Serendipity Meets Delight!

I am delighted with a new review up on Amazon for MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER. Virginia Jaques from North Vancouver writes:

"The book is a light-hearted, tender portrayal of broken people groping their way toward self-fulfillment. It is masterfully done . . . some plot twists are a little too serendipitous to be believable, but the roller-coaster plotline is so much fun I was happy to suspend my disbelief, just to find out what [the] delightful characters would do next!  . . . I don't remember ever meeting a more realistically, and competently developed, conflicted character than Joleen. I fell in love with her almost immediately, and was rooting for her all the way through her convoluted journey toward self-realization."

To read the full review, go to www.kraussamazon.com . Comments on any of the reviews are welcome, or better yet, why not jot down your own thoughts in a separate review? It doesn't have to be long!

Beating Artists Block

Today on 'Arts and inspiration', I am pleased to present a guest post by writer,  Dee Mason. She offers some great insights into how to beat 'artists block' which also apply quite nicely to any creative process, including writing. (And you'll also notice the 'subtle' marketing reference ...)

Beating Artist's Block by Dee Mason

There can be few things more traumatic and perplexing in the world of the artist that the sudden and overwhelming lack of inspiration when it is least expected. One of the most horrific feelings associated with so-called artist’s block is the feeling that the creativity is gone forever and nothing can be done, but this in itself is the most damaging attitude of all to adopt when the situation really calls for little more than common sense thinking. Of course, such is certainly one of the areas in life where ‘easier said than done’ rings true, therefore the following list can be taken as an introduction to a few of the most realistic tips for tackling artist’s block head on and coming out the other side refreshed and invigorated:

Tip 1 – It must be kept in mind at all times that writer’s block is 100% psychological and therefore the only thing stopping the artist from getting on with their work is the fear associated with feeling the inspiration is gone. When this is the case, it is essential to accept humanity and the tricks of the mind to avoid the panic known to extend artist’s block indefinitely.

Tip 2 – Set out a plan to draw X amount of painting or sketches in a set period of time, regardless of what they may be. If a bout of writer’s block is taking up valuable time, then use the time drawing by other means so as to ensure the time isn’t wasted – there is quite simply always something new to be learned.

Tip 3 – Search the web for new painters and those making waves at the time, as there is little more inspiring than seeing how others are honing their crafts and showcasing them to the world. It is often the case than the missing inspiration may be no more than a web search away.

Tip 4 – Consider making a journey to a place you have never before travelled to. This does not have to be a lengthy, exotic or expensive jaunt but could simply be as little as checking out an area of the local park usually walked past. It is incredible how inspiration can fall out of thin air when the scenery is changed, so take along a camera too in case you are struck with gold.

Tip 5 – Keep a journal of all work created from as early a stage as possible. One of the most motivating factors in the world can be looking back at old successes and thinking about how to improve on them even further.

Tip 6 – Consider the use of third party inspiration from the sources closets at hand. Just as is the same with writer’s block, it can be all too tempting to shut out the outside world and cast all others off as nothing other than a distraction and a burden. Switch this thinking around however and it may surprise just how many people can inspire with their own thoughts and stories, regardless of how little technical expertise they may have.

Tip 7 – Step away from the project every now and again to refresh the mind on a completely unrelated activity, even if this is as simple as relaxing on franklin recliners. It can be a little too tempting to remain in ‘the zone’ and consider nothing else at all, but if the zone isn’t working then it would be wise to take a break to a different zone for a while.

Tip 8 – If all else fails and the bout seems to be lasting a worrying amount of time, consider enrolling in a class where the requirements are structured and the inspiration handed out. This may not be to the tastes of most, but everyone knows the value of going back to basics when it really counts.

You Get OUT What You Put IN

Life has been STUPID hectic lately. I mean CRAZY!!! I'm only human, and obviously one can only go so many days without sleep. Something has to give, and in my case, I had to cut way back on my networking and marketing. This leads me to the title for this post: 'You get OUT what you put IN'. My relative inactivity on the internet in the last few weeks has led to a slowing down of what's coming into my mailbox. This is a GOOD thing, in that I was struggling to keep up, but it is also a BAD thing because it means fewer people are interacting with me. It's one of the paradoxes I've found in this journey as a writer. In order to build my platform, I must be interacting with others. Too much interacting takes away time from other important duties, such as actual writing. It's this giant wheel that feeds upon itself. Too much of one or the other and my life gets imbalanced.

Over the summer, I spent several hours a day online, and the results were measurable. My blog following, FB fanpage 'likes' and followers on twitter have all increased substantially. I've also had more opportunities for interviews, author events and the like. Real opportunities presented themselves as a direct result of my efforts and in this business success isn't measured solely in book sales. It's also about platform building, an important step toward sustainability as an author. (Which will eventually lead to book sales.)

School is now back in session and with it all the planning, organizing, assessing and teaching (yes, teachers actually have to teach) that goes with it. I've got a full slate this semester with no prep time, and my after school Drama club is well under way. Almost simultaneously, my newly acquired agent asked for the full manuscript of  WIND OVER MARSHDALE, the book he has agreed to represent.

