The modern world is one of immediate gratification and this phenomenon is reflected in entertainment and media sources. For example, in the genre of mystery writing, a murder almost always happens within the first few pages. In screenwriting, the main idea or theme should be delineated by the third page or the first few minutes. On a website, the “hero” message should be at the top of the site; otherwise, viewers will click elsewhere.
In September, I discussed the benefits... Continue Reading
I absolutely loved I Temporarily Do by Ellie Cahill (the not-so-secret pen name of author Liz Czukas). It all starts with a marriage of convenience between two wonderfully written and believable characters who don't mean to fall in love. They really don't! And I'm not giving away anything here--this is a romance novel after all. Of course, they fall in love. But what happens next is what makes the story so delicious. I just love a story that makes me laugh out loud. I was so glad to learn there that this is the first book in Cahill's Cordially Invited duo. Can't wait for the next installment.
They say you write what you want to read, and I’m no exception. I love some good old-fashioned (and newly imagined) witchy magic at any time of year but particularly as we enjoy the days leading up to Halloween. No matter your age, here are some fabulous witchy tales to enjoy this month. (I didn’t include the Harry Potter series because it’s a given that these books should lead any list in the witching/wizarding world.)
Picture BooksThe witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch's hat, then her bow, and then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a... Continue Reading
In my journey through the steps of independent publishing, refining my writing skills, and most recently completing a successful agent search, I’ve come across some excellent information, tips, tools, and shortcuts that I think would be beneficial to any writer. Once a month, I’ll share the “best of” information and news from the publishing industry as well as feature other authors and writing instructors with tips to share. I am incredibly thankful for the assistance and advice given to me from writing and publishing professionals and am happy pay that forward. On a professional level, I also use my publicity and editorial skills to aid other authors through my company Lost Lake Press.
October Book... Continue Reading
If you’re a planner like me, you’re contemplating New Year’s resolutions. Fall is the perfect time to consider goals for 2018. Cool air and long walks—without the stress of the holiday season—affords time to consider next steps and plans to achieve them. A favorite writer’s group leader of mine offers the S.M.A.R.T. acronym as a guide for reaching a goal: it must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. I like it because it’s a great goal-setting process that goes beyond simply writing down one’s future objectives.
In June, July, and August, I offered writing prompts regarding... Continue Reading
While we typically say goodbye to summer over the Labor Day weekend, this week marks the true end of summer with the autumn equinox on Friday, September 22 (at precisely 3:02 pm central time in the northern hemisphere.) This holiday is also known as Mabon—a mid-harvest festival. Given the temperatures we’ll expect in south central Wisconsin this week, it sure doesn’t feel like fall. The corn and soybeans still stand in the field and gardens are still abundantly producing. That’s just fine with me. I’ll hold onto summer-like weather as long as possible!
What does tell me it’s fall has nothing to do with outdoorsy activities—it’s the new TV schedule and all the fall premieres that I’ve been waiting for. I was at a conference this weekend and... Continue Reading
Reading Goal Update: After failing to reach my ambitious goal of reading 80 books last year (while writing and publishing two books--what was I thinking?), I set a much more reasonable goal of 52 books for 2017. I’m now only eight books away from reaching this goal. How are you doing on your reading goals this year? I track my reading through Goodreads. I love this because I also get notifications when an author I've previously read has a new release. You know how hard it is to keep track of these things!!
The best part of reading more books than anticipated so far this year?? I’m finding even more excellent books that I think you would enjoy!
... Continue Reading
In my journey through the steps of independent publishing, refining my writing skills, and most recently completing a successful agent search, I’ve come across some excellent information, tips, tools, and shortcuts that I think would be beneficial to any writer. Once a month, I’ll share the “best of” information and news from the publishing industry as well as feature other authors and writing instructors with tips to share. I am incredibly thankful for the assistance and advice given to me from writing and publishing professionals and am happy pay that forward. On a professional level, I also use my publicity and editorial skills to aid other authors through my company Lost Lake Press. Some purchase links for books I'm recommending are affiliate links which pay me a small fee.... Continue Reading
I’ve gotten my voice back and it only took a couple of days after speaking to wonderful attendees at Irish Fest in Milwaukee this past weekend. It was an incredible honor to be part of the Literary Corner in the Cultural Village. I met so many interesting people with a deep knowledge of Irish history and Celtic mythology. I’ve collected a host of emails of those willing to aid in researching my next Irish-themed novel (and sold quite a few books along the way.)
I also was in some humbling company. The other authors in attendance were:
Tony Macaulay – Tony is a Belfast native and author of Paper Boy, Bread Boy, and All Growed Up. He debuted his new book at... Continue Reading
YES! Another fabulous book by Angie Stanton releases today. (Scroll down for my full review.)
Please know that I only recommend books that I feel are worthy of your time! Some of the links included on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Valerie Biel’s debut novel Circle of Nine - Beltany has been honored as a 2015 Kindle Book Award Finalist, a finalist in the Gotham Writers' YA Novel Discovery Contest and the Readers' Favorite Book Award Contest as well as being a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. The final installment in this series - Circle of Nine - Sacred Treasures - has also received a B.R.A.G. Medallion and was short listed for the Eric Hoffer Book Award grand prize, earning the First Runner-Up distinction in the YA category.