NaNoWriMo!

Okay, call me crazy, but I am officially going to try the 'NaNoWriMo' thing this year! What is NaNoWriMo, you may ask? For those who don't know, it is a 'contest' of sorts, where anyone can sign up to write 50,000 words in one month. That is equivalent to a short novel, thus the shortened version of what actually stands for 'National Novel Writing Month'. I signed up last year as well, but alas, with my debut novel AND THE BEAT GOES ON hot off the press, and me just learning the ropes of self promotion and what it takes to build an author platform, I had no time whatsoever for creative writing.

Hm... come to think of it, things haven't changed all that much. I still don't have time for as much creative writing as I would like! However, I think this will be a fun challenge, and even if I don't get to the 50,000 word count, I can still say I tried. (And try again next year!)

So with that, wish me luck! My November posts may be short, fewer, and far between but ... you understand, right? For more on NaNoWriMo go to the highlighted link.

The Book Buff Review

I'm excited to direct your attention to 'Kate the Book Buff ' - a great site where honest reviews happen! I came across Kate's blog quite some time ago (perhaps close to eight months ago, now) and see that she now has over 1200 followers! That tells me she must be doing something right!  Kate prides herself on giving unbiased, honest reviews - something I appreciate, since one never knows when that 'great' review was actually written by a relative or close friend. In this case, I think you can trust Kate, which of course brings me to me next plug!
Kate recently wrote a great review of AND THE BEAT GOES ON, and I would love for you to read it. Check it out by going to the link. Peace.

Story that packs a punch ...

Got a story to tell? Duh. As a writer, this seems like a no-brainer. Of course, I have a story to tell. I've got lots of stories, most of them still locked up somewhere in my overly active imagination. But wait a minute ... what exactly makes a good story, anyway?

So glad you asked. :) A story - a really good story - affects people. The story needs to make an emotional connection with the reader. Good stories, like good songs, make you feel something.  Sympathy, anger, fear ... all of these are emotions that the story should elicit from the person reading it. Without that emotional engagement, the story will probably come off flat. Each and every scene must evoke an emotional response - must make a connection. This is what keeps the readers attention and makes them want to read on.
Okay fine. If I'm going to try to connect with my reader, I also need to know who my reader is, right? Right!  Knowing your audience is the next step in making a successful connection. What might appeal to a Seventh Grade boy is probably totally different than what appeals to a thirty year old woman. (At least I hope so! I spend a lot of time with Seventh Grade boys ...!)

Knowing your audience means spending time with them (if only figuratively); reading what they read, listening to what they listen to, going where they go.  If you haven't guessed, this is called research. Perhaps this is a forgotten part of the process. Often, we think of research as finding out facts about a location or a specific occupation etc., but researching your audience is also an important and valid part of the job. In order to make an impact - to affect people on an emotional level, you must earn the right to speak to them, by proving that you understand where they are coming from.

Stop and think about the books that have really made a lasting impression. What kinds of emotions did you feel while reading? What was it that made you 'connect'? Then think about your own writing (if you're a writer) and ask yourself what emotions you are trying to elicit. Chances are, the scenes that are most successful are the ones where you really tried to draw the reader in emotionally.

Any feedback? I always love to hear your thoughts. What was one of the most impactful books/scenes you've ever read?

Review and Give Away with Jan Marie

Check out the review of AND THE BEAT GOES ON at Jan Marie Newby's blog 'Write About Now '. She has posted some interesting comments and insights into the book (somewhat different than what I've seen so far) and is also giving away a signed copy. You won't want to miss out! There is also a separate interview posted as well.

One Smooth Stone - One Great Read!

