lldreamspell

Holiday Shopping: What Next?

2011-12-06T03:13:00.000-08:00

Holiday Shopping: What Next?
by Jacqueline Seewald

Nothing can quite compare with the yearly ritual of holiday shopping, which theoretically begins on the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday. However, in actuality it begins much earlier, of late right after Halloween. In fact, the way things are going, pretty soon the stores will start putting up tinsel on the 4th of July.

The frenetic pace of shopping madness increases unabated throughout December. The shopping itself takes on such dimensions that with many people, the material supercedes the spiritual aspect of the holidays.

But before the shopping can even begin, there is the business of finding parking at the Mall. Holiday shoppers know when they are nearing the Mall because traffic becomes as thick as an ant colony, and jockeying for position starts in earnest. Inevitably, a type "A" personality loses patience and aggressively pulls out on the shoulder of the road, speeds ahead, then forces his/her way into the regular stream of traffic. This individual manages to gain perhaps four or five car lengths to ultimately beat the traffic light, forcing other drivers to slam on their brakes and come to an abrupt halt. A cacophony of horns proceeds to announce the general agitation.

Arriving at the mall, one is treated to a breathtaking sight—an unending sea of automobiles. There is quite literally not a parking spot to spare. And so begins the art of cruising for a space. This can be compared to the choreography of a ballet. Automobiles pirouette and arabesque around the lot.

Inevitably, there is a car waiting in each aisle for someone to pull out. Often there are two vehicles set to swoop down like vultures. The poor driver who must pull out of the spot has a serious dilemma: which way to go? One or the other of the waiting drivers must be disappointed, only to drive off angrily, perhaps offering the middle finger salute. Definitely not showing proper holiday spirit! (More like the gunfight at Okay Corral) Drivers keep cruising, ready to dive like kamikaze pilots when they find a likely target--barely avoiding fender benders--a holiday miracle in itself. No matter how many spaces exist, there are never enough.

Another technique involves following those who are leaving. Sometimes these shoppers are merely putting away their packages and return to the Mall for further exploration. Then there is the individual, fully aware someone is waiting for his/her parking spot, who decides this is a good time to sit and light up a cigarette, fiddle with the car radio, or begin a philosophical discussion on the meaning of life with someone they've conjured on a cell phone.

Most amazing of all are those who decide to grab the closest parking spot. I'm talking here about nabbing the spaces set aside for the handicapped. These artists fall into several categories. First are those who have no physical impediment whatsoever but park illegally because they don't want to continue cruising. We have no trouble spotting them as they run out when the police start ticketing. The second category: those who somehow obtained handicapped stickers yet can move like gazelles, either had some impediment but are over it and kept their stickers, or obtained them illegally in the first place. There seem to be a growing number of these talented artists who we may refer to as prima donnas.

With so many people claiming the right to place handicapped stickers in their automobiles, I am waiting for the time when non-handicapped signs will be issued instead. After managing to obtain a parking spot and reaching the Promised Land of the Mall, we are greeted by a chorus of Hallelujah from the sound system. Unfortunately, by this time, we are almost too weary to shop.

When Christmas and Chanukah come and all the gifts are finally handed out, matters are not in the least resolved, as a good portion of those gifts will end up being returned soon after. (The heaviest shopping day of the entire year is December 26th) So just when we think our holiday shopping is finally done, it's only just begun!

Then there's the matter of re-gifting. That's the most bizarre ritual of all. This refers to presents that don't come with any clue as to where they were purchased. Even Sherlock Holmes would scratch his head in perplexity. These are gifts that no one in their right mind would want to keep: purple plaid socks, perfume that would make a skunk turn up its tail in disgust. Well, you get the picture! So what does one do with such odious presents? Naturally, we save them and give them to those who have given us their re-gifts. You know you've gone full cycle when one of your re-gifts is gifted back to you.

I would like to suggest that e-books are an excellent gift to give. You don’t have to run around. You can make your selections in comfort. And you don’t have to spend your life savings. There’s a perfect book for everyone, whether a cookbook like KILLER RECIPES or romantic mystery thrillers like THE INFERNO COLLECTION and THE DROWNING POOL, my two novels just published in e-book formats by L&L Dreamspell. Check it out at:
http://www.lldreamspell.com/JacquelineSeewald.htm

What are your feelings regarding holiday shopping? Do you give books as gifts? Thoughts and comments welcome!

what's happening

2011-05-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

My publisher got the new book Trashy Gourmet a week ago. It is another Adam Thomas mystery. Also been busy with talks and conferences in Texas. Have a number of things coming up and will write abut them shortly.

Amanda Hocking: What Does Her Success Mean?

2011-03-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

Amanda Hocking: What Does Her Success Mean for Publishing?

by Jacqueline Seewald

The New York Times has broken the story that Amanda Hocking, a self-published paranormal YA author age 26, has signed a major deal with St. Martin’s Press. Hocking who self-published her e-books and sold them for 99 cents, has become a bestselling author. Bidding for her new work rose beyond $2 for worldwide English rights in a four book deal.

Some people have used this information to declare this as proof that e-publishing will destroy traditional publishing. However, Amanda Hocking herself disagrees with this analysis. In an intelligently written essay on her own blog,

(http://amandahocking.blogspot.com/2011/03/some-things-that-need-to-be-said.html)
Hocking says it’s harder to become a bestselling writer through
self-publishing than with traditional publishers. That is something I would agree
with. If the writing and presentation are amateurish, readers will simply not
buy the book no matter how little it may cost.

My YA novel STACY’S SONG certainly hasn’t been selling like Hocking’s books
as either a print or e-book despite good reviews; however, I still don’t believe that self-publishing is the answer for most writers. Hocking points out in her essay that she needed to get the help of editors and other professionals in publishing her work.
She couldn’t do it all by herself if she was going to create a good product. And now
Hocking has signed with a traditional publisher.

What is your interpretation of Amanda Hocking’s success? What do you see as the
future for e-publishing? For self-publishing?

Oscars Over: Let’s Talk Books!

2011-02-28T05:41:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Romance of My Dreams Volume 2
by Jacqueline Seewald

ROMANCE OF MY DREAMS, Volume 2, is an L&L Dreamspell Anthology which contains ten romantic stories by eight different authors. The enjoyment lies in that you get ten different stories with a variety of voices and characters.

The lead off story is Pauline Baird Jones’ “Comfort Zone.” Halle Greenfield isn’t thinking of marriage. However, Lord Keil has other ideas. The story grabs the reader from the beginning: “Marrying a man she’d met once was a bad idea. When that man was
ET it was insane.” Yes, this is a science fiction romance. It is also charming, romantic, humorous and will leave you with a smile on your face.

In Cindy Davis’ “Cuppa Jarvis” the intriguing character Detective Colby Jarvis is called in to solve the break-in at Angie Deacon’s community theatre. Needless to say, a romance develops. The story could well be developed into a romantic suspense novel.

“Pyrotechnics” by Joyce Scarbrough is more than a college romance. Jaycee Stevens is a college freshman trying to find herself. Like Jaycee, Bud Stanton is an athlete. He is also
troubled about finding his identity. Both have family problems. The two are a volatile mix. And they do combust. The dialogue is realistic and the characters well-drawn.

“Recov” by Helen Henderson is a bitter-sweet romance, touching and tender. It is the science fiction story of Eric Marten who has been chosen by the government to create
a child with the woman of his dreams, Lauren Woods. There’s just one problem:
Lauren died before her time and has been brought back to life for a brief time to create
a perfect child with Eric. At first chilling, the story becomes a warm and sensitive romance as the relationship develops between Eric and Lauren.

In “The View from the Balcony”, D.K. Christi, begins her story with a woman who is ill and has just been jilted by her fiancé racing across a small Italian beach on horseback. The image of the blond-haired beauty in a white wedding dress dashing through the pounding surf on a white stallion catches the attention of a man who has also suffered losses. He rescues her from drowning and a beautiful love affair ensues. This is a lovely, romantic story that captures the reader’s attention and keeps it to the end.

“The Right Feeling” by Phyllis Humphrey is the story of Megan Taylor, an interior decorator, who has inherited an old hotel in Hawaii from an uncle. She cannot afford to
maintain the hotel or fix it up properly and has decided to try to sell it to a large corporation. The moment she sees Bart Graham who represents Condon Properties, she finds herself attracted to him, and the feeling is returned. But all is not smooth going for Megan because her hotel is hit by a tsunami. This is a well-written, enjoyable romantic story. Readers will care about Megan and Bart.

In “Son of a Sheik” by Pauline Baird Jones, a ten year old child with a giant IQ acts as matchmaker. Elle parents her dead twin sister’s child, Emma. Enter Rafiq who dumped Elle five years before and broke her heart. Em sets matters right. A very pleasing story with endearing characters.

“Manless and Loving It” by Lisa Rene Smith is a tour de force. Recently divorced Samantha Greene is walking on a deserted beach in the evening feeling her fifty years when a man comes out of nowhere and frightens her. However, Detective Nick Karras is not trying to attack Sam as she at first assumes but is actually interested in protecting her. A pithy, exciting romantic story.

“Safe Harbor” is the second story in this collection by Joyce Sterling Scarbrough.
Cal Pardue is suspicious of Jasmine Gregory’s attention to his grandfather in the nursing home. Jasmine is kind to everyone but Amos in particular because he reminds Jasmine of
her own grandfather who she hardly got to know. Jasmine’s surprising background makes her an especially interesting character, but she must overcome Cal’s hardcore distrust of women. The Louisiana locale provides an authentic setting for a sensitive yet entertaining romantic story.

“Casino Life” is my own contribution to the anthology. It’s as much a literary short story as a romance. Sara is a lonely widow whose life has lost its meaning. Her regular bus trips to Atlantic City are what keep her going. But Sara is not a gambler. Rob, a construction worker, was recently laid off his job. They meet on the bus and a bond forms between them, two lost souls in need of comfort and companionship. For them, the excitement of casino life ignites romance and hope.

Blog Talk Radio Program Reformated

2011-01-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

There is a new place where you are welcome to promote your work—as long as your fiction/non-fiction includes a main character (or supporting cast) who is a strong woman, (hopefully of the good example type! but will consider the other if there is a lesson to learn in that of the other type! LOL)

Starting February 1, I am resuming my weekly Blog Talk Radio internet live talk show. I’m changed the format from Murder She Writes, to Writing Strong Women. The 30 minute program will air on Mondays at 1:00 p.m. CENTRAL time and is conducted over the telephone. There is no charge for this.

Please pass the word along to others, and if you are interested in booking an interview, email me at this email address. I usually go on a first come first serve basis.

I will be interviewing folks who write any genre, any time period, again, fiction and non-fiction— published--and whose work supports the topic of strong women.

If interested, let me know.

Horror Fiction

2010-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Horror Fiction: What’s It Really About?

by Jacqueline Seewald

L&L Dreamspell publishes many genre anthologies which include horror thrillers.
One of my best short stories “Wormwood” was included in L&L’s Thriller anthology published in 2009. Another, “Morgan’s Mountain,” now appears in the new L&L Dreamspell anthology Nightmares in which twenty unique stories are featured:
http://www.lldreamspell.com/DreamspellNightmares.htm

When people talk about horror fiction, they might let out an involuntary shudder.
However, horror fiction isn’t just about the gruesome. It’s not just about the supernatural, ghosts, goblins, ghouls, gremlins, etc. No, it’s really about what we fear, what we dread most. These things may be ordinary, like a pit bull off the leash running toward us, or extraordinary, like meeting a vampire in a neighborhood bar at midnight. We have fears that are both usual and the unusual.

Horror fiction will not be going away any time soon because it is human nature to feel fear as an emotion. Horror fiction helps us handle these feelings, helps us cope with and confront our terrors, those within us and those in the environment around us.

Comments welcome!

What Are Teens Reading Today?

2010-11-15T04:18:00.000-08:00

Blog What Are Teens Reading Today?
by Jacqueline Seewald

As an English teacher, an educational media specialist/school librarian, and as a parent
(besides being a writer), this is a question that has always interested me: What are teens reading?

To be as current as possible I did some googling on the net and discovered some helpful
websites such as: http://www.teenreads.com/, http://teenfictioncafe.blogspot.com/
and http://www.ala.org/. There are of course many others.

The good news is teens ARE reading! They have to read the classics for school. But many are reading for pleasure as well. (Of course, they might not always be reading what their parents think they should be reading.)

Will the trend toward horror fiction continue? Probably. Teens have enjoyed horror fiction for many years now. It didn’t just begin with Stephen King’s Carrie.

There’s a wide interest in a variety of speculative fiction--science fiction which many boys enjoy, as well as fantasy fiction. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels are widely read across the spectrum of teens, children and adults. Maybe speculative fiction has wide appeal because young readers want to escape from the real world into another simpler realm where good triumphs over evil in the end.

As for romance fiction, girls are still reading in that genre. Paranormal dark romance for teens is particularly hot. Readers are enthralled with Stephenie Meyer, but there are many other writers emulating her success. Publishers are eager to seize and ride on the coattails of whatever is trendy.

My latest book for teens, STACY’S SONG, is a coming of age novel/romance published by L&L Dreamspell. I didn’t try to be trendy, just tried to write something that teenagers could enjoy and connect with. It is now published both in paperback and electronic media.

http://www.amazon.com/Stacys-Song-ebook/dp/B0049P1N44/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1289823047&sr=8-2

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Stacys-Song/Jacqueline-Seewald/e/9781603182669

Here is what reviewers have said so far:

—"This is a wonderful young adult novel! Full of honest emotion, problems, conflict and a cast of fascinating characters, STACY'S SONG is a heartwarming story of a girl growing up and learning how to make thoughtful decisions that will affect her life today and in the future." —Alice Duncan, award-winning author

—"Young readers will embrace Stacy. Not only must she deal with her father, who does not like the changes in her life, especially Michael and the band, but the peer pressure from her friends. STACY'S SONG is a well written story about those awkward teen years, when the ugly duckling turns into a swan, and the rocky roads that teenagers traverse. This is an enjoyable, fun read, and I recommend it for young adults." —Deborah C Jackson – Romance Reviews Today

—"This is an entertaining young adult tale starring a likable high school age girl who goes from being the outside freak to the in-crowd. Stacy is stupendous lead as she struggles with two boys; one is charming while the other is demanding. Who will she choose particularly since her dad has already selected who he wants kicked to the curb." —Harriet Klausner—Genre Go Round

Will teens want to read this novel? I certainly hope so!

What do you see teens reading? Who do you think they should be reading?

A Special Thanksgiving Event!

2010-11-11T18:02:00.001-08:00

The Holidays are a wonderful time of year, where we thank those in our lives that have done so much for us throughout the year. Romance in the Backseat is also taking part in saying thanks. We have authors giving away books as well as some truly generous giveaways. Those of food for families in need this Holiday. Come and Visit Romance in the Backseat. Nominate those who need some cheer for the book giveaways and those you know who are in need to win the Food Gift Cards from Silver Publishing and author Kylie Brandt.

Romance in the Backseat

Join us and enter to Win a $100 Food Gift Card from Silver Publishing

Author Kylie Brandt is doing a special $50 Holiday Food Giveaway on RITBS

NEW NOVEL-QUEST FOR THE CRYSTAL SKULL is now out

2010-11-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

The new Virginia Davies mystery novel Quest for the Crystal Skull is now out and available at bookstores everywhere. If you can't find it have them order it!

Quest for the Crystal Skull

A Virginia Davies Mystery

David Ciambrone

Texas. It’s the biggest state in the continental United States. Sun worshipers, college students at Spring Break, smugglers and hurricanes visit its coastline. This hurricane found Virginia Davies at a beachfront resort on St. John’s Island securing archaeological artifacts and treasures worth millions that had been hijacked. With the hurricane raging around her, she and a long time friend, Donna Boletti, encounter Virginia’s murdered partner, and some killers trying to steal an old crystal skull.

After she and Donna eliminate the threat of the killers and the hurricane ebbs, they heads for New Orleans to trace down the people behind the murders. Virginia and Donna are pulled into the world of Voodoo and find other groups wanting the crystal skull and her dead. She and Donna keep searching for clues while the body count keeps going up around them. She learns the people behind the murders are headquartered in Rome. In Rome she manages to get inside the world of a dangerous art and fake antiques business and an unusual laboratory for the manufacture of undetectable fake art and antiques that could mean her death.

Virginia entangles the reader in a rapid-fire adventure involving the worlds of murder, voodoo, and antique fraud and the sights and sounds of Texas, New Orleans and Rome up to the high stakes end on the Mediterranean Sea.

