Friday, June 28, 2013

Newspaper Write Up of "A Change of Plans"

I know. I know. For someone on a blog break, I sure seem to be having a lot of posts lately.

But today I really had to toot my own horn. The local paper did a write up on my book, A Change of Plans. You can check it out here.

Pretty dang cool.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Guest Post - Author Jordan McCollum

I'm still on a blogging break.
While I'm on a blogging break, author Jordan McCollum
is here to share some of her secret sauce.
You can get more of her awesomeness by following her blog.

Motivation-Reaction Units
By Jordan McCollum

Motivation-reaction Units are a very simple principle taught by Dwight Swain in Techniques of the Selling Writer. Basically, it means that, because writing and reading a (generally) linear activities, we need to make sure that the actions that happen are also linear.

On a plot level, that's not always strictly necessary—I'm sure we can all think of a story with a good nonlinear plotline (my favorite is Memento but examples include even the famous "backwards" finale of Seinfeld). However, in the live action of our stories, it's much, much easier to follow and understand when things happen as they do in the real world: first a stimulus, then a reaction.

An example
Surprise is definitely a good thing in fiction—we don't want to read the exact same story in every book—but surprise when it doesn't make sense only confuses our readers.

Here's an example of a somewhat minor violation of the motivation-reponse rule:
Marie continued blathering on and I turned to look out the window just for a minute.

"Ouch!" I yelped, grabbing my head where a water bottle had just hit it. "Why did you do that?"
There are several motivation-reaction units in these three sentences. Marie's rambling is the first stimulus, and the narrator's reaction is to look out the window. So far, so good: things are happening in the natural order.

But then we get off course in the next sentence: we get the narrator's reaction (Ouch!) several words before we see the stimulus (water bottle to the head).

That's not the way it works in the physical world where we live. We drop something, it falls. We throw an object, it sails through the air, maybe hits something. We stub our toes, we yelp in pain. These things don't make any sense if they don't happen in order. (Yelping before you stub your toe? Psychic phantom pains?)

I like to give my readers a lot of credit, but to ask them to reinterpret the simple sequence of actions just to make sense is making my readers do too much work. I'd rather them spend their time reading my words, not reanalyzing them!

The fix


"Water - Bottle" by Стефан Симов


"Water Bottle" Installation by Stefan Simov

Photo by Klearchos Kapoutsis, via Flickr & CC license

So how do we fix these sequential slips? Always show the motivation before the reaction. Or, in our example:
Marie continued blathering on and I turned to look out the window just for a minute.

Something hard hit the back of my head. "Ouch!" I turned in time to see a water bottle clattering across the floor, rolling away. I shot an accusatory look at Marie. "What was that for?"
Notice that we're not adding something the narrator can't see: Marie behind him/her, throwing the water bottle. We still stay firmly in the narrator's head and POV, but now we have the motivation first to give their reaction context and just. make. sense!

What do you think? Do motivation-reaction units trip you up?

About the Author
minxyAn award-winning author, Jordan McCollum can’t resist a story where good defeats evil and true love conquers all. In her day job, she coerces people to do things they don’t want to, elicits information and generally manipulates the people she loves most—she’s a mom.

Jordan holds a degree in American Studies and Linguistics from Brigham Young University. When she catches a spare minute, her hobbies include reading, knitting and music. She lives with her husband and four children in Utah.

Jordan's first novel, I, Spy, is out now: To save her country and her secrets, CIA operative Talia Reynolds will have to sacrifice the man she loves. More about I, Spy

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Review of A Lady and a Spy by Ranee' S. Clark

Still on Blog Vacation

 

WHAT IT'S ABOUT:
Blanche Audley's old-fashioned grandfather cut off her mother after she married Thomas Audley and his millions of "new money," and for the last ten years since her parents' deaths, Blanche has lived under the gloom of his disappointment. So when she recklessly loses a thousand dollars to Etta Channing in a game of baccarat, she will do anything to keep her foolish actions from him. Except he oversees every penny she spends of the wealth her father left her, leaving her no way of paying the debt without his knowledge.