I had the pleasure of meeting Canadian author Marcia Laycock at the 'Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship' conference in September, and while there I bought her book ONE SMOOTH STONE. I had read some of Marcia's writing before - a non-fiction piece about her time in the Yukon, and since I, too, have lived in Canada's 'True North', I couldn't resist buying her debut novel which is set in the Yukon. (Among other places.) I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting, but let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised. This was a great read from start to finish! Here is my review below:

Review of One Smooth Stone by Marcia Lee Laycock
Alex Donnelly is a man on the run – from the law and from the past. What better place to hide than the vast and rugged wilderness of the Yukon? Unexpectedly, he inherits a large sum of money and must leave the relative safety of his backwoods cabin and travel to Seattle to claim his inheritance. While there, some very disturbing revelations surface about his past and he is once again haunted by the demons of his abusive childhood while in foster care. He also meets Kenni Adams, daughter of a wealthy lawyer. The two are instantly attracted to one another, but Alex can’t let go of his mistrust and sense of inferiority. Even more important, he can’t believe in a loving God, as Kenni does, who would allow all the pain and turmoil in his life. He runs back to the Yukon, but instead of finding peace, his life become even more complicated as he meets with an unlikely mentor and his life is placed in danger of the deadliest kind.
Marcia Laycock constructs an intriguing, action packed story that combines an ever twisting plot, spectacular natural descriptions, and well developed characters, with a heart felt message of God’s grace and mercy. She manages to expose the ugliness of sexual and emotional abuse in a way that elicits sympathy for both the victim and the perpetrator, yet still leaves room for hope and healing. Her descriptions of the Yukon are very true to reality, and her characters – even the Christians – are real human beings with frailties. This was a page turner. I honestly couldn’t put it down once I got reading and wanted to follow through right to the end. I highly recommend ONE SMOOTH STONE.

To buy this book, go to the side bar and order!

Wind Over Marshdale - original art

I often find that my writing and inspiration to paint an image go hand in hand. This is why I sometimes paint a 'cover art' image, even though I might not end up using it. (Or my publishers, in their wisdom, create something more marketable!) This is a painting for a novel called Wind Over Marshdale - still unpublished, but my next 'pitch'. (For the pitch itself, check my last post.)
The story takes place in a small prairie town - on the surface quiet and peaceful. But there are spiritual forces imbedded in the past that emerge to eradicate the calm facade. The story delves into the area of native spirituality - both the destructive aspects as well as theories about possible Biblical roots. It is a romantic suspense (of course) and contains a lot of colorful characters. The setting and some of the characters were inspired by my hometown of Mossbank, Saskatchewan. I warned the folks at a recent reading there that they may appear in a novel one day Once it's polished and ready to go I'll be 'tooting my horn', don't you worry!

Pitches

This is a very interesting and timely topic for those of us who write. Sooner or later, you're going to want to share your labors, and when you do, having a well developed and polished pitch is absolutely essential. Interestingly, several of my writing friends and I are currently conducting a workshop on just this topic, so I have a few thoughts to share that have come up in our discussions.
First, the 'elevator pitch' is just that - something short enough that it can be pitched in one minute or less while an agent is your captive audience in an elevator. It should be 30 words or less (no more than 40) and should be catchy and to the point. Though short, this often takes a lot of thought because each word must be chosen with care. You want to get the most bang for your buck and it needs to grab the attention of the agent so that they will want more. Keep it in active voice, don't worry about specifics and make sure there is a hook.
Of course, a longer one paragraph pitch should also be prepared. This can go into more depth and detail and will hopefully lead to a full fledged request for more, including a synopsis, the first three Chapters etc. But, if you can't grab them with the elevator pitch, then you may never get to those other stages. That's why its so important to spend time on it, get your friends to critique it, and polish it to make it the best it can be.
Since this was the topic of our first week of the 'Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers' Proposal Workshop, I've got two pitches that have been reworked into the following state:

Title: WIND OVER MARSHDALE
Pitch:  When hidden evil surfaces beneath the quaint façade of a small prairie town, a First Nations man must pit his faith against the ancient medicine of his ancestral roots.

Title: PLAY IT AGAIN

Sparks fly when an ex-rock and roll junkie and a stuffy accountant rendezvous at a local resort, but neither expect the emotional entanglement or the danger from the past that arises.