Cats in a Dreamspell: The Cat’s Meow

2010-09-21T11:55:00.001-07:00

Cats in a Dreamspell: The Cat’s Meow

By Jacqueline Seewald

The first thing I noticed about CATS IN A DREAMSPELL is the exceptional artwork. I’m not talking just about the clever cover art both front and back but also the fact that each of the twelve short stories in this anthology has its own unique cat photos. This is appropriate because each story is different and makes its own individual impact.

The first story in this anthology is by Mark Rosendorf, who has written several well-reviewed novels in The Rasner Effect Trilogy. “Cat in the Cockpit” is clever magic realism. The story has shadings of Twilight Zone but still manages to be fresh and original—okay maybe kind of weird. Mike and Joe want to be pilots and are in the cockpit of a 747 plane with the pilot and co-pilot, who one after the other leave and don’t return. There is also a cat in the cockpit. Mike is unsettled by this and goes in search of the pilots. Everyone else appears mesmerized by a movie, including the flight attendant who soon also disappears. Joe sees no problem in flying the plane, after all, he’s got a copy of the manual. Theatre of the absurd? Perhaps. Yet it works because the reader is inclined to suspend disbelief, completely sucked into the story and wondering what will happen next.

“Dog Matters” by D. Nathan Hilliard is another unique and original story. Minke the cat tells this story in first person point of view in a lively manner with a distinct personality and voice. He has lived in harmony with Chipper the dog since they were kitten and pup. But something evil has flown into the birdhouse. Chipper warns Minke and then tries to protect his human family from harm but he fails tragically. After that, although Minke is warned that this is a matter for dogs, not cats, he decides to fight the monster. A story worth reading.

“Chronicles of a Cat Woman” by Cathy Noonan is a psychological horror story. It begins with Bethany Stevens, a young reporter assigned to interview Muriel Whethorford, “the cat lady.” As they talk, Bethany discovers a disturbing coincidence. Both she and Muriel suffered great tragedies in their lives. Bethany had repressed hers. The story becomes eerie and frightening with a shocker of an ending.

“A Cat Named Ginger” by Laurel Lamperd is the story of Gordon Smith whose wife had died. Gordon missed her cooking most especially and was delighted when he met Gladys Dobson who loved to cook and bake. Her Rose Cottage seemed like paradise. But Ginger, Gladys’s cat, had other ideas. Thus begins an interesting tale with subtle humor, dark insights into human nature, and interesting twists.

“Investigator Incarnate” by Christy Tillery French is a mystery told from the cat’s point of view. However, this is no ordinary cat but a police detective who has been reincarnated as a cat. He returns to his old police station and decides to help two rookies solve two murders while encouraging a romance between them as well. This story keeps the reader engrossed from beginning to end. It has wit and charm.

“Mystery, Mischief and Mayhem” by Teresa Leigh Judd is the story of Janet Spaulding, a computer software analyst who has two cats, Mischief and Mayhem. Mischief drags in a soiled garden glove. Next, the cats uncover a human hand in the pile of dirt behind Janet’s house. The mystery of the body buried in her backyard gives Janet a chance to meet a very attractive police detective. This is a well-written, engrossing and enjoyable story.

The next story is one that I have written, “Just the Three of Us.” I won’t comment since that might be self-serving.

“The Purrsistant Cat” by Teresa Leigh Judd (yes, you saw her name before) wrote a story about Shannon whose cat Smoky has a sixth sense and knows the house Shannon has rented is dangerous. This is a horror story, a tour de force, and I doubt you will guess the ending.

“Mal’s Bounty” by Neal Levin and Darren W. Pearce is something of a fantasy, mystery, horror story combined. It’s unique, different. Carravale is a city in which a thief named Weaver Finch steals at night. She is aided by a telepathic cat named Mal. Weaver intends to rob Old Man Crowshaw’s Manor. Entering it, she discovers much more than she ever bargained for.

“Amelia and the Better Path” by Tony Williams is a quaint mystery story set in England. Amelia’s cat Ivan is missing. Stephen, her grandnephew, offers to help the wizened spinster in her search. Amelia knows her village and is soon able to find Ivan and fix some other problems as well.

“Chester’s Treasure” by Linda Houle is the story of how Chester the cat locates an amazing treasure in a house with a history. Chester’s owner is Valerie who has married a vampire named Andrew. It is Andrew’s house that Chester explores. An enjoyable story well worth reading.

“Smokey and Bandit” by Randy Rawls is a clever cat story. The tale is told by Smokey, a cat, one of two who allow Josh, a South Florida PI, to share their home. They even help him in his work and protect him from harm. A very entertaining mystery story.

Research into Norse Mythology

2010-05-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Finding sources for research into historical topics takes more than just reading novels set in that era. For my next novel, a historical fantasy set in Norway in the 1400s, I'm not only involved in the clothing worn in that era, but also in the weather patterns, geography and topography, historical events and the old Norse religion. On my personal blog http://dianadriver.blogspot.com/ I write about one of my favorite books on runes.

Come on over and see the picture of Lokken and then check out the runic symbols and the book on Northern Magick by Freya Aswynn.

Diana

Radine Nehring

2010-05-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

Radine Nehring visits my blog today and talks about how she makes her plot fit her place. Come over and read how she does it!

wwww.sylviadickeysmithbooks.wordpress.com

Syl

weigh in on Arizona illegal immigration law

2010-04-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

The Federal government is the one who SHOULD be enforcing our immigration laws. BUT they are not doing it. The illegal (CRIMINALS) immigrants, while doing work here are not paying income tax, are a burden on our hospitals and schools and guess who gets to pay for it? YOU DO! Then there is crime. A large number of the CRIMINALS in our jails in the boarder states are illegal immigrants. This mess is costing the immigrants who are here legally (welcome) and the citizens of this country a lot of money. It comes in the form of higher hospital bills, higher insurance (auto and medical), welfare, etc al. See the following:

IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY (you are a (CRIMINAL), YOU CAN GET:

1 - A JOB,

2 - A DRIVERS LICENSE,

3 - SOCIAL SECURITY CARD,

4 - WELFARE,

5 - FOOD STAMPS,

6 - CREDIT CARDS,

7 - SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,

8 - FREE EDUCATION,

9 - FREE HEALTH CARE,

10 - A LOBBYIST IN WASHINGTON

11 - BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR

LANGUAGE

12 - AND THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY'S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU DON'T GET ENOUGH RESPECT

I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A FIRM GRASP ON THE SITUATION.

This is a slap in the face of all the immigrants who come here legally and to Americans. Mexico is against this law and why? Because the illegals send back to Mexico billions of dollars.

Do we need to stop this? YES. Do we need tighter control of our boarder with Mexico-YES and I think we should use the army and Marines to help do it. Should we give amnesty to the illegals here? NO. They are criminals and should be caught and punished. If we grant amnesty that will send a message to others to come over and ignore our laws. It happened the last time we did it and it will happen again.

NOW, how about Arizona? I think what they did is within the law. The feds haven't done a good enough job and the citizens of AZ are upset and have taken matters into their own hands. Good for them. I'm also tired of the hispanic community trying to play the race card when something they don't like happens. Arizona should question suspected people and ask for ID. If you are here illegally, you are a criminal and should be arrested. Arizona can enforce the immigration laws in parallel with the FEDS and more of the boarder states, including Texas and California should do it too. IAM IN FULL SUPPORT OF THE NEW ARIZONA LAW. OTHER STATES SHOULD DO IT QUICKLY. MAYBE SOMEBODY IN WASHINGTON WILL GET THE MESSAGE.

THE POD STIGMA

2010-04-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

There have been times in the past when I’ve been in conversation with an author published by a large, traditional (read New York) publisher – some being well-known, others not — and when I would mention my books are POD, their expression made me wonder if they were about to cross their fingers in front of their face and fling holy water on me while backing away. Their subsequent comments conveyed bias against POD and I’m not sure if this is as a result of naïvete or lack of knowledge.

Due to misconceptions and misstatements, POD has become a tainted term, so let’s set the record straight about what it really means. I’ll use my own book as an example, published by an independent publisher. Bear in mind, not all small and independent publishers will have in place the same policies as my own and I would caution authors to research extensively before signing with a publisher.

Print on Demand, or POD, is a publishing technology which simply means my paperback book is printed as it is ordered utilizing digital equipment.

POD does not mean my book is self- or subsidy published, although it is utilized in these venues. Small and independent publishers, as well as those who offer subsidy publishing and authors who choose to self publish, rely on this technology.

POD does not mean my books are of a poorer quality or are not professionally edited. Many small and independent publishers produce professional, viable books on par with those offered by the big-six NY traditional publishing houses.

POD books are pragmatic and cost feasible. No warehousing is required, thus, no overhead for rental space or warehouse employees, and no trucking or logistics costs.

POD is environmentally friendly: According to Linda Houle, publisher and author of The Naked Truth about Publishing (http://tinyurl.com/2dzb6jr) estimates show that approximately thirty million trees, or ten billion dollars, are wasted on print-run books subsequently remaindered (returned as unsold).

POD books, like print-run books published by large, traditional publishers, are returnable.

POD books are distributed by the two largest book wholesale distributors: Ingram and Baker and Taylor.

POD publishers, like large traditional publishers, send out ARCs (Advanced Review Copies) to professional reviewers and promote the book upfront. As with all publishers, even the big-six as pertains to their authors who don’t receive the mega-bucks promotional team, the vast majority of promoting lies with the author.

POD publishers offer the same standard discount to bookstores as do the larger traditional publishing houses.

POD publishers continually expand their lines as opposed to the large traditional publishers who replace titles. In other words, books aren’t pulled from shelves or discontinued, offering authors time to build readers.

POD publishers usually offer both print books and Ebooks (electronic books).

POD books are larger than paperbacks and smaller than hardbacks. They are generally 5.5”x8.5” or 6”x9”, and are called soft-cover trade paperbacks. Many readers find this size preferable.

POD books are virtually available forever. Unlike print-run books, with a limited shelf life, a POD book allows the author time to build a readership base.

POD books are now available instantly. The Espresso Book Machine is currently in use in selected bookstores across America. Readers can choose the book they wish to purchase and within minutes it is printed and bound and ready to take home.

POD is now being used by large, traditional publishers. Although, on the surface, they seem to shun POD technology, they have begun utilizing it for select books.

The onset of POD and Ebooks has brought about a major flux in the publishing industry. Although the large, traditional publishers have been slow to acknowledge and utilize these changes, they are beginning to come on board. In a perfect world, all modalities of publishing would be considered on equal terms. We haven’t gotten there yet, but I believe it’s not too far in the future. Authors now have the option of choosing how their book is published, and it is hoped they will be treated with respect and not be subject to derision or an elitist attitude concerning their choice if it falls outside of what was once considered the publishing standard.

Book Video Trailer: Tattered Justice

2010-04-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

THE MYSTERY OF THE GREEN MIST

2010-03-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

I just completed reading the rest of the short stories in THE MYSTERY OF THE GREEN MIST, an L&L Dreamspell anthology, and want to offer some brief comments and thumbnail reviews.

“Between Friends” by D. Nathan Hillard is a unique story. It’s as much quality literary fiction as mystery genre. From the descriptive language and natural dialogue in this story, you feel as though you really are in a small Texas town in the 1940’s. Cotton Turner’s death isn’t a simple who-done-it. Did one of his friends kill him? If so, why? The why of Turner’s death is significant. This story has a spare, understated writing style that packs real power.

In “The Scent of Blood” by Cherri Galbiati,” Lisa Linder visits her best friend Bella who has moved from Houston to Vermont to run a bed and breakfast. Unfortunately, there’s a serial killer lurking about committing bizarre murders. Lisa is not alone; she has her German shepherd, Norggin, certified Search and Rescue worker in finding cadavers, to discover the murderer. This is a well-written story with interesting characters and an original plot.

“Reservoir of Death” by Sylvia Nickels is set in Central Georgia. Madeira Hart had every reason to hate Theo Wellington. But she didn’t discourage her daughter Sissy’s friendship with his daughter. After Maddy discovers that Sissy has witnessed Theo’s murder, their lives are put in jeopardy. This is a well-paced, suspenseful story, a real page-turner.

“The Mystery of Moonstone Manor,” by Randy Rohn, is the last story in the anthology.
Like the first story, “Mystery of the Green Mist,” it’s particularly well-suited to young adult readers. Sixteen-year-olds Kristen and Kurt decide to sell candy to whoever might be living at creepy Moonstone Manor. Kurt isn’t eager because the house is reputed to be haunted. Kristen, however, forges right ahead. She meets three strange elderly people: Pamela, her weird brother William, and Mabel, the spooky housekeeper. Kristen realizes there is a mystery that needs solving here. Are there actual ghosts? Worth reading to find out. New spin on a traditional story.

I believe you'll enjoy this anthology if you decide to read it. There’s certainly an interesting variety of mystery stories awaiting your reading pleasure.

Comments anyone??

The Mystery of the Green Mist: Great Reading Enjoyment!

2010-03-23T03:07:00.000-07:00

The Mystery of the Green Mist is an L&L Dreamspell Anthology

Altogether, there are ten mystery stories in this anthology by ten different authors.
I started reading the anthology in the middle of the night when I couldn’t get back to sleep. I was hoping it would relax me so that I would get the extra rest I needed. But
the stories proved too interesting and I found myself finishing half of the book before
dawn.
I’ll comment on the first five stories that I’ve read so far. “Mystery of the Green Mist” by Linda Houle gives the book its title and is the lead story in the anthology. Amateur paranormal investigators, Jo and Tracey, are intent on solving the mystery of the ghostly green lights that appear in local cemeteries at night. They find out more then they bargained for in this entertaining mystery story which is appropriate for old and young alike.

“Deleting Dennis” engaged this reader from the first sentence because of the author’s witty style of writing. Pauline Baird Jones provides a well-written mystery that is pure enjoyment.

“The House on Grays Prairie Road” by Sally Love is a splendid mystery ghost story that haunts the reader long after it ends because of the enthralling sense of atmosphere and use of description.

Unlike the last two stories which are set in Texas, Jo A. Hiestand’s “The Clue in the Crumbling Cottage” takes place in England. Sixteen-year-old Brenna Taylor finds the body of Fiona Hall, co-leader of a Girl Guide patrol, in an old cottage while they are on a camping trip in the Derbyshire Dales. Brenna acts as amateur sleuth, finding an important clue in the cottage and deducting the identity of the murderer. The story develops character quite effectively.

“Trust No One” by Morgan St. James is a complex noire mystery. Once I started it, I had to read it through. You won’t want to put this one down.

Each writer offered a unique voice and the stories are varied. I'll be back when I finish the second half of the book and the last five stories. Comments anyone?

A Most Fascinating Author, Laura Elvebak, Visits With Mike Angley

2009-12-09T09:30:00.001-08:00

A Most Fascinating Author, Laura Elvebak, Visits With Mike Angley

Posted using ShareThis

Sassy Southern Classy Cajun

2009-12-09T05:43:00.000-08:00

Please allow me a personal privilege in announcing the recent release of my latest book. A few months ago the fantabulous publishers at L & L Dreamspell asked me to develop a cookbook as a part of my Sidra Smart mystery series, which is set in southeast Texas, an area made up of southerners and Cajuns. The result is Sassy Southern Classy Cajun.

Autographed copies of the book are available through PayPal at www.sylviadickeysmith.com and will soon be available at Amazon.com

In the Sidra Smart series, she starts making pickles in the last book. I’ve made the pickles, Sidra Smart’s Sassy Pickles, and sold them at book events. The recipe is included in the cookbook, which makes a perfect Christmas gift. Hope you’ll get your autographed copy!

Second Blog site

2009-12-04T04:46:00.000-08:00

I have created an additional blog. My first one, RULES TO LIVE BY,

(at http:/sylviadickeysmith.blogspot.com

is a blog unrelated to my writing life. It is intended to be more of inspiration and sharing lessons learned along my life of wilderness wanderings.

The new blog, Sylvia Dickey Smith Books, www.sylviadickeysmithbooks.wordpress.com relates to my books, my writing, how-to, a peek into my writing life, and an occasional short story.

Hope you will drop by and leave a comment that you've been there. I'd love for you to subscribe to both. (And if you will leave me your blog address, I promise to subscribe to yours.)

Radio Interview with Baron Ron Herron

2009-12-03T10:15:00.001-08:00

I was interviewed this morning at 7:35 PST today by KZSB AM 1290 in Santa Barbara, California, on Baron Ron Herron's radio. We talked about Lost Witness, the second Niki Alexander mystery following Less Dead. The program airs in Santa Barbara , Goleta , Carpinteria, Ventura , Thousand Oaks and Los Angeles County . In addition, the show is rebroadcast on KNRY AM 1240 in Monterey , Salinas , Santa Cruz and Pebble Beach ; KNWZ-II AM 1270 in Palm Desert, Palm Springs , Indio and Rancho Mirage. The program is delayed broadcast in Australia on 99.7 FM in Queensland and to another 30+ radio stations via ComRadSat. Have no idea when the delayed broadcasts air.