The book is finished, but before sending it off I wanted to take one more look to make sure there were no more changes that needed to be made. One thing led to another and I practically ended up rewriting the whole thing. (I'm exaggerating, but I did make a lot of changes - more than I had planned on, that's for sure.) I've been staying at the school until 6 or 7 o'clock, eating on the fly, and then staying up until well after midnight trying to finish all the changes I want to make to the manuscript. My son asked me if I was ever going to cook again ... Hm. That tells you something.

Thankfully, I pre-posted a lot of my blog posts before school started, but almost all my other networking activities have been pared down to the bare minimum. I noticed that as I began to do less, less was required. At first this was a good thing. I could finish my emails and all my other online activity in a half hour. Then I got to thinking. The fact that there is now less for me to take care of isn't really a good thing. Somewhere between becoming a frazzled online addict and an indifferent outsider, there must be a balance.

Fortunately, I recognize this as one of those 'seasons' that will eventually pass. September is always a hectic month for teachers, and now that I've got the manuscript polished, my life should get back to a semblance of sanity. It's important to reap during the harvest, or in my case, work like a crazy woman for a month or so, knowing that a time of rest is also coming. The issue, however, is making sure we take that time of  rest. Otherwise, burn out will soon follow, and when that happens, even keeping up with the bare minimum becomes an impossible task.

Related posts:  Hometown Inspiration - a synopsis of WIND OVER MARSHDALE
                      Creating a Schedule That Works - a five part series

Layering Your Stories

I love a twisted plot. Even better, I love a twisted plot that is complicated. I prefer this in my reading and I definitely roll this way when I write. Some people might not like it - you can't 'skim' books that have lots of characters and complex plot lines, and if you're not careful, you can leave confusion in your wake.

How can you tackle a multi-faceted story without leaving your readers behind?

Layering. Think of Shrek's classic line about being like an onion (not the smelling bad part, but the layering part!) I'm going to draw on another 'mining' analogy here. Several family members currently work in the mining industry, and recently I was out to visit my husband's mine on a special family tour of the place.This picture doesn't look like much, but in fact, this is the side of a mountain that has been opened up to expose the coal within. Each of these 'steps' is actually at least twenty feet high and just as wide - big enough for a huge truck to look like a minuscule dinky toy beside it.

 These layers didn't appear overnight. It takes meticulous, painstaking work to get to the 'treasure' underneath. Each layer was opened up, one at a time, so that the entire site maintains its integrity and is stable while still serving its purpose. So it is with writing, especially if you like to layer. Sometimes it feels like you're literally facing a mountain when you start those first tentative paragraphs of a new 'work in progress', and sometimes the plots and sub-plots gets messy and mixed up. Keep in mind that you must approach your layers like anything else - one step at a time.

In order to effectively layer your stories, I suggest working out a clear outline for each and every plot and sub-plot. When I start out with a story that has multiple characters and sub-plots, I keep each one separate to begin with. I develop an outline for each that shows exactly what type of rising action, peaks and valleys, and climactic events must take place. I note where I think intersections in these sub-plots might take place, usually in capital letters. Sometimes I even create another document which maps out where and when each change in POV takes place or where a shift to a different sub-plot is needed. That way, I prevent too much weight on one sub-plot at the expense of the others. I want my story to move forward at a steady pace, not leaving one train of thought for too long so that readers will have to go back and reread.


Once this is in place, I begin writing in earnest. I liken it to building roads at the mine. Before you can get to the coal, you have to build a road. As each new layer of coal is dug out, the road disappears and a new road is built. Eventually, there is no evidence of the roads - just the steps and the coal that is now ready for processing. Naturally, my outlines change and morph, but having a framework from which to work helps keep things straight, at least in the beginning.

When finished, there will be lots of extraneous stuff - pure rock that impedes the real story that must be removed. This is natural. Expect your WIP to grow, develop and change. Some of this fill needs to get dumped and some will be discarded later as 'tailings' - the garbage that comes out in the refining process. The final product will hopefully be something worth marketing and certainly something to be proud of.

Don't be afraid of complex writing. While quick and simple stories with one basic plot are fine, there are people out there who crave the complicated twists of something more meaty. Take your time to layer, and you'll be serving up something worth writing about!

Two Metaphoric Delights by R.D. Wilson

 Check out my reviews of two books by master of metaphor, Robert Dennis Wilson. Both are the first in a series, so if you like continuing stories, you'll enjoy these.


The Dragon’s Back Trilogy
Book 1 – The Poison of Thorns
By Robert Dennis Wilson

Book 1 of The Dragon’s Back Series reads somewhat like a Lewis, Tolkien or even a Rowling. Full of heraldry and lore in a make believe otherworld, this novel is full of action and adventure sure to please anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story. I felt it’s main appeal would be for a YA market, but anyone who likes fantasy with an unapologetic Christian worldview should enjoy it.

It’s actually a story within a story, as author R.D. Wilson starts the book with a grandfather telling his troubled grandson a story in hopes of teaching him a lesson about self esteem. In the end, he gets a whole lot more.

Two orphaned boys are rescued by their long lost grandsire. One’s destiny is to become a singer while the other, still bitter about his parent’s death and his grandfather’s seeming neglect, must learn his lessons the hard way. In the end they choose different paths, highlighting the age old struggle between good and evil.

