG_-yXQhOXyyqyddWBWAmFaRqeRxgYn6kquxatkZWtFzRJK8Zzmo8UWz7apLhFtKCIUefTls4DjkLZuxBzXW7lnZV_fmFARn4gVTfVV-ICU_hUSNx-qfrvW8h0Q/s381/IWSG%20Mug.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="381" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0BtuBMRU9QqPJpsKFAGz8CFrQe4dwafryLAgGOKoP0kw53u5tKwSJ276Pese4rjpG_-yXQhOXyyqyddWBWAmFaRqeRxgYn6kquxatkZWtFzRJK8Zzmo8UWz7apLhFtKCIUefTls4DjkLZuxBzXW7lnZV_fmFARn4gVTfVV-ICU_hUSNx-qfrvW8h0Q/w200-h183/IWSG%20Mug.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We even have our own merchandise which include pens, magnets, and a T-shirt! All profits from those sales goes into paying for the domain and IWSG site. Otherwise, it’s all volunteer-run and with no ads.</div><div><br /></div><div>I and the other administrators are actively pushing the group to greater heights. Nothing is impossible when insecure writers band together. And we welcome to suggestions and requests; whatever it takes to make the group better for writers!</div><div> </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9pbwn6KSR6Df_RnnNjZ7-u2YxsRDKX5rFhR0a-BW2fCxW5NcpE1Af561UNpqL_FMQH-DCCS1_g84PWDRpgacL7kwDkrS6xGRPtlldpk2UfkEXmeQLR2IRUQsjx4RnNeRq8f6VuakC9wMvqvAisB7991moELOlQnLRhJr6tPxeMxXNIODXJBqWNUpQA/s170/Mini%20Alex%20and%20Shirt.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="170" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9pbwn6KSR6Df_RnnNjZ7-u2YxsRDKX5rFhR0a-BW2fCxW5NcpE1Af561UNpqL_FMQH-DCCS1_g84PWDRpgacL7kwDkrS6xGRPtlldpk2UfkEXmeQLR2IRUQsjx4RnNeRq8f6VuakC9wMvqvAisB7991moELOlQnLRhJr6tPxeMxXNIODXJBqWNUpQA/s1600/Mini%20Alex%20and%20Shirt.jpg" width="170" /></a></div></div><div>Alex J. Cavanaugh works in web design and graphics. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is known as Ninja Captain Alex and is the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. His Cassa books are Amazon Best Sellers and winners of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com" target="_blank">Website</a> -- <a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com" target="_blank">Insecure Writers Support Group</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/IWSG13/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> -- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/IWSG13/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> -- <a href="https://twitter.com/TheIWSG" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-twitter-pitch.html" target="_blank">#IWSGPit</a> -- <a href="https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-merchandise.html" target="_blank">IWSG Merchandise</a></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-17336264579126532172023-05-10T06:00:00.001-04:002023-05-10T06:00:00.132-04:00Tackling Writer's Block<p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">by Deniz Bevan </span></b></p><p>I’ve written a few blog posts before about overcoming writer’s block.</p><p>Sometimes it’s the result of a dearth of ideas, other times due to factors beyond our control.</p><p>One of the oft-suggested methods of overcoming a block is to repeat the same action every day.</p><p>I find it easier to write every day than to exercise every day!</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatHLjxsv5XbSeoEdsv_yWBJdguY2FSB1mZjIDePUzu0zvEOsF3X_pWr4IM8mXZ_Cbl7SJXZZrkNhbWrpAkyRG5UIVrh2un0U7rLcc7k6Qzgx7BChhZr9rHiRDw5hygJLlciz-mXdmnsvkwNOVnqMPkBRf9lGxcoo4FLC6chBosh6SDHSOgDelw6JHTA/s610/Deniz%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="507" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatHLjxsv5XbSeoEdsv_yWBJdguY2FSB1mZjIDePUzu0zvEOsF3X_pWr4IM8mXZ_Cbl7SJXZZrkNhbWrpAkyRG5UIVrh2un0U7rLcc7k6Qzgx7BChhZr9rHiRDw5hygJLlciz-mXdmnsvkwNOVnqMPkBRf9lGxcoo4FLC6chBosh6SDHSOgDelw6JHTA/w166-h200/Deniz%201.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Maiden’s Tower, Istanbul</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Still other times, it’s insecurity that gets to us. When every word sounds stupid and clichéd and nothing the characters say seems plausible or remotely exciting. A good cure for this is to go out and live life for a while. Step away from the page and interact with others. Do something fun and unexpected!</p><p>For those times when we can’t do that – faced with a deadline or the need to by-gum-get-things-done – I’ve got a few tips and tricks that have helped me:</p><p>Read poetry, especially something that’s written in a style completely unlike what you’re used to reading or writing. Penning a dark urban mystery? Read some Gerard Manley Hopkins. Creating a lyrical literary masterpiece? Browse some Bukowski. The contrast, and the turned-on-its-head way of looking at the world, tends to jump start creativity.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimQviso4yxmYilEMoYzfjQX3iXjjSjGRKJp0UAm6UG3AjbY2Ee5hnAcbrPMlfPhjjCH09B3DFri_6HsAhxd6pva9_pWXwD1qcobHk6Q0b6tXNhAoTDsVQH5S45_hq97uwIzsx9HzJ5SJgVnZm9BAt8t7DLuHl5gJrhWousmH9CqU7p5vb6Y1Z7tcpQw/s669/Deniz%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="669" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimQviso4yxmYilEMoYzfjQX3iXjjSjGRKJp0UAm6UG3AjbY2Ee5hnAcbrPMlfPhjjCH09B3DFri_6HsAhxd6pva9_pWXwD1qcobHk6Q0b6tXNhAoTDsVQH5S45_hq97uwIzsx9HzJ5SJgVnZm9BAt8t7DLuHl5gJrhWousmH9CqU7p5vb6Y1Z7tcpQw/w200-h138/Deniz%202.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
ancient town of Ephesus</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Research. Not in a long-term, leading-to-procrastination way, but in fits and starts. What’s the view from the castle at Naples? A two second Google image search. Can you use coltsfoot in stew? Another split-second search. Don’t get distracted by photos of the Italian countryside or delicious recipes. Search, find the answer, return to the manuscript. Done! Hopefully, that’ll satisfy any urge you might have had to click over to social media…</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD65UUkI6BERh9ux9V2IxJDwkDk98yi0PkL5PFyN1UaKWLD38vDIMlrMwtb_gFAVk55tWy7lQ7KiNhiBlprHwqxUsWXPX3fFJHF1x5zT6Yfrot9BBaT3bSP9dTOxOCznlwqCOah9QX-evCiv_gOezAlCAEOyHJTP3cOSqUjtdJ_nDIAkbuX2F1d1R4WQ/s518/Deniz%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="504" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD65UUkI6BERh9ux9V2IxJDwkDk98yi0PkL5PFyN1UaKWLD38vDIMlrMwtb_gFAVk55tWy7lQ7KiNhiBlprHwqxUsWXPX3fFJHF1x5zT6Yfrot9BBaT3bSP9dTOxOCznlwqCOah9QX-evCiv_gOezAlCAEOyHJTP3cOSqUjtdJ_nDIAkbuX2F1d1R4WQ/w194-h200/Deniz%203.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lake
Geneva shoreline</span></td></tr></tbody></table>Plan for writing time. “Today I will write from 1 to 3 p.m.” Watch your writing time get eaten up by family, freelancing, chores, what have you. Get mad. Write anyway, even if you lose an hour’s sleep. Go away from your usual haunts and write somewhere new.</p><p><br /></p><p>Browse images!</p><p>I love <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/denizb33/story-inspirations/." target="_blank">my Story Inspirations board</a></p><p>It’s useful for so many things:</p><p>--seeing the exact expression on a character’s face</p><p>--visualizing a location you haven’t had a chance to visit yet</p><p>--remembering to include details of colours and textures into descriptions!</p><p>--capturing the feel of a kiss (if you’re writing a romantic scene)</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFtu1HlBY2rCSje9IRxTHnXstXvoUn9BjN9ZrPAViElKnVgBujW6xxfKL9v6r8ZGxq3VlzE0fbM4djE0d5_YMZN84hr-5yXV4x_Z8YHcq5u8YaK2xsfRL8SkmQsnAXPlka3sIEe-1KYAektT5RtHmv2HXQ2S2fKvv_A8jlHlsc9JofCO5BvlYUjO38g/s593/Deniz%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="445" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFtu1HlBY2rCSje9IRxTHnXstXvoUn9BjN9ZrPAViElKnVgBujW6xxfKL9v6r8ZGxq3VlzE0fbM4djE0d5_YMZN84hr-5yXV4x_Z8YHcq5u8YaK2xsfRL8SkmQsnAXPlka3sIEe-1KYAektT5RtHmv2HXQ2S2fKvv_A8jlHlsc9JofCO5BvlYUjO38g/w150-h200/Deniz%204.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
Aegean Sea</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>It’s also useful for story prompts! Not sure how to wade into a scene? Pick a location or a pose or an object (yes, my latest pin is of a clawfoot bathtub!), slide a character into position, and begin to write!</p><p><br /></p><p>What are your go-to methods for finding
inspiration at the start of a writing session? </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Deniz Bevan</b> - DARK MATTER: "One to Another"</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAMigIhIEa60aONInqYkeR2BmypV-b22XmKBsW9rnK53b6KhDF6LD8Bz0D03zJwT-8hw5Xu8rUpfLTc-9Nb-alMDXgFR65yFAIXFFSlXhozNfVcKDDRHzAbYo_gN75InkqpwqY6zMZHJ7/s2048/A+Deniz+2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="2048" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAMigIhIEa60aONInqYkeR2BmypV-b22XmKBsW9rnK53b6KhDF6LD8Bz0D03zJwT-8hw5Xu8rUpfLTc-9Nb-alMDXgFR65yFAIXFFSlXhozNfVcKDDRHzAbYo_gN75InkqpwqY6zMZHJ7/w200-h136/A+Deniz+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>Deniz Bevan has lived and worked in Turkey, and her non-fiction work, including travel articles, book reviews and personal essays, has most recently appeared in the trilingual (English, French, and Turkish) newspaper Bizim Anadolu. Her short story 'Where There's Life' was shortlisted for the Surrey (Canada) International Writers' Conference Storyteller's Award in 2013. Her contemporary romance, Summer Fire is out now with Carina Press. And there’s a playlist for that story, and many others, on her YouTube channel! And her Story Inspirations board on Pinterest features images of all her characters.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>A firm believer in burning the candle at both ends, she is generally writing a new novel while editing another, and blogging about her reading and research adventures -- and sharing travel photos – weekly on her blog, The Girdle of Melian. Other days, she tries to stay off the web altogether, as she delves into the history, mystery, and romance of her characters’ lives.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://thegirdleofmelian.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> | </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorDenizBevan/" style="font-family: inherit;">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17370634.Deniz_Bevan" style="font-family: inherit;">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/denizb33/?hl=en" style="font-family: inherit;">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/denizb33/" style="font-family: inherit;">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://denizbevan.tumblr.com/" style="font-family: inherit;">Tumblr</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/denizbevan?lang=en" style="font-family: inherit;">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/DenizBevan" style="font-family: inherit;">YouTube</a></div><div><br /></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-26458408033448411792023-05-03T06:00:00.006-04:002023-05-03T06:00:00.143-04:00Rapid Release of a Series<p><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">How to Rapid Release a Series</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Authors used to come out with a new book every three years or so. Fans were forced to wait for a full-length novel from their favorite author. However, eBooks and the ability to self-publish changed that long wait. Now authors could put out books faster, including short stories and novelettes.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Let me outline some of the benefits of rapid releasing a series:</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>Maintains reader interest:</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Fans no longer have to wait years and years.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Reader interest in a series doesn’t fade with releases coming out so close together.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Those who like to read an entire series at once can safely jump in knowing they can get to the last book very soon.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>It keeps the author’s name out there longer:</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Authors with books in rapid release are constantly on social media and more visible to readers.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Reviews keep appearing for the books, spreading awareness.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>It gives every book time to build:</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Readers who discover the second or third book will go back for the previous ones.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">When one book starts to fade, another is released, renewing interest.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>Consistent marketing:</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Book marketing is ever-changing, but books released close together can benefit from the same promotional ploys.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">A template from the first book’s marketing can be duplicated, making it easy to set up promotions for the remaining books.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Now, let’s look at how to set up a rapid release:</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>One must be good at multi-tasking:</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Author needs to be planning and working on several books at once.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Many tasks will overlap—writing, editing, marketing. Authors need to juggle multiple tasks and for several books.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Authors need to decide up front if they can keep up the pace.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>Plan the entire series first:</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Determine genre, length, and theme.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Outline (as best as possible) each book in the series.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Be aware of overlaps and continuing characters.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>Write at least three stories before releasing:</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Write the first book, polish it, send to editor, then do final edits. Prepare book cover and promotions.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Write the second book and repeat.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Write the third book. At this point, once the third is polished and sent to the editor, the first book can be released. If there are more than three books, the next ones need to be outlined and ready to begin.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><b>Determine the length in between books:</b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">How long will it take the author to write each one?