tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6928407715777015732024-02-20T15:54:30.373-08:00Andrea Rose Washington Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-91827249855244347812015-12-14T06:02:00.000-08:002015-12-14T06:02:00.042-08:00Book Of the Week "Mercy & Mayhem"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Book of the Week </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Traveling nurse Mercy Mares needs three things in life: the unconditional love of her daughter, her best friend and mentor's constant wisdom, and a new engine for her twenty-year old car. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A new job posting halfway across the country promises to satisfy one of those needs, but when her patient's spouse dies within minutes of meeting her, she will soon find out that she's going to need a lot more than car repairs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What was touted as the friendliest town in America soon turns on her and it will be up to her to connect the dots and find the true murderer, but doing so will be no easy feat. With memory impaired witnesses, a meddling medical staff, and a cast of characters dead set on keeping their community free of strangers, Mercy will need a little help from her loved ones and a lot of luck to get herself out of this jam or risk losing everything she's worked so hard to achieve. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Find out what happens when mayhem becomes synonymous with Mercy in this humorous, slightly irreverent Cozy Medical Mystery novel! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is book one of "A Mercy Mares Cozy Mystery" series!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Get Your Copy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mercy-Mayhem-Mares-Cozy-Mystery-ebook/dp/B010EJQT6K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449497008&sr=8-1&keywords=ava+mallory" target="_blank">Today</a>!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-68657339581011503602015-12-09T05:44:00.001-08:002015-12-09T05:47:30.654-08:00Author's Corner with Misha Gerrick<br />
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<b>Welcome Back to Author's Corner </b></div>
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<img alt="Misha Gerrick" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51485UKykpL._UX250_.jpg" /></div>
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<b>Today I will be Interviewing Misha Gerrick </b></div>
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Misha Gerrick has
been creating stories long before she could write and is currently going after
her dream of making a living as a writer. She is the Author of The Vanished Knight and The Heir's Choice. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Now On To The Interview! </b></div>
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<b>Misha,why do you write? </b><br />
This is a tricky one for me. I guess the simplest answer would be that I love creating stories. I started long before I even knew how to write, and it just naturally progressed from there.<br />
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<b>What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?</b>A character who appeared in my head while I was reading. I was thirteen and I thought I’d have the writing thing waxed. The first time I sat down and actually decided to finish something I wrote was also when I had a character walking into my head, and after seven failed attempts, I decided to get serious and get it done. That book went on to become the first two books in The War of Six Crowns.<br />
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<b>What have you written?</b><br />
At the moment, my finished draft count stands at nine books in seven genres. Two of those books are now published. I'm hoping to publish quite a few of the others next year. <br />
<b>Where can we buy or see them?</b><br />
The Vanished Knight and The Heir’s Choice are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, Scribd and Oyster.<br />
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You can also find them both on Goodreads (see the link to my profile below.)<br />
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<b>Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?</b>I think the special thing about Callan is that she keeps trying even when she’s hurt and tired. In the first two books, she’s trying to find out about her past. Later on, we’ll see more of her grit as the situation becomes more challenging.<br />
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<b>What are you working on at the minute?</b><br />
Right now, I’m waiting for an Urban Fantasy to come back from my editor. It’s called Endless and I’m hoping to see it published by November 2015. Then I’m currently rewriting a dystopian that I hope to publish early next year. (Rewrites are standard to me, since I rough draft by hand.)<br />
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<b>What genre are your books?</b><br />
The War of Six Crowns is a YA Epic Fantasy series.<br />
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<b>What draws you to this genre?</b><br />
I just loved the idea of being able to go to another world as well as the complexity I could work with in this series. <br />
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<b>How much research do you do?</b><br />
I do quite a bit, but usually I research as I edit so that I can fix things I’ve written. Although that said, if I have a story that’s heavily based on reality (such as a historical) I read a lot of stories from or set in the time period so that I can get a feel for the “world” I’ll be working in.<br />
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In The War of Six Crowns, I researched how the foster care system works in England (which made for an interesting detail for later in the series), technical terms for castles, Cumbria, as well as taking Western Martial Arts and horse riding lessons.<br />
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<b>Tell us about the cover/s and how it/they came about.</b><br />
Basically, I wanted something clean, simple and modern but with an old-world feeling since the books are very much about the meeting of the modern world with a more medieval fantasy world.<br />
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<b>How do you market your books?</b><br />
At the moment, I’m taking a more soft-marketing approach, since I don’t think hard-selling helps me do anything except upset the people I’m “shouting” at. <br />
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Also, I’m a firm believer in the idea that nothing sells an old book better than a new book, and nothing sells a new book better than an old book. <br />
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So with regards to marketing, I’m taking more of a long-term view. (Which includes not screaming “Buy my book!!!” at people.) <br />
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<b>Why did you choose this route?</b><br />
I decided to go this alone because these two books were signed to a small publisher and the experience left me… jaded. Short version of the answer: Why should I give 60% to 85% of all income generated from my hard work? Especially when the people I’m paying aren’t technically offering me something valuable for my money. <br />
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To give you an idea of what I mean: I got 40% royalties on The Vanished Knight when I was with the publisher, but after Amazon or equivalent’s costs. The Vanished Knight now costs a fifth of the price the publisher charged. I generated more royalty income from The Vanished Knight five days after its re-launch than I did in five months with my former publisher. So what exactly did I pay 60% of my book’s income for? <br />
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<b>What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?</b><br />
Basically, I do my social networking things (Note: Passive Marketing) in the quiet times of my day-job. I don’t see it as lost time because during my day-job hours, I can’t afford to be sucked into writing my stories. Because once I start writing, I basically go blind and deaf to everything else.<br />
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<b>What do you do to get book reviews?</b><br />
I just ask everyone offering reviews if they’re interested in my books. If they say no, it’s okay, but the number of people who say yes are still more than I would have had if I didn’t ask. Also, I’m seeing a lot of people leaving surprise reviews, just because they enjoyed my book, and I like those books.<br />
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<b>What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?</b><br />
So far, my story is (mercifully) bad review free, but I try to take a philosophical stance toward it all. The War of Six Crowns does play around with a lot of things that fantasy readers might consider rules, and that means I’m due to get someone who hates it at some stage. <br />
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The thing is, I made an artistic decision on more than one occasion, and that’s fine. But it also means that I must keep my big girl pants on when people don’t like what I decided. I made the call, I bear the consequences. <br />
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<b>What advice would you give to aspiring writers?</b><br />
Don’t compare yourself to other writers. It’s completely senseless, because you don’t know what went on behind the scenes. It’s destructive, because trying to emulate someone else ruins your own style and voice. It’s hurtful, because if you think you’re so far behind compared to someone, you don’t see how far you’ve already come. <br />
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So just look at the next thing you need to achieve and focus on that. And overall, don’t focus on being the next J.K. Rowling or something like that. Focus on being the best you that you can be.<br />
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<b>Where do you see your publishing going in the future?</b><br />
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I’m planning on releasing between four and six books per year for the next five years, with the stated goal of earning a sizable income from my writing. It’s actually a purposefully huge goal, so that even if I fall short, I still make a living from my writing. (A tenth of my goal is equal to my salary.) <br />
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I truly hope that one day my books will be widely read, but to be honest, I’ll be happy with a loyal if small fan-base who writes me letters to squee with me about my characters. <br />
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As for huge publishing deals, I won’t say I’ll never sign one if it was offered to me, but it had better offer me something worth it before I do.<br />
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<b><br />How can readers discover more about you and you work?</b><br />
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Website: http://mishagerrick.tumblr.com<br />
Blog: http://Sylmion.blogspot.com<br />
Twitter: @MGerrick1 (if you’re not interested in the nitty gritty of writing) @MishaMFB (If you are.)<br />
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Misha-Gerrick/e/B00NHAQTW8/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0<br />
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7325569.M_Gerrick<br />
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Thank You For Stopping By!</div>
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Make Sure you Check Out Her Work! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-50116319492537209052015-12-07T05:55:00.004-08:002015-12-07T06:02:28.769-08:00Book's of the Week! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Veiled Truth </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There’s a hit out on her life. This is all sixteen-year-old Sasha Delant thinks about, as she journeys to the aunt she never knew, for safety she was not aware she needed. Her mother’s lifelong secret has come back with a vengeance, sweeping Sasha and her best friend, Cassie, into a life they never expected – or wanted. Unsure who to trust, and forced out of the only home they have ever known, Sasha and Cassie must rely on each other to stay alive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Veiled-Truth-Hidden-Island/dp/1508433909/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449496167&sr=8-1&keywords=the+veiled+truth" target="_blank">FREE </a> Until December 8th!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The Unraveling </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the Search for answers into her mother’s secret Sasha uncovers a truth no daughter ever wants to hear. She experiences the ultimate family betrayal as the very ones that are supposed to love and protect her are the very ones trying to kill her. Now Sasha and her best friend, Cassie, along with her new found cousins Devin and Danny, collaborate with new allies to uncover a way out of their dire situation. As their options dwindle and time begins to run out, Sasha must harness her uncooperative powers and make a decision that will determine the outcome of all their lives. In the end they know either they will save Jasmine and expose the truth, or die in the attempt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Unraveling-Hidden-Island-Volume/dp/1508831300/ref=pd_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=518H4gZMCvL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR105%2C160_&refRID=1BWAP993B7DJ1N8NQBHE" target="_blank">FREE</a> Until December 9th! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-56724235812453408482015-12-02T06:02:00.000-08:002015-12-02T06:02:00.046-08:00Author's Corner with W Lawrence<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Welcome Back to Authors Corner</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRzkT0ejcIsRSBkXR1x7Iva_GdiwYhuhrSdUNUa00fsjX22IjTjVTXuHZX11DeuyU2T8NhOzJv4gV_ZfqtTBayK5TmT_MyoQOrJ0aDRSrmSaFIxfh7m7l9VhbRySzQBU7UOH4rTSwvUNg/s1600/WLawrence-1038x576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRzkT0ejcIsRSBkXR1x7Iva_GdiwYhuhrSdUNUa00fsjX22IjTjVTXuHZX11DeuyU2T8NhOzJv4gV_ZfqtTBayK5TmT_MyoQOrJ0aDRSrmSaFIxfh7m7l9VhbRySzQBU7UOH4rTSwvUNg/s320/WLawrence-1038x576.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Today I will be interviewing W Lawrence </b></div>
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<b>Why do you write and when did you decide to become a writer?</b><br />
I initially wrote Syncing Forward based on a lucid dream I had a few years back. At the time I had no plans to do anything other than get it onto paper and move along. As I was going through the process, however, it dawned on me I wanted to do more of it.<br />
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<b>So, what have you written? </b><br />
Syncing Forward is my first novel. Although about eight years ago, I did publish a game supplement called Epic: Raiders which contained short stories. Epic is a tabletop game (read: grown men playing with toy soldiers) I used to play frequently – it was my obsession at the time.<br />
