Friday, April 29, 2011

Reviewers, Part 1

If I’ve learned anything throughout all my years or writing, it’s that this business is difficult. There are obstacles every step of the way.

First, there is writing the story. Sure, if you want to take a further step back there is the creation of the plot, characters, setting, etc. I mean the actual writing, though. Setting aside a portion of the day to write. Then, after X amount of days working and rewrites and editing and rewrites, you enter the ‘send out query letters and receive rejections’ phase. Finally, one day, you get a book deal with either an agent who finds a publisher or with the publisher directly. What’s next? More editing, of course. Meanwhile, before, during, and after publication, you’re into marketing. Selling the book. A website, a blog or two, joining other socialization networking sites, appearances, interviews. For those who have been published only as an eBook, where there are no ARCs to distribute, you then seek reviewers.

I didn’t realize how difficult this portion of the process would be. Now, before I begin my list of grievances, I’d like to mention I have found several reviewers who have read, or are currently reading, my book, Night Shadows. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of them for accepting the book. I’m not here to lambaste the reviewing process or name names of specific reviewers I don’t like. I’m not here to bash someone who gave me a bad review. I want only to make note of a few problems I’ve run into with reviewers in the hope others can learn.

Point 1 – No eBooks
Many reviewers have great sites and make a fabulous presentation. The sites are organized and laid out attractively. The reviews are professional and noteworthy. However, in the submission guidelines, they say they don’t review eBooks. I can understand with the explosion in e-self publishing, who knows what you may be receiving. As a reviewer, I wouldn’t want to slog through numerous files shoddily written by a bunch of hacks. However, with the popularity of eBooks, surely the reviewer could do some homework, take a little time to investigate the author/publisher, then decide. One reason I have seen mentioned is because the reviewer doesn’t own an eBook reader. Okay, I understand, but the person does use a computer and most everybody is aware of pdf files. Most eBook authors have pdf files to send. So, I don’t understand this objection to eBooks.

Point 2 – “I don’t have time. I’m backlogged.”
Totally understandable. You get a lot of books, you have other responsibilities, you have a separate job, and reviewing may be a part time endeavor. I have no problem with this reasoning. However, how difficult would it be to put that fact somewhere on the website, preferably the first line of the submission guidelines? “Backlogged and currently not accepting books for reviews until....” A simple statement is all that’s needed so as to not waste the author’s time.

My second problem in this point is I’ve run into reviewers who are backlogged, yet have advertised on at least one website that they’re accepting books for review. If all these people are trying to do is attract attention to their site, then they’ve failed with me because I went there to find a reviewer. To be told later they’re backlogged and can’t accept anything doesn’t do them any good with me, especially not if they’re looking for word of mouth attention. It’s simple: If you’re not accepting, don’t advertise you are.

Point 3 – Mistaken genre identity.
Night Shadows can be purchased at a number of sites, including Ominilit.com. At this site, you will find the genre, key search words related to the topic, and a story excerpt. Once again, it comes back to doing your homework, because one reviewer I contacted wrote back with polite refusal but misunderstood my story for a police procedural.

What I’m saying is, if you’re going to be a reviewer, whether you’re a newbie, doing it for fun, or looking to be a professional, then do your homework. Sure, you’re going to make mistakes, but try to avoid the obvious ones. State what you want and how you want it. What you’ll do and how you’ll do it. If you find you’ve run into a snag, then tell people.

With this in mind, please visit next week, as I introduce a new venture I’m undertaking. Hmm, wonder what it’ll be…

Friday, April 22, 2011

Around the Globe with F.M. MEREDITH

Another week of rain, but I don't mind since I'm off to Rocky Bluff, California, with this week's author F.M. Meredith. She's taken me to a wonderful restaurant overlooking the ocean where we enjoy, what else? A fabulous seafood dinner. While we're talking, we get entranced by the phosphorescence dancing on the waves rolling onto the beach. What a grand place. Well, onto the questions...

1. Who is Marilyn Meredith and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?

For this interview I’m F. M. Meredith though most people do know me by Marilyn. I don’t live in a city, not even a town. I’m about a mile outside of an unincorporated village in the foothills of the Southern Sierra. I am the only person in the area who is an author with books that haven’t been self-published.

2. Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?

At my age, I don’t really have any deep dark secrets. Most people are surprised to hear that I’ve been married for nearly 60 years to the same man and we raised five kids and now have eighteen grandkids and eleven great grands.

3. What interested you to be become a writer rather than something else such as becoming a nuclear scientist?

I’ve always written, but my goal in life was to be an artist living in an attic and never have any kids. Ruined that one when I got married at 18. Though I’ve always written one thing or another, I’ve also been a PTA President four times, a Camp Fire Girls leader for 10 years, taught developmentally disabled pre-schoolers, was a day care center teacher and a pre-school teacher, owned and operated my own licensed facility for 6 developmentally disabled women for 23 years—and I wrote and had nearly 30 books published.

4. Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner?

I love good food and great conversation, so I’d enjoy sharing dinner with any of my favorite authors of whom I have way too many to list.

5. If I were stranded on a deserted island (or suffering a four hour layover at the airport), why would your book(s) be great company?

My books are written to entertain. In my latest, Angel Lost, you’ll meet many interesting people, most good, and the kind you’d enjoy having for a friend or neighbor.

6. Share the Meredith process of writing in regards to: idea and character development, story outline, research (do you Google, visit places/people or make it up on the spot?), writing schedule, editing, and number of rewrites.

Because I write two series, I already know the main characters. In my Rock Bluff P.D. series there is an entourage of ongoing characters. I first have to decide which ones are going to have the spotlight in the story and how the others will support them in whatever dilemma or crime they find themselves involved in solving. I get plot ideas from the newspaper, people I talk to and others I eavesdrop on, and from things my cop friends tell me. I write a lot of notes about new characters who will appear either as villains or victims. I begin when I have somewhat of an idea where I’m going. I write in the morning, do editing at night sometimes. I read each chapter to my critique group, then I rewrite. I have a reader I like to pass the story by before I send it off to the publishers. We went over the galley proof, found mistakes, then my publisher put together an ARC and we found more mistakes in it. Gremlins like to get into pages that are supposed to be perfect.

7. “I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don’t know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”

Every writer needs to figure out what works for him or her.

8. I saw an amusing t-shirt the other day which read ‘Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?

Never give up. My first book was rejected nearly 30 times before I did a lot of rewrites and it was finally accepted.

9. Please tell me you’re not going to stop writing? What’s next for you?

I have another Rocky Bluff P.D. book that I’m reading to my critique group that is essentially done, and I’m working on a new one for the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series.

10. Where can people find more information on you and your projects?

All my books and the first chapter of each one are listed on my website. http://fictionforyou. I also have a blog on which I write about what I’m doing and also host a lot of guest authors. http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com

Bio:

F.M. Meredith, also known as Marilyn Meredith, is the author of nearly thirty published novels. Her latest in the Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series, from Oak Tree Press, is Angel Lost. Marilyn is a member of EPIC, Four chapters of Sisters in Crime, including the Internet chapter , Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. Visit her at http://fictionforyou.com and her blog at http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com

Angel Lost Blurb:

As plans for her perfect wedding fill her mind, Officer Stacey Wilbur is sent out to trap a flasher, the new hire realizes Rocky Bluff P.D. is not the answer to his problems, Abel Navarro’s can’t concentrate on the job because of worry about his mother, Officer Gordon Butler has his usual upsets, the sudden appearance of an angel in the window of a furniture store captures everyone’s imagination and causes problems for RBPD, and then the worst possible happens—will Stacey and Doug’s wedding take place?

And here’s one from a fellow author that I love:

"A pervert threatens women joggers on the beach, a robber threatens wealthy homes on the bluff, and an angel watches over the townspeople from a downtown window. F. M. Merediths' latest Rocky Bluff P. D. novel is a gentle human drama about loneliness and change, through which the reader is pulled, page after page, by an assortment of compelling criminal curiosities."

