My first visit to a group of Girl Scouts in E. Troy, Wisc. has made me a believer in Scouting.
Yes, I was a Brownie and did my stint in Girl Scouts growing up in Chicago. I don't remember much beyond a fuzzy recollection of a talent show and my singing Herman's Hermits' "Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter." (I don't know why, though I do still like the song a little.)
I was impressed to find 16 middle grade girls, excited to meet a writer and talk books. When I asked who wrote stories, nearly all raised their hand. When I asked who read, again, the response was overwhelming.
After some questions and comments, we talked out a potential mystery story. It was interesting to get their take on ideas, despite their love for talking animals. :>)
Funny thing is when they asked about other books I was working on after Searching For A Starry Night, I mentioned my adult mystery set in an old vaudeville theater. Blank stares. They had no idea what vaudeville was, or even who George Burns was. Even if it's super-ancient to them, I found that surprising that no one recognized him, either, and a bit sad. (I'll be continuing this thought in tomorrow's post.)
We met for nearly two hours, which was probably a bit long as by the end they were getting a bit bored and antsy, so I'd probably do something different next time, though I'm not sure what. Any suggestions?
Despite the moaning you hear in the industry and online about people or kids not reading, that's not what I witnessed. These girls loved to read. They read more than one book a week (several even!) and read in different genres. They loved to write, too. Who knows if the next Eudora Welty or Debbie Macomber may come out of this group?
So, don't despair. Readers are out there.
August 12, 2008
August 11, 2008
Daily Blog 11: The Name Game Meme
Meme : A thought, an idea, and a real easy post.
I'm copying Dani's meme at BlogBookTours for some fun word play. Who says writing always has to be, well, about writing?
But even if you're not doing any "formal" writing, words should be fun. Doing crosswords, playing Scrabble(TM) or spending time on other online word games are good ways to keep your word skills sharp and loosen up the brain cells. See? It has a purpose. It really isn't procrastinating or wasting time.
Here's a fun meme to try out some new monikers for your characters. Copy and try it out yourself.
1. Your real name:
Christine
2. Your Gangsta name: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Chrizzle (Hmm?)
3. Your Detective name: (fave color and fave animal)
Yellow Wolf (ooh mysterious!)
4. Your Soap Opera name: (your middle name and street you live on)
Anne Kimball (Sounds like a librarian? I used an old street; my current street is a number.)
5. Your Star Wars name: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Verch (Makes me think of Lurch?)
6. Your Superhero name: (your 2ND favorite color, and favorite drink)
Pink Tea (Pink tights of course. Well, forget the tights)
7. Your Iraqi name: (2ND letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, 1st letter of your middle name, 2ND letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dads middle name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, and last letter of your mom's middle name)
(What?) Oh - Hraaesa
8. Your Witness Protection name: (parents' middle names)
Maria Steve
9. Your Goth name: (black, and the name of one of your pets)
BlackMac
** Your Turn: Share a few of your new names for fun.
** You're it! I TAG:
Camille Minichino (Margaret Grace) and Karen Kennedy
I'm copying Dani's meme at BlogBookTours for some fun word play. Who says writing always has to be, well, about writing?
But even if you're not doing any "formal" writing, words should be fun. Doing crosswords, playing Scrabble(TM) or spending time on other online word games are good ways to keep your word skills sharp and loosen up the brain cells. See? It has a purpose. It really isn't procrastinating or wasting time.
Here's a fun meme to try out some new monikers for your characters. Copy and try it out yourself.
1. Your real name:
Christine
2. Your Gangsta name: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Chrizzle (Hmm?)
3. Your Detective name: (fave color and fave animal)
Yellow Wolf (ooh mysterious!)
4. Your Soap Opera name: (your middle name and street you live on)
Anne Kimball (Sounds like a librarian? I used an old street; my current street is a number.)
5. Your Star Wars name: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Verch (Makes me think of Lurch?)
6. Your Superhero name: (your 2ND favorite color, and favorite drink)
Pink Tea (Pink tights of course. Well, forget the tights)
7. Your Iraqi name: (2ND letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, 1st letter of your middle name, 2ND letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dads middle name, 1st letter of a siblings first name, and last letter of your mom's middle name)
(What?) Oh - Hraaesa
8. Your Witness Protection name: (parents' middle names)
Maria Steve
9. Your Goth name: (black, and the name of one of your pets)
BlackMac
** Your Turn: Share a few of your new names for fun.
** You're it! I TAG:
Camille Minichino (Margaret Grace) and Karen Kennedy
August 10, 2008
Daily Blog 10: Does It Compute? Endless Writing
The computer has revolutionized our world and our work habits, blurring the traditional workday.
The good is that for writers, it allows you to work anytime, anywhere. Internet usage is up all over the world, including a staggering 600% in Latin America. The bad? You work all the time.
Day or night, it seems, you log on, and you (and thousands of others) are surfing the 'net, checking and rechecking emails. We are endlessly writing.
Five Good (and Bad) Ways the Computer Influences Your Writing
1. Promotion
The Good: You have to promote your book. Online chats, news groups, blogs, book groups, social sites, these are all good ways to promote.
The Bad: I've discovered, too, with publication of Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery that I'm doing more online. It takes the whole morning, it seems, to blog, check emails, write messages, tweet, etc.
2. Networking
The Good: Being online allows you to "meet" other writers, share ideas, etc.
The Bad: You can spend too much time gabbing instead of writing.
3. Research
The Good: You can find information on practically everything online, or someone in one of the newsgroups or a social networking site may know the answer.
The Bad: You can easily drift off into other areas since there's a wealth of information to read.
4. Well-being
The Good: The computer can be a lifeline for the writer who often is working alone all day. Interacting with others keeps you from becoming the Howard Hughes of fiction (or nonfiction).
The Bad: On the other hand, it's too easy to sit there all day and never move. Health-wise, you need to not only have ergonomic equipment, but also be sure to get up at least every hour to let the blood circulate in your legs. Go to the gym to exercise. Take a walk. Play with the dog. That scene may be going well or you want to do the next, but it's not worth your health. Always be sure to take a break or schedule them in.,
5. The Work Week
The Good: Writing can be energizing, fulfilling, and fun when it's going well. The computer can make your job easier. You may, and do, work seven days a week.
The Bad: Don't work seven days a week. That novel won't be created in seven days, so have a day of rest. Enrich your soul in church, revive your spirit outdoors.
The good is that for writers, it allows you to work anytime, anywhere. Internet usage is up all over the world, including a staggering 600% in Latin America. The bad? You work all the time.
Day or night, it seems, you log on, and you (and thousands of others) are surfing the 'net, checking and rechecking emails. We are endlessly writing.
Five Good (and Bad) Ways the Computer Influences Your Writing
1. Promotion
The Good: You have to promote your book. Online chats, news groups, blogs, book groups, social sites, these are all good ways to promote.
The Bad: I've discovered, too, with publication of Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery that I'm doing more online. It takes the whole morning, it seems, to blog, check emails, write messages, tweet, etc.
2. Networking
The Good: Being online allows you to "meet" other writers, share ideas, etc.
The Bad: You can spend too much time gabbing instead of writing.
3. Research
The Good: You can find information on practically everything online, or someone in one of the newsgroups or a social networking site may know the answer.
The Bad: You can easily drift off into other areas since there's a wealth of information to read.
4. Well-being
The Good: The computer can be a lifeline for the writer who often is working alone all day. Interacting with others keeps you from becoming the Howard Hughes of fiction (or nonfiction).
The Bad: On the other hand, it's too easy to sit there all day and never move. Health-wise, you need to not only have ergonomic equipment, but also be sure to get up at least every hour to let the blood circulate in your legs. Go to the gym to exercise. Take a walk. Play with the dog. That scene may be going well or you want to do the next, but it's not worth your health. Always be sure to take a break or schedule them in.,
5. The Work Week
The Good: Writing can be energizing, fulfilling, and fun when it's going well. The computer can make your job easier. You may, and do, work seven days a week.
The Bad: Don't work seven days a week. That novel won't be created in seven days, so have a day of rest. Enrich your soul in church, revive your spirit outdoors.
August 09, 2008
Daily Blog 9: Five Tips to Blue Ribbon Writing
It's county fair time here in the Midwest, which means farm animals, baked goods, giant vegetables, and blue ribbons.
For months, the local 4H kids have been caring for their cows, chickens and other animals, raising them in the hope that their animal will be the grand champion, netting them enough money at auction to make a dent in their college tuition.
For writers who want to write blue ribbon fiction, the process is much the same.
1. Nurture your work, then let it go.
There's an emotional bond that develops when you write a story or book. You grow attached to your characters and hate to see the project end. But like 4H'ers, the bond is temporary. The danger is in hanging on to something and constantly going over it, thinking you can make it better. Maybe you can, but constant reworking can be a pitfall in and of itself. A good writer always needs to move forward, ending one project and moving on to the next. Perfect your work, make it the best you can, and let it go on to publication. Then get to work on the next story.