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<b>Where can we buy or see them?</b><br />
Syncing Forward is available all over now: Amazon, Apple, Googleplay, Barnes & Noble, etc. I have gotten fan mail from Australia, India, Germany, and Belgium; proof that the internet is the greatest invention since language.<br />
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<b>What genre are your books?</b><br />
Science fiction, or speculative fiction to be precise. It regularly falls into Top 100 lists for time travel, genetic engineering, and techno-thrillers. Although I do want to say the larger story is really about family, about choices, and about consequence. To me, the science fiction is the tool to tell the story.<br />
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<b>What draws you to this genre?</b><br />
My father raised me on Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov, so writing scifi came naturally. It’s practically genetic.<br />
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<b>What are you working on at the minute?</b><br />
A book called One Way Window. It’s another time travel story, albeit very different from Syncing Forward.<br />
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<b>Do you mind telling us about it?</b><br />
It’s a twisty tale involving ghost stories, old houses, moonshiners, and a window that peers ninety years into the past. I hope to have it out by Christmas.<br />
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<b>What do you find is the easiest thing about writing?</b><br />
I don’t find anything easy about it, honestly, other than the desire to do it. In the movie A League of their Own, Tom Hanks tells Gina Davis “Of course it’s hard… If it was easy everybody would do it. It’s the ‘hard’ that makes it ‘great’.” To be able to write is a reward in itself, but it is a lot like exercising – you appreciate it after you’ve accomplished something.<br />
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<b>How are you publishing this book and why?</b><br />
I self-published on the advice of my editor, C.S. Lakin. She has published traditionally and on her own, and recommended maintaining control of my own work. And Lakin wasn’t the only person to say this. Other writers I know said the same thing. Funny that one reviewer said that she didn’t know why a publishing company wouldn’t pick up my book, when the true answer is I never sent it anywhere. Ever.<br />
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<b>What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?</b><br />
Self-publishing is all about control. Win or lose, my fate is my own. It also feels like pioneering, reaching into areas that still remain uncertain after all these years. There are few hard-n-fast rules about self-publishing, and staying engaged is a challenge.<br />
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<b>How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?</b><br />
Great! Syncing Forward has over a hundred fifty reviews. It didn't start out great, but there were some strategies that worked.<br />
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<b>Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?</b><br />
The first best thing was to reach out to bloggers, especially smaller blogs that were hungry for material. Yes, it is important to get seen, but you can’t be a snob and hold out for the NY Times to contact you. Little mentions snowball into big visibility.<br />
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I also hired a publicity manager from Aintwrite.com who is affordable and wise. Bunny set up a free giveaway for my book which I initially fought, but the reviews that poured in were well worth it.<br />
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Goodreads is vital for communicating with your core audience. Do book giveaways both on Goodreads directly and through the groups. DON’T be a pushy dog and hassle the moderators into allowing you to use their reading group as your marketing platform. I read their posting rules and never violated them. Instead I participated in discussions and eventually I had a moderator contact me and offer to do a book discussion on Syncing Forward. <br />
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<b>What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?</b><br />
I read every single review at least twice. They are incredibly helpful because it is your customer communicating with you about your product. Most businesses would beg for the type of feedback authors get. Sure, some of it can be harsh and my first 1-star review stung. Oh well. You suck it up and move on, but always remember the critical reviews – they will help you improve your craft.<br />
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<b>Any amusing story about marketing books that happened to you?</b><br />
I twitter-followed a fella called The Sample Reader who does reviews based solely on your Amazon sample, then reviews it. He took notice and reviewed Syncing Forward on Goodreads, and gave it a 2-star. Ouch! I was pretty bitter about it for a few days, but I followed my own advice and reread his review, trying to pin point what his problem was. Turned out that the cut-off point for my Amazon preview was in a terrible spot and it really didn’t give readers motivation to continue; a point The Sample Reader made. I went and lengthened the preview and got immediate positive feedback from new readers. That 2-star review probably saved my bacon.<br />
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<b>What advice would you give to aspiring writers?</b><br />
#1 – get an editor. Yes, I know you have your degree in English Lit and never misspell anything and are a human autocorrect. It doesn’t matter. Your book needs an editor to compete. An editor is not your friend or your mom or the college student looking for an extra buck. An editor is a professional who will make your writing better, and you NEED that to stand out in this highly competitive market. Even after I had two editors work my book over, I had 5 typos in the book and customers noticed every single one of them, making comments in their reviews. Had it been 15 typos, or 50, I would have lost a lot of business and received poorer reviews.<br />
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#2 – see #1.<br />
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<b>Where do you see your publishing going in the future?</b><br />
I’m excited to announce that I signed a deal with Podium Publishing in July 2015. Podium does not take solicitations – they reached out to me and asked me to come aboard. After listening to their marvelous work on Andy Weir’s The Martian, I couldn’t say no. <br />
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In addition I am pitching my book to Lakeshore Entertainment on August 8th along with a few other companies. I hope I come back from Hollywood with some good news.<br />
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<b>How can readers discover more about you and you work?</b><br />
Website: <a href="http://syncingforward.com/">syncingforward.com</a><br />
Blog: <a href="http://syncingforward.com/">syncingforward.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Syncing-Forward/414677125335199">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Syncing-Forward/414677125335199</a><br />
Twitter: @syncingforward<br />
Amazon Author Page: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/W-Lawrence/e/B00L2C9QVY/">http://www.amazon.com/W-Lawrence/e/B00L2C9QVY/</a><br />
Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22619416-syncing-forward">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22619416-syncing-forward</a><br />
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Thank You For Stopping By! </div>
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Make Sure you Check Out His Work!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-18682712591759202312015-11-30T00:00:00.000-08:002015-11-30T00:00:03.076-08:00Book Of The Week "The Eyes of The Sun"<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">New Orleans certainly has no shortage of vampire legends and after a few months in the French Quarter, Lucy Soriano was sure she had heard them all. But when a date with a handsome stranger takes a deadly turn, she quickly discovers that the truth is more terrifying than fiction. The real monsters are the creations of evolutionary advantage, not vivid imaginations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But vampires aren't the only ones with evolution on their side. An anomaly in her blood is found to be fatal to vampires and Lucy is swiftly recruited into shadow organization hell bent on eliminating the vampire problem once and for all. Vampirehunting does not come naturally and Lucy's dangerous improvisations are quickly called out by Andre Garnier, a hunter who makes no secret of the fact that he opposes Lucy's recruitment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soon it is discovered that The Eyes of The Sun, the oldest and most dangerous collective of vampires, are once again gaining ground and have infiltrated the very organization that is trying to stop them. The hunters have become the hunted and no one is to be trusted. Lucy and Andre are forced to set aside their differences for the sake of survival, but The Eyes of The Sun have an agenda that no one expected.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Make sure you show the Author Some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Sun-Book-ebook/dp/B00A7L7GJ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448834331&sr=8-1&keywords=eyes+of+the+sun" target="_blank">Love</a>! </b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-71640642173937903612015-11-25T05:31:00.000-08:002015-11-25T05:31:00.633-08:00Author's Corner with Peter Difatta <div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Welcome Back to Author's Corner </b></div>
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<b>Today I have the pleasure of Interviewing Peter Difatta </b></div>
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Peter is the Author of Finding Pluck. While it was in the manuscript form, Finding Pluck won the William Faulkner Literary Award in 2014.<br />
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It has recently been reviewed and recommended by The American Library Association. See the review <a href="http://www.glbtrt.ala.org/reviews/book-review-finding-pluck-by-peter-difatta/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b>Now on to the Interview!</b><br />
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<b>Why do you write Peter?</b><br />
I write mainly because I enjoy it, and I think I have something creative and interesting to say. Plus, writing is a powerful force in changing the way people think, and I think I can offer up some important insights that perhaps not everyone has.<br />
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<b>When did you decide to become a writer?</b><br />
I've always appreciated the art of storytelling even when I was in grammar school. While I was in my first year of Literature class in college, I was recognized as having some skill with writing and was put in a special creative writing class. At the end of the semester, a novella I had written as an assignment was highlighted and read in its entirety to a large gathering of professors and students. While this was happening, I was extremely nervous about this and fortunately was sitting in the back of the room. However, it was well received, and from then on, I wanted to do more writing.<br />
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<b>What genre are your books?</b><br />
The latest book Finding Pluck, is difficult to place. In one regard, it is a coming of age novel. However, it does have a paranormal twist, it includes some romance, it has some mystery, and it is set in two historical time periods outside of the present. So, it could fall in any of these categories. However, if there was a genre category called “social agenda” genre, I would put it in there. It is because the novel addresses the culture of prejudice in our society—how prejudice is formed and how it is reinforced in our religions, culture and our laws. My previous novel was a paranormal (supernatural) thriller. The novel I’m working on now is set in the future so it will be in the Sci-Fi category.<br />
<b>What draws you to this genre?</b><br />
Above everything else, I consider myself an entertainer. I may have a message to get out, but unless I get an audience to read my book, I’ve accomplished little. So, my goal is to entertain while at the same time delivering my message. I think a lot of people are drawn to the paranormal, as I am, so I use that genre to convey my message.<br />
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<b>What have you written?</b><br />
My first novel was a supernatural thriller entitled Utility. Finding Pluck is out now. Presently, I’m working on a anthology of my short stories, mostly paranormal and also working on my first attempt at sci-fi.<br />
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<b>Give us an insight into your main character. What does he do that is so special?</b><br />
Um! Taylor is really not so special as a person. I tried to make him into an ordinary high school senior (when the book starts) who has a loving home environment, yet one facing numerous setbacks. Taylor desperately wants to go to college and is accepted, but financially his father can’t afford to send him. Taylor lies, saying he is gay, in order to receive a fully paid scholarship. What he does that is special is that he learns from this experience of being exposed to prejudice by walking in other people’s shoes, and he becomes a better person.<br />
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<b>Where do your ideas come from?</b><br />
I’m sure I’m influenced by everyday happenings one encounters in the news. I find myself clipping interesting newspaper stories. Real life is often stranger than fiction. And everyday actions with people are a source of inspiration. But after I have decided on the premise of my book, my most creative thoughts come when I’m swimming laps. It is a wonderful way to block out the rest of the world. All you hear are the bubbles from your breathing and the rhythmic sound of your strokes. This is a time when my mind can work best. It is a time when I can solve narrative problems. <br />
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<b>Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just seeing where an idea takes you?</b><br />
I outline using a database. Each chapter is one record. Each record shows a synopsis of the chapter, a time frame, people in the chapter, which draft (1, 2, 3, final), a rating of the quality of the chapter, notes on problems, and notes on things to add. New chapters can easily be added when needed. There are probably commercial writing programs to do this, but I just created my own database. It is extremely useful for examining your narrative arc, making sure time frames are plausible, and makes it easy to experiment with re-arranging chapters. When I am actually writing the chapters, they often go in a different direction than I originally intended. This may or may not result in revising the outline. Also, the outline is not fixed and definitely changes as the novel progresses.<br />