Until Etta offers her a deal. Alexander Whealdon, one of the most eligible bachelors in town, needs a companion to shepherd his younger sister through her first season. Etta wants Blanche to take the position and use it to infiltrate the household and pass along information that will help Etta get her hooks into the reserved Mr. Whealdon. It seems like an easy way to pay off the debt and save face at the same time. But the more Blanche sees of Mr. Whealdon's playful side, not to mention his surprising generosity, the less she wants to help Etta win him over.

Backing out means humiliating herself and disappointing both her grandfather and Mr. Whealdon, not to mention losing Miss Whealdon's trust and friendship, but if she goes through with her promise to Etta, she will lose what might be her last chance for love.

MY TAKE:
Ranee' and I have known each other online for a while, and we finally got to meet at Storymaker last month. Before we met, I'd had the opportunity to critique a couple of her regencies and really enjoyed them. Don't you love that cover?

I'm a fan of clean regency romances. I've read enough of Georgette Heyer's wonderful regencies to know that gambling in this day and age was as much as issue for the women of the ton as it was the men, so it was easy to sympathize with poor Blanche for getting sucked into such a high risk game. 

Blanche has been living under her grandfather's residual disapproval left over about her mother's marriage, yet Blanche desires the old man's praise. I could also understand her desire not to confirm the man's poor opinion of her and her willingness to hire herself out as a companion to Whealdon's youngers sister, Elsie. Ah, Elsie Whealdon. Loved her character. Clark's secondary characters were quirky and fun, making for a great ensemble cast.

I also enjoyed the ethical questions that came for Blanche as she agrees to spy on Mr. Whealdon. A fun summer read!

There's a rafflecopter give away on Ranee's blog. Click here.

Ranee` and her personal superhero, her husband, live in Wyoming where they are raising three future super-villains. When she's not breaking up impromptu UFC fights in her living room or losing to one of her sons at Uno, she loves to read and write. She has a bachelor’s degree in history that is probably useless, but she had a lot of fun earning it. She blogs about writing, reading, and editing at http://raneesclark.blogspot.com.



Friday, June 21, 2013

Interview on WebbWeaver Books

On Blog Vacation

I'm still on a blogging break, but I just had to share an interview I did with CK over at Webb Weaver Books (great name, isn't it?). I even get to read an exciting part of the book. Her intro is interesting, but the actual interview begins about 6 1/2 minutes in.


Listen to internet radio with WEBBWEAVER BOOKS on BlogTalkRadio



Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Cover Reveal - King's Artesan by Cas Peace

I'm still on blog vacation but I have something special today.
I've been looking forward to this book since I finished reading the second in the series--King's Champion--to my husband. We both love these books!


Available August 2013

The race for the Staff has begun.

Rykan’s Staff is vital to Sullyan’s survival. In order to retrieve it, Robin Tamsen must cross the Veils into Albia and go to Taran’s village. He arrives too late. 

Intent on reviving his own plans for conquest, Sonten forces Taran to reveal the Staff’s location. Outwitting Robin, he besieges the village of Hyecombe and takes possession of the Staff.

If Robin cannot stop Sonten taking the weapon back to Andaryon, Sullyan’s life and the lives of every Artesan are forfeit. Yet it is not just Sonten he must battle, but also one of his own. And the mysterious Albian Baron hasn’t abandoned his plans, either…
Add here

Cas Peace was born in Hampshire UK, in 1957, and has lived there most of her life. Her first career was as a horse-riding instructor, and horses remain very close to her heart. She then spent 13 years working for the British Civil Service before leaving the UK to live in Italy for three years, 1991-1994. She speaks passable but by no means perfect Italian, and loves to return to Italy whenever she can. 
Cas's other great loves are anything to do with animals, especially dogs and horses, (she supports many animal charities) and also singing. Cas loves folk songs and along with her husband, who plays guitar, has performed in many a Southern England folk club. Sometimes they even asked her back! She writes folk songs to accompany her fantasy novels, and offers them as free downloads from her website.
Cover Reveal Hosted by:

Monday, June 17, 2013

Partner's Progeny by Shelly Arkon

I'm still on blog vacation but I have a guest today.


Bullies rule … or do they?

For seventeen years, Victoria Sheek has been a paralegal surpervisor at the Law Offices of Pereene, Carr, and Sevino, specializing in injury law. Rumors portray her as a bully. She remains confident that her position will never cease because of close relations to one of the founding partners, Mr. Carr.