2. Choose strong bloodlines
Developing prize-winning fiction means making choices, this word or that, this plot or that. Prize-winning animals are chosen based on their heritage and bloodlines. Prize-winning fiction means putting in your best effort. In contrast to the need to constantly rework something, sometimes you can lose inertia. You get tired, or bored of a project, and want to get it done and over with. It's then that you are more prone to miss things, make mistakes, or your writing is weakened. In that case, take a break. Let a story sit and look at it with fresh eyes. Fix it and submit.
3. Keep your recipe secret.
That sweet grandma with the cherub face and the prize-winning apple pie knows what it takes to win. While she may offer a few tips on how to bake a better pie, her own recipe will probably remain a secret. Writers can take a tip from her by guarding their stories. Don’t be afraid to share writing tips or networking, which are one of the pleasures of being around other writers, but don't blab your story around. The more you talk about a story, it seems, the less you want to write it. Save your energy for writing the story instead of diluting your enthusiasm for it.
4. Keep it fresh.
Mucking out the stalls and seeing that the animals have fresh pens, clean water and fresh food are a necessary part of the fair. Your writing can also get old and stale. Pitch out the old. Read something new or in an entirely different genre. Try your hand at a new type of story. Write something in a different genre or length. Write on a topic you're unfamiliar with and need to research. You'll enjoy the challenge and may come up with a new story to submit to a new market.
5. Go for the prize.
The sad part of the fair is seeing the little kid crying because he didn’t get a ribbon. Even adults feel disappointed if they don't win. Competition is in our blood, but everyone can't win. Even in writing, there are winners – those who get published, and (I don't want to say losers) those who get rejected. Rejections can hurt, but they're not the end.
Stories get rejected, sometimes for reasons other than the story or writing. Don't let rejections stop you. If nothing needs to be changed in the story, send it somewhere else. Keep sending it until you find a market. But if you get several comments about the same thing that keeps it from being accepted, then that may be advice you should take to heart. But if that advice means changing the story substantially, then you have to decide whether to change it and get published or keep trying to find a market for it as it stands. In the end, getting that blue ribbon - seeing the story in print – is worth all the effort.
** Your turn: Got a good rejection story? Or how did rejection help you get your 'blue ribbon'? Do tell!
August 07, 2008
Daily Blog 8: Good Luck and Good Writing
Many believe today is a day of good luck because of the day, date and year being the same, and being all eights.
In China, starting the Olympics on 8-8-08 at 8:8:08 was no coincidence. Instead it was considered exceedingly lucky since to the Chinese, numbers take their meaning from words of similar sound, with the number eight (pronounced like "baa" similar to the word "fa") meaning wealth and to prosper.
Some consider such beliefs superstitious, while others arrange things in their life in the hope that their efforts will be blessed with good luck and good fortune.
Even in this country, today's date is being met with enthusiasm. Couples, in San Francisco, for instance, are planning to get married today so their wedded life can be blessed with "good luck." A Las Vegas hotel will even have a Lion Dance to dispel evil spirits and bring in good luck and prosperity.
People will be playing the lottery today and wishing for good luck.
What does this mean to writers? That depends - are you superstitious or believe in making choices that will pave the way to your own good fortune?
Lady Luck
Lady Luck is fickle. Ask the gambler who always thinks the next big win is in the next turn of a card or the flip of a machine handle. But "luck" can become a religion, a faith of sorts, with the "believer" thinking that they'll only be lucky if they do such and such, or buy this, or do that. Life becomes a kind of prison in pursuit of "luck."
We all want to have good fortune and wish the same for others. But no lucky rabbit's foot, no lucky penny, no lucky ritual, will replace one thing - work and preparation. Some writers seem to be "lucky," hitting it big with their first novel, while others may toil for years and never become known beyond a certain area.
No writer has achieved any level of success by luck alone. (In several instances, a few who seemed to be "lucky" and amazingly talented turned out to be frauds, relying on plagiarism and cheating to become successes.)
Being a writer is work. Even the best of writers can have days when the words simply don't flow; when the best output is a few lines or graphs. But no great, mediocre or mid-level writer gets to the page that says The End without work - researching, reading, writing, re-writing and editing.
Luck is good. Working to change your "luck," or let's say improve your lot or improve your skills, is much more meaningful.
When someone seeks to achieve some measure of success, we wish them good luck. What we really mean to say is that we wish them well and admire the work they are putting in to get the hoped-for results.
** Your Turn: Superstitious? Have any rituals you have to do to write? Or feel free to share your view of luck and success.
August 05, 2008
Daily Blog 7: The 7 Deadly (Writing) Sins
The 7 Deadly Sins of Writing
Sin is a word that may be out of fashion in much of society, but looking at the darker places inside ourselves can be beneficial if we are willing to do something about them. Lest you think this is a sermon, the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins can be applied to your writing, as well.
1. Sloth
Clean up sloppy writing. Eliminate unneeded modifiers and words. Cut the number of adverbs, words ending in ly, which are usually unnecessary. For instance, tighten the description to show a character's anger instead of writing it as he said, angrily.
2. Gluttony
Use the right word. Write tight. Don't fill up space with two words if one will do. Don't use $10 words because you can. Write at a level that anyone can enjoy without running to the dictionary. If they can't understand it, they won't read it.
3. Greed
Don't cut corners in your work. Wanting more is good, but it shouldn't be all consuming.
4. Envy
Sometimes the little green-eyed monster can awaken when you see the success of other writers and authors. Wish them well and work hard. Maybe your turn is next.
5. Lust
The eyes are the windows to the soul. What you take in can affect who you are and what you write. A good question might be, is this something I'd show my mother, pastor or want God to read?
6. Pride
You should be proud of accomplishments, but there's some truth in the Biblical adage that "pride comes before the fall." Many of those CEO's now spending time behind bars still feel the world owes them a living and just don't get it. A little pride is good; a lot is dangerous and can turn you into the person no one wants to be around.
7 Anger/Wrath
Leave the anger to your characters. Let them simmer and stew on the page. Save your health.
** Your Turn: Have a few sins that you feel writers should never commit? Share them or feel free to confess your own if you dare.
Daily Blog 6: What a Character!
Characters are what make a story enjoyable or readable, no matter what the genre. Whatever the type of book, if people don't like or care about the characters, they won't read any further.
While some may argue that mysteries are plot driven - that is, the goal of the book is to solve the mystery or crime, that solution centers on the skills - or lack of them - of the main character, whether amateur sleuth, detective or gumshoe. The character's goal is to solve the mystery, close the case, or find the missing person or object. And hopefully they will do it in a way that will make the reader want to come along for the journey.
Make them Memorable
Whether it's the selfishness of Scarlett O'Hara or the budding wizardry of Harry Potter, the character should have something about them that is memorable. Maybe it's their penchant for penny candy, or their habit for stepping over dead bodies like Jessica Fletcher.
Maybe it's the way book-loving Lita, Sam's best friend in Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery, likes to read and work on stories, or her taste for banana Laffy Taffy candy. Or maybe it's the goofy things that Petey the Dachshund does, like try to dig another hole, or Sam's knowledge of costume jewelry because of her mom's collection.
Whatever the character's "quirk" or identifier, be it a favorite candy, unique clothing, or other habits, those are the things that make a character seem real.
"Characters should never be based on other characters you've read about; that's when they become clichés," says Betty Webb, author of DESERT CUT. "Give every single character unique pain, and unique dreams."
She does that by giving her characters a unique past. Her P.I. Lena Jones, who was abandoned as a child and found bleeding from a gunshot wound, awakens from a coma with no memory of her past, or who shot her. She continues to search for her birth parents and try to uncover her abusive background while hunting for killers and missing children.
"The best thing a writer can and should do in characterization is to give characters a consistent personality so that their behavior becomes predictable," adds Austin Camacho, author of DAMAGED GOODS. "But to make characters memorable they must have common characteristics to make them familiar and recognizable, AND unusual traits to make them memorable."
Prompt a second look
Camacho opted to make his character, private detective Hannibal Jones a "serious coffee drinker," an identifiable trait to many. Jones becomes more memorable, not because of his habit, but because of his appearance - he's a Black man with less common hazel eyes and a style all his own. "He wears a particular 'uniform' when he is working (black Oakley sunglasses and gloves) which certainly make him stand out and hopefully makes the reader curious," he says. "I leak the reason for his attire in small bits as time passes."
Maryann Miller, author of One Small Victory, agreed that uniqueness is a must when developing a character. When describing her character, Chief Gonzales, she chose to play against stereotype - and gave him a few notable differences.
