Monday Meandering ... May 16th

First Meandering ...

Busy week but not a lot of words written. It's funny, sometimes, when I think I'm going to take a story one way, I'll be moving right along and suddenly hit a block. I realized last night I needed to change something but resisted. 

Once I finally gave in and decided to make that change, I was able to move ahead but then realized I needed some brainstorming related to the change AND I needed better motivations for the antagonist. *sigh*

Second Meandering ...

Saturday I attended a workshop put on by Tristi Pinkston who's the author of 30+ books, an editor, and now has her own publishing company--Trifecta Books. She has an excellent writing series called Write It Write. She's both entertaining and informative. 

I especially like how she can give good examples of when it's okay to do something you might have been told you shouldn't. Example; "was."

She had a couple of people come forward to demonstrate. One she had sitting, while the other she had preparing to enter a room where the first person was at. Tristi said that if she wrote (as one might think one should because one shouldn't use "was"): 

"Matt stood when Stephanie entered the room."

Matt would be sitting and then stand because Stephanie entered the room. So, Matt stood because Stephanie entered the room. Which means something completely different than:

"Matt was standing when Stephanie entered the room."

Third Meandering ...

Got to go see the grandkids who used to live in China and now live only 30 minutes away be in an Up with Kids play. Lots of fun to watch.

And the youngest grandson is walking now. He's so proud of himself

What about you? Learn anything new last week?

Do anything fun last weekend?

Monday Meandering - December 8th

It's been a good week. Had oral surgery last Monday. I was really nervous (and resentful about the cost), but it's healing well, so I'm grateful for that.

First meander ...

On Friday, I was interviewed about my NaNo experience by a local paper.

Second meander ...

Later on Friday, I did some interviewing of my own. It was for Swing Vote and the short story that comes before that, A Season of Change. The main character is Marc North, a Marine pilot.

I already know (and admire) the man I interviewed. He's a retired Army helicopter pilot and fire battalion chief who's been deployed several times to the Middle East. I could listen to him for hours. He was very helpful with information about how military missions work over there and answered lots of general flying questions.

Listening to him reinforced the impression I already had: this is a genuinely good man. His off time focus while over there was humanitarian. You can follow this link to see one of them, The Afghan Orphan Project. While there, they were able to coordinate twelve life-changing surgeries for children. Seriously, he should write a book his experiences over there.

As for my book, this real man is the perfect model for my character, Marc.

Third meander ...

Speaking of doing good. Author Tristi Pinkston has a call out for short stories for an anthology she's going to put together in 2015. All proceeds will go to the Festival of Trees, an event to raise funds for Primary Children's Hospital. This is a premier hospital in our area, and they take all children, regardless of their family's ability to pay for their care.

If you might be interested in submitting a short story for the anthology or know someone who is, please check out Tristi's post here.

What have you been up to this week?

IWSG

I interrupt this blogging break to bring you:

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!

Well, the month of the book release is over. Anyone who's read my blog for a while knows that I have been worried about a lot of stuff related to sending my book baby out in the world. The launch turned out to be a lot of fun. My reflections on that event are here. Jordan McCollum, whom I co-launched with, and I also did an event at the American Fork Library. A couple of people came, for which I was grateful.

I think what worried me the most was what took place last Saturday. A solo signing.

So, I posted in a couple of my writing groups for suggestions on how to make it a fun day (I did drag my husband with me because he doesn't have problems talking to people about my book). I thought I'd share some of the great suggestions:

• Chas Hathaway suggested balloon marketing.
• Adrienne Monson said acting like a Walmart greeter and chatting with people made it easier. This was a very common theme.
• Another author said she preferred solo signings rather than double ones where she felt obligated to do the same thing the other author was doing--even if that was just sitting at the table waiting for people to come to him/her. Otherwise it felt like she was trying to hog the people.

I love how author Tristi Pinkston put it:

Here's something I learned a long time ago. A signing is what you make it. If you go in there with the attitude that you're going to have fun, enjoy the experience, have fun talking to people and employees, and live in the moment of knowing that you're an author and you have reached a life-long goal, you'll have a fantastic time regardless of how many books you sell.

If you go in thinking that this is awful and you are embarrassed/shy/reluctant/whatever, and that it's not worth your time unless you sell x quantity of books, you'll have a rotten time regardless of how many books you sell.