Either of these would be suitable for an elevator pitch or could be included in a query letter. Let me know what you think - critiques welcome!

Why Social Network

Sometimes all this blogging and networking can get overwhelming. Especially when you work full time, have a number of other commitments such as family, church, and other volunteer organizations, are trying to pitch some of your writing that is already finished, AND still have illusions of writing something new. Phew! It makes the head spin!So why take the time and effort to 'social network'?

Quite simply, as an aspiring author in today's world, there is no other choice. There has been a fundamental shift in the way people communicate in the last ten years, and social media is here to stay. I've heard it likened to the revolution that took place with the advent of the telephone, and with the advancements being made on an almost hourly basis, I might venture to say it is having even more impact.

Gone are the days when writers could hole up in a secluded spot and just write. Authors are expected to do the lion's share of their own marketing these days - even those signed with the 'Big Boys' are still expected to be out there in cyber space. Building an author's platform is essential if you hope to get noticed, and let's face it, the competition is very stiff - not to mention the sheer numbers! It seems like everyone wants to write a novel these days. (And who am I to argue? I know the feeling!) Agents and publishers are looking for people that can help with their own promotion. If you've already built a following and can establish that you have a plan, you just might get the call once you've made it through the initial slush pile with an interesting pitch.

But is that all that social networking is good for? Unadulterated self-promotion? I hope not. I have found that the number of like minded people I have met through my social networking has been wonderfully enriching. It is, after all, 'social', and meeting people whom you can truly connect with is a Godsend. Of course, the benefits are numerous. Who are you going to call when you need help with a pitch or query? Who can critique your work honestly and in an unbiased way? (But also knows the sting of rejection...) Who will be willing to post reviews, interviews or other promotional articles? In every case, fellow writers are there and are the logical go-to people.

I used to think it seemed silly to be spending so much time 'promoting' to other authors. After all, we're all trying to do the same thing - promote our books, and we realistically can't afford to buy each and every book that we come across. But I have since discovered that the value in the NETWORK is of far more importance than the sales I might get from fellow authors. These are people who share your passion and your desire to succeed.

My advice? Get on board the networking train! Don't wait until you've already got a book published. the sooner you start, the sooner you will build a wonderful community of friends and colleagues who will be there to cheer you on. On that note, may I congratulate Patsy Houston - the winner of my latest giveaway.

I'd love to hear your favorite tips on what is working for you in the 'social networking' arena. Leave me a comment!

In Everything Give Thanks

Today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada and I just couldn't pass up this opportunity to say
'thanks' - first of all to the Creator of the Universe for all He has made and for the infinite variety I see around me every day. I am so glad that God is not boring! He has given us a multitude of gifts and all kinds of people to share them with.
I am reminded of an email I received from a friend recently. It was one of those 'forwards' - something I often don't bother with simply because I don't have the time. (And I'm not really the 'warm and fuzzy' sort, despite any rumors you may have heard!)
But this one actually caught my attention. Unfortunately, I deleted it, but it went something like this:
Next time the kids are screaming or your husband is irritating, be thankful you have a family. Next time you have to pay taxes, be thankful you have a job. Next time the toilet plugs or the sink stops up, be thankful for indoor plumbing.  You get the idea. We often complain about the mundane things in life, when we really do have so much to be thankful for.
Sometimes I allow myself to feel 'gypped' because I can't see to drive at night, in sunlight that is too bright, or basically anywhere that requires I read signs. I'm pretty much limited to my own little neighborhood during the afternoon. But then I quickly remember what it was like to be blind - to not be able to read at all, 'watch' TV, or go for a walk in an unfamiliar setting, let alone drive, and I am thankful for the freedom I have regained in that regard.
Like the old Joni Mitchell song says, "You don't know what you've got 'til its gone..." I am truly so grateful today for health and family and freedom - all the things we take for granted.
On the writing front, I am so grateful for my computer. I remember the days of the typewriter and white out very vividly! I'm also thankful that I have a book in print and another on the way. Only a few years ago this seemed like an unattainable dream, but now, even though I am far from quitting my day job (and my writing time often seems to get squeezed very thin) I can look back and say, "Look how far I've come!"
Finally, I am very thankful for all the friends and contacts I have made through this past year. I am truly amazed when I think of the many people I now consider friends, albeit 'online', that I never would have come in contact with otherwise.
So here's to another great year! What are you thankful for today?
(For more on the origins of Canadian Thanksgiving, I found a great post: 'Happy Thanksgiving From Canada'. Check it out.