</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">What is the length of each story? Shorter ones, closer together. Longer ones can enjoy more breathing room.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">When will release dates fall? Always aim for the best book-selling months.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Readers today are impatient. They don’t want to wait years and years. But now authors are in a great position to give readers what they want. A series they enjoy without a lot of waiting!</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvMY_XndmFVEuZeEZh0F_7oVeN5A_Z_7QW0ODJrmSQeGyrkCpvmRKzDka8-PC4gTacJhEUn2HHWi1eaqTNYFPJT-qPy6deBoEBSCBBTZ2yYR0sY19WqkQ5NrcUZJAdS4M6SnwLHZFAleMAUKv64y1lVDG3tqeY66tNcp4F5EMb-yLTty_LgXpDQjzEA/s864/In%20Darkness%20series%20-%20L%20Diane%20Wolfe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="864" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvMY_XndmFVEuZeEZh0F_7oVeN5A_Z_7QW0ODJrmSQeGyrkCpvmRKzDka8-PC4gTacJhEUn2HHWi1eaqTNYFPJT-qPy6deBoEBSCBBTZ2yYR0sY19WqkQ5NrcUZJAdS4M6SnwLHZFAleMAUKv64y1lVDG3tqeY66tNcp4F5EMb-yLTty_LgXpDQjzEA/w400-h201/In%20Darkness%20series%20-%20L%20Diane%20Wolfe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83jV2Bjhp8FgWhks1nysP9GXDjqM1sV_7dMUYbWfqzyPqI5NG3pJ-od7PRucL6tXS9FvGT7T7B8CPppCAmdfBAv29Akzb84rBMxOtsV07AuzwH5iHknixwxmE2ia5FeB48LDjqhGLMfpmcw1MS4LvMfEnpIFaoASdF8HybgD04Cj44mRT5ZlOaDWOtg/s880/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20-%20DLP.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="880" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83jV2Bjhp8FgWhks1nysP9GXDjqM1sV_7dMUYbWfqzyPqI5NG3pJ-od7PRucL6tXS9FvGT7T7B8CPppCAmdfBAv29Akzb84rBMxOtsV07AuzwH5iHknixwxmE2ia5FeB48LDjqhGLMfpmcw1MS4LvMfEnpIFaoASdF8HybgD04Cj44mRT5ZlOaDWOtg/w200-h125/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20-%20DLP.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">Find Diane at </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com&source=gmail&ust=1682039463237000&usg=AOvVaw1tfZEAALu6xUVMGAAQblSD" href="http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0563c1;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: blue;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/l.diane.wolfe&source=gmail&ust=1682039463237000&usg=AOvVaw0UrPjY20bSL3hDFP9q48wi" href="https://www.facebook.com/l.diane.wolfe" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.<wbr></wbr>com/l.diane.wolfe</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: blue;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.pinterest.com/ldianewolfe/&source=gmail&ust=1682039463237000&usg=AOvVaw1lD5GGU2J-nZA7xfJYIPi8" href="https://www.pinterest.com/ldianewolfe/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.pinterest.<wbr></wbr>com/ldianewolfe/</a></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: blue;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/117664.L_Diane_Wolfe&source=gmail&ust=1682039463237000&usg=AOvVaw0BiAznkbi4HOi-rWVyxyiW" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/117664.L_Diane_Wolfe" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.<wbr></wbr>com/author/show/117664.L_<wbr></wbr>Diane_Wolfe</a></span></p>
Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-87369860423509510872023-04-05T06:00:00.001-04:002023-04-05T06:00:00.175-04:00Character Creation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxqR6GYrIUxlN0Jm2g3mY_ytKTGzvW23QqjcDd3iNSPsnAEfU1DUrWqtjksfr75uuNbqf0oNwKpp_IaylDbX71O8GvqmmJuxAzrMHzbiZAK-RcHH8IH-3EPyMbbszCG_L5PCi4_bNV7RGyevq0b7mNWGpQQnzJ384txLeuk773rtGZB8neL-dCg9hxA/s1378/character%20creation%20title.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="1378" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxqR6GYrIUxlN0Jm2g3mY_ytKTGzvW23QqjcDd3iNSPsnAEfU1DUrWqtjksfr75uuNbqf0oNwKpp_IaylDbX71O8GvqmmJuxAzrMHzbiZAK-RcHH8IH-3EPyMbbszCG_L5PCi4_bNV7RGyevq0b7mNWGpQQnzJ384txLeuk773rtGZB8neL-dCg9hxA/s320/character%20creation%20title.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>and the Proust Character Profile Questionnaire </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>by Sylvia Ney</b></div><div><br /></div><div>There are many important elements of fiction. However, I feel like the most significant is character. Characters allow the reader to connect with the story in a more personal way through mental, emotional, and even social qualities relevant to the time and theme. I’m fascinated by motivation and social reflections. Even setting can be seen as a character on its own. Multi-dimensional characters (even when they are inanimate objects) aid the author in creating more credible, complex, and truly great tales. A “great” story is anything that consumes your attention so fully that it becomes depressing to put it down. I hope my own writing is able to do the same to others. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since completing my initial story outlines for “Paper Faces” in the First Love anthology and “WIN” in the Parallels anthology, I noticed a few holes as I worked to complete a final draft. I found my pacing was a bit awkward. I rushed some parts and left out details I needed to flesh out before the tales were complete. I want my own readers to become fully immersed in believable and enjoyable stories. Yet, I struggled in those early stages to find a balance in showing not only physical description and background information, but offering psychological and interpersonal glimpses to form a more compelling tale. </div><div><br /></div><div>Between the initial story outline and the finished draft, I realized I needed to focus more on the individual lives of my characters. I have always had an appreciation for history, social constructs, and character motivated adventures. However, my early drafts only skimmed the surface of who these people might be, and why anyone might care.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44hlXqSwKFF9LgQTt7rJli21j-tUwQT7k-CVrD-gEFSLtfRYjmbw8WTXZ_7sz6OctnDBmNVYjI28TyUcQuXH47HxYZ8MtSjIx_FrdPyNkMwXIyBAbL47NXc5PLsiWxVhmFriQ2S_o6b47uXkpDK4yBaLjiWDtYVOkpK71HF_Q_5EBihvyARED0MeG_w/s2048/Proust%20Questionnaire.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44hlXqSwKFF9LgQTt7rJli21j-tUwQT7k-CVrD-gEFSLtfRYjmbw8WTXZ_7sz6OctnDBmNVYjI28TyUcQuXH47HxYZ8MtSjIx_FrdPyNkMwXIyBAbL47NXc5PLsiWxVhmFriQ2S_o6b47uXkpDK4yBaLjiWDtYVOkpK71HF_Q_5EBihvyARED0MeG_w/s320/Proust%20Questionnaire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Then, I found the Marcel Proust Character Questionnaire. This tool became invaluable. I have seen character sketch activities before, but they were mostly about physical appearance. Many of them seemed arbitrarily useful for character creation. This one (the Proust Character Questionnaire) really made me think about who each individual was, and how I might continue plotting my tale. I encourage you to take a look and try to fill it out for at least three of the characters in your current WIP. For instance, in my latest romance I filled it out for my hero, heroine, and the villain. After all, those are the three most significant characters in my story. Upon completing all three, I realized I had a detailed outline for the story when I had not previously been certain how I wanted to proceed with the tale. I hope you’ll give it a try. Let me know in the comments how it goes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Works Cited </div><div><br /></div><div>Proust, Marcel. “Character Questionnaire”. Gotham Writers, Accessed April 5, 2022. </div><div><br /></div><div>Link to the questionnaire: <a href="http://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/character-questionnaire/proust">www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/character-questionnaire/proust</a> </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOen8BOg4L7miVY4wN_h-xn7CniuNSk6SFzQ4coPt6-096ee3aaP1eHJMUKh-giGnXlBKwrUA9I6C03NzBKVg-P_h-ve67NbO204Zc2pSxmJfNTmsGXGomzDyUV3xJL9OCOgq2EkjHNvTwO93lB2WFKHyenz7bH6JywD_PgqcHi-mbVIGRQ-jiw6qRLg=s570" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="461" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOen8BOg4L7miVY4wN_h-xn7CniuNSk6SFzQ4coPt6-096ee3aaP1eHJMUKh-giGnXlBKwrUA9I6C03NzBKVg-P_h-ve67NbO204Zc2pSxmJfNTmsGXGomzDyUV3xJL9OCOgq2EkjHNvTwO93lB2WFKHyenz7bH6JywD_PgqcHi-mbVIGRQ-jiw6qRLg=w162-h200" width="162" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sylvia Ney is a freelance writer, editor, and teacher. She is currently serving as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Texas at Austin and as a high school English teacher. Sylvia has served as a Board Member of both the Texas Gulf Coast Writers and Bayou Writers Group of Louisiana. She has published newspaper and magazine articles, photography, poetry, and short stories. To learn more, visit www.sylviacney.com</div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.sylviacney.com" target="_blank">Website</a></div></div><div><br /></div></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-6213141302475876862023-03-01T06:00:00.003-05:002023-03-01T06:00:00.167-05:00Good Writing Never DiesThough our IWSG Anthology Contests have been discontinued, our authors still have a bountiful cache of writing news and advice to share. And that's what a blog is for, to share with each other. I am happy to play host to the authors who have generously volunteered to keep our blog going. And I wrote a post about Anthologies to get us started...<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8V1ALrB8gL9Xwc99dP3AF4n-OTNnvdOWCxBNcrd-dzQWWuTVMgWDcwyr8ugeB0-UvX7KRBACzLEBQFPAev8-ipodxy7pgwPigtIRbEynEonIg4_aUkAG5Gvd53XvfY1v8j8DOaVp176U9tRNMSfMaVwo-wmFDveo-FKz75u34RXRghC6g0YgG0BRFA/s305/anthologies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8V1ALrB8gL9Xwc99dP3AF4n-OTNnvdOWCxBNcrd-dzQWWuTVMgWDcwyr8ugeB0-UvX7KRBACzLEBQFPAev8-ipodxy7pgwPigtIRbEynEonIg4_aUkAG5Gvd53XvfY1v8j8DOaVp176U9tRNMSfMaVwo-wmFDveo-FKz75u34RXRghC6g0YgG0BRFA/s16000/anthologies.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Anthologies are a wonderful source of alternate perspectives. They bring the unique voices of different authors together into a single, theme-inspired collection. Writers brings their own past experiences and personalities into their stories, breathing life into their characters that readers can feel for as they are immersed in their lives.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since many authors share in writing the anthology, they also bring their reading fans to the party. Anthologies also sell well at book events. Readers can discover new talents and styles, encouraging them to search for more from the authors with whom they click.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Anthologies give authors the opportunity to stretch their writing muscles. Authors can explore a story they've been holding on the back burner or flesh out a shiny, new idea. They can use the prompt to break a block or take a break from their current WIP then come back refreshed and ready to work on it with more enthusiasm. And there's always those who want to try their hand at an unfamiliar genre--a great way to step outside the box without committing to a full novel.</div><div><br /></div><div>I myself enjoy reading anthologies. The short stories can be read in one sitting. And I love finding new authors to expand my library. Not to mention, learning new ways I can improve my own writing. I highly recommend checking them out when you are searching for something to read!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you've never been a part of anthology, I suggest you give one a try. Many small publishers have regular submission requests for anthologies. Just find the theme that inspires you!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Writing!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://taratylertalks.blogspot.com/">Tara Tyler</a> - </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px; margin: 0px;">Reset (in Tick Tock) & Sentient (in Dark Matter)</span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbo7n3lAOIcyl2vGR-YYrPl-kaNN9tG_5koKVq2PfO8h68WB8fn2zVZk8JZTCRh1mOJBGULYe6YSPYpkUMgl6eUM4VIy648cavrHXMV7QS3yHOVkrWTXh8glVpA02HGe5QuWo8d3cfQ4/s1600/Tara+Tyler.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbo7n3lAOIcyl2vGR-YYrPl-kaNN9tG_5koKVq2PfO8h68WB8fn2zVZk8JZTCRh1mOJBGULYe6YSPYpkUMgl6eUM4VIy648cavrHXMV7QS3yHOVkrWTXh8glVpA02HGe5QuWo8d3cfQ4/w200-h200/Tara+Tyler.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;"><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her husband, though they still love to travel and visit their three boys. She has two novel series, Pop Travel (sci-fi detective thrillers) and Beast World (fantasy adventures), plus her UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves. She's a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife—someday she might write a book on that... Make every day an adventure!</div></div><div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span><span><a href="https://twitter.com/taratylertalks" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></span></span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span> <b><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: lime;">|</span></span></b> </span></span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TaraTylerAuthor">Facebook</a> | </span></span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="http://taratylertalks.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> | </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/taratylertalks">Youtube channel</a> | </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/taratylertalks/">Instagam</a> | </span></span></span></b></span><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 32px; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7143899.Tara_Tyler">Goodreads</a> </span></span></b></div></div></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-55674453848684028072022-12-12T06:00:00.001-05:002022-12-12T06:00:00.165-05:00A Writers Potluck<div>I want to thank the authors from FIRST LOVE for their contributions to the IWSG Anthology Blog this past year--hard to believe it's been a year! And as 2022 comes to a close, we are wrapping up our 7th IWSG anthology volume of posts with a Potluck of advice, final thoughts, and future happening to share. Hope you enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCp9khhIChMMUI_73FNBq7znvMZuDyUwc0ojQ3RxMwprIG_b5-HfC_Z9rEf1Ewoy6JR98INKzzt9FAUxmo0eGzp2rkBgW__2TBCMfWfuvSnFmbrkK5JgUwI72Ekq5KzQSq1F9QjIkgHvbUeizgSWjQaFv86k1JJo4v9nz3reUKCe-CPiKr3VByD7EeDQ/s689/potluck.