Decide the experience you want to have and then create it.

Armed with some great suggestions and Tristi's philosophy, I had a great afternoon.

AND a wonderful surprise. I used to belong to an online romance critique group that got too small to continue. The three of us that were left are still friends on Facebook. As I stood at my table yesterday, a couple entered the bookstore, carrying a book--opened to a place where the author had signed it.

My awesome friend Melanie Macek (who lives in Texas) from that old critique group made arrangements with some family members of hers to drive all the way to Layton to bring me an autographed copy of Mel's book, that I got to critique. They picked up a paper copy of A Change of Plans for me to sign for Mel (she's in my acknowledgements).

Melanie never said a word! *sniff* It totally made my day.

Yeah. Solo signings can totally rock.

What are your experiences at book signings, either as an author or a reader? Have you seen (or done) any clever approaches to make it fun for everyone?

My Name is Frankie by Frankie Maio with Tristi Pinkston

And the winner of Gaze into Heaven is

Medeia Sharif

My Name is Frankie

I spent my childhood hiding from my father as much as possible. I learned early on that if I tried to save my mother from a beating, I’d get hit and then my mother would be beaten even more. It was best for both of us if I didn’t get involved. I’d leave the house and go far away, curling up under a tree where I could cry my “alone tears.” Then I’d creep into the house and into bed, grateful to have escaped, but then I’d get beaten in the morning.

It was the alcohol. It was always the alcohol.

Frankie Maio was never expected to amount to much. The oldest son of an alcoholic, it was no surprise when he turned to alcohol as well. Forty-seven years of heavy drinking and drug abuse should have been the end of him ... but Frankie's mother believed in miracles, and that's what Frankie got.

My Name is Frankie is the true story of a hard life, a long road, and the healing hand of a higher power that reached down and changed everything.

Help the Elf

The time has come to Help the  Elf. Poor Pete lost Santa's Naughty and Nice list and was only able to find the Naughty one. What a disaster!

The awesome Angela and Becca over at The Bookshelf Muse (and authors of the fabulous Emotion Thesaurus) have solicited the aid of the blogosphere to help find people who belong on Santa's Nice list. They're hoping that we'll be able to add to the list without Santa being any the wiser.

I found this lady:

Tristi Pinkston

I first saw Tristi (from a distance) at the 2011 Storymakers conference I attended. What a fun, witty lady she was as she helped with the conference. I have since gotten to know Tristi better by reading her books (delightful) and serving with her on the iWriteNetwork board.

What can I say about her? Did I mention that she's funny? Besides that she's kind, generous, friendly, giving, compassionate, and intelligent? Trisit's helpful. SO helpful. She's a wonderful support to fledgling writers, with both encouragement and advice. She's traditionally published and self-published, so she's has had a lot of experience. Tristi is also a freelance editor (you better schedule her soon because her schedule fills early), so she knows her stuff.

Thank you, Tristi, for being you. You're an inspiration to me. I want to be like you when I grow up.

The following I submit in tribute to Tristi: 

Thank you very much!

This is the reprise at the end of my favorite version of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge, starring Albert Finney. When I first saw the movie, this scene made me tear up because it was so poignant after this version of the song. Tristi doesn't need the first rendition.

How about you, Readers? Is there someone you'd like to say Happy Holidays to, or tell them how much they mean to you? JOIN US! There's plenty of days left until Christmas, and sometimes a kind word can lift people up in a way that they really need. It's as easy as sending a free ecard or email note, posting on a Facebook wall or sending out a tweet. So go ahead and spread some kindness and cheer!

You can also check the following for other people on Santa's Nice list:

1.	Angela & Becca	10.	Juli Page Morgan	19.	Yvette Carol	28.	Lynn Kelley
2.	Sheri Larsen	11.	Zena Parks	20.	Robin	29.	R.w.Foster
3.	Linda	12.	Chantel Rhondeau	21.	Robyn Campbell	30.	Kate (themagicviolinist.blogspot.com)
4.	Donna K. Weaver	13.	Marcia Kuma	22.	PK HREZO	31.	Father Dragon Writes
5.	Laura Pauling	14.	Susanne Drazic	23.	Lori Freeland	32.	Monique Bucheger
6.	Ross Lampert	15.	Donna Galanti	24.	Deb A. Marshall	33.	Claire
7.	Natalie Aguirre	16.	Mart Ramirez	25.	Sharon K Mayhew	34.	Rachna's Scriptorium
8.	Not the Library of Alexandria	17.	Jeanelaine	26.	Erin, Creative Soul in Motion	35.	febe moss
9.	Teresa Robeson	18.	KittyB78	27.	stina Lindenblatt	36.	tara tyler

Tristi Pinkston's Women of Strength

This has been some month for book releases.

