It's Blog Hop Thursday

Thursday, 27th Oct: 
QUESTION: Being a writer means that you are also an entrepreneur: have you set business/financial goals for this year and how are you going to achieve them?  Question provided by author: Clayton Bye

Strangely, I don't consider myself an entrepreneur...never have.  I started creating stories because writing is something I've always enjoyed.  I suppose I consider it more a hobby than anything else.  Like other favorite pastimes, being an author costs money, so I've viewed my expenditures a normal part of life.  If I skied, I would have to buy lift passes and equipment, instead, I purchase items to help promote myself such as pens, bookmarks and pocket/purse calendars.  I enjoy giving them to perfect strangers.  I'm much safer at my desk than plummeting down a snowy hillside on two thin pieces of wood...trust me.  :)

The time spent networking is how I've garnered relationships that have filled the void left by real flesh and blood friends when I moved from California.  I enjoy blogging, chatting, and emailing, so to me, it's not a job, but a pleasure.

I don't set goals because I've learned from past experience that failing to meet them causes defeat.  I do what I do, and if my efforts result in a sale, the money doesn't mean nearly as much as the fact that someone thought enough of my work to buy it.  I don't see writing as a means to wealth, except if I measure those I've met and treasure.  I'm going to write until they pry my dead fingers from this keyboard.  Let's all hope that's not anytime soon.  *smile*

 

Blog Hop Thursdays - Writer's Block

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Okay, you want to write, but you can’t. Every time you sit down to it, you freeze or else write badly. Maybe you’ve always been prolific, but suddenly it’s as if the well has dried up. Is it really writer's block? Question provided by author:MEGAN JOHNS

The allure, for me, in doing the blog hop, is the thought-provoking questions provided by the affiliates.  Thanks to Megan for this one, since being muse-less for a few months has driven me to distraction.

Writer's block for me really isn't the correct term, although it does describe what happens to me.  I prefer to think that my characters turn mute.  *lol*  When I say, I hear voices, there's no need to call the men in white coats.  Without the chatter in my head, I wouldn't have written 99% of the novels and stories I have published.

 I've often blogged about the imaginary revolving door in my head through which my characters pass.  It has no lock, and sometimes, it spins so fast, it makes me dizzy. However, recently, I think my current character put a wedge in the door and then decided to stop leading me on her journey.  Usually when a character pops into my head, they come with a title, cast in tow, and a story they tell that leads me to an unknown conclusion.  I view each novel I've written as a fun experience because I've not known my final destination until I arrive.  Writing for me is sort of like telling myself a long bedtime story.  I'm excited as it unfolds, and I can't wait to see where I'm headed.


Thankfully, Hattie is speaking to me again.  I have no idea what made her turn silent, but through some brainstorming with friends, I was able to jump start her story again and now I'm posting chapters to my critique group.  When the voices in my head turn mute, I start to worry.  Without them, I'm lost.


If you'd like to read more responses to Megan's question, please return to Alternative Read's website and click on links posted for those signed up to participate.  See you next week.

Blog Hop Thursday

This week's question comes from author, Amy Romine. 

QUESTION: Character physical descriptions, do you like a lot or a little? How do you make sure your readers see your character they way you want them to? 

What a great question, Amy.  I really lose patience with authors who go overboard with descriptions.  Depending on whose POV you're in should guide you.  Readers like enough information to get a visual image of the character or locale, but if you're in the heroes POV, it's very doubtful he's going to make note of the lace cuffs, pearl buttons, and pattern of a woman's dress.  I edited for a time and tried working with a new author who just didn't get "it".  He wanted to describe every single tree on the property, tell the reader what was in every drawer in the kitchen, and add needless information that did nothing to move the story forward.  I explained the drawers were only important if the heroine moved to one, opened it and withdrew something, or if the tree outside her window cast a shadow that hid the sun, or held a singing bird that woke her.  There is a purpose to descriptions and, as I said, if they aren't helping put the reader into the story, they should be propelling the plot to the next scene or bringing things to a satisfying close...as with a final kiss.