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="689" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCp9khhIChMMUI_73FNBq7znvMZuDyUwc0ojQ3RxMwprIG_b5-HfC_Z9rEf1Ewoy6JR98INKzzt9FAUxmo0eGzp2rkBgW__2TBCMfWfuvSnFmbrkK5JgUwI72Ekq5KzQSq1F9QjIkgHvbUeizgSWjQaFv86k1JJo4v9nz3reUKCe-CPiKr3VByD7EeDQ/w400-h145/potluck.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The Main Course in our Writers Potluck is some advice: </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">How to Break a Block</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">I</span>f the block is simply lack of motivation, I break it with music. A killer playlist energizes me and helps me focus. When writing “Clyde and Coalesce,” I listened to 80’s rock. Now I’m working on a trilogy of superhero novels, so my current favorite is “Superheroes” by The Script.</div><div><br /></div><div>If the block is due to me feeling disconnected from the story, it’s often because I’m writing a boring chapter. In that case, powering through won’t help. I have to rethink why the chapter is there at all. Filler must be cut! If it’s boring but important to the plot, I let the character’s personalities shine more. They’re snarky and fun when I let them be.</div><div style="text-align: right;">Kim Elliott -- CLYDE AND COALESCE</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig40GllnKyqYFwxeSwGr_utZ8WGCRbqRXLRL3Q8YvXVMmEOWGv5a4Tl9IVIYqVzBjwk6aAh2REjUx-Zw2Owu5ZlzoxHK0Zh13x9C31muXmKmwEkCsj3Hn0R7IrsyHXWrAiRMgmtqeY3Awh56i8NNuRgdtukz9kYsks5IBIqI7xvrhsGfcbIhjRhTLp_g/s197/calvin_writer_block.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="197" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig40GllnKyqYFwxeSwGr_utZ8WGCRbqRXLRL3Q8YvXVMmEOWGv5a4Tl9IVIYqVzBjwk6aAh2REjUx-Zw2Owu5ZlzoxHK0Zh13x9C31muXmKmwEkCsj3Hn0R7IrsyHXWrAiRMgmtqeY3Awh56i8NNuRgdtukz9kYsks5IBIqI7xvrhsGfcbIhjRhTLp_g/s1600/calvin_writer_block.webp" width="197" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">T</span>here are several things I try when I feel stuck, depending what's causing it. If it's a lack of inspiration, I try doing other things that inspire, like changing scenery (even something as simple as a walk around the block or a visit to a friend's house) or reading a book or watching a movie for fun. Sometimes remembering what you like about a good story is all it takes. </div><div><br /></div><div>If it's burnout, I try not to make writing feel like work. I give myself permission to write what I want, just for fun, and try to turn off my inner editor. Sometimes there are deadlines so it's not always possible but remembering what you love about writing and emphasizing that is key.</div><div><br /></div><div>If it's a story issue requiring problem solving, I try to actively think through the issue, then walk away for a bit to other duties. Over the next few days, while doing something mundane (folding laundry, washing dishes, taking a shower), something might come to me. If not, when I sit down to think about it again after the break, my mind is cleared enough to come back to it with fresh eyes, which can also help. If it doesn't, talking it over with a writer friend is super helpful! </div><div><br /></div><div>If it's life circumstances getting in the way, sometimes you have to give yourself space and time. I had a hard time focusing when I was exhausted during pregnancy and when I was in the middle of a big move. It's okay to take care of those things first--they can take up your whole mental energy--and then come back to writing when you're ready. </div><div style="text-align: right;">Sammi Spizziri -- THE REAL THING</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div>And for Dessert, some sweet</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Parting Thoughts with Hopeful Aspirations</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizW8n0n7JPpyQhbtTmTtCYerQVDHeWY8yHeBJhj6XeDhcgHDSKvWkNjx3_HB9Nl7PJ4-5ppw0rVzJxzc-GVobqWaTax1NA4OF8Lqc8xydwNDxiKQLlfmDU00BSHYzt8_qcaKPbMSgvtkFDdgPOVPn_SFZqalca2UAHvX9xTZn17o7KnptzaN9yEp0aFg/s612/thoughtful%20writer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="612" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizW8n0n7JPpyQhbtTmTtCYerQVDHeWY8yHeBJhj6XeDhcgHDSKvWkNjx3_HB9Nl7PJ4-5ppw0rVzJxzc-GVobqWaTax1NA4OF8Lqc8xydwNDxiKQLlfmDU00BSHYzt8_qcaKPbMSgvtkFDdgPOVPn_SFZqalca2UAHvX9xTZn17o7KnptzaN9yEp0aFg/w200-h150/thoughtful%20writer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">C</span>ontributing to this anthology has been a thrilling and challenging experience. I’ve learned so much, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. As we head into the new year, I’m drafting book three in my superhero trilogy while continuing to promote Heart of a Hero, which was published in November. 2023 will be a busy year, but I'll keep my eyes open for writing contests that pique my interest. You never know where they might lead! </div><div>-- <span style="text-align: right;"><i>Kim Elliott - CLYDE AND COALESCE</i></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">R</span>eflecting back on 2022, being part of the FIRST LOVE anthology has definitely been a high point for me. So many great stories, great authors, and amazing and supportive readers! I was thinking the other day about what it means to be in a "toxic environment" -- one that promotes death and discord -- vs. an environment that supports life, health, and growth, and am so grateful to be part of a writing and reading community that genuinely lifts people up and helps them succeed. My goal for the coming year is to take time to appreciate the journey and the hard-earned growth, and to be sure to spread the love!</div><div><i>-- Linda Budzinski - THE ART OF MAKING DOUGHNUTS</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">I</span>t has been fun working on the anthologies for the IWSG. They have brought together such a great bunch of writers over the years and hopefully helped them on their author journey. Dancing Lemur Press is proud of the seven books we produced and thanks the IWSG admins, members, and judges for all of their hard work over the years.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dancing Lemur Press has five books slated for release next year, including several of my own! Kicking it off February 7 with In Darkness: The Vampire, it will be the first books I’ve written in years and I’m excited. </div><div>-- <i>L. Diane Wolfe - <a href="http://dancinglemurpress.com" target="_blank">Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.</a></i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">I</span> have been honored to moderate the IWSG Anthology blog. I've loved working with and getting to know the authors and have learned so much from them about writing and the publication process. I hope you have too! -- <i>Tara Tyler (Author of Reset from <a href="https://ticktockmysteries.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TICK TOCK A STITCH IN CRIME</a> and Sentient from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S7LP369" target="_blank">DARK MATTER</a>)</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">M</span>ay you Enjoy the Holiday Season and </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: x-large;">W</span>rite with Glee in 2023!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5nwUyffTX_m7kDln6l1puiD2ZGM8kJ3YVCWSgpZxpGrIcLZLUcPjdu1B_GN48yEFdc-vYnU1rZMbDN5rjLrp4ZHWLASIiRrvlywDcEDOZDKlNlT6eD0-SO6QL2d_M-BTDtFVRdrYN-5pbELf2TU7t3Z0pKmqojVbcYFbRS_kWGPpms34yZ6Uu9gOeA/s750/happy%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5nwUyffTX_m7kDln6l1puiD2ZGM8kJ3YVCWSgpZxpGrIcLZLUcPjdu1B_GN48yEFdc-vYnU1rZMbDN5rjLrp4ZHWLASIiRrvlywDcEDOZDKlNlT6eD0-SO6QL2d_M-BTDtFVRdrYN-5pbELf2TU7t3Z0pKmqojVbcYFbRS_kWGPpms34yZ6Uu9gOeA/s320/happy%202023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-61332837531485209352022-11-07T06:00:00.015-05:002022-11-07T06:00:00.162-05:00A Cornucopia of Marketing Advice for WritersPart 2 of our Marketing Experiences to pass on...<div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_3zwxEbYewxpunNnSKJ32NbmjRFwS0MCFyVAO6nG7Dy-XvrvNx6fDoVneOyRKEC-0cugqxqRMAJ5COwXlUHX3uh6vKXuC3XaHcUeAnJBTga8xvN9C8sic-voxaY3jV1kd0agJy6_duj_YtlQ3nYlwpy3AX96aPIeiAWENPC90Asepn01uPfftSDs8g/s400/cornucopia%20of%20books.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="400" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_3zwxEbYewxpunNnSKJ32NbmjRFwS0MCFyVAO6nG7Dy-XvrvNx6fDoVneOyRKEC-0cugqxqRMAJ5COwXlUHX3uh6vKXuC3XaHcUeAnJBTga8xvN9C8sic-voxaY3jV1kd0agJy6_duj_YtlQ3nYlwpy3AX96aPIeiAWENPC90Asepn01uPfftSDs8g/w200-h158/cornucopia%20of%20books.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sylvia Ney</b></span> has a good list...</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Get your book reviewed by influential writers and bloggers. Getting your book reviewed by these influential people can give you the needed exposure. ...</li><li>Create an author website with your bio, book description, and other information about you ...</li><li>Write a blog post about the topic of your book or what inspired you to write it and share it on social media. ...</li><li>Speak at Writer's events, conferences, etc. and offer your books there.</li></ol><br /><div><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTMV64BY0fEitw8KPF4Q6l8Cxr4EFSbpLfizaC5UdveSV7T0rPTIqXoV1zxxAOMSbRHUgICdXjfNiSLIAR8NyHxLEzdfbaG_xDwIjel50aYBXRkRoQTC-1f7Wyc0ui4vobu6RTZkZvCewlPlLy6f9PrA_yt6GzZQYNHbeu_O7sZzu1jz7gtN4b3dN_w/s235/twitter%20reading.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="235" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTMV64BY0fEitw8KPF4Q6l8Cxr4EFSbpLfizaC5UdveSV7T0rPTIqXoV1zxxAOMSbRHUgICdXjfNiSLIAR8NyHxLEzdfbaG_xDwIjel50aYBXRkRoQTC-1f7Wyc0ui4vobu6RTZkZvCewlPlLy6f9PrA_yt6GzZQYNHbeu_O7sZzu1jz7gtN4b3dN_w/w200-h183/twitter%20reading.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Notes from <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Katie Klein</b></span></div></div><div><div>I enjoy using Twitter for marketing. The concise nature of the posts is most appealing, but I also like that I can add hashtags to expand my reach. I typically schedule my tweets in advance, so there’s always a handful of posts ready to go in case I get too busy to log on during the day. I do promote my own books, but most of my tweets are for writers. I love posting inspiring/motivational quotes and writing tips. My system over there is set, so now I’m just trying to get better at interacting with others because social media promotion is always a two-way street: you have to give to get. :)</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And <span style="font-size: large;"><b>SE White</b></span> offers some in-depth thoughts...</div><div><div>In this day and age, authors have to put ourselves out there to market our books, hanging weightless in cyberspace with multiple tentacles dangling into the ether. We need a platform. We’ve got to have an online presence. It’s necessary to network. All fun, exotic concepts brought to us courtesy of the internet. There are websites, blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, podcasts, all asking for your online attention. There are writer’s associations, critique groups, pitch fests, twitter pitch fests, conferences, panels, and other writing related events needing your digital presence. None of it is a bad thing, per se. I'm not railing against social media. It's a very effective marketing tool. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIqAd0ILn3w3AX09iKXHorE1ESbmo9EjLJjNUqzAMIK0IarzaD-cOmbDTvJ18jjSQ7B-dISqfbsuK4dMbEpQcMn3T197aBGTSKjA7A18pp0RHuU1Wvpd45mSWkhwhVXfFpGW9ZhpAoRrgbapcZg4sU3hecsK-CiHoi4Iicu1M6cv-sBPVAjT0QYbesg/s670/shy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="670" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIqAd0ILn3w3AX09iKXHorE1ESbmo9EjLJjNUqzAMIK0IarzaD-cOmbDTvJ18jjSQ7B-dISqfbsuK4dMbEpQcMn3T197aBGTSKjA7A18pp0RHuU1Wvpd45mSWkhwhVXfFpGW9ZhpAoRrgbapcZg4sU3hecsK-CiHoi4Iicu1M6cv-sBPVAjT0QYbesg/w200-h125/shy.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm just saying that not being a very social skills person puts me at something of an automatic disadvantage in this arena. (Comment trolls DEFINITELY do not help.) In sum: the social media beast requires multiple sacrifices from introverts like me. Here are some tips, from one introvert to any others, about how to minimize the pain while maximizing your social media interaction. </div></div></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Learn to love the Internet. The internet is perfect for us! We can interact with almost limitless amounts of people while never actually having to see them face-to-face. </li><li>But! Pick the niche that works best for you and focus on it. Don't feel you have to expose yourself on every social site, ever. This is a quality over quantity situation. And </li><li>Your active participation is how you add value, and get value at the same time. It's like magic! The deeper and more authentic your relationships on the platform, the more you get out of them. It's easier to interact if it's something you feel passionate about.</li></ol></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Final tidbits from me, your humble moderator.</div><div>The writing journey is full of pitfalls, setbacks, and hurdles. But writers keep writing and put everything we have into a fantastic story and do what it takes to share it with hungry readers. We have to figure out what works for us and put ourselves out there. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwre918KG7Fwz397iGQ2pV1Ka7HRxsYc0Tk8HMPJEPW2NpHU0cg65t6sI6xE1pmIKmybwA3bxS9a5xkw4_UedIKURsHKsbiFrwrB5N1fTgGHAAg4_Az9cUfWGzluA7dKEq4twln-M8DQf6Q02qEX9maaTt8YezsET_SYDX0RNOPOUfo-oA_tSwky8MQA/s1984/TaraTyler3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1984" data-original-width="1890" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwre918KG7Fwz397iGQ2pV1Ka7HRxsYc0Tk8HMPJEPW2NpHU0cg65t6sI6xE1pmIKmybwA3bxS9a5xkw4_UedIKURsHKsbiFrwrB5N1fTgGHAAg4_Az9cUfWGzluA7dKEq4twln-M8DQf6Q02qEX9maaTt8YezsET_SYDX0RNOPOUfo-oA_tSwky8MQA/w191-h200/TaraTyler3.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div>Personally, I have sold the most by going out to book events, but also at vendor events where I'm the only author. Every event is a risk, and I weigh the odds of how many books I might sell verses the price of the events -- free ones are obviously the best but hardest to get into. And many book events require you to have published traditionally or at least published a new book recently. And when I go, I have a fun, freebie-filled display to draw readers in, then strike up a discussion about my books. Sometimes they sell, sometimes they don't. But the greatest things I've found interacting with readers and other writers are making connections and learning about their experiences.