"That is one of the things I hate to see in characterizations - playing to type," she says. " Gonzales is tall, thin, hates Mexican food and is a Buddhist. He also works the NY Times crossword puzzle in ink, which is a constant source of irritation to the detectives under him. I also worked on his dialogue to make it more like proper English, which contrasts to the rural Texas slang of some of the detectives."
** Your Turn: What did you do to make your characters unique? Or what is the most memorable thing about a character that stuck with you in a book you read? Please share the book name and author.
Daily Blog 5: 10 Steps to Improving Your Writing
An article I recently read in a magazine about improving your life started me thinking about ways to improve your writing.
1. Start Small
Big projects can sometimes be overwhelming. Break them into bite-size pieces. I'm guilty of stressing over not writing the 20 pages a week I'd planned. Setting goals smaller, say 3 pages a day, will get almost the same results, with less stress. And if you don't get the exact amount done, don't beat yourself up. Even one paragraph or page is one more than you had before, and 500 or so words closer to your final word count.
2. Believe in Yourself
A bad review can hurt, but the pain is temporary. But that inner critic that tries to hold you back and tear down your efforts (you're a lousy writer, you'll never get anywhere, why are you wasting your time?...) can be worse. Believe in you. Think on what you've accomplished and move forward. One rejection is just that. It's not the end. Don't let rejection stalk you. Send that story or project to another publication and move on to the next one. Having at least a few stories circulating (some say 10 or 12 if you can) will prevent you from obsessing over one.
3. Learn From Others
Success comes from listening to others who have already been there. Check out the experiences of other writers in your genre. Study the works of writers you admire to see how they did it. No matter how many years you've been writing, there is always something new to learn.
4. Review Yourself
A little self-evaluation can be good to gauge where you are in your writing goals and progress. Be honest; don't be afraid to point out your shortcomings, but also decide on how to improve them. Maybe you've only been published in lower paying markets and are afraid to move to the next level. Pick a market you haven't written for; study the content, and work on a story to submit. Becoming a better writer doesn't mean treading water; test the waters in new markets.
5. Make Goals
Goals keep you from stagnating, but make them reasonable. Start with one goal, like planning to get published in a new magazine in your genre, or working on a story in a different genre or field. When that goal is accomplished, make a new goal. Keep moving forward and don't stress over how long achieving that goal may take. It isn't a race. Work at the pace you feel comfortable with.
6. Seize the Day!
Swallow your fears. Some opportunities only come once. Don't be afraid to take a chance. You never know where it will lead.
7. Don't Fear Mistakes
You'll make mistakes; you'll write less than stellar stories. We all have. It's one mistake. Even if you make the same mistake, it's not the end of the world. Learn from them. Every mistake only makes you stronger.
8. Don't Be a Victim
Self-pity leads to depression, which leads to inactivity, self-doubt and can be a vicious spiral that robs you of your energy and happiness. No matter your circumstances, there is no reason to sit still and be unproductive. Don't make excuses, do something. There are tons of free resources available. Use the Internet and computers at the library. See if there is a niche in your community where you can volunteer or provide a service. See #5.
9. Be Happy
We all can't be Rockefellers or live like them. Always thinking the grass is greener on the other side will never make you satisfied. Look closer and you'll find crabgrass and weeds there, too. Enjoy your faith, friends, family, pets, and hobbies. Shut off the computer and make time to exercise and have some fun. You'll feel better and be more productive.
10. Think Positive
It takes less energy to think positive and will add more to your life and your writing.
** Your turn: Have any favorite tips or lifestyle changes you've made that also helped to improve your writing? Please share!
1. Start Small
Big projects can sometimes be overwhelming. Break them into bite-size pieces. I'm guilty of stressing over not writing the 20 pages a week I'd planned. Setting goals smaller, say 3 pages a day, will get almost the same results, with less stress. And if you don't get the exact amount done, don't beat yourself up. Even one paragraph or page is one more than you had before, and 500 or so words closer to your final word count.
2. Believe in Yourself
A bad review can hurt, but the pain is temporary. But that inner critic that tries to hold you back and tear down your efforts (you're a lousy writer, you'll never get anywhere, why are you wasting your time?...) can be worse. Believe in you. Think on what you've accomplished and move forward. One rejection is just that. It's not the end. Don't let rejection stalk you. Send that story or project to another publication and move on to the next one. Having at least a few stories circulating (some say 10 or 12 if you can) will prevent you from obsessing over one.
3. Learn From Others
Success comes from listening to others who have already been there. Check out the experiences of other writers in your genre. Study the works of writers you admire to see how they did it. No matter how many years you've been writing, there is always something new to learn.
4. Review Yourself
A little self-evaluation can be good to gauge where you are in your writing goals and progress. Be honest; don't be afraid to point out your shortcomings, but also decide on how to improve them. Maybe you've only been published in lower paying markets and are afraid to move to the next level. Pick a market you haven't written for; study the content, and work on a story to submit. Becoming a better writer doesn't mean treading water; test the waters in new markets.
5. Make Goals
Goals keep you from stagnating, but make them reasonable. Start with one goal, like planning to get published in a new magazine in your genre, or working on a story in a different genre or field. When that goal is accomplished, make a new goal. Keep moving forward and don't stress over how long achieving that goal may take. It isn't a race. Work at the pace you feel comfortable with.
6. Seize the Day!
Swallow your fears. Some opportunities only come once. Don't be afraid to take a chance. You never know where it will lead.
7. Don't Fear Mistakes
You'll make mistakes; you'll write less than stellar stories. We all have. It's one mistake. Even if you make the same mistake, it's not the end of the world. Learn from them. Every mistake only makes you stronger.
8. Don't Be a Victim
Self-pity leads to depression, which leads to inactivity, self-doubt and can be a vicious spiral that robs you of your energy and happiness. No matter your circumstances, there is no reason to sit still and be unproductive. Don't make excuses, do something. There are tons of free resources available. Use the Internet and computers at the library. See if there is a niche in your community where you can volunteer or provide a service. See #5.
9. Be Happy
We all can't be Rockefellers or live like them. Always thinking the grass is greener on the other side will never make you satisfied. Look closer and you'll find crabgrass and weeds there, too. Enjoy your faith, friends, family, pets, and hobbies. Shut off the computer and make time to exercise and have some fun. You'll feel better and be more productive.
10. Think Positive
It takes less energy to think positive and will add more to your life and your writing.
** Your turn: Have any favorite tips or lifestyle changes you've made that also helped to improve your writing? Please share!
August 04, 2008
Daily Blog 4: Write and Wrong Writing Advice
The Best - and Worst - Writing Advice
Not all writing advice is good, or should be heeded, but some can be invaluable.
Some of the best advice I received (like not broadcasting a character's actions ahead) helped to fix those pesky bad writing habits that you often don't see, and keep repeating, until someone points them out.
Other advice that was invaluable came when it was time to edit Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery. Writing is one thing, I found; editing is entirely different, especially once you go over it several times. After awhile, even correctly spelled words look wrong. Thank goodness for editors and publishers who aren't afraid to use that red pen (or red track changes) and have the patience of saints.
Here's what a few other authors had to say about the best - and worst - writing advice they ever received:
Cracking the Writing Whip
Cynthia Polansky, author of FAR ABOVE RUBIES, says her worst writing advice was to "get up at dawn to get your daily writing quota out of the way. Even if you don't write more content on the book or story you're working on, write something. Just get into the habit of writing first thing in the morning."
She got up every morning at 6 a.m. and wrote, but not on the book she was working on. "I wrote letters to friends. I wrote long, newsy letters on beautiful specialty paper using various handwriting-like fonts. I was a great correspondent, but a poor author. By the time I finished a letter and was ready to start writing for real, it was time to get ready for work."
She finally went back to her tried-and-true method of writing: when she felt like it. " It may have taken me four years to complete the novel, but at least I was writing productively!"
On the Other Hand…
In contrast, Betty Webb, author of DESERT CUT says she's an every-day writer, "whether I feel like it or not," based on advice she received from thriller writer David Morrell, who said, "write every single day... writing is a skill that can decline with disuse."
The worst advice she received? "Write only if you have something unique to say! Believe me, I ignored that advice and followed David Morrell's instead. Uniqueness (also known as "inspiration") begins to happen ONLY after you've written for a couple of hours."
Join a Group,or Two
Terrie Farley Moran says her best writing advice came from Jeremiah Healy, author of the John Francis Cuddy P.I. series and the Mairead O'Clare legal thrillers.
Terrie says she'd spent several years "pounding away on my computer and barely coming out for the light of day" when she accidentally heard about the 2006 Sleuthfest Writers Conference being held near where she was living.
Being a fan of Healy's, she impulsively signed up. Beyond all the great information he gave, she says one thing he said stood out: "If you do nothing else for yourself and your writing, join Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.' Until that day I didn't know those groups existed. I joined both and never looked back."