Check out  An_Alternative Read for more fun like Blog Hop Thursday.  I was the first to sign up this week, so hopefully you'll find more links.  I always find the questions to be thought provoking and give me an opportunity to share my opinion.  Remember, what you read is generally just one person's opinion, and here, they're mine.  *smile*

Blog Hop Thursday

QUESTION: With the advancement of e-publishing and e-books, what new methods of marketing do you think authors should employ? Question provided by author: Lark LaTroy 

What a dynamic question, Lark.  Given the rapid interest shown in ebooks since over one million Kindles sold during the Christmas holiday, we definitely have to look at new ways to market ourselves.  Since most authors are going the e-book route alone, we need to rely on new innovations like Kindlegraph to sign copies to personalize our sales, and we also have to be very active on the Kindle loops that are genre specific to what we write.  More and more readers are investigating the loops to find bargains and books, so it's imperative that we make ourselves known.  I've continued to have my books available in both e and print, but it wasn't long until I discovered that people are more likely, during this economy, to pay less for a download copy than the inflated prices we have to charge for our printed work.  The royalty return is much better on e sales than print, by far.  To find out more about Kindlegraph, click on the name.  I also advise authors to familiarize themselves with Twitter and learn the advantages of using hashtags (#) to reach your target audience.  If we don't keep our names in the limelight, it will be very easy to forget who we are given the huge number of new authors releasing work each and every day.

To read the answers given by other authors, please return to An Alternative Read and click on the links in the Blog Hop arena.

You can find me on Twitter @ http://www.twitter.com/mizging.  Please feel free to follow me.

Blog HopThursday

This is me, enjoying Blog Hop Thursday from An Alternative Read.  If you haven't discovered this lively group, I encourage you to check them out.  Sassy Brit has some fantastic ideas and she shares them.  Here's how it works:

A - Answer the weekly question on your own blog and publish it on Thursday.

L - Leave YOUR DIRECT blog post LINK on the Linky Tools Blog Hop Listing (found on An Alternative Read's blog). 

T - THURSDAYS Take a hop around the rest of the participants' blogs! 

This week's question:

Do you have a secret 'muse' or 'inspiration', one which you would be a little embarrassed about admitting when interviewed about your book (or future book!) or that you feel may affect people's perception of your book? Question provided by affiliate author David M. Brown   

Well, David, if you knew me, then you would know there is nothing secret about me.  My life is an open book and in the past decade of being an author and featured in countless interviews, I've probably revealed every aspect of my life.  I'm definitely not the futuristic type and I doubt anyone would read books stirred by the video games I watch my grandson play, unless they are into Lego Star Wars, Lego Cars, or Lego anything.  *smile*  I never know what type of book is going to be in my future because all but two of them have been totally created and driven by characters who pop into my head with a story to tell.  Who knows...maybe one day someone with a futuristic tale just might show up.  Wouldn't that be a switch?  Thanks for the interesting question.

Blog Hop Thursday

Today's Blog Hop question is:  Do you write in logical order?

Honestly, there is nothing logical about the manner in which I write.  My stories are character driven, meaning unless my characters talk to me and lead me, I have no idea where I'm going.  So far, I'm had a great report with my leading men and women, but Hattie from my current WIP is giving me fits.  I just may have to start another story to show her who's boss.  *smile*

I really like how this story starts and I'd love to see it through, but right now, we're stuck in a Conestoga just entering Independence, MO to join a wagon train.  I think the site of the only other city she's been to has struck her speechless. Just to set the scene; Hattie, born in the local orphanage, has grown up never knowing her parents.  She's the oldest of all the children there and while working part time at the mercantile, she notices an ad for someone to travel with a local family to California and help care for their three children.  Here's a sample from Hattie's Hero:

A blonde woman, dressed in a floral gown with a high collar and fitted waist, descended the steps with elegant grace. Slim but curvy, and only a wee bit taller than Hattie, she approached and extended her hand. “I’m Abigail Franklin. It’s very nice to meet you.”