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish you well in the upcoming holiday season - Happy Writing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Brought to you by...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/new-adult-young-adult" target="_blank">FIRST LOVE, The Art of Making Doughnuts</a></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">IWSG Anthology #7</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Romance – Clean & Wholesome/Contemporary/Historical</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIOiBM1CcLnPxhJH5xXFzM0nD1dkuBZIPjg1X9dghF1vy6T6EoOYjknZ_mM28LOvSf71b54qq9fcNN__t5ZJ8XgGgJdLcOoAu7XxByBGUgsFbZao3fe7dZ-LLsUseACxrtkd1tn53mdQDMKDPIqVBQ7pCErkWnJrrNmJgdDmqcpLa97eH7FDHc0n6SA/s320/IWSG%207%20-%20First%20Love%20-%20Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="211" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIOiBM1CcLnPxhJH5xXFzM0nD1dkuBZIPjg1X9dghF1vy6T6EoOYjknZ_mM28LOvSf71b54qq9fcNN__t5ZJ8XgGgJdLcOoAu7XxByBGUgsFbZao3fe7dZ-LLsUseACxrtkd1tn53mdQDMKDPIqVBQ7pCErkWnJrrNmJgdDmqcpLa97eH7FDHc0n6SA/s1600/IWSG%207%20-%20First%20Love%20-%20Cover.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br />Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-58483216651626444232022-10-10T06:00:00.010-04:002022-10-10T06:00:00.167-04:00Marketing Advice for AuthorsThat dreaded word - <span style="color: red; font-family: Merriweather; font-size: large;"><i>Marketing</i></span>...<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MY7FOknVMQx2LpkGTbqcWQzsX6CIB3m5K3nhMWYo91hn1X_YgAAVxFJiNXoGrWcrgBelodMS_-NGnKxpXM4EOP2BXHSENpzQA2CRHcXTyoEyW31j2Jm_-2vD8Hz0SyirddOuegLWpPAicuwXxzeTH-Ko643sNMhu5t8UMO4hyTjgm9kfT3erOSTd9A/s2459/scary%20marketing%202.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1747" data-original-width="2459" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MY7FOknVMQx2LpkGTbqcWQzsX6CIB3m5K3nhMWYo91hn1X_YgAAVxFJiNXoGrWcrgBelodMS_-NGnKxpXM4EOP2BXHSENpzQA2CRHcXTyoEyW31j2Jm_-2vD8Hz0SyirddOuegLWpPAicuwXxzeTH-Ko643sNMhu5t8UMO4hyTjgm9kfT3erOSTd9A/s320/scary%20marketing%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Advertising is a big part of life. Ads can be pushy and annoying. But they are necessary evils for people who want to sell their products. And Authors trying to sell books are no exception. The key is to promote your book and reach your target audience, to hook them without alienating them... Self-promotion is personal, uncomfortable, and tricky. And hard to figure out!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some great thoughts and pieces of advice on MARKETING BOOKS from our FIRST LOVE Authors.</div><div><br /></div><div>from <span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><b><i>Kim Elliott</i></b></span></div><div>I should start by saying that I’m not terribly skilled at marketing. I haven’t spent a dime on online ads, and I don’t intend to until I have a few books available. I currently maintain a website, Facebook page, Goodreads page, Amazon author page, and Wattpad account. I find that Goodreads is my favorite because it gives me insight into who my readers are and what they want. </div><div><br /></div><div>Aside from the anthology, I always self-publish on Amazon and enroll my books in KDP Select. That allows me to offer my books on the subscription service, Kindle Unlimited (KU). Most of my profits come from KU. Every few months, KDP Select lets me offer my ebooks for $.99 for up to a week, while still earning full royalties. During the sale, I promote on several of the free sites recommended by Dave Chesson (aka the Kindlepreneur). I’ve gained a few readers this way. Overall, my marketing strategy is to try all the free methods I can find, see what works, and try paid methods later. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>from <span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Denise Covey</i></b></span></div><div><div>Who likes marketing? No writer, I'm sure. We'd rather be writing!</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL73Zgy-tMlS5cyd2yzaa5E_s7aCjYmhXib2ECZzVyyZ0OGSEGIES7vp2s6ms5ihA91djZpz3aYvQ7y9zQ9pg4QF8r309IP5GJhxB02vsZlUOiU2UVPEW3i8FnznWAhvp6GQcOfsm0kzYtG5LXNAagOEehl3K0Ht630GFrC_nchKzAAxNbpGOdVg3DA/s4032/denise%20covey%20-%20mktg%201.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL73Zgy-tMlS5cyd2yzaa5E_s7aCjYmhXib2ECZzVyyZ0OGSEGIES7vp2s6ms5ihA91djZpz3aYvQ7y9zQ9pg4QF8r309IP5GJhxB02vsZlUOiU2UVPEW3i8FnznWAhvp6GQcOfsm0kzYtG5LXNAagOEehl3K0Ht630GFrC_nchKzAAxNbpGOdVg3DA/w150-h200/denise%20covey%20-%20mktg%201.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>I use the FB group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/20Booksto50k/about/" target="_blank">20Booksto50k</a> as my marketing guru. Following their guidelines, I 'rapid released' my first 5 books - boom, boom, boom, and made good sales. I then used those complicated Amazon Ads to promote the first book in each series. Great exposure, not many sales, but I'm still learning. I also used the Amazon giveaway feature for 3 free days here and there which was ho-hum. My most successful marketing strategy is Bookfunnel, where I join promotions to gather newsletter subscribers (very successful) and sales promos to sell books (not so successful) but I need more books! My biggest problem is finding reviewers. Seeing so few reviews of the anthology, I'm not the only one.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZLuwxVUYQ4aeTz-fmkz6fFk6nCMWalwxSnlz_gb8kM-lL2G_vJE6V405UORRgrtZC9doOrJjK_iTv0JNn_WVMgKg9OAFYWHdHeX1seDgviutzeC1TGjD9OEAdvZpmii7_o4_2jwVHCKe0TpXngHzRRcr9epUf0P9PddTSD87sBc4khZswg_8TENoMA/s4032/denise%20covey%20-%20mktg%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZLuwxVUYQ4aeTz-fmkz6fFk6nCMWalwxSnlz_gb8kM-lL2G_vJE6V405UORRgrtZC9doOrJjK_iTv0JNn_WVMgKg9OAFYWHdHeX1seDgviutzeC1TGjD9OEAdvZpmii7_o4_2jwVHCKe0TpXngHzRRcr9epUf0P9PddTSD87sBc4khZswg_8TENoMA/w150-h200/denise%20covey%20-%20mktg%202.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>One of my marketing strategies for the anthology has been to photograph '...Doughnuts' in different settings with different people. Here's one of my daughters holding it which has been well received on Facebook. It was 'doughnut day' at her cafe, so I styled a few images like this one.</div></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">from out publisher,</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><i>L. Diane Wolfe</i></span></b></p><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Senior Editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a publisher, I can tell you the most important marketing strategy for selling books is book reviews. A book HAS to garner reviews before its release date. Those reviews are needed for marketing materials (such as bookmarks and sell sheets) and back of cover blurbs (print) / interior blurbs (eBook.) They are vital on bookseller sites and Goodreads. (Who buys a book with next to no reviews?) They are excellent word-of-mouth on blogs and websites. We always send out review copies 6-9 months before a book is released to get these reviews. Not sending them out several months in advance (or sending any at all) almost guarantees a book will gain no traction.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />A second strategy I’d like to mention is live events. As an author myself, I always loved live events. (There were times when I’d do 40+ a year.) But in particular now are comic/sci-fi/geek cons and the success we’ve enjoyed at them. We do have a good catalogue of speculative fiction, but it would surprise you what sells at these events, so we take all titles. When we can pitch a title and the reader can hold the book, look it over, we have a far better chance of gaining a new fan for that author. (And not to mention these cons are a lot of fun!)</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><br /></p></div><div><br /></div><div>from <b><i><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Melissa Maygrove</span></i></b></div><div><div>The dreaded job of marketing... Most writers would prefer to only write, but even traditionally published authors are expected to do their share. I'm indie, so I do it all. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd love to go to in-person events, but I work full-time, so fitting those in is difficult. I do occasional giveaways and run ebook ads (e.g. Digital Book Today) to promote sales and new releases, and I usually see a little spike. But, in the end, I'm lucky to break even on cost. </div><div><br /></div><div>My two best tools are Amazon ads and BookFunnel. I began dabbling in both this year. I offer a free subscriber-exclusive novella (a.k.a 'reader magnet') that readers can get when they sign up for my author newsletter. BookFunnel makes it easy to deliver. I can also take part in multi-author promotions there. BookFunnel has already helped me quadruple the number of subscribers I had when I signed up. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xD42MPJgXD0hDsUb8KwvKpi4FSU5zN7S2iKsWZpGo3iEgD8hQ0lEpPjKFPJ4BGYc8Xr2UxS0Ze350PgIoJF4Vs41KaYiS_OlfGOSDpHBK_pK1byFyQYCgjdqYKHvPHCUzGrIM84EjpGf-1qSZn9wp9VuoAgmGtxk8h1U36ptz7iWtMZI-UBRvtfvFA/s1139/Melissa%20royalties%20for%20mktg%20post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="1139" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xD42MPJgXD0hDsUb8KwvKpi4FSU5zN7S2iKsWZpGo3iEgD8hQ0lEpPjKFPJ4BGYc8Xr2UxS0Ze350PgIoJF4Vs41KaYiS_OlfGOSDpHBK_pK1byFyQYCgjdqYKHvPHCUzGrIM84EjpGf-1qSZn9wp9VuoAgmGtxk8h1U36ptz7iWtMZI-UBRvtfvFA/w400-h116/Melissa%20royalties%20for%20mktg%20post.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Between the BookFunnel boost and the Amazon ads, my royalties this month are projected to be twenty times what I made all of last year. Now I just have to write more books.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know about you, but I found some great new things to try! We can take the scariness out of marketing by getting advice from others who have already tested sites and avenues and know what works. We still have to figure out what we are willing to do and what will work for us, but we are not alone!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you found something you can put to use. And this is only half of our authors. They had so much to say, we'll have more advice next month. Be sure to stop by again in November!</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't be afraid to put yourself out there!</div></div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-87896025922713988422022-09-06T06:00:00.271-04:002022-09-06T06:00:00.152-04:00FIRST LOVE - RELEASE PARTY!<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Time to Fall in LOVE!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">It's Release Day!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmArCb6VJDd1G1Bdgk9iUShoFCztvKSWnfvqqppgRD1xsXkXWP2pY3JqAfNeNo5Jexsi3aHv1wYv8BoEehHG9zPSvvrxujooIXEbBzxrBTnl6z6GfJ0c_cBb4sgcjMua1o6AGkcuTkiApYT_iE2OYMSIbfqzJ537Fc8ErRDWdOkcGAGgqFdKXeAsOfbw/s1846/First%20Love%20Cover%203d%20w-bkg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1551" data-original-width="1846" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmArCb6VJDd1G1Bdgk9iUShoFCztvKSWnfvqqppgRD1xsXkXWP2pY3JqAfNeNo5Jexsi3aHv1wYv8BoEehHG9zPSvvrxujooIXEbBzxrBTnl6z6GfJ0c_cBb4sgcjMua1o6AGkcuTkiApYT_iE2OYMSIbfqzJ537Fc8ErRDWdOkcGAGgqFdKXeAsOfbw/w400-h336/First%20Love%20Cover%203d%20w-bkg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.dancinglemurpressllc.com/new-adult-young-adult" target="_blank">FIRST LOVE: The Art of Making Doughnuts</a></div><div>IWSG Anthology #7</div><div><div>Romance – Clean & Wholesome/Contemporary/Historical</div><div><br /></div><div>And to celebrate, our authors have left you snippets about their stories. Get ready to experience the sticky sweetness of first love…</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>THE ART OF MAKING DOUGHNUTS by Linda Budzinski</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHv4oARKIxLBY_sXyMzVJX3c9RbdjM260G-RpOQ_m7jyaWsKNik70HQ0Dpi2hR6T-GK6KZgZvjHmmuC7fp2xGUkKmGRrIs7EPirXCjVI5GSJdSfvakyXhuDDhJ62T56XWKU81i1sXjmiZkzK-Bswri_bY7Fem1gF636ylx673tX8kD4-BmY459mgTisw/s377/heart%20donut.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="377" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHv4oARKIxLBY_sXyMzVJX3c9RbdjM260G-RpOQ_m7jyaWsKNik70HQ0Dpi2hR6T-GK6KZgZvjHmmuC7fp2xGUkKmGRrIs7EPirXCjVI5GSJdSfvakyXhuDDhJ62T56XWKU81i1sXjmiZkzK-Bswri_bY7Fem1gF636ylx673tX8kD4-BmY459mgTisw/w200-h190/heart%20donut.png" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>A fiercely independent cop is softened by the guy who makes the doughnuts.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Excerpt:</div><div><div><span> </span>I was surprised when Pete asked me to join him for dinner tonight, and even more so to hear myself accept. Though, what choice did I have when he stood there holding that perfect little pastry, soft and warm and made specially for me?</div><div><span> </span>Half of me hoped something would force me to cancel -- a massive sinkhole downtown or a bomb scare at the station. The other half kept a watchful eye on the clock, counting the minutes until my shift ended.</div><div><span> </span>Because, well, the doughnuts.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>MY HEART APPROVES by Melissa Maygrove</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsH_smbJqiT_1-d-pV9zkIhOAGCWiHVewg2ssuxGUx5Zqywjvt41-_Wb3kqgwxtxiI9uD8_Eh_8NlYzmg2kT19YX0kqK6x6rpOmSyFXxK71ZtV_HJb5UJQf4eqrw9tSPzOqvBzQPfXuPaNyUegrhU_exTKQgEH0gU1IqjbRUAXnkNprLJbE4VH4NyJw/s1400/maid%20redhead.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1074" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsH_smbJqiT_1-d-pV9zkIhOAGCWiHVewg2ssuxGUx5Zqywjvt41-_Wb3kqgwxtxiI9uD8_Eh_8NlYzmg2kT19YX0kqK6x6rpOmSyFXxK71ZtV_HJb5UJQf4eqrw9tSPzOqvBzQPfXuPaNyUegrhU_exTKQgEH0gU1IqjbRUAXnkNprLJbE4VH4NyJw/w153-h200/maid%20redhead.PNG" width="153" /></a></div><div><i>Will a maid who used deceit to snare a mail-order husband get a dose of her own medicine?</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Excerpt:</div><div><div><span> </span>Addy sat in the chair nearest the head of the table with posture that would silence the harshest finishing governess, though she had lost the feeling in her backside and her legs. Her amber taffeta dress skimmed the edge of her shoulders without being too revealing, and her hair was expertly coiffed, thanks to Cara’s skill. Hopefully, her husband would find her appearance pleasing.</div><div><span> </span>She’d insisted the servants wait supper on him, even though it was a hardship.</div><div><span> </span>The candles had burned halfway down by the time his carriage pulled up.</div><div><span> </span>Addy drew a calming breath and waited. Long minutes passed while he dressed for supper, then approaching bootsteps made her palms turn damp.