C. N. Nevets is an author of psychological suspense.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Around the Globe with STACY JUBA

Spring has not quite sprung, at least with constantly warm temperatures. This morning is rainy and cold. No matter, though as author Stacy Juba and I are off in my transporter to Disney World! We're waiting with snacks and drinks in hand along Main Street waiting for the parade to start.

Stacy is the author of the mystery novels Twenty-Five Years Ago Today and Sink or Swim (Mainly Murder Press), as well as the patriotic children’s picture book The Flag Keeper. Her young adult paranormal thriller Dark Before Dawn will be released by Mainly Murder Press in January 2012. She is a former journalist with more than a dozen writing awards to her credit. Let's find out more while we're looking forward to the first float to pass.

1. Who is Stacy Juba and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?

I have a lot of people living in my brain and they talk to me! I've created characters from high school hockey players and patriotic teddy bears, to a crime-solving obit writer, a reality show personality, and a teenage psychic.

2. Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?

They might be surprised to know that I'm trained in Reiki, a form of hands-on energy healing, and that I'm very holistic.

3. What interested you to be become a writer rather than something else such as becoming a circus lion tamer?

I was very introverted as a child and loved reading. In third grade, I felt motivated to write my first story, and by fifth grade, I was reading college textbooks about writing and working on my first mystery series. I was so introverted that today they call it selective mutism - there were some circumstances where I just could not find my voice. But on paper, I had a strong voice. Writing gave me a powerful way to communicate.

4. Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why?

I would love to share dinner with authors Darcia Helle and Maria Savva. We founded a web site together called Bestseller Bound, which brings together indie and small press authors, readers, reviewers and book bloggers. We communicate with each other over email or on the message board forum several times per week, and I consider them wonderful friends, but we have never met in person.

5. If I were stranded on a deserted island (or suffering a four hour layover at the airport), why would your book(s) be great company?

My books Twenty-Five Years Ago Today and Sink or Swim are a great form of escape. They are fast-paced and entertaining, and will leave you trying to figure out whodunnit. Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is thought provoking and leaves many readers thinking about the characters long after they've read it. Sink or Swim is a lighter beach read. (See, I'm very confident putting something like that in writing...however if I was in an airport for four hours, I'd have an incredibly hard time going up to the person reading a Kindle and telling them I was an author and to check out my books.)

6. Share the Juba process of writing in regards to: idea and character development, story outline, research (do you Google, visit places/people or make it up on the spot?), writing schedule, editing, and number of rewrites.

I do character sketches beforehand about the main character, the villain, and important supporting characters, then I do a lengthy outline. The outline isn't written in stone, but I use it as a guide when writing. I'll write a handful of chapters at a time, then go back and edit. Once I finish the manuscript, I use different colored highlighters to help with the editing - for example, I'll highlight all of the description one color, all of the internal thought a second color, all of the dialogue a third color, etc. This helps me work on strengthening different aspects of the story. I use Google to do research, but I also visit places and do interviews. I took a one-day firearms class to research handguns, and I've interviewed police detectives. Sometimes, if it's just a quick question, I'll find an expert on-line and send them an email, explaining that I'm an author researching a book.

7. “I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don’t know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”

I'm a very structured writer, but some authors like to make it up as they go along. Just start writing and see what happens. I'd also recommend either joining an in-person critique group or finding critique partners online. It's important to get different perspectives. It might take a little time to find a good match, but there are loads of web sites and organizations where writers can network with one another.

8. I saw an amusing T-shirt the other day which read ‘Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?

I got this out of a fortune cookie on New Year's Eve and liked it so much that I taped it onto the vision board in my office: Fear can keep us up all night long, but faith makes one fine pillow.

My philosophy is to stay positive and trust that things will work out okay. Think about the things that you want to attract into your life, and try not to waste your thoughts on what you don't want.

9. Please tell me you’re not going to stop writing? What’s next for you?

My young adult paranormal thriller Dark Before Dawn will be released in early 2012. I'll also be publishing an updated version of my out-of-print young adult novel Face-Off and releasing a new sequel. I'm also working on Sign of the Messenger, the first book in a planned mystery series about a psychic healer who solves crimes.