Wilson’s figurative style of writing fits in well with this particular story, since the plot and characters are themselves, analogies for life, love and faith. The ‘Swimmers’, who follow the Gryphon, are at odds with the Dragonmen – evil personified. It’s an inspiring and beautifully descriptive story.

Earth – the Arena

Book 1 – The Players
By Robert Dennis Wilson

What if scientists were able to open a doorway to another dimension – specifically the realm of demons? This is the premise behind Earth The Arena – the Players. (Book 1 in a series) We are introduced to Professor Horace Thompson (affectionately known as ‘Doc’) who has made it his life’s work to investigate psychic phenomenon and prove the existence of telepathic powers. During his experiments, he actually opens a gateway to demonic forces (a.k.a. Satan and his cohorts) who appear as amiable ‘Teachers’. On the surface, their only wish is to help mankind better itself. Two of Doc’s young protégés, David and Sashi, become conduits for Pedagog and his demonic hosts, ushering in the end times complete with a rapture of the saints.

The storyline was quite intriguing and had me curious to read more. As well, R.D. Wilson’s writing style is that of a metaphoric master and is quite beautiful. The figurative language literally flows like poetic torrents over a waterfall of imagery. (My feeble attempt at emulation …) Sometimes, however, the story itself gets lost in the metaphors and one has to stop and reread just to make sense of what is actually taking place. Not that I don’t like wonderful description – I do, but perhaps there is something to be said for ‘too much of a good thing’.

Figurative language aside, there were other aspects of the book that were a bit of a paradox. There are some very long ‘scientific’ explanations that appear occasionally. It is all well and good to create a theory about how the spiritual dimension operates, but to have it described in textbook detail was, well … boring. These expository sections slowed the story down, and were probably more than I needed to know. Just keep the story moving forward, please!

I was also confused by a number of characters who didn’t seem to relate to anything else. They just appeared and then there was no follow up or mention of them again. (Or the reader is suddenly in their head and then they get killed off.) Perhaps this is a set up for the second novel, but I think the story would have been stronger either without them, or, if it hadn’t been told from their POV.

My criticisms aside, I was intrigued by the story itself. There is definitely a promise of more action to come and I will probably read the second installment because my curiosity has been sufficiently pricked. That in itself is a good sign for any author. I would recommend it to those who like spec, sci-fi, or end times fiction. Some people may actually enjoy the ‘scientific’ theorizing, while others may be more adept at navigating the metaphoric seas that abound in this novel.

Hometown Inspiration

There's no place like home ... There's no place like home ... Dorothy's words ring out across the generations. Whether you've watched the movie or not, you've probably said it yourself a time or two. So far this month there have been lots of great posts on the topic with lots of a variety, too. Everything from poetry, thoughts on the 'prodigal', musings after a trip, and even a discussion relating the topic to episodes of Star Trek. (As a former 'Trekkie' I always look forward to 'Lightwalker's View')

Now that it's my turn, I'm a bit stumped, however. What can I say that hasn't already been said? I've been on lots of vacations where I've breathed that sigh of, "It's good to be home!" upon walking into my own front door. I've got a few examples of the 'prodigal' that I could share (including myself ...) And I really don't feel up to a review, writing poetry, or anything as clever as yesterdays' post by Chris Vonada.

So instead, I'm going to share a bit from a book I've written called Wind Over Marshdale. The inspiration for this book came from my own hometown of Mossbank, Saskatchewan, which is why I thought it might fit in here. Mossbank is a very small but close knit community in the heart of the Canadian prairies, and naturally, since I lived there for the first eighteen years of my life, I still feel a close connection to the town and surrounding landscape. I still have family who live there, and I usually visit once a year since my father lives close by. As a side note, my book is actually about the evil lurking beneath the seemingly pleasant surface of the town. My fictional town of Marshdale resembles Mossbank on the surface, but rest assured that most of the other 'trouble' - including the spiritual warfare that goes on - is totally fictional!

Here is a short synopsis:

Wind Over Marshdale

Marshdale. Just a small farming community where nothing special happens.  A perfect place to start over… or get lost. There is definitely more to this prairie town than meets the eye. Once the meeting place of aboriginal tribes for miles around, some say the land itself was cursed because of the people’s sin. But its history goes farther back than even indigenous oral history can trace. There are those who believe the original inhabitants crossed over the land bridge connecting the old world to the new after Noah’s flood - and there is still a direct descendant who has been handed the truth, like it or not. Exactly what ties does the land have to the medicine of the ancients? Is it cursed, or is it all superstition?

Wind Over Marshdale is the story of the struggles within a small prairie town when hidden evil and ancient medicine resurface. Caught in the crossfire, new teacher Rachel Bosworth finds herself in love with two men at once. First, there is Thomas Lone Wolf, a Cree man whose blood lines run back to the days of ancient medicine but who has chosen to live as a Christian and faces prejudice from every side as he tries to expose the truth; then there is Con McKinley, local farmer who has to face some demons of his own. Add to the mix a wayward minister seeking anonymity in the obscurity of the town; eccentric twin sisters – one heavily involved in the occult and the other a fundamentalist Christian; and a host of other ‘characters’ whose lives weave together unexpectedly for the final climax. This suspenseful story is one of human frailty - prejudice, cowardice, jealousy, and greed – magnified by powerful spiritual forces that have remained hidden for centuries, only to be broken in triumph by God’s grace.

