The weekly writing prompt for The Community Storyboard is here! Please submit and remember to link back to the original prompt post.
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Helen Valentina, author of The Seed, has just published a new novel called Curiosity through Lulu.com. Click the link for more info!
Curiosity is published!!!!!!!
I’m very excited to announce that Curiosity, my second novel, is now available on lulu.com as a paperback POD or as an ebook. The link to learn more, and purchase if you wish, is my lulu.com author spotlight at:
http://lulu.com/spotlight/helenvalentina
As I’ve blogged about before, Curiosityis very different from my first novel, The Seed. The first novel was a passionate, heavy, introspective, character driven dark romance. Curiosity is lighter, though the humor is dark. It’s a satire of aspects of our modern media age.
Curiosity tells the story of a (somewhat) benign sociopath – Peter Graham – who believes the world has already ended and no-one noticed. He believes at the moment the world dissolved into the current state of chaos and meaninglessness, everyone had one essential characteristic remaining to them. His is curiosity. And his curiosity drives him to do something which inadvertently makes him one of…
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A perfect shout-out to a great blogger, artist, and all-around great guy! Click the link and read on!
So, a long time ago I featured a very talented blogger as my blogger of the week, but his blog (S) have grown since then and I think it’s time I give him another shout out. If any of you have managed to miss Mr. Green Embers and his multiple great blogs, here is your chance to get to know him.
So Mr. Green:
Here is a poem devoted to you
mostly about all the great things you do
Like making us headers that fit with our style
and making us laugh until tears fill our eyesYour main blog is great, so much fun for me
you can find that blog here–with a splash of C#Green Embers
We also appreciate the reviews that you do
tech-stuff and movies and books to read too!
Your thoughts and opinions and your invites to share
no better place to get info…View original post 215 more words
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My friend Kevin Brennan over at http://kevinbrennanbooks.wordpress.com/ has a new novel coming out on October 22, 2013! Here’s a description of Yesterday Road (back of the book blurb):
In this “coming-of-old-age” tale, Jack Peckham finds himself on a journey into his distant past, helped along the way by Joe Easterday, a young man with Down syndrome, and Ida Pevely, a middle-aged waitress with her own mountain of regrets. Jack has a hundred grand in cash that he can’t explain, since he can’t remember yesterday much less forty years ago. Setting out from Northern California for “points east,” he gets lost, carjacked, abandoned, and arrested, but he’s always homing in on the one object of his inner drive — home. With humor and plenty of unexpected turns, Kevin Brennan’s second novel is a lyrical and poignant story of memory and identity, of how it is the whole of experience — pain and regret along with love and pleasure — that gives life its fullness. We all tow our histories behind us as we make our way down Yesterday Road.
To learn more about Jack Peckham, the endearing, confused, but determined main character, read Kevin’s post here.
To learn more about Ida Pevely, the big-hearted, down-on-her-luck waitress who tries to help Jack, read Kevin’s post here.
To read the first chapter from Yesterday Road, click here.
I’ve received an advance copy of Yesterday Road and am currently reading and enjoying it. At this point, it’s a sweet mystery going on this journey with Jack and Joe, learning more about them as they learn about themselves. They are both characters that you continue to think about long after you put the book down. So, at the least, go to Kevin’s blog and consider taking a journey on Yesterday Road.
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Opportunities to promote ‘The Hollow Living’ by C.N. Faust, due for release on November 1st. Join in the fun!
Hello my darlings,
The Hollow Living is very close to its intended release date (November 1st) and I would like to, over the next few weeks, market it as aggressively as possible. But to do so I need YOUR help!
Here is what you can do!
ONLINE:
– Like and share my FACEBOOK page! https://www.facebook.com/cnfaust
– Direct people towards my website for the other books in the series – http://cn-faust.com/
– Share links, covers, reviews, testimonials, pictures of you with a thumbs up, on Reddit! http://www.reddit.com/
– Create a featured post on your blog! Do you want to host a giveaway? Email me at cnfaust@outlook.com and we will talk!
– Tweet about it! (I am still trying to make #pharunswag a thing, lol). https://twitter.com/Glitzkrieg_King
– Add The Hollow Living to your to-read lists on Goodreads and / or recommend it to friends! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18652761-the-hollow-living
– Reblog this post!
– Do you…
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YA author Briana Vedsted interviewed by Kristen Hope Mazzola! Read and learn :)
Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by the wonderful Briana Vedsted and now I get to return the favor. Please enjoy this talented author’s awesome interview!!
