tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49101253561657272682024-02-20T09:38:48.777-08:00My Writing JourneyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-5727461489448867662019-10-06T11:36:00.001-07:002019-10-06T11:45:26.655-07:00Kill Your Darlings<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kill your darlings. Have any of you ever
heard of it before? In the writing world it is a pretty common saying. Most of
us have heard it hundreds of times, if not more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stephen King wrote a book called On Writing. In it he says, <i>“Kill
your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little
scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings.”</i> That quote has always stood out to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, what is a darling and how do we kill it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;">Taken from a blog I recently
read, (because I loved how they phrased this) </span><a href="https://thewritepractice.com/kill-your-darlings/">https://thewritepractice.com/kill-your-darlings/</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: black;">Darlings, in writing, are
those words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and even chapters that we are
often most proud of. We love them, to the point that we </span><span style="border: 1pt; color: black; padding: 0in;">almost</span><span style="color: black;"> don’t care if those bits are clear to readers
or not. We love them, and we want to keep them.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0%; background-position-y: 0%; background-size: auto; border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-right-color: currentColor; border-top-color: currentColor; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; outline-color: invert; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The problem is they can get in the readers’
point of view.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now, how do we kill them? We get rid of all of the stuff that
isn’t absolutely necessary, even if we love it. It’s a hard thing to do. A
really hard thing. We create these characters and build these worlds and then
we rip them to shreds to make the best possible story we can. Sometimes it’s
painful. Sometimes it makes us want to rip our hair out. But in the end, it is
always necessary. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So how did I go from going to the Snake River Writer’s Conference
and submitting to Pitch Wars to this? Ha! Good question. Actually, it’s pretty
simple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Jim McCarthy.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">A
very well-known and successful agent who works at Dystel, Goderich &
Bourret as not only a literary agent but also as VP. </span>He came to the writing conference I just attended. I paid for a fifteen-minute
consult with him in where he reviewed the first ten pages of my manuscript. I
submitted them ahead of time so the fifteen minutes with him was spent solely going over his notes with me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Long story short, he made a few comments here and there.
Clarification things. He said my writing was pretty solid so he didn’t have a
lot of advice there. Then we came to the end of the 10 pages and he said something
to the effect of, “If you’re willing to move the beginning of the book to here,
right here, it will be powerful and potent.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He explained how I could work in some of the pertinent
information I was about to cut, back into the story without doing a lot of
re-writing. Then he went onto explain why he thought the change would help my
book. Basically, the way I had it written before was so intense that he felt
like you couldn’t absorb any of the other important information because we were
so worried about whether my character was going to live or die.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He also explained that if I would let the reader know from
the beginning that she had indeed survived her suicide attempt and then worked
the other information back in in small amounts that it would hook the reader
faster.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After our meeting, my head was spinning, to say the least.
But I could totally see what he was saying and I could envision how such a
change would work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But then my heart sank, just a little. I love these pages. I
love my snarky, damaged protagonist. Could I really cut them? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the end, the answer was yes. Yes, I can because writing isn’t
about the author. It’s about the reader. How can they understand my story and
relate to it? What will pull them in and keep them turning the pages?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, it’s been a little over a week since the writing
conference and the process has been painful. But today, I finally did it. I
will have to keep working at it to add some of those important things back into
my story, but I did it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here’s another little piece of advice I picked up from the
writing conference. It doesn’t hurt to try it. Save your original manuscript
and then make a copy for your re-write. If you don’t love the re-write after
you have finished it, you can always go back to the original. You haven’t lost
anything. It fit my situation perfect, so that’s exactly what I did.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I honestly have no idea if this book will ever be published.
If I will get a request from Pitch Wars or an agent. But I know I’m not giving
up. I love this book and I will keep trying. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Also, for the record, can I just tell you what an incredibly
personable man Jim McCarthy is. So kind and friendly. One of the first things
he said to me was “This must have been pretty hard for you to write.” All I can
say is that he got it. Without ever meeting me, he knew how special this book
was to me and how hard it was to write about some of the darker parts of my
past. He knew. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you ever get a chance to listen to a class or seminar
given by Jim, I hope you will take the opportunity. He taught two classes at
our conference and both were full of so much wonderful and helpful information.
Things I will forever take with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don’t know if you will ever read this Jim, but thank you.
Thank you for not being the kind of agent to laugh in my face, or to say no one
will ever read this. There are plenty of those kinds of agents out there. The
ones who make an author feel like garbage. But you… you were kind and patient. You
took the time to help me with my story instead of just saying this will never
work. It was such an honor and pleasure to meet you. And heaven help me, I pray
our paths will cross again someday.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 107%; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, until next time. Just remember to kill
your darlings. In the end you will be happy you did it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-55932890758932505832019-09-26T20:51:00.000-07:002019-09-26T20:51:34.047-07:00An Exciting Week
<br />
This is a pretty exciting week guys. Not only did Pitch Wars
open for submissions but I also get to attend the very first Snake River
Writer’s Conference tomorrow AND it is being held right here in Idaho Falls,
Idaho. Usually to attend a conference I have to drive no less than 3 hours to
get to it. So this is pretty monumental.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-cvzy9WQK3NBuo7YFqyAC7vn44jYrICxFtdz1wwQhkwg1EdNKHei6ybkJB8mz72kGcgAEsNN_zjUsWY145y5wz8m5PUBAY71gfr0ZxLD2S7m3zZaVqcy7m3XqKJsZyja3NDT-IJbPJI/s1600/SRW+Conf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-cvzy9WQK3NBuo7YFqyAC7vn44jYrICxFtdz1wwQhkwg1EdNKHei6ybkJB8mz72kGcgAEsNN_zjUsWY145y5wz8m5PUBAY71gfr0ZxLD2S7m3zZaVqcy7m3XqKJsZyja3NDT-IJbPJI/s320/SRW+Conf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Not only that but there are some pretty amazing people
coming to teach at our conference. And let’s not forget to mention that the
incredible Mr. Jim McCarthy, a very well known agent, will be doing consults and