Until Mr. Pereene, the head partner, hires Monica Bowman. Smitten with her because of her resemblance to his deceased granddaughter, Melissa, and his memories of her, she can do no wrong.

Which one of the two girls will keep their position at the firm? It takes and unexpected event to decide the outcome of this rivalry.

Coming July 1st.

Shelly Arkon is also the author of Secondhand Shoes

When Shelly isn’t doing the laundry, cleaning, cooking, chasing grandkids, listening to daughter drama (five of them), or lopping heads of hair at the salon, she’s writing beside her two fur-peeps, Sir Poops and Hair Ball, popping an occasional chocolate while her hubby is flipping through TV channels.

She lives in New Port Richey with her husband and two dogs. She’s also a member of Florida Writer’s Association and Writer’s of Mass Distraction.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Blog Vacation


I'm in the throes of a municipal election that's starting a month earlier than in the past and a roster of 17 candidates for 3 seats. I've got family coming in July from the far reaches of the world (like China and Hawaii). All our grandchildren will be together for the first time--two we haven't seen in nearly 4 years.

I've also set a goal to get Jori's book up to snuff and submitted to my publisher for consideration before the families get here. Something's gotta give.

So, I'm taking a blogging vacation. Except for some book launches that I've already signed up for and, perhaps, an occasional update on my editing, I'll be keeping a schedule like sign above.

Imagine I'm doing this:


Though, in this case, Hawaii is coming to me.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Waiting Fate by W.B. Kinnette

WHAT IT'S ABOUT:
Sometimes Fate hides in plain sight while you stumble through darkness.

Ivy escapes from an abusive husband, finding peace with her daughter in her childhood home. She’s determined to keep her past a secret to protect those she loves.

Archer has been in love with the same girl since seventh grade. When Ivy comes back into his life—bruised, broken, and haunted by secrets—he knows he can’t lose her again.

But Ivy made a promise to her daughter. No one would hurt them again. She’s afraid to trust, afraid to be wrong again, and afraid that the one man she’s loved forever will break her heart.

Fate might take its time, but it won’t wait forever.

MY TAKE:
This is a hopeful story set in a dismal place. It seems particularly poignant in light of some comments I heard recently by actor Patrick Stewart and the abusive home he was raised in. Chilling. Click here to watch the video.

Yet, it's not the story of an abusive marriage, though that is certainly part of it. It's a love story. The old group of friends is hilarious, and I loved the way they took Ivy and brought her back in the group. She kept mentioning that in high school she'd been a jerk to a lot of people, and she could see some hesitation. But real life had taught Ivy some things, and she's not the person she used to be.

Archer. I loved Archer, from his sympathy for Ivy when he found out what she'd escaped from to his loving patience with Ivy's adorable little girl. I confess that this story did not bring out very Christian thoughts. I seriously wanted to see the abusive spouse get some of his own medicine. I'm glad I didn't take my blood pressure while I was reading it.

AUTHOR BIO:
W.B. Kinnette was born and raised in Utah, the baby of the family and spoiled rotten. She lived briefly in Texas and Alaska before coming back to raise her family only a few miles from her childhood home. She’s loved writing since she was small, because daydreams demand to be written down. She believes that dreams must be chased, if only so she can tell her children honestly that dreams do come true if you work hard enough – and never give up!


Twitter: @wbkinnette

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Blog Visit

I am over at Brenda Gallaher's today. Drop by and follow her (if you're on Google+). She's a new blogger and could use the support. Thanks!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Reflections on a Book Launch

This last week has been insane on so many levels.

For my day job, I run the election for my city. Last week we had eighteen (yes, you read that right) people file for council and five for mayor. We have also lost both of our office clerks who left to seek higher pay in the private sector. My deputy and I are going crazy as we try to carry our regular work load, the additional work that comes with an election, and the work our clerks used to do. Ha! And now we're going to be doing interviews. Like we have the time.

Crazy time to launch a book, wasn't it? But I was too busy during the day to worry much about the book launch.