PMS stands for Poison plus Murder equals Satisfaction!

2009-05-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

Want to sample some short mystery stories from a variety of talented authors? Check out this new anthology from L&L Dreamspell.

There's a total of eleven stories by nine different authors:

Jo Hiestand – Cross Purposes,
Chelle Martin – Grounds For Divorce and Brew’s Clues,
BV Lawson – Hear No Evil and FM Is For Murder,
Caitlyn Hunter – The Secret Life of Alice Smitty,
NH Lehr – Final Breath,
Claire Applewhite – Moonlight Becomes You So,
Lyn McConchie – Reunion,
Jacqueline Seewald – Swim In The Sunshine,
C.K. Charles – First Person Singular

Visit this web page to find out more: http://www.lldreamspell.com/PMS.htm

Or you can buy it on Amazon both in print and Kindle Ebook formats. The book is also available in a variety of other Ebook formats at Fictionwise

Meet Me At The River

2009-05-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

May 14th is approaching, the day a charter bus full of folks who read Hell Swamp will come to the scene of the crime, Black River Plantation. They will travel nearly two hours to the river, where the Raleigh Parks and Recreation Read and Go program is catering a picnic on the grounds between the mansion and the river. I am truly honored to have been contacted by such a large group who are reading North Carolina writers and traveling to visit with them.

To make the day even more special, the owner of the mansion will be there to tour the group and answer questions about the 1793 mansion. I will read excerpts from Hell Swamp and answer questions about Genesis Beach, which the group also read. Reporters from surrounding counties have been invited to attend.

My hope is that the weather will be spectacular and everyone will enjoy the event as much as I'm sure I will.

I am truly amazed by all of this. I write because I must. Everything else is whipped cream!

I suppose this all happened because I joined a few writing groups and managed to update my activities often enough to get attention. Now, when I feel like I don't have time to blog, update my sites, and answer emails, I think about what is about to take place and get myself to the keyboard! I've never had so much fun! It's worth the time and effort.

Timeless Mist

2009-05-06T07:06:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy romance novels with a historical twist, you'll want to check out this brand new release - Timeless Mist by Terisa Wilcox!

Kristianna discovers the magic of Scotland when she comes face to face with the man of her dreams – four hundred years in the past…
Art-history major Kristianna Campbell gets more education than she bargains for when she visits Scotland with her college class. On a shopping excursion she picks up an unusual souvenir—an antique pocket watch once owned by Iain MacGregor.
The enchanted watch pulls her back through time where she lands smack in the middle of Iain MacGregor's territory—in the year 1603, during the proscription against the MacGregors.
Unsure of where she is or how she got there, Kris is stunned when she sees Iain and realizes he’s not exactly a stranger to her. She’s dreamed of him for weeks. And her attraction to him is stronger in the flesh than in her dreams. Realizing the danger in revealing her real surname of Campbell, Kristianna tells him her last name is Armstrong.
The situation is tense as Iain battles enemies on all sides, thanks to King James VI and the decree that the name of MacGregor be outlawed, and the Earl of Argyll, Archibald Campbell’s desire to see the MacGregors decimated. Iain has neither the time nor the inclination to deal with the strange lass who mysteriously landed in his territory.
But Kristianna affects him in ways no other woman has. To desire her is acceptable, but when she begins to reach the heart he thought long dead, he knows he will never be the same.

Find out more about the book, and how to get a copy, on the L&L Dreamspell website: http://www.lldreamspell.com/TimelessMist.htm

Shadows of Souls

2009-05-02T12:35:00.001-07:00

New from L&L Dreamspell, a horror novel from Allan W. Azouz. Here's the Synopsis:

A mother and daughter’s mutual hatred draws an evil force into their home – disembodied, troubled souls waging a battle that unleashes an unstoppable power, hell bent on destroying everyone who gets in its way…
Misery haunted Victoria Kayen, trapped in a dark, depressing world with her wheelchair-bound mother, Edith. She dutifully delivered medications, served meals, and cleaned up after the weekly visits from her mother’s crony friends. Victoria’s only escape was found in the pages of cheap romance novels.
The confining house that stifled her life evolved and took on a life of its own with strange creaks and crying noises. Then the shadowy figure of a man appeared, watching from every dark corner. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the rat population in the area exploded and they constantly scratched at the walls, trying to get in.
Victoria made a bold decision one evening – to venture out to a bar and experience life as a normal woman. That’s where she came face to face with her destiny, the shadowy figure that had stalked her, this time appearing in the form of a corporeal man possessed by two souls. One, a pious Reverend preaching hellfire and damnation on the street corner by day, the other, a passionate individual named Clay who enjoyed the pleasures of the earth by night.
Her clandestine relationship with Clay fueled the dueling souls’ war, and also spawned the Reverend’s worst nightmare – an unspeakable evil – a thing both determined to destroy and impossible to fight…

Find out more about the book and author at: www.lldreamspell.com/ShadowsofSouls.htm

Nerves

2009-04-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

I was just chatting with my sister-in-law about gaining weight and I told her my ta-tas are so fat and bouncy, I use them for air bags! When I got off the phone, I raced to my post-it-notes and jotted it down to use in an upcoming book (hopefully). Hey! Get inspiration anywhere you can!

I've been interviewed so many times lately, I don't know which end is up, but it occurred to me (Duh!) that I needed to save copies of this stuff so that I can tweak it and move along. So, I've spent much of the day doing just that. Now I have a reserve of questions (and answers) from which to draw. Maybe now I can relax a little. I've been on TV enough to be comfortable and know not to look at the camera. If I do that, I lose my cool so I focus only on the interviewer and maybe a stray fly on the lamp beside me.

I'm packing now for a TV appearance in Wilmington, NC and trying to decide what to wear. Even though it'll be in the 80s, I'm thinking people usually look better with their arms covered, so I think I'll take a long-sleeve suit for TV and then change into a short-sleeved one for the book signing later in the day. My arms! Geez, I need to spray on some tan, that's for sure. And I have hair on my arms. Do people notice that? I mean, it's not long enough for a curling iron, but just a little which I suppose is normal?

Nervous? No. Okay, maybe a teensy bit.

We're discussing Hell Swamp, the new release, set near Wilmington, and they are going to show the video trailer for "a tease". I hope I get some attention from readers and if someone from the film studio comes by, why, I'll soak my panties!

The Wrong Side of Memphis

2009-04-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

As new L&L Dreamspell books are released I'll be posting about it here - (and I'll go back in time and showcase our previous releases too!)

Today we're spotlighting the brand new Noir Mystery novel by Claire Applewhite - The Wrong Side of Memphis - here is a synopsis:

A Vietnam vet turned P.I. ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time – at the Jewel Arms apartments in St. Louis, as he matches wits with a ruthless killer.

Elvin Suggs already knew how to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Decades earlier, spending time as a Green Beret during The Siege of Khe Sanh taught him about the wrong side of 1968.
Now with his life in a shambles after his wife demands a divorce—brokenhearted and broke but determined to salvage his pride and his dreams—Elvin turns to the only person he can count on, Dimond Redding, his best friend’s widow.
A fellow ’Nam vet and new tenant at the Jewel Arms apartment building in St. Louis, Missouri, Dimond is ready to move out before Elvin even arrives when a random murder occurs right outside her front door.
She can’t break her lease, but with a ruthless killer on the loose and corpses suddenly turning up everywhere, she wonders if she’ll be the next victim. Homicide Detective Rick Valentino doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere fast on the case, so experienced Private Investigator Elvin lends a hand, working to put the pieces of the puzzle together.
The odd assortment of tenants and strange goings-on at the Jewel Arms provide more questions than answers, including connections with Elvin’s past. When another car with Tennessee plates shows up at the apartment building is it a coincidence, or is someone following him?
As Elvin inches closer to the truth he has to remind himself that he knows all about the wrong places and times. Only this time he's got nothing to lose—he’s on the wrong side of Memphis.

To see a larger version of the book's cover and to find out how to get a copy, visit The Wrong Side of Memphis on our L&L Dreamspell website!

Enjoy -

Linda

If I Tell You...

2009-04-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

If I tell you a hen dips snuff, you better look under her tongue.
And I tell you book promotion does not have to be demeaning or boring or make you wish you could crawl through the floor when no one comes to your table for an autograph, or the manager walks by and looks at the huge stack of books still on the table in front of you.

There is another, better way to promote your book(s) and have fun doing it.

I just spent four days in my hometown launching DEAD WRECKONING, my third book in the Sidra Smart mystery series, set in the same small town. I had tons of fun and sold 150 books at those four events. Seventy-four of the books were sold in one day. For those who don't know, the mystery series is set in a small town with a population of 20,000. I was born, reared and went to school there, but left soon after. So it is hometown daughter returns.

An author friend heard about my success and emailed, asking what I had done that made this sales event so successful. She and I talked about how trying to sell your books can sometimes leave an author feeling demeaned, perhaps even make you fall on your knees and beg someone to purchase your books. As a result of her question, I jotted down some of the things I’ve learned about book promotion and book signings.

Never—ever schedule a book signing in a location where you might feel unworthy if no one buys your book. If, by perchance, you find yourself in such a situation, turn the event into fun. If you're not having fun selling your book, go back to the drawing board and create a new way to make it fun!! You have nothing to lose. If you feel demeaned, folks aren’t likely to approach you anyway.

Enamored, with a series set in their hometown, folks in Orange, Texas have fallen in love with reading a novel that features locations and sites they recognize and know where it is. Very important, at least it is to the folks in Orange. They seek me out to do events in their places of business and pay for advertising of the event. Also, as appropriate, I may well throw in the name of a local business in my novel, which helps create that sense of place that helps a reader connect to the setting.

I love the history of the area and include elements of that in each book for that reason, and I find folks here love that about my books, too.

We offer something for the customer, such as wine, cheese, I made alligator cut-out cookies and sandwiches for those in the antique store. (Make it AN EVENT.)

I have made friends with a couple of local newspaper reporters and they have been SO VERY helpful in letting folks know when I am in town. Three different papers ran articles and photos of me and the events this week. I don't know how many folks came up and said, "Oh yes, this is the book I read about in the paper."

My sister knows everyone in town!! I take her and keep her busy handling the cash box, taking money, etc. People are drawn to her like flies--often they come over to chat with her and then she tells them about my WONDERFUL book!

I have found that bookstore events aren't as successful, and often that's where you feel like it is demeaning. I'm moving away from those type of events unless it is an independent bookstore and they are big enough and supportive enough to offer help. For instance, I live in Georgetown, TX another small town. A local, well known woman reviews my books and gets them in the local paper and I have signings at the small indie store on the Square. Again, I usually take a couple bottles of wine and a plate of cheese!

This time, in my third book, my protag starts making pickles--so heck I made up a bunch of jars, and one of those journalist friends offered to make up a label for me which led some folks over to my table to see the pickles. Some bought books and pickles, some bought just pickles, and one man bought a jar of pickles because he loved the label!! (and because she has been so very helpful, I added a tribute to her in the front of the book this time. Thrilled her to death, and it sure felt good to me, to be able to thank her publicly.)

Selling books is all about having fun--and NOT making it a chore. Choose the locations with care. (I have indeed chosen badly on some and sold NO books!) Have fun, dress in costume, offer something back to the customer. For instance, for folks who bought the complete set of three in the series, I gave them a bottle of the pickles. You'd be surprised at how folks respond to this.

I provided paper bags for the books and pickles, bags where I had printed out either label with my book cover, or for the pickles, and put them on the bags. Adds an extra touch. Wrapped the pickles in colorful tissue paper.

In other words, make your book signings a festive occasion! You can do that in private business, whereas you can't in chain bookstores.

Let your imagination go wild thinking up things to do at such an event that will be fun for all. I am speaking at a Friends of the Library in April. I will dress in costume (pirate, for this latest book), and give a couple of door prizes. One is a ceramic coaster with the cover of my third book on it. (ordered from Cafe Press). The other is a tee-shirt.

Promoting your books is an ongoing process that you build with each book. It was difficult at first, when I only had one book, but now that my third has come out I am seeing much more excitement about the series. Folks all love my protagonist and are always giving me new plot ideas! Take those and run with them.

If you have any questions about any of this, feel free to email me. And since I went on and on so much I think I'll post this on the dreamteam site, in case it can be of help to others.

Thanks for asking--it made me stop and think too, "What did I do that worked?"

Hugs and great sales!

Sylvia Dickey Smith
www.sylviadickeysmith.com
http://sylviadickeysmith.blogsot.com

Prepare to Dive In, Or Not

2009-03-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

I have begun writing the third book in the Niki Alexander series and, after much deliberation over how I wrote the last two books, and the unpublished before that, I decided to do go about the process differently. Normally I would plow into the story after getting a rush of inspiration. Then by page 50, I would brake, because I had nowhere to go.

Finally I would start the outline, draw of graph of plot points and beats, write characters studies, motives and goals for my main characters, especially for the villain. Then I could continue, and track my progress with chapter outlines - after I write them. By then, I found I needed to change the first 50 pages and rethink that first rush of inspiration.

This time I made the decision to plot first, write later. Sounds logical, doesn't it? But I know many writers who don't outline, just go where the story takes them. I've done that in the past and would end up writing 30 or more drafts until I figured it all out. A couple of times I got so stuck and confused, I never finished the manuscript. So maybe I'm an outline-type writer. Maybe because I'm a Virgo.

And since I made that decision, my thoughts have never strayed far from my plot. Questions, some answers, arguments, maybe a different direction have consumed my thoughts - during the day when I'm driving, working, eating. Even my dreams get the backlash. I write down my thoughts when I can and the seeds of these ideas spring forth more ideas. Scratch one, add two. The more I work at it, the more sense it starts to make and I can see a novel developing.

I'm not finished plotting yet, far from it. But I'm hoping that when I am, the story in its full incarnation will spill onto the page effortlessly. Yeah, that'll happen. Well, maybe it will. I'll let you know.

Meanwhile, what are your thoughts about outlining first?

What Type of Cover Attracts You to a Book?

2009-03-10T02:41:00.000-07:00

As a fiction writer and an avid reader myself, I can't help wondering what sort of cover attracts readers. If I'm not familiar with a writer, I can still be drawn to buy a book at a bookstore or borrow one from the library based on the lure of the cover design. An eye-catching cover is the first draw. Of course, I want to read what's on the book jacket as well and glance at a few pages before I decide. But initially, the cover art must attract me.

I very much like the cover art for my novel THE INFERNO COLLECTION. You get a sense of the eerie which is appropriate for this particular novel. As for my latest novel, THE DROWNING POOL, I found the cover art eye-catching. However, my one daughter-in-law who is quite artistic was critical of it. Since the reviews of the novel have been very good, I'm hoping for many readers regardless.

What do you think constitutes good cover art? For example, if the novel is a romance, are you drawn by a man and woman embracing (the so-called clinch)? Or do you prefer something less explicit? If it's a mystery, should there be something menacing? What is the best cover art for a literary novel? Opinions welcome!

L&L Dreamspell has a 100 author team!

2009-02-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

My how the time has gotten away from me - how long has it been since I've posted to our group blog? Don't answer that!
L&L Dreamspell is fast approaching our second anniversary of publishing - in April we'll be "2" and we've already grown into a team of 100 authors.
Our anthologies have helped us grow, and they're filling up fast. We also added in two new anthologies, open for submissions - Romance and Thriller.
We're excited to be moving full speed ahead with an average of three new releases each month - wow! And our line of non-fiction writer's guides and handbooks is also expanding.
For a look at what's new you can see all the latest releases and "coming soon" titles on our newsletter web pages - start here: www.lldreamspell.com/Newsletter.htm then click on Winter 2008/2009 for the most recent page.
Stay tuned for new authors appearing soon on this group blog!
Linda

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T07:09:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to pop in and let readers know that I'm giving away a FREE eBook on my website. It's a compilation of my best of writing tips from my website. It's my New Year's Gift to site visitors.

I have two tips features on my website:

Writers Nibs: Dip into the Well
From Wisdom's Font

I've been posting tips on a semi-schedule since 2006. You can access all my previous tips here. And while you're on the website, be sure to check out my contest page. :-)

Happy, happy New Year! Hope it rocks for you!
Perilously yours,
Pauline

Fangsgiving

2008-11-12T04:28:00.000-08:00

Fangsgiving on the Net
By Cornelia Amiri

Since I review youtube videos for my Savvy Click, Surf the Net With A View column, I wanted to share two Vampire Family/Thanksgiving videos which put me in the Fangsgiving mood. Yes, youtube has everything.