Hattie ran her dampened palm down the front of her shift before she accepted the woman’s offered hand. “Hattie Carson. And it’s my pleasure.”

Mr. Franklin yanked his watch from his pocket again and checked the time. “I’ll leave you two to discuss the matter of caring for the children. I have business to tend involving the sale of the house and furniture.” Stepping closer to his wife, he leaned toward her ear. “She comes from the orphanage with no recommendations. Don’t confuse particulars with pity.”  His attempt at whispering failed. With a touch to the brim of his hat, Mister Franklin disappeared out the front door, but not before rolling his eyes one more time at Hattie.

She gulped down a swallow and considered leaving.

“Please, come into the parlor and let’s get better acquainted.” Mrs. Franklin gestured toward the airy room to her right. Her friendly smile and face compensated for her husband’s brashness.

Hattie stepped inside and gawked at the blue settee and the armed floral chairs. Their rich mahogany matched the table between them and the mantle above the stone fireplace. Nothing in the orphanage coordinated with such perfection.

“Please have a seat, dear.”  Mrs. Franklin’s voice drew Hattie’s wide-eyed wonder back to the center of the room.

 After the missus sat, Hattie perched on the chair across from her.

“So, tell me why you answered our advertisement.”  Mrs. Franklin directed the question to Hattie, but nodded at the woman who stood in the doorway, wearing a white apron over her drab olive dress. Most of her graying hair hid beneath the white cap upon her head. She entered and deposited a tray bearing a teapot and two dainty cups and saucers on the table between the two women. She left without a word.

Mrs. Franklin poured a cup. “Tea?”  She offered the delicate china to Hattie.

“Yes, please.”  Hattie grasped the edge of the saucer with trembling fingers and struggled not to spill.

After pouring herself a cup, Mrs. Franklin leaned back. “Where were we?  Oh yes, why you’re here…”  She sipped the steaming brew.

Hattie placed her tea on the table and took a deep breath. Her insides felt as knotted as her mended shoelace. “I may as well be honest, as I’m sure your husband just informed you, I’ve lived in the local orphanage for far too long. I have no family that I know of, and I’m anxious for a new beginning. My entire life has been devoted to helping the younger children adjust to missing their parents, so I feel quite confident I can do whatever you need me to do.”

Mrs. Franklin rested her hand on her bosom. “I’m so sorry, my dear. It must have been horrible growing up in such a manner.”

“There were a few bright spots, but not many. Aside from the love I received from the younger ones, there wasn’t much else to cherish.”

“Did you know your family before…?”

“No, ma’am. Sadly, I have no memory of them. In fact, I was named by someone at the Protestant asylum. I bear her last name.”

“My, you do have a story to share, and one I would love to hear. But first, let’s decide if this position really suits you.”

To read more answers or join the Blog Hop visit http://bit.ly/hOZXmu

Don't forget to come back next week.

Blog Hop Thursday

The question(s) provided by Tracy Cooper-Posey our Yahoo chat guest this week (14th April)is:
What software and applications help you write your masterpieces?  What do you wish you could afford?  What do you regret buying?  And what ebook reader do you use?  Why/why not?

Wow, Tracy Cooper-Posey is a little nosy.  *I made a rhyme.*

I'm a word fan because that's what I learned when the University where I worked replaced word-perfect.  I especially like the track changes option when doing edits.  It makes things so much simpler for me.  


At this point, I don't need anything more.  I just purchased a new Dell computer that's faster than a speeding bullet, and I love my 24 inch monitor.  Was I supposed to be able to afford it?  Oops.  :)

Now that I have my Kindle, I guess I would have to say I regret spending money on a netbook.  I'm sure I'll find a use for it when I go camping or travel somewhere and need to take a computer along, but although I liked the ease of reading on it, it's much heavier than my Kindle, and if I get started you'll swear I'm being paid by Amazon to promote their e-reader.  I have always been a die-hard print fan, but the Kindle has changed that for me.  I carry it with me everywhere and read whenever I get a chance.  Love it, love it, love it.   