10. Where can people find more information on you and your projects?

They can visit my web site http://stacyjuba.com/blog/ and my blog http://stacyjuba.com/blog/blog/ as well as my Amazon author page:
http://www.amazon.com/Stacy-Juba/e/B002OXLSDE/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Friday, April 8, 2011

Around the Globe with TINA WHITTLE

Yeserday we had a day of rain, so today is cloudy and cool. Not only does my author for this week make me stand around waiting for her to get ready for her trip to be interviewed, she hadn't planned an iternary. Which means, she left it up to me to decide where we go.

So, I transport her to Washinghton, D.C., in the hope I might catch a glimpse of my parent who are vacationing in the area. Author Tina Whittle and I on the Capitol mall enjoying a nice stroll with cool drinks in hand.

1. Who is Tina Whittle and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?

I’m a mystery novelist. Tis means I make my living making up imaginary happenings in the lives of pretend people. The fact that I’m still walking the streets and not in some quiet rest home is a remarkable testament to my fascinating personality.

2. Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I’m a lousy golfer and a very good tarot reader.

3. What interested you to be become a writer rather than something else such as becoming an nuclear scientist?

I am an introvert who enjoys spending lots of time alone talking to made-up people. Being a writer was pretty much my only career choice.

4. Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why?

Barbara Kingsolver, David Sedaris, and Oscar Wilde. Barbara shares my love of local home-prepared fare, and my concerns about the environment. Oscar and David would make sure the conversation didn’t get too serious. Good food requires good conversation & these would make it happen,

5. If I were stranded on a deserted island (or suffering a four hour layover at the airport), why would your book(s) be great company?

I enjoy spending time with my characters talking to me, they’re smart, funny and a delight to hang out with. I think the main reason I write these books is a chance to hang out with these people. Plus, it’s a mystery, so you can engage your mental capabilities.

6. Share the Whittle process of writing in regards to: idea and character development, story outline, research (do you Google, visit places/people or make it up on the spot?), writing schedule, editing, and number of rewrites.

I don’t recommend the Whittle process. I tried my hardest to reinvent this process for Book Two, only to discover that there seems to be only one way I write a book. I write a big bloated chaotic mess two times as long as it needs to be, with every tidbit of weird research that intrigues me thrown in. Then I have to find the story in there, hone it, and do the research that matters. Which has to be in-person. I have to smell a place to understand it. And unfortunately, I have no imagination for creating setting. I have to see a place to be able to write about it. So yesterday I spent the day riding the MARTA train in Atlanta, touring the Fox Theater, walking the perimeter of the Westin Hotel’s observation walk, sitting in a Ferrari F430, then eating hot dogs and friend macaroni and cheese at Turner Field the night before the Braves take the field for the first time this season. In short, the Whittle process is exhausting.

7. “I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don‘t know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?

Find the spine. It was advice from William Diehl, the author of Sharkey’s Machine. Figure out the heart of what you’re trying to say and be sure that everything you write connects to that heart, like ribs to a spine.

8. I saw an amusing T-shirt the other day which read ‘Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?

Be kind. It works for the Dalai Lama, I sure as heck oughtta be able to make that work.

9. Please tell me you’re not going to stop writing? What’s next for you?

Oh no, no stopping for me. Some famous writer once said writing is the only profession that chooses you. Which is a really fancy way of saying that you know you’re a writer if you MUST write. I’m in that category. So now I’m working on Book Two, the second in the series that began with The Dangerous Edge of Things.

10. Where can people find more information on you and your projects?

www.tinawhittle.com is a good start. I have links to my blogs there, as well information about my schedule of appearances and contact information. There is also an excerpt from The Dangerous Edge of Things should anyone wish to test drive the book.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Around the Globe with MELISSA BRADLEY

This week, I pick up author Melissa Bradley at her home and she tells me she wants to go to her home away from home. So, I set the transporter controls for Paris. In no time we are sitting on the Left Bank at a pied a terre enjoying wine and fine chocolates. Now this is nice. The City of Lights, a fine wine, and a wonderful author. Onto the questions...