also teaching a class of his own. This conference is going to be EPIC!<br />
<br />
So let’s talk writing conferences? Why go? They’re somewhat
expensive and usually last for 2 or 3 days. As I mentioned before, most of us
have quite the travel time getting to them. So why go?<br />
<br />
Well, let me tell you a story. When I was a teenager, I had
just finished my very first story, a children’s book. Of course, I was over the
moon and wanted to get it published so I asked my uncle, who is a published
author, “How can I get published?” <br />
<br />
He volunteered to read it and help me edit. After all of
that was done, I asked, “Now what?”<br />
<br />
“Now you need to find an agent,” he said.<br />
<br />
“How do I do that?”<br />
<br />
“Go to a writing conference,” he replied simply, like it was
the easiest thing in the world.<br />
<br />
At the time I was so overwhelmed and I remember thinking,
how on earth am I going to do that? I’m a kid. You have to have money to go to
one of those things. And so I never even explored the possibility. <br />
<br />
Many, many years later I made a friend in a book store. She
was promoting her new book and when we got to talking and when she found out I
was an author, she invited me to go to a writing conference with her. <br />
<br />
It was the scariest and also the single most important thing
I have ever done in my writing career. <br />
<br />
But let me tell you this. Not only did I learn some very
valuable information. So much that I felt like my brain might explode. Lol! But
I also make connections and friends. And in the writing world, connections and
friends can make all the difference. <br />
<br />
There are obvious advantages to meeting other authors and rubbing
shoulders with agents at these conferences, especially as we are trying to get
published. But the friendships we make are just as valuable. We have all had
those moments as authors where we feel like we might be going as little crazy,
am I right? Or how about those moments when self-doubt sinks in and you just
want to burn your book because you just know it isn’t any good. Those
friendships we have made tend to be our lifelines during those times. Because we
know that we are not alone in this crazy journey we are taking as authors. Our
friends boost us and give us just enough drive to push through those moments
and keep going.<br />
<br />
So, if you ever get the chance to attend a writing
conference, big or small, I hope you’ll take it because there is nothing like
it in the world.<br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-4331719276492594402019-09-24T21:12:00.000-07:002019-09-24T21:14:51.674-07:00Lets talk Pitch Wars...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQYeRvK5SvFQsA2j9C0k_qTkS5CZcuRXcpKd3U9hxCNmuRpHF8jYC21XyH1o7eBVXfNNmKw_wQGqJuDS_rXjcHzyMBwB_WfSbhqiDZtakTwD4__dxuHAb6mI1KtAkxphO_L_wB_F0EHo/s1600/pwlogo-home.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQYeRvK5SvFQsA2j9C0k_qTkS5CZcuRXcpKd3U9hxCNmuRpHF8jYC21XyH1o7eBVXfNNmKw_wQGqJuDS_rXjcHzyMBwB_WfSbhqiDZtakTwD4__dxuHAb6mI1KtAkxphO_L_wB_F0EHo/s320/pwlogo-home.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let’s talk Pitch Wars. Have any of you heard of it? I
hadn’t until about two weeks ago. So let me give you a quick rundown, because
guys I am VERY excited about this and it opens tomorrow for submissions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What is Pitch Wars? Straight from the Pitch War Website... (with their permission, of course)</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTZB5LyGRbt9bw3Mo9mvsbDPna5vBIoWDkwIa3ROYiFbny9PjS9UQsFszgjIq9PfTSmUAyNhEzxdD_WfsZ996FaXdP4vb7OuZOIz6gHRc9zzIRjgoFXvtyCY4fTJXfNcEjhiI7nR01zk/s1600/Pitch+Wars.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1034" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTZB5LyGRbt9bw3Mo9mvsbDPna5vBIoWDkwIa3ROYiFbny9PjS9UQsFszgjIq9PfTSmUAyNhEzxdD_WfsZ996FaXdP4vb7OuZOIz6gHRc9zzIRjgoFXvtyCY4fTJXfNcEjhiI7nR01zk/s640/Pitch+Wars.PNG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></span></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Are you asking yourself how can I get in on this? Ha! I know
I was. Here is the link to their website. Hop on over and check it out. And don't procrastinate because the submission window is only open until the 27th.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://pitchwars.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">https://pitchwars.org/</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTZB5LyGRbt9bw3Mo9mvsbDPna5vBIoWDkwIa3ROYiFbny9PjS9UQsFszgjIq9PfTSmUAyNhEzxdD_WfsZ996FaXdP4vb7OuZOIz6gHRc9zzIRjgoFXvtyCY4fTJXfNcEjhiI7nR01zk/s1600/Pitch+Wars.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As for myself, I don't really have much advice, me being new to this and all, but the website is full of all sorts of helpful information. Everything you need to know, really. </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I can tell you that I have spent nearly two days combing through the
mentors; studying them, reading their wish lists and then compiling my own list
of who I would like to submit to. This is something I highly recommend. You are
only allowed to submit to four mentors. Don’t waste even one of those chances.
Do your homework and make sure they are a good fit for you and your book!</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's the schedule, so you have an idea of when everything is taking place.</span></div>
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<div style="color: black; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">So, I guess that's about it. I hope I've gotten you as exctied as I am. I honestly have no idea if I will be selected but I think this is a
wonderful opportunity, so I’m going for it. What about you?</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-38830064610874737052019-09-22T13:20:00.000-07:002019-09-23T08:05:09.466-07:00Doing Hard Things...<br />
I’ve been thinking a lot these last few days about what I
wanted to write my next blog post about and the thought that popped into my
head was about writing a synopsis.<br />
<br />
What is a synopsis?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJhXAox03iwhzDhxw6KnByDDhXtfiY9o7lEtrEBoWvrBjYgPkfCBRIx1euuZkzYQRk-to0TafQBVeQf2xTsQAn1EyVHA08jcolRwqL2zt5Jna64zhN6Myp5xUgoE_C-m1_AC_IsI-wW8/s1600/Synopsis.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJhXAox03iwhzDhxw6KnByDDhXtfiY9o7lEtrEBoWvrBjYgPkfCBRIx1euuZkzYQRk-to0TafQBVeQf2xTsQAn1EyVHA08jcolRwqL2zt5Jna64zhN6Myp5xUgoE_C-m1_AC_IsI-wW8/s320/Synopsis.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Except, here is the kicker, in most cases it can only be one
page long. You have to take your entire book and tell everyone about it in one
page. For some, this process may be easy. For me, it is definitely one of my
least favorite things.<br />
<br />
So why write one? Well, as I’ve found out as I started trying to
query agents, most of them ask for four things: a query Letter, the first 10
pages of your manuscript, an author bio, and a one-page synopsis of your book.
Not all agents ask for this but so far about half I have looked at do.<br />
<br />
It was a very painful process. This is not me whining, this
is me telling you that writing my book was easy compared to this. But here’s
the thing. It can be done and like writing a book, it will take several drafts
and revisions to get it right.<br />
<br />
So, what’s my purpose of this post? To let all of you other
authors know, you’re not alone and to tell you not to give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do your best and then ask for some help. My
first draft ended up being nearly 2 pages long. I looked at it for several long
minutes and literally groaned. It seemed like such an impossible task to get it
down to just one page. I kept thinking, why am I doing this? What if no one
likes my book? What if I never get it published? Then this will all just be a waste
of time.<br />
<br />
You know what I did next? I took a deep breath and started
trying to shorten it. Trying to take out anything that was too wordy or wasn’t absolutely
necessary. Why? Because I love my book. And I’ve put a lot of hard work into
creating it. I owe it to myself and to my book, to do everything in power to get
it published.<br />
<br />
My next step was sending it to my editor. She showed me
where we could cut some words and what the most important points to tell were.