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<b>How do you think you've evolved creatively?</b><br />
I think I am much more demanding of myself. The narrative becomes more complex, and the characters become more developed, all hopefully making a more interesting read.<br />
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<b>How do you market your books?</b><br />
Marketing is a never ending challenge. First I seek out as many reviews as possible. I do this by contacting bloggers, and giving away my book on various sites in exchange for reviews. I've done press releases, opened a Facebook page, a Twitter account, a Pinterest page, advertised on Facebook and Google Words (neither worked) and had price reduction promotions. And, I enter contests. I am very selective about which ones, choosing only not for profit contests.<br />
<b>Is there any marketing technique you used that had an immediate impact on your sales figures?</b><br />
The price reduction with promotions by far worked the best. The paid sites are the most effective, but you have to weigh the cost to benefit results. I've spent money on sites only to receive half that amount in royalties. Others are free and were quite beneficial.<br />
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<b>Did you make any marketing mistakes or is there anything you would avoid in future?</b><br />
Google Adwords, Goodreads ads, and advertising on Facebook did not work for me, and I felt was a waste of money. Possibly other genres might work, but I have my doubts. I've heard the same comments from other authors who are a lot more successful than me.<br />
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<b>What advice would you give to aspiring writers?</b>Be very devoted to your craft. Write as much and as often as you can. And truly believe in yourself and what you want to say.<br />
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<b>Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?</b><br />
Yes. Marketing is a never ending process that builds on itself. As an example, when I first published Finding Pluck, I contacted local media stations seeking air time to talk about my book. The only one that responded was a NPR (National Public Radio) affiliate. I posted an edited version of that interview on my website. Through Goodreads, I requested an honest review and a blogger, who saw the request investigated my book, and after hearing the NPR interview was convinced she wanted to review it. When she did, she loved it and has heavily promoted it through her blog, twitter and Facebook. See her entire review <a href="https://connieflanagan.wordpress.com/book-reviews/1844-2/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b>How can readers discover more about you and you work?</b><br />
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Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T8LYQZW<br />
Website: FindingPluck.com<br />
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25033769-finding-pluck<br />
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<b>Thank You for Stopping By! </b><br />
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<b>Make Sure you Check out his Work! </b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-86656811580452368942015-11-23T05:42:00.003-08:002015-11-23T05:43:51.969-08:00Book Of The Week "FOEHAMMER"<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Twenty years from now a virus breaks out in a couple of Arctic naval bases, and then, even more strangely, inside the White House. The guards become animated corpses, and rescue teams are rendered helpless by a mysterious trance effect. Underpaid academic Dr. Weaver has documents that refer to something similar happening in the time of Christ, and a group of billionaires seek him out and immediately set him to work. With the help of a super-hacker, he manages to track down a veteran who’s not susceptible to mind control. But this Sean “Jester” Solberg character is a wild card—an aggressive loner who lives with the immigrants outside the cities. The next recruit is even more unusual. Curtis Ferguson is the son of a couple of anthropologists and reportedly the world’s most powerful witch doctor. Into this bizarre, dysfunctional group is thrust Jodie Goodwin, a down-to-earth Texan girl with exceptional shooting skills. The newly formed team creep into the bunkers deep under the capital and encounter mankind’s ancient enemies. They end up fighting for survival and soon discover that their lives depend on the powers of the young, but untested, shaman.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make sure you Check Out His <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Foehammer-Duncan-Campbell/dp/0993151515/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448285970&sr=8-1&keywords=foehammer" target="_blank">Work</a>! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-65658703465558825132015-11-18T05:08:00.000-08:002015-11-19T04:53:20.426-08:00Author's Corner With LJ Higgins<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I have the pleasure of speaking to LJ Higgins. She is the Author of Dawn of the Dreamer and In Their Shoes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now On to the Interview! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>Why do you write L.J.? </b><br /> I just love it. I’ve always had a crazy imagination and I like to be able to put it to good use. Writing just makes me happy.<br /><br /><b>What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?</b> I had created a blog to start writing again, and a friend noticed how much I enjoyed it and gave me a notebook as a gift. Inside she left me a note urging me to continue writing, and that she couldn’t wait to read my future novel. That night I had a dream that inspired my first novel, Dawn of the Dreamer.<br /><br /><b>What have you written?</b><br /> I have published the first book of the Dreamer Trilogy, Dawn of the Dreamer. I am currently working on </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fall of the Dreamer (Dreamer Trilogy, Book Two) and it is due for release in early 2016, I have recently turned my blog series, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In Their Shoes, into its own book on Amazon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>Where can we buy or see them?</b><br /> You can find Dawn of the Dreamer through my website (www.ljhiggins.com), on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookworld and other online bookstores. You can find In Their Shoes, on Amazon as well.<br /><br /><b>Give us an insight into your main character. What does she do that is so special?</b><br /> Amelia is a twenty three year old who has spent her life taking the backseat. Being a Dreamer has meant she has had to keep parts of herself a secret so as not to be ridiculed, that is until she meets someone who tells her the truth about what it really means to be a Dreamer. She then needs to decide if she will take the easy option, as she always has, and stay in her sheltered life, being told there is something wrong with her. Or take the difficult route and stand up and fight for her right to Dream. <br /><br /><b>What are you working on at the minute?</b><br /> At the moment I am going through my first edit of Book Two of the Dreamer Trilogy. And I am also posting my blog series, In Their Shoes, once a fortnight. <br /><br /><b>What’s it about? </b><br /> Book Two, is set in the year after the events of Dawn of the Dreamer, and Amelia and her friends have started settling into their new lives. That is until a new threat surfaces along with new questions about what Dreamers are really capable of.<br /> In Their Shoes is a series of short stories giving you the chance to walk in other peoples shoes, and realize that not everyone are as they appear.<br /><br /><b>What genre are your books? </b><br /> Young Adult with a touch of Science Fiction.<br /><br /><b>What draws you to this genre?</b><br /> It covers the stage in your life where you decide who you want to be, and what you want to do with your life. I think no matter what the plot is, I can generally relate to what the character is going through emotionally. <br /><br /><b>How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?</b><br /> Dawn of the Dreamer has taught me so much about my writing style, and how to weave a story. For Book Two I am a lot more structured in my work, and have done much more planning. I know that I will continue to evolve with each story I write. <br /><br /><b>What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?</b><br /> The writing was the easy part. I found it easy to sit down and get it all on the page. The editing and publishing was the biggest learning curve for me, but even though I felt like pulling my hair out at times, I enjoyed it too.<br /><br /><b>What are your thoughts on writing a book series?</b><br /> If you have a story that’s too big to tell in one book, or that can hold the reader’s attention over a number of books, why not write a series? Your writing will only get better as you grow to know and understand your characters.<br /><br /><b>Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?</b><br /> I do both. Editing my own work taught me so much about my own writing. But a professional taught me more about the technical side of writing. A professional ensures your book is polished and ready to be published.<br /><br /><b>What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?</b><br /> Having only self-published I can’t say much about traditional publishing. I will say that I didn’t decide to self-publish lightly, but felt it suited what I wanted to get out of publishing better. And also suited my lifestyle as a stay at home mum and wife. If I were to be approached by a traditional publisher that doesn’t mean I would say no, but it would have to be the right contract for me and my family.<br /><br /><b>What advice would you give to aspiring writers?</b><br /> Write! So many people want to write a book, but don’t actually start writing. So my advice would be to write, let others read it to give you honest feedback, take what they say as constructive criticism, and write again. <br /><br /><br /><b>How can readers discover more about you and you work?</b><br />Website: www.ljhiggins.com<br />Facebook: www.facebook.com/ljhigginsbooks<br /> Twitter: @lj_higgins<br /> Instagram: @lj_higgins<br /> Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/L.-J.-Higgins/e/B0120ARKFA<br /> Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13804669.L_J_Higgins</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thank you LJ for stopping by! Make sure you check out her work! </b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-28320055128509717392015-11-17T07:04:00.003-08:002015-11-17T07:08:02.444-08:00Book of the Week Sol of the Coliseum<div style="text-align: center;">
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Deep in the bowels of the Coliseum of the mighty Astrolian Empire, the orphan, Sol, is raised by a makeshift family of guards and fellow slaves to become the most famed Gladiator in all the land. Alongside K'nal, his giant Frorian fighting partner, Sol must battle cunning warriors and fantastic beasts to delight the crowd and stay alive. But when an oppressed populace transforms Sol into a revolutionary folk hero, the Empire sends its most ruthless assassin to put an end to the uprising. Sol’s only chance is to do what no slave has ever done: escape from the coliseum and the only home he’s ever known.<br />
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Here is the link to buy the book on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sol-Coliseum-Adam-Gaylord-ebook/dp/B013U41538" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-35365849855798723272015-11-13T05:37:00.001-08:002015-11-13T05:37:34.888-08:00Showing Traits! "Curious"<br />
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<b>Definition</b>: Marked by the desire to investigate and learn. </div>
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<b>Similar Attributes</b>: Inquisitive<br />
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<b>Possible Causes : </b><br />
Having a naturally inquisitive outlook.<br />
Growing up in an environment where exploration and asking questions was encouraged<br />
Having a thirst for knowledge.<br />
Possessing an adventurous spirit<br />
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<b>Associated Behaviors: </b><br />
Asking questions<br />
Having strong observation skills<br />
seeking out people with similar interests. Listening in on the conversations of others<br />
Collecting things<br />
Showing disdain for rules, boundaries, and limits.<br />
Not becoming bored easily<br />
Losing track of time<br />
Joining groups or clubs<br />
Breaking rules in order to follow an idea or interest<br />
Thinking about the What if?<br />
Obsessive tendencies<br />
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<b>Associated Thoughts: </b><br />
Look at the two of them whispering. I'll corner Ella later and find out what's going on.<br />
Interesting, how different animal species huddle together in specific environment.<br />
Before Harold cast his fishing line, he rolls his wrist. I need to ask him why he does that.<br />
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<b>Associated Emotions: </b><br />
Confidence<br />
Curiosity<br />
Eagerness<br />
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<b>Positive Aspects: </b><br />
Curious characters are drawn to problems or inconveniences that other people would choose to avoid.<br />
Characters who are curious easily stumble upon mysteries or involve themselves in dangerous matters . they can conveniently introduce conflict into a story line.<br />
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<b>Negative Aspects: </b><br />
Curious characters are often impulsive, acting with out thinking. They can be single-minded to a fault.<br />
Those who are curious are frequently more interested in their current topic of exploration than their relationship and may not understand or appreciate those without a similar level of curiosity.<br />
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<b>For More Help in figuring out Traits for your Characters make sure you check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Positive-Trait-Thesaurus-Character-Attributes/dp/0989772519/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447116905&sr=8-1&keywords=the+positive+trait+thesaurus" target="_blank">The Positive Trait </a> by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi </b><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-52422196298578738142015-11-11T05:48:00.000-08:002015-11-11T05:48:46.271-08:00Author's Corner With Jeff Russell <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome Back to Author's Corner! </span></div>
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This week we are talking to Jeff Russell who is the author of The Dream Shelf! </div>