A Tribute - 'The Sleepy Town Express'

I have posted before about my wonderful mother and what an inspiration she has been to me. Since October marks both my birthday and hers, I decided to commemorate with a post that both celebrates her influence and also shares some of what I have been doing on the creative front.

One of the things I wanted to do, even before she passed away, was illustrate a children's book based on her 'signature' song, "The Sleepy Town Express". As I have shared previously, this song has becaome almost iconic in my family, and was even the subject of some strange 'supernatural' events, if you can call it that. In any case, I have finished 8 of the 12 - 14 paintings I plan to do which represent the lyrics to this 1930's song. After that I intend to have it published - even if it means self publishing. (For me this is more of a personal project, so either way works.) Here, then, are some of the completed images. Hope you enjoy.

REMEMBER - one more day to leave a comment at 'Expression Express' for your chance to win a free book!

Interview at 'Janet's Treasures'

Yet another interview at 'Janet's Treasures'. (I told you there were going to be lots of interviews, reviews and other promotional items this month!) Please check it out. You know the drill - after you do, come on back here and let me know what you thought. I love the feedback.
http://janetstreasures.com/

Any comments left HERE during the first ten days of October, will be eligible to win a free book!

'I'm A Keeper' Book Launch

Lots of promotions coming up this week on my blog. Today I would like to alert you to the book launch of I'M A KEEPER by Ray W. Lincoln. Ray is offering a great package of supporting gifts FOR A LIMITED TIME to those who purchase I’m a Keeper. Go NOW to athttp://web.me.com/raynmaryjolincoln/RayWLincoln/Imakeeperbook.html to access this helpful book and the incredible offer. All of this courtesy of the John 3:16 Marketing Network. To find out more about this group and how you can participate, click on the widget near the bottom of the page.


The following article is adapted from an excerpt from the book, I’m A Keeper, by Ray W. Lincoln.
Three Ways We Create Our Own Weaknesses
By Ray W. Lincoln
Ray Lincoln is the founder of Ray W. Lincoln & Associates, providing life coaching, parenting seminars, personal growth seminars, marriage seminars and more. His expertise in Temperament Psychology has led to such success with solving parenting dilemmas that he has finally answered the recurring calls of his clients by publishing “I’m a Keeper.” His website, RayWLincoln.com, and blog, http://blog.raywlincoln.com offer further help and guidance

This may surprise you, but we have ourselves to blame for our weaknesses! Sorry, we can’t blame our temperament or anyone or anything outside of ourselves. We are responsible! By the way, don’t say “blame.” Blame, to me, is a dangerous word. We should not “blame” ourselves for anything since blame is condemnation. To condemn ourselves results in negative judgments against ourselves and can be very damaging.

We should, rather, hold ourselves responsible for our actions. We don’t want to blame our children because it lowers their self-esteem. And one of the temperaments (the NF), in particular, is strongly affected by continual inner judgments against themselves. We cannot afford to encourage these inner judgments. We should not let ourselves off the hook when we are responsible, either. Blame is condemnation, but accepting responsibility points us positively in the direction of change. Being accountable, without the negative impact of blame, is our goal. We simply are responsible for all of our actions and reactions, and that means for all of our weaknesses, because I hope to convince you that you really are responsible for your weaknesses – as I am for mine.