Don't think you're going to escape hearing about one of my books.  You asked which masterpieces I created with my software, so here's one of them:

The wagon carrying Odessa Clay and her father overturns, killing him.  Alone and scared in the middle of the desert, she faces finding her way to Phoenix and Aunt Susan. Food and water run out, and Odessa is near death when Zach Johnson finds her.  Squinting up into his tanned and handsome face, Dessie believes she’s died and gone to heaven.

Would-be-outlaw, Zach Johnson finds an unconscious woman alone in the middle of nowhere.  Where did she come from?  First glance: she appears young, but the curves beneath the dusty gingham say otherwise.  He didn’t plan to become someone’s hero, but how can he leave her stranded?

Will the promise of Odessa’s sweet lips lure Zach from the secret mission that has his gut twisted into a knot?  His father’s ranch isn’t the only thing at stake—now it’s his heart.

For more blog-hoppers, hop on over to 
http://tjbook-list.blogspot.com/2011/04/author-blog-hop-14april-what-software.html

Blog Hop Thursday

This week's question is:
Are you a plotter or a panster?  Do you plot your stories ahead of writing?  Or do you write and see what happens? (Writing “by the seat of your pants”.)  Why do you work that way?  What are the benefits ...and drawbacks?

I'm a pantser all the way.  Plotting does not work for me because my stories are "character-driven."  In other words, if my characters don't talk, I don't write.  


I love being a pantser because every story is like one being told to me.  I'm always anxious to keep typing to see where my hero or heroine is leading me, but the downside is silence.  No talking, no typing, and that's where I'm at right now.  I've had other lead characters become mute, but this one is killing me.  I've not been able to work on my WIP for over a month because Hattie just clammed up.  I'm stuck on chapter six and I have no idea how to get the story moving again.  I can only hope that Hattie decides to work with me again.  This is a first and it's very frustrating.


My motivation for finishing this story is Novel Text where I posted the first few chapters and I received an "editors pick" trophy.  The contest only lasts so many months, and if I want to have a chance, I need to get moving.

Brief story explanation:  Hattie grew up in the St. Louis orphanage and is now the oldest "child" there.  She works part-time at the local mercantile and notices an ad for someone to travel by wagon train with a family in need of childcare assistance.  Hattie only sees the adventure and excitement and arranges an interview.  She secures the job, and along with a young man also hired to ride along to manage the livestock and lend extra security, is on her way to Independence with the family to meet up with the wagon train and head to California.  Here's a sample:

Billy flashed a grin as he galloped by.  Her cheeks heated.  She should have ducked out of sight instead of appearing to be a nosy Nellie. No denying she was one, she clenched her teeth and inched closer to the bonnet’s front opening.

  “Whoa,” Mr. Franklin’s slanting tug on the reins and bellow at the team stopped the turning wheels and sent her sprawling.  She barely missed hitting her head on the wagon bench.

  “Just a couple of drunks letting off some steam,” Billy reported.  “They’ve veered off the trail, headed for a ranch up north where they plan to join a cattle drive.”

Hattie took a deep breath, pulled herself up and smoothed her skirt.  Billy was so brave to face two men…especially ones toting weapons.  What if they’d killed him? 

One of the twins whimpered. Concerned with her childcare duties, Hattie shook the notion from her head and went to fetch the child.  The little ones had slept much longer than she’d expected.  Hattie tapped Abby on the shoulder.  “Edwin’s awake.”

Abby straddled one foot over the wagon seat, stepped into the bed and then dragged her other leg over.  She tugged at her noticeably damp bodice.  “I figured it must be feeding time.”  Her smile wasn’t genuine.

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