I recently pitched this book to several agents, and I'm happy to say I have just signed a contract with Steve Hutson of Word Wise Media Hopefully, this means the book will soon find a publishing home and then you can read 'the rest of the story'.  Until then, I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into another one of my imaginary meanderings. (The image is a painting I did as a potential cover. I always feel inspired to paint a cover, but I haven't used any yet, preferring to use something more professional, I still have fun, though.)

On Taking Offense

Have you ever heard the saying 'You can't please everyone'? This is absolutely true, especially within a Christian context. But then, what are we supposed to do with the scriptures that tell us to consider others above ourselves? It's a quandary, that's for sure.

I've come face to face with this issue in my own life more than once, and most recently, in my writing. One of the tags I use to identify myself is 'author of edgy inspirational fiction'. Some of my writing contains mild swearing, references to sex, violence, and other so called 'edgy' content. Compared to many, I think my writing is pretty tame. I like to say that if my eighty five year old father can read it, then I'm okay. However, I also realize that my standard for what is acceptable and someone else's may not be the same. So who is RIGHT?

I'll come back to the answer in a minute, but take a walk with me for a few moments in my 'artist' shoes. One of my early passions was working as a printmaker, specifically using the 'Intaglio' techniques invented during the Renaissance. Albrecht Durer, a personal favorite, was an early perfecter of this art form. In layman's terms, this is 'etching', although this word doesn't really encompass all the subtleties of the art. Although primarily a 'black and white' technique, Intaglio prints are anything but. Rich and subtle shades of gray give each piece life and depth. Durer's 'Praying Hands' is possibly his most famous.



Let's leave the art analogy and go back to writing. A 'black and white' portrayal of life, although sometimes compelling, eliminates all the other subtle shades in between. Ah ... now you know where I'm headed with this. I don't think there is a RIGHT answer to the question. I'm not talking about compromise, here. There are certain truths that must be upheld, such as the deity of Christ or His statement that He is 'the way, the truth and the life'.

What I am talking about are all the other 'in-betweens'. Things that Christians argue over and end up splitting churches over that really have little or no eternal value. There is room for more than one opinion on these matters, just like there is room for more than one type of 'Christian' fiction.

The problem I see are those people who choose to take offense. Everyone should have the right to choose what they read, watch, and other wise expose themselves to, but please don't get on a soap box and try to convince everyone else that you somehow have an exclusive on God's will. (Oh, those soap boxes!) Not everyone likes 'Bonnet' romance (no offense to those who do) and not everyone likes dystopian fiction.

My experience in ministry (My husband and I pastored for several years) is simply this: You really can't please everyone so you're better off not trying. It makes you miserable and it certainly doesn't make those who disagree with you happy. If I worried about what everyone else thought, I'd be wearing long dresses, a head covering and not cutting my hair. Does this mean that those believers who hold to this standard are wrong? Not necessarily. If this is what they feel God would have them do, then do it. Who am I to question their sincerity or the depth of their relationship with Christ? Until He tells me otherwise, however, no thanks!

I could go on and on ... musical styles, length of service, prophesying in church ... It can get messy. My advice? Writers keep on writing. Keep on praying. Keep on doing what you feel God has called you to do. Not everyone is going to like it, but that's okay. In the end, we all have to answer to one and only one - the Almighty Himself.

Mining For Diamonds

What Hard Rock Miners Have In Common With Writers

We've all heard the saying 'a diamond in the rough'. It describes perfectly a manuscript when it's first finished. Those of us who have been there know that the fairy tale image of a writer who is suddenly inspired and polishes off their manuscript in one long night, subsequently sending it to their 'editor' (who apparently handed them a big fat contract without having seen the person's writing beforehand) is a crock!
That finished manuscript may be a 'gem' but it needs lots of chipping and polishing before its ready for market.

I have a bit of an insiders take on this whole process. One of my daughters actually works at a diamond mine in the North West Territories where she manages the fly in camp. It's a remote location with lots of stress, but it got me to thinking about the similarities...

- Miners often work in remote locations, either deep under ground, or in far off camps away from family and friends. Writing is often a secluded and solitary activity, too. Writers must 'remove' themselves while writing in order to maintain focus. Find your place of solitude.

- It's not always easy to get to the goods! Like miners, writers must be tenacious. Giving up and quitting aren't options, even if you're facing writer's block, deadlines are looming, or you face rejection. Keep on writing!

- The best is often beneath the surface. This is a truth in both mining and writing. It takes some digging to get to the diamonds (or whatever it is you're mining) and good writers also dig deep into their characters for motivation to make the story come alive. Dig deep.

- Most ore, metals and even diamonds need work. The raw form just doesn't cut it. Whether this is burning the dross off by extreme heat, grinding and crushing the ore, shaking out the impurities, of cutting and polishing a rough diamond, refinement is essential. All of these processes imply some pain or heat, and so it is with our writing. In the end, the finished product is so much more valuable, though. Refine your work - even if it hurts!