Tristi Pinkston is quite the genre hopper--which means she's my hero. She's written cozy mysteries (her hilarious Secret Sisters series), a book on women and finances, a cookbook, romantic suspense, and historical fiction to name a few. You can click here for a complete list.

Today I'm talking about her new book Women of Strength, a book for spiritual book targeted to LDS women.


The need for courageous, faithful women has never been greater than it is today. As we draw nearer to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we are faced with temptations on every side. But we can prevail as we gain true strength from living the gospel.

In Women of Strength, Tristi Pinkston shares inspiring stories, as well as insightful quotes from Church leaders, to demonstrate the power and influence of righteous women. This book invites women everywhere to deepen their relationship with the Savior, rely on the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and learn what it really means to be strong.

I found this book to be encouraging even as it warned women of the challenges that can come to us as women today. Women have always expected a lot of themselves, but it seems that society has added to that burden. You have to be smart. You have to be beautiful. You have to be clever. You have to be talented. It's easy to see, in today's fast paced world, women who appear to be able to do it all.

And you can't. You're tired. You're cranky. You're overwhelmed. You wonder why you're such a failure.

Quotes from Women of Strength:

"Think about it for a minute. When a woman feels bad about herself, she finds it hard to reach out to others, and she doesn't dream she has the power to change lives. But once she catches a glimmer of the phenomenal celestial being she truly is, she goes out and shares her love with others, and that's something the adversary can't have at any cost."

". . . Be strong for yourself and your family. Just making it through today is enough, and then tomorrow, do it again. Your diligence and faith make you a heroine, even when you may doubt it. But our Heavenly  Father has no doubt. He knows who you are, and He knows you can do it."

Vacation . . . Again. Oh, and Self-Editing

Yep, I'm headed to paradise again.

I know. Rough life.

Robin Weeks posted an LTUE class update about self-editing. (I know! I've been a serious slacker/loser in this area myself, but repentance is coming. Someday). But it's an awesome recap of a class taught by the amazing Tristi Pinkston (author and editor).  It's definitely worth your time to check it out. 

When I find posts like this, I copy them and post the information in a document (with a link back to the original post), so I won't lose it. How do you keep track of useful information you find online?

Winter Workshop - iWriteNetwork . . . And Books I've Read

iWriteNetwork is excited to announce their first Winter Workshop, being held on Saturday, January 21st, in Provo, Utah. The classes are:

Killer Hooks by author Greg Park
Head Hunting for POV by Canda Mortensen
I Have a Feeling - Writing Emotion and Making It Stick by author Tristi Pinkston
Taxes and You - Figuring it Out by author Rebecca Shelley
Savvy about Story Structure by author Cindy Hogan

The conference begins at 9:00 and goes until 2:00, with a break for lunch (provided). The cost for the day is $30. Register by clicking here.

Now here's something fun ... if you are one of the first 25 to register, you will be entered in a drawing for a free manuscript evaluation* by Tristi Pinkston Author Services (250 pages maximum). There are only a few slots left for the contest, so if you're in the area and would like to attend, you'll need to hurry and register.

Lunch is included in the cost of registration.

Books I've been reading

CassaStaR by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Book Description

To pilot the fleet’s finest ship… Few options remain for Byron. A talented but stubborn young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude, his cockpit skills are his only hope. Slated to train as a Cosbolt fighter pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life as he sets off for the moon base of Guaard. Much to Byron’s chagrin the toughest instructor in the fleet takes notice of the young pilot. Haunted by a past tragedy, Bassa eventually sees through Byron's tough exterior and insolence. When a secret talent is revealed during training, Bassa feels compelled to help Byron achieve his full potential. As war brews on the edge of space, time is running short. Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive, and Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit? “…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

Got this for hubby for Christmas, and we read it together. We very much enjoyed it and look forward to the release of CassaFirE next month.