Within a year, her short story "Strike Zone" was accepted for publication in the SinC NY/Tri state chapter anthology, Murder New York Style .
She received excellent support through the MWA-NY mentor program, including a critique of her novel. Her latest short story, "When A Bright Star Fades" is published in the final online issue of Hardluck Stories.
Terrie now believes in passing on that same advice to other writers - find a group related to the genre you like to write. Follow it online if you can't attend meetings. "Two years ago I didn't know the first thing about the writing industry or the writing community," she says. "Today, I have a cadre of friends, supporters and advisers, thanks to Jeremiah Healy pointing me in the right direction.
So You Think You Can Write...
For a different perspective, authors Mary Reed and Eric Mayer of SEVEN FOR A SECRET share a funny moment in their writing lives.
"The comment that lives on in legend for us is from a fellow who addressed Eric as Mr. Big Shorts and told him his writing sucked," Mary says. "Unfortunately, no helpful advice on how to correct the problem was included in the communication so we never got the chance to see if it would work."
Let that be a lesson to critics.
** Any good or bad writing advice you'd like to share?
Not all writing advice is good, or should be heeded, but some can be invaluable.
Some of the best advice I received (like not broadcasting a character's actions ahead) helped to fix those pesky bad writing habits that you often don't see, and keep repeating, until someone points them out.
Other advice that was invaluable came when it was time to edit Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery. Writing is one thing, I found; editing is entirely different, especially once you go over it several times. After awhile, even correctly spelled words look wrong. Thank goodness for editors and publishers who aren't afraid to use that red pen (or red track changes) and have the patience of saints.
Here's what a few other authors had to say about the best - and worst - writing advice they ever received:
Cracking the Writing Whip
Cynthia Polansky, author of FAR ABOVE RUBIES, says her worst writing advice was to "get up at dawn to get your daily writing quota out of the way. Even if you don't write more content on the book or story you're working on, write something. Just get into the habit of writing first thing in the morning."
She got up every morning at 6 a.m. and wrote, but not on the book she was working on. "I wrote letters to friends. I wrote long, newsy letters on beautiful specialty paper using various handwriting-like fonts. I was a great correspondent, but a poor author. By the time I finished a letter and was ready to start writing for real, it was time to get ready for work."
She finally went back to her tried-and-true method of writing: when she felt like it. " It may have taken me four years to complete the novel, but at least I was writing productively!"
On the Other Hand…
In contrast, Betty Webb, author of DESERT CUT says she's an every-day writer, "whether I feel like it or not," based on advice she received from thriller writer David Morrell, who said, "write every single day... writing is a skill that can decline with disuse."
The worst advice she received? "Write only if you have something unique to say! Believe me, I ignored that advice and followed David Morrell's instead. Uniqueness (also known as "inspiration") begins to happen ONLY after you've written for a couple of hours."
Join a Group,or Two
Terrie Farley Moran says her best writing advice came from Jeremiah Healy, author of the John Francis Cuddy P.I. series and the Mairead O'Clare legal thrillers.
Terrie says she'd spent several years "pounding away on my computer and barely coming out for the light of day" when she accidentally heard about the 2006 Sleuthfest Writers Conference being held near where she was living.
Being a fan of Healy's, she impulsively signed up. Beyond all the great information he gave, she says one thing he said stood out: "If you do nothing else for yourself and your writing, join Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America.' Until that day I didn't know those groups existed. I joined both and never looked back."
Within a year, her short story "Strike Zone" was accepted for publication in the SinC NY/Tri state chapter anthology, Murder New York Style .
She received excellent support through the MWA-NY mentor program, including a critique of her novel. Her latest short story, "When A Bright Star Fades" is published in the final online issue of Hardluck Stories.
Terrie now believes in passing on that same advice to other writers - find a group related to the genre you like to write. Follow it online if you can't attend meetings. "Two years ago I didn't know the first thing about the writing industry or the writing community," she says. "Today, I have a cadre of friends, supporters and advisers, thanks to Jeremiah Healy pointing me in the right direction.
So You Think You Can Write...
For a different perspective, authors Mary Reed and Eric Mayer of SEVEN FOR A SECRET share a funny moment in their writing lives.
"The comment that lives on in legend for us is from a fellow who addressed Eric as Mr. Big Shorts and told him his writing sucked," Mary says. "Unfortunately, no helpful advice on how to correct the problem was included in the communication so we never got the chance to see if it would work."
Let that be a lesson to critics.
** Any good or bad writing advice you'd like to share?
August 03, 2008
Daily Blog 3: Writing, Inspiration & Sense, Five Tips to Making Characters Real
Day 3: Inspiration and Making "Sense"
Writing, I've heard, is 3 parts inspiration and 1 part perspiration. Or is it the other way around? One thing it isn't or shouldn't be - automatic.
Sure, there are supposedly writing/computer programs that will "write" for you. But a program or computer can only do so much. It can't "feel" as we do (please, no computer geeks telling me otherwise- computers are still not human); they can't sense as we do; they don't process memories as we do.
Good writing touches the senses. To care about a story or book, the reader has to care about the character and that means making them real by giving them quirks and using the senses.
Sometimes when you write it's easy to forget to include all five senses - (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing).
Author Karen Duvall is doing an excellent series on the senses at her blog. Made me think.
Funny thing, I remember someone mentioning their pet peeves with words – wafting was one. But I like that word and I've used it; more than once, in fact. I'll have to see if I used it in Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery. I think it's a good one for the sense of smell. Sorry, if it's one you hate.
Five Tips to Making your Characters Real
Most of these tips are old hat - (oops, cliche! Ok, old sombrero :>) ) to experienced writers, but sometimes a reminder doesn't hurt.
1. Remember less is more. Effective use of the senses means adding texture to your writing. A little description goes a long way in making writing more real to the reader and making the character come to life. Example: Describe what the characters sees and feels (the slick yellow tablecloth instead of just the tablecloth) or what they taste: The apple reminded her of honey.)
2. Think light drizzle, not typhoon. Don't drop your descriptions all in one place. Drizzle them in so the story isn't overwhelmed.
3. Try something new. I know, I know, don't use clichés. It's mom's fault, I love those old sayings. You can use them – but make them your own or your character's. Maybe the character has a memory problem and likes to mix her metaphors, which can have some humorous results. And if at first you don't succeed, forget it. (Sometimes that's better than try, try again, right?)
4. Write what you know? Most writers have heard that one over and over. Better yet – write what you don’t know. Forget those old term paper nightmares. Research can be fun. Really.
5. If at first you don't succeed…. Start over. Sometimes, a book, a story, etc. simply won't/doesn't work. Some writers give it the 50-page rule; if it doesn't work, they start over. I'm stubborn. I hate to think I wasted all those words! But yes, sometimes you have to scrap the pages, redo them or rearrange them.
** Your turn: Have a favorite writing reminder or word of your own?How about a word you feel is overused or that you hate? I'd love to hear yours!
August 02, 2008
The Daily Blog: Improve Your Writing 2: Promotion
Day 2: So far, this is fun. (Talk to me on day 10-something. ha!)
If you're interested in participating in upcoming topics, see my question list at the end of today's (long) post.
---
Promotion:
Listening to my publisher, Karen Syed, at Echelon Press, is like listening to the trainer at the gym. They both repeat things over and over. And guess what? Sometimes it gets in through the cobwebs and sticks.
One thing Karen harps on repeatedly is Promotion and Using the Internet.
There are tons of tools available for writers and authors - social networking sites, book groups, author groups, email groups, the dizzying amount can have you pulling your hair out. With publication of Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery, I soon learned that dirty little secret most writers don't truly comprehend - you can expect to spend more (and more, and more…) time online promoting, posting, answering emails... argghhh!
Prioritize
Unfortunately, you soon find tons of new sites or people send you links for others. You can't be on them all. Some sites I simply put my basic information on and don't follow actively. It's too daunting to do them all. A lot of this stuff may be old hat, but I hope I've come up with a few things that are new to you.
Pick the Best
Tools like Bookmark are timesavers that allow you to easily take your latest blog post and repost it on other sites. Most blogs have RSS feeds also and let you add subscription links so your readers can link to you. On Delicious, you can post your bookmarks and grab from others.
Social networking is like a big herd - be online long enough and you'll be able to hear the crowd of footsteps leading to the next hot site. The current big thing (of the moment) is Twitter, my site is twitter.com/chrisverstraete - broadcasting your news or what have you in only 140 characters. Simple, though I know I could care less that someone is brushing their teeth or just ate a whole pizza. Posts hopefully should be meaningful, useful or creative. I've found that too many marketers clog it up with constant boring ads.
A new one I discovered and heard mentioned is Plurk, which I may try next. The interface is appealing. It looks fun.