- Some products are discarded. Even after refinement, certain grades of metal or gems just aren't worth much. This is true about writing, too. Even if you've labored long and hard, sometimes you just have to cut your losses and hit delete. What freedom I felt the first time I did this. Why spend more time and effort on something that just isn't good to begin with. Let it go!

- It takes years of preparation to open a mine. It just doesn't happen overnight. Writers need to study, practice and grow. Rarely does one launch to the pinnacle without lots of hard work and effort. Pay your dues!

- Mining is about teamwork. My first point was that it was a solitary activity, but on the other hand, it also takes a team of workers doing all kinds of jobs in order to make the operation a success. So it is with writing. Even though you're spending much of your time in your own 'head space', you still need critique partners, encouragement, and a network of friends ready to help you build a platform. You need the expertise of those who have gone before or who know something about the industry. Get the help you need.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, but I hope you have enjoyed my little comparison. Keep on mining those diamonds. Someday, you may have a beautiful gem.

'Shadows' - Reviews of Ashley Wintters' Shadow Series

In July, I hosted author Ahsley Wintters as part of a Blog tour sponsored by the John 3:16 Marketing network. Since then, I've read both of Ashley's books. Here are my reviews:

Shadows From the Past

Aurora Kavvan is a police woman who can hold her own. But when her brother is brutally killed right before her very eyes, even she can’t quell the dreams that come back to haunt her. Her feelings of guilt coupled with a need for revenge drive her to alienate those she loves the most, including her fiancé Jordan Reiley.

Jordan hasn’t given up on Aurora, though. When her brother’s killer begins threatening Aurora, Jordan is there to protect her. Not only is their love rekindled, but Aurora finds that her faith is restored as well.

Shadows From the Past by Ashley Wintters is straight up romance. Although it does contain action, suspense and murder, these elements seem secondary to the emotional turmoil the estranged lovers must navigate. Sometimes it felt like their inner musings went around in circles more than once as they struggled to rebuild their relationship, but it was still quite satisfying. Also, we are introduced to Jordan’s extended family with a hint that there will be more coming from the Reiley clan in future novels. This was an aspect of the book that I especially liked, since it was faintly reminiscent of Dee Henderson’s ‘O’Malley’ Series. I look forward to what is next in line from this author.


Shadows of Suspicion

The Reiley clan are back in this second book by Ashley Wintters. Very little time has lapsed since the first book, Shadows From the Past, ended. Jordan and Aurora, the happy couple from book one have just gone off on their honeymoon, and sister Kerry is heading home to resume her teaching position after the holidays. But the mafia bad guy from book one isn’t finished with the Reiley family quite yet. His son has entered the picture and kidnaps Kerry in exchange for his father’s release from prison.

Step in Luke Reeding, special agent and friend of the family. He rescues Kerry from her kidnappers only to find that his own heart is taken captive. Both Kerry and Luke know that their strong feelings for one another aren’t enough, however. His past, his current job, and the fact that he does not share Kerry’s faith makes a relationship seem doomed. Meanwhile, they must hide from the crazed killer, and try to plot his capture and arrest. Stay tuned for more from author Ashley Wintters as a third book in the series is forthcoming.

First Links For September!

I had no links to share the last couple of Saturdays, but here I am again, this fine day seven to share a few from the previous week.

Please check out my regular monthly 'Inscribe' post where I talk about Inscribe's upcoming conference theme - 'Words Descending Like Dew'. In it, I refer to Marcia Laycock's wonderful devotional book for writers called 'ABUNDANT RAIN. This is a fabulous book that is so encouraging. I've also linked to it here.


On another note, I've reached the 200 follower mark and that means a final giveaway of MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER.  I randomly selected from my followers and the winner is ... Dora Hiers!

First TV interview!

My first television interview aired on one of our local stations on September 8. CJDC's 'People of the Peace' host Leah Bolton interviewed me for her show. I meant to post about it last week on my 'Just Promoting' page, but it was a CRAZY first week back at school after a long and lovely summer. I haven't been able to upload the video to Youtube yet, but will certainly alert 'the masses' once that happens! In any case, here are a few pictures.

A Place To Let Your Imagination Wander

Where do you write? I have two main locations where I like to let the words flow. Our home office has a nice large window, a comfortable chair, and I'm surrounded by things I love like books and family photos. When this doesn't work, or someone else in the family needs the computer, I use my laptop at the Kitchen table. Lighting is very important to me, so these two locations work best. Where do you do most of your writing?

My desk with a view :)

My kid's wall of fame. When I feel nostalgic I can just look up!

Books, books and more books! One whole wall in my office is 'library', but I have at least five times more books packed away.

 

When all else fails (or I need a change) it's off to the kitchen table!

What 'bugs' you?

We all have our pet peeves. One of my 'biggies' is poor grammar, especially the use of 'I seen'. Argh! As a teacher this drives me NUTS!!!