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<b>Why do you write Jeff?</b><br />
Writing allows me to create. Characters, plot, dilemmas, solutions, conflicts, dialog – I love every facet of the process. Even if I think that no one else will read the finished story I tweak each word, sentence and paragraph until completely satisfied with the results. Writing dares me to improve, to test myself and I cannot resist the challenge.<br />
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<b>When did you decide to take the plung and become a writer?</b><br />
I go for many solitary, long distance runs and during those quiet times stories swirl in my head. One of them became so intricate that I had to write it down to keep track of the details. The more it evolved the more I became attached to the characters and their plight. 80,000 words later I had a novel that I shared with a local book club and they inspired me to share it with others. That’s when I discovered that some readers enjoy my work as much as I do.<br />
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<b>What genre are your books?</b><br />
Literary/Contemporary Fiction comes closest. I write about people like you and me – characters with limited physical, financial and emotional resources who get caught up in extraordinary circumstances.<br />
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<b>What draws you to this genre?</b><br />
As I say in my by-line … life makes for a great adventure. The real history in The Dream Shelf and the real science in Cab’s Lantern are fascinating … we just have to read and appreciate. I tap into episodes from our American past and weave them into stories with characters that readers can relate to without having to suspend their belief.<br />
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<b>What are your ambitions for your writing career?</b><br />
I’m keeping it real for now. My books have sold well but not enough to let me quit my day job. I write, and share that writing, for the love of it; not for the prospects of financial gain.<br />
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<b>Any tips on what to do and what not to do?</b><br />
Write for the love of writing, aiming to please yourself first. Then share your work freely in exchange for honest, constructive criticism. Everyone needs it and everyone benefits from it. Don’t write for the money; that only leads to frustration.<br />
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<b>What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?</b><br />
The research, though that is also the most rewarding thing. When I reference an event that took place in the past but has some impact on the current-day story I want to ensure that every fact I state is verifiable. Accurate imagery is also important. I want readers to say ‘Hey, I stood on that bridge’ or ‘I’ve seen that sign’ or ‘I’ve been there – I know exactly where that took place.’ This is key to drawing readers into the story.<br />
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<b>Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?</b><br />
I’m definitely a plot person, though my storylines typically begin in the middle with some defining discovery or revelation. I plot from there to the ending and then backwards to define how it all began.<br />
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<b>Do you ever get writer’s Block?</b><br />
I always know what I want to say but not how I want to say it. The art of writing involves taking an emotion the author feels and converting it into words that will trigger the same emotion in the reader. That is no simple task. I will spend hours searching for the right combination of words to achieve that goal – that’s my version of writer’s block.<br />
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<b>Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?</b><br />
I go for a walk and talk to my characters, explaining what I’m trying to do and listening to their input. Like actors advising the director, they tell me how a scene should play out and how the dialog should sound.<br />
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<b>How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?</b><br />
Local book clubs have been a great asset for me, acting as beta-readers and giving me constructive feedback. That process has taught me to look at my scenes from the perspective of an educated, frank, well-read audience. I still love to create but now I’m creating for them as well as for myself.<br />
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<b>What advice would you give to aspiring writers?</b><br />
Be honest with yourself. Are you writing for fame and fortune, or are you writing because it’s the spark that keeps your heart beating. If you’re writing for wealth then spend your money on lottery tickets instead – you stand a better chance there. And if you’re writing for yourself then do so at every opportunity.<br />
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<b>Where do you see publishing going in the future?</b><br />
I see readers (educated readers, at least) spending less time and money on over-hyped hardcopies churned out by the Big-5 houses and more on emerging self-published authors. Reviews are an integral part of this process, and as more reviewers step up to share their opinions more savvy readers discover this whole new world of low-cost literary recreation.<br />
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<b>Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?</b><br />
I always make ebook copies of my stories available for free to anyone willing to post a review. Interested readers can contact me at <a href="mailto:CabsLantern@gmail.com">CabsLantern@gmail.com</a> for details.<br />
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As an aside, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity. Like reviews and guest blogs, interviews are critical stepping stones for self-published authors. Your stone brings me one step closer to a wider audience. Cheers!<br />
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<b>How can readers discover more about you and you work?</b><br />
Website: www.CabsLantern.com<br />
Blog: www.CabsLantern.com<br />
Facebook: Jeff Russell<br />
Twitter: @CabsLantern<br />
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00RG94MIE<br />
Smashwords: Jeff Russell (CabsLantern)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-29575279637859134162015-11-09T16:31:00.001-08:002015-11-09T16:33:24.452-08:00Book of the Week "Wilder" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Book of the Week Wilder by G.K. DeROSA</span></div>
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Wilder is written by G.K. DeROSA!<br />
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All that Celeste Wilder ever wanted was to find someone who would sweep her off her feet like she had seen in countless romantic movies. When she meets the gorgeous and mysterious Constantin brothers her senior year of high school, she gets much more than what she had bargained for. As they introduce her to an exciting supernatural world that she never imagined existed, she makes a startling discovery about her own family legacy and is forced to make a decision that will change her life forever.</div>
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Here is the link to buy the book on Amazon: <a href="http://amztk.com/wilder">http://amztk.com/wilder</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-51419948001845153232015-11-04T04:00:00.000-08:002015-11-09T16:24:10.502-08:00Authors Corner With Clarissa Cartharn <div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome back to Authors Cor</span>ner With Clarissa Cartharn </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><b>Clarissa, why do you write?</b><br />I write because I love it. I itch to get my thoughts and words on paper. I’m always writing either my books, in my blog or on some forum. There is no other reason but my love for writing.<br /><br /><b>When did you decide to become a writer?</b><br />I remember when I was about seven or eight years old I told my mother that I wanted to become a writer. She thought I was being too fantastical and that I should focus on something more practical and viable. So I gave up on the idea and thus began my years of drifting and sole-searching. When circumstances led me to leave work to look after my children, I decided to dabble with the idea of being a writer again. (grins) I don’t dabble anymore. I am a writer.<br /><br /><b>What genre are your books? </b><br />They are romances with sub-genres of thrillers, adventure and contemporary <br /><br /><b>What draws you to this genre? </b><br />I love romances. Watching a story of two people unfolding and falling in love is beautiful. <br /><br /><b>Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate, or longhand?</b><br />On a computer. But I’ve always had a fascination for writing on a typewriter, my hair and clothes all unkempt, a cigarette in an ashtray and a cup of coffee steaming by my manuscript pile. However, I am a non-smoker and my obsessiveness over cleaning prevents me from realizing this fantasy.<br /><br /><b>Where do your ideas come from?</b><br />They come from everywhere. It could be something I may have read or seen on T.V. or even when someone is relating a story to me I could go ‘hmmm… that sounds like a potential story.’ <br /><br /><b>What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?</b><br />My last book was based on a woman who was captured and forced to marry her captor. I had to do a lot of research on how women felt under such circumstances and all those stories were not romantic at all. These were real stories of abuse and human degradation and to read about the sufferings of these women wasn’t easy. <br /><br /><b>Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?</b><br />The cover plays a very important part of the buying process. It is a reflection of the mood, the atmosphere and the story itself. It is one of those factors that buyers use as an aid to judge whether a certain book is for them.<br /><br /><b>Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?</b><br />The one strategy that has worked for me is to write the next book. There is no better way of marketing your book than your work itself. Spend more time on the quality of the work you produce and let your work speak for itself.<br /><br /><b>How can my readers discover more about you and you work?</b><br />Website: <a href="http://clarissacartharn.wix.com/clarissacartharn">http://clarissacartharn.wix.com/clarissacartharn</a><br /> Blog: <a href="http://doodlenook.blogspot.com/">http://doodlenook.blogspot.com</a><br /> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClarissaCartharn">https://www.facebook.com/ClarissaCartharn</a><br /> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/ccartharn">https://twitter.com/ccartharn</a><br /> Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Clarissa-Cartharn/e/B009X0P0EO<br /> Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6575851.Clarissa_Cartharn<br /><br /> <br /><b>Make sure you show her some Love and Check Out Her Work! </b></span> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-47272989675723012152015-10-31T03:00:00.000-07:002015-10-31T03:00:00.105-07:00Author's Advice by Antuan Vance<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thank You Antuan for stopping by to give some amazing advice to some aspiring writers! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What is your advice for those who want to write? </b><br />If you want to be a writer, find people who are writers and/or readers, make them your friends, and don’t let go. Hold on tight! Read a lot. Build yourself a network of editors and writers. Go to conventions in your area. One of the hardest things for some of us is networking and marketing. It’s good to start early; because it’s not easy to get people to read your work and give you pointers. Join a group. Join a club. You’ll have an opportunity to see other people’s work. It’s an excellent idea to pair up with another person. Start your career reading other people’s work and giving them feedback.<br /><br />Another piece of advice is to start putting together plots for various stories. Put together a queue of stories. If you can’t get one story off the ground for whatever reason, it’s great to have about a bunch of other great story ideas in your pocket. You’d be amazed how you could later link one story to another and boom; it’s as if you tripped on an idea land mine and found yourself covered in genius.<br /><br />Also, don’t lose hope and don’t be afraid to reach out to other writers. We’re all in this together. We’ve all been there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thanks for stopping By Antuan! </b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-22824463262316638542015-10-28T04:00:00.000-07:002015-10-28T04:00:04.787-07:00Author Corner With Cj Fosdick's<div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to Authors Corner with Cj Fosdick</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before we get started here is a little bit about her: </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cj Fosdick’s writing career began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin after winning her first writing contest at age ten. Since then, she has flourished in tropical Minnesota with fiction and non-fiction published in local and national publications and in three short story anthologies, while giving horseback riding lessons on her mini-farm for 15 years. Her recent novel from The Wild Rose Press is a time-travel mainstream historical romance titled The Accidental Wife. She is an award-winning member of RWA, Women Writing the West, The Historical Novel Society, and a devoted Outlander fan. <br /><br />Now on to the Interview!!! </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Why do you write Cj? </b><br /><br /> Because I have to...like breathing…and reading… <br /><br /><b>What made you decide to sit down and actually start something? </b><br /><br /> Ideas and perceptions always flowing. Big impetus came when a contest judge told me the short story I entered begged to become a novel. It took 6 months to add 80,000 words and less than a year to see The Accidental Wife in print by Wild Rose Press. <br /><br /><b>What genre are your books? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Mostly historical, but I love to mix the genre with mystery, romance & adventure. Some of my short stories have been contemporary.<br /><br /><b>What draws you to this genre? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Always been a history buff, and loved costume dramas on TV or at the movies. Reading historicals is like armchair time-travel. The past enlightens the future.<br /><br /><b>Where do your ideas come from? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Reading good books in genres I love, traveling to historic places, researching eras and colorful people, and observing friends, family, newsworthy characters in the burlesque of life.<br /><br /><b>What are your ambitions for your writing career? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Best Seller status? At least writing ten more books, maybe a movie or series?<br /><br /><b>Which writers inspire you? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diana Gabaldon, Diana Gabaldon, Diana Gabaldon. While writing my novel, I took breaks when the muse was slowing down to read at random from any of her Outlander books. I met her at two HNS (Historical Novel Society)Writer Conferences, the most recent one in Denver in June. I was going to read from my novel but developed laryngitis and she graciously offered to read my excerpt. She’s very accessible, very intelligent, and oozes talent. The wonderful Starz TV series of Outlander has boosted her book sales. She’s currently #1 on Amazon, a worldwide best selling author in 42 countries with 26 million books sold in all. My heroine—even in the dedication of my book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Acquire reviews, tweet, network with other authors online or at writer conferences. Try to book appearances with book clubs. Blog, write a newsletter, post on facebook. Use every opportunity to become visible. Plan a book sale, book launch, keep business cards and print copies on hand. (I once sold 2 copies in a restaurant after being asked for directions.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Good reviews are a perk to writing…and marketing. The one bad review I had was from a clinically depressed woman who said she “couldn’t get into it.” I knew her, and she confessed she only read a couple chapters. It was pretty ego-deflating and I reacted badly by emailing her. She blamed herself, but didn’t retract the review. I didn’t think it fair that anyone reading 16 pages out of 345 should be ethically able to review—or would even want to, but this apparently happens to other authors. As long as a bad review doesn’t pan the writing or plot, I don’t think it hurts book sales, especially if all other reviewers loved the book. We can’t control the reader’s mindset or preferences and challenging their opinion is useless. Best to just develop a thick skin and forget the bad reviews and celebrate the good ones with wine and chocolate!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I asked some avid readers to review my book, asked a couple authors who’s books I liked if they would write a review or even swap reviews, snagged a Goodreads reviewer, also encouraged people who commented they loved my book to write a review, and sought reviews from multiple age groups who read the book.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b>Did you do a press release, Goodreads book launch or anything else to promote your work and did it work?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> With another author, I rented a room at our Athletic Club, offered wine and snacks, book and gift baskets, and 60 people showed up by invitation for a book launch party. This was very expensive, but semi-successful. Sending a press release to our local paper was less successful, but I did get a couple paragraphs in the paper. Getting bylines about my book in a local magazine after writing a couple humorous features helped me with visibility. Emailing, Facebooking and tweeting may have helped, but when I offered the eBook for sale at .99, sales shot up dramatically on my Amazon author’s chart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b>What advice would you give to aspiring writers? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Persist! Read the best in your chosen genre(s), then work toward emulating, equaling and even surpassing your favorites. Try to write something every day, whether it is 100 or 1000 words, even if you think its trash. Check out the webinars that are offered—especially on grammar, attend writer conferences, build an email and Facebook following, join a local writers group and/or National groups like RWA, WWW, HNS, MWA, subscribe to writer magazines and enter contests offered to see how unbiased judges (not family or friends) perceive your work. Persist!<br /><br /><br /><b>How can my readers discover more about you and you work?</b><br /><br />Email: <a href="mailto:Falorac@gmail.com">Falorac@gmail.com</a><br /> Website: <a href="http://www.cjfosdick.com/">http://www.cjfosdick.com</a><br /> Blog: on website <a href="http://caroljfosdick.blogspot.com/">http://caroljfosdick.blogspot.com</a> <br /> Facebook: Cj Fosdick (from Rochester, MN.) <a href="http://www.facebook.com/cjfosdick">http://www.facebook.com/cjfosdick</a><br /> Twitter: <a href="file:///G:/Good%20Reads/Interviews/11.%20Cj%20Fosdick/%20http:/www.twitter.com/Falorac13"> http://www.twitter.com/Falorac13</a><br /> Amazon Author Page: <a href="http://amzn.to/1DSYNiI">http://amzn.to/1DSYNiI</a> <br /> Goodreads: <a href="http://bit.ly/1HfPWJ1">http://bit.ly/1HfPWJ1</a> <br /> The Wild Rose Press: <a href="http://bit.ly/1IGjUrF">http://bit.ly/1IGjUrF</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure you Check Out Her Work!!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-38281582555941696292015-10-26T05:30:00.001-07:002015-10-26T05:34:09.687-07:00Book of the Week "The Vanished Knight" <div class="MsoNormal">
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<b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;">The Vanished Knight<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMWTJKj2yGjBe-EkgQJwPWxQI7a3tYDwK2nAvRWB9X6336hD5EJJa6oSUo3eH1bl3zy-8c69L2CItLEXvw2oVUSo6BUn_sB-buBimeikVlGGKLGxuafxFz4GdcEmLq2ZCxczMGKBOwmqI/s1600/The+Vanished+Knight+Web+With+Boundary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMWTJKj2yGjBe-EkgQJwPWxQI7a3tYDwK2nAvRWB9X6336hD5EJJa6oSUo3eH1bl3zy-8c69L2CItLEXvw2oVUSo6BUn_sB-buBimeikVlGGKLGxuafxFz4GdcEmLq2ZCxczMGKBOwmqI/s1600/The+Vanished+Knight+Web+With+Boundary.jpg" /></a></b></div>
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The entity living
inside Callan’s soul orphaned her at age eleven. By the time she’s sixteen,
it’s ensured her being shunted from one foster family to another.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her thirteenth
foster assignment should be routine. Except... it's not. A psycho in medieval
armor kidnaps her and she ends up in a magical world. There, she accidentally
discovers a secret her parents had kept until the day they died.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Both actually came
from this magical world, but left before Callan was born. To cover their tracks,
they’d lied about everything. Even who they really were.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Driven to find out
where she comes from, Callan’s trapped in a race for life and death. Walking
away isn’t an option, but if she stays too long, the entity will find its next
victim.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In this world where
secrets are sacrosanct and grudges are remembered, finding the truth will be
near impossible. Especially when Callan has her own homicidal little secret to
deal with.<o:p></o:p></div>
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One with a taste for
destroying her life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Make Sure You Show the Author some Love and Check out their Work!!!! </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25521841-the-vanished-knight" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vanished-Knight-War-Crowns-Book-ebook/dp/B00X5X212Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432209954&sr=8-1&keywords=the+vanished+knight" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://mybook.to/TheVanishedKnight" target="_blank">Amazon Universal Link</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id993721270" target="_blank">Apple</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-vanished-knight-m-gerrick/1117036556?ean=2940152149012&itm=1&usri=2940152149012" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-vanished-knight-2" target="_blank">Kobo</a><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-3497104881880807592015-10-22T06:07:00.000-07:002015-10-22T06:07:00.055-07:00Showing Trait's "Addictive" <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Addictive </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Definition:</b> a predisposition to becoming unhealthily dependent upon a substance, practice, person, habit, or other Intangible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Possible Causes: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Genetics</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drug or Alcohol</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low Self-esteem and insecurity</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A mental disorder </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An Extreme level of Passion </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Poor coping Skills </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An unexpected trauma or devastating loss</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Abuse </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Associated Behaviors and Attitudes: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Playing video games for long periods of time without breaks </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calling in sick to work or school so one can focus on the object of one's addiction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having no willpower or ability to resist one's addiction </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being secretive or untruthful about how much one indulges in the addicting behavior or habit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking foolhardy risks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needing instant gratification </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living in denial </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being overly preoccupied with time when one is not indulging</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Feeling alienated from other people or society </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Desiring privacy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Developing an eating disorder </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paranoia</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Disruptive sleep or insomnia </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Associated Thoughts: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Mark better show up with the stuff. I'm crawling out of my skin" </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"I don't care how long it takes- I'm staying up until I knock Chrackshot28 out of the top spot" </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"It's just a little shopping to relieve stress. I can't believe he's asking me to give it up"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Associated Behaviors and Attitudes: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Agitation</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fear</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elation</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Desire</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shame</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overwhelmed</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paranoia</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Positive Aspect: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Addictive characters can show great focus, attention,and dedication for certain activity or desire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Negative Aspect: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Addictive character allow their need for gratification or relief form emotional pain to push them into unhealthy dependencies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They tend to hide their addiction from others to avoid interference and judgement, even though in their own mind, they don't believe that they have a problem. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Overcoming this trait as a Major Flaw: </b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To overcome they must hit rock bottom. The first step is to admit they have a problem and have the desire to change. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though the support of friends and family a strong addiction program with mentoring, avoiding trigger and responding to relapses with grace and forgiveness, the character can learn to cope with and over his addictions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Traits in supporting Characters that may cause Conflict: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Devout</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Innocent </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needy </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Persistent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proper</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pushy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Volatile</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Responsible </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>For More Help in figuring out Traits for your Characters make sure you check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Negative-Trait-Thesaurus-Writers-Character/dp/0989772500/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445476982&sr=8-1&keywords=the+negative+trait+thesaurus+a+writer%27s+guide+to+character+flaws" target="_blank">The Negative Trait</a> by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-11012825579963937622015-10-10T15:40:00.000-07:002015-10-10T15:40:00.462-07:00Writing Prompt <br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />Time To Write! </span><br /><br /><br />Today’s prompt, write a short story involving a family and their fight over the map that leads to a magical treasure. It does not matter the length but I hope you all have fun writing and if you take it somewhere let me know I would love to read them.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-9452992035070343862015-10-07T03:00:00.000-07:002015-10-08T05:03:44.932-07:00Author's Corner with Antuan Vance<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Welcome Back to Authors Corner </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>This week My Guest is Antuan Vance who is the Author of “The Catalyst” </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuIALHYSTDshupNjuVBDMzq5l1I7DiKL3NAImpWhxgfGTPjoM2mlR7Nzl4dngYWQHRN89cBJKa7Z9SLSn3BqyEDo9touq3CedwcJ7Hpwf0mADa1mZt735y9RRql5FT6nOYksqQJPNYBrh/s1600/Quick+snap+of+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuIALHYSTDshupNjuVBDMzq5l1I7DiKL3NAImpWhxgfGTPjoM2mlR7Nzl4dngYWQHRN89cBJKa7Z9SLSn3BqyEDo9touq3CedwcJ7Hpwf0mADa1mZt735y9RRql5FT6nOYksqQJPNYBrh/s320/Quick+snap+of+me.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am very excited to interview Antuan, he has become a great friend through Twitter. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Power of Social Media People, now let’s start this interview! </b></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.75pt; margin-bottom: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So Antuan, why do you write?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is what I was born to do.