Do you write under any other names? No, I don’t use any pen names.What are you currently working on? I’m planning to start working on my fantasy series again. I first started writing it in 2009, so I have a lot of editing and rewriting to do. I hope to have the first book done by January, but I make no promises!How many (if any) books do you have published and what are their titles? I have three books that I’ve self-published, and one that should be out in November, published through Tate Publishing (Title: Me and Billy the Kid) The three self-published titles are: The Night I Walked…View original post 1,213 more words
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Previously . . .
The Druid picked up the bouquet of roses and held them out to her. “Has your lover ever given you flowers as beautiful as these? Has his lips burned a kiss onto your hand, as I have. Oh, yes, dear lady, I felt you shiver with that kiss.”Mary took another gulp of wine. She was going to have to have a long talk with 1WriteWay, her author. She studied her glass, wondering why it was empty so quickly and, more importantly, how to extricate herself from this large, overbearing, egotistical hunk of a man . . .
“Come, my lady – don’t tell me you haven’t wondered what it’s like to live outside the lines your writer has given you.”
He gestured to the gentleman behind the bar for another round. Mary twisted herself around to shake her head at the man but he was already gone. Damn. She turned back to D. He was still talking. Well, he certainly enjoyed the sound of his own voice, didn’t he? Too bad she did, too.
“She doesn’t give me – I mean, she’s very good at interpreting my story–”
“Don’t you want to feel for yourself? Feel alive in ways no one else can possibly imagine?”
Mary had a hot denial at the ready but paused. She lifted the new glass of Chardonnay and eyed D over the rim. He had a point.
But he was far too pleased with himself to give in.
She touched her lips to the glass – just a small taste this time. Her cheeks were already flushed with the heat of the alcohol and it would not do to let that heat encourage those ridiculously blue eyes any further than she already had.
“I suppose you can help me do that, then?”
A slow, wicked smile spread over the man’s face and his eyes drifted to her lips. A cool tingle of wine still lingered there and Mary resisted the urge to lick them.
This was not fair. What was it about Druids that made them special? Was it magic? 1WriteWay should have warned her to brush up on her history before allowing this date to happen. And that A – she had a lot to answer for, letting this man loose.
“Not magic, my lady – just several centuries of watching man’s progress and interaction with one another.”
“Oh.” Mary frowned. Had she said that out loud? She didn’t remember speaking. No more Chardonnay. “You know, you’re making this very difficult for me.”
“And what could I do to make it better for you? I do only wish to please.”
“Why is it when you say that, it sounds so . . . so . . . naughty?”
“Only if you wish it so, my lady.”
“Why, I – Oh for heaven’s sake, put on a shirt.”
The Druid burst out laughing and Mary covered her cheeks with her hands. Her face was burning.
“Alas, all I have is a rag from my days as a pirate – I did not wish to embarrass you with my poor wardrobe.”
“Pirate?” Mary fanned her cheeks. Visions of swashbuckling heroes flickered through her mind.
No. No swashbuckling. No pillaging of her honor. No. No. No. Overbearing, that’s what he was. Overbearing, egotistical and . . . and . . . deeply affecting . . . No!
Mary gave herself a mental shake. Chauvinistic. Yes, that was it.
Perhaps his naked torso was better. “Maybe, um, you could just button up your coat,” she muttered.
“As my lady desires.”
“And stop with that – my lady this, my desires that. My name is Mary, and I would prefer you use it.”
D bowed his head. She couldn’t be sure, but she thought he was laughing silently. His eyes were far too merry for him not to be. Honestly, this was just too much.
“And what’s this about not wishing to embarrass me? Quite frankly D, I think you’re enjoying my discomfort far too much. My God, if Randy ever said—What? Why are you laughing?”
“Your lover’s name is Randy?”
“Yes?”
D was giggling into his stout. Giggling.
Druids shouldn’t giggle, Mary thought as she sipped her Chardonnay.
“I’m sorry, my lady – much of my life was spent in the British Isles,” he said. He was gulping at the air, trying to catch his breath.
“What does that have to do with it?”
“Oh well, it’s just that – excuse me – the word ‘randy’—“
God, he was snorting now. Mary rolled her eyes.
“The word ‘randy’ is slang for – for–” The Druid took a deep breath and managed to compose himself. He arched an eyebrow at her but the effect was lost in his ruddy face and the tears that were still coursing down his cheeks. “For the sexually excited – well, for you, my lady.”
His smile turned into a leer and he reached for her hand again.
“Why, you conceited pig! You are the worst kind of – of man!”
Mary yanked her hand from his heated paw and bolted from her seat with enough force to rock the chair on two legs. D stared up at her and she thought she caught a glimmer of surprise in his face before the mask of suave confidence smoothed his features.
“I am the only kind of man—“
Before he could even finish the sentence, Mary smashed the bouquet of roses in his face and stomped to the door. Of all the—1WriteWay owed her for this, that was for damn certain.