After several revisions and a lot of back and forth between the two of us, I
think I finally have it nailed down. <br />
<br />
Is it perfect? Ha! I have no idea. I’m still second guessing
myself about it. I’m not an agent, I have no idea what is going to grab their
attention. What is going to make them say, “I need to read this book.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that’s what my editor is for. She is from
the business side of the literary world and I trust her to let me know what
agents are looking for. What is going to be the best way to get an agent to pay
attention to my book. If you don’t have an editor, that’s ok. Get a trusted
friend to read it for you. Never underestimate the power of a beta reader. But
I can also say, that hiring my editor was one of the best decisions I have ever
made. Because I know that I can’t do this 100% by myself and I need to draw on
her knowledge and know how.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, maybe you don’t have the money right now
to hire an editor. Thankfully there are other places you can start. We are
very fortunate to live in such a technological world, where we can get online
and literally thousands of resources are at our finger tips. Including access
to our writing communities with millions of other authors who have either gone
what we are going through or who are currently going through what we are going through.<br />
<br />
So if you love writing and creating, keep going. Don’t give
up even when you come to something like this. You’ve put too much time and
energy into your craft. Keep going. <br />
<br />
I just want to give a huge thank you to my editor, Heidi
Brockbank, at Eschler Editing. I really couldn’t have gotten this far without
you!<br />
<a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-46724924903214815092019-09-15T15:22:00.000-07:002019-09-15T15:22:33.405-07:00Me as an Author<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">People
often ask me how I get the ideas for the stories I write. The answer can vary
from book to book but mostly I try to think of unique situations and what would
be the cause. From there I grow a story to answer the ever-present question, what
if.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of the
first books I wrote, Timeless Grace follows the story of two sisters who are
trying to get to the Salt Lake Valley after their parents die along the way,
when the wagon train they are with abandons them along the trail. With Josie
the youngest sister fighting for her life, Sara must decide if she can trust
the stranger who has stumbled upon them and is she willing to risk her heart
along the way. This book all started from the idea of all the pioneers who
never made it to their original destination. For one reason or another they
stopped along the way and never continued on. The idea intrigued me and from
that sprouted the idea for my book.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Forever
Tomorrows came about a bit differently. To be honest, I have never given it any
thought about writing a book about my life, any part, big or small. It was
never anything I wanted to share with others. I wasn’t ashamed, per say, but I
definitely didn’t want people knowing about some of the darker parts. Then one
night, back in March, I had this dream about this boy and girl who were in a
mental hospital together. The dream thing is a little Cliché’, I know. Despite
that, I woke up the next morning with this idea. The story of a girl and boy
who meet during the most difficult times in their lives. And for days it was on
my mind. I started writing it just to get it out of my head but then I couldn’t
stop. Without purposely doing it, my own experiences bled into the story. But
remember the story is still a work of fiction and it truly comes down to
Jesslyn and Daniel, the boy she meets. I did know someone like Daniel once, who
became my friend in one of the hospitals I stayed in. He did in fact stand up
to some bullies trying to protect me from them, just like Daniel does for
Jesslyn in my story. But we were never more than friends. Like I said before,
my story turned out much differently.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve
already started drafting my next book and I’m excited to see where this story
takes me. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One thing
I have discovered about myself lately, something I seemed to have forgotten
along the way, I want to help people. Not just that, but all those who have or
are going through something similar to what I went through. I want them to know
they aren’t alone. That there can be light after all of the darkness. I want to
touch someone’s life for the better. And maybe that’s what really makes the difference
in my writing right now. Because before, I wrote because I loved creating. But
now that love for creating has been coupled with a love and desire to help
someone else who is struggling.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It has
always been a dream of mine to become a published author but now that dream has
transformed slightly. Because my goal isn’t just to become some famous author
anymore. I just want to reach someone else and touch their lives for the
better.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well,
until next time… </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh, and I
think I forgot to mention that I now have a Twitter account. I know, I know. I’m
a bit behind in the times but I’m figuring it out as I go. Lol! If you’re on
and want to check it out, you can find me at <a href="https://twitter.com/NLLewis1">https://twitter.com/NLLewis1</a> .</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-63237815858991225412019-09-12T20:57:00.000-07:002019-09-13T21:09:42.432-07:00A little about my book. <span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, I
told you all about how I’m back. Now I want to introduce you to my newest book.
The one that I’m shopping around, trying to find an agent for.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Forever Tomorrows
is a 72,000 word Contemporary Young Adult Novel. Ha! That doesn’t mean much if
you aren’t from the writing world. So, in layman's terms… It’s an<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">average length novel set in present day, based
on the life of a teenager. Although I think this book will appeal to young
adults I definitely think people of all ages will be able to connect with it in
some way. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "&quot" , serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The story follows the journey of 16-year-old Jesslyn Ward as she goes through
some very dark moments in her life and how she learns to heal and find happiness
once more. It’s about pain and sadness. Hope, healing and self-discovery. It
gives us a peek into what drives a teenager to try to take their own life. A
question I think many of us ask when we hear of such a tragic loss that never
should have happened. There are people out there that call it a shellfish act,
and in a way it is. But driven by pure desperation, people do irrational things
they never would have thought of doing under normal circumstances.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
novel is very close to my heart, being based on true life events that I
experienced growing up. That being said, it is still a work of fiction. Many of
the supporting characters are completely fictional. The events in this story
happened so long ago, that although I remember several people from this story,
it would be impossible to remember every nuance and detail of their characters.
And I do have to put this out there, in case any of you do get the chance to
read this book, the ending is 100% fictional. My happy ending came in a
different form and with a completely different prince charming. One that I’m
still married too. But with all the stories I write, I like there to be a
little bit of a love story. This is Jesslyn and Daniels story.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the
writing world, we create what we call pitches for the books we write. Pitches
are meant to be a short summary of your book that you can quickly “pitch” to an
agent or someone else to let them know what your book is about. I’m going to
share my Pitch with you now. Just know, it is still a work in progress like all
things, it may need some work.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black;">After months of abuse,
sixteen-year-old Jesslyn Ward decides that she can’t take it anymore. When her
suicide attempt fails, she finds herself admitted to a mental health facility.
Things are made worse when her self-absorbed mother moves out of state,
abandoning Jesslyn in the hospital. The road to recovery isn’t easy and just
when she thinks things might be getting better, she is forced to face the
secrets she has been hiding. With the help of the staff and the new found
friendships she has formed, Jesslyn finally begins to heal. In the end, she
discovers that family isn’t always blood and that in the darkness of times you
can still find hope and happiness. Based on real life events, this is the story
of abuse and pain, healing, and self-discovery.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have I
interested you in my book yet? I hope so. If not, don’t worry. It won’t hurt my
feelings. But if you do want to keep reading, here’s a little excerpt. One that
I hope you love as much as I do. Because really, this is what my book is about.
Finding hope in the darkest of times.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i>He
leans back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head and tipping his head
back. “You know, when I first got here, I thought this place was for the truly
insane. People who hear voices and things.” His eyes flick over to me and then
move back to the ceiling. “Then I watched the kids coming through here. Kids
like me and you. Kids who have truly screwed up stuff happening to them and
they just don’t know how to deal with it.” He leans forward resting his elbow
on the table. His gaze locks on mine. “Maybe that means there is hope for us
after all.”</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“There is always hope,” someone
says from behind us. I turn to see Darren leaning against the door frame. He
pushes off and walks towards us. “I read this quote once and it’s
always stuck with me,” he says pulling a chair out. He turns it backwards and
straddles it, resting his forearms on the back. “It said, Staying positive
doesn’t mean you have to be happy all of the time. It means that even on hard
days you know better ones are coming.” He rests his chin on his arms, watching
us. “Essentially, that's what hope is, isn’t it?”</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "&quot" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well,
that’s it for tonight. I hope you have all enjoyed my post. Have a good night
and I’ll talk to you soon.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-25459696955253627782019-09-10T20:08:00.000-07:002019-09-10T20:08:37.398-07:00I'm Back...
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">The title
says it all. I'm back. But from where you might ask? </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">To make a
long story short, back in 2014 I was very active on the web and actively trying
to get my book Timeless Grace published. In the writing community I was
attending as many conferences, classes and writing gatherings as possible. Then
suddenly I was gone. No more blog posts, no more updates on my author Facebook
page. I was just gone.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;">It was hard time to say the least.
I went through several surgeries when my left kidney failed and had to
eventually be removed. Then my right kidney began to decline. Not only that but
we had two dear family members pass away within six months of each other. It was a
difficult few years and I'd be lying if I said I didn't go through some
depression in there as well. As a result, my writing was put on hold for a
while. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;">But I'm happy to say I'm back now.