Since I was a kid, I was fascinated by stories of heroes and villains, comedies
and adventure. I watched movies, read comic books, and played with action
figures, creating unique stories and characters. Writing is a part of that. In
poetry, I can express myself in a way I normally can’t around others. In
novels, novellas, and short stories, I can create a new world, or one with some
semblance to this one, and entertain myself and someone else the way other
stories entertained me. So, I guess the basic answer would be, I write to
entertain both myself and others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When did you decide to become a writer?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am certain of two things:
one, I was born a romantic; two, I was born a writer. The moment I had a grasp
of grammar and storytelling, I began to write. I started writing poetry at age
nine or ten. I began my first poetry collection at age eleven. I can’t remember
the exact age I started writing my first superhero story. However, I knew even
when I was a kid that writing would be a major part of who I am and what I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What genre are your books?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My first novel, The Catalyst,
and the rest of the books in its series, are action/adventure and science
fiction. The novel I’m currently working on is a coming of age, Christian teen
drama. Most of my early novels are going to be science fiction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What draws you to this genre?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Science fiction is my life. I
started watching Star Trek: The Next Generation when it first came out. I
watched Star Wars, ET, Back to the Future. Most of my childhood, teenage years,
and adulthood I’ve spent watching, playing games, or reading science fiction.
Science fiction is the way my mind works. It’s how I see reality. It’s one of
the things that’s made me a forward thinker. It even affects my spiritual life.
I can see God through the spectrum of science: astrophysics, quantum physics,
biology, astronomy, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Give us an insight into your main character.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Catalyst has three main
characters. John Rider is number one. He’s a very spiritual, biblical man. Right
and wrong govern him, but what sets him back in this story is his “paranoia”.
He doesn’t trust but a handful of people because of the nature and numbers of
the enemy. But, where he lacks in numbers, he makes up in tech resources and
wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where do your ideas come from?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.75pt; margin-bottom: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The only answer that comes to
my mind is God. Grace. I can have a basic conversation with someone and find a
story can be formed from any scenario. Someone can say he/she drove to the
market to buy a carton of milk. I take that and think, “Oh cool. What if you
went into the market, got the milk, entered the parking lot, and witnessed a
woman being abducted? Oh, and on the abductor’s escape path, he sees you, you
see him, and you both recognize each other; but you’re not sure from where.
Worst off, a day later, you get a letter in the mail from the abductor telling
you to keep your mouth shut, or else. Now you’re part of the police
investigation.” I hope this doesn’t deter you from having a conversation with
me. Hahaha. My story ideas are not always grim. You could have come across
someone incredibly attractive, flirted, exchanged information (or not), and
days later, bumped into that person again and started something. Being able to
grasp story ideas swiftly is a gift from God. Being able to formulate a story
and piece things together so easily, that’s grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an
idea takes you?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I usually have a story in
mind, a reason for things to happen, and a projected outcome. I put together a
flexible outline and then write by the seat of my pants. The Catalyst went in a
very different direction than I had originally intended for it. I busted that outline
wide open. John Rider wasn’t a major player at first. It was originally
supposed to be about Abbey, Levi, Violet, and Jeremy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 12.75pt; margin-bottom: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hmm. I can see things a whole
lot clearer than I used to. I had a lot of blockage. I held myself back a lot.
I used to suffer from a lot of writer’s block, as I did more thinking and
formulating than actual writing. Now, I hit the page. Much of my writer’s block
isn’t there as it used to be because I’ve learned to press on. Pushing and not
waiting for inspiration has opened my mind to a lot more. I’ve learned a lot
and researched more. Having an open mind helps. Aging, wisdom, experience, and
reading expands your mind to the possibilities, improving creativity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is the hardest thing about writing?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh. You used the word “the”
about hardest thing. There are so many hard things about writing. In the
process itself, one of the hardest things was finding the time to write and
overcoming/avoiding distractions. Sometimes, the hardest part of writing is
properly prioritizing your time. If you have a full-time job in addition to
writing, you have to sacrifice other things to get your writing in between
work, cleaning, and eating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Distractions were my biggest
problem. Once I focused and pushed myself to meet a deadline, I was in the
zone. I wrote about forty thousand words in a month. I was so proud of myself.
You should have seen me when I made it to one hundred thousand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tell us about the cover and how it came about.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For ‘The Catalyst’, the cover
was the simplest part of the project. I had a few ideas for graphics for the
cover and inside the book. I passed those ideas on to my big brother, who has
always been the artist in the family. I was the writer. He was the sketcher,
painter, and graphic designer. He agreed to do the cover. I later changed my
mind about having graphics inside the book. He sent me some samples. I gave him
my thoughts. He revised. In the end, we had ourselves a finished project. I’m
glad he did it. I’ve received some great feedback about the presentation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying
process?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes. I hate to say it; but I
judge a book by its cover. A lot of people do. We’re visual people. However, a
story with a great premise, positive reviews, and a well-written excerpt will
go a long way, even if a lot wasn’t invested in the cover.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not great. Not great at all.
I am in a desperate and dire need for reviews. Not having them is killing my
sales. I tell you: you never realize how important reviews are until you need
them. I’ve spent most of my life not writing reviews. I wish I could go back in
time and write a review for everything I read. However, I know; if I wrote them
now, I wouldn’t do the stories justice. I’m hoping, pleading, praying for
positive reviews.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you have a strategy for finding reviewers?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unfortunately, no. This whole
process is relatively new for me. I’m not the greatest networker. I know very
few people. Most of the people I know don’t read or are so busy that they don’t
have time to read. So, I reach out to the internet to strangers who aren’t
invested in my writing. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to find reviewers; but
I will. Be it the Lord’s will, I most certainly will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Good reviews sound heavenly. I
want as many as is humanly possible, preferably pointing out favorite
characters and scenes (without spoiling the suspense for others). Bad reviews
are not wanted. If you want to write a bad review, I would strongly encourage
you to write whatever pros you can find first. After which, be gentle and
precise. Saying, “It was so awful; I lost my mind and strangled my firstborn”
is vague and unhelpful. Speak specifics and quote examples (if it’s possible).
It’s best to offer constructive criticism (written constructively, instead of
destructively) and suggestions for improvement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where do you see publishing going in the future?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I see a lot more indie
publishing in the future. The process is faster. You can write your novel, edit
it, and publish it quicker through indie means. Traditional publishing is a
long, slow process. Not to mention, traditional publishing requires extra steps
and people. Publishers insist upon the middleman (agents). No one wants to be a
small voice in a big crowd just to find someone who can knock on a locked door
for you. That’s what it feels like trying to get an agent. (That’s also what it
feels like when you’re marketing your book.) Indie publishing is walking to the
door, opening it, and walking out with a finished product in your hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I also think big bookstores
are going to budge in the not too distant future. They’re not supporting local
writers who print independently. The more publishing becomes digital, and
people spend less time physically in the stores, they’re going to make
concessions and start letting local indie writer’s books into their stores.
