Monday, April 28, 2014

Storymakers Writing Conference

I feel so jazzed. I got back late Saturday night from a wonderful writing conference. They held it at a larger venue this year so there were over 600 attendees. The organizers also expanded the number of class options each time period and repeated some of them.

Today I'm sharing a few of my notes from a class taught by the awesome J. Scott Savage. He taught what was called an Intensive which was a limited attendee (meaning you had to sign up in advance) two-hour session. His class was about using subtlety.

Eighty percent of what a reader gets from a story is not on the page - J. Scott Savage

We were shown examples of what he called thesis statements. We should all remember those from school. A thesis statement kind of an opening remark. Bill was tired. (hint: was should be a warning sign--besides being passive, it  Then the author goes on to describe all the things that indicate the character is tired. That opening statement of Bill was tired is actually the author intruding in the reader's experience to point something out. Better to just show the reader.

After doing some exercises where we all reworked a thesis statement Scott provided (the examples were fascinating in their variety and how they could completely change a story), he talked about a few other things and had us once again work through scenes provided:

Foreshadowing
* Good foreshadowing doesn't call attention to itself.
* If the reader notices it all, they shouldn't know what is being foreshadowed.
* It increases the power of the story when the event occurs.
* May have circularity (great blog post explaining this here).

Misdirection
* To get you looking in one direction while bringing something else from another.
* One of the most powerful tools if you're not too heavy handed--don' let the reader see you doing it.
* Mention it early as an aside - let the reader assume something that turns out to be wrong.
* Ask yourself what your character could believe that might end up not being true.

As anyone who knows me, knows I'm a huge Harry Potter nerd. J.K. Rowling is the queen of foreshadowing and misdirection, of things hidden in plain sight, of subtlety. Her hints about so many things are often only obvious when rereading the series. For example, there are hints in both Order of the Phoenix and Half Blood Prince about Snape's Patronus. Anyone know what those were?


Friday, April 25, 2014

Guest Post - R.J. Craddock

I have a special guest today, author R.J. Craddock.

Hello, Readers. I want to thank Donna for having me on her blog today. First off let me introduce myself. I’m R.J. Craddock, author of The Children of Cain series. Book one in the series “The Forsaken” came out last year. I’m here to talk a little about book two “The Offspring” which came out April 11th. I’ll be sharing with you the inspiration behind it and an excerpt from “The Offspring.”

Besides being a writer I’m also an avid reader and movie fanatic. I enjoy many genres but Fantasy has always had a special place in my heart. The Children of Cain series was inspired from several things: books I loved or found flaws with such as “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte, “The Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan, “The Black Jewel” series by Anne Bishop, “Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling, and “Twilight” by Stephanie Meyers; and lastly films such as Jim Henson’s’ “The Labyrinth” and “Legend.”

When I read/watched these books and films I kept seeing things I either loved or would’ve done differently. I felt a need to write a series that incorporated the positives and improved on the negatives of them all. A series that was darker, sexier and a lot more grown up then most YA novels are today without pushing things too far. That’s why my books are written for a fourteen and older audience with mature themes. However, my books are neither graphic nor explicit. I would categorize “The Children of Cain” series as a Clean New Adult Urban Fantasy. But that’s enough chit chat from me. Here’s an excerpt from “The Offspring.” Enjoy!  

All the while they have been walking Gwen has been too distracted to notice much about her surroundings. Most of what has passed before her eyes was the same cold, lifeless-colored stone walls, hallways, archways, and steps; but now she looks around and fully takes in the scene before her.

She and the Elf stand in the entryway to a massive underground courtyard, a chamber that spans hundreds of feet long and a hundred feet high. The domed ceiling is supported by dozens of large sculpted columns from floor to ceiling, fashioned like spirals shooting toward heaven. At the top of the dome, light shines through a magnificent stain glass window. Made out of many circles including a sun half-eclipsed by the moon and a giant eye, the window casts a supernatural glow high above the chamber floor. Gwen is so much in awe of the craftsmanship, the scale, and majesty of the room that at first she doesn’t notice the inhabitance of the chamber.

A deep male voice coughs. The sound startles Gwen. She spins around to locate the source. However, when she looks behind her no one is there. 

“Move out of the way! You’re blocking the entrance!” speaks the same rough, disembodied voice.

Gwen looks to Emon, perplexed. The tall Elf points toward the ground at Gwen’s feet. Standing only three feet tall, Gwen spies a stubby, hairy, little man, craning his neck to stare up at her with a disgruntled look upon his round face.

“I’m sorry.” Gwen steps aside.

The short, hairy fellow passes Gwen with a waddle, grumbling under his breath several unflattering remarks about her as he continues further into the massive chamber.

“What on earth was that?” she asks her companion.