My health is doing great and my creative juices are flowing. Not only that, but
I'm excited to share that a few months ago I completed another book. It’s titled
Forever Tomorrows. After spending the summer editing and revising, I took the
leap and it is now on submission to a few agents. I'm taking my time, trying to
be selective in order to find the perfect one for my book and hopefully,
fingers crossed, they will find my book the perfect fit for them.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;">I'm not going to go into too much
detail about it at this point because I want to take the time later on go a
little more in depth when I tell you about it but suffice it to say I'm more
excited and passionate about this book than I have ever been with anything I
have written before. This is one I will fight for. It's one I believe in. One
that I think could change other people lives. Or at least I hope it can. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;">That's probably enough for now. But
know that I’m hoping to get on here at least a couple of times a week to write
a little something. I can't say that I'm some incredible blogger, because I
really am not. But the most important thing to remember is this blog is about
my writing journey. It always has been. Good or bad, it will all be one here. So,
for now, I just wanted to say hi and tell you all I'm happy and excited to be
back. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;">I hope you all will continue to
follow me as I continue on this crazy journey and hopefully, we will all learn
a little something along the way.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;">Until then my friends, keep dreaming
because if there is one thing I have learned over these last few years, just
because our dreams get put on hold, it doesn’t mean we have to give them up.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Good
night everyone.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-29261723172809003762014-03-31T09:05:00.001-07:002014-03-31T10:21:48.824-07:00The Stone of Valhalla!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNzHQP_MEVM1WDb2MiQKAqBm0R5Yu3t_ZGwKsPCAked_CjY_-bTMRx4IV7uxk5IBiGdyAJQFfaPXNissYUaYC4ysXKjE9qh37OH2-poSIOf9686bvsV7xc0VpChpBpigxaOiW17Nt7cw/s1600/Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNzHQP_MEVM1WDb2MiQKAqBm0R5Yu3t_ZGwKsPCAked_CjY_-bTMRx4IV7uxk5IBiGdyAJQFfaPXNissYUaYC4ysXKjE9qh37OH2-poSIOf9686bvsV7xc0VpChpBpigxaOiW17Nt7cw/s1600/Banner.jpg" height="128" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Welcome to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Stone of Valhalla</i> Blog Tour!</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A middle-grade fantasy-adventure by Mikey Brooks.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Don’t
forget to check out the </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">GIVEAWAY</span><span style="color: red;"> at the bottom this post</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;">for a
chance to </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">WIN a $25 Amazon
Gift card </span><span style="color: red;">and other great prizes!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">Interview with Mikey
Brooks<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mikey, first I want to start
off by thanking you for taking the time to come on over to my blog and do a
Q&A with me. It is a privilege to be able to pick you brain. Lol!
Let’s get started, shall we? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can
you start by first telling us how you got started as an author? Was there
anything instrumental that happened in your life to instigate your writing
career?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I was little I used to
play a lot in the thick woods that surrounded our farm house in Missouri. Our
nearest neighbor was about a mile away so it was just me, the trees, and my
imagination. Those woods allowed me to create many stories and dream of faraway
lands filled with magic and wonder. I believe it was then that I became a
crafter of stories. Later when I grew up I decided to get my degree in Creative
Writing. Ever since that’s what I do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
long have you been writing for?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have been writing since I
was a young boy. I have been writing professionally for the past couple years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
does your family feel about you being an Author?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My wife understands me. Or
tries to understand me. I live half my life in my head. I am constantly
dreaming up stories to tell and the characters in them. She has to be very
patient. I do know she is proud to say her husband is an author. She is the
first one ever to read my books and I think she likes that privilege. My sister
is another great supporter of my work. She has always been there to push me
along. My parents both say they’re proud but I’m not sure if they’ve actually
read any of my books. They aren’t big readers. Around Christmas time I think my
dad said he was up to chapter 2 or 3. He doesn’t know where I got my
imagination—certainly not from him. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is
it difficult for you to find time to write? Do you have a specific time you
write each day?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It can be very difficult. I
work as a freelance illustrator and cover designer and I am constantly trying
to catch up on all the many projects that entails. I also work from home with a
roost full of little girls. Thursdays are my writing days. My wife takes the
girls to grandma’s house and it is quiet. It is then I get the majority of my
writing done. Sometimes I write in the evening when my wife is watching her
shows. I’d gladly give up TV to write.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
do you think about writing/critique groups? What advice would you give an
author who is trying to pick a group or start one?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have been in several
writing/critique groups. Finding the right one IS the important key. If you
write say MG, I believe it is very important to have a group geared toward MG
writers. You’ll help see things expected for your genre. I also suggest finding
members that take their craft seriously. If they are there for the same goal:
make your story better, you’ll get more out of it. I suggest joining the
Authors’ Think Tank group on Facebook. We are a family of writers of all genres
but we all form little groups of our own. It is nice to have a large body of
open minded people to discuss things with and help each other out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
do you feel about Beta and Alpha readers?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I use mostly my wife, my sister,
and my editor to help me in honing my story. I also use my critique group. I
have a few beta readers that are actual kids (write MG so that why I use them).
They help me see whether I am connecting with them as my target readers. I
think everyone should have a trusted few that help them hone their craft.
However, make sure those people have the same goal in mind: making your work
better. Too many voices on how “they would write the story” is not what an
author needs. That just leads to confusion later on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
do think the most important advice is that you can give to aspiring Authors?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You need to believe in
yourself. Believe that you have talent. Thant no one but you can write the
story in your heart. There will be times along your journey when you will get
discouraged—don’t. Never give up and never give. Only you can write your story.
No one else! Believe you can do it and watch as your dreams come to life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
is the biggest mistake you think Author’s make while trying to get published? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think they rush things. I
know because I have been there. When I finished my first book about 13 years
ago I was thrilled. I knew it was going to be the world’s bestselling book and
I was going to retire at the age of 25 and relax on my private island in the
Caribbean. I sent that book to every publishing house out there. I was crushed
when I got rejection after rejection. Somehow I got a few requests but they
later declined saying it wasn’t ready. I was disappointed and shelved the book.
That’s when I decided to go to school and learn to write. (Note: you don’t have
to do that.) 12 years passed and I was then a better writer. I found that
manuscript, rewrote it from the beginning to the end and now I’ll be releasing
it. Yes, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Stone of Valhalla</i> was
the first book I’d ever written. In fact, I’d written four books before I ever
published one. Take your time to make your book the best it can be. There is no
rush.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
would you say is the most important thing Authors need to do/know when trying
to get published?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This depends on what your
long term goals are as a writer. If you are just happy to get your books out
there for people to read then you might want to think about self-publishing. If
you want to make this a career you might want to think about indie publishing or
getting an agent. Ah did you see I said both self-publishing and then indie?
They are both self-publishing titles but I think the word “indie” implies these
authors are serious about their work. It’s not just a hobby or something to
share…it’s their livelihood. I always tell an aspiring author to either go BIG
(meaning the big publishers which requires agents) or go INDIE (which is
becoming a self-published entrepreneur). Both take hard work and determination.