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xUvCdSmyrkqQr2iUGvPRrMSfT4wtFKzgqQgAae3VfnRLQ-QZHpZxhr96j6iCCmxS4ITJRu_DdCvp-eCwljdQbsUqy-Lu-HLZonuXs09aCXK5PvYM8GlwwEThWBZE3gr2l_AJpWYCY6cyyL3duxulFUeoquuf_5ED3xwnjZ6JrqmzahFjYHE4Wm1SJw/s1048/thinking%20man.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1048" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xUvCdSmyrkqQr2iUGvPRrMSfT4wtFKzgqQgAae3VfnRLQ-QZHpZxhr96j6iCCmxS4ITJRu_DdCvp-eCwljdQbsUqy-Lu-HLZonuXs09aCXK5PvYM8GlwwEThWBZE3gr2l_AJpWYCY6cyyL3duxulFUeoquuf_5ED3xwnjZ6JrqmzahFjYHE4Wm1SJw/w200-h200/thinking%20man.jpg" width="150" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>MY FIRST LOVE(S) by Templeton Moss</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>The world’s most forgetful man tries to remember the first time he ever fell in love. We travel with him backward through his life from adulthood, to college, to high school and childhood…and then his wife sets him straight with a surprising revelation.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR6KI8Xs7_9jsuvK7oyWyRwi1BF906qFJ3BkwQdsQobZikS7qTMjA-r-pbvIrfB9Tadlwlzp0DiCtbSvkbvopzPvreh4cwL5bK2C-GamVraKSiOLRIpSyTHeJb-zTkYd89TST6F9a-A7CM74TkTbXYEFOV64xw3RfSwHRfsM2tG6xYdB4LNnT-vw5-A/s877/love%20decision.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="877" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpR6KI8Xs7_9jsuvK7oyWyRwi1BF906qFJ3BkwQdsQobZikS7qTMjA-r-pbvIrfB9Tadlwlzp0DiCtbSvkbvopzPvreh4cwL5bK2C-GamVraKSiOLRIpSyTHeJb-zTkYd89TST6F9a-A7CM74TkTbXYEFOV64xw3RfSwHRfsM2tG6xYdB4LNnT-vw5-A/w200-h199/love%20decision.png" width="200" /></a></div><b>THE REAL THING by Sammi Spizziri</b></div><br /><div><i>After months of chatting with "The One" online, Lola can't wait to meet her guy in real life and start a face-to-face relationship. But on the way to the airport, she gets stuck in a ride share with a stranger who breaks through her carefully-crafted persona. When the ride is over, she must decide between pretending she's someone she's not with the online friend she's worked so hard to impress or starting fresh with the unexpected, unfiltered stranger who accepts her in the real world.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ne1RnkohmLkCDnNKtvZx-hILgbWRqr6n4t_C4voTSF1mtnpwGhFEmqENuLi84Xnk7e49wMeSNJvM4FtSipRyMUEhGgWtPfn_0hEMml1A6p3zGFnPsT2HbskwHT74UKsQ9V4sSHVXXzTOEpgnESCiCj_DkY7U2X4YVZq22NhOYBIxbMSsaq5u1ac5jw/s334/rock%20n%20roll%20heart.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ne1RnkohmLkCDnNKtvZx-hILgbWRqr6n4t_C4voTSF1mtnpwGhFEmqENuLi84Xnk7e49wMeSNJvM4FtSipRyMUEhGgWtPfn_0hEMml1A6p3zGFnPsT2HbskwHT74UKsQ9V4sSHVXXzTOEpgnESCiCj_DkY7U2X4YVZq22NhOYBIxbMSsaq5u1ac5jw/w179-h200/rock%20n%20roll%20heart.png" width="179" /></a></div><b>CLYDE AND COALESCE by Kim Elliot</b></div><br /><div><i>When Lizzie meets Fitz, the front man of a popular band, she is not a fan. He mocks her taste in music, wastes her time, and looks down his nose at her, literally. However, she needs his help to save the local radio station where her best friend Jane is a morning show host. As Lizzie gets to know the aloof heartthrob, she sees another side he keeps hidden from the public—a side she might even like. Will the two find a way to turn the sour notes of their first meeting into a love song?</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>THE CASTLE OF OHNO by S.E. White</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68pGzGTc3JDY8yGXg4JlvcxIrtNSogPIc5pKyeDD90vBl_1RbhKVlq3vjOpuLwg0FcdiozL6j6yLaqDfgyFd0bFgez8mLUd7T_gSsCg7CF62DYQlVofWjGQ5A0BJ84q7E1BdMn2NmmjU7Hrx6nFvXo8w7M-Ep1OriWXLxPVT2oiLVaWxg47BBLPhk8A/s1452/castle.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="1452" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68pGzGTc3JDY8yGXg4JlvcxIrtNSogPIc5pKyeDD90vBl_1RbhKVlq3vjOpuLwg0FcdiozL6j6yLaqDfgyFd0bFgez8mLUd7T_gSsCg7CF62DYQlVofWjGQ5A0BJ84q7E1BdMn2NmmjU7Hrx6nFvXo8w7M-Ep1OriWXLxPVT2oiLVaWxg47BBLPhk8A/w200-h154/castle.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div>Excerpt:</div><div><div><span> </span>No lights warmed any of the tiny slit windows. No one waited to welcome them inside. Indeed, only the wind soughed in her ears, as cold and empty as the castle. </div><div><span> </span>“Why did you agree to marry me, Hippolyta?” he asked abruptly. </div><div><span> </span>She sighed and hitched her little bundle higher. They’d been married all of six hours. She wasn’t sure she owed him the truth yet, but she also didn’t quite want to lie. “So that I could never escape, husband.”</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><b>MARMALADE SUNSET by Denise Covey</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeaKxGjHTJxle2EZbTn-MiMs0QL46pCuzIEscYXZIloh6TKTXZJjfnOs0Esc8wet_XrKNmM9Pa41sMiQ8Db-_cxniFKZzDbl4k-jjOEBp09UHO1UOaNMl8tUBx0MxBEEW8VERhRhS-8jqnJE-Lj45Q_07J3K8yP3EIykiOWxPHLMCpDuw3wFYeQJQ1w/s1080/Denise%20Covey%20-%20santorini%20view.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFeaKxGjHTJxle2EZbTn-MiMs0QL46pCuzIEscYXZIloh6TKTXZJjfnOs0Esc8wet_XrKNmM9Pa41sMiQ8Db-_cxniFKZzDbl4k-jjOEBp09UHO1UOaNMl8tUBx0MxBEEW8VERhRhS-8jqnJE-Lj45Q_07J3K8yP3EIykiOWxPHLMCpDuw3wFYeQJQ1w/w200-h200/Denise%20Covey%20-%20santorini%20view.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><i>God brought them together a lifetime ago, now they are once again joined in love, entwined in their golden years.</i></div><div><div><div><br /></div></div><div><i>Damon is perplexed. Cora, his Greek grandmother, his Ya Ya, wishes to visit the Greek Islands. Why wait so long? Is it related to the painting of a little blue house she has hung in pride on her walls for decades? On the island of Aghia Anna, Damon recognizes the house from the painting up the road from the taverna where they eat. Then Cora begins a lament for lost souls. The whole restaurant joins in. Is the soul she believed lost standing before her, summoned by the song? Is he the painter who lives in the little blue house?</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEUAGSF2mCQ52o-C7_IvIuDzEPDwxXAjXYj_XwwwndrR7WQccoBDVoYipRHqoAaNmXDXE_PEcVr5LKmETvrd10VaqidmT_SmHQ8N_Ajjn9HnM5t1_WrUhYyPceND03s4X3oqeV0CoXfA3G1NglALzgPAjUMTm8r9J_nxRB05heJquLI0dWaD2XaJzZA/s507/paper%20faces.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEUAGSF2mCQ52o-C7_IvIuDzEPDwxXAjXYj_XwwwndrR7WQccoBDVoYipRHqoAaNmXDXE_PEcVr5LKmETvrd10VaqidmT_SmHQ8N_Ajjn9HnM5t1_WrUhYyPceND03s4X3oqeV0CoXfA3G1NglALzgPAjUMTm8r9J_nxRB05heJquLI0dWaD2XaJzZA/w177-h200/paper%20faces.jpg" width="177" /></a></div><b>PAPER FACES by Sylvia Ney</b></div><br /><div><i>Helen Barnes wants the same rights as any man. Why should the pursuit of the American Dream be available only to males? Yet, just when success is in her grasp, she must question whether she is willing to sacrifice love to achieve her goals. The discovery of a man’s secret past might be enough to help her achieve her dream, but it would also turn his son’s dreams into a nightmare. Will she sacrifice her greatest desires, or someone else’s?</i> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3z9ymOg1HVxtFFjTFQSqCKLFtxS3GR3HNQSgF2d7okNcF0HbHKFsoFPeY84KQsTfT6DCHkkGzJAlhi7GFnhtrI7Df_kAJT2jV7HMPiIsLwwebpq10XVCwze_QQAx1WP5566PsFJHVlP1hdWuUK7uZwnSqn_EkJjhUxw73drrkTRo1K8rJ9sBz5-VdA/s720/embarrassed.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="562" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3z9ymOg1HVxtFFjTFQSqCKLFtxS3GR3HNQSgF2d7okNcF0HbHKFsoFPeY84KQsTfT6DCHkkGzJAlhi7GFnhtrI7Df_kAJT2jV7HMPiIsLwwebpq10XVCwze_QQAx1WP5566PsFJHVlP1hdWuUK7uZwnSqn_EkJjhUxw73drrkTRo1K8rJ9sBz5-VdA/w156-h200/embarrassed.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><b>HOW TO SAVE A PRINCESS by Katie Klein</b></div><br /><div>Excerpt:</div><div>For a few weeks post-break-up, crossing paths with that handsome stranger was almost punishing. I saw him everywhere. And though he smiled politely and I smiled politely—not a word exchanged between us—I couldn’t help but think he’d witnessed me at my absolute worst as I yelled and cried and tossed all my ex-boyfriend’s belongings into the hallway...and over the railing in one very extreme case.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>High school sweethearts, my foot.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzHF4vvLCB0fqp-Qy_Fqu5GbSm6bovWyYRVqHp6pyfrI_ataj5_RPUOEW3prIuyhnFMrj1YWvgXBfVoqynSO8GZS11wiZB5rB7X3fVDcL43wLODSWSkuJeZrOATSrl579ox4Ymsklu3UaqG3L-IZELuLiu9aN8GpCiCvkIHSxpQjz4sEysbDmJ3a5QA/s2521/older%20man%20on%20bench.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1641" data-original-width="2521" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzHF4vvLCB0fqp-Qy_Fqu5GbSm6bovWyYRVqHp6pyfrI_ataj5_RPUOEW3prIuyhnFMrj1YWvgXBfVoqynSO8GZS11wiZB5rB7X3fVDcL43wLODSWSkuJeZrOATSrl579ox4Ymsklu3UaqG3L-IZELuLiu9aN8GpCiCvkIHSxpQjz4sEysbDmJ3a5QA/w200-h130/older%20man%20on%20bench.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><b>OLIVER'S GIRL by Michael Di Gesu</b></div></div><br /><div><i>In his youth, Oliver fell in love with his dream girl. Sixty years pass, and he has a lifetime of memories without her. With the help of his great-granddaughter, will Oliver find his lost love and start again? </i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These stories will pull at your heartstrings and give you that warm, wistful feeling. Be sure to check out the <span style="color: red;"><b>FIRST LOVE</b></span> IWSG Anthology. Here are all the details and the Release Tour dates:</div><div><br /></div><div><div>First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts</div><div>An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology</div><div><div>Romance - Clean & Wholesome (FIC027270) / Contemporary (FIC027020) / Historical (FIC027050)</div><div>186 pages, Freedom Fox Press, an imprint of Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.</div></div><div><div>https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/</div><div><br /></div></div><div>Print ISBN – 9781939844880, $14.95</div><div>EBook ISBN – 9781939844897, $4.99</div><div><br /></div><div>Links:</div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-ebook/dp/B09QH3Z28P/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> ~ <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-love-insecure-writers-support-group/1140884369?ean=2940165751301" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> ~ <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1605240999" target="_blank">iTunes</a> ~ <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/first-love-the-art-of-making-doughnuts" target="_blank">Kobo</a> ~ <a href="https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844897&language=0" target="_blank">Scribed</a> ~ <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60198262-first-love" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>“…a refreshing read! This is a gem of a book that I highly recommend.” </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>- Rebecca Boerner M Ed., reviewer</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>“…this collection nailed the little bites of cute romance… recommend to anyone looking for an uplifting collection of sweet romance to fill an evening.” - Hayley Reese Chow, author</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>“This was a sweet, warm collection of love stories.” – Angie Titus, author</b></div><div><br /></div><div>TOUR DATES:</div><div>9/1 - Book Blurbs - <a href="http://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">IWSG Anthologies Blog</a></div><div>9/5 - Interview - <a href="https://kellyfbarr.com/blog/" target="_blank">Kelly F Barr</a></div><div>9/6 - Review - <a href="https://kellyfbarr.com/blog/" target="_blank">Kelly F Barr</a></div><div>9/7 - Interview - <a href="http://dianeburton.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Diane Burton</a></div><div>9/7 - Book Feature - <a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cathrina Constantine</a></div><div>9/9 - Book Feature - <a href="https://sandracox.blogspot.com/2022/09/your-weekend-read-first-love-anthology.html" target="_blank">Sandra Cox</a></div><div>9/12 - Article, Working on an Athology - <a href="https://elizabethspanncraig.com/blog-3/" target="_blank">Elizabeth s. Craig</a></div><div>9/14 - Interview - <a href="https://www.cleemckenziebooks.com/blog/" target="_blank">C. Lee McKenzie</a></div><div>9/16 - Review - <a href="https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Louise M. Barbour</a></div><div>9/19 - Interview - <a href="https://susangourley.blogspot.com/2022/09/first-love-art-of-making-doughnuts.html" target="_blank">Susan Gourley</a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Enjoy the Fall cuddled up with a cozy romance!</div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-24306603325694762982022-08-08T06:00:00.176-04:002022-08-08T06:00:00.162-04:00How do writers do it?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDN82_VP7aRJdl6SdiwUwgDxWFGekva6kgHH_3lsYnTiFCezNfXjCbV8Z2OG4BiSql9F5X7PXu5eQjq39rKuubiw5SsajrCaU00QwFt6Y-qyhIID7xgaK_jNghA2awiiNHqkmJTZmXYIVrEEYcRaZ_CZy29w7mUj5fN25wQ-8W0EawnhJUzaIgOymwjw/s309/plotter%20vs%20pantser.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="163" data-original-width="309" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDN82_VP7aRJdl6SdiwUwgDxWFGekva6kgHH_3lsYnTiFCezNfXjCbV8Z2OG4BiSql9F5X7PXu5eQjq39rKuubiw5SsajrCaU00QwFt6Y-qyhIID7xgaK_jNghA2awiiNHqkmJTZmXYIVrEEYcRaZ_CZy29w7mUj5fN25wQ-8W0EawnhJUzaIgOymwjw/s1600/plotter%20vs%20pantser.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PLOTTER VS PANTSER</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We asked our FIRST LOVE Anthology authors to give us a glimpse into their Writing Processes - Plotter? Pantser? or a Mix of Both? Here's what they said...</div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9y-CrAwoBvsnxGrrIBNkaHuDxSyPRfvRKpOjMMl6g13unpeyOZeRmMLBgQBv1CqzrlgtlETZdFIKStDAE3pSgcUnJC3V8AHkTU4XMLy5a4C0Dv9ZdjmPbCj_o230Nc8eilXr1-JPjJu07tHzarBsJGFLn2hbnwp2JDj5TUAx3UDJOL5qRlcAr2s4Vw/s1827/Denise%20Covey%20-%20Santorini.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1489" data-original-width="1827" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9y-CrAwoBvsnxGrrIBNkaHuDxSyPRfvRKpOjMMl6g13unpeyOZeRmMLBgQBv1CqzrlgtlETZdFIKStDAE3pSgcUnJC3V8AHkTU4XMLy5a4C0Dv9ZdjmPbCj_o230Nc8eilXr1-JPjJu07tHzarBsJGFLn2hbnwp2JDj5TUAx3UDJOL5qRlcAr2s4Vw/s320/Denise%20Covey%20-%20Santorini.