“A dwarf,” Emon answers. “His kind built this place back when the world was young.”

“Oh. This is a dwarf dwelling, then?” Gwen asks.

“Well, originally they built it for the Vampire. Their two clans have been allies for centuries,” Emon explains. “Come along, little Witch, we should keep moving. Lord Legion is waiting to meet you.” He takes Gwen’s hand and they make their way across the courtyard.

Dozens of creatures wander about, coming and going in and out of the many passageways along the walls of the circular chamber. Gwen feels a little like a tourist, staring at all the dwarfs, giants, goblins, and other strange indescribable beings all around her.

Good thing the ceiling is so high, Gwen muses, otherwise the giants wouldn’t be able to fit. This however get her wondering how Giants traverse anywhere else in the fortress with the hallways being human in size. If I stay her long enough I’ll figure that out. She thinks to herself.

Gwen notices their multi-colored auras as they mill about, hearing all their minds buzzing around her head like a swarm of bees. Remembering Emon’s admonishment about entering another’s mind without permission, Gwen draws her mind into itself. She throws a shield up to keep from hearing anyone else’s thoughts by accident.

Well there you go. I hope that entices you to learn more about me and my books. You can follow me at any of the sites listed:

My books are available in ebook and/or print at the following links:
                Author’s estore
                Amazon
                Barnes and Noble
                Smashwords

Thanks again for stopping by. Now go forth read, read and then read some more.
R.J. Craddock


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Cover Reveal - The Challenge by Cas Peace


Freaking excited here! I interrupt this usually silent Wednesday to share the awesome Cas Peace's next cover in her Artesans of Albia series. Anyone who's followed my blog for a while know that hubby and I are huge fans of these books.
You can see my reviews herehere, and here.

The Artesans of Albia is an epic, triple-trilogy fantasy saga.
  • Trilogy 1 -Artesans of Albia. 
  • Trilogy 2 - Circle of Conspiracy. 
  • Trilogy 3 - Master of Malice.
The Challenge begins the second trilogy. To celebrate, there's a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, April 21, 2014

The Fourth Ripple

Today is the book birthday for the fourth
Ripple Effect Romance Novella,
Lost and  Found.

We met the main character in Lost and Found a couple of weeks ago. Lydia is Jace's sister (he got his happily ever after in Righting a Wrong). Lydia was adorable, and I loved how she stepped in and helped out the scared lovebirds. At the end of that book, Lydia was headed off for her own adventure. I loved this book, and you can see my review here.

AND, this is the book that introduces one of my characters, Francie Davis.

Lydia Sutton was supposed to have an adventurous and exciting summer. Instead she's done nothing more than read and eat takeout. Now it's time to go home, and what does she have to show for it? A big fat nothing. Unless, of course, her trip to the airport somehow turns into something more than just a flight home. 
Blake Davidson feels like he's been sent on a wild goose chase. While work is piling up back in Denver, he's on the other side of the country, hunting for some mysterious box that his grandfather left him. Well, no more. Nothing inside that box could possibly be more important than the opportunity to make it as the youngest partner at his firm. So he's going home, and that's that. But that's before he discovers his flight has been cancelled.
When these two strangers meet at the airport, they make a split-second decision to search for the box together. Maybe with both of them on the hunt, Lydia can have her adventure and Blake can find the box. And maybe, if they’re lucky, they’ll even find some romance. 

The last two books will release as follows:
Book 5 - Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver (moi!)- May 5
Book 6 - Immersed by Jennifer Griffith - May 19

Remember, while each story could be a stand alone, we do recommend reading them in order so you aren't spoiled, since they are linked.

Missed what this unique series is all about?
"Like a pebble tossed into calm water,
a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet,
perhaps setting a life on a different course—
one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."
You can find out more about these books by clicking here.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Cover Reveal - Rewind to You by Laura Johnston

Cover Reveal, About the Author, a Sneak Peek of REWIND TO YOU and Rafflecopter Giveaway


Genre: Clean Contemporary YA Romance
Release Date: September 15, 2014; Available for PREORDER now

One last summer before college on beautiful Tybee Island is supposed to help Sienna forget. But how can she? This is where her family spent every summer before everything changed, before the world as she knew it was ripped away.

But the past isn’t easily left behind. Especially when Sienna keeps having episodes that take her back to the night she wants to forget. Even when she meets the mysterious Austin Dobbs, the guy with the intense blue eyes, athlete’s body, and weakness for pralines who scooped her out of trouble when she blacked out on River Street.