Excited indie writers will pull in more local bodies, book signings, book
release parties, and other events. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t
included?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“John Jacob Jingleheimer
Schmidt! His name is my name, too! Whenever we go out, the people always shout,
‘There goes John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt!’ Lah lah-lah lah-lah lah-lah
laaaah!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How can readers discover more about you and you work?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My first and best suggestion
is to get in touch with me on Facebook and Twitter. Interact with me. Ask
questions. Have a conversation with me. I’m no longer teething; so, I’ll try my
best not to bite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Website:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> https://www.antuanvance.com<br />
<b>Blog:</b> https://www.antuanvance.com<br />
<b>Facebook:</b> https://www.facebook.com/antuan.vance.author<br />
<b>Twitter:</b>
https://www.twitter.com/antuanvance<br />
<b>Amazon Author Page:</b> https://</span>www.<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">amazon.com/author/antuanvance<br />
<b>Goodreads:</b> https://www.goodreads.com/antuanvance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank You Antuan for being a part of
this! Make sure to show him some love and check out his work! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-11264634900642146782015-10-05T06:17:00.000-07:002015-10-05T06:17:29.451-07:00Book of the Week Ella Bandita and the Wanderer <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Hello Again!!! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This Weeks book of the week post belongs to Montgomery Mahaffey who is the author of "Ella Bandita and the Wanderer!" </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They were fated to collide, Ella Bandita and the Wanderer. This complex fable about a predatory seductress and an adventurer frozen in grief explores the darkness of the human heart and the allure of erotic obsession over love. The story begins when an outcast young woman tries to kill herself. Yet a sorcerer intervenes with a last chance to change her destiny. But she must be his lover and give him her heart to transform into the immortal Ella Bandita. All his life, the Wanderer hears stories about Ella Bandita, the ruthless thief of hearts. But he never believes she lives and doesn't recognize her when they meet. Driven by lust, he follows Ella Bandita into a battle of wills that threatens to destroy him. The Wanderer wants nothing more than to avenge himself on a woman he loathes, the vagabond seductress who stole his heart.</span></div>
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Make sure to show her some loves and check out out her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ella-Bandita-Wanderer-Montgomery-Mahaffey/dp/0990313409" target="_blank">Books!</a></div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-40238643429989209162015-09-30T18:33:00.000-07:002015-09-30T18:33:00.094-07:00Author’s Corner with Jennifer R. Povey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8Cj3YYzSidTo5pYxwRYGyMhoJ5plMIm1d1Co4_GHyRW_S-xO-qqpg0WS077MzTqFE8LFMN5NhJDkZyr5NHuznc7qHKt7RQaLle3LbUeWv28xcUxnIHl8Xgb7Nvl4UZf8dOgzuAy7DOCs/s1600/Driving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8Cj3YYzSidTo5pYxwRYGyMhoJ5plMIm1d1Co4_GHyRW_S-xO-qqpg0WS077MzTqFE8LFMN5NhJDkZyr5NHuznc7qHKt7RQaLle3LbUeWv28xcUxnIHl8Xgb7Nvl4UZf8dOgzuAy7DOCs/s1600/Driving.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Welcome back to Author’s Corner!<br /> <br />Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Jennifer R. Povey, She has self-published multiple books including “Transpecial” and “The Silent Years” sequence of novellas.<br /> <br /> Before we start with the interview Jennifer here is a bit about Jennifer! </b><br />
Jennifer R. Povey is in her early forties. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband of eighteen years - having moved here from England. (Yes, she still has the accent). In addition to writing, she enjoys roleplaying games, horseback riding, and being a voracious reader. She writers science fiction and fantasy fiction, as well as writing for gaming companies and has even had a comic script published (In the You Are Not Alone anthology from Grayhaven Comics). That's as well as freelance writing and proof reading.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Now on with the Interview! <br /><br /><br />Why do you write Jennifer?</b><br />
It's what I do. I wrote fan fic and casual stuff for years before deciding to go serious a few years ago. I'm good at it, I enjoy it, and honestly I've never been able to stop making up stories in my head.<br />
<br />
<b>What are your ambitions for your writing career?</b><br />
<br />
I have a lot of ambitions! I have quite a few more novel ideas I want to get out there. I'd also love to do an ongoing comic book. And I'd like to try my hand at writing a movie script at some point. There's also a few magazines I want to sell stories to that I haven't yet. Mostly, though, I want to write things people enjoy.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?</b><br />
<br />
I don't really have a "special time to write". It depends on what I have to do that day - and obviously not everything I do is writing. There's also the endless editing...a lot of people think we just sit down, write, then hand it over to somebody. It's not that simple, sadly!<br />
<br />
<b>Do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?</b><br />
<br />
Right now I'm kind of writing fiction cyclicly. I might write 5,000 words one day and only a few hundred the next. I do write at least something every day.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day? </b><br />
<br />
Generally, no. I'm more likely to set a certain amount of time for writing - an hour or two of sitting down and getting the words out. I've tried the set amount of words thing and it doesn't work as well for me.<br />
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<b>Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?</b><br />
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Everything I release is professionally edited with the exception of a web serial I have called Making Fate (that one I do edit myself). My husband is my proofreader (he's a technical editor for a non profit, so he's pretty good at it).<br />
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<b>Which writers inspire you?</b><br />
Oh, that's a long list. Transpecial has been compared to Heinlein - and that one's quite intentional. I also try for the transparent 'story first' style of Isaac Asimov in a lot of my work. Jules Verne triggered my desire to write science fiction and, of course, you can't deny the influence of Tolkein. Making Fate is urban fantasy and shamelessly influenced by Joss Whedon's Buffy. So, yes, a long list.<br />
<br />
I read voraciously and I let it all inspire me to some degree.<br />
<br />
<b>Where do your ideas come from?</b><br />
<br />
Oh, not this question. They come from...all over the place. Some of my science fiction stories come from science fact articles I read that week. I write to anthology calls a fair bit, and in that case the idea generally comes from the call. A Star To Steer By, which is probably my best published story, came from a call about soldiers returning home, got rejected by the call and then bought by Analog. (Lesson there: Don't worry about rejections!) Transpecial started with the title and was originally supposed to be about somebody physically becoming something other than human, probably subconsciously inspired by Delenn's cocoon in Babylon 5, then it morphed into a first contact story on me. Oops.<br />
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<b>How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?</b><br />
<br />
I've become more focused. Honestly, the reason I didn't start writing seriously until my thirties was because I couldn't get anything finished until then. I started so many novels in my twenties! I also would have told you when I was twenty, twenty-five, that I could never write to order. Now I do some of my best work when being basically told to write a story about X.<br />
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<b>What is the hardest thing about writing?</b><br />
<br />
Can I say marketing? I'm not a natural salesman, I freely admit it. I find marketing and promotion and networking all a little bit stressful. Probably because I'm an introvert.<br />
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<b>What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?</b><br />
<br />
Really, I'd say Making Fate is my latest "book" and the challenge has been trying to learn to write in a more episodic form. I don't have it down yet, but I'm getting there. That and right now I have a character who's taken more prominence than planned and she's proving harder to write than some of the others.<br />
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<b>What is the easiest thing about writing?</b><br />
<br />
Sitting down and writing the first draft. Telling the story. That's easy. Then, well...then I have to edit the thing.<br />
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<b>Give us an insight into your main character. What does she do that is so special?</b><br />
<br />
Which one? I'm going to pick Suza MacRae from Transpecial. She's autistic, and that allows her to work with the aliens in a way most people can't. She's also a very strong character in ways that aren't what a lot of people think of as the "strong female character." (I have real issues with that trope - Jane from Making Fate is very much in that trope, but it sometimes seems that people want every female MC to be that way, especially in visual media. I'm thinking of some of the complaints about Jupiter in Jupiter Ascending now).<br />
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She's special because nobody prepared her to be a diplomat, in fact, nobody prepared her to be anything but a disabled woman treated as a legal minor her entire life, and she manages to rise to the occasion and do it anyway. Sometimes, that's what heroism is.<br />
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<b>What advice would you give to aspiring writers?</b><br />
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Simple.<br />
<br />
You are not your work.<br />
<br />
Your work is going to be rejected. You're going to get form rejections from agents, from publishers, from magazines.<br />
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Your work is going to be reviewed. Some of those reviews are going to be bad.<br />
<br />
If you're in a writers' group, your peers are going to take your work apart. And when you start working with an editor...<br />
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It's very easy when you first start out to take criticism personally. It's very easy to kind of let yourself and your work overlap.<br />
<br />
They aren't rejecting you. (And if they are, they aren't worth taking seriously. It does happen sometimes, but it's not professional behavior, and if it's a reader review, ignore them). They aren't rejecting every single piece of work you will ever write in the future.<br />
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They're just criticizing that one piece. It doesn't matter whether you're self publishing or trying to get a New York contract. It doesn't matter if you write novels, short stories or both.<br />
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You are not your work. It's not personal. Learning to realize that and develop the thick skin that keeps you from bursting into tears every time you get rejected is one of the most challenging aspects of being a professional.<br />
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<b>How can readers discover more about you and your work?</b><br />
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<b>Website</b>: http://www.jenniferrpovey.com/<br />
<b> Blog</b>: http://jenniferrpovey.blogspot.com and http://jenniferrpovey.tumblr.com<br />
<b> Facebook</b>: https://www.facebook.com/jrpovey<br />
<b> Twitter</b>: https://twitter.com/ninjafingers<br />
<b> Amazon Author Page</b>: http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-R.-Povey/e/B006MONKKA/<br />
<b> Goodreads</b>: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4953851.Jennifer_R_Povey<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-50184575905080086912015-09-28T19:07:00.000-07:002015-09-28T19:07:00.093-07:00Book of the Week "Vulnerable"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyuSDpdT1os2vjvT-4GzuOjAXMzIAtVBfAZH1Clqf7npgKBxm5hulqMCyZ-JNlX5mzXHTf1vIEhiiLAdViRsifjAI6EkBfR9dBh6kSwJXlEdnhyphenhyphenkt9G6WXy5ZMI7PQ8ykS06rRD1r7yYB/s1600/Vulnerable-final-cover-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyuSDpdT1os2vjvT-4GzuOjAXMzIAtVBfAZH1Clqf7npgKBxm5hulqMCyZ-JNlX5mzXHTf1vIEhiiLAdViRsifjAI6EkBfR9dBh6kSwJXlEdnhyphenhyphenkt9G6WXy5ZMI7PQ8ykS06rRD1r7yYB/s320/Vulnerable-final-cover-small.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>This Weeks post Belongs to "Vulnerable" by April Wilson </b><br />
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Beth Jamison had a rough start in life. She survived a childhood abduction, but her emotionally traumatic past still haunts her, and she suffers from anxiety and issues with intimacy. Beth doesn't know it, but the man who kidnapped her has just been released early from prison. When Beth’s brother hires McIntyre Security, Inc. to protect Beth and conduct surveillance on her kidnapper, Beth has no idea she has secret bodyguards keeping her safe 24/7. With his money and good looks, CEO Shane McIntyre has never been short on feminine company, and he’s developed a reputation as a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” kind of guy. But everything changes when Shane meets Beth. Their mutual attraction is instant and intense, and Shane falls hard for Beth. Shane has his work cut out for him if he’s going to gain her trust and get past her fears before it’s too late. This alpha protector is determined to keep Beth safe, but he’s also determined to make her his.<br />
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<b>Check out her Book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vulnerable-McIntyre-Security-Bodyguard-Book-ebook/dp/B0115PUJCM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441850638&sr=8-1&keywords=April+Wilson" target="_blank">Here</a>!</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-694413336302112622015-09-26T08:00:00.000-07:002015-09-26T08:00:00.920-07:00Facing the dreaded Writers Block: <div class="MsoNormal">
Writers Block is every writer’s worse nightmare….I know it’s
mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The complete halt of any new ideas forming can put a strain
on anyone’s writing and really start to stress you out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are a few ways to chip away at the dreaded Writer’s
Block.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Free Writes<o:p></o:p></div>
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Free Writes are a chance for you to clear your mind of every thought in your head whether or not they are related to the topic at hand. Sometimes we can’t focus on our work because we have so much running through our minds. We need to make some open space for new ideas.</div>
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Free writes are a mind dump; call it cleaning out the attic. All you need is a paper and pen (try not to use a computer) and a set span of time and let go. Don’t worry about your spelling or grammar, just get everything out on paper and you can review it later. This is why I find it is better to do a free write on paper rather than a computer so you are less likely to back space and try to edit as you go along.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Step Away<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometimes Writer’s Block comes because we are so stressed over our project. We are trying to force ourselves to pump out more and more every day. This is not good for the creative process. You cannot force ideas…they should come organically in the writing process. If you feel your writer blocks stems from this then put your work down for a week or two. </div>
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Your Brain needs a break! Go outside, go for a run, and read a book not related to your genre. See a movie just don’t think about your book. Give you brain time to rest! I know it seems like I am asking a lot, asking you to walk away from your masterpiece but trust me it will work. Writing comes better when it’s not forced. If you just step away for a week you will come back feeling refreshed and ready to finish your masterpiece!</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Change your Writing Spot. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As writers we tend to find inspiration from everyday situations and surroundings. If we fall into the same routine day in and day out it can start to grow stale. We need a new environment to draw in new ideas. If you write at home, try going to a park, or a book store or even a coffee shop. </div>
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If you go to the same coffee shop everyday try a new spot or even a new time, switch up who and what your see.</div>
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With a few changes you can defeat the dreaded Writers Block!