So the most important thing: find out what your long term goals are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
now tell us about your writing. What genre do you write? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I write middle-grade and
picture books. I have always had a love for children’s literature and so that
is what I have decided to focus my attention on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How
many books do you currently have published? What are they about?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have several picture books
including the Amazon bestselling <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ABC
Adventures: Magical Creatures</i>. It’s a concept book about mythical animals
and the alphabet. I also have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bean’s
Dragons</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trouble with Bernie</i>,
both explore imaginary friends and the consequences of our actions. In
middle-grade genre I have two books out in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Dream Keeper Chronicles</i>, a story about two teens that have to save the
world from a nightmare trying to escape the world of Dreams. The final book
comes out this summer. And I just released <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Stone of Valhalla</i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did
you go through a traditional publisher or self-publish? Why did you decide to
pick this particular route?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was on the fence for a long
time exploring both options. I studied both routes for about two years. And I
mean I studied. I read every report I could find to know the ins and outs
before I did anything. I have to know how deep the water is before I jump. With
my picture books I just self-published them. It was easy and I used them as a
platform to get more clients for my freelance business. My middle-grade books I
was more determined to traditionally publish. I queried for well over a year
and got no request from agents. I then decided to try for a smaller press and
got to offers. I declined one and accepted the other. However, I want happy
with all the rights and restrictions with the contract. I am a huge audiobook
fan and wanted one of my book. The publisher wanted my rights but never planned
on using them ALWAYS exploit your rights! Use them! I ended up declining the
contract (hardest thing so far) and I self-published. I now have my book in
eBook, hardback, paperback, AND Audiobook! I couldn’t be happier with my
choice. I still desire to be traditionally published. I want to be what is
termed as a “hybrid author”. I am currently seeking an agent and I have one
manuscript with an agent now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your
current book <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Stone of Valhalla</span></i>
promises to be quite a fun adventure. Tell us about it. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes! This is a fun fantasy-adventure
about a boy named Aaron who stumbles across an amulet in an old lady’s
basement. The amulet whisks him away to another world and he is immediately put
on trial for witchcraft, having just appeared in the center of town. Aaron
narrowly escapes the fire when goblins attack the village. He then learns this
amulet holds great power the goblins will stop at nothing to get. He teams up
with a not-so-magical-wizard and tries to find his way back home. However
Aaron’s fate is tied to the amulet. He was chosen to save their world, but it
might come at the price of losing his own. It really is a fun story!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m
quite excited to read this book with my own children. Is it for all ages? Who
would you say your target audience is?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is appropriate for ages
9 and up. It is one of those Narnian tales that keeps you turning the pages to
see what happens next. I think adults will love the book just as much as the
kiddos. In fact it is already getting raving reviews from adults.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is
there anything else you would like us to know about? Book signings, release
dates, ect . . . <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes! The book is available
now and at a discounted price for the length of the blog tour. Just $2.99 for
the eBook and $9.99 for the paperback. I also have eBooks of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Dream Keeper Chronicles</i> on sale
during this time for just $0.99. That’s about $2 or more off the list price.
There will be an <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://goo.gl/Q2Fd3r"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">online launch party</span></span></a></span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> hosted by LovingtheBookLaunchParty on Facebook on April 10<sup>th</sup>
and a LIVE release party April 12<sup>th</sup> at the Viridian Center in West
Jordan, Utah, from 6pm-9pm. We will be having giveaways including a $25 Amazon
gift card AND at the LIVE event we’ll have several guest authors including Chad
Morris, J. Scott Savage, Jenni James, Ali Cross, and Lisa Mangum. It should be
a super fun event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank
you again for taking the time to speak with me. Good luck with your upcoming
book! I’m so excited to read it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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Thank you so much it has been fun! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Synopsis:</span></b></div>
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Aaron was chosen to save their world, but it might come at the cost of
losing his own. </div>
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Breaking
into an old lady’s basement was supposed to reward 13-year-old Aaron with new
friends. Instead he finds an enchanted amulet that transports him to another
world—one at war with magic. Before he knows it, he is accused of witchcraft
and invited to a bonfire—where he’s the main attraction. If that’s not bad
enough, a goblin army shows up and toasts the town...literally. The good news:
Aaron escapes being charbroiled. The bad news: the goblins are after him. They
want his amulet and will stop at nothing to get it. Battling to find his way
home, Aaron teams up with a not-so-magical-wizard and learns it’s his fate to
destroy the amulet and save this new world. But is he willing to sacrifice his
own?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Check out what these talented authors
are saying about it:</span></b></div>
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“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Stone of Valhalla</i> is one of those
books that only comes along once in a great while. Brooks doesn't just create a
world, he puts you inside of it, allowing you to experience the wonder in a way
that only he can. His characters are likable and fun. His twists leave you
asking ‘Why?’ Treat yourself to an exciting adventure through a beautiful new
land. Make new friends and be a part of the magic. This is a book that you will
not be able to put down!” </div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">—J.R. Simmons,
author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ragesong: Awakening</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Stone of Valhalla</i> drew me in from the get-go. Aaron’s journey is
reminiscent of Dorothy’s trek in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Wizard of Oz</i>. Magic, sword fights, danger, and more danger, sprinkled with
humor and unexpected twists. This is one of the ‘best’ fantasy adventures I’ve
ever experienced!” </div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">—BBH
McChiller, author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Monster Moon
Series</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Stone of Valhalla</i> is a riveting
mystery revealing true friendship, loyalty and sacrifice. Brooks engages the
curiosity of middle graders and older sleuths alike, until the very end.
Fantastic!”</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">—L.R.W. Lee,
author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Andy Smithson series</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Where to Find <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Stone of Valhalla</i>:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Exclusive price</i> for the eBook
release is just <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">$2.99! </span></b>(List Price: $4.99)</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
And only <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">$9.99 for the paperback!</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span>(List Price: $12.99)</div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On April 12<sup>th</sup>
2014 the price will return to the List Price</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Stone-Valhalla-Mikey-Brooks-ebook/dp/B00J42QMSE"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Kindle</strong></span></span></a></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong> | </strong><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Stone-Valhalla-Mikey-Brooks/dp/1939993288"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Paperback</span></span></b></a></span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DK0z5oHHUqtggjnKsAnfZudOvMF6Pm-cLLktW0YERLK225sKUlO7oItAl8KEnYdwE6wDwqLKrwG3nLBy3jvVGzsc6AzVabyqYJpsEwubp6iXEppOBDokyC-tFKeWz2SAfpFZdoD1EEg/s1600/Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DK0z5oHHUqtggjnKsAnfZudOvMF6Pm-cLLktW0YERLK225sKUlO7oItAl8KEnYdwE6wDwqLKrwG3nLBy3jvVGzsc6AzVabyqYJpsEwubp6iXEppOBDokyC-tFKeWz2SAfpFZdoD1EEg/s1600/Cover.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></span> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Another special offer:</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
During <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Stone of Valhalla</i>
Blog Tour</div>
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Mikey’s other great middle-grade eBooks will also be set to the low
price of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">just $0.99!</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
<strong><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Dream Keeper</i>:</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Dream-Keeper-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00CPE0PT0"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Kindle</span></span></b></a></span> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dream-keeper-mikey-brooks/1115262781?ean=2940016761121"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Nook</strong></span></span></a><strong> </strong><strong> | </strong><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Dream-Keeper/book-HNZTMBHSwEmQvFtnDTAvbQ/page1.html?s=PgMlaS-n_kWtXFq9rPCQMg&r=2"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Kobo</span></span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<strong><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Dreamstone</i>:</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dreamstone-Dream-Keeper-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00GP33YZO" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kindle</span></strong></a></span> | <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dreamstone-mikey-brooks/1117435078" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Nook</strong></span></span></a></span><strong> | </strong><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-dreamstone" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Kobo</span></span></b></a></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">You’re Invited to PARTY!!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
The
online launch party will take place on Thursday, April 10<sup>th</sup> at 4pm
(MST). The party will run for 2 hours and you’re invited to drop by anytime.