But even as she reached the door, the Druid’s words echoed in her head. “Don’t tell me you haven’t wondered what it’s like to live outside the lines.” She paused, her hand wrapped around the handle. She did wonder.
Against her better judgment, Mary spared the Druid a glance over her shoulder.
Oh, for the love of—not only had the waitress rushed to his aid, but D was also smiling graciously at the barman as he stooped to clear the scattered rose petals. As she watched, D turned those deep bedroom eyes on the girl until she twirled her hair.
Honestly. Man or woman, it didn’t matter to that randy—Mary caught herself and grinned. It was funny – somewhat. Perhaps she should go home and teach Randy what his name really meant.
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And this concludes A Date With a Druid. The D/A Dialogues and 1WriteWay hope you enjoyed this as much as we did!
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The Druid interviews Briana Vedsted, prolific author of young adult fiction.
A: D. D, put down the hat.
D: What are you talking about? Briana’s coming!
A: Yes, but she does write other things besides westerns featuring Billy the Kid. Besides, the hat just looks–
D: Don’t you say it, A. Billy liked it, and that makes it just fine.
A: Whatever. Just make sure you don’t smack Briana in the face with the fringe on your shirt.
D: (eye roll). As if it were long enough to do that, sheesh. With that, ladies and gents, it is my great pleasure to welcome to the D/A Dialogues, Ms. Briana Vedsted.
D: You are a prolific writer, Ms. Vedsted – tell us a little bit about your upcoming novel, Me and Billy the Kid.
B: Me and Billy theKid is fictitious tale about the infamous western outlaw Billy the Kid and some other characters from the time, including Jesse…
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Here is the Fifteenth installment of Ten Top Lists of What Not to Do by Marie Ann Bailey of 1WriteWay at http://1writeway.com and John W. Howell of Fiction Favorites at http://johnwhowell.com. These lists are simu-published on our blogs each Monday. We hope you enjoy.
10. When trying to get published, do not send a query letter to a publisher with the opening phrase “You probably have never heard of me, but that will change.” The publisher will no doubt get a big laugh and your query will get a direct pitch into the trashcan with the words, “Want to bet,” on the publisher’s lips.
9. When trying to get published, do not use cute gimmicks in your query letter to get the publisher’s attention. They will not appreciate whatever it is that you send along with the letter and could just charge you for the clean-up later. This includes: glitter hearts, artificial snow, two tickets to the Bruins hockey game, a six pack of beer, sand from your beach story, or anything else not on paper.
8. When trying to get published, do not think a personal phone call to the publisher will make a difference. You will only risk sounding like an idiot even though you have thoroughly rehearsed your pitch. If you should by chance get someone to talk, being able to find your query letter to give you the feedback you demand may get you put on hold permanently.
7. When trying to get published, do not, under any circumstances, show up at the publisher’s place of business in person. The publisher will be extremely embarrassed since they will have no idea what to do with you. Your query just might get placed in your back pocket as you are shown the exit into the alley.
6. When trying to get published, do not tell the publisher in your query letter that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them. The only thing that may be a once in a lifetime opportunity is the one second it takes for the publisher to pitch your query into the wastebasket with the words, “I’ll take that chance,” on the publisher’s lips.
5. When trying to get published, do not try to build rapport with the publisher with words like, “If I were in your shoes I would be looking for a talented writer and by golly I just happen to know one.” The publisher will have a nice laugh at your expense and will probably use your query in the next seminar on How Not to Query. Of course he will be paid an enormous fee and you will get…well…nothing.
4. When trying to get published, do not send a query letter before you have your fiction manuscript finished. Unless you are Stephen King, there is not a publisher in business today who will jump at the chance to publish your story if it is in the concept stage. Describing in detail what might be will probably get you a response of what actually is happening, a flat “no.”
3. When trying to get published, do not assume you have only writing in mind. The publisher will want you to carry most of the marketing work on your shoulders. Your query letter should stay away from self-descriptive words and phrases like: artist, literary principles, clean hands, introvert, higher calling, too good for others, filthy capitalism, save trees activist, reclusive researcher, and only want to write.
2. When trying to get published, do not admit you are only in this for the money even if you are. There may be a time when the publisher contacts you as a result of your query. This is not the time to start pressing the publisher for a compact timetable because you need the money. Like banks do not lend money to people who need it, publishers know there is little money for authors and will pass on you for another more motivated by non-monetary reasons.
1. When trying to get published, do not give up. There are a million potential reasons to keep sending queries and who knows, your manuscript just might be the next million copy seller.
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The Community Storyboard is looking for contributors for this week’s writing prompt. Click and submit!
Marie at 1 Write Way 