I also use Facebook and Myspace, though I tend to be more active on Myspace, maybe since it was my first site, so I'm kind of loyal. And it just seems easier to use sometimes.
A fun site I came across is Link Tiles. Fun little tile pix (see my cover for Searching For A Starry Night with the Dachshund under Prose or click tags like book or mystery.) Neat idea.
Business
Another more business-oriented site is LinkedIn. Writers can use a number of sites, such as Author's Den and Book Place.
Writing and Hobbies
If you like to share your writing or hobbies with like-minded souls, then there are online communities and email lists galore.
Pick a hobby or interest and Yahoo Groups probably has a group for it. For writers, groups like BlogBookTours, which initiated this month's Daily Blog Challenge, provide inspiration, information and sometimes a good kick—in-the-butt. (** Check the BlogBookTours blog for links to all participating blogs.)
Readers can share books, review them, talk to other readers and put "bookshelves" on their websites or blogs through sites like GoodReads.com or Shelfari.com.
Tired, yet? Ha! That's just the start. I’m sure I've missed a few and more sites pop up every week, it seems.
Results
The result is the more sites you are on, the more your name, book title, etc. is picked up and spread around. It's cheap promotion - and it costs nothing. Yes, all this posting, tweeting, linking and what-not can be a major time-suck. But it also beats the lonely-author-in-the-attic (home office) routine. Just pick what you like and ignore the rest. So get posting, but make it interesting and creative!
Use Common Sense
In the fever of posting or trying new things, remember to not let your common sense get lost in the shuffle. Don't put anything online you don't want someone to see or know. Don’t post personal information like your address, phone, or birth date on any sites. Most sites don't need that information and there's no reason to give it to them. And never ever post a social security number anywhere. Glitches happen; things can show up online without you knowing it, or sites can be hacked. A business can post an address if it's necessary, although a p.o. box may be a good idea if the extra cost isn't a problem.
** If you have a favorite site or heard about something new, feel free to share it. I'd love to hear if anyone has had any special experiences as a result of posting online or being active in any of these groups? Please share them!
Upcoming Topics - Please contribute!
If you'd like to participate in the blog in coming days, please email me your answer to the following questions, plus your name, book title and website link (and send a small book cover jpeg if possible). (Send to: chrisATcverstraete.com or go to the website contact page)
* What's the best writing advice you ever received? How did you use it (or not?)
* What's the worst writing advice you ever received? What did you do instead?
* Opening sentences - what's your favorite and why? How'd you change it to get it to what it is now? (include name of work and publisher, and link if online)
* Meet What's His/her Name:
How do you make your characters come alive? (give me a character, tell me about them and their "quirk.") What's the best thing a writer can and should do in characterization? What did you do?
* Writing Rules -
Which rule did you break - why and how? Give an example. (include name of work, publisher and link)
* Unsticking Writer's Block -
How? What do you do it? Does it exist?
* The Best Writing Preparation
How to avoid procrastination? What do you do when it's time to write?
If you're interested in participating in upcoming topics, see my question list at the end of today's (long) post.
---
Promotion:
Listening to my publisher, Karen Syed, at Echelon Press, is like listening to the trainer at the gym. They both repeat things over and over. And guess what? Sometimes it gets in through the cobwebs and sticks.
One thing Karen harps on repeatedly is Promotion and Using the Internet.
There are tons of tools available for writers and authors - social networking sites, book groups, author groups, email groups, the dizzying amount can have you pulling your hair out. With publication of Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery, I soon learned that dirty little secret most writers don't truly comprehend - you can expect to spend more (and more, and more…) time online promoting, posting, answering emails... argghhh!
Prioritize
Unfortunately, you soon find tons of new sites or people send you links for others. You can't be on them all. Some sites I simply put my basic information on and don't follow actively. It's too daunting to do them all. A lot of this stuff may be old hat, but I hope I've come up with a few things that are new to you.
Pick the Best
Tools like Bookmark are timesavers that allow you to easily take your latest blog post and repost it on other sites. Most blogs have RSS feeds also and let you add subscription links so your readers can link to you. On Delicious, you can post your bookmarks and grab from others.
Social networking is like a big herd - be online long enough and you'll be able to hear the crowd of footsteps leading to the next hot site. The current big thing (of the moment) is Twitter, my site is twitter.com/chrisverstraete - broadcasting your news or what have you in only 140 characters. Simple, though I know I could care less that someone is brushing their teeth or just ate a whole pizza. Posts hopefully should be meaningful, useful or creative. I've found that too many marketers clog it up with constant boring ads.
A new one I discovered and heard mentioned is Plurk, which I may try next. The interface is appealing. It looks fun.
I also use Facebook and Myspace, though I tend to be more active on Myspace, maybe since it was my first site, so I'm kind of loyal. And it just seems easier to use sometimes.
A fun site I came across is Link Tiles. Fun little tile pix (see my cover for Searching For A Starry Night with the Dachshund under Prose or click tags like book or mystery.) Neat idea.
Business
Another more business-oriented site is LinkedIn. Writers can use a number of sites, such as Author's Den and Book Place.
Writing and Hobbies
If you like to share your writing or hobbies with like-minded souls, then there are online communities and email lists galore.
Pick a hobby or interest and Yahoo Groups probably has a group for it. For writers, groups like BlogBookTours, which initiated this month's Daily Blog Challenge, provide inspiration, information and sometimes a good kick—in-the-butt. (** Check the BlogBookTours blog for links to all participating blogs.)
Readers can share books, review them, talk to other readers and put "bookshelves" on their websites or blogs through sites like GoodReads.com or Shelfari.com.
Tired, yet? Ha! That's just the start. I’m sure I've missed a few and more sites pop up every week, it seems.
Results
The result is the more sites you are on, the more your name, book title, etc. is picked up and spread around. It's cheap promotion - and it costs nothing. Yes, all this posting, tweeting, linking and what-not can be a major time-suck. But it also beats the lonely-author-in-the-attic (home office) routine. Just pick what you like and ignore the rest. So get posting, but make it interesting and creative!
Use Common Sense
In the fever of posting or trying new things, remember to not let your common sense get lost in the shuffle. Don't put anything online you don't want someone to see or know. Don’t post personal information like your address, phone, or birth date on any sites. Most sites don't need that information and there's no reason to give it to them. And never ever post a social security number anywhere. Glitches happen; things can show up online without you knowing it, or sites can be hacked. A business can post an address if it's necessary, although a p.o. box may be a good idea if the extra cost isn't a problem.
** If you have a favorite site or heard about something new, feel free to share it. I'd love to hear if anyone has had any special experiences as a result of posting online or being active in any of these groups? Please share them!
Upcoming Topics - Please contribute!
If you'd like to participate in the blog in coming days, please email me your answer to the following questions, plus your name, book title and website link (and send a small book cover jpeg if possible). (Send to: chrisATcverstraete.com or go to the website contact page)
* What's the best writing advice you ever received? How did you use it (or not?)
* What's the worst writing advice you ever received? What did you do instead?
* Opening sentences - what's your favorite and why? How'd you change it to get it to what it is now? (include name of work and publisher, and link if online)
* Meet What's His/her Name:
How do you make your characters come alive? (give me a character, tell me about them and their "quirk.") What's the best thing a writer can and should do in characterization? What did you do?
* Writing Rules -
Which rule did you break - why and how? Give an example. (include name of work, publisher and link)
* Unsticking Writer's Block -
How? What do you do it? Does it exist?
* The Best Writing Preparation
How to avoid procrastination? What do you do when it's time to write?
August 01, 2008
The Daily Blog: Improve your Writing - Tips and Writing Advice
I and several other authors in the
BlogBookTours group are participating this month in a writing challenge to post daily to our blogs. You can find the full blog list for the August Challenge at the BlogBookTours blog.
I'm one who can't turn away from a challenge, so I accepted.
Some things I plan to share this month include, tips on improving your writing, how to grow as a writer, thoughts on My Life as a Writer, and more.
I plan to share some insights, writing tips and tidbits from other authors, as well, who will talk about character development, writing a good first sentence, and other "writerly" things, so be sure to check back. (I hear your sighs of relief that it's not just me blabbing away. ha!)
Glamorous, it ain't. Useful? Hopefully.
Hammering It Out
What's the hammer got to do with writing, you wonder?
Well, if you thought being a writer was like Hollywood - parties, glamour, etc., guess again. For a few who've worked their way to that level, maybe it is. Parties aside, for most of us everyday writers, it's a job. Like a construction worker, a story is produced by hammering out the sentences, pounding out the phrases, connecting the words, until you get a finished product.
Bad analogy or not, be prepared to work, even when you don't feel like it and even if it's hard - and sometimes it is, no matter how long you've been writing. But it's worth doing.
That's Tip #1: Find out what you like to write and keep at it.