Vampire Thanksgiving

This is hilarious. It’s just a normal Thanksgiving Day in a cemetery. Hey, who doesn't spend Thanksgiving in a cemetery? Did that Gargoyle just wink at my sister?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u-J4sSy430

Vampire Family photos

Mommy vampire and her brood have a fangtastic time getting their family portrait. The middle son seems to be laughing and the baby boy is having a blast.
Mommy vamp is proud of her little blood suckers. I wonder what she’s cooking up for her vampire clan this thanksgiving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEK_Tnvihs0

And here’s a great Fangsgiving Greeting to share with all your myspace, blog, website and e-mail fiends and friends.
http://tinyurl.com/6llvd7

Hey, speaking of vampires at Thanksgiving, what would you do in a look who’s coming for dinner scenario, say if your grown daughter brought a vampire home for thanksgiving?

Though I’m not much of a cook, I might switch the pumpkin pie to some Vampire cupcakes courtesy of the recipe on http://tinyurl.com/5mxdjo, and for more traditional fare, click on the link to the right beneath the turkey cake, Celebrate Thanksgiving.

Also, though my story in Sleeping With the Undead with L & L Dreamspell is set in Scotland, so no thanksgiving feast, I do have a scene where the hero’s mother and father discuss the vampire girl or baobhan sith (baa'-van shee ) their son brought home, which fits in with the vampire/family theme.

Excerpt: Sleeping With the Undead/Vampire Dancer by Cornelia Amiri

Before Ian could get a word in, his father asked Tavish, "Did you set
the carin aright?"

"Aye, I put the stone back, good and tight."

"Aye, but now we have a baobhan sith sleeping in our house," his mother said.

"Well, she has to sleep somewhere dear. I dinnae want her draining my
cows of their blood though."

"What about your sons' blood?"

"Ooch, well I dinnae want her drinking theirs either."

"Well I'm glad to hear that."

His mother turned and saw Ian and Sorcha. She plastered a big smile
across her face. "I did not know you were awake."

"Mom, Sorcha and I are going out. I'm going to show her around the town."

"That's nice," his mom said.

As Ian walked away, he overheard his father say, "You have to be
careful of what you say around the baobhan sith. They'll sneak up on
you."

"Hush, she can still hear you," his mother said.

Ian turned and waved good night to his mother and father.

"He can show her around all he likes but I dinnae want her near my cows."

That was the last comment Ian heard before he walked out the door.
With his arm wrapped around Sorcha's shoulder, he led her down to the
winding road.

Happy Fangsgiving to all,

Cornelia Amiri
http://myspace.com/CelticRomanceQueen

Managing Your Book Writing Business

2008-10-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

Jamie Engle and I are excited to announce the release of Managing Your Book Writing Business. From the back cover:

This helpful handbook outlines basic and important information every author needs to know about the publishing industry and the “business” of writing. From developing a business plan to cultivating a professional reputation, award winning author Pauline Baird Jones and public relations expert and author Jamie Engle share their years of knowledge and experience. Don’t wait until it’s too late, then say “I wish I would have known…” Managing Your Book Writing Business includes helpful web links and guidelines to help you get started, and keep you from making simple but potentially costly mistakes. Save time and start out right—success comes sooner for authors who take the time to organize and plan a strategy!

The handbook is available from online bookstores in print and also available at fictionwise.com in ebook format.

2008-09-29T02:27:00.000-07:00

When Gone with the Wind was written, it was the story of the sweeping changes brought on by the civil war within the south. The words penned by that author left us with a vivid depiction of how the south was before the war … and how it was forever changed after the war.

When the winds from the recent hurricane descended upon us, it brought a very different type of change into our lives. Those of us who had been through a hurricane or two before knew the feelings we'd begin to experience, whether we tried to repress them or not. We'd experience them, because they'd be forced upon us … like the unwanted attention of something sinister that has passed through our lives in an earlier time…a dark memory that we cajole ourselves away from as quickly as we can after the event … but no matter how deeply hidden, the memory begins to creep back inside us, escalating in tandem with the wind hovering in the gulf, filling our thoughts, rattling our nerves as it whispers to those nasty little fears that we've tucked away in our subconscious.

The changes begin then, with the first niggling bit of apprehension, and then escalate … sometimes without our full awareness… sometimes with our unabashed terror… and by the time the storm has spent itself on us and gone reeling off in another direction like a drunken giant, everything has changed.

We wake to find devastation … this time on a scale that rivals anything most have experienced before … and with the devastation we find a reality check … within a few hours we see that all we deemed normal … is gone. Once again, we find normal will be hard to define for quite awhile….until we can tempt our minds to put the experience to the side and not look at it dead on … it's the way you get through it … the way you hide it from yourself … until the next time.

It's a little like the thriller's we all write … we love them … they do make us feel alive … and wonderfully safe as we read them in bed … with the lights on :) But, it would behoove us to remember … that sometimes the winds of change arrive … and have a wicked little way of snuffing out all illumination without our permission.

With that thought, come join us as we present The Final Twist's new anthology of short stories, in A Death inTexas. We will be launching the anthology at Katy Budget Books on Friday, October 10th, after 5:30 p.m. You will be able to meet the Final Twist authors, and have them sign their stories for you when you pick up a copy. I'm delighted to say my story, Dark Pleasures will be inside. It's about another type of evil presence in the south that brings about a lot of change … but this time … you can leave the lights on … it's up to you to decide when to turn them out:)

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Learn more about Loretta Wheeler (and her alter ego L Reveaux) at these sites: http://www.lorettawheeler.com/
http://www.lreveaux.com/
http://www.myspace.com/southernnuances

Excerpt from Dark Pleasures: A Death in Texas (Anthology)Available through Amazon ,
Barnes and Noble & L &L Dreamspell Oct. 10, 2008

The dog was free and loping down the corridor now. It ran with no hesitation, as if it could see its prey. Suddenly, it leapt forward and snatched at a word tucked in a dim corner of her mind, then swiftly circled back and laid it in front of her. How about carnage? Her mouth twisted. Yep. There it was, in all its grim glory, might as well go for broke and tell it like it was. She accepted the word and closed her eyes.

Surviving the Storm of Life by Autumn Storm

2008-09-27T06:17:00.000-07:00

By now many of you know that Texas has been dealt a pretty severe blow. There’s no getting away from it….it’s been on the news and headlines across the nation read….Galveston-Houston area crippled by Texas size storm. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued; towns and communities forced into lock downs because of damage to their communities. Everywhere you look, there is debris….power poles are down….electricity is out….and tree limbs litter our yards. Some will be forced to move….everything they’ve worked for….their dreams along with their homes, their cars and their boats….have been swept away by the sea. Bits of our history and the things we are made of…are gone…huge massive Oaks, sweeping Magnolias, along with some really big Pecan trees…..are gone…..they have proudly stood for a hundred plus years and now ripped from the ground….they are dying a very slow death. In one way or another we have all been affected….each of us mourning different things.

I have to admit….I am very affected by the damage to our beautiful trees. They are in shock and screaming at us to bring order to their branches. They are tattered and torn and it will be a long time before any of them start to recover.

Now….I know most of you are probably thinking that something must have fallen and hit my head….truth is….I too have lost a home to weather. If I may….let’s travel back in time….May 19, 2000….it has already rained off and on for three days. Just a few short months before….eight to be exact…my husband (of twelve years) and I had finally purchased our first home…a nice little place in the country. The skies are black and the weatherman talks of another night’s worth of rain….the power goes out. With little else to do….I curl up on the bed to sleep. A few hours later I am awaken by the dogs jumping on the bed with wet feet. It takes me a few minutes to fully realize what’s happening and by then I could hear the water rushing into my home….the phone is out….the husband is gone on business trip….I think most of you can fill in the rest of the gaps. Nineteen inches of rain in four hours resulted in my home being filled with 3 to 3.5 feet of water. It took days for the water to recede and then we embarked on the long road to recovery. Long story short….with lots of hard work, money (didn’t have flood insurance) and determination we rebuilt our home and lived in it until just recently…. Now three floods later… it belongs to FEMA.

Please don’t misunderstand me….I ‘m not making light of anyone losing their home….it’s an indescribably tragedy, a void that may or may not ever get filled… and one that some will have a hard time recovering from. A home is a place where we are meant to feel safe….a place to share laughter with family and friends….and a place to live and grow old in. Some will mourn the loss of their house and some will mourn the contents they lose……so now at this point you are probably wondering what did I mourn back then…..?

My books….In the process of putting up shelving many of the books were down on the floor in boxes. I cried as boxes of books were dumped into a 40 yard dumpster. It was a twenty year collection….authors and titles no longer in print….Even to this day I look back and think about all the friends that I was forced to let go of….the travels they took me on….and the friendships I was given. Just the other day someone gave me a copy of Sweet Savage Love….I caressed the book and held it close….giving it its rightful place on the book case….I patted the spine and told Ginny and Steve….welcome home.

Many of us in Texas come from a lineage of pioneers….we will set about and forge new paths for ourselves….just doing what needs to be done. The builders will build and restore….the farmers will plant, encouraging Mother Nature to replenish its land….and the writers….well….we’ll write…. telling the stories that need to be told.

A Death in Texas from L&L Dreamspell: ISBN: 9781603180511 is scheduled to be launched at Katy Budget Books on Friday, October 10 from 5 PM to 8 PM and features 16 talented authors delivering mystery, mayhem, and murder. If you’re in neighborhood….please stop by and say hello….would love to meet you all.

Autumn Storm
Secrets of Canyon Lake

How Screenwriting Helps by Cash Anthony

2008-09-25T01:58:00.000-07:00

On the occasions when I've given talks to writers' groups as a screenwriterwith some good contest results on my C.V., one of the points that comes upfrom many audiences is "How can you stand to write under the dictates of somany rules?"

Many people think screenwriting is simply too hard -- too confining --because of what they perceive to be its stricter-than-other-fiction demands.Its most stringent demand turns out to be an excellent standard, however:the artistic selection of powerful images, against sparseness and brevity.When a writer is creating a blueprint for a cooperative effort as well as astory, intended for a highly sophisticated viewing audience that haswell-known expectations, it forces the writer to be specific only when itcounts. When everyone can be assumed to 'get it', or it allows for artisticlicense in the reader's imagination and later, hopefully, in the artdepartment's designers, no one wants to read what's obvious. You have 110pages, a page a minute -- you can't waste words.

It's also true that when you have to learn a craft mostly by yourself, you may tend to try to find a set of rules and follow them like a slave, figuring that not knowing the rules is the mark of an amateur.And this is one thing, at least, you can do.

Here I think the answer is to turn off the critic and forget the rules when writing first drafts, and then turn it back on for rewrites. At that point, all the theory, allthe techniques you've mastered, and all the better second thoughts you taketime for, the more likely your work will in fact improve.

Since there are professional standards and story structure expectations, then unless you're the one in the million who breaks through to an Oscar from acareer as a stripper (a la Juno), it can't hurt to look like you know whatyou're doing: make your format perfect, proof and proof and beg your writerfriends to proof your manuscript, try to hit your designated pages for majorplot points, and so forth. And have a great story to tell.

Despite the strictures of writing screenplays, I've found that working under the peculiar dictates of this genre has three advantages.

1) It forces you to learn at least a modicum of story theory, which appliesno matter what genre of story-telling you do. It may not be strictlynecessary for a novelist to know theoretically how to write for the screen-- the rules may seem a block to a more organic approach, feeling that onemust be so conscious of where and when a plot point is supposed to bereached -- but many of the excellent story consultants working in Hollywoodtruly know their stuff when it comes to theory. Their books are worthreading.

2) It makes you write in visual terms, since the script can only serve as ablueprint for a picture taken by a camera. "Talky" movies insist on usingdialog to move the action along, but better films combine silent actionscenes, or scenes with dialog not about the action (see Pulp Fiction), andthis helps any fiction writer produce a more vivid, and potentially morecomplex, realistic and interesting scene.

3) It makes you choosy. Producers prefer screenplays to be only 110-115pages long. Why? Shorter films mean more cash for the theatre owners, whocan sell popcorn each time a new audience comes in. The studio has to sellthe film to the distribution chain, meaning to the theatre owners who aretrying to get more people in the door to buy popcorn, Coke and hotdogs.
That means that you must not only write with a spare hand, but you also must make vitally important choices about what scenes to use and what to discardby examining your original notions with a cold eye. You can't afford to havedull scenes, even if you've had to write a few to get the first or seconddraft into shape. You can't afford to fall in love with scenes that don'thave to be there.

But when you're doing your rewrites, an objective appraisal gives you theopportunity to look for another perspective to spice up those dull scenes:have a character overhear it secretly (Hamlet behind the arras); have badguys doing exactly what will make a plan impossible to carry out, intercutwith the formation of that exact plan being made by the [ignorant] goodguys; have a character turn out to be working for the other side, repeatingexactly what has just happened at a secret security council meeting to theenemy, word for word. And so forth...

Even if you don't ever plan to write a "real" screenplay hoping to produceor market it onto the big screen, the format can serve as a kind ofspecialized outline that you'll probably do anyway, if you're writing anovel or intricate short story.

And if you want to go even farther and take up screenwriting as yourprincipal genre, seriously wanting your movies made, you might considerwriting a short screenplay and producing or directing it yourself.The tools to make independent films on a scaled-down basis are easy to findthese days, and the expense can be minimal. (Many actors will show up forthe off-chance of fame and for cold pizza.)

But the lessons you learn about what to write, or not to write into yourscreenplay -- when it's something you've personally got to deal with on areal set, with all the location variables and with live actors -- areincalculably valuable. It makes the distinction between reality and fantasy(call it animation) very clear.

I expect soon to take out notes from a novel started long ago. It'll beinteresting to see how I view those scenes now, after writing screenplaysinstead of fiction prose for the last seven years.

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Cash Anthony is a Writer, Director, Actor, and Producer

Ninth Lord of the Night - screenplay, novel adaptation, Blue CatSemi-Finalist

Taking Up Serpents - screenplay, multi-competition Finalist

Do Me No Favors - short film, written, produced & directed

Complaining Witness - short film, written, produced & directed

False Negative - short film, written & directed

The Best Man - short story, in A Death in Texas anthology

The Stand-In - short story, in Dead and Breakfast anthology

The Secret of the Acequia Stone - B&B play and puzzles

The Case of the Baker's Dozen - B&B play and puzzles

A Week of Wednesdays - Novel (WIP)Other B&B plays, puzzles, clues and poems

Deadline by Betty Gordon

2008-09-23T01:57:00.000-07:00

Deadline is a feared word by many writers, but I’m one of those mavericks who welcomes the battle of reaching the finish line. The pressures involved in tying up loose ends before a certain date stimulate my imagination and trigger excitement. I can’t deny there’s tension involved in reaching the end of a tale, but my eagerness to write ‘The End’ on the last page far outweighs the self-imposed stress involved in arriving at the final destination.

Life plays out in segments of deadlines in various ways: a sales promotion must be adhered to by a certain date, one has to get their child’s college entrance papers in by a certain date, etc., etc. So, why should writing be any different? I work in blocks of short-term and long-term goals and I’m constantly making myself reach a deadline of one sort or another. That’s not to say, however, that life doesn’t get in the way oftentimes and I have to work around the obstacles and set new deadlines. Nevertheless, self-imposed or not, a deadline is a good thing—at least for me.

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Learn more about Betty Gordon and her books at http://www.bettygordon.com/

The Didactic Function of Genre Fiction by Mark Phillips

2008-09-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

Mark Twain wrote that,”Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” I would claim that novels can play a similar role. On the other hand, Cecil B. DeMille, when asked about the message contained in his latest picture commented that, “If I wanted to send a message, I’d use Western Union.” Our primary duty as mystery writers is to entertain, but many of us feel that even genre fiction can also contain profound ethical insights and illuminate social and political issues in all their rich complexity. The authors I enjoy have a distinctive world view that permeates their work. They are presenting a philosophy whether they intend to do so or not. Wayne Booth, in his book The Company We Keep: An Ethics of Fiction, argues that the astute reader has a duty to critically engage the ethics of a work of fiction. Reading the wrong works can undermine our character just as surely as hanging around with friends who are a bad influence. Reading truly ethical works can help us expand our moral vision, undermine our parochial viewpoints, and illuminate the possibility of individuals heroically transcending the everyday morality of their parents and society that is the essence of all ethical progress and reform.