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-73664908810220718742015-09-24T09:30:00.000-07:002015-09-24T09:30:02.250-07:00Writing Prompt<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
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In One-hundred words or less
please explain why are you afraid on the big bad wolf? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Post what you wrote I want to read them all!<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692840771577701573.post-56280074791396765782015-09-23T13:01:00.000-07:002015-09-23T13:01:00.211-07:00Author's Corner with Peter Kazmaier <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTLVq-prqL7L2KyGH3VR_iT-sPgvUo15nefsdkKvakHLQoM5QfEo5uarvIRAa1hDxgu1m-Z5oyuU2Qy_VjHuuseIidonR4IBs7Op6dIYHeHo9fvIM8IpzYjwlhZgZGUcOBMriezbd_Sv3/s1600/PeterKazmaier001-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTLVq-prqL7L2KyGH3VR_iT-sPgvUo15nefsdkKvakHLQoM5QfEo5uarvIRAa1hDxgu1m-Z5oyuU2Qy_VjHuuseIidonR4IBs7Op6dIYHeHo9fvIM8IpzYjwlhZgZGUcOBMriezbd_Sv3/s320/PeterKazmaier001-1.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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<b>Welcome back to Author’s Corner!<br /><br />Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Peter Kazmaier who is the Author of The Halcyon Dislocation, Questioning Your Way to Faith, The Battle for Halcyon!!</b><br />
<b><br />I want to thank you Peter for agreeing to be a part of this! </b><br />
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<b>Why do you write?</b><br />
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I love to read Fantasy and Science Fiction. First and foremost then, I write books that I would like to read, but no one else has taken the trouble to write them. Specifically, I like books that are plot-driven and keep me riveted wondering what happens next. But I also like books that ask the Big Questions, as people do in real life. Why are we here? What does it mean to be human? Why should I try to be good?<br />
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<b>When did you decide to become a writer, and what was that process like?</b><br />
For a large fraction of my life, I was a researcher in chemistry and much of my writing appeared in technical journals or as patents. My career as a novelist had a curious start. I was a member of a book club and during one of our sessions I mused how I would love to write a novel. One of my friends said, “Well why don’t you do it?” The gauntlet was thrown down and I had to do something about it. It took me four years of attending writer’s conferences, and writing in my spare time while still holding a full time job before my first book came out, the first edition of the colonization epic The Halcyon Dislocation.</div>
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<b>So, what have you written? (Include everything you have published)</b><br />
As I mentioned I have more than sixty technical publications on chemistry and about 175 US patents, but I’m sure your readers are not that interested in them. In terms of novels I have written three (in the order of publication):<br />
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· The Halcyon Dislocation (two editions)<br />
· Questioning Your Way to Faith<br />
· The Battle for Halcyon<br />
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The Halcyon Dislocation and The Battle for Halcyon are the first two books of a four part series that I call The Halcyon Cycle. They deal with a science experiment that transports the island University of Halcyon to a parallel world. In the story we experience how various members of the university deal with the trauma of the dislocation and the challenges of surviving in a new world.<br />
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Questioning Your Way to Faith is a much shorter book that arose because of requests I received from some of my readers. In terms of a time line, Questioning Your Way to Faith is set before the dislocation and involves two university friends having an extended discussion about whether or not Christian belief is reasonable.<br />
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<b>Where can we buy or see them?</b><br />
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My books are available as either e-books or as trade paper backs at most major bookstores and online outlets. In alphabetical order here are some links:<br />
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· Amazon/Kindle <a href="http://tinyurl.com/qbyw5b8">http://tinyurl.com/qbyw5b8</a><br />
· Chapters-Indigo/Kobo <a href="http://tinyurl.com/odmn6j6">http://tinyurl.com/odmn6j6</a><br />
· Google Store <a href="http://tinyurl.com/qbnxs6j">http://tinyurl.com/qbnxs6j</a><br />
· iTunes <a href="http://tinyurl.com/pkteyj5">http://tinyurl.com/pkteyj5</a></div>
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<b>What genre are your books?</b><br />
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My books are Science Fiction that read a bit like Fantasy. I say that because my books have a strong science component and I worry a lot about whether events like the dislocation are feasible. Having said that, once the University of Halcyon is in the new world, technologies begin to fail (because modern technology requires enormous infrastructure) and then one has much more of a Fantasy-style landscape.</div>
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<b>Do you do any research for you books?</b><br />
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I try hard to get the details right in my books, so I do quite a bit of research to make sure that the phases of the moon are correct, the fish found off the island of Halcyon are correct for that locale and that events like the dislocation are not unreasonable from a physics perspective.</div>
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<b>Are you working on at the minute?</b><br />
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I’m working on the next book in The Halcyon Cycle which I have provisionally called Descent into Abaddon.</div>
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<b>Do you mind telling us about it?</b><br />
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Not at all. I listened to a wonderful lecture a few years ago that described how our relatively low atmospheric pressure limited the size of land mammals and also the size of flying birds. My next book is centered on a continent so far below sea level that the high atmospheric pressure removes these constraints.</div>
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<b>What is your favorite book that you have written so far and why?</b><br />
I would probably say The Halcyon Dislocation. I like the Crusonian aspects of being marooned in a new world and all of the discovery that entails.</div>
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<b>How often do you write a week?</b><br />
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I write in fits and starts. When one has several books in print, one has many duties. I work better when I work at something for a concentrated period of time.</div>
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<b>Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?</b><br />
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No I don’t set pages per day. I like long books, so I aim for more than 100,000 words for my books.</div>
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<b>What do you find is the easiest thing about writing?</b><br />
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There’s nothing easy about writing well. Of all the hard things that must be done to produce a good novel, I find imagining new worlds and new inhabitants of those worlds easiest.</div>
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<b>How long on average does it take you to write a book?</b><br />
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I suppose it takes me roughly four years from start to finish to write a book. However that’s highly misleading since I start the next book right after the first draft is complete, so there is a good deal over overlap when I’m writing the first draft of one book and editing the last.</div>
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<b>Do you ever get writer’s block and if so do you have any tips on how to get through it?</b><br />
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Writer’s block, in the sense of reaching an impasse in a story is not usually my problem. My problem is sheer laziness. I have many duties to complete and I get caught up in all of these urgent matters and let my writing time slip.</div>
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<b>What is your editing process like?</b><br />
I have friends who have taken a great deal of time as “beta readers” who critique my book and often see blind spots that I as a writer have missed. I always enlist the services of a professional editor to complete the edits. I can’t stress how important it is to find an editor who is not only technically competent, but has a genuine love for your books.</div>
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<b>Why self-publishing?</b><br />
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Self-publishing is a very broad term that includes vanity publishing. I prefer the term micro-publishing. By that I mean running a very small publishing business with an emphasis on the quality of the books produced and a severe eye on the costs.<br />
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Why self-publish or micro-publish? In my journey, I have seen many writers who spend years producing a novel and then spend years writing to acquisition editor after acquisition editor trying to interest them in their work. Often the writers eventually give up in discouragement without ever having provided their book to the people who really matter—their reading public. [For more on micro-publishing check my blog <a href="http://wp.me/p4cZo4-1l">http://wp.me/p4cZo4-1l</a> .]</div>
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<b>What advice would you give to aspiring writers?</b><br />
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Force yourself to be a “finisher.” Make sure you sell some version of your book to your reading public to get feedback from them.</div>
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<b>Where do you see publishing going in the future?</b><br />
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In my role as a research scientist I had a chance to see the Print-On-Demand technology develop. I think this trend will continue and will favor the smaller publisher. Traditional publishing will not disappear but will continue to be under increased cost pressure because of their extensive infrastructure.</div>
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<b>Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?</b><br />
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1. The best books become part of our intellectual scaffolding. Remember as a writer you are an artist first. You want your books to be entertaining, but also to make a difference in your readers’ lives. <br />
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2. Don’t mistake sales as the primary indicator of your success.</div>
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<b>What is your favorite book and why?</b><br />
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My favorite books (on an equal footing) are C. S. Lewis’ Narnia series and J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. I re-read the Narnia books because of the profound spiritual insights that Lewis offers. I re-read The Lord of the Rings because of the sheer beauty of the work. Even though I know the plot almost line for line, I love the beauty of walking through the vale of Ithilien and the terror of the Mines of Moria.</div>
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<b>How can readers discover more about you and you work?</b><br />
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I’m always delighted to hear from my readers. They can contact me by email directly or leave a comment on my blog.<br />
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Website: <a href="http://www.wolfsburgimprints.com/">http://www.WolfsburgImprints.com</a><br />
Blog: <a href="http://www.peterkazmaier.com/">http://www.PeterKazmaier.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/peter.kazmaier">https://www.facebook.com/peter.kazmaier</a><br />
Twitter: (I don’t use twitter)<br />
Amazon Author Page: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00JB0IWE6">http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00JB0IWE6</a><br />
Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4136519.Peter_Kazmaier">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4136519.Peter_Kazmaier</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16339700575363128580noreply@blogger.com0