The longer you stay the more chances you have of winning prizes! We have slew
of eBooks to giveaway, as well as a Stone of Valhalla necklace AND a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">$25 Amazon gift card!</b> It is hosted by
LovingtheBookLaunchParty on Facebook. Just follow this link to join the event: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://goo.gl/Q2Fd3r"><span style="color: blue;">http://goo.gl/Q2Fd3r</span></a></span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #365f91; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">What’s that? Another Party!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
That’s
right! If you’re local to Utah you don’t want to miss this kickin’ party. We
are having a launch party to celebrate the release of this awesome new book. Of
course there will be plenty of giveaways there too, but what’s even better are
the guest authors! Just check out these fabulous names: J. Scott Savage, Chad
Morris, Lisa Mangum, Jenni James, Ali Cross, and many more. The Launch Party
is: Friday, April 11<sup>th</sup> from 6-9pm at the Viridian Center in West
Jordan, Utah. Follow this link for a map: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://goo.gl/dqVc0u"><span style="color: blue;">http://goo.gl/dqVc0u</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">About Mikey Brooks:</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mikey is a small
child masquerading as an adult. On occasion you’ll catch him dancing the funky
chicken, singing like a banshee, and pretending to have never grown up. He is
the author/illustrator of several books including the best-selling <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/ABC-Adventures-Creatures-Mikey-Brooks-ebook/dp/B00AU7ZVOI"><span style="color: blue;">ABC
Adventures: Magical Creatures</span></a></span> and <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Beans-Dragons-Mikey-Brooks-ebook/dp/B00AUMKJGI"><span style="color: blue;">Bean’s
Dragons</span></a></span> as well as the middle-grade fantasy-adventure series <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Dream-Keeper-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00CPE0PT0"><span style="color: blue;">The
Dream Keeper Chronicles</span></a>. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Dream-Keeper-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00CPE0PT0"><span style="color: blue;">The
Dream Keeper Chronicles</span></a></span> His art can be seen in many forms from picture
books to full room murals. He loves to daydream with his three daughters and
explore the worlds that only the imagination of children can create. Mikey has
a BS degree in English from Utah State University and works fulltime as a
freelance illustrator, cover designer, and author. As a member of the <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://emblazoners.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Emblazoners</span></a></span>, he is one of many authors
devoted to ‘writing stories on the hearts of children’. He is also one of
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">the
hosts of the <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.foreverwriters.com/category/podcast/"><span style="color: blue;">Authors’ Think Tank
Podcast</span></a></span>. You can find more about him and his books at: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.insidemikeysworld.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.insidemikeysworld.com/</span></a></span>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<br />
</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2pezevttAeIWV4Zpla_FhOROePiqlm7LPHjA7GzubDO3qFN5Vsvg2ziz_ygGONvcAmTfr4FFVRxXEcXbiPoLeH1SeeV4H6ASZ9sVJRm9IIhB2rDil6dzMq6Nv9YhuYeNaceBJqCOdaM/s1600/giveaways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2pezevttAeIWV4Zpla_FhOROePiqlm7LPHjA7GzubDO3qFN5Vsvg2ziz_ygGONvcAmTfr4FFVRxXEcXbiPoLeH1SeeV4H6ASZ9sVJRm9IIhB2rDil6dzMq6Nv9YhuYeNaceBJqCOdaM/s1600/giveaways.jpg" height="103" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Giveaways!</span></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Enter the giveaway below to be entered to win one of the following
prizes:</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">$25 Amazon Gift Card</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Stone of Valhalla</i>
Necklace</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Autographed Paperback of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Stone of Valhalla</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
Autographed 11x17 Poster<br />
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can enter by clicking on the link below.</div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/21172e3/" id="rc-21172e3" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-24155025842853553882014-02-24T19:07:00.000-08:002014-02-24T19:48:25.512-08:00What I’ve learned this last year . . .<br />
<o:p>What I’ve learned this last year . . .</o:p><br />
<br />
#1 Never underestimate the power of editing. Editing will make or break your
book. And for most of you writers out there, you probably already know this.
For me, this has been quite the process of learning and growing. I’m not great
at editing but I bought a fantastic book by Annette Lyon that has helped tremendously.
Not to mention the invaluableness of Beta Readers! I’m getting better as I go
and I’m learning a lot. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
#2 Never give up! I gave my MS to 3 different Beta readers and did many,
many long, agonizing revisions since last May. And let me tell you, there were
times where I wanted to give up. I really did. I kept thinking. “Is it worth
it?” The answer is YES! You’re a writer because you love to do it! You’re a
writer because it is your passion. You’re a writer because it lives within you.
Don’t ever give up on yourself. The road to writing a book is LONG and HARD but
it is worth it. Even if it’s only for the self-satisfaction of knowing you
completed it!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
#3 Push aside your self-doubt aside! During this long process of getting my
MS ready to submit, I began doubting myself. Saying things like: “I’m not sure if
anyone is going to like this.” “Maybe I should go over it one more time.” “What
if it is crap and I get rejected?” I’m shaking my head right now because those same
doubts still linger within me. BUT I have learned to push them aside. How will I
know if my book is any good if I don’t put it out there? How will I know if it
is crap or not, if I don’t at least <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">try </i></b>to get it published? I’m a shy
girl admittedly and I have a very hard time putting myself out there but
writing is my passion. And passions are not something you give up on. Will I
ever get the amazing chance to become a published author? Shrug. Who knows? But
one thing is for certain, you can’t say that I didn’t try.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
#4 Writing is a craft AND a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">constant</i></b> learning process! Through
my experiences, great advice from other Authors, and by reading my very first Stephen
King book (Lol. I never thought I would say that. He is an amazing author. I
just don’t care for horror stories, if you know what I mean?) I have learned
that writing is something you have to work at. Learning and growing as you go.
It requires a lot of hard work, dedications, and many hours reading books of
others. Yes, reading other books! It is the single, most heard, piece of advice
I have received this year. Reading helps you grow and transform as an Author.
It helps teach you what works and what doesn’t. It helps you learn what to do
in writing and what not to do. You get more ideas, and your own creativity
grows. It pushes you and inspires you to grow as a writer. Writing Conferences
and classes, Critique groups, and Reading are all things publishing companies
will ask you if you are doing. They want an Author who is honing their craft
and constantly working to make it better. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
#5 You <strong><em>have to</em></strong> use Beta Readers! Do you know how many mistakes and plot
holes/errors my Beta Readers found? Lol! It was incredible. But I loved seeing
all the red. I helped me know what I could fix. What worked with my story and
what didn’t. When I first started letting my Beta readers have my MS last
summer I thought to myself. “I think it’s ready to submit. I just want to know
if the Beta readers like it.” By the third Beta reader, I was thinking “I hope
she catches anything I might have missed. AND I hope she likes the story.”