As a journalist, I'm used to writing every day. It's a habit. Don't wait for a muse. Just put butt to chair, fingers to keys, and start typing. Something will happen, words will appear. It can be magical. Enjoy it.
July 27, 2008
Miniature of the Month: The Vet's Office
They may be porcelain, but the dolls created by South African doll artist Debbie Dixon-Paver are so realistic that sometimes you'd swear you saw them move.
Debbie, who's been creating miniature dolls for 14 years, does use commercial molds, (her favorites are from Stacy Hoffman, Doreen Sinnett and Parker-Levi), but it's the way she poses her dolls and the realism of her miniature scenes that makes her creations stand out.
Her enthusiasm for miniatures is especially interesting since the hobby is still not as well known in her small city of Port Elizabeth, also known as "The Friendly City" of South Africa. "There are two mini groups in our city but miniatures in general are not 'very big' here!" she says with a laugh.
Given Debbie's artistic background - she taught art in schools, and her father painted and drew as a hobby - it's not surprising that she is driven to create, despite the challenges.
"My biggest challenge is finding supplies; virtually everything I use has to be imported, so I end up paying probably twice what American doll makers might for porcelain, molds and fabrics as the postage and customs into South Africa are really high," she explains. "Our recent power cuts have been a real pain and caused me to lose considerable doll making time.
A New Job
Retired now after 20 years of teaching, Debbie is happy to have traded her schoolbooks in to work on her dolls full-time. Her daughter, whose birth originally inspired Debbie to try her hand at miniature dolls, is now a young lady who enjoys seeing what her mother has made and gives "very helpful critiques," Debbie says.
It all began with Debbie hoping to build a dollhouse for her daughter to enjoy when she got older. And of course, it had to have dolls.
"I ordered some dolls through a mail order catalogue and was SO disappointed with the quality of them when they arrived that I vowed that I was going to make better ones," she says.
She switched from making larger dolls and has never regretted it, falling in love with the doll making process all over again. "The mini dolls are so much easier and quicker to complete than the big ones and they take up less room," she says.
Inspirations and Fantasies
Debbie has since created a variety of dolls, many fashioned with a certain theme in mind or inspired by history. The fun is seeing what she comes up with, from a series of dolls inspired by well known songs and a series of characters for a western town, to the incredible "People from the Past" series featuring Henry VIII and his wives - which includes the ladies as young girls to adults - and the series which fit Candid Canine best called "Waiting for the Vet!"
As with her other series, "Waiting for the Vet!" tells a story without words. It is a busy afternoon at the local veterinarian's office. All the seats are filled with people concerned about their pets, or who've come in for routine shots and a check-up.
With such a backlog of appointments, the office has little room for people to be fussy about where they sit.The little girl doesn't seem to be too concerned, though, even if her kittens are between two dogs.
The Corgi, however, seems to have something else within his view.
And that other naughty dog? That lady is going to have quite the surprise when she wakes up!
On the other bench, nothing seems to disturb the lady with the Poodle, although the woman with the Yorkie seems a little concerned, doesn't she?
Noah's Ark in Miniature
In this Noah's ark of a vet's office, there are other animals, as well, and they all appear to get along. (The exception is that frisky little Jack Russell Terrier. See the group photo.) I'd imagine the retired sailor (see group photo) has other things on his mind, or maybe the parrot is squawking in his ear again? (Debbie made her Macaw from an amazing miniature parrot tutorial by IGMA Fellow Kerri Pajutee.)
Of all the characters, the little boy appears to be the most anxious about his favorite pet rat (is it named Ben?), doesn't he?
The scene is so full of life, it makes you want to make one of your own, doesn't it?
You can see more of Debbie's work for sale at her CDHM website.
As always, I'd love to hear your comments. Have you done any scenes with dogs and other pets? Feel free to post a comment and email me about posting the photos.
July 20, 2008
Cooking in Miniature
(Pictured: The Southern Heritage Cookbook cover in miniature by Chris Verstraete)
It's no surprise that some of my best "cooking" is done in miniature.
As an avid dollhouse miniatures creator and collector, I enjoy making different things, but I'm always amazed at the realism of miniature food made from polymer and air dry clays. (Less calories too. ha!)
I am nowhere near as good as some of the more skilled artisans (see some of their incredible work at the Mini Food Blog.) but I enjoy trying new things and am pleased (usually) with the results.
For fun, Terri, the list owner of the Miniature Collectors Club at Yahoo Groups, decided to hold a contest called The Cookbook Challenge. In it you were to duplicate the page or cover of a favorite cookbook or scene.
I found the Southern Heritage cookbook at a flea market for $1. As I'd made some of the foods before, I thought the picture was something I could duplicate. Making the watermelon was something new for me and was fun to try.
You can see all the amazing entries at the group's Webshots page. The first place entry was pretty unique. I'm still happy as mine got second place.
** I forgot to add this:
For fun I also did a much smaller setting in half-inch scale.
July 08, 2008
Searching For A Starry Night In Cynthia's Attic!
I'm in the attic today - Cynthia's Attic blog, that is.
Stop by to read more about Searching For A Starry Night, miniatures and all that fun stuff! Be sure to comment!
Stop by to read more about Searching For A Starry Night, miniatures and all that fun stuff! Be sure to comment!
July 03, 2008
Mysteries and Food - Eating's NOT a crime
What do characters eat? Well, some pretty good stuff, it seems. I asked a few authors and they shared their (and their characters') favorite foods at Fatal Foodies .
Feel free to share your favorite character's food too - or even your own.
Feel free to share your favorite character's food too - or even your own.
July 02, 2008
Vote for Searching For A Starry Night Cover!
My book cover is up at another site for July - an interesting assortment but I'd appreciate your vote for best cover to July 31 at ErinAislinn.com.
June 27, 2008
Updated SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT Blogs & Events
Updated list of my recent blog stops, upcoming interviews and in-person events for June and July '08. The list is also updated regularly at my website news page.
June/July 2008 Events:
* Vote for Searching For A Starry Night as BEST COVER to JULY 31 at ErinAislinn.com.
* Featured Guest Author, Stories For Children Magazine
* Sam from SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT tells her
Best Friend's Story
BLOG STOPS:
* New Contest to July 4! See details, Candid Canine post.
* July 8 - Cynthia's Attic Blog
* June 27 - The Stiletto Gang
* June 24: New review, great plug for art & minis! at BlogBookTours.
* June 19: Even Grandmas Approve! See Terrie Moran's glowing words about reading a mystery by me and Chris Grabenstein! at the Women of Mystery blog.
* June 17 - Miniaturist & Mystery author Margaret Grace and I trade blogs and questions. Comment to enter our contest. See my collection and answers at the Killer Hobbies blog. See her miniatures and my interview here at Candid Canine.
* June 15 - Elysabeth's Stories Blog
* June 11 - Mayra's Secret Bookcase
* INTERVIEW at the Acme Authors Blog
* Searching For A Starry Night - March '08 Cover Winner at the New Covey Cover Awards. Thanks!
IN-PERSON EVENTS:
* Aug 14, Thurs, 7-8 p.m., Cafe' Book, 395 Lake St., Antioch, IL, 847/395-2223. Stop in for a snack, coffee and discussion!
* July 13, Sun, 2-5 p.m.Book Signing & Discussion at Down the Rabbit Hole, 5709 7th Ave., Kenosha WI, 262/656-1515.
* July 12, 12-6, 8th Annual Unity Fest, Drake Field, Elgin, IL. Doxie races and more, sponsored by the Midwest Dachshund Rescue
New SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT Blog Stop!
New cool interview with me about my new children's mystery, SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT, A Miniature Art Mystery, at The Stiletto Gang today - check out the cool slide show and why I LOVE platforms!
See the full list of SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT Interviews and Blog stops at my website news page.
See the full list of SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT Interviews and Blog stops at my website news page.
June 25, 2008
New SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT Review
A good word on the art and miniatures in SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT at BlogBookTours. Check it out!
June 20, 2008
Searching For A Starry Night - Favorite of Grandmas!
Apparently even grandmas can't wait to read to their grandkids about the exploits of Sam, Lita and Dachshund, Petey, in my children's mystery, Searching For A Starry Night! And that's besides reading Chris Grabenstein's new ya adventure. wow, how cool is that!
Check out the post made by Terrie Moran today at the Women of Mystery blog. Thanks, Terrie!
Check out the post made by Terrie Moran today at the Women of Mystery blog. Thanks, Terrie!
June 16, 2008
MURDER IN MINIATURE: Meet author Margaret Grace
Today I’m talking with Margaret Grace, author of MURDER IN MINIATURE, the first book in the new Miniature Mysteries series, released in Feb. 2008. MAYHEM IN MINIATURE will be published in August '08.
For fun, Margaret and I are “trading blogs” today. We’ve both answered the same questions, talk about our books, and share our miniatures.