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On top of the world -- Oia, Santorini</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div>I definitely began my writing career as a Pantser which is now more kindly known as a Discovery Writer. Not to say I didn't TRY to be a Plotter, but it just didn't stick. Now, like many writers, I combine both. I roughly outline chapters I'd like to write, then find my beginning, then "discover" my story as I write. Usually, I dump my ideas under forthcoming chapter headings, calling these the "bare bones" waiting to be fleshed out. During this process, I rely heavily on my critique partners and the occasional editor friend. </div><br /><div>As I'm very visual, my best stories have been written after immersing myself in another country, another culture. For example, the story I wrote for the IWSG Romance Anthology was based on a gem of an idea that surfaced during a trip to Santorini in the Greek Islands which was followed by lots of research into its tragic history. I find it easy to put myself into the place of my characters and suffer along with them. </div><div style="text-align: right;">-- Denise Covey, Marmalade Sunset</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>I am a plotter. At least, I am now. I went in sans plan with my first novel—a vampire romance (Thank you very much, Stephanie Meyer.) Much like a creature of the night, that book will never see the light of day. Well, I say never, but who knows. Trends are cyclical. If the vampire craze finds new life, maybe I’ll dust it off and start over…with an outline this time. </div><div style="text-align: right;">-- Kim Elliott, Clyde and Coalesce</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I am a mix of a plotter and a pantser. I like to have a good foundation for the story and its structure to make sure I have an actual story and an idea of where it's going, but if I plan too much, I have a hard time wanting to write. Part of the fun of writing is discovering the characters and their journey, and I find I don't know that well enough until I start writing in the main character's voice and putting them in sticky situations. The downside is I then often have big structural revisions because I use the first draft partially as a discovery tool but, as they say, you can't edit a blank page, so having something down leads me to the final version, even if it's not the most efficient way. </div><div style="text-align: right;">-- Sammi Spizziri, The Real Thing</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWkqqRK20wp_M3XvS3wydmWhXsgrscAnzm4P5M4OY0A0IusPxPJfhKAxPtFJ3YedwW_81mLDRKtTmjI6htUpcky1Nc-KplZ016hwJPBbnfSERn9RQUqy1XsGFwfjXa5duI-fxRohlFtGtiTJ9Eo8EGe2f2XWygdssILx46_mg6gqRQ59PyFsqKGy2TQ/s2496/dreaming%20writer.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2496" data-original-width="2372" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWkqqRK20wp_M3XvS3wydmWhXsgrscAnzm4P5M4OY0A0IusPxPJfhKAxPtFJ3YedwW_81mLDRKtTmjI6htUpcky1Nc-KplZ016hwJPBbnfSERn9RQUqy1XsGFwfjXa5duI-fxRohlFtGtiTJ9Eo8EGe2f2XWygdssILx46_mg6gqRQ59PyFsqKGy2TQ/w190-h200/dreaming%20writer.png" width="190" /></a></div><div>I’m an outliner. It was very necessary for my five book series where I had to keep track of the overlapping stories as they moved forward in time. It was also necessary for my two non-fiction titles. (Critical!) However, the project I am working on now is a bit more free-form. Three of the stories were plotted mostly in my head and the fourth is a re-write of a very old story. </div></div><br /><div>I used to edit as I went, but now I finish a story first before going back to edit. And 99% of my fiction pieces originated from a dream. So, sometimes it’s a challenge just to write a story that make sense. </div><div style="text-align: right;">-- L. Diane Wolfe, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a bit of both a pantser and a plotter. I never preplan. I always start out with an idea, scene, or emotion and write until I can’t go anymore. When I run out of steam, I take a break and then write out an outline or sets of goals for the story and its characters. I never take less than four passes at a manuscript before sharing with others for feedback. </div><div style="text-align: right;">-- Sylvia Ney, Paper Faces</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF0feewA-8nX3k4RPuxCF_7Iel6rrvYAxDcYBfvy9iL8ds6Xxrt1WrDOwGduIZ6NmhQPzCDhb1V1N7BbWYxbHkPXSWYCupx0gpg7qupo-qD63RjDAYcOkk8mNc9GXApQauMbAwIIRQ9XIcxMHu9LAe--FD7vnZXbx_CmAR5PkQ0W6NASkjNeINo9Swg/s380/butterfly%20attack.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="380" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF0feewA-8nX3k4RPuxCF_7Iel6rrvYAxDcYBfvy9iL8ds6Xxrt1WrDOwGduIZ6NmhQPzCDhb1V1N7BbWYxbHkPXSWYCupx0gpg7qupo-qD63RjDAYcOkk8mNc9GXApQauMbAwIIRQ9XIcxMHu9LAe--FD7vnZXbx_CmAR5PkQ0W6NASkjNeINo9Swg/w200-h200/butterfly%20attack.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>My writing process looks a lot like being attacked by butterflies. If butterflies carried ten pound cannonballs, dropping them randomly and maliciously. I'll be in the middle of doing something useful, like cooking dinner, when the butterflies choose to chuck a giant idea on me. WHAM, 'What if we wrote a story based on that meme we saw? That really funny one? About beauty seeing the library and becoming an instant roommate to the beast whether he likes it or not?'. With all the ideas fluttering about, you could definitely call me a Pantser. I take an idea after it lands on my head, and run with it. Sometimes I fall flat on my face and the idea goes into the discard bin. Sometimes it works, and the idea turns into a story. I've never met such thing as an outline. They tend to avoid me. I think it's all the butterflies.</div><div style="text-align: right;">-- SE White, The Castle of Ohno</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The way it generally goes is that I get an idea for a story and start writing it. Then I get bored of the idea (or I get stuck), so I come up with a new idea and start working on that until I’m bored or stuck. Now, you might think that at this point I go back to work on Idea #1, but you’d be wrong. I usually come up with a third idea. The upshot of all this is that I generally have between three and ten different stories that I’m “working on” at any given moment and it’s six-to-five and pick ‘em which one I will eventually finish. In fact, it’s genuinely surprising that I manage to finish anything at all. </div><div style="text-align: right;">-- Templeton Moss, My First Love(s)</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_y42NWCIRD84gH1TKu3dc_9afRM2eGQUbJWqpqg-qItS3rS11ydJ7J0GjqNpWtqI-qMFSCUhH3vIIFmxJFcM7B4bN81puKudiPnNcZMGoF7PLWBTd9zYcsMasvf0Pjlyb_hn9ieVhhfkUxAwbQgASyCNgUuAf7E3wP0Bs_bhi4_Mgao1jPKVP9DKhA/s515/painful%20perfection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="350" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_y42NWCIRD84gH1TKu3dc_9afRM2eGQUbJWqpqg-qItS3rS11ydJ7J0GjqNpWtqI-qMFSCUhH3vIIFmxJFcM7B4bN81puKudiPnNcZMGoF7PLWBTd9zYcsMasvf0Pjlyb_hn9ieVhhfkUxAwbQgASyCNgUuAf7E3wP0Bs_bhi4_Mgao1jPKVP9DKhA/w136-h200/painful%20perfection.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><br /><div>My writing process is painful. I cannot stop myself from editing as I go. I cannot write the next sentence until I've composed the "perfect" sentence, or the next paragraph until I have perfected the last one, or the next chapter... you get the idea. The good news is, once I've finished my first "draft," my manuscript is pretty much ready to go. Unless I think of a major plot twist, in which case I have to go back and revise all my "perfect" sentences and paragraphs and chapters. And since I'm more of a pantser than a plotter, that happens a lot. As I said, painful!</div><div style="text-align: right;">-- Linda Budzinski, The Art of Making Doughnuts</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ3zMNv3VRYNsospydLfKdGSESeyW3tjlxlHwUGiM7oOQyb8LsN3umtqfn_1_nlngzyQowGFbtK3roUxNZdgJukFMwJuyP0llgq4e6HliXFXgCFXIIaYg859DMJmj9kzvUFLcn7FoMMBYq2w85HLZIbscn7kJh-mJbSnYnBtxFVXNtCaNjT_ug1Ptig/s1883/magic%20pencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1883" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ3zMNv3VRYNsospydLfKdGSESeyW3tjlxlHwUGiM7oOQyb8LsN3umtqfn_1_nlngzyQowGFbtK3roUxNZdgJukFMwJuyP0llgq4e6HliXFXgCFXIIaYg859DMJmj9kzvUFLcn7FoMMBYq2w85HLZIbscn7kJh-mJbSnYnBtxFVXNtCaNjT_ug1Ptig/w200-h141/magic%20pencil.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>I’m a mix of a plotter and pantser. I go into the story with a baseline of who my characters are and what I want to happen, but I always leave room for the magic. I love when my characters surprise me, so if they happen to veer off course, I adjust my plans to accommodate. I suppose that makes me a plantser. :)</div></div><div style="text-align: right;">-- Katie Klein, How to Save a Princess</div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>I plot the basic story, then I half-plot, half-pants the scenes. I flesh out my plot notes in paragraph form, right in the drafting document, and delete them as I go. This allows me to jump forward and write a scene out of order if I get a burst of inspiration.</div><div style="text-align: right;">-- Melissa Maygrove, My Heart Approves</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And there you have it, some insightful examples of different ways to get through the writing process. What about you? Are you a plotter or a pantser or a little of both? Can you relate to some of these writing processes? Maybe you found something new to try.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whichever way you write, keep writing!</div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-53828650474091375802022-07-11T06:00:00.011-04:002022-07-11T06:00:00.160-04:00Summer of WritingWriters never stop writing... Here we get a glimpse at what the authors from our latest anthology FIRST LOVE are up to. I'm sure they will whet your appetite for a fantastic future read by giving you a taste of their writing personality...<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>I'm taking a break before starting my next novel and writing a novelette that will be free to my newsletter subscribers. I don't write insta-love romance, so it has been both a challenge and a delight, drafting a shorter, less-complicated book.</div><div>~ Melissa Maygrove, "My Heart Approves"</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpeV4aYXq51D41Ixe9Teiuj5v69fGmiQzcUfeobqIgmh9yZAKK_-WgWFJQHDRfC14frZdVduXiMRTm-UYY_-YKdJ03KDAEbV-5VGFwIfYgHUEhAKLnY27Nw927J_hXlpruEFNIjJ84QIev4gVUWOxcc9MeLdGliZftZEZCKUlTFgnlLDtLB2OtLPWhA/s800/screenplay.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpeV4aYXq51D41Ixe9Teiuj5v69fGmiQzcUfeobqIgmh9yZAKK_-WgWFJQHDRfC14frZdVduXiMRTm-UYY_-YKdJ03KDAEbV-5VGFwIfYgHUEhAKLnY27Nw927J_hXlpruEFNIjJ84QIev4gVUWOxcc9MeLdGliZftZEZCKUlTFgnlLDtLB2OtLPWhA/w200-h200/screenplay.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>I’m currently working on a screenplay. Lately, I’ve been writing screenplays and then using them as a treatment/foundation for a novel. This will be the third project I’ve completed like that. It’s a romance, of course, and while I haven’t quite nailed down the logline yet, the gist of the story is: a celebrity musician suffering from a very public/humiliating break-up returns home to hide out only to fall for her best friend from high school, who’s now a single dad. </div><div><div style="text-align: right;">~ Katie Klein, "How to Save a Princess"</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25NOI-R7qRzw4wE0mRZ4Y9GpKLcuxu_l6fZS6eT2kVP68vQCGul6099FNQJZs_B40Hb90PIk_Xc1fxpHIcVafTQacsrE1l3WjCB5VWKz27NbiKlBxeD0S_5brtk6gCA9wo51m5QdS0Dzb3hfezQY6ejtp00_AjGYjMlk0M5f8LmdQDag_ntTT2QIyRw/s249/superhero%20pow.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="249" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25NOI-R7qRzw4wE0mRZ4Y9GpKLcuxu_l6fZS6eT2kVP68vQCGul6099FNQJZs_B40Hb90PIk_Xc1fxpHIcVafTQacsrE1l3WjCB5VWKz27NbiKlBxeD0S_5brtk6gCA9wo51m5QdS0Dzb3hfezQY6ejtp00_AjGYjMlk0M5f8LmdQDag_ntTT2QIyRw/w200-h163/superhero%20pow.png" width="200" /></a></div><div>I’ve spent six months editing book two of my YA superhero trilogy, Heart of a Hero. The more I change, the more ideas I get. It’s a totally different (and better) book now. My characters had it too easy in the first draft, so I added some PAIN. I won’t give spoilers, but readers should prepare to shed tears! My beta readers will receive the manuscript by the end of July, and I aim to publish late summer. Then it’s on to book three…</div><div><div>~ Kim Elliott, "Clyde and Coalesce"</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>I have three projects started, and I hope you will help me decide which one to focus on completing first. Please let me know in the comments which one you would like to see the most. I welcome feedback, questions, and ideas!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEb6By5xQKXkwc9-wDzmQC-jVHiVrMqK3zYF41uKpKP6xtp5rKCHKN_LTBzVEeDAIGmX9BhOQtFCcoaIsSG8j6nRxcpjcy3xVbVCf2HlXp-w0IOxj3Csu9TTNd1mH84WhR9FYAUVZQNivuon9UbcNmoF2uw6Tm5Pu825Q4viV4t8gxibOszcM9Md1Paw/s777/book%20question.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="777" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEb6By5xQKXkwc9-wDzmQC-jVHiVrMqK3zYF41uKpKP6xtp5rKCHKN_LTBzVEeDAIGmX9BhOQtFCcoaIsSG8j6nRxcpjcy3xVbVCf2HlXp-w0IOxj3Csu9TTNd1mH84WhR9FYAUVZQNivuon9UbcNmoF2uw6Tm5Pu825Q4viV4t8gxibOszcM9Md1Paw/w200-h149/book%20question.PNG" width="200" /></a></div><div>Story #1: “Moving On” is a contemporary romance. Zach Sanders is tired of being fixed up by his best friend Joe. He isn’t enjoying the dating scene, and in fact, can’t get over his forbidden crush: Joe’s sister Katherine. When Katherine moves back to town and sparks fly, will they be able to create a meaningful relationship, or is he doomed to remain single forever? </div><div><br /></div><div>Story #2: “Praying for Death” is a murder mystery. Detective Henry Spence is looking into a string of seven murders that have all happened over the course of the last year. The only connection between all seven victims is a single woman who has an alibi for five of the deaths. Is Sabrina Heigel merely unfortunate enough to know these victims, or worse yet, is she somehow becoming a serial killer? </div><div><br /></div><div>Story #3: “Saving Grace” is a fantasy short story, a series about empaths. While excavating an ancient cave, archeologist Grace Marten uncovers a hidden treasure. Now the brotherhood, a centuries old enemy of the empaths, will stop at nothing to retrieve one item in particular and silence her forever. Damon De Santis offers her aid, but does she dare trust him with her life? </div><div style="text-align: right;">~ Sylvia Ney, "Paper Faces"</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFSCkIDLKjA7e5cbVLcudX_K_uZj1rN7hnAfS9s4JLKSKu89Xj8R4Qw-cV2XXuGG6hHEQa75uN0h-ZQwRHFfpxOW4A5kv_eeIZBC9N29-DpNUwJbp5bhHhK2XXowVJp4EBCbSF95f-cVKUR1fxHumuLtr0SZQRpEeyQ5GjH0Xy889zqqFRumQw3saBA/s1500/cherry-donut-painting.