Monthly Archive: October 2017

Ways to Support Authors 0

musings / reader suggestions

Ways to Support Authors

As I became an author, I realized several ways people supported me beyond reading my books. I also realized that I needed to step-up my interactions and involvement with fellow authors. Here’s a few ideas I’ve come to believe are important way all of us can support authors. Give the books to friends as gifts. Ask the author for a signature card to add to the book if you cannot purchase a signed copy. Most authors will gladly personalize a stick-on and send it to you. Thank the author by writing a review that describes what you enjoyed in the...

Books I Wish Existed 0

musings / recreational reading

Books I Wish Existed

Ever made a list of books you wish existed or don’t know if they exist? I have a short list. Books about the local native culture from the eyes of young native children. Books about current day teachers and how they inspire others to be better role models. Books about mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. (they must have a redeeming use in the world!) Books for adults to answer strange questions like why do bananas have 3 sections. This is unusual for me because I usually read fiction. What’s on your wish list for unfound or non-existent books?? How might a...

Facts in Fiction 0

details in writing / musings / writer reminders / writing process

Facts in Fiction

Grounding fiction with pertinent facts makes the story more beievable. To that end a writer needs to select facts that feel like they belong in the story. There must be a reason for their inclusion, a purpose that moves the story along. Examples: In the ballet trilogy (84 Ribbons, When the Music Stops: Dance On, and Letters to Follow: A Dancer’s Adventure) I used facts: real streets in real towns, real layouts of homes, real ballet music, and real scenery you’d see if you visited the places I had Marta and Lynne visited. I especially enjoyed my visits to The...

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adventure novel / Book Specials / Tasman

Tasman Excerpt #1

This is the beginning of page one of Tasman: An Innocent Convict’s Struggle for Freedom. Wham! Strong arms yanked me from my cot and dragged me to standing. My eyes popped open. I shook my head to get my wits about me and tried to twist myself free. The Langsgtone constable pulled my arms behind my back, tied them with a rope, and shoved me roughly out the door of the print shop Fear clutched like a raven claw. “What’s happening? Where are you taking me? I’ve done nothing wrong!” “Silence!” The constable whacked my head as he forced me...

Tools for (Personal) and other Writing 0

84 Ribbons / writing / writing process

Tools for (Personal) and other Writing

Whether you’re writing letters to friends, creating a remembrance book, or writing a longer work, you need certain tools nearby to enable your process. Consider these ideas: 1.Start with a notebook and pen or pencil. Handwritten ideas come from a different place in the brain than ideas composed on a computer. Consider writing your thoughts long-hand first. Then transpose them onto the card, journal. or computer for your finished piece. I think you’ll find the exercise enlightening. 2. Gather your resources: a thesaurus, dictionary and one of my favorites, The Synonym Dictionary by J.I Rodale (Rodale Press). That way you...