Because from the first Beta Reader to the last, my perceptions of my story had
changed drastically. It needed work. Undoubtedly it needed work. I am not a
great editor, not in the least! And boy did it show. Thankfully my Beta readers
took the time to point out things to me and mark up my MS. Thank goodness for
Beta Readers!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
#6 Read your story out loud! You will be so surprised at how many errors you
will catch just by reading you book out loud. And sometimes when you are really
into it, you will catch yourself re-wording things because it sounds better a
different way. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span>
Reading your book out loud can be fantastic fun and so very helpful. Lol!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Well I suppose those are some of the greatest thing I learned as a writer
over this last year. Hopefully it helped some of you too. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Have a fantastic day! And Keep On Writing!<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nikki</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-91930080781560026622014-02-16T21:28:00.001-08:002014-02-16T21:30:48.183-08:00A weekend filled with lots of reading, sounds like Heaven to me . . .<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here’s
the latest in my writing/ reading world! I have had the privilege of reading two
amazing books this weekend and because of it, little writing got done. BUT I’m
told by many a successful Authors, that reading is a very important tool in
honing your craft of writing! Sounds like a good excuse to me </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> So what amazing books
had me reading for 2 days straight, you ask? Glad you asked. Glad you asked my
friends. These two books are written by two of my favorite authors, Annette Lyon
and Sarah M. Eden. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Without spoiling
the story for you, I will just share my quick review of them. And hopefully you
will want to read them too! Okay here goes.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Lost Without You</em></strong> is an incredible story about love, faith and commitment. Once
again Annette Lyon has woven a story that instantly pulls you in and keeps you
hooked until the last page. Her characters reactions and emotions are so real,
they grip at your heart strings, leaving you cheering for them until end. There
were so many times while I was reading this book where I felt like I was
actually there and when I was forced to put it down the story stuck with me
until I could get back to it. What I love most, is the real life issues that
are dealt with in the story. Things that stop and make you think “Wow. That
would be really hard. I wonder what I would do?” I would definitely recommend this
book to anyone, but especially those who love a faith inspiring story. You most
certainly will not be disappointed! Well done Annette! Well done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>Longing for
Home: Hope Springs</em></strong> is the amazing conclusion to Sarah M. Eden’s book Longing
For Home. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After
waiting for nearly a year to read this sequel, I can tell you that I was not
disappointed in the least. Woven with a deep history of the Irish and many of
the hardships they endured, the tender love story grips at your heart and make
you read page after page just to find out what will happen next. The characters
inside the pages of this book come alive and you become so invested in the
story that you will feel like you are actually there. For anyone who loves
reading book set in a time when this country was still young, you will love
this book! But seeing how it is a sequel, I highly recommend that you read the
first book before reading this one. But if that is the case, be prepared to
read this book immediately after because the first book as just as good as this
one and it will leave you wanting more. Thank goodness Sarah wrote this one!
Thanks for creating another amazing book Sarah! I enjoyed it thoroughly!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve
included the links to these book below. So go read them! I promise you will not
be disappointed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Without-You-Annette-Lyon-ebook/dp/B003VIX1IG/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-7&qid=1392612644"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Without-You-Annette-Lyon-ebook/dp/B003VIX1IG/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-7&qid=1392612644</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Longing-Home-Book-Hope-Springs/dp/1609078101/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1392613719&sr=8-1"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.amazon.com/Longing-Home-Book-Hope-Springs/dp/1609078101/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1392613719&sr=8-1</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Until next
time, keep writing and reading!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nikki<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-58255900345440918922014-02-05T14:22:00.002-08:002014-02-05T15:13:53.159-08:00There is some Exciting Writing Stuff going on right now . . .So it has been quite a while since I've blogged, and honestly I am a big enough person to admit that I'm not the greatest blogger BUT I have some very exciting things to share with you all! So here we go with my first post! Keep checking back over the next few days OR weeks (Lol) to see what else I have going on in my writing life.<br />
<br />
#1~ The LDStorymakers Conference is coming! I went to this last year and it was so fantastic. Not only did I rub shoulders with some of the greatest Authors of all time BUT I learned ALOT and made so many new friends!<br />
<br />
So what's the LDStorymakers 2014 Contest? Here's a brief summary, but you can find out more details <a href="http://ldstorymakers.com/conferences/2014-conference-2/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b7ace;">on their website</span></a>. The 2014 LDStormaker writers conference will be in Layton, UT, on <b>April 25-26</b>, with Bootcamp and the Publication Primer on April 24. This is the writing conference you can't afford to miss. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Keynote</b>: Orson Scott Card</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Agents/Editor</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<div>
Melissa <span class="il">Frain</span>, editor at Tor</div>
<div>
Eddie Schneider, VP of JABberwocky Literary Agency</div>
<div>
Daniel Lazar, senior agent at Writer's House</div>
<div>
Josh Adams of Adams Literary</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Laurie McLean, Foreword Literary</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Other noteable guests:<em> </em>Heather B. Moore, Sara M. Eden, Annette Lyon, Brandon Sanderson, Brodi Ashton, Carla Kelly, Janette Rallison, Matthew J. Kirby, Elana Johnson, J. Scott Savage, Sara B. Larson, Kristen Chandler, Renee Collins, Tess Hilmo, Peggy Eddleman, Kimberly Griffiths Little, Natalie Whipple, Julieanne Donaldson, Chad Morris, Robison Wells and more!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
#2~ One of my all time favorite authors and a wonderful friend, that I had the privilege of meeting last year at Storymakers, Heather B. Moore, has one of her books in an incredible boxed set that is now available to by! And the kindle version is only .99 right now. So exciting! And let me just tell you, although I haven't had a chance to read all of the books in this set yet, I have just finished one of them and it was so good I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read the others. So if you are in need of something fantastic to read, go get these books! I promise you won't be disappointed.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Romance-through-Ages-Book-Boxed-ebook/dp/B00HFD5OEM/ref=zg_bs_45_1"><span style="color: red;">http://www.amazon.com/Romance-through-Ages-Book-Boxed-ebook/dp/B00HFD5OEM/ref=zg_bs_45_1</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
#3~ Also, Krista Lynn Jensen is doing another countdown contest for her new Novella that is coming out, With all my Heart. I tell you I can't wait to read this one. So go on over to her page and enter the contest. It's easy and fun. Who knows maybe you will win a free copy of her new book. :-)<br />
<a href="http://kristalynnejensen.blogspot.com/2014/02/with-all-my-heart-is-out-triple-romance.html"><span style="color: red;">http://kristalynnejensen.blogspot.com/2014/02/with-all-my-heart-is-out-triple-romance.html</span></a><br />
<br />
#4~ Last but certainly not least, please hop on over to this page and help out an Amazing Author Robison Wells who is struggling with the horrible crippling effects of Mental Illness. Let's face it, at some point in our lives we have probably all dealt with this in some form or another and we know how hard it can be, especially when trying to provide for your family. To help Rob get through this, you can help contribute to his fundraiser right now by going to this site and either donating (even as little a $1, every little bit helps) or by buying one of his books, and then you will be entered into an raffle to receive some pretty amazing prizes. So go check it out! <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://kashkawan.squarespace.com/novembrance/2014/2/2/give-a-little-bit.html"><span style="color: red;">http://kashkawan.squarespace.com/novembrance/2014/2/2/give-a-little-bit.html</span></a></div>
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-84261120533440449552013-09-16T07:31:00.000-07:002013-09-16T07:31:14.298-07:00Selectiveness When Choosing Alpha and Beta Readers is Essential
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m sorry if my blog post today comes off as more of a rant
but here’s what I’ve got on my mind concerning writing as of late. I can never
tell you enough how grateful I am for Beta and Alpha readers. I think they are essential
to good editing and it is a fantastic way to catch error and mistakes that we
ourselves did not see. BUT and this is a huge BUT, Make sure as a writer that
you are selective on whom you choose to be your Beta and Alpha readers. And
make sure they have the time to do it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For me personally, I want to get the editing finished up and
get on with the process of submitting but I have been waiting for over 2 months
for one of my readers to turn my MS back into me. Most of you would say move on
without this reader. I have been tempted I must admit, but at the same time I
really need the feedback and this person has some really good ideas. So here I
sit waiting hoping that today will be the day I receive it back and can get on
with my work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So learn from my experience and make sure that the person
you pick is really in it with their whole hearts. If not you may get stuck in a
situation similar to mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope you all have an excellent day! Keep on reading and
writing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">~Nikki<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-84373131809401043952013-08-16T23:25:00.003-07:002013-08-16T23:42:25.509-07:00"Finding Sheba" and Some Of My Favorite Authors...<span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For years now I have enjoyed
scanning the shelves of my local bookstore looking for some of my favorite
Authors. I own just about every book they have ever written and I have read