What about when you're reading a book? Long, long, long, long, LONG passages of description - no matter how well written, bug me when I'm reading because they interrupt the story.Create the picture but then move on, already!!! It reminds me of that classic boring scene from '2001 - A Space Odyssey' where the psychedelic colors just keep morphing .... and morphing ... and morphing ... yawn.  (If you've never seen this movie, you should watch it just so you can experience one of Hollywood's biggest, most amazing FLOPS that still turned out to be a classic. Go figure)

I also hate it when the heroine is too sweet, the hero too rugged, and the plot too predictable. SAPPY! Yuck! Give me some edge any day, with a twist of angst, please. The worst is when the dialogue doesn't match the time period or the characters. You don't hear people from the 19th century using 21st century slang. Yet, I've read this type of book along with the reverse. (Modern people speaking like characters out of Jane Austen.) Puh-leeeez!

Readers (like me) can be brutal critics. That's why writers (like me) have to take the time to examine their own likes and dislikes. Imagine my surprise when I found, hidden in my own manuscripts, just the kinds of things I mentioned. Yikes! It was back to the computer, that's for sure.

What are some of your reading pet peeves?

Why Give Away Books?

At one point, this didn't make sense to me. In my mind, every book I gave away was a potential loss of a sale. My, oh my, how I have changed my tune!

I have come to understand the power of 'buzz'. There are millions of books out there, with thousands more being released each day. How in the world are people going to find out about YOUR book if someone else doesn't tell them about it? I've heard varying stats on the topic, but there is lots of supporting evidence to show that giving away books results in more sales.

Since I've been involved in the industry as a published author, I've been introduced to scores of other new or low profile authors like me who are trying to get the word out. Many of the contacts I've made are with other writers, and let's be honest. As much as we want to help each other out, we can't afford to buy each others books on a regular basis. But we can help each other by reading and posting positive reviews. (Only if the book is worthy - nobody wants to compromise their integrity...)

This is where sending out review copies - and lots of them - comes in. As much as possible, give away digital or electronic versions of your book for review to those that will accept them. Many people now own e-readers of one kind or another, so reading digital copies is no problem. Even books that aren't published in an e-format can still be sent as pdfs. If you're targeting the endorsement of a higher profile person and they only want a hard copy, give it to them! As well, I think hard copies are nicer as gifts or as thank yous for those that have helped with a launch campaign etc.

Don't be stingy. J. Steve Miller, in his book SELL MORE BOOKS, says you should be giving out about 200 review copies. I've heard similar stats from marketing gurus like John Kremer. You'll reap the rewards rather than holding on to each and every copy yourself. Think of it like 'tithing'. If you're generous, it'll come back to you - just one of those crazy principles that seems to work.

SELL MORE BOOKS!

I recently finished reading a book called SELL MORE BOOKS by J. Steve Miller and it is, in my mind one of the best (if not the best 0 books I've ever read on marketing for writers. It is a MUST READ. Here is my review.

Sell More Books – Book Marketing and Publishing For Low Profile and Debut Authors – Rethinking Book Publicity After the Digital Media Revolutions. There it is. The complete title, including subtitles. Why on earth would anyone want such a long title, anyway?  Well, for the answer, read this book! In fact, read this book for every other reason you can think of to address the myriad of questions that the title raises, because - pardon the cliché – this really is a must read for low profile and debut authors.

J. Steve Miller is thorough, inventive, practical and even entertaining in Sell More Books. Not only will you want to keep reading, you will want to re-read this book, making it one of your ‘go-to’ books on marketing. In fact, I plan to buy a print copy so that I can mark it up, even though I already own the e-version. It’s that good!

He covers all the book marketing basics, beginning with a solid foundation in publishing itself. (Something he advises you need to understand in order to understand the marketing end of things.) Every chapter is full of easy to read and follow ‘how-to’s’ , is full of examples, and then ends with an action plan. As a successful, multi-published author he goes on to add even more credibility to his ideas by referencing and calling on other experts in the field, and he has provided for changes in the industry by linking to additional information and expanded chapters which can be accessed online.

There are lots of great resources out there, but Sell More Books by J. Steve Miller is currently my favorite. I can’t recommend this book enough for anyone who is at all interested in marketing books – low profile, debut or just ‘wanna-be’. It is worth every word. 

ECFL Blog Festival - What A Character!

Step right up! Today is the launch of an exciting new feature sponsored by ECFL - a BLOG FESTIVAL! It was the brainchild of author and fellow ECFL member, Shawneda Marks. Every month, participants will post on a topic and you, the reader, can browse through the 'festival' of blog fair tidbits! This month we're looking at characters - some unique, some romantic, some evil and some just out there!
Here is an imaginary diary entry from the main character from my book MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER. Joleen Allen is a forty-four year old mother of five who has a penchant for younger men. What's going through this cougar's brain ...

Dear Diary,

I spent the morning at the gym. Gotta keep in shape, although I must say, my derriere isn’t bad for someone whose given birth five times! Now if I can just keep those pesky lines around my eyes from getting any deeper. All this stress with Harold isn’t helping much. He is such a jerk. I thought I was rid of him for good last time he went to jail, but now he keeps calling me. It’s giving me the creeps.

I hope he doesn’t poison the girls. He was always so smooth and he is their dad. Still, I don’t think Jill or Jasmine will fall for his lies. The others might not be as strong.