When she’s with Austin, Sienna feels a whole new world opening up to her. Austin has secrets, and she has history. But caught between the past and the future, Sienna can still choose what happens now…

About the Author:

Laura Johnston lives in sunny Arizona with her husband and two children. Growing up in Orem, Utah with five siblings, a few horses, peach trees, beehives and gardens, she developed an active imagination and always loved a good story. Laura enjoys running, playing tennis, sewing, dancing (deduced to dancing around the kitchen while cooking dinner these days), traveling, writing, writing and more writing, and above all, spending time with her husband and kids. REWIND TO YOU, her debut novel, was inspired by the loss of her father as a teenager.

A Sneak Peek of REWIND TO YOU:





Giveaway: Signed Copy of REWIND TO YOU and $25 Amazon Gift Card


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. The winner, chosen by Rafflecopter, will be announced here on April 29th as well as emailed. The winner will have 5 days to respond at which point a new winner will be chosen. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.

Friday, April 11, 2014

Danyelle Ferguson - Author Interview and Spotlight

My special guest today is the charming Danyelle Ferguson. We're both member of a writing group called Authors Incognito. She's got a new book out, Sweet Confections, but I have some questions for Danyelle first.

1. You were just given a yacht. What would you name it?

The Sea Sick Princess   (boats and I just don't get along)

Dang, I guess you won't be going with me and hubby on our next cruise, huh?

2. Who is your favorite secondary character in Sweet Confections?

I actually have two. Chloe - who is Graydon's speed-demon talking/texting cousin. She just makes me laugh, laugh, laugh. The second is Rachel's nephew Stockton. He has autism and is based on my son at that age. Stockton just makes me want to go back in time and snuggle my little guy some more.

I love when secondary characters have depth. I think it adds to the entire story, makes me want to read more.

3. What's you're favorite movie line?

"Brinkley! Here, Brinkley!"  (and your toes curl as you wait for Tom Hanks to come around the corner)

Such a fun movie!

4. Chocolate: milk or dark?

Absolutely milk chocolate!

You and I could split some bridge mix and both come away happy. :D

5. What project are you working on now?

I'm working on book two of the Indulgence Row series - Love Under Construction. This is Charlee's story as she breaks away from the construction company she's worked for since her teen years and goes out on her own to rehab the Indulgence Row houses into a charming shopping district. What Charlee doesn't know is that Peter (the boss's son) has had a long-time crush on her - and now that they are no longer co-workers, the way is free for him to pursue her . . . except for the many mishaps and bumps along the way.

I love the sound of these. I'm a girl who really enjoys SciFi and epic fantasy but I love me some good romances too. Congrats on the release of Sweet Confections! 

According to Rachel Marconi chocolate heals all wounds. That and throwing darts at pictures of her ex-boyfriend. Burned by yet another bad relationship, Rachel decides to reprioritize her life, putting her dream to compete on a Food Network Challenge on the top of her list and dating at the bottom crossed out in red sharpie. But what's a girl to do when a certain sexy guy keeps asking her out?

Cue in Graydon Green, a former pro hockey player turned restaurant owner. After a lot of persistent and humorous teasing, he finally convinces Rachel to commit to a date. Just when things begin to warm up, threatening notes directed at Rachel arrive. When her bakery is vandalized, Graydon's protective streak goes on red alert. Is it her obsessive ex-boyfriend stalking her? Or maybe a challenger trying to sabotage the competition?

Either way, Rachel is definitely going to need more chocolate - perhaps drizzled over ice cream and devil's food cake.

Also available on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iBookstore.

About the author:

Danyelle Ferguson discovered her love for the written word in elementary school. Her first article was published when she was in 6th grade. Since then, she’s won several awards and her work has been published world-wide in newspapers, magazines and books.

Danyelle grew up surrounded by Pennsylvania’s beautiful Allegheny Mountains. Then she lived for ten years among the majestic Wasatch Mountains. She is currently experiencing mountain-withdrawal while living in Kansas with her husband and family. She enjoys reading, writing, dancing and singing in the kitchen, and the occasional long bubble bath to relax from the everyday stress of being “Mommy.”


Thursday, April 10, 2014

Monday, April 7, 2014

The Third Ripple - Righting a Wrong

Today is the book birthday for the third
Ripple Effect Romance Novella,
Righting a Wrong.

With the release of Righting a Wrong, we're halfway through this fun series. I've been loving reading these books. I hope some of you have too.

You met the main character of this book in Silver Linings. Poor Jace was left in a tough situation but don't feel too bad for him. There were reasons things worked out the way they did. In Righting a Wrong, you'll find out why and see his happily ever after.

Seven years ago, Cambri Blaine fled her small hometown of Bridger, Colorado after her senior year ended in a fiasco. Only Jace Sutton knew the real reason why—that she was a spineless coward. Now, seven years later, her father's been in an accident and needs help, and Cambri has no choice but to return home. So with trepidation, she takes a leave of absence from the landscape architecture firm where she works and boards a plane, hoping against hope that Jace is no longer around and that the past can stay where it belongs—in the past. 