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFSCkIDLKjA7e5cbVLcudX_K_uZj1rN7hnAfS9s4JLKSKu89Xj8R4Qw-cV2XXuGG6hHEQa75uN0h-ZQwRHFfpxOW4A5kv_eeIZBC9N29-DpNUwJbp5bhHhK2XXowVJp4EBCbSF95f-cVKUR1fxHumuLtr0SZQRpEeyQ5GjH0Xy889zqqFRumQw3saBA/w200-h200/cherry-donut-painting.webp" width="200" /></a></div><div>I'm super excited to say that my current work in progress is... The Art of Making Doughnuts! I fell in love with the characters in my short story for the anthology, so I'm working on turning it into a novel! I am expanding the story (obviously) and also writing it in dual point of view, so we can learn more about Pete and his backstory and experience his emotional arc as well as Gina's. My day job is particularly busy these days, so the writing is going very slowly, but I'm taking my time</div><div><div>and enjoying the writing.</div></div><div>~ Linda Budzinski, "The Art of Making Doughnuts"</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwUi9SZ3Evi1kYo4alCYIB-xLFWSNey-NVvJRK7Wx24owdAc1s28AJu7DfQkVLuyYGWDk8GrJg9hN5QBWEbGbNWCrQmtoebEIlJ8T0DG5qwC0EAP92I5iu2Sd1cN5tIsUJ1p2pKAA59eXwJweY4IpsJUVkGDSE4dB-o4AlwfITprzpNI9MjNRE14KzA/s2321/bakery%20clipart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="2321" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwUi9SZ3Evi1kYo4alCYIB-xLFWSNey-NVvJRK7Wx24owdAc1s28AJu7DfQkVLuyYGWDk8GrJg9hN5QBWEbGbNWCrQmtoebEIlJ8T0DG5qwC0EAP92I5iu2Sd1cN5tIsUJ1p2pKAA59eXwJweY4IpsJUVkGDSE4dB-o4AlwfITprzpNI9MjNRE14KzA/s320/bakery%20clipart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>I have published 6 books, and this is the book that has excited me from the get go. I’ve been playing with taglines to encapsulate the story, working title, Le Petit Paris Kitchen Cookery School. Let me share what I have so far…</div><div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“Drama, romance, and passion are layered, flavoured, tasted, left to simmer, not unlike the traditional French recipes scattered throughout the book.”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“Food, love, passion for Paris, combined with characters layered with shades of darkness combined with a good measure of charisma.”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“More than cooking goes on in this kitchen.”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“Absolutely delicious … like a warm hug.”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“If you love reading about food, Paris, love, feisty characters, this is a book you will relish.”</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">~ Denise Covey, "Marmalade Sunset"</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFEg-_zAE6J7JklzZRlycjco10OwEXUhwOIDwtAxtIK4QU0nzfqHOlWmLbjGP75cgIAhONBYTPB47G_oGzaRNmq86CUSqNiwQYcGYXcxAb-0zjgZJ7q7Dna5LnLLeVZyjbFMhce19zDFvecPRNpqq20eHWidBBrca9OSUPRIS8_hQf82X2WqtM6clTw/s820/creative%20writing.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="820" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFEg-_zAE6J7JklzZRlycjco10OwEXUhwOIDwtAxtIK4QU0nzfqHOlWmLbjGP75cgIAhONBYTPB47G_oGzaRNmq86CUSqNiwQYcGYXcxAb-0zjgZJ7q7Dna5LnLLeVZyjbFMhce19zDFvecPRNpqq20eHWidBBrca9OSUPRIS8_hQf82X2WqtM6clTw/w200-h165/creative%20writing.png" width="200" /></a></div>My last book release was 2013 – How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now, based on my experience as a publisher and the book publishing and promoting seminars I teach. (And I’ve since updated it, too.) However, my next book project has been in the making since 2015 since I have been so busy with Dancing Lemur Press book releases. Those come first, so time to work on my own stuff has been scarce.</div><br /><div>After the release of Alex J. Cavanaugh’s book, CassaDark, I’ve had some time to revisit my project and work on it. I’m happy to say the novelettes that comprise In Darkness are coming together. The Vampire is with our editor. The Werewolf is next. I am on the second draft of The Shark. Then I will finish and polish The Alien. And who knows? Maybe I can solve the saggy middle issue and The Ghost will become a reality, too. Either way, it is such a joy to be writing again!</div><div>~ L. Diane Wolfe, owner of Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you enjoyed this sampling of what's up and coming. May you be inspired to read and write to your heart's desire this summer!</div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-59309990869583967252022-06-13T06:00:00.001-04:002022-06-13T06:00:00.160-04:00Writing Contests - Worth the Effort<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXnaH0UjeKNfaNso2hed8WEaaOaLtbwBJkR2gcINj6O2IhWsDK2Lj9kID4Whz8cweGxrM-M_FmcbUOxcvPv7U-6E-B7ZNHu2KB6qURxGdDWR0l_NYnClHKKIiPGYzFmG5fdK39-AtW4tuynRKazWo3rMCk3BlWxp403E8qvrYQLKwMLPj00JTMHGqGw/s600/Writing%20Contests.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="600" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXnaH0UjeKNfaNso2hed8WEaaOaLtbwBJkR2gcINj6O2IhWsDK2Lj9kID4Whz8cweGxrM-M_FmcbUOxcvPv7U-6E-B7ZNHu2KB6qURxGdDWR0l_NYnClHKKIiPGYzFmG5fdK39-AtW4tuynRKazWo3rMCk3BlWxp403E8qvrYQLKwMLPj00JTMHGqGw/w200-h188/Writing%20Contests.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Have you ever entered a writing contest? How did you do? </span></b><b><span style="font-size: medium;">If not, why not?</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Writing contests can be a great source of inspiration, feedback, and creative exercise. Here, the authors of the <b>First Love IWSG Anthology</b> expound on the pros and cons (mostly pros) of entering a writing contest.</i></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5JEXSMloiguQKf_KXbJvP_qsWBjQJnmp3zNImfBHjNNWhLsKDmFJSQWJTbFJyxR67LRYFbR8e8aK-jImI1Wy_QKUXE6ivUuuJxwUeHjXZ6E2pQEZDpX17TAXUEp3X35_rDbpb1tv-REGW9d7ArFcYGHT0fnR9g-g3HDgwyYgkj6HRFcayEYTruCspg/s800/coffee%20writing.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5JEXSMloiguQKf_KXbJvP_qsWBjQJnmp3zNImfBHjNNWhLsKDmFJSQWJTbFJyxR67LRYFbR8e8aK-jImI1Wy_QKUXE6ivUuuJxwUeHjXZ6E2pQEZDpX17TAXUEp3X35_rDbpb1tv-REGW9d7ArFcYGHT0fnR9g-g3HDgwyYgkj6HRFcayEYTruCspg/w200-h133/coffee%20writing.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>From <b>Kim Elliot</b>...</div><div>I’ve entered a few brand-sponsored contests on Wattpad.com. I was thrilled to win Hilroy’s #startwriting contest and Tim Hortons’ #timscoldbrewstories contest. Each of those earned me a nice cash prize which I’m using to finance my novels. Contests are a great way to spark creativity and compare your style to other writers. I plan to enter many more!</div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9tUK1f72R6GV9IgUh3pFX-8LsZNSFe8q3gHmT9u6dzegN_zesie5gH43gtNzlAgZwBqwiSdsKddWqrvkY7JllgfOUTPiBEDSkYlqF9yONGU21WWhTtdJOyjHk4MTkFiPgol_vI4aWTZkxth5WAfHA82lJv7FP1NZqDHa7OEDRz6Wgwih4a4XxkM1lA/s817/reach%20for%20the%20end.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="457" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9tUK1f72R6GV9IgUh3pFX-8LsZNSFe8q3gHmT9u6dzegN_zesie5gH43gtNzlAgZwBqwiSdsKddWqrvkY7JllgfOUTPiBEDSkYlqF9yONGU21WWhTtdJOyjHk4MTkFiPgol_vI4aWTZkxth5WAfHA82lJv7FP1NZqDHa7OEDRz6Wgwih4a4XxkM1lA/w112-h200/reach%20for%20the%20end.png" width="112" /></a></div>From <b>Linda Budzinski</b>...</div><div style="text-align: right;">For me, contests provide a great source of inspiration. I love having a prompt, a specified word count, and a deadline. A blank page can be daunting, but the parameters inherent in contests make the creative process more manageable. "The End" is in sight before you've even set pen to paper! And while the result--potentially winning and/or having my story published for others to read--is exciting, I try to allow the joy of writing and creating to be an end in itself.</div></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>From <b>Denise Covey</b>...</div><div><div>I don't enter writing contests as a rule. The IWSG Anthology was different as I'd wanted to see a romance genre contest ever since it started. So when the romance contest was announced, I felt duty bound to write a story seeing I'm a romance author. It was great to win a place and I'm really excited to see the Anthology published. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrZUPko-1Z6rSivgZNd0zuXd8Y1ZMQBqVjjxMWZcQlS3JgkogIlkDm5XZi8R5Jcb4OhblKg3CVVnG00lETyIdkLu6wrNmYN-SxIOY0lc7vtX6pvcwwH6ydnpncHzZXeAnWQ8XrViwtvSsvrYFBFKOALHky7LxqM1suuCGMSGZo4O83gWTYCBI_v7Tsg/s3708/romance%20hearts.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2567" data-original-width="3708" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrZUPko-1Z6rSivgZNd0zuXd8Y1ZMQBqVjjxMWZcQlS3JgkogIlkDm5XZi8R5Jcb4OhblKg3CVVnG00lETyIdkLu6wrNmYN-SxIOY0lc7vtX6pvcwwH6ydnpncHzZXeAnWQ8XrViwtvSsvrYFBFKOALHky7LxqM1suuCGMSGZo4O83gWTYCBI_v7Tsg/w200-h139/romance%20hearts.png" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: right;">From <b>S.E. White</b>...</div><div style="text-align: right;">I enter writing contests because apparently I really enjoy pain. Sorry, bit of sarcasm sneaking in. Really, I enter writing contests for the honest editorial feedback from unbiased readers (i.e. not my friends and obligated to sugarcoat anything). I firmly believe that editors and beta readers are my best friends, catching my plot holes, boring moments, and downright embarrassing mistakes. Sometimes I don't have a trusty, brutally honest beta reader to turn to. Editors can get quite pricy, and occasionally they aren't in my budget. But a writing contest is usually pretty cost-effective (ranging from free to 20 or 30 dollars to enter) and gives me at least three different judges feedback. Well worth the occasional sting, in my recommendation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From <b>Michael DiGesu</b>...</div><div style="text-align: left;">I enter writing contests mainly to sharpen my skills and to hopefully have a strong enough entry to be published. This was the first time one of my stories has been chosen, and I am thrilled. Contests force you to write, polish, and submit. They are a wonderful way to have your stories read by professionals, and that can lead to bigger and better things. I generally submit to at least five contests a year. Several have been through Writer’s Digest and others through mainstream magazines like the New Yorker or GQ. My advice on them is to be select. Submitting to smaller publications or through writing blogs may be best to way to start. Contests like the ones through Writer’s Digest can get costly and they are extremely competitive. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXhdEX0b9uExVOp5xSYo7uJ4dbEpCw9C3aPVRfqqlRKin_fB92dvg0atvwuWH8MhjRk_I8juJ2sO2ge_oH1jZZ262EDZ5JjVCDYTPdIM-keBnKiPDmbwno8peZF-ssLj108RQ9W6xo9lIDTWQvkkaXYzUOeQQJqWhrxWEo6s59T-q7wNXE57SmgPBpw/s528/writing%20ups-and-down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="528" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXhdEX0b9uExVOp5xSYo7uJ4dbEpCw9C3aPVRfqqlRKin_fB92dvg0atvwuWH8MhjRk_I8juJ2sO2ge_oH1jZZ262EDZ5JjVCDYTPdIM-keBnKiPDmbwno8peZF-ssLj108RQ9W6xo9lIDTWQvkkaXYzUOeQQJqWhrxWEo6s59T-q7wNXE57SmgPBpw/s320/writing%20ups-and-down.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">None of my stories have ever made it into even the top 50. They must get thousands of entries and they take months to read through them all, and once they finally do select the winners, it can be a huge let down. Anthologies are also a great way to submit because several stories are chosen and you have a much better chance. Contests are good training for querying your works to publishers and agents. Most of us know how tedious this can be, but if you are selected, it makes it worth your time and effort.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4YO9jHfjm6KnZq2w6e9RBEIq5w1ttF6_bhJCYyK8QHXv-P13KoupzRdC_PwfZKUlfAhTdtzTgJ1fpYxROsmncT5Q_bpi68RObh_sBXB8r_DTvhUG_45SMyPEihvJrvBmZJ6cdoUl4VrmoCU-9A2qLTo0wl_mRx0YOgNdfH5dBG_PNm7kxwQTM41CLw/s1825/advice%20for%20contests.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="1825" height="48" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4YO9jHfjm6KnZq2w6e9RBEIq5w1ttF6_bhJCYyK8QHXv-P13KoupzRdC_PwfZKUlfAhTdtzTgJ1fpYxROsmncT5Q_bpi68RObh_sBXB8r_DTvhUG_45SMyPEihvJrvBmZJ6cdoUl4VrmoCU-9A2qLTo0wl_mRx0YOgNdfH5dBG_PNm7kxwQTM41CLw/s320/advice%20for%20contests.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">From <b>L. Diane Wolfe, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.</b> ...</div><div><div>The best advice for entering writing contests: be sure to follow the guidelines. Submit the correct genre and proper word count. If there is a theme, adhere to it. Send exactly what the contest requests and be sure to include all of your contact information. Failing to follow the guidelines just means your story will be rejected. After all that hard work, you don’t want to blow your chances.</div><div>http://dancinglemurpress.com</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">From <b>Katie Klein</b>...</div><div><div style="text-align: right;">I think contests are a great way to gain exposure and build credibility. Anyone can host a contest, though, so my advice to writers would be to make sure to do your homework. A little research will go a long way in determining if the contest is reputable and the winners deserving. Also, entry fees can be high, so be sure to prioritize. </div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>From <b>Sylvia Ney</b>...</div><div>I only rarely enter writing contests. I refuse to pay for entry into a contest so I only enter free ones - either because I support those putting the contest together, I support what they are trying to accomplish, or they are offering FREE feedback by credible sources. I really value IWSG so I have submitted to a couple of their anthology contests. This is the second time I've had a story chosen for the group anthology. I also have a piece called "WIN" in the first anthology: Parallels. I have also had work chosen for publication in multiple other contests including; "Forgotten Memories" which appears in It's in the Gulf - a disaster relief fundraiser, "Homegrown Love" which appears in The Searcher: Spring 2014 - a publication that focuses on raising awareness of the importance of genealogoy, history, and libraries, and "An Interview of Tim O'Brien" which appears in Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors Volume 2 which is an annual anthology contest put on by Southeast Missouri State University Press and the Warriors Arts Alliance.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>I've entered my share of contests and had some published, some not. Whether you're in a slump, need to take a break from your WIP, or just in the mood to try something new -- Look for a writing contest! You can always give the prompt a go and whip up a short story, then decide later if you want to submit it or not. The writing is the important part. The more you write, the better you get!