Blog tours are interesting things, very much in flux. Real life happens and some of the people who signed up to help either couldn't, forgot, or posted late. And it's all good. I was just thrilled so many people were willing to help a debut author. I got to meet some awesome new people while wanting to hug so many that I already know. Thanks so much to my trooper followers who visited my blog every day and commented (Alex and Pat, you know who are).

As for the physical launch, I loved being able to do it with another author. It really lowered my stress level, and I'm so grateful to Jordan McCollum for suggesting it. If you aren't following her blog, you should. She's a great resource on writing. Her book, I, Spy, is a dang fun read. We had so much fun we're going another joint event (different theme) on June 19th at the American Fork Library.

Because of an arthritis flareup, my son, Paul, created some artwork to make a stamp to help with the signing. Pretty cool, huh? His wife, Kelsey, came to take pictures. In spite of her camera dying, she managed pretty well with my camera.

Some things I learned from watching the footage:

  • I talk a lot with my hands. How did I never realize that?
  • I'm a podium hog.
  • I open my mouth a lot and make funny expressions. Embarrassing.
Following is a video montage of our Saturday event.



What's your experience been at book launches--either ones for your own books or that you've attended? What have you liked or not liked?




Saturday, June 8, 2013

Day 8 - Final Day of A Change of Plans Block Party

*fans self*

It's been a busy week, and I'd like to thank all the awesome peeps who have helped spread around the A Change of Plans. We have the last folks today. And don't forget to sign up for the door prizes.
word about








To top everything off, today is my joint physical launch with the awesome Jordan McCollum. It hasn't been busy around here this week at all.

Friday, June 7, 2013

A Change of Plans Block Party - Day 7


What an amazing week it's been, and I appreciate the support of everyone who's participated so far.

Here's our cast for today:

Alex Cavanaugh - Guest Post - Alex's website
Leigh Covington - Blog
Christy Dorrity - Blog

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Yesterday's trivia question: 
What unusual instrument did I play when I was young?

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Day 6 - A Change of Plans Block Party


Only three more days. It's been fun visiting around all the awesome blogs--and they're just awesome not awesome because they have my book cover on them. lol

Check out today's talent:


And don't forget the chances for door prizes!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

      Here's a trivia question about me.
I played an unusual instrument in elementary school. 
Anybody want to guess what it was?
I'll answer tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

A Change of Plans Block Party - Day 5 and IWSG


It's Day 5 of the A Change of Plans Block Party. A fun group is up today:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Click here to find out more.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

The first part of this post leads to this part. My book is out now and the marketing is in full swing. I hate sales! I'm happy to pimp someone else's book, but it feels so strange for me to be encouraging other people to buy mine.Good thing I have fake nails on or I'd have bitten mine to the quick.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

I, Spy by Jordan McCollum and A Change of Plans Block Party - Day 4

I've got a special guest today, Jordan McCollum. I'm excited that we're both launching our books so close to each other because we get to do a joint launch event together on June 8th. Picture will follow.

Take it away, Jordan!



We're celebrating the launch of I, Spy! Read on to find out more about the book, get a cool spy tip for your daily life and download a free gift! Then find I, Spy on Amazon, Kobo, and JordanMcCollum.com!

About the Book
Canada is probably the last place you'd expect to find an American spy. But even idyllic Ottawa has its deadly secrets—and so does CIA operative Talia Reynolds. She can climb through ventilation shafts, blend in at the occasional diplomatic function, even scale buildings (small ones). But there’s one thing she can’t do: tell her aerospace engineer boyfriend Danny about her Top Secret occupation.

It worked for a year, keeping Danny in the dark, keeping him away from danger, keeping her secrets. And then Talia finally catches a hot case: Fyodor Timofeyev. Russian. Aerospace executive. Possible spy?

She can make this work, too—until Danny needs her at the same time her country does. And when Fyodor targets Danny? Suddenly her schedule isn't the only thing suffering. Now to save her secrets and her country, Talia must sacrifice the man she loves.

More about I, Spy | Add I, Spy to your Goodreads to-read list!