Read the interview I did with her here and then read her interview with me at the Killer Hobbies blog. Make a comment or ask a question at both blogs and your name will be entered to win free books and miniature scenes from both of us! (My miniature party table scene below).
BONUS: Sign up for my free periodic newsletter (link at right) and get your name entered to win a mini copy of SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT, A Miniature Art Mystery!!
Publications: Margaret is author of eight books in The Periodic Table Mysteries, written under her birth name, Camille Minichino.
Favorite Quote:
I like to use metaphors that fit the setting and theme of my books. In "Murder in Miniature" I say of one of Gerry's ill-tempered friends:
Misfortune followed Linda like a string of glue from a low-end glue gun.
(This has the double advantage of (slight) humor, and also an "inside joke" for miniaturists.)
(Pictured: A crime scene: Margaret did it in the bedroom with a cane. this went to silent auction at Forensics U in St. Louis last year. The carpet is sandpaper. Did you know it comes in many colors now? I use green for lawns, blue for carpeting ...)
Tell me about you and your collection:
My bio looks like a copy and paste from several different people. I'm very undisciplined and move from one career/interest to another. NO, wait. I don't move; I keep them all, accumulating new ones and not getting rid of the old. I've been a research physicist, a human factors engineer, a teacher, a miniaturist, a writer ... I started a small business a few years ago -- I produced bibs and Frisbees with pictures of Einstein, Curie and Marconi (as alternative to puppies and kitties.)
Once when I was between jobs, I applied to be a temp. I flunked the typing test and ended up working in a factory, making little plastic washers. Fortunately, that didn't last too long. Now, after writing 11 novels plus a few million other words, I think I could pass that typing test.
Is your main character someone you'd want to invite over to "play with" and why?
I'd love to have a crafts day with Gerry. She has more tools!
What does your character have that you wish was yours - and will you make it in real life?
I would love to have Gerry's Bronx apartment and might make one! The way to distinguish it would be to paste postcards with city views in the windows so it looks like it's really in the Bronx. I love the Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island, too ... Oh oh, I'm singing.
What's your next mini project or what's in progress?
I'm doing a bathtub reading scene ... trying to figure the best way to do bubbles. I'm also trying to decide whether to have a body in it. Maybe just an arm. Minis and crime just seem to go together, don't they?
What’s your dream miniature project you hope to make one day?
Marie Curie's laboratory, where she stirred a giant pot with molten pitchblende. It was in an open shed, so it fits the "dollhouse" style perfectly. Right?
How’d you begin writing books? What’s your degree and education?
Writing novels came up to number 1 on my to-do list, so I got to it. I have a PhD in physics, plus assorted classes in philosophy, theology, and literature.
What inspired your mystery novel – and why use miniatures?
I want my whole life to appear in one form of writing or another. Like Isaac Asimov, who never had an unpublished thought..
(Pictured: The miniature museum)
Did you have a dollhouse (or other minis) in childhood?
It was my main "toy" as a kid. My cousin, a few years older, would play with me. We'd decorate and cut out flowers from old greeting cards and put them on the wall. It was a magic time. She's still my favorite cousin!
If a cyclone/fire/tsunami, etc were coming, what one miniature would you take with you when you evacuated and why?
What’s special about it?
One of the most fun projects I did was creating the mortuary. The casket is an empty box of staples. I painted it, then wrapped fabric around another covered box and used it as the stand. For the rest, I had to improvise and use things in different ways. I bought two dining room sets, for example, and used only the chairs, in rows, for the visiting parlor. The wallpaper is dark scrapbooking paper.
For the apartment upstairs (as in the Periodic Table mysteries,) I used a tiny glide rocker that matches one in my own living room.
How did you research the book? Did you do anything different?
In "Murder in Miniature" I created a fictional town, Lincoln Point, CA. I've been doing Lincoln research (the town is obsessed with Abe and Mary Todd) and having a great time. I read all the Lincoln-Douglas debates to set the scene in the third one in the series, which I just finished.
What’s your craft background?
In keeping with my scattered nature, I try everything. One year I took classes in cartooning so I could draw our Christmas card with caricatures of me and my husband. Another year I did beading and put a tiny beaded necklace on photos of all my friends and sent them to them for birthdays or other occasions. For Christmas ‘07 I knitted tiny scarves and put them around a drawing of Frosty the Snowman. I made 100 of them, then gave up as the deadline approached, and did the other 200 with strands of yarn, not knitted!
Your next book is:
"Mayhem in Miniature" is due August 2008. The main setting is an upscale retirement home in Lincoln Point where Gerry teaches crafts.
Describe your craft room - where do you work on minis? C’mon show us!
What’s your worst crafting/miniatures moment?
Who hasn't super-glued their fingers together?? Or spilled paint on a pair of good pants? Worst project result: I tried to make a tiny (3" sq) quilt by cutting tiny squares of fabric and gluing onto a piece of fabric backing. Bad idea! The tiny squares are raggedy and threads show everywhere. Not even a pot of glue could help. I now use it as coaster in my office.
Margaret, thanks for being such a good sport and sharing your books – and your minis – with us!
Now, it's your turn, readers! Anything you’re dying to know about her miniatures or books? Now’s your chance to ask (and maybe win a book or prize!) so ask a question or post a comment!! Don't forget to see my story at her blog, too!
Searching For A Starry Night - IT'S HERE!
THEY DO EXIST!
Look what the UPS man brought me today!!
Pre-order now at Amazon.com!
June 13, 2008
Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery - in miniature!
Look who's reading "Searching For A Starry Night"!
Even the lady from my Teapot Shoppe was excited to get a glimpse of Searching For A Starry Night - to be released JUNE 15!!
(But you can pre-order now! See Amazon link at right.)
The miniature book was made by Lee Ann Borgia of LABH Miniatures - (see 6/12 entry).
** Want your own copy?? Take a chance to win a signed copy of SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT (life-size) and get your hat thrown in the ring to win the miniature copy too!
*** See details and contest rules at my blog below - or at my website news page.
June 12, 2008
Miniaturist of the Month: Miniature Books by Lee Ann Borgia
Note: Lee Ann made a wonderful miniature collector's edition of chapter 1 of SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT for my contest; see link. Photo coming as soon as it arrives in the mail. So check back and enter!
Today I'm talking with noted miniaturist Lee Ann Borgia of LABH Miniature Books. Lee Ann is a New Jersey maker of a series of miniature book replicas covering children's classics like Raggedy Ann and Andy, to vintage paper dolls, and tomes that will add the finishing touch to that haunted miniature library or medieval castle.
Lee Ann began collecting miniatures 28 years ago and started her business in the usual way - she needed books for her own project, A Gentlemen's Study. "The kind of books I wanted were too expensive for me," she says.
Given that her gentlemen's room (still in progress) contains three walls of floor to ceiling shelves to fill, her reticence is understandable.
Invention having always been the boon of creation, Lee Ann started reading up on bookbinding. She did some experimenting, and with adaptations for size, developed a method for making miniature books using traditional bookbinding techniques.
Her selection includes a 31/32" high volume of Shakespeare's works, to a delightful 11/16" wide copy of Johnny Gruelle's 'Raggedy Ann in Cookie Land', to a charming volume of Beatrix Potter's children's stories barely larger than a dime. Even the so-called "economy" (blank inside) books in various categories form gardening (1875 Garden Almanac), to classics by Louisa May Alcott ('Little Women'), the Raggedy Ann and Andy books, vintage children's books, and more, will add that certain "something" to a miniature scene with their realism. Prices range from $3 for economy books, to $19.50 and up for Shakespeare and certain editions, to hundreds of dollars for full sets.
(Pictured: Medieval Bestiary)
The results are charming, accurate editions, perfect for that dollhouse library, den, children's room or your favorite bookshelf. Lee Ann now has enough titles in her repertoire to fill even her miniature study shelves (if she ever gets to make them all!)
"I believe I now make 400 different book titles, not counting what I call economy books (with blank insides)," she says.
(Pictured: Chris' Raggedy Ann Room - for fun I've included a pic of the room I made which features Lee Ann's great books. And a closeup of the bookshelf.)
Four hundred - and counting
Make that 400-plus books.
Lee Ann just finished her Shakespeare collection - all 37 plays, plus a book of Sonnets and another book of Selected Poetry. Other new additions include Beowulf in Olde English and Edgar Allen Poe's classic poem, The Raven. Of special note is her 25-book set of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales." Each tale is featured in its own volume in Olde English with woodcuts. It is sold only as a complete set. Medieval books are also popular and realistic.
(Pictured: 13th Century Bible)
Always a "crafty" person, Lee Ann began sewing as a child and progressed to making most of her own and her daughter's clothes, She later learned some custom tailoring, and did both full-size and miniature crochet. Bookmaking (not the betting kind :>)) was another technique for her to learn and soon master.