We in detective fiction have the added burden that any didactic functions we wish to explore in our writing must be buried within a suspense- and plot-heavy, all-too-often formulaic medium. But the ethical message is always there, for good or bad, naïve or profound, conscious or unconscious. Noël Carroll argues, in The Philosophy of Horror, that both detective and horror fiction are fundamentally about morality. Each begins with a violent suspension of the norm. The monster metaphorically or the murderer literally represent aberrations in the ethical norm that cannot be tolerated. They hearken back to the ancient Greek belief that a horrible sin, unless found out and rectified, can infect the entire community. Marlowe or Van Helsing must engage the aberration and re-knit the torn fabric of ethical normality. On this view the detective or horror hero is a modern Oedipus engaged on a fundamentally conservative mission. But if the source of the horror or corruption is society itself as in the science fiction horror films of the 50’s commenting on McCarthyism or the Bomb, or in the racism encountered by Chester Himes Harlem detectives Coffin Johnson and Gravedigger Jones or by James Sallis’ New Orleans detective Lew Griffin, then the hero must transcend the norm or even rip the fabric of ethical normality himself to reweave it into a more just pattern. The variations are endless, including undermining or openly violating the audience’s expectations. In the film Chinatown (Roman Polanski (dir.)/Robert Towne (wr.)), the detective Jake Gittes pursues corruption to its deepest extreme, but there is no happy restoration of morality—the corruption is both endemic to his society and stained into the fabric of human nature, beyond redemption. It is a near perfect illustration of the nihilism that permeated American fiction in the early ‘70s.

The really interesting moral dilemmas are the ones where there are no easy answers, with seemingly valid perspectives seeing the same thing from contradictory viewpoints. One of Batman’s nemeses is Ra’s al Gulh (forget the portrayal and motivations of that character in Batman Beyond—I’m speaking of the Ra’s al Gulh as created in DC comics by writer Dennis O’Neil and others) who strives to protect the environment from human devastation even if it means eliminating the vast bulk of humans. In his own mind, Ra’s is the hero and Batman a noble but misguided opponent. Ra’s even attempts to convince Batman to join his crusade as his heir. William B. Davis, the actor who played the Cigarette Smoking Man on the X-Files, explained how he found a way to play the “villain” so convincingly—he simply imagined that he was the real hero of the series constantly trying to foil the misguided efforts of Fox Mulder which threatened to ruin plans necessary for both national security and the survival of our species.

But most of us write of moral ambiguity and complexity on a less apocalyptic and more personal scale. In our first novel Hacksaw and in a subsequent short story entitled Death on the Bayou (soon to be published in the anthology A Death in Texas) my brilliant coauthor Charlotte Phillips and I explore the complexities of Houston’s homeless population. One of our colleagues in the Houston writer’s group The Final Twist Society, Laura Elvebak, also expertly explores the plight of the homeless in her novel Less Dead. My interest in the moral ambiguities surrounding homelessness began with a book called The Mole People by Jennifer Toth. She admirably documents the diversity and particularity of the mad, the unlucky, the addicted, and the alienated who inhabit the tunnels beneath New York City. She also describes the wide variety of reactions to the homeless from the socially integrated above.

My own reactions to encounters with the homeless, beggars, and the wandering mad have always been ambiguous and confusing. I am agoraphobic and always try to avoid contact with strangers that might be unpredictable or confrontational. Beggars at stoplights, especially aggressive ones, make me intensely uncomfortable. But I was also raised on ancient Greek mythology. Zeus is the protector of the supplicant at the door of the rich and powerful, and often appears in the guise of a beggar to test the generosity of those who have tasted of the draught of good fortune. A Greek was well aware that the wheel of fate turns for all men. The high and mighty of today may be the fallen of tomorrow and vice versa. And the Greeks well understood the sin of hubris. To shun the unlucky and to deny them a meal and a place to sleep in their wanderings, to despise them because they were supposedly not as smart, or industrious, or simply less powerful than oneself, would be to invite the gods to indulge in divine poetic justice. No man could ever tell whether or not some ragged beggar might turn out to be a hero in disguise ready to string the bow that only brave Odysseus could bend and wreak a terrible vengeance. I’m not a religious man, but in every encounter with the homeless, I remember the stories and pause.

One day on the commute home from work I saw a homeless man standing on the lawn of a church. It was raining and, seeing the silver lining in every cloud, the man had stripped naked and was busy lathering up for a good shower. I mentioned this incident to a colleague of mine. I quickly realized that we were on completely different wavelengths. She assumed that I was as offended by the homeless man’s shower as she would have been and launched into a diatribe against the aggressive, predatory, offensive, unseemly, and often fraudulent behavior of Houston’s vast homeless population. I explained that I was not in fact offended by nudity; that the church setting suggesting both sanctuary and charity was entirely appropriate, that for all I knew some god had arranged that warm summer shower that day for the express sole purpose of providing the man with a refreshing wash, and all other things being equal I preferred the desperately poor to be well groomed. She proceeded to mention how children might have seen the incident and how horrible that would be. I naturally responded that I doubted any children would be scarred for life by the mere sight of a penis and that American attitudes towards the human body seem to wildly and inconsistently oscillate somewhere between Cotton Mather’s and Caligula’s. Every four years I write the International Olympic Committee in my so far futile quest to have the Games held clothing-free as were the Games in ancient days. Besides, wouldn’t it be more positive to teach children not just to tolerate the eccentric and the harmlessly mad but, as many other cultures do, to provide the mad and the eccentric with a special cachet, to see them as touched by the gods, their vision of reality altered for some divinely mysterious purpose.

Needless to say she was not convinced. My degree is in philosophy and I’ve found that almost no one, including other philosophers, is ever convinced by reasoned argument (or at least my reasoned arguments). Fiction can be so much more effective (Frighteningly effective. Please remember Uncle Ben’s line from Spiderman: “With great power comes great responsibility.”) . Getting to know the homeless, desperately poor, and mad as fleshed out, believable characters slips the reader across a prejudicial barrier. By seeing the homeless through the eyes of a sympathetic character that they have come to identify with, readers are gently asked to reevaluate their own reactions and to temporarily suspend their unquestioned judgments. I believe that fiction, even, and perhaps especially, genre fiction is the modern democratic forum for ethical discussion. We can and should be conscious contributors to that ongoing dialogue.

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Mark Phillips weaves social themes throughout is fictional works which include:
Hacksaw, First in the Eva Baum Detective Series
Death on the Bayou (A Death in Texas anthology)
The Resqueth Revolution (Fall 2008 release)

Dread by Cash Anthony

2008-09-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

The following article was supposed to appear yesterday on The Final Twist Society blog. A lack of electricity in the aftermath of Ike has created a posting challenge, so I'm hosting the story here. Please use the comments link to leave messages for Cash and her fellow authors in The Final Twist Society.

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Dread.

If you have ever sat through a hurricane of any size and duration, you’re familiar with this emotional state. It’s far more than mere suspense. More like a toothache, because it doesn’t subside in a moment and go away. It drags on, and it grows.

This emotion is a good one to evoke when setting up the environment for a murder mystery or horror story; and since it looks as if it’s inevitable that Houston’s going to get clobbered with Hurricane Ike this weekend, anticipation of that reminded me of what dread entails: a period of waiting that, in the big picture isn’t all that long – a few days, maybe a week to watch a watery monster grow – but it feels like forever; dire consequences are likely to befall someone, and everyone knows it! And everyone is powerless to stop it. Someone will suffer, maybe die. The question is who.

If you’re in the path of Ike, will you be spared both the immediate loss and the resulting trauma? Even if you are, will you be one of the people who have to live through the aftermath? Coastal veterans know that means more powerlessness (literally), that extends past days into weeks, slowing every part of life down except disease and hunger; general disorder and frustration and irritation and the heightened emotions of other people… and an awareness of suffering not far off, if not in your own backyard.

No one knows who’s going to get it, but whoever it is, it’s likely to be bad. Dread.

What should you do? Should you flee, even though you know that the target is going to keep moving, and maybe if you had sat frozen like a hare, you’d have been spared…

Should you dodge out of the way, just a little, even though you know other people in more danger than you probably are need the resources and lodging and open roads? Even though you know none of them are open, and you’re going to be part of the huge problem of people out of their normal life situations trying to save themselves in a chaotic and dangerous environment – that you aren’t presently in?

No… you’ve decided to “hunker down”, a word described well elsewhere, a course of action equally necessary for the helpless and the brave. (Diana’s blog site) But once you decide to stay, then you come to know dread for sure.

You’ll feel it as you watch endless news accounts to see a spot over water move a quarter inch at a time – knowing that if it represents eighty miles or so, that will change many lives, including your own. You’ll dread the news when the storm (the muzzle of the gun?) turns more toward you – your life, your health, your home and community and everything you know are at risk, except the work you’ve got on a computer you’re ready to disconnect and run with.

Dread… before the storm, and then of the storm itself when it finally, finally gets here. The howling wind, the lashing rain, the pounding of waves of water on the walls of your house, until it comes squirting through the keyhole to your door. Hour upon hour of it. Will the house stand up to this? How many more hours of it do we have to tolerate? How long before the creaking of the house and the swishing of the battered trees outside end -- because they start shredding apart, snapping off, letting the torrent in?

I can only put up with so much dread, and so many of the TV weather reports. When it finally gets here, we’ll all be mentally exhausted anyway. I will probably mix something with rum in it, toast the emergency workers out there, and sleep through as much of it as I can. We’ll circle the recliners, push them back into quasi-lounges, and let the dog crawl underneath. The cat, most likely, will do even better than me, and sleep through the whole thing.

Wishing all on the Gulf Coast a safe weekend… and if you don’t have anything to read while you’re waiting for the insurance adjuster next week, check out the terrific books by writers of The Final Twist.

Our new anthology of short stories, A Death in Texas, will be out in October. Drop by the book launch at Kay Budget Books on Friday, October 10th, after 5:30 p.m., meet the Final Twist authors, and pick up a copy. I’m honored to say my story, The Best Man, will be inside.

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Cash Anthony is a Writer, Director, Actor, and Producer
Ninth Lord of the Night - screenplay, novel adaptation, Blue CatSemi-Finalist
Taking Up Serpents - screenplay, multi-competition Finalist
Do Me No Favors - short film, written, produced & directed
Complaining Witness - short film, written, produced & directed
False Negative - short film, written & directed
The Best Man - short story, in A Death in Texas anthology
The Stand-In - short story, in Dead and Breakfast anthology
The Secret of the Acequia Stone - B&B play and puzzles
The Case of the Baker's Dozen - B&B play and puzzles A Week of Wednesdays - Novel (WIP)Other B&B plays, puzzles, clues and poems

Unleash Your Story for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

2008-09-02T11:12:00.001-07:00

I’m participating in an event to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please join me and help raise funds for investment in vital CF programs to support research, care and education.

During the month of September, I commit to writing 15,000 words and I'm hoping to raise at least $150 for CFF.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a devastating genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. More than ten million Americans are symptomless carriers of the defective CF gene. Advances continue to be made in finding a cure, but your help is needed now-more than ever-to help keep up the momentum of this life-saving research. To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit www.cff.org.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those with cystic fibrosis. Thank you for supporting the mission of the CF Foundation!

Thanks to everyone for your support!

Click Here to donate.

In other news, both of my non-fiction booklets, Made Up Mayhem and Adapting Your Novel for Film have released. Stop by my website for details!
Perilously yours,
Pauline

Creative Book Marketing

2008-08-23T04:28:00.000-07:00

"Tie your book to a current event..."

How many times have you read a version of this tip?

Until recently, I couldn't figure out a way to use this advice in my own marketing campaign. You see, I write mysteries - make believe murder and mayhem stories. It seems more than a little crass to consider tying my stories to the latest gruesome murder in an effort to receive free publicity. Just how would that call begin? "Good morning Mr. Producer! You know that story you ran last night on the slaughter of the much loved pastor of that little church over on main? In my recent novel, a minister finds his end in much the same way. Do you think the murderer read my book? Perhaps we can talk about it on your morning show..."

I think not.

Some mystery series have themes. The protagonist has a hobby (scrapbooking, knitting, antiquing) or a profession (catering, teaching, archeologist) that can be used to approach special interest groups. I wasn't that smart. My protagonist is a PI and her spare time hobbies seem to revolve around dating and helping out the homeless. She isn't even an expert PI. She's young, inexperienced, makes mistakes.

Early this morning I started to wonder about those National __________ Months. Who decides? Is there a list? Is there something for Hacksaw or the challenged Eva Baum?

Google to the rescue.

Did you know that 2008 is the International Year of:

Languages
Planet Earth
The Potato
Sanitation

What about the month of September? September is (partial list):

Be kind to editors and writers month
Library card sign-up month
National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month
Menopause Awareness Month
National Potato Month
Pleasure Your Mate Month
Healthy Aging Month
Shameless Promotion Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Hug a Texas Chef Month

And on the weekly list (partial list):

Sept 8-13 Lind Dance Week
Sept 27-Oct 4 - Banned Books Week - Celebrating the Freedom to Read
Sept 18-21 International Women's Ecommerce Days
Sept 21-27 Build a Better Image Week

Then there is a daily list that includes things like Be Late for Something Day, Google Commemoration Day, Salami Day, Talk Like a Pirate Day, Responsible Dog Ownership Day, Elephant Appreciation Day, and International Literacy Day.

Anyone (you) can find a tie-in to their book and use it for marketing - check it out at http://www.brownielocks.com/ or http://www.quamada.com/months.html

In case you were wondering - October is National Toilet Tank Repair month. Be ready.

Pauline Baird Jones Wins Again

2008-08-18T03:55:00.000-07:00

Dream Realm Awards 2007 winners were announced at ArmadilloCon 30 on August 16. And in the category of Speculative Fiction Romance, the winner is...

The Key by Pauline Baird Jones!

Ms. Jones is no stranger to awards as her well-crafted stories have won many. Her latest entry, The Key, is full of suspense, action, humor, intrigue, and yes - a love story. The book is so well written and such fun to read, I can't imagine a reader who wouldn't enjoy this book. Congratulations to Dream Realm Awards judges for an excellent choice and a big thank-you to Ms. Jones for another great story.

This is the eighth annual event for Dream Realm Awards which were created "to recognize excellence in science fiction, fantasy, and horror in electronically published books." For a complete list of this year's winners, please click here.

If you are interested in meeting this award winning author, check out the release party for A Death in Texas on October 10 at Katy Budget Books in Katy, Texas.

Great Promo Tip

2008-04-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

Author Linnea Sinclair shared this great promo tip with me. When she's writing a new book, she notes great "clips," small snippets that tell a sort of mini story or make a great teaser. She copies them into a file marked, "promo tips for book XXX" and then gets the file out when she ramps up the promo engine. She randomly copies the clips into the signature file for her email and "teases" readers until the book releases and beyond.

It certainly worked to get me to read more of her work!

Perilously yours,
Pauline

Agatha Nominees

2008-02-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

I just read on DorothyL that two L & L Dreamspell authors have been nominated for an Agatha Award in Murder New York Style, an anthology published by (who else?) L & L Dreamspell. This brings well-earned attention to a great publisher after only one year in business!

Best Short Story"Casino Gamble", by Nan Higginson (Murder New York Style, L & L Dreamspell)
"Death Will Clean Your Closet", by Elizabeth Zelvin (Murder New York Style, L & L Dreamspell)

Laura

New Books - New Authors!

2008-02-17T10:02:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I've posted on our team blog - and it's not because there's nothing new. On the contrary, we have a lot of great new books by our team of fantastic authors!
Since last fall we've released two mystery anthologies - "Dead and Breakfast" by the Final Twist Mystery writers - a collection of short mystery stories all set in Bed and Breakfast Inns. Also "Murder New York Style" by the New York/Tri State chapter of the Sisters in Crime. It's theme is "New York" - and includes 21 great short stories.
We also released the latest in the "Third Eye" mystery series by Sylvia Dickey Smith - "Deadly Sins - Deadly Secrets" - and Betty Gordon's legal mystery "Murder in the Third Person."
Veteran author Pauline Baird Jones penned a Sci-Fi romance novel - "The Key" - it's her best book ever, and was on the best seller list at Fictionwise (in ebook format) - of course it's also available in print form (as are all our books!)
Our author John Foxjohn wrote another novel in his David Mason series - "Cold Tears" - and it was just named NUMBER ONE MYSTERY in the Preditors and Editors readers poll - congratulations John! (also note that his historical fiction novel "Journey of the Spirit" was named number TWO in the same Preditors and Editors poll, in the mainstream category!)
We published "Left at Georgetown" by David Ciambrone - his first novel with L&L Dreamspell, but not the first in his "Virginia Davies" mystery series.
If you are a dog lover you'll want to check out Cherri Galbiati's first in her new "American Service Searchers" series titled "The Scent of Money" - a "cozy" style mystery novel.
And just to prove we aren't only publishing mysteries - we released the first novel by new author Christine Prebler - a dark erotic adventure titled "Vampires at the Opera" - an interesting blend of the characters from two classic stories - Dracula, and the Phantom of the Opera.
Also we just released "The Bodyguard and the Rock Star" - a romance novel full of action and adventure. It's Christy Tillery French's first book with L&L Dreamspell, but not her first novel in the "Bodyguard" series.
Lisa and I are extremely pleased with all the great new books and authors - we wish them great success - be sure to visit our website and read more about them! www.lldreamspell.com
And stay tuned - we've added even more new authors, and we'll be bringing you a lot of new books in 2008!
Joining the team are: Laura Elveback - author of the upcoming mystery "Less Dead" - Caitlyn Hunter - author of the upcoming romance "Snow Shadows" - June Venable - author of the upcoming young adult novel "Hannah's Journey" - and there's more!
We are publishing the second mystery anthology novel by the Final Twist mystery writers group, and have added in these new participating authors: Cornelia Amiri, Loretta Wheeler, Charlotte and Mark Phillips, and Shirley Wetzel.
One more note - author John Foxjohn's latest David Mason mystery novel, "Color of Murder" will be released this fall!
Happy reading - Linda - L&L Dreamspell

That Linda!