Weaknesses are the negatives in our lives. We have already said that we can never be given negatives. Positives, yes! Negatives are the malfunctioning of a healthy system. They result in and are caused by mistakes, failures, wrongs, and hurts. Weaknesses come from the wrong use or nonuse of strengths. Here’s how…

My observations have taught me that all weaknesses are a negative reflection of our strengths and we create them in one of three ways:

1. When we don’t use our strengths, we create weaknesses in our lives. This should be obvious.

2. When we overuse our strengths we create weaknesses. The overuse of any strength creates a weakness. Overuse creates a negative (not a positive) force.

3. When we use our strengths for wrong purposes (that is, to hurt ourselves or others – any others) we develop weaknesses, and we soon feel the pain of guilt flagging us that something is wrong.

There’s good news in this. I hope you see it. The good news is that, because we are responsible for our weakness, we can overcome them. The solution is really simple. It starts with understanding focus. We’ll deal with that in a subsequent lesson.

(Adapted excert from I'M A KEEPER by Ray W. Lincoln)

25 Years Ago Today ...

Twenty-five years ago today ... This is the title of an article posted at Stacy Juba's website, where I participated in this discussion. There are lots of interesting responses to this starter, and my article just happens to be posted today, of all days. Why is this significant, you ask? Well, today is also my birthday! (Happy birthday to me!) So, to help me celebrate, please check out the article by clicking on the link.
Yep. Twenty-five years ago today I was a young mother, having just had my first child a couple of months earlier. My husband and I had purchased our first house (for $2500 - yes that's the correct number and no, I didn't forget a zero!) and I was just beginning my first novel - clacking away on an old typewriter I had borrowed from my mom, while my daugher took her naps. My, how times have changed! To read the full article, make sure you go to the link!
Leave a comment and make my day by swinging back and leaving a comment here, too!
(BONUS - if you do, your name will be entered in a draw to win a free book. Contest closes October 10th!)

Interview at Butterfly Journey

Another interview! This one took me by surprise - I wasn't sure when this interview was going to be posted and low and behold it came up on my reading list. Check it out - YOU COULD WIN a copy of my book AND THE BEAT GOES ON! Go to 'The Butterfly Journey' and leave a comment!

BONUS! Anyone who comes back to 'Expression Express' during the first ten days of October and leaves a comment HERE, will also be entered to win a free book!

'Phantom' Review AND a Blog Award!

Hard to believe it's October already! This month, I have lots of promotional sites to direct you toward as well as reviews, interviews, and a whole lot more! First of all, you might want to check out 'The Phantom Paragrapher' for a new review of my book AND THE BEAT GOES ON. This is a great site. 'The Phantom' keeps us up on all kinds of books and other pertinent info of interest to all you book lovers out there in cyber land. So go to the link (to check out the review, of course!) but also just to have a look at this great site.

Next. speaking of great sites ... Expression Express just recieved an award! Thanks to Pris of 'Scrap Art by Pris' and 'The Benterud Bookshelf'.

Now it's my turn ...

Here's my list of ten recipients for the 'Versatile Blogger' award:

Notes From the Edge

Tracings

Fiction Mirrors Truth

777 Peppermint Place

Word Obsession

Word Wanderings

The Phantom Paragrapher

It's A Beautiful Life

Nike Chillemi - Crime Fictionista

Edgy Inspirational Romance

If you're a winner, here's what YOU do:

1. Thank and link back to the giver of the award (me :)

2.  Make your list of ten recipients and email them

3. List 7 things about yourself (Maybe little know fun facts)

Here's my list of 7:

1. I used to take martial arts (alas, those days are long gone...)

2. I hate gummy candy, oysters, and bacon

3. I like saurkraut, caribou, and moose meat

4. I'm a fourth generation teacher

5. I have 34 great nieces and nephews but no grandchildren

6. I am still the baby of my family at 48

7. I've moved 30+ times

Have fun this month! As an added BONUS - anyone leaving a comment on 'Expression Express' during the first ten days of October will be entered to win a free book!