"I love the design part of making a book work in miniature," she says. "I do a lot of computer manipulation for covers, but the greatest joy is when everything comes together and I hold the finished book in my hands."
With so many volumes to choose from, it's not surprising that Lee Ann has a hard time picking any one favorite.
"Oh dear, that's impossible for me to answer," she admits. "I love my medieval books--the artwork is fantastic. I've done some reading on the techniques used and am fascinated. But I also loved doing 'The Canterbury Tales.' Some of the children's books are so charming that I am enthralled. I also had a wonderful time doing my wizard books."
(Pictured: "Magical Poison Potions")
But if she had to pick just one favorite book... Well, maybe it was the one that she got the biggest kick out of: "I think the most fun was writing 'Magical Poison Potions.' Of course my family was sure I had finally gone over the edge as I kept laughing as I wrote it."
She needn't have worried. Laughter is surely the sign of a good book.
#
* For more information, contact Lee Ann at LBorgia993@aol.com.
* I'd love to hear your comments! Have a miniature book in mind? Make a suggestion and maybe Lee Ann will add it to her offerings!
Today I'm talking with noted miniaturist Lee Ann Borgia of LABH Miniature Books. Lee Ann is a New Jersey maker of a series of miniature book replicas covering children's classics like Raggedy Ann and Andy, to vintage paper dolls, and tomes that will add the finishing touch to that haunted miniature library or medieval castle.
Lee Ann began collecting miniatures 28 years ago and started her business in the usual way - she needed books for her own project, A Gentlemen's Study. "The kind of books I wanted were too expensive for me," she says.
Given that her gentlemen's room (still in progress) contains three walls of floor to ceiling shelves to fill, her reticence is understandable.
Invention having always been the boon of creation, Lee Ann started reading up on bookbinding. She did some experimenting, and with adaptations for size, developed a method for making miniature books using traditional bookbinding techniques.
Her selection includes a 31/32" high volume of Shakespeare's works, to a delightful 11/16" wide copy of Johnny Gruelle's 'Raggedy Ann in Cookie Land', to a charming volume of Beatrix Potter's children's stories barely larger than a dime. Even the so-called "economy" (blank inside) books in various categories form gardening (1875 Garden Almanac), to classics by Louisa May Alcott ('Little Women'), the Raggedy Ann and Andy books, vintage children's books, and more, will add that certain "something" to a miniature scene with their realism. Prices range from $3 for economy books, to $19.50 and up for Shakespeare and certain editions, to hundreds of dollars for full sets.
(Pictured: Medieval Bestiary)
The results are charming, accurate editions, perfect for that dollhouse library, den, children's room or your favorite bookshelf. Lee Ann now has enough titles in her repertoire to fill even her miniature study shelves (if she ever gets to make them all!)
"I believe I now make 400 different book titles, not counting what I call economy books (with blank insides)," she says.
(Pictured: Chris' Raggedy Ann Room - for fun I've included a pic of the room I made which features Lee Ann's great books. And a closeup of the bookshelf.)
Four hundred - and counting
Make that 400-plus books.
Lee Ann just finished her Shakespeare collection - all 37 plays, plus a book of Sonnets and another book of Selected Poetry. Other new additions include Beowulf in Olde English and Edgar Allen Poe's classic poem, The Raven. Of special note is her 25-book set of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales." Each tale is featured in its own volume in Olde English with woodcuts. It is sold only as a complete set. Medieval books are also popular and realistic.
(Pictured: 13th Century Bible)
Always a "crafty" person, Lee Ann began sewing as a child and progressed to making most of her own and her daughter's clothes, She later learned some custom tailoring, and did both full-size and miniature crochet. Bookmaking (not the betting kind :>)) was another technique for her to learn and soon master.
"I love the design part of making a book work in miniature," she says. "I do a lot of computer manipulation for covers, but the greatest joy is when everything comes together and I hold the finished book in my hands."
With so many volumes to choose from, it's not surprising that Lee Ann has a hard time picking any one favorite.
"Oh dear, that's impossible for me to answer," she admits. "I love my medieval books--the artwork is fantastic. I've done some reading on the techniques used and am fascinated. But I also loved doing 'The Canterbury Tales.' Some of the children's books are so charming that I am enthralled. I also had a wonderful time doing my wizard books."
(Pictured: "Magical Poison Potions")
But if she had to pick just one favorite book... Well, maybe it was the one that she got the biggest kick out of: "I think the most fun was writing 'Magical Poison Potions.' Of course my family was sure I had finally gone over the edge as I kept laughing as I wrote it."
She needn't have worried. Laughter is surely the sign of a good book.
#
* For more information, contact Lee Ann at LBorgia993@aol.com.
* I'd love to hear your comments! Have a miniature book in mind? Make a suggestion and maybe Lee Ann will add it to her offerings!
June 11, 2008
Searching For A Starry Night - Contest & Blog Stops!
The SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT Blog Stops have begun!
** Today: Stop by Mayra's Secret Bookcase for an interview with me.
Searching For A Starry Night - CONTEST 1
* Take a chance to win a signed copy of SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT - ** and a special miniature collector's edition of chapter one of my book made by Lee Ann Borgia of LABH Miniature Books.
*** Be sure to check back tomorrow to read an interview with this amazing artist - and see a photo of this unique prize (I'm waiting for it to arrive by mail!) ***
Contest 1 RULES:
* 1. Sign up for my periodic newsletter; link here at my blog and on my website on the Starry Night page.
* 2. Answer 3 questions relating to miniatures and chapter 1 of SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT - answers and chapter to download can be found on my website.
* 3. Email answers to all 3 questions (copy and paste) with your full mailing address via the email on the CONTACT Page at my website, http://cverstraete.com/contact.html .
4. Contest ends JULY 4. Names will be matched to newsletter list; any entries that didn't follow rules or sent to any other email will be disqualified.
- Have Fun and Good Luck!!!
Contest 1 Questions:
* Question 1: What is the name of the typically English item found on the table in my teapot shoppe? (Hint: there are 2 pages)
* Question 2: Van Gogh sold how many works in his lifetime?
* Question 3: Sam doesn't like the idea of working where?
** Today: Stop by Mayra's Secret Bookcase for an interview with me.
Searching For A Starry Night - CONTEST 1
* Take a chance to win a signed copy of SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT - ** and a special miniature collector's edition of chapter one of my book made by Lee Ann Borgia of LABH Miniature Books.
*** Be sure to check back tomorrow to read an interview with this amazing artist - and see a photo of this unique prize (I'm waiting for it to arrive by mail!) ***
Contest 1 RULES:
* 1. Sign up for my periodic newsletter; link here at my blog and on my website on the Starry Night page.
* 2. Answer 3 questions relating to miniatures and chapter 1 of SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT - answers and chapter to download can be found on my website.
* 3. Email answers to all 3 questions (copy and paste) with your full mailing address via the email on the CONTACT Page at my website, http://cverstraete.com/contact.html .
4. Contest ends JULY 4. Names will be matched to newsletter list; any entries that didn't follow rules or sent to any other email will be disqualified.
- Have Fun and Good Luck!!!
Contest 1 Questions:
* Question 1: What is the name of the typically English item found on the table in my teapot shoppe? (Hint: there are 2 pages)
* Question 2: Van Gogh sold how many works in his lifetime?
* Question 3: Sam doesn't like the idea of working where?
June 01, 2008
Searching For A Starry Night June Events
Upcoming events for JUNE:
Online:
Online:
JUNE:
* Featured Guest Author, Stories For Children Magazine
* New interview at the YA (Young Adult) Books Central
* Searching For A Starry Night is listed under New Next Month at
Mystery Lover's Corner
(See New This Month in July)
* Sam from SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT tells her
Best Friend's Story
* Featured Book Cover at Erin Aislinn's website, week of June 2
BLOG STOPS:
* June 11 - Mayra's Secret Bookcase
* June 12 - Elysabeth's Stories Blog
* June 27 - The Stiletto Gang
* INTERVIEW at the Acme Authors Blog
* Searching For A Starry Night - March '08 Cover Winner at the New Covey Cover Awards. Thanks!
IN-PERSON EVENTS:
* June 14, Sat.,10-4, Authorfest
Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 South Roselle Rd., Schaumburg, IL
* June 21, Sat., 10-4, Woofstock!
Lambs Farm,14245 W. Rockland Road,(I-94 & Rte. 176), Libertyville, IL
* July 12, 12-6, 8th Annual Unity Fest, Drake Field, Elgin, IL. Doxie races and more, sponsored by the Midwest Dachshund Rescue
May 30, 2008
SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT PRE-ORDERS!
You can now pre-order SEARCHING FOR A STARRY NIGHT, A Miniature Art Mystery, set for a JUNE 15 release. See Amazon.com link here on right side.
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