Who cares about him anyway! I’d much rather think about my date with Sam this Friday. He is so strong and sexy. Kind of rough around the edges, and kind of shy too, but his buns definitely make up for it. Speaking of buns, my self defense instructor Cody has an awesome set, too. I can just tell by the way he looks at me, he’s interested. If things don’t work out with Sam, I’m sure I could get a little action on the side with Cody … 

The girls think I’m shallow, but I don’t care. They don’t know the half of what I’ve been through. They’d be shocked if they knew, but they won’t. I’ll make sure of it. Brenda thinks I’m shallow too, but when you get to be my age, you have to pull out all the stops. I’m not getting any younger. Right now I’ve still got ‘it’ but I know a day is coming when it might not come as easily. I guess that’s why I should be looking for something a little more permanent. It’s what I want – really I do! But sometimes the thought of another marriage scares me, too. My last one turned out so bad that I’m not sure I can handle it again.

Oh, what am I saying?! Of course I want a permanent relationship. It’s just that I hate to close any of the open doors, so to speak. I mean, besides Sam and Cody, there’s John Michael, Vince and Enriquez ... Mm, Enriquez! John Michael is pretty hot, too, for a professor. One of these nights I’m going to make him notice me, even if it kills me! 

Tomorrow I’m going to change some of the displays at work. Our fall line of lingerie just came in and I want to put some of the spring stock on sale. Maybe I’ll even buy a little something for myself. A girl can always use a few new ‘pretties’. Something to make you feel sexy. I deserve it, too. I’ve been under way to much stress lately. And …you just never know when you’ll get the chance to show them off. (Wink!)

For more festival fun go to the link:  http://christianbookfestival.blogspot.com/

Knowledge Is Power

Today is Wednesday, and if you follow this blog, you'll know that Wednesday is the day for 'THE ISSUE' - when I post about a topic of relevance in the news, or of some other social significance. I'm pleased today to point you toward what I consider a very worthy cause started by two Canadian authors from Winnipeg. It's called KIP (Knowledge Is Power) and today they are hosting a fundraising event to launch this worthy project. 

Here's more about KIP: 

KIP (Knowledge Is Power) Education & Prevention Programs offers all-inclusive programs tailored to the specific needs of at-risk youth, newcomers and low-income people in Canada. KIP provides the necessary tools and equal opportunities allowing participants to become valuable individuals, employees and members of the community.  

Here's a press release with information on how you can get involved. 

Local Authors Announce Book Reading and Fundraiser

Two successful Winnipeg authors have joined forces in a fundraising book-signing to support the launch of a new community-based organization called KIP. The organization will provide powerful education and prevention programs for those in need in our communities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WINNIPEG, August 1, 2011 – On September 7, 2011, authors Kay Alexander and Cendrine Marrouat will be at Winnipeg’s McNally Robinson Booksellers to read from their books, Voices of the Forgotten and Five Years and Counting. A Journey into the Mind of Soul Poetry. They will also introduce KIP (Knowledge Is Power) Education & Prevention Programs, their new organization, to the public.  The event starts at 7:30 p.m.

The story behind Voices of the Forgotten started a few years ago, when Alexander, an experienced worker in the social services field, became disconcerted by the ease at which victims of misfortune were blamed for their predicaments. She decided to use poetry to tell their stories.

"My ultimate desire is that this book be a call to action," she says. "By showing how victims feel, how their situations make them feel, I want to motivate readers to put away judgment and pity and to strive to make a difference in the lives of the voiceless in our communities."

This desire to reach out to people is something that can also be found in Five Years and Counting. A Journey into the Mind of Soul Poetry. Marrouat uses poetry as well to capture enlightening ideas about life, death, love, challenges, and growth. “The power of the written and spoken word, used in conjunction with mind, heart and soul, creates a universe of possibilities,” she says. “Life cannot be experienced fully without them. And it is what I want to show with this book.”

Alexander and Marrouat met last November, during Alexander’s book launch. They started exchanging emails in which they discussed the topics in their books. Within a few weeks, Alexander shared her vision: An organization that would cater to both those in need and those who serve them through all-inclusive programs. They met again and KIP started to take shape.

A portion of the proceeds raised from the sale of the books during the reading will be used to finance KIP. For more details on the event, visit http://www.facebook.com/kipprograms.

McNally Robinson Booksellers is located at 1120 Grant Avenue, in Winnipeg.

For more information, please contact:

Cendrine Marrouat, Publicity Manager

(204) 997-0948

cendrinemarrouat@gmail.com

So you think you have it all figured out... Creating a Schedule that works Part 5

So far I've given the low down on creating a schedule that works (from this writers perspective.)  Writing Is Work, after all, so it's up to us to make the most of our time. Take control of all that on-line marketing you're doing! Make sure you're spending enough time in 'creative mode' actually writing, and tackle that giant writing 'To Do' list. This is my last post in this series on scheduling, and guess what ... ?

Now that school has started again I've had to revamp it all! Yup, sometimes 'real life' gets in the way of our best laid plans. I've had to scrap my lovely all day schedule for something that fits into my now busy life as a secondary school teacher. But ... even though things have changed, in many ways they have stayed the same.