If only life worked that way. 

Jace never expected to see Cambri again. After she’d led him on, bruised his heart, and left town without a backward glance, he was forced to pick up the pieces and try not to hate her for it. Eventually, he put it behind him and moved on, creating a life for himself in his beloved hometown. But now that Cambri is back and looking more beautiful and sophisticated than ever, some of those old feelings resurface, and Jake instinctively knows, for the sake of his heart, that he needs to avoid her at all costs. 

If only it were that easy. 
 GOODREADS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO

The rest of the books will release as follows:
Book 4 - Lost and Found by Karey White - April 21
Book 5 - Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver (moi!)- May 5
Book 6 - Immersed by Jennifer Griffith - May 19

Remember, while each story could be a stand alone, we do recommend reading them in order so you aren't spoiled, since they are linked.

Missed what this unique series is all about?
"Like a pebble tossed into calm water,
a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet,
perhaps setting a life on a different course—
one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."
You can find out more about these books by clicking here.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Guest Post - Inspirational Author Fay Klingler

I have a special guest today, Fay Klingler, with an interview and explanation about two spiritual books for mothers and daughters. 

Welcome, Fay!

I have two new books. One is fiction—I Am Strong! I Am Smart! The second is non-fiction—We Are Strong! Mothers and Daughters Stand Together. Both of these books revolve around the influence one generation has on another—grandmothers/grandchildren, mothers/daughters.

I Am Strong! I Am Smart! for ages 8 to 12 is fully illustrated (Christian, national). It is the product of my wonderful mother’s example. As a child, my mother taught me 100 ways to play Solitaire and Double Solitaire. She is still the life of the party when we play cards, whether there are two, four, or up to eight or so playing at once on each others’ cards. In this book I wanted to show how, no matter our age, we not only can learn from each other, but we can build each other up and help through the crises that come our way.

To my delight, I Am Strong! I Am Smart! received 23 endorsements before it even went to press. I hope mothers, grandmothers, and granddaughters, in particular, feel the “warmth” of this book and gain from it.

We Are Strong! Mothers and Daughters Stand Together started out as a non-fiction way to teach the same principles as I Am Strong! I Am Smart! But the book grew with amazing real-life stories and a clear mission to teach all women how important it is to truly live the Young Women values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This book not only teaches, it brings hope and encouragement and reminds us what an honor it is to be a woman.

I’m told by some reviewers that We Are Strong! Mothers and Daughters Stand Together is their first pick for Mother’s Day gift giving. I’m happy about that. But this book is meant for much more than that. The principles in this book are meant to be absorbed, committed to, and lived every day of our lives, forever.

The Books

 Every girl needs a mentor, someone she can trust to show her the way home to Heavenly Father. The stakes are high—as women of influence, how we live and how we teach Heavenly Father’s daughters will change the course of their lives forever.

Using compelling real-life stories from women of all ages, award-winning author Fay A. Klingler clearly defines how and why we must continue to live and teach the Young Women values.

We Are Strong! beautifully illustrates how powerful a faithful woman’s example can be.


Luisa May, known to her family and friends as Lu, loves to play games with her grandma. When she’s bullied at school, Grandma has a special puzzle for Lu to help her see how valuable she is—no matter what others say, or how much doubt she feels within herself. Soon after, Grandma has to go to the hospital, and Lu finds out Grandma needs help recovering. Then it’s Lu’s turn to help Grandma see how valuable she is—no matter how much doubt she feels within herself. It’s a beautiful parallel for young and old alike, as each age learns from the other.

Written and illustrated with loving hands, this delightful children’s story offers a heartfelt message that unites and bonds generations. From the award-winning pen of Fay A. Klingler, I Am Strong! I Am Smart! provides to women of all ages a reminder of the tremendous gift of “girl power.”

About the author
Fay A. Klingler, author and illustrator, is an award-winning creative and technical writer, as well as a sought-after motivational speaker for women’s groups. Her expertise includes successful patterns for life, betrayal recovery, and effective grandparenting. Her previous publications include A Woman’s Power: Threads that Bind Us to God; Shattered: Six Steps from Betrayal to Recovery; Daughters of God, You Have What It Takes; The LDS Grandparents’ Idea Book; My Magnificent Mountain; The Complete Guide to Woman’s Time; Our New Baby; and A Mother’s Journal.

The Klinglers have twelve children and thirty-five grandchildren in their blended family. They reside in Draper, Utah.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

April IWSG - Negative Reviews

Click here to find out more and to see a list of other IWSG blogs.
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!

Short and sweet on my end. I know this is A to Z month, so I'm just going to share author Beth Revis's brilliant post about handling negative reviews.

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