2007-11-20T10:32:00.000-08:00

When plans fall apart, it is great to have Linda around to glue the pieces back together!

My first order for Deadly Sins was for 100 books. Then, at Art in the Park, in Orange, the books were such a success I was left with 15 of the original hundred. (I'd mailed some out for reviews, etc.)

Then came my move (don't need to explain that difficult process!!) and I forgot, until a week away from my book launch in Orange, to order more books. Not to worry, the printer can print them in a week, right? Well, they can if their machines don't break!

The day before the launch Linda calls and says--yep, the machines are down, no books!

The folks at Bayou Trading, where the book launch was held, had advertised in the newspaper, sent out a mailing to over 200 customers, etc!

Well, I was about to cry in my beer when Linda emails with a plan--a plan she stayed up all night to put into place. She created bookplates, IOU's, and a decopage plaque of the Sabine Lighthouse featured on the book cover. Folks willing to prepay and wait a few days for their books received all of the above as a gift! A couple of folks who got books even bought the plaques!

The event went off without a hitch, folks had a great time, and everyone was patient with the circumstances--thanks to Linda's work!

I never felt so proud to have the L & L Dreamspell team as partners in my writing venture!! Can't get much better than that!

Hope Linda got a good nights sleep Saturday night! You gals are the best!

I Got a Spam Promotion from Another Author...

2007-11-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

...and posted it to one of my writers' loops to start a discussion on how to write good promo material. It was particularly awful, so I won't post it here or mention any names, but will list what was wrong with it, which will hopefully help.

Mistake #1 - Sending promo unsolicited. I almost deleted it unread and am glad I didn't--though not for the reasons the author would want.

Mistake #2 - It had a lousy opening hook. The blurb talked about demises and other negative things, then in paragraph two mentions it is a comedy!

Mistake #3 - There is nothing in the blurb that engages or excites about the story. In fact, I'm still not sure what the story is even about. The author uses ten words (huge and pretentious words) where one or none would have been better. He also focuses on all the wrong things and ends the blurb in a self-congratulatory, arrogant way.

Mistake #4 - Though I can't prove it, it looks like the author "created" his own review quotes. The writing similarties are marked to the point of embarassing--and are as badly written as the blurb. (I could do a whole blog on how bad the review blurbs were, but won't go there right now.)

Mistake #5 - His bio was as badly and oddly written as all the other elements of the pitch.

It's amazingly easy to write bad promo material, though this particular pitch didn't look easy--it was very painful to read and looked painful to write, too. It's much harder to write your own promo well. As the author of the material, you're close to it and we tend to focus on all the wrong things.

Remember that you only have one chance and a few seconds to make a good impression, whether its in person, on your website or through an email. Always, always put your best foot forward. Don't tell your intended target how much they will like your book. SHOW them with a great opening hook that focuses on the ACTUAL STORY.

Most readers don't want to know the themes you explore in your book. They want to know that you have a great story and characters. Again, just telling isn't enough. SHOW them. A pitch is your first chance to show your potential audience that you can WRITE. They WILL judge your book by how you present your self and your material.

If you've written a comedy, show it in the first sentence. When you are trying to sell a screenplay, you have to start with a one or two sentence "log line" that distills your story down to its essential conflict and main characters. I use that for my opening sentence when I'm writing a query letter.

And if I get a slew of "nos" back, then I KNOW I need to retool and rewrite that opening. Don't be afraid to keep writing and rewriting your promo material until you start getting positive responses. It's also a good idea to practice your "elevator" pitch, so when someone asks you what your book is about, you can tell them in an interesting and intriguing way.

I try to structure my promo material into:

* logline
* Brief synopsis (a couple of paragraphs about the book)
* Longer synopsis (but still no more than a page)

NO WHERE in this material, do I talk about myself, how I felt about writing it or what a wonderful writer I am. These are only about MY BOOK. They are only about my CHARACTERS. And the CONFLICT.

If you can learn to get out of your own way and become adept at promoting your work, it WILL help you with your agent/editor/publisher and ultimately help you find readers.

But still don't spam. It's tacky and unprofessional. :-)
Perilously yours,
Pauline

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T12:56:00.001-07:00

It's is beautiful here in Houston today and finally COOL! I'm so excited to have my a/c finally off that I'm offering anyone who emails me, a free pdf of my short story, Do Wah Diddy Dead. If you email me at pauline@paulinebjones.com with DWDD in the subject line (or even not!), I'll send it to you.

I'm also thrilled at a new review for The Key:

"There were many characters, good and bad, on all sides of the plot, with most of the characters filling important roles. Sara was a wonderful character, I could have seen her walk right out of the book...I loved the development of love between Sara and Fyn. Ms. Jones wrote a wonderful book. I will certainly put her on my to be read list." The Romance Studio

Hope you're having a fun day!
Perilously yours,
Pauline

Thank you Linda and Lisa at L&L Dreamspell for making me realize my personal dream of being a published author.

2007-10-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

If you don’t know by now, my first novel, “Vampires at the Opera” went on sale on Monday. If you are over 18 and would like to purchase it, it is available at the Dreamspell website. For someone who is a first time author, words cannot describe the wonderful and very emotional feeling of seeing one’s book listed on the various book selling websites.

Today, I received my author copies in the mail and loads of goodies from Dreamspell.
I loved the shirt and the tote bag but it felt incredible to finally physically hold the actual novel in my hands. I am extremely pleased with the overall look of the book as well as what is between the pages. Thanks Linda for doing a wonderful cover (I loved it from the first time that I saw it!). I want to thank Lisa who did a great job editing my manuscript for publication. It reads so smooth and sharp! Thanks also to Linda and Lisa for the beautifully framed memento commemorating the publication of my novel. It was a very touching gift and I have it in my office now, next to my computer.

I also want to say a special "thank you" to my fans who have followed me and my universe. I hope you will support my novel and stay around to see what happens next in my Dracula Phantom of the Opera series.

Which brings me to sharing with you all my next goal. As excited as I am to now have my novel set free for all to read, I have to confess, publishing it has made me eager to achieve my new ambition. The writing of my second novel in my Dracula-Phantom of the Opera series.

Take care all,
Chris

Ahhh...the editing process

2007-09-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what goes through an editor's mind while they're working on your manuscript?

Well, I actually stirred up the courage to ask mine and her answers actually surprised the dickens out of me, leaving me in awe at her intelligence.

Am I sucking up to my editor? Not a chance! Not after the way she returned my manuscript sliced and diced and hashed up with enough red marks to shame a third grader's English exam in the mud. Then...I took a step back and re-read every single comment and put them in the proper perspective. She was correct--in every single case. That, my dears, is difficult for me to admit.

Recently, Lisa, my editor, gave me a few minutes of her time and let me get inside her head to see her work through her eyes. Very interesting. This is what she shared with me.

Once she gets her hands on a script that peaks her interest, she reads the story all the way through. Then she rolls up her sleeves, so to speak, and gets out her red pens, highlighters, and iced tea. Blocking out the rest of the world she starts at the beginning again, by looking for misspelled words, then run-away sentences, poor grammar, mis-used words, verb content, and over-used words, etc.

As I watched the fire in her eyes light up, her passion for her work is truly astounding and I have to say quite contagious. Lisa makes every writer she's working with feel they are the best and most important people alive. And before she's finished with you, you'll believe it as well...

This morning, as I wrap up my final changes and turn in my novel once again over to Lisa, I'm feeling pretty good about all my errors. Not because I made them... No, no, no. Because I know without any doubts, my work of art, my baby I tolled over for an entire year...is now in the most capable hands in the world.

Feel you have a book or two inside you? Look up L & L Dreamspell Publishers and let Linda Houle and Lisa Rene Smith get to know you.

Filling in the empty lines,
Cherri

A great giveaway for the launch of THE KEY

2007-09-06T11:20:00.000-07:00

My eighth novel, THE KEY is now available on amazon and at the discounted price! And I'm doing a giveaway. My sister made me these really cool collectors' bookmarks for the launch (that you can see here: http://www.paulinebjones.com/contests.htm , while supplies last. I mean, she doesn't have unlimited patience here!) So, buy THE KEY, send me proof of purchase and get this cool collector's item while supposed last! :-)

Here's the buy link from amazon: http://tinyurl.com/yrlk45

Reviews are still coming in, but here's a couple:

“Great plot! Superb workmanship on the characters! So sit back and take the ride of your life. This was by far the best Sci Fi novel in a long time. Pauline Baird Jones, a marvelous creator of some remarkable characters, put a new twist on a great Sci Fi story, The Key." Simegen Reviews

"Action is the name of the game as a feisty and hard-hitting heroine rises to the challenge in this rousing space adventure. Not only is this a fast-paced tale, the rampaging deception and cultural clashes ensure this hero and heroine will need all their survival skills." Romantic Times-

Hope you have a great weekend!
Perilously yours,
Pauline

Interruptions In Writing

2007-08-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Ever wished you could write at anytime, anywhere, without interruptions? During the process of writing my first novel, I worked full time outside the home in an office, worked with two German shepherds on call for Search missions, kept up with my family, and wrote in what spare time I could find...complaining non-stop that I never had enough time to write.

Now, I am home full time, our two dogs have retired from service, and I no longer can complain about not having time to write...So why isn't my muse dancing on my eyelashes sprinkling me with writer's dust? She's busy searching out dust bunnies under my desk, looking for issues on the internet she can stick her two cents into, and listening to idle gossip while sipping coffee with the neighbors. She's become unorganized, unruly, and cranky because she isn't doing what she should be doing--keeping my thoughts flowing on paper (er-uh, on the screen).

Last night we had a little discussion and although I have no doubt that she's back to skipping on my eyelashes, she still enjoys fluttering off and playing with the dogs, the neighbors, friends, and chatting up a storm promoting my books.

This morning the phone has rang three times, I promised a friend of mine I would travel with her this afternoon to a small town near Houston to pick out some fresh veggies from the Farmer's Market and the clothes in the dryer won't fold themselves or hang themselves up, and I really need to make a quick dash to the store for some milk, eggs, butter, and chocolate syrup, and then the filters in the a/c vent needs changing, and, and, and, and...

And maybe the problem isn't with my muse at all--

And so my day begins.

Grinning from ear to ear,

Cherri

Fun Stuff

2007-07-19T09:19:00.001-07:00

As the release date for The Key approaches, I'm getting ready to launch a fun give-away for early buyers of the book. My sister (and one of my biggest fans) made these really cool bookmarks for me to give away and I also got some fun necklaces from LL Dreamspell. There will also be a contest through Author Island. So, stay tuned for Key madness to begin in September!

You can find out all about it on my website and/or by subscribing to my newsletter. You can subscribe to my newsletter at www.perilouspauline.com. :-)

Perilously yours,
Pauline

Announcing my debut novel, December 2007

2007-07-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

Announcing my book debut December 2007

Fun builds for this writer as I climb through the processes of the publishing of my debut novel, THE SCENT OF MONEY, due out this December 2007.

This past Friday, the publishers of LLDreamspell, Linda Houle and Lisa Rene Smith came over to our home to do the photo shoot for THE SCENT OF MONEY. Linda and Lisa both love animals and had on a previous meeting met all my dogs. Except last time they behaved. The dogs, not Linda and Lisa, although they behaved as well!

Our dogs are nosy rascals and could not take the laughter on the other side of the wall for a minute longer. Four German shepherds and a HUGE Great Pyrenees burst through the living room door like a plug being removed from a dam, rushing Linda and Lisa with gusto! Each one of the dogs vying for their affection and fondness. Yes, my dogs are loving creatures, very social. Maybe a little too social as they climbed on these women's laps, smothering them with kisses and squeals, the way our dogs behave when they really like someone.

After Linda and Lisa left, I knew I had been in the company of two very fine women. You see, I trust my dog's intuition of character.

Observing dog's behaviors and their antics thrills me. Writing about them in murder mysteries came easy as they provide strong characters. And having Search Dogs helped with plot and setting. Why write about them? Because these honorable dogs give to the community without expecting anything in return. They are my Cadaver Dogs.

Whistling and writing and waiting for the next step--
Cherri

segues

2007-07-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

I was once asked how I provide such continuity from one chapter to the next. It's really very simple. I begin the new chapter with an event or person or article that was alluded to in the last few paragraphs of the previous chapter. For instance I end chapter six in Ninth Lord of the Night with Zack saying, "In that case, I'm going swimming."I begin Chapter Seven with, A redhead beat him to it. When he came out of his room there she was, stretched out on one of the chaise lounges in an eye-catching floral bikini, her fiery hair blazing in the sunlight.

Simple enough after it's all done, but it really does take some thought. Especially when changing from one POV character to another. But, I think smooth transitions are an important tool to keeping the reader's interest. The reader begins with the familiar and then can be taken to the unfamiliar without being confused or having the story lose believability. Later, after Zack has explored parts of the ruins in Tikal then I could end one chapter with him in his room at the compound and begin the next with him in a different place - like The Lost World Complex, because, now, the reader is familiar with the layout of that particular structure and ready to go beyond the familiar and into the unfamiliar.

Another important thing. The end of the book reaches somewhat into the paranormal. For the end of the story to transition from the normal to the paranormal and still be believable I had to insert the same information over and over again. Every time I did it, I did it in different ways, but it was imperative that the reader never forget certain Maya myths and legends or the ending would so surprising that instead of giving the reader chills it would simply lose credibility. By the time Zack had his greatest experience, I needed the reader to be open to this possibility, although certainly not expecting it.

Transitions can be rough or smooth depending on how much thought a writer puts into them. The key to having a fast paced novel is making the transitions so smooth that they don't interrupt the story.

Diana

I've waited all my life--

2007-06-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

I've waited all my life to be called a writer. Now, I'm a Published writer. Thank you Linda and Lisa for accepting me as one of your chosen. I feel truly honored.

This week has been an exceptional one. From feeling a HIGH typing in the words, "THE END" that I never knew existed to submitting my manuscript, to signing the contract with L & L Dreamspell. I am blown away at the intelligence, the tenacity, and the powerhouse of energy these two remarkable women exposed openly to me this week, and from what I have observed...there's plenty more a comin'!

I'm excited to be a part of L&L Dreamspell. Most of you I know, some I do not and look forward to getting to know you also.

And to a good friend; Yes, I'm still watching out for those planes, because I don't know when I'll ever come down out of the clouds!! lol
Cherri

Editors are not always equal!

2007-05-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

(Note, I posted this on my personal blog, but wanted to be sure our group read it, and thought you might not have time to drop by my blog!)

How many editors do you know who would drive two hours to attend the launch of your new book and stay overnight in order to takes pictures for your next book cover?

Okay, maybe a few might.

But let's complicate that.

Let's say the book launch is held in your small southeast Texas hometown and the room is filled with long-lost cousins, high school friends, and kith you didn't even know were kin. It's old home week and the room sounds more like that of a Scots-Irish wake instead of book-signing. Now, add to that, everyone is even more excited when they learn the mystery book is set in that area. The excitement (and the crescendo) builds!

Then, after a successful event, the next morning your editor arises before the sun and joins you in an aluminum motor boat, where you head across Sabine Lake. After the short trip, you dock on a pile of shell mounds (probably left behind by Paleo-Indians)and pull on rubber boots. You both plunge into marsh grass as high as your waist, keeping a close look-out for water moccasions and alligators, and finally arrive at a magnificent structure reaching to the sky. The Sabine Pass Lighthouse, erected before the Civil War.