You see, balancing your 'writing life' with everything else still takes some forethought. That's why creating a schedule that works is even more important if you also work at a job outside of your writing. Basically, everything I've already talked about still stands. It just happens in shorter chunks of time. Instead of a three hour on-line blitz each morning, I now spend one hour either right after school or in the evening. Instead of three glorious hours of creative writing time, I'm down to one hour, sometime after all dinner dishes and any meetings are out of the way. The point is, I still make time for a minimum of ONE HOUR, because without it, my creativity 'roll' will come to a rolling stop! And what about all those things on my 'To Do' list? Well, now they are relegated to the weekend.

You can still maintain a schedule that works for you, no matter how busy your life. The point is, productive people stay productive when they have a framework from which to work. This doesn't mean that you must become a slave to your schedule. Life happens and its important to go with the flow to some degree. You can't foresee every opportunity or every disaster. However, having a general framework helps keep you on track so that the wheels don't fall off completely.

Here are the links to the other posts in this discussion:
Part 1: Writing Is Work
Part 2: All those On-Line Sites
Part 3: Writing is What it's All About
Part 4: The 'To Do" List

I'd love some feedback on what works for you and what doesn't. 

All the Voices of the Wind - lots of evidence for creation

All the Voices of the Wind by Donald James Parker is, I suppose, a YA book since the protag is a teen on a quest for truth (not to mention on a quest for the hot girl!)

However, the subject matter is probably of just as much relevance - if not more - to adults interested in evidence for intelligent design. Donald hosted me on his blogtalk radio show a few months ago. To listen to it, go to: interview with Donald James Parker. We had a very lively discussion on the topic and it was here that he introduced me to this book. All the Voices of the Wind has a lot of good information about the holes in evolutionary theory and how creation actually makes more sense scientifically. In that regard it was quite interesting. 

A teenaged girl sets out to prove creation to her science teacher and gets several friends on board.  The protag is a young male – the quarterback of the football team, who happens to fall for the cute ‘new’ girl. Although not a Christian himself, he soon finds himself going to church in order to impress his love interest. This is complicated by the fact that his father is dead set against anything to do with religion.  

Sometimes the dialogue, especially among the teens themselves, just doesn’t come across as authentic. As well, there were times when it seemed the story was not moving forward because of too much extraneous information. However, the actual evidence for creation that comes out in the book is very interesting and thoroughly researched. If this is a topic that you are interested in, push through until you get what you came for.

A Call for Reviews - Using Amazon

Have you read and enjoyed one of my novels? I know by my sales stats that there are a whole lot more people out there who have read either AND THE BEAT GOES ON or MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER than have posted reviews on Amazon.

Did you know that positive reviews can have a huge impact on future sales as well as rankings on Amazon? Also, publishers, agents, publicists and other media often go there first to check out an author ranking. In order to write a review, you have to have an account which may entail making a purchase. Even if you already own one of my books, there's probably something else of interest...

There are a number of other ways to use amazon to your advantage if you are an author. Here are some of them:

'Tagging' is simply adding a descriptive word about the book after the book synopsis and reviews. Scroll down until you see 'Tags Customers Associate With this Product'. There are usually several tags already listed and all you have to do is 'agree' with them. (You are allowed up to 15.)

Right after each review you will also see a little box that asks if this review was helpful. Clicking 'yes' to positive reviews boosts each reviews ranking, which in turn can have an affect on the over all rank of the book.

You can create 'Listmania' lists which nclude a favorite author's books. Grouping your favorites together improves the chances of that book getting suggested to people who enjoy a similar type of book.

Finally, 'So You Like To' Guides are another way to boost either your own profile on amazon or that of a favorite book or author. These are helpful articles written on a topic that may include a specific book as a reference. Having one's books listed in a guide is very helpful

I do not pretend to be an expert on all the ways to use Amazon. However, with a little effort, there are many ways for authors to boost their presence on Amazon, and with millions of other books in competition, any little bit helps. You may not have realized that once you have an amazon account, you can also post reviews on amazon sites other than in the US. Amazon.ca is the Canadian counterpart, and Amazon.uk is the British counterpart. Reviews posted at Amazon.com (US) do not automatically go to these other sites. For someone from Canada (like me) I really appreciate getting reviews on this Canadian site as well. I'm sure my counterparts from other countries would agree.

So ... back to my original question? Have you read any of my books? If so, would you consider going to my amazon page and either writing a review, adding tags, agreeing with a review, or creating a list? Thanks in advance! I'm expecting those rankings to soar! To make things super easy, here is the link directly to my amazon books: http://www.kraussamazon.com

If you haven't read one of my books because you don't own it, both are available as ebooks, paperbacks, and one as a hardcover. Take your pick!

Creative Chaos

I like to be organized, but at some point, when the artistic muse takes over, things can get messy! This is the case whether you're writing, painting, quilting or gardening. No matter the creative activity, allowing the mess to co-exist with you frees up more time in the long run. Here is an example of my current art mess. At one time I dedicated one bedroom as my studio, allowing me to shut the door on the mess if need be, and come back to my projects when I had the time. Unfortunately, my current arrangement has me dragging my supplies out to the kitchen table every time I want to paint - a situation that does not encourage the artist in me, let me assure you! This can be a problem for writers, too, if they have to share their writing space with the table or TV. I guess at some point we just have to live with the chaos if we're ever going to allow our creative energy to find an outlet. Keep on painting, writing, quilting, or whatever else you're doing!