 Bound by C.K. Bryant

Book Description

When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira’s life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she’s falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive.

BOUND is a heroic tale of true friendship, infinite sacrifice and untamed love. 

I've had this book on my to-read stack for a while now and was happy when I finally had a chance to start reading it. Really enjoyed it, though I was a bit dismayed when I found out it's a series . . . and we're left hanging. Grrr.  I'm glad the next book is due out in March.

Outer Edge of Heaven by Jaclyn M. Hawkes

Book Description

Montana truly is heavenly. Especially those handsome cowboys.

Filled with colorful characters of all shapes, sizes and species, including an orphaned baby pig, most of the Langston family put the fun in dysfunctional, give or take a couple of black sheep. There's one in every family, isn't there? Add to that glorious scenery, a horse of her own, and one extremely attractive cousin rancher, Luke Lanston, and it makes for a summer Charlie will never forget. Which might not be a good thing. She has the time of her life, but her heart may never recover.

I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud several times with the images Hawkes paints as Charlie works with the little children. Those baby pigs . . .

To say nothing of Luke.

Identity by Betsy Love

Book Description

While vacationing in Mexico, two similar-looking young women find themselves caught in a chain reaction of mistaken identities. Amelia is a wealthy heiress and business owner, and Savannah is a sweet Mormon girl deciding whether or not to serve a mission. When they end up on the same flight to Phoenix, Savannah and Amelia unravel the sequence of events that wreaked havoc on their trips, and they make plans to resolve the subsequent misunderstandings. But their flight is cut short when the plane crashes, killing one of the young women and plunging the other into a world of intrigue and deceit where identity means everything.

I read this on the plane while flying to Hawaii--so glad it was a long flight because I didn't want to put this book down. I was totally hooked and felt so bad as I realized what was going to happen.

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

Book Description

Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

I generally enjoyed the first three books in this series, but I'm really having a hard time getting into this last book. I think I may have to put it aside and try listening to it again later. It discourages me that this final book that was supposed to wrap up the series is so dang long--four audible downloads.

Stealing Mercy by Kristy Tate

Book Description

After a night of terror, Mercy Faye flees New York. Disguised as a boy, she sets sail for a new life in Seattle, but her nightmare, Mr. Steele, follows close behind. Armed with only her chocolates, laced tarts and wits, Mercy sets out to destroy Mr. Steele and his Lucky Island brothel.

Trent Michaels is searching for his missing cousin. He can't afford complications - or romance - yet, at every turn he finds Mercy Faye. The night before the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, flames spark between Mercy and Trent leaving the life they know and the city they love in ashes.

Their story reaches forward through time to Bette Michaels, a genealogist, struggling with grief after the sudden death of her husband. Although generations apart, as Bette unravels Mercy's story, she learns that a life can be rebuilt - even after everything is lost.

Through Mercy, Bette discovers that sometimes the only way to find happiness is to steal it.

I just started reading this one a couple of nights, and I'm intrigued by the double stories. It reminds me a little of The Forgotten Garden that had multiple times and points of view.

Have you read anything good lately?

Hang 'Em High by Tristi Pinkston - Blog Contest

Author Tristi Pinkston is excited to announce the release of the third novel in her Secret Sisters Mysteries series.

Titled Hang ‘em High, this novel takes place on a dude ranch in Montana. When Ida Mae’s son invites her to come for a visit, of course she brings Arlette and Tansy along with her. They are expecting to spend the week looking at horses, avoiding the cows, and making amends in Ida Mae’s relationship with her son. What they don’t expect is to be stuck on the ranch in the middle of a blizzard and to be thrust headlong into the middle of a mystery.

***

Help Tristi celebrate her new novel in two ways. First, come participate in the two-week-long blog contest, where you can win a book nearly every single day! All the details are up on Tristi’s blog.

Second, come to the book launch!

You are invited to an

August Authorama!

Saturday, August 13th

Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem

12 – 4 pm

Games, prizes, balloons, face painting,

and Dutch oven cobbler

prepared by world champion cook

Keith Fisher.

Authors Tristi Pinkston, J. Lloyd Morgan, Cindy Hogan,

Nichole Giles, and Heather Justesen

will all be there to sign books.

This is one book launch event

you will not want to miss!