1. Who is Melissa Bradley and what makes you the most fascinating person in your city?

Wow, most fascinating in my city…I’m sexy and smart and… Oh wait that’s a personal ad, ahem sorry. LOL I don’t know as I am fascinating, really, but I love to hang out with a variety of people from all walks of life and learn about things that take me out of my comfort zone.

2. Without revealing a deep dark secret (unless you want to), what one thing would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I am an avid NFL junkie and do nothing on Sundays in the Fall, but watch football. I will not answer my phone unless it is to discuss the games and I know who those people are, they are on my list. I’m so addicted I play Fantasy Football, too. I also love to bowl, both in the actual alleys and on the Wii, where I am Goddess of the lanes.

3. What interested you to be become a writer rather than something else such as becoming an nuclear scientist?

Nuclear scientist was out because I hate math. I suck at it completely. I guess it would have to be the voices in my head and the freedom to make up my own universes and control everything in them. LOL Rather maniacal, aren’t I? I also got inspired by the works of C.S. Lewis, Judy Blume and a horde of romance authors I read on the sly without my parents’ knowledge.

4. Writers are readers. With which author(s) would you enjoy sharing dinner? Why?

I would absolutely love to have dinner with Liz Williams, Edeet Ravel, Stephen King, John Stewart, Michio Kaku and J.K. Rowling. I find them extremely interesting people and I adore their writing. I can just imagine the fun I’d have talking to them around the dinner table with awesome food and drink.

5. If I were stranded on a deserted island (or suffering a four hour layover at the airport), why would your book(s) be great company?

My books would be great company because they are funny, sexy and have an edge to them. They’re filled with loads of snappy dialogue and would make the time fly for sure. I was told by someone that they are not bad for rereads, either.

6. Share the Bradley process of writing in regards to: idea and character development, story outline, research (do you Google, visit places/people or make it up on the spot?), writing schedule, editing, and number of rewrites.

I never really thought of my whole process per se. I would have to say that my inspiration for stories comes from all different places so I always have a notebook handy. When something or someone strikes my fancy, I start making notes. I get out whatever is in my brain. Then I develop plot or characters or setting, whichever I feel most like working on. The next step is fleshing out the story. I do general research first, saving the more specific stuff for when I do the writing. I don’t know what’s necessary until I’m actually working on it. I have a variety of research methods that include Google, reading and interviewing.

I don’t have a set schedule for writing just now, but I’m trying to work on that. I tend to write mostly when I’m in the mood because things flow better. As for an outline, I sort of do one, but I’m mostly a pantser.

I edit as I write, which means I take a long time to get a manuscript finished in the first draft. Then I do another round of edits, take it to my crit partners, then do a final edit. After that, it’s off to wherever that particular story is going, whether it’s my current publisher or someplace new. There’s a query involved with some place new so that involves some extra steps.

7. “I think I have a good idea for a story, but I don’t know where or how to begin. Your process may not work for me. Any advice?”

My advice is to start writing. When inspiration hits start to outline, jot down scenes that pop in your head, anything, but keep writing. The important thing is to get out whatever’s in your head first. You can work from there, shaping it, adding, subtracting, etc. Everyone’s writing style is different so remember to do what’s best for you. Once you’re finished, then comes the editing, beta reading, querying, etc. Also, try to network with other writers as much as possible. You can learn a lot about the craft and the business side of writing.

8. I saw an amusing t-shirt the other day which read ‘Every great idea I have gets me in trouble.” What is your philosophy of life?

I love that saying. I’ve spent a lot of my life hugging the corners and riding the pine because of various things that have happened, but I’ve been working past all that and one thought that helps me through is let the bodies hit the floor. Stuff is going to happen to matter what you do. No one can live your life, but you and you have to just get out there or you’ll end up living a life you hate.

9. Please tell me you’re not going to stop writing? What’s next for you?

Nah, I could never stop writing. Too many voices in my head. LOL I have two sequels planned for two current stories, Michael’s Keeper and Maxie Briscoe: Werewolf. I also have a zombie story and a historical planned.

10. Where can people find more information on you and your projects?

People can find me by visiting my blog, Melissa’s Imaginarium at http://melissasimaginarium.blogspot.com/, or on My Space at http://myspace.com/melbwrites.