</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Writing!</div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-66206357005281976992022-04-11T06:00:00.051-04:002022-04-11T17:35:51.731-04:00Help! I need somebody!Not just anybody...<div><br /></div><div>Writers shouldn't work alone. The IWSG Anthology #7 Authors share their thoughts on how they don't suffer through the process alone.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbMGpdGdJO1yrB3otL7JvQMleWEnNC6W-bokHP7ov2mfhJEc3qtxB8sbBlA55b8bWwd2WIo0VvNblSlExHeZiNj_jPQDROgZg85hItnO2u381CMbhhDfQzKF37Zz-ValJU0ddeG0Yz_vNx0Q4n1qvbCRva3SMPnqpDbHXEELvOuKepcSK39R-1E2-GA/s350/chat%20over%20coffee.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="350" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbMGpdGdJO1yrB3otL7JvQMleWEnNC6W-bokHP7ov2mfhJEc3qtxB8sbBlA55b8bWwd2WIo0VvNblSlExHeZiNj_jPQDROgZg85hItnO2u381CMbhhDfQzKF37Zz-ValJU0ddeG0Yz_vNx0Q4n1qvbCRva3SMPnqpDbHXEELvOuKepcSK39R-1E2-GA/s320/chat%20over%20coffee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Writing is a collaborative process. Few of us do it alone. A bit like it takes a village to raise a child, often it takes a team to write a book. Sure, the author comes up with the premise, the beats, the first draft, but depending on the author's process, then the collaboration begins. Some authors may call for help/input earlier, but I usually discuss my story idea with my critique partners, then don't show them any more until I'm happy with my draft. Then the fun begins. We meet face to face, sometimes we Skype, and often I just share chapters via email (especially those all-important opening chapters) to gauge reactions. Yes, I use beta readers and editors, but my critique partners are the most crucial element for me in writing a book.</div><div><div>-- Denise Covey, "Marmalade Sunset"</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TB7vwqmagFDH3eM1gxVNOG4IGY13pXQlIEW9cr2QZjAvhlGiZDaKCOaByPFrZ44YxeWKIsZ-ke56qN8YPwiJ76NEfe_df43O09gcL7pAwL4mSfm8goDna_ckRvoDWH5_MKj9pnnEBmnGFvLfIw9Rao1oky5Wo8jogDDfv4biUltMQhHcoA5Yre_RNw/s466/editor.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="466" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TB7vwqmagFDH3eM1gxVNOG4IGY13pXQlIEW9cr2QZjAvhlGiZDaKCOaByPFrZ44YxeWKIsZ-ke56qN8YPwiJ76NEfe_df43O09gcL7pAwL4mSfm8goDna_ckRvoDWH5_MKj9pnnEBmnGFvLfIw9Rao1oky5Wo8jogDDfv4biUltMQhHcoA5Yre_RNw/w200-h134/editor.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A handful of trusted author friends serve as my critique partners. We exchange manuscripts with each other and provide the first layer of critique. I also have a group I call on for beta reading, which is the next step in the process. This group is a mixture of authors, avid readers, and members of my street team. They have the advantage of reading my books for free in exchange for giving me their opinions about the story and--though it's not a requirement--hopefully leaving a review. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>After that, the book goes to my mom. She has her own editing business, and I hire her to do a proofread. I freelance as an editor, but I still get a professional copy edit. It's impossible for authors to edit their own work. Our eyes gloss right over the mistakes, because we know what the story is supposed to say. The final layer after those corrections are made is having the book files formatted (Kindle, Nook, Paperback). Once that's done, I read through them on their respective devices, to make sure the formatting looks as it should and to make one last pass to catch any missed errors. (I'm sick of my book by now. LOL) Lastly, the files get uploaded to the retailers, and I click publish. -- Melissa Maygrove, "My Heart Approves"</div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6swkk27Vr59PGw6b2U08j7HTbGdyCEEzKVvd_7eCSeeW5oDX5jMa-Y9HhoG_lrFlHSO2EpmiFsapeQRY0cUu06czxPJ3__g_SVadUZTz8kh4qh3QfqiPGU6ISm2yaq-d9bHzBJxhz56poqnWAfF-HLfZpSl6tQv9aLsXp8Bu8n_fxrJpNVv8FSfO7g/s1586/crit%20partners.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1586" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6swkk27Vr59PGw6b2U08j7HTbGdyCEEzKVvd_7eCSeeW5oDX5jMa-Y9HhoG_lrFlHSO2EpmiFsapeQRY0cUu06czxPJ3__g_SVadUZTz8kh4qh3QfqiPGU6ISm2yaq-d9bHzBJxhz56poqnWAfF-HLfZpSl6tQv9aLsXp8Bu8n_fxrJpNVv8FSfO7g/w200-h133/crit%20partners.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>While I have been a member of some great critique groups in the past, I have not had that pleasure for quite some time. However, I recently returned to school to work on a Master's degree. A few fellow classmates as well as my professors have been providing some great feedback and inspiration. I highly recommend all writers attempt to connect with at least a few others that you can share and learn alongside. Writing can be such a solitary and frustrating experience. The craft can be much more enjoyable if you have someone to share your pains, losses, and accomplishments with you. -- Sylvia Ney, "Paper Faces"</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fZHruv4tOC3JQxv4a5deGrQZLQbvefYfor-kBCRvFOqiEOlblLU1XJz0uK6GK5BM_-WLi6j-m7kLiFa0FzZ87ng7IUCPVnXZFNpC2ov36Bk4ztgmbRHrOqIM2JfAdjuGnWKocHqqtQUZbLUZf-tipIL9newZxUYyicmXdlEuwjruKuuwQQl9Lu88tg/s1541/woods%20ritual.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1541" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fZHruv4tOC3JQxv4a5deGrQZLQbvefYfor-kBCRvFOqiEOlblLU1XJz0uK6GK5BM_-WLi6j-m7kLiFa0FzZ87ng7IUCPVnXZFNpC2ov36Bk4ztgmbRHrOqIM2JfAdjuGnWKocHqqtQUZbLUZf-tipIL9newZxUYyicmXdlEuwjruKuuwQQl9Lu88tg/w200-h133/woods%20ritual.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>After I finish a draft of a story, I print it up, then take it to the woods. There I perform an arcane ritual involving burning sage, twenty-two candles and a half-dead goat to summon Kilogard, the Proof-Reading Demon. It’s complicated, dangerous and every time I do it, it costs me one year of my life. But it’s still easier than getting my friends and relatives to give me feedback. -- Templeton Moss, "My First Love(s)"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5ochSq8zBuRCmP64-SpVxmDs-aonMyA9J7d2gQaStai6XNrBr1wHg_WMrOBAIj_B06DgSxoolhInQrq10QgBBYCOjmCvDF6wGL4ncHE7FMbe620AguL-_ocH3-5uVAABXYqrncxMFbAK2J9Zkuk2edJd6zTT36K4pe6aar7LDcpKu7XVSbSKTqtbzA/s382/dad%20with%20kids.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5ochSq8zBuRCmP64-SpVxmDs-aonMyA9J7d2gQaStai6XNrBr1wHg_WMrOBAIj_B06DgSxoolhInQrq10QgBBYCOjmCvDF6wGL4ncHE7FMbe620AguL-_ocH3-5uVAABXYqrncxMFbAK2J9Zkuk2edJd6zTT36K4pe6aar7LDcpKu7XVSbSKTqtbzA/w157-h200/dad%20with%20kids.jpg" width="157" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div>A friend from college and a former coworker read my work and offer suggestions. The two of them have very different literary tastes, and their input gives me a lot to think about! My writing has improved so much thanks to them. After several rounds of edits based on their feedback, my mom proofreads my final draft. Sometimes my husband agrees to look over my manuscript, but romance isn’t really his genre. His contribution is keeping the kids out of my hair. -- Kim Elliott, "Clyde and Coalesce"</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I had to redo the whole thing, but I think we have it fixed!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope these bits of wit and wisdom were helpful and/or entertaining!</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep writing.</div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076421823686012107.post-81821725294802862192022-03-14T06:00:00.001-04:002022-03-14T06:00:00.168-04:00Feeling Lucky?<h2 style="text-align: left;">Where do writers get their inspiration?</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqooJBhnLs3QB9pq2jO4feXFYLllJhVYky1IEfZ0muGvB3UsAFfXl7aiJjMe53blvk8JKsetZG6FsWmXmm2NCsuD5TeTFeeM9NhZ4L3V2ugiQHhcfTvAHSVnOhLx9eZO9UlPbUPQrcNNjWzpGRwi8dAoHdawXRrh4gzCEsWpXDCH3iECSn3J62fb4dEA=s2344" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="2344" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqooJBhnLs3QB9pq2jO4feXFYLllJhVYky1IEfZ0muGvB3UsAFfXl7aiJjMe53blvk8JKsetZG6FsWmXmm2NCsuD5TeTFeeM9NhZ4L3V2ugiQHhcfTvAHSVnOhLx9eZO9UlPbUPQrcNNjWzpGRwi8dAoHdawXRrh4gzCEsWpXDCH3iECSn3J62fb4dEA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>That's what we asked our IWSG #7 FIRST LOVE authors this month, and here's what they said...</div><div><i><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">"I find inspiration and ideas in so many places: while dreaming, exercising, reading a great book, watching a good movie, listening to music, traveling – anything that gets me away from work and <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>relaxed</b></span>. I try to read and write every day. I read a variety of fiction genres, books on the craft, and blogs of other authors. I have a variety of interests and hobbies. I love <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>learning </b></span>about the history of other cultures, and <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>studying </b></span>people. There is so much inspiration in the world. The human race is an astounding species and we've been capable of some of the most amazing and horrific acts. Those universal traits can inspire so many tales - both fiction and nonfiction."</span></i> -- Sylvia Ney, <u>Paper Faces</u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><div><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">"Inspiration for stories can come from anywhere. All it takes is something to make me <i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">imagine a scene</span></b></i>, and my writer's brain runs with it. If I feel it's worthy enough to turn into a book, I jot the idea in a folder of story ideas and save it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">The inspiration for my debut novel, Come Back, came from a nonfiction book I was reading with my daughter. It was about a teen girl traveling on the Oregon Trail. It mentioned the many possessions -even furniture- that westward travelers threw out along the side of the trail to lighten the weight of the wagons. I thought, "Hm... If I can find a way to get the heroine left behind, she could use that stuff to survive until the hero found her." I felt so clever, until I remembered I had to come up with the rest of the plot."</span> -- Melissa Maygrove, <u>My Heart Approves</u></div></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><span style="font-family: Merriweather;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">"Once a year, I mount an expedition to the Caves of Samalando, wherein is located the Lake of Krambastallah, home to the Great Spirit Fish, Ted. I speak to Ted the ancient, sacred words (“Murfreesboro, Tennessee”) and in return, he gifts me with a <span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Stone of Inspiration</b></i></span>, providing me with all the creative ideas I need for the next twelve months. It’s a dangerous and complex process, but the upside is I can claim the whole thing as a business expense and write it off my taxes. Ted is a dependent."</span> -- Templeton Moss, <u>My First Love(s)</u></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">"I’m inspired by books, movies, TV, real life…pretty much everything. Usually it starts with finding a character or scene that I can’t get out of my mind. If I’m still thinking about it days later, I start asking <i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">“What if?”</span></b></i> What if that character were evil instead of good? What if the story happened in a different time period? Before long, I’ve gone down so many rabbit holes that I’m left with something brand new and exciting!"</span> -- Kim Elliot, <u>Clyde and Coalesce</u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">"Old Europe has always been my favorite destination and became the inspiration for my stories, from flash fiction to full-length novels. From my six months of living in France, and countless visits to Paris, I have so many story ideas filling my head and my notebooks. I've published my first Paris novel, a womens' fiction/romance, Paris Dreams, which combines my love of fashion and art. I am working on the next which highlights traditional French cooking. My vampire romance series is set in Renaissance Italy, which combines my love of history with my deep love for Italy. Writing stories inspired by my <b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">travels</span></i></b> means I can vicariously visit any time I wish."</span> -- Denise Covey, <u>Marmalade Sunset</u></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Merriweather;">"I’m not entirely sure, but I’ve come to believe that writers <b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>co-create with the universe</i></span></b>—that it offers us bits and pieces of information/inspiration because it wants us to do something with them. It’s happened when listening to music, while watching movies, when a character’s name fell right into my lap…. It’s never just 'thinking' about something; it always feels like more, somehow. So I take these bits and pieces and ruminate on them, adding and subtracting in the best interest of the story, and draw on whatever additional insights the universe is willing to toss my way with gratitude as I work toward 'The End.'"</span> -- Katie Klein, <u>How to Save a Princess</u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8r7fcbyA9taECQQpgwLfXSRU0Wkeg3uRkd-dbs0TxnAcBRkl1A05yctBaTcNb4oWDwM_lvgKdf3lfoleI7WfP0YeyvYm0NZkxAqZtbGktrQMQX6BOrnZupfWm6uWUlltnxhRe3TSdvqfysGdt_gat-ua040JtkyDCfzYVBr1HSjeR-IKedmL9_3WXpw=s600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8r7fcbyA9taECQQpgwLfXSRU0Wkeg3uRkd-dbs0TxnAcBRkl1A05yctBaTcNb4oWDwM_lvgKdf3lfoleI7WfP0YeyvYm0NZkxAqZtbGktrQMQX6BOrnZupfWm6uWUlltnxhRe3TSdvqfysGdt_gat-ua040JtkyDCfzYVBr1HSjeR-IKedmL9_3WXpw=s600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8r7fcbyA9taECQQpgwLfXSRU0Wkeg3uRkd-dbs0TxnAcBRkl1A05yctBaTcNb4oWDwM_lvgKdf3lfoleI7WfP0YeyvYm0NZkxAqZtbGktrQMQX6BOrnZupfWm6uWUlltnxhRe3TSdvqfysGdt_gat-ua040JtkyDCfzYVBr1HSjeR-IKedmL9_3WXpw=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8r7fcbyA9taECQQpgwLfXSRU0Wkeg3uRkd-dbs0TxnAcBRkl1A05yctBaTcNb4oWDwM_lvgKdf3lfoleI7WfP0YeyvYm0NZkxAqZtbGktrQMQX6BOrnZupfWm6uWUlltnxhRe3TSdvqfysGdt_gat-ua040JtkyDCfzYVBr1HSjeR-IKedmL9_3WXpw=w288-h320" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div>Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. Writers have a special ability to find a story from the smallest whisper to the most powerful bang, from past reality to future fantasy. Let your imagination run wild!</div>Tara Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07587802105993889515noreply@blogger.com5