All of this just to take a picture for the cover of my second book due out November 1st. DEADLY SINS-DEADLY SECRETS features the Sabine Pass Lighthouse, and nothing else would do for my editor, Linda, but to have the authentic survivor.

Now, back to my original question--how many editors would do that?

Not many would, I wager.

Mine did!

posted by Sylvia Dickey Smith | 8:50 AM | 0 Comments

The Writing Muse (s)

2007-05-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Last night while I was watching Van Helsing, I wrote a short story. It had nothing to do with the movie - or really anything else. It was about a childhood memory of a Chinese immigrant. Funny, how these things work. So far, I have about four short stories (in addition to the one that's included in Bed and Breakfast) and no place to put them. I was thinking of uploading them to my website, but then thought that maybe I'd save them and someday put them together in a book. Problem is that they are all different genres. Two are Fantasy, one is a sweet romance, and this one is what I'd call mainstream. I can't imagine any publisher actually publishing them.

But, what I really get out of it is the ability to create stories in all different genres without worry. Afterwards, I feel recharged and able to negiotate the next scene in my current WIP.

Diana

Blog Tours?

2007-05-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing a lot of buzz around the net about blog tours. In fact, I'm hosting a "touring" author the first week in June. This gal has a PR person setting it all up. Has anyone tried to do a virtual blog tour? How did it go?

It's always a challenge finding the magic promo that works...where you actually get a return on your investment, whether it is time and/or money.

I'm so excited for people to start reading The Key (and nervous they won't like it as much as I do!), that I can hardly stand it. I feel like it is my first book all over again. (grin) Some books are just like that, though. I wouldn't say it was easy to write, but it was a fun ride from beginning to end.

The second book is not coming as easy and I'm having to really work to avoid having to do some actual science. Luckily I do have an expert standing by to help me. (grin)

I'll be heading to NY next week to see my daughter, so here's hoping the last of May is great for everyone!
Perilously yours,
Pauline

Mystery Authors panel

2007-05-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

This coming Saturday May 12, 2007 from 2-4 pm, three L&L Dreamspell authors and an Agatha nominated author will be on a panel at Hill Country Book Store in Georgetown, Texas. The authors are: John Foxjohn, Sylvia Dickey Smith, Dave Ciambrone and Karen MacInnereny (the Agatha author). The panel is going to be talking about writing mysteries and will have books for sale. Anyone being in the area Saturday is welcome.

Excited about new publisher

2007-05-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to say I'm one of the new additions to the L&L Dreamspell team of writers. I've received the cover for my poison book already and can't wait to see the mystery cover as well. I'll be using the copies sent as pre-release publicity. I have an event coming up that I've included two other Dreamspell authors-John Foxjohn and Sylvia Dickeysmith. Teamwork to the end.

Dave Ciambrone

The Writer's Life

2007-05-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

When it rains - it pours!!

I think I'm going to make my tagline - "nothing's ever easy!" Seems like there's always something that needs to be done. Last week I set up my myspace page - which was supposed to be an easy thing, but it took me three days. I figured it was important, so I went ahead and got it done.

I had planned that this week I'd do nothing but write. What happens? I get an offer to write the scenerio and dialogue for a video game. I wasn't supposed to have to deal with the particulars until the end of the summer, but yesterday they sent me an email saying they were going into "preproduction mode" and that the company had setup an online account for me and I should start learning the software package. Yikes!!!! Not!!!

Also, yesterday I was discussing what topics I should cover when I sit in for one of the college's english teachers this summer. I thought it would be something about writing - ie something easy. Not a chance. She wants me to discuss the autobiographical aspects of my novel, Ninth Lord of the Night. Well...except for a few descriptions and incidents that actually happened - like the tarantula in the bathroom and the doll's head on the gear shift - there aren't any autobiographical elements. I've never been a teenage boy and I've never had sons. Some of Zack's reactions are (were) mine, but they'd be anyone's reactions. So, this is going to take some preparation on my part. That's for sure. And, preparation takes time.

Then there was the photo shoot for the American Library Association's READ poster. It was done in the college television studio with lots of lights and cameras - thank heavens, no action. All I had to do was sit there, hold my book and smile.

Today I've been asked to do another online interview. Of course, I said yes!!! I already have one waiting in the wings that I need to finish and submit.
sigh.

And, my next book? Well...let's see...I have about three hours before I have to go to work maybe I can get a couple of pages done...but I really need to call my mom. My eldest daughter is engaged and we have a wedding to think about.

Hugs,
Diana

My first newspaper review!

2007-04-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

Had to share links to my first newspaper review. The paper came out last Thursday in hard copy, and went on the world-wide web today. The first link is the main one, and the second wraps it up on the second page! Excited as a toadfrog on a hot skillet!!

Syl

http://www.theexaminer.com/files/current/Page%20B01.pdf

http://www.theexaminer.com/files/current/Page B02.pdf

next book

2007-04-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce that Lisa, Linda, and I signed our second contract for the next book in the Third Eye series -- entitled DEADLY SINS - DEADLY SECRETS. Release date set for November 1, 2007 (the seventeenth birthday of my FIRST grandchild -- so bound to bring me good luck!!

Syl

Book Lovers Convention in Houston

2007-04-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

If you're in the Houston area, or going to the RT Booklovers Con here in town, April 23-29, be sure to stop by and say HI!

You can find me:

e-Fiesta - Thursday - 10-11 - We'll have food, drinks, and a drawing for some cool e-readers!

Hunting Snarks and Whimsies - Writing Humor - Friday -11-Noon

Bookfair - Saturday - 11-2 pm. Open to the public. There is a fee, but local radio stations are giving out 500 free tickets.

Hope to see you!
Perilously yours,
Pauline

Instead of writing...

2007-04-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

...I've been surfing blogs. Found some gems today and thought I'd share. :-)

http://www.ferfelabat.com/?p=50 - My interview will post here sometime next week. I'm on a panel with these very funny ladies at the upcoming Romantic Times Convention here in Houston.

http://pbackwriter.blogspot.com/ -- Got a kick out of his post on warning labels, which prompted me to come up with some warning labels of my own:

http://worldsapage.blogspot.com/

http://shannonstacey.com/2007/03/29/thursday-thirteen-8-2/ - Love her list of 13 things to do with printed reviews that you don't like.

And just to throw in another blog with lists: http://www.bigbadbookblog.com/

And back to the Paperback writer for some fun:

http://pbackwriter.blogspot.com/2007/01/last-samurai-agent.html

And when you get done, go smell some roses. Or something. :-)
Perilously yours,
Pauline

What to Expect from Publishing Process

2007-03-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

As I turned my new book over to Lisa, I've found myself thinking back to my first published book, Pig in a Park, and my first steps into the publishing pond. I published my first novel in 1998 (ouch!) and the learning curve was...interesting. There is a lot of misinformation out there...and a LOT of opinions with very little basis in fact.

I was lucky to stumble onto EPIC and get a lot of help taking my baby steps into this business. Only way to thank them, is to pass on some of what I've learned (hopefully!) eight books later.

So here goes, and I hope it helps. :-)

When submitting to a publishing company:

ALWAYS make sure you know what they publish and that your book will actually fit into their publishing list. My daughter worked for a small press that did new age health books and regularly got novel submissions. You waste your time submitting to the wrong places.

NEVER beg in a query letter. Especially don't beg in capitals. Yeah, my daughter got some of those, too.

ALWAYS be PROFESSIONAL. Keep emotion for your books. When dealing with editors or agents, stay calm, don't be abusive, don't lash out if you don't like what they say and again, don't BEG. Publishing is a pretty small world. Even if you write a great book, if it becomes clear you're going to be difficult to work with, a publisher/editor/agent WILL move on. They don't have the time to deal difficult people. It's not fair that you have to be perfect and they don't, but LIFE'S NOT FAIR.

If you get accepted:

Learn about the process. Education is your friend and your protection. The process and order can vary a bit, but usually your manuscript will go through a first edit. This is the time to make changes. Some publishers will also give you a look post copy edit, but not all.

When you are given galleys, even electronic galleys, THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL EDITS. Some publishers will charge you for changes at this stage. One of my publishers allowed me to make THREE changes at this stage. If it was their mistake, then they will SOMETIMES make the change. Every change you make at this point takes time and money. Publishers, especially smaller presses don't have a lot of either. For a larger publisher, a galley is made from plates. To change anything requires the plates to be redone.

You WILL be blamed for all mistakes, even those that aren't your fault. Most readers don't understand how little input authors have in the final process. Again, not fair but LIFE'S NOT FAIR.

A lot of what a publisher will...and won't...do for you is spelled out in your contract. They are a pain to read, but you need to understand them. There are tons of articles on the internet about contracts, that explain the various clauses and how they can impact you as an author. If you're tapped into writers' groups, you'll also hear when new clauses pop up and again, you'll find out how they can impact you.

Because I publish with small presses, I consider my association with them to be a business partnership. Our success is intertwinned. I try not to do anything that will hurt my publisher because that will hurt the partnership. I had one publisher (not mine) tell me, he offered an author a contract and she seemed happy with it. Then he happened onto her blog, where she'd posted all sorts of complaints about the contract. Needless to say, he withdrew his offer to publish. The sad part, he would have been perfectly willing to discuss the contract with her, but she didn't ask.

So, DON'T POST ANYTHING ON A BLOG OR GROUP LIST YOU DON'T WANT YOUR PUBLISHER TO READ.

If you have questions about a contract, the time to ask them is BEFORE you sign. Once you've agreed to the terms, that ship has sailed. Again, this is a surprisingly tight knit community. Word gets around about who is hard to work with and who is not. It's not a blacklist, it's just a small world.

Publishers don't have to DO anything NOT in the contract. When they do more, it's great. It's better not to EXPECT a lot, because that leads to disappointment. It's like any relationship, if you expect something that can't happen, you get disappointed.

Recognize you aren't the only author a publisher is working with.

This doesn't mean you have to lay down and be a carpet to be walked on. I am NOT an advocate of abject fear or taking it on the chin. If a publisher does NOT fulfill their contractual obligations (like paying you), then you have every right to complain and seek redress.

Being angry or complaining about non-contractual perks is a waste of time. AND THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU AGREED TO.

If you have expectations that aren't spelled out in your contract, you should address them BEFORE you sign. You have no right to anything that isn't in writing. Again, that's why it is important for you to understand what the various clauses actually say, not what you think they say.

My last piece of advice and I'll shut up.

BE NICE. Be nice to reviewers, even the ones who slam you. Be nice to your editor/s. Be nice to other writers. Be nice to READERS. YOU are your business's biggest asset. Unless you're a one book wonder, the end game is to brand you, brand your name, as you continue to produce books and to build a reputation for delivering a great story. You can undo that with one rude comment. Trust me, I've seen it on lists.

Okay, I'll shut up now. Hope some of this helps someone!
Perilously yours,
Pauline

Page 69 Rule?

2007-03-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

Has anyone heard of the Page 69 Test? Someone mentioned it on one of my lists, so I went to my published books and checked it out. Hard to say, since I'm the author, but it seems like my books met his criteria. I just don't know how you use something like this in the writing of a book, since you have no control over the final layout of a book...so you can't predict where page 69 will fall in your story.

Anyway, I blogged about it on All The World's a Page, too, because I thought it was interesting. :-)

Also, got interviewed on this blog today: Writer Thoughts.
Perilously yours,
Pauline

DVD "The Prestige"

2007-03-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

Tom and I rented "The Prestige" last evening. We had heard so many great things about the movie and just never got around to seeing it at the theatre.

The storyline was intriguing, but what I found fascinating is how the screenwriter created a tapestry of past events with the present. The visual wasn't disruptive and that is so hard to do on paper. The characters are interwoven as well to challenge the viewer and my question now is, did anyone see the end coming? I must say I didn't and that includes Michael Caine's part in the finale.

Betty

The Web Savvy Writer by Patrice Anne Rutledge

2007-03-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

I was asked to give my opinion of this book, once I'd had a chance to read it, so here goes.

I think this is a pretty good resource for the writer who wants to learn about web promotion. I've been at this long enough, that a lot of it was pretty basic, BUT, I like the fact that she started simple and free, then showed ways to build on simple to the more complex.

It is easy, readable and also includes suggestions for authors with money, who want to do more.

There probably wasn't anything in there I hadn't heard about, but she did explain how to do things, which shortens the learning curve a LOT.

For the newly published author, just starting to use the internet to promote, its a good road map to follow. For the author who has been around a while...I found it good refresher course.

Perilously yours,
Pauline

Guns

2007-03-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

I figured, since I've never shot a gun, and I'm writing mysteries about a private eye that does, I needed to check out doing such. So, this morning my Williamson County Coroners critique group met at a local shooting range.

I took my husbands forty-year-old .22 caliber Baretta. The hardest part of the task was inserting the bullets into the magazine clip, the shooting was easy! Did a number on that target--although I aimed for the heart, a shot to the head counted just as well.

But when my co-writer-friend loaned me his 35 caliber, I hit the center of that bullseye! Guess that means I'm a big-gun shooter. Thing about it is, the bad guy would have to stand still for an awfully long time while I took aim and squeezed that trigger.

Neat adventure, then we topped it off with coffee and doughnuts, just like the cops do.

By the way, the guy at the shooting range did suggest I use fresher bullets than tweny-year-old ones, so I did.

Congratulations Pauline--Eppie Winner!

2007-03-10T21:04:00.000-08:00

I just received an e-mail from the EPIC board that the Eppies have been awarded--and our author team member Pauline B Jones won in the category of Mainstream Fiction for her recent novel "Out of Time" (published by Hardshell)--way to go Pauline!
This busy lady is the Vice President of the national EPIC group, and the President of The Final Twist mystery writers here in Houston. She's a previous Eppie finalist, and has won many other awards for her writing.
Lisa and I are excited to be working with Pauline on her next book, coming out soon--"The Key"--stay tuned for updates!
Linda

THANKS FOR GREAT WELCOME!

2007-03-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

I'd like to thank Linda and Lisa for their acceptance and encouragement. They are two women who have done their homework and are well on their way to success in the publishing industry. I am very excited to be a member of their great team and look forward to sharing excitement and growth in our writing endeavors.

I read with great interest Diana's recent post re literary writing. I never had a professor who went along with this man's viewpoints and, believe me, if you messed with commas, off with your head--not that we don't do that from time to time.

My appreciation also goes to Linda for her artistry in photography. I don't take a good picture, but I'm happy with Linda's creation. We are so fortunate to have two women take us under their wings and lay out the road to success. THANKS, THANKS, AND THANKS.

Betty Gordon

DVD for DANCE

2007-03-07T05:01:00.000-08:00

Linda has done it again! My DVD for DANCE ON HIS GRAVE came this week, along with my fantastic postcards and bookmarks! What that woman can't do -- has not been thought of!

With a team like this, we can't help but be successful!

Onwards,

Syl

Literary vs Genre Fiction

2007-03-04T13:44:00.000-08:00

A funny thing happened in the college testing center the other day - an English professor came in and proceeded to discuss his "real" job which is a Literary Editor for one of the MAJOR universities here in Texas. I won't give the professor's name or the institution, but what I do want to write about is the topic of conversation, which turned out to be literary fiction, and how it differs from genre fiction.

Bear in mind that these are his views and nothing I came up with on my own. So, don't blast me later.

For instance this professor said that he considers literary fiction boring as the authors either don't know or don't care about creating a page turning novel. All the elements that genre fiction novelists strive so hard to attain in order to keep reader interest - i.e. plot, structure, action, etc. - the literary author doesn't care a whit about. Literary authors meander on and on and write as the muse dictates.

This literary editor also said that literary authors don't bother too much with proper punctuation, especially commas. Commas are meant to mean "pause" to the reader and therefore the literary author puts commas in at his/her discretion so that the words will "flow" as the author intends. Authors are more concerned with "flowable prose" than with grammar, punctuation, and storytelling skill!!!!

The last thing this professor said that made me gasp was that he never changes nor recommends changes to an author's work. The author is the AUTHOR OF THE WORK and as such, always knows best. LOL Makes me wonder just what this professor does to actually earn his pay as a literary editor??

So, the next time you read literary fiction and you find punctuation errors that make you cringe, remember that unlike genre fiction where, to everyone's chagrin, mistakes accidently slip through - mistakes in literary fiction are intentional!!! They really DID mean to do that!!

Hugs,
Diana

Welcome Betty Gordon!