Advance praise
The edge-of-my-seat undercover operations kept me turning pages, and just when I thought the story would go one way, plot twists sent it down another path. Thrilling, adventurous, and romantic, this book has it all for an Alias fan.
Jami Gold, award-winning author

Jordan McCollum’s debut novel is a delightful combination of mystery, action, and romance. Talia’s CIA training and almost OCD caution feed her quirky humor while exposing her very human fears and insecurities. Add in her boyfriend Danny, and it's enough to twist your heart.
Donna K. Weaver, author of A Change of Plans

Clever, suspenseful, and charged with political intrigue and romance, I, Spy is the perfect combination for a fun and captivating read!
—  Michelle Davidson Argyle, author of Monarch

About the author

An award-winning author, Jordan McCollum can’t resist a story where good defeats evil and true love conquers all. In her day job, she coerces people to do things they don’t want to, elicits information and generally manipulates the people she loves most—she’s a mom.

Jordan holds a degree in American Studies and Linguistics from Brigham Young University. When she catches a spare minute, her hobbies include reading, knitting and music. She lives with her husband and four children in Utah.

Hone your spy skills
Donna didn't ask a spy (novelist) for advice, but I'm giving it anyway, inspired by Donna's debut novel:


Further hone your spy skills by reading I, Spy!

The clue!
As part of the debut of I, Spy, Jordan is hosting a contest to figure out the song that inspired the story. Collect clues at each blog stop and use your spy skills to piece together the clues to win a $25 Amazon gift card! How to enter

The clue for this stop is:

The singer-songwriter duo behind the I, Spy song also collaborated to compose the theme to the soap opera Days of Our Lives.

The freebie!

Thanks for participating in this launch tour! As a free gift this week, Jordan is giving out free copies of Mr. Nice Spy, an I, Spy prequel novella. Simply to go http://JordanMcCollum.com/store/. You can also get 40% off I, Spy!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

That video totally rocked! I LOVED her book--it's so much fun! You want to read it. I'm tellin' you.

Today is 
You can check out today's participants:

Cindy Hogan - Review + Guest Post/Author Interview - Cindy's website
Heidi Tighe - Review + Guest Post/Author Interview - Heidi's website
Jordan McCollum - Review - Jordan's website
Robin Ambrose - Review + Guest Post/Author Interview - Robin's website
Wendy Knight - Review - Write Through The Noise
Canda Mortensen - Review + Guest Post/Author Interview - Canda's Ink Blast
Melanie Macek - Review - Feathers Pens, Tartan Dreams
Shelly - Highlight plus Metal Teeth - Two Fur Peeps and A Writer

And don't forget the Giveaways!




Monday, June 3, 2013

Day 3 - A Change of Plans Block Party

What a crowd we've got today. Check out these awesome peeps!

Suzie Forbes - Guest Post/Author Interview - My Not So Secret Writing Life
Suey - Review + Guest Post/Author Interview- It's All About Books
Laura Josephsen - Guest Post - Laura's website
Lindzee Armstrong - Review - Lindzee's website
Lisa Faber - Review - Bookworm Lisa
Nancy S. Thompson - Book Spotlight - Nancy's website
Michelle Cole - Review - The Blushing Reader
Tasha Seegmiller - Review - Tasha's website
Carrie Butler - Author Interview - So, You're a Writer 
Jaleta Clegg - Author Interview - Jaleta's website
Rebekah Grow - Review + Guest Post/Author Interview - R.K. Grow - reading. writing. blogging.
Fiauna Lund - Review + Guest Post/Author Interview - See My Wings
Julie Daines - Review - An Author's Compendium
Crystal Casey - Review - Peace Love Books 
Andrea Frisby - Review + Guest Post/Author Interview - Literary Time Out 


Sunday, June 2, 2013

A Change of Plans Block Party - Day 2


It's Day 2 of the A Change of Plans Block Party! 

Check out what these folks have to say:


June 2nd 
  • Misty Rayburn - Review + Guest Post/Author Interview - The Top Shelf      




And don't forget to sign up for the door prizes.





Saturday, June 1, 2013

Book Birthday Party - A Change of Plans


Squeeee!  Today is the official launch day for A Change of Plans and begins a week-long, traveling party!

You can check out these blogs today!


June 1st
  • Nichole Giles - Review + Guest Post/Author Interview - Random-ish
I hope you'll take a minute and visit these awesome peeps!

And don't forget the giveaways!
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