those book multiple times because I enjoy the stories so much. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
</span></span></span><span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who are these amazing Authors, you
ask? Let me name some of my top Authors for you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span></span></span><span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Annette Lyon <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H. B. Moore <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span></span><span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sarah M. Eden <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jennifer Ann Holt<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rachel Ann Nunes<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anita Stansfield<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Julie Klassen<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jean Holbrook Mathews<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Frank Holdaway <o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gerald N. Lund<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Janette Oke<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Michelle Paige Holmes<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Krista Lynne Jensen. <o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
</span></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course I am such a huge reader
that this in no way includes all of my favorite authors but these are
definitely at the top of my list. (Smile)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span class="usercontent2"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anyhow, I've decided that not only
will I use my writing blog to record my WRITING journey but also my
READING journey as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Gem I just read was a Novel
written by H.B. Moore called<b> "Finding Sheba".</b> I can not even
begin to tell you what an amazing author Heather is! Truly! She is one of my
favorites for a reason, it is also why she is at the top of my list when I'm
looking for new book to read. Her newest book does not disappoint. The thing
you need to know about Heathers books, or at least a good majority of them, is
that they are based on scriptural characters from the past. She does an amazing
amount of research getting her characters just right and it shows in her
writing. These books are fascinating as well as addicting.<o:p></o:p></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Finding
Sheba” is no different. It is a suspenseful romantic thriller that
will keep you on the edge of your seat while you flip page after to find out
what will happen next. Although this book is written from multiple views, it is
interesting to learn everyone’s stories and see them all come together in the
end. I LOVED how you get so sucked in that it is very hard to put down, which
is what killed me about this book because I was having a hard time finding the
time to read it. The bible references and being able to learn about the Queen
of Sheba just added to the intrigue of the book. Before this book I have to admit,
I didn’t know much about her and now… I find her simply fascinating. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So if you
haven't read this book already, I recommend you go pick it up as soon as
possible and then set some time aside to read it. Trust me when I say you will
not want to put it down!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hope you are
all being successful with your own writing Journeys as well as your reading
ones.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span>
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</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Until the next
time.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span>
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~<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nikki</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-14666639734704611282013-07-30T20:48:00.002-07:002013-07-31T09:33:25.461-07:00Editing is HARD, plain and simpleEditing truly is one of the hardest things I have ever done. At times I doubt myself and get so frustrated I am near tears. At other times I wonder if all of this work is really worth it. But in the end my answer is always-- Yes, it is worth it! So I push through and keep trying to get something done everyday, even if it is just a little bit.<br />
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Today on Facebook an Author friend of mine posted about getting frustrated and discouraged over editing her book. There were so many fabulous responses to her post. I wanted to share my favorites and also give a bit of my own advice on the subject. <br />
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1- Edit in layers. It's like taking baby steps. Make yourself a list of everything that needs done and then start working your way down the list. You may have to go through your MS several time but it eases some of the stress of having to make it perfect right off the bat. I currently have a list that looks something like this.<br />
Plot holes<br />
Pet words<br />
Punctuation<br />
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2- Persevere. Keep going. It's like all hard things in life. When you are stuck in the poring rain it is hard to see the sunshine behind all those clouds, but if you keep on walking you will eventually find it. Writing a book is no different. At first it might need a lot of work but if you hang in there it will keep on getting better and better until finally it shines. <br />
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3- Sometimes you have to do some studying and learning to figure out all those grammar and punctuation errors and how to fix them. I had the amazing experience of attending the 2013 LDStorymakers Conference in Utah this year and all I can say is WOW! I learned so much! There were so many classes and helpful information taught by some of the most amazing authors ever. <br />
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So my first advice is find a writers guild or conference you can attend. I promise it will be worth it!<br />
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My second piece of advice; Buy Annette Lyons book "There, Their, They're: A No-Tears Guide to Grammar from the Word Nerd", Second Edition <a data-reactid=".r[yqvl].[1][4][1]{comment10151569680927362_27765576}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[3]" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1484820665" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1484820665</a><br />
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I can not even begin to describe how helpful this book is. It breaks down the rules of editing in a way that is so easy to understand. I love how you can practically hear Annette talking to you through it, in a fun and cheerful way. It takes the boringness out of the "textbook" so to speak. It's laid out in a way that makes it easy to reference things and its the perfect size to keep beside your computer. In fact that is exactly where I keep mine so that I can reference it while I'm editing my MS. So if your struggling with editing go out and get this book. I promise you won't be disappointed. It truly is a 5 star book!</div>
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So there you have it! My advice on editing for the day. Hopefully it was helpful. Good luck with your work and remember to always keep writing!</div>
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~Nikki</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4910125356165727268.post-79523417593395709772013-07-28T19:27:00.000-07:002013-07-28T20:02:46.791-07:00A little about me . . .A little about me. Hmmm . . . Well I suppose writing has always been a passion of mine. In high school I either had my nose glued to a book or my fingers to a keyboard. I started dozens of stories that I never finished because another great idea would come along. I became pretty frustrated with myself and put writing away for awhile. <br />
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A few years ago I found it again. It was during a time in my life where I was very low and I needed a reality escape. And at first that's all it was, an escape but pretty soon my dream of becoming a published Author began burning within me once more and I started writing again, little by little, more and more. After my first novel was complete I thought "That's it! I'm officially an Author now!"<br />
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I began sending out Query after Query and receiving back rejection after rejection. Once again I became very discouraged and put my writing away again. <br />
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Then last fall after I couldn't stand not writing anymore, I picked up it once again. But this time instead of writing a fantasy novel/ paranormal romance I decided I needed to change my genre. I started thinking about how in church we are encouraged to use our time and talents to bring forth the kingdom of God. After all that is where our gifts and talents come from and we need to use them for his purposes. So I picked one of those high school stories that I began writing so long ago. It was a topic that I have always been very fascinated with and have grown to love very dearly . . . The LDS Pioneers. <br />
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By December my book was well on it's way but I was still very discouraged because of my first attempt at getting published. I wasn't sure I could bring myself to go through all of that again. That's when I had the privilege of meeting<strong> Jennifer Ann Holt</strong> in Deseret Book. She was there selling her own book <em>Delivering Hope</em>. I asked her what the trick to getting published was and explained that I was also an Author. She was very kind and told me to never give up. She explained more about the Query/ Submission process and gave me a lot of good advice in the few minutes we talked. I of course bought her book which is just fantastic, just so you all know, and then went home to ponder what she had told me. <br />
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I started with about 20 pages or so and have since turned those 20 pages into 233 pages. It's been a long process and I'm still in the editing process but I hope to be able to start submitting my book to publishers in the next month or so. <br />
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You may be asking why on earth I've decided to start a blog in the midst of all of this. My answer is easy. I have learned so so much and I am still learning. I will be the first to admit that editing is my biggest weakness. Because editing it is so hard for me, I have really had to push myself and study hard to learn what I need to know in order to complete this book. I just want to share what I've learned and hopefully help and encourage someone else who may be struggling with their own writing. I've had a lot of help along the way and I hope that I can provide that same kind of help to someone else.<br />
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I'm not certain how often I will post but I already have a lot I want to share. So make sure to check in every once in a while to see what's new. I wish you all the best of luck with your own writing journeys and pray that we may be able to become successful writers together.<br />
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~NikkiUnknownnoreply@blogger.com5