2007-03-04T11:28:00.000-08:00

L&L Dreamspell is excited to welcome a new author to our team--Betty Gordon!
Her novel Murder in the Third Person, a mystery, will be available soon. Check back here for updates, or visit our website to sign up for our e-mail update newsletter.
Betty's experiences in law school and as a legal assistant served as inspiration for her writing. She's another Texas member of the L&L Dreamspell team, and we look forward to reading her posts on this blog and on our Google forum!
Linda

Awesome Interview John!

2007-02-26T20:20:00.000-08:00

I hope you all listened in to John's interview this evening. He did an outstanding job of building interest in his upcoming novels and gave us at L&L Dreamspell one heck of a plug too! THANKS JOHN!!!!

Lisa

Yeah for Lisa!

2007-02-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

I'm working through the PDF file before it goes to the printer, trying to catch as many errors, etc. and I can before sending it back to Lisa. Just got to say, that Lisa is as artistic with the inside of the book, as Linda is with the outside! Great fonts, everything. And when you see it, catch a gander at the scene separaters! Eyes!! Neat! We're getting so close, I can now imagine how excited John and Diana are!!

S

Dance On His Grave!

2007-02-12T22:06:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share this here with everyone until I can get it uploaded to the L&L Dreamspell website!

This mystery/suspense novel is a real page turner--and it's only the first in Sylvia Dickey Smith's Third Eye Mystery Series.

Once you read this book you'll be dying to read the next, and the next...

Dance On His Grave will be available sometime this May--we'll announce it here or you can sign up for L&L Dreamspell's free update newsletter. Click on the link below to visit our website then sign up today!

http://www.lldreamspell.com/Newsletter.html

Oh, and thanks, Sylvia, for the wonderful compliments on the book cover--I really enjoyed creating it for you!

Linda

Dance on his Grave:Cover Art

2007-02-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

Oh my, oh my, I've just seen the cover art for my book, and am indeed blown away! Linda--it is magnificient! So much to explore, little details, like the blue flame on the spine of the book, the woman in the shadows--I can hardly wait to see the authentic piece! I'm speechless! You are indeed a master artist!

I feel so humbled.

It isn't on the website yet, but hopefully it will be soon! Can't wait for you all to see it!

S

Dance on his Grave

2007-02-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

Oh my, oh my! I've just seen the cover art Linda designed for me and I am absolutely blown away! Oh my goodness! There is so many neat aspects of the story that she has included that it just boggles my mind! Wow, Linda, you are a marvel. I feel humbled--that's all I can say.

Syl

Happy to be on board!

2007-02-09T16:39:00.000-08:00

My thanks to everyone at LL Dreamspell for the kind welcome. :-)

I'm excited about this book and excited to be working with LL Dreamspell to get it published.

The Key is a bit of a departure from my usual books--and yet not really. It's filled with peril and there's a romance--it just all takes place in...space. I'm reluctant to call it a sci-fi book, though, since its very thin on the science. It is heavy on action and adventure and I hope readers will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. :-)

If you want to know more about me, stop by the Perils of Pauline website. My readers page is loaded with links to articles, my Letters Home and even recipes (by friends and family. I'm not much of a cook!).

In the meantime, I'm....

Perilously yours,
Pauline

Welcome Pauline B Jones!

2007-02-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

L&L Dreamspell is happy to welcome author Pauline B Jones to our team!
We're going to publish her latest project--a sci-fi suspense novel titled "The Key"--we'll keep you posted on when to watch for it's publication date.
Pauline is currently the President of The Final Twist, the Houston chapter of Sisters in Crime, and she's also the Vice President of EPIC, the electronic publishing group.
Welcome to the author team blog--post when you have a chance!
Linda

ARCS, Posters, and Shootin' Guns

2007-02-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Linda showed me the Advanced Review Copies she's made for both my novel, Ninth Lord of the Night and for John Foxjohn's novel Journey of the Spirit. Once again, I'm impressed with quality of the books that L&L Dreamspell produce, as well as the attention to detail that both Linda and Lisa give our work. Not only is the bookcover designed specifically for the story, so is the interior layout!!!! Lisa told me she poured over font after font, until she found just the right one.

Linda also gave me a poster she made of my book cover. It's beautiful. It's 12" x 18" and is the perfect size for display. I put it on my wall this morning and I'm looking at it while I write. (And, no, it's not just stuck up there with pushpins!) That poster is the realization not only of dreams coming true, but also of hopes for the future.

Yesterday, my local Sisters in Crime chapter met in Waller, Texas. We had two really wonderful speakers, one an expert marksman and the other a police officer. "Police officer" doesn't really do this man justice as he, like John, has worn many different hats in the law enforcement field. Both speakers were excellent, but as the law enforcement officer continued speaking, I began getting very nervous. This man, this hero, who stood between me and the bad guy wasn't talking fiction - this was his world, my world, and he was describing real life.

At the shooting range, I wimped out and refused to fire a weapon. I was okay with the "dry firing" but when it came to shooting a live round, I just couldn't do it. Handguns weren't created for precision shooting, they were designed to kill . . . people. A very sobering thought. I abhor blood sports. And, to me firearms are symbolic of all the elements in our society that are cruel and disgusting.

Because we do live in the world we live in, I'm absolutely behind our right to own and carry firearms. This can be a bad world and we need to be able to protect ourselves. I've talked to my husband about my newly acquired phobia and he's promised to take me back to the firing range. After all, we DO live in Texas. And, I DO write about murderers and bad guys.

Hugs,
Diana

Being a Proctor

2007-01-30T07:40:00.001-08:00

What I do in my day job came up on the email loop and I thought I'd post about being a proctor at Kingwood College http://www.kingwoodcollege.com/Templates/Content.aspx?pid=1931

(Wow!! Now that's a long address!!)

I administer tests - placement tests, makeup tests, tests being taken for online classes at another institution, and various other types of tests.

I give the tests and then keep an eye on the test taker to make sure he/she doesn't cheat. It's not a difficult job and I get to meet a lot of nice, although a bit nervous, people. And, for the record, I've never caught anyone cheating.

On first glance, people fall into stereotypes. I've seen the blonde Barbie Dolls, the jocks, the psuedo-intellectuals, and the goths - complete with tattoos, and all kinds of body piercings. But once you get to talking to them on a personal level, you get to know them a bit and they break out of that stereotype and become individuals. Most of them really are just big kids trying to find their way in an adult world that seems not only strange to them, but also hostile. I'm surprised at how many students expect to be treated rudely by the adults they have to deal with.

I'm lucky because I have two daughters the same age as the students and I know about their world - about gaming, manga, (Japanese comic books) and anime (Japanese cartoons).

I'm also lucky because I really like people. Every person has a story to tell, and I enjoy listening.

Hugs,
Diana

If Crazy Horse only knew

2007-01-27T13:47:00.000-08:00

This may sound like an unusual title, but if you stay with me you will either see how I tie it in, or you will think I am nuts and that is entirely possible....:)

Anyway, Lufkin, Texas, the city I reside in now has a cultural center. In it, they display and help people sell things like their artwork, and all kinds of things, including books. Now, how in the world could an aspiring author not take advantage of that?

This morning they had what they call an open mike where the people with things in the center can talk about themselves and their work.

Naturally, I couldn't miss that. As it turned out, only two of us showed up to get on the mike. This program lasts an hour, and being the gentleman that I am, I offered to let the woman go first. I think she was a little shy in the beginning, so I got up.

Now, I have been called many things in my lifetime, most can't be repeated on here, and most of them were probably true, but no one has ever called me shy.

I started telling them about my novel, Journey of the Spirit, Crazy Horse, all his accomplishments, and about the ten years I researched the novel, how and where I went, and as time flew by, the woman saw all the time evaporating and she lost some of her shyness. About fifty-five minutes into it, and I had the audience on the edge of their seats, she finally wrestled the mike away from me.

I really believe everyone their will buy my novel, except her. I want tell you the things she mumbled about me, and they were probably true.

Crazy Horse was much like the lady, shy and didn't like to talk about himself. Therefore, today, everyone knows about Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, but few know about Tashunke Witco. That is Crazy Horse in Lakota.

Unlike Crazy Horse and the woman, the people there sure know about me, now.... :)

I just hope they let me come back!

TAKE THE JOURNEY

checking in

2007-01-27T08:09:00.001-08:00

It's very quiet around here the last couple of days. That must mean everyone is busy, busy, busy! I know I have been.

As you know, I got my blog going. (Diana, I'd like to list your blog on my list of favs, too, if you'd send me a link to it, please.) I finally had a friend on line help me get it set up the way I wanted it. I (and she) had big time problems with the new Blogger. We eventually went back to the old template of it.

In a discussion about business cards, and whether or not to include your phone number on it (which I've not done, for obvious reasons) I learned of a web site where you can set up a voice box where you can retrieve your messages, either on line or off, and all at no charge. So, this morning I got that set up, and will have new cards printed as soon as I get my art work book cover. BTW, do most people use their book cover art on their business cards? I assume so. Publicize with everything we have -- fingers, toes, signs on our vehicles (John!).

That reminds me, I read of one guy who had his WHOLE vehicle painted with the book cover art of his book, and had solds lots of books that way! Man, though, that paint job must have really set him back a pretty penny! Think I'll do like John, and have a magnetic sign made for my car door.

AND amidst all these marketing strategies I'm setting up, I'm doing a final tightening of the second book. I figure I'll need it ready to submit about the same time DANCE hits the bookstores. Hustle, hustle, hustle!

Blog

2007-01-26T05:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, I think I finally got my Blog up and arranged the way I want -- at least for now! I don't get called a tenacious bull (Taurus) for nothing! Worked on that thing all day, because I couldn't figure out how to get my photo on the Profile. Late last night, I finally figured it out with some help from my son-in-law, who has a couple of blogs.

Whew!

Me, too!

2007-01-25T08:34:00.000-08:00

Guess what I did this morning. Yep, I knew you'd guess. I created my personal blog! I've resisted doing that until I got a contract -- so now's the time. I'll post a lot of my news, events, progress, etc. on that. Come by and visit at

http://sylviadickeysmith.blogspot.com

Journey of the Spirit

2007-01-24T23:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the compliments John Foxjohn!
Lisa and I started L&L Dreamspell to make dreams come true--and our Dreamviews are another way to help authors get the word out about their books. I enjoy creating these mini movies--watch for more coming soon!
For anyone who happens to see this blog and doesn't have the link to John Foxjohn's Dreamview for his novel Journey of the Spirit here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIND-YwhtVk
And please visit our website to find out more about the book!
www.lldreamspell.com
Thanks again, John--
Linda

WOW! These girls are good

2007-01-24T16:05:00.000-08:00

This may be hard to beleive, but I viewed my Dreamview this morning and it left me speechless. People who know me know how incredible something has to be to render me wordless.

Couldn't believe the incredible job Linda did on it. I spent all day e-mailing people all across the country telling them about it and inviting them to look at it. I have had some tremendous comments and it is no wonder.

When I first heard about this publishing company, I must admit I had some doubts. When I met them in person, most of those doubts left. I can assure you, they are all gone, now.

Lisa, I am ready to talk about that contract....:)

Glad to be a part of the group!

2007-01-22T05:51:00.000-08:00

I'm excited! Yesterday, I signed a contract with L & L Dreamspell to publish my first novel entitled DANCE ON HIS GRAVE. As a new author of L & L, have been invited to join the blog. I look forward to getting better acquainted with everyone, and fun times writing, publishing, selling, and talking about mystery and suspense.

I'm not a mystery/suspense biggot, either! I've started reading Lisa's COLIN'S CONQUEST and having a great time with the bloody romance! Next, on to Diana's NINTH, and then John's JOURNEY when it comes out this Spring.

Sylvia

Book Preview

2007-01-19T06:16:00.000-08:00

This will be a short post just to thank Linda for the excellent job she did on the Book Preview. She had a dilly of a editing job!!! Looking into the lens of a camera is very unnerving.

But, Linda pulled it all together and made it work!!!

She is an incredible artist.

A Big Hug and a Huge Thank You!!!

Diana

Ice Storm

2007-01-19T05:33:00.000-08:00

As I sit here in the early morning hours with a cat on my lap and a cup of coffee nearby, I'm thinking of how everything is A-okay in my little world. We survived the ice storm that hit Houston a few days ago and didn't get any broken branches or have a power outage. And, I found it actually thrilling to see icicles once again.

When I was ten and we came back from Japan we lived for a couple of years in New Waverly, Indiana. New Wavery was, and is still, a tiny place, but I absolutely loved living there. In the winter I'd get up before dawn and walk about four blocks to the catch the schoolbus. I don't remember ever being cold. What I do remember is how the snow sparkled in the moonlight and appeared light blue. It was indeed a winter wonderland.

Of course, being a kid, I didn't have to deal with the realities of snow. I didn't have to drive in it or shovel the sidewalk. I just enjoyed it.

Which is what I did with our recent ice storm. I didn't have to go out on the roads, so I stayed in where it was warm and toasty. I only wish everyone could have done the same.

Diana

Check out Diana's Dreamview video!

2007-01-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

L&L Dreamspell is proud to announce our very first "Book Preview" video.
We're calling our version "Book Dreamviews" and they're a lot of fun!
Diana L Driver's upcoming novel Ninth Lord of the Night is showcased in this two minute "teaser" viewable now at YouTube. Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoZWgGCYfjA
Not only are we staying competitive in the book marketing field with this new technology, we're also filming longer interview style videos to use as promotional pieces.
It's interesting to "meet" authors, find out more about them, and learn why they wrote their books.
Stay tuned for even more "Dreamviews" from L&L Dreamspell...

The Demise of Murder Ink.

2007-01-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I miss things, even though the information is there on my writer's loops. I don't read all the posts and then I'm literally "out of the loop."

On January 1st it was announced that the largest speciality bookstore in the United States - Murder Ink. in New York - was closing its doors. What a shame. They cited a rent increase and falling sales, due to chain bookstores and the internet, as the reasons.

A sign of the times, I guess. Such a shame.

Diana

Welcome Aboard Diana L Driver!

2007-01-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

I'm happy that you've joined the discussion on our L&L Dreamspell author team blog!
The beginning of a new year, during the cold winter months, seems perfect for writers. We're often eager to begin new projects, or else "resolve" to finish one or more of our "works in progress"--and when it's cold outside I know I'm happy to cozy up to the notebook computer--it makes a great lap warmer!
So everyone make yourself another pot of hot coffee, tea or cocoa and get busy writing. If you need some ideas L&L Dreamspell has some fun anthologies in the works that are open for submissions right now. Here's the link: Anthologies
If anyone has an idea for a group anthology, in any of the genres we publish, Lisa and I are interested in your suggestions! Write to us here: Publishing
Now get busy writing!
Linndah

William Fitchner

2007-01-04T08:59:00.000-08:00

Ever since Elaine "Cash" Anthony optioned the screen rights to NINTH LORD OF THE NIGHT, I've been thinking about actors to play the various parts. Mind you, I won't have a say in it all. I'm not too familiar with the younger stars, but I have decided that if wishes could come true, I'd really like William Fitchner http://www.williamfichtner.org/ to play either the part of the murderous smuggler or the part of Uncle Clifton.

For those who might not be familiar with Mr. Fitchner's work, he was Sulley in Perfect Storm and his latest part was as the sheriff in the television show Invasion. Recently he was in Dallas filming a new television show called Prison Break. I don't know when that show is set to air, but I read that they've shot two seasons and might be back to shoot another.

I've seen all his movies, including Black Hawk Down and he's an incredibly gifted actor.

Anyway, if wishes were to come true, I'd get to meet Mr. Fitchner who'd smile at me and agree to at least look at the novel and screen play to see if it interested him.

LOL - well, I CAN dream, can't I?

Diana

About Writing - Perception

2007-01-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

A few days before Christmas I was driving by the airport on my way to work and a jumbo jet roared over as it took off into the clouds. I thought about the people on that plane and how excited they must be to on their holiday journey.

A few miles later, another jet flew over - this time the huge plane was coming in for a landing. I thought about those people who would soon be getting off the plane and how their journey was almost at an end. I imagined how excited their family members must be knowing their loved ones would soon be arriving.

Thinking of those happy families meeting and greeting each other put a smile on my face. I had Christmas music playing on the car radio and all was right with the world.

Until I pulled up and stopped at a red light. Stopped beside me was a large white bus with the words DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY. I couldn't tell if there were any people on the bus or not as the windows were darkly tinted. The light changed to green and as the bus made its turnoff towards the airport entrance, I thought about the people who might be on that bus, whether or not they were being deported and if so, the reality they were experiencing.

That's what we do as writers. We consider all points of view, various realities, and different perceptions. The good and the bad. The happy and the sad. And, we give our characters experiences that bring those types of realities to the reader. In the end, real human emotion is what suspends disbelief.

My thoughts about perceptions.

Diana