Skip the Year End Review

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It's that time when we review the past year. For most of us, the few bright spots were dim in 2020. I don't know anyone who wants a repeat of this year. Everyone is hoping for health, financial recovery/success and a return to the life most of us took for granted. 

I'm not reviewing the year- I just want to forget it and move on. Like Patriot's coach Bill Belichick says after a loss: "We're onto (next game)." That means no dwelling on the loss- learn the lessons and move on. The only reviewing I'm doing is to the several manuscripts I've written and/or subbed. One of my few happy moments is a publisher expressing interest in one manuscript, pending some revisions and a resubmit. 

So I leave you with wishes, hopes, prayers, and pleas for the universe and each other to treat us better.

Peace-

Char

A Small Silver Lining...

 Everyone knows 2020 SUCKS. I don't have to remind anyone of all that went wrong: death and suffering from the virus, being practically locked up in our homes, kids spending their first and last years of college stuck in their dorms, weddings and other family celebrations cancelled, restaurants and other businesses closed- some for good, and increases in depression, domestic and drug abuse... The list goes on. 

In the Christian tradition, the 4 Sundays before Christmas are celebrated as Advent- a time to prepare for Christmas. Each week has a theme and marked with lighting a candle. It's similar to the Hanukkah menorah and the Kwanza kinara. The four candles represent hope, love, joy, and peace. For the third Sunday, the theme is Joy.

Photo by Bastian Riccardi from Pexels

JOY?? 

Yes. We are instructed to find Joy amidst all the trouble in the world and our lives. There are moments that we must cherish to find a relief from all that has gone wrong this year. Here's where I find joy:

My nephew graduated high school and started college.

My niece had a beautiful baby girl.

We found inventive ways to stay connected through Zoom and other social media, even getting together in backyards at a safe distance. 

Families are spending more time together.

The elections are over.

Animal shelters have been emptied because of pet adoptions.

Pharmacuetical companies rolled out vaccines in unheard of speeds.

Although they may be hard to find, I know there are other joys. And that's what I want and need to focus on. With a new year coming soon, I feel hopeful. 

Wishing you all a holiday of peace, love, hope- and joy.

Char 

A Few of My Favorite Things...

 My favorites are:

Favorite Christmas romance movie: The Christmas Card (shown on the Hallmark channel). It has romance,  Christmas elements like people actually going to church on Christmas Eve, volunteering, a salute to military personnel, and humor. The characters feel like real people.

Favorite Christmas fantasy movie: The Santa Clause. This is so creative and the special effects are just amazing. I really want to believe in Santa as I watch this movie.

Favorite Christmas animated movie: So many to choose from, but I'd have to say the classic A Charley Brown Christmas because it shows how the real meaning of Christmas can get lost in commercialism if we let it. 

Favorite Christmas book: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. Every year it makes me reaffirm my vow to keep Christmas in my heart all year long. This book is also responsible for the way many of us celebrate Christmas today, with the traditions of attending church, giving to the poor, gathering with friends and family. 

Favorite Christmas song: argggh, this is a hard one- but if I separate music into 2 categories, songs and hymns, it becomes easier. Favorite song is Mary Did You Know, and favorite hymn is O Holy Night.

Favorite Christmas cookie: the buttery, low-sugar and pretty spritz cookies I make. Perfect with tea, coffee, and hot chocolate! (And yes, I made the cookies pictured below.)

Favorite Christmas dinner: roast duck a la orange. Haven't had it in years because with a big family get together, it's expensive and not everyone likes it, so it's reserved for when it's just my husband and self. 

Photo by Carolina Grabowska, Pexels

Favorite Christmas dessert: egg nog pudding. 

Favorite Christmas tradition: playing the bells at the Christmas Eve service, with a close second of piling everyone into the car with a thermos of hot cocoa, a tin of Christmas cookies, songs on the radio or CD, and driving around to see the Christmas lights in our neighborhood.

 You can listen to one of the best groups ringing here:  http://www.wesleybells.org/

Favorite Christmas decoration: the tree! Although we prefer a real tree, as long as I have a tree up (usually two days after Thanksgiving), it feels like Christmas. Every year I rotate ornaments and have either white or colored lights, and different themes, so it's always fresh. 

Photo courtesy of Pexels Pixaby

Now I'll have that song in my head all day- A Few of My Favorite Things... and now, so will you. Go listen to the bell choir on the above link to cure that. 

Char

Checking In, Checking the List, and Checking on Characters

 Monday, Blog Day. So what shall we talk about?

I'm working on several writing projects: revising 2 manuscripts, finishing another, rethinking yet another, looking for an agent, managing a critique group, posting on other blogs, getting ready for Christmas, and navigating life in a pandemic. 

And I'm thinking about Jack the squirrel and Hades. 

Jack's story isn't done. For Evolution Revolution: Book 4 Simple...? (haven't figured the full title out yet) I'm introducing a new character, a 'partner in crime' for Jack. Initially I planned on 5 books in the series, but cut it down as I struggled to find an editor or an agent who could sell it. Sometimes, though, a character needs to continue their story, just to give the author some peace. As I learn more about animals- and not just squirrels- and the amazing things they can do, it inspires more storylines. I think I could make a career out of writing sequels, if only a single editor would give Jack a chance... I mean, this series has won awards, gotten great reviews  ("unbelievably brilliant" - Writer's Digest) and includes many STEAM/STEM features. Sigh...

As for Hades, I've written Sirenz 3 and will Indie publish it. I've got to find a cover artist and it's ready to go. Obviously since I'm writing it solo, I had to make a few adjustments, namely, not using my former co-author's character, which took the story in a new direction. Sirenz 3: A New Trend, features Hades doing what he does best-  stirring up trouble and making Sharisse crazy. But! This time, it's Hades needing Sharisse's help... how the mighty have fallen.... I love writing Hades' story and giving the well-worn Greek mythology freshness from a modern perspective. Stay tuned! 

I've successfully finished #NaNoWriMo (52,000+) although that story is only half finished. (I finished one manuscript and started another.) I'm agent hunting (again) and that always sucks the life blood out while you wait to hear, get nibbles, then rejections, and start subbing again. That whole process is depressing.

I have other MG, YA, and adult romance novels on my desk. So that's where I am. There's always writing/revisions to do. Being an author, that's what the life is. 

I hear my newest characters screaming for me to get back to their story, now that I've finished my Christmas decorating (except for the tree, since we put up a real one). It's rainy and gray today, the perfect condition for writing.

Be safe. Be good to yourself and others. 

Char 

My 5 x 5 on Words...

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 It's the crazy time before Thanksgiving, so I'm doing an easy post- 5 Random Things About Words. 

    1. When should we use 'enquire' versus 'inquire?' 

     According to Dictionary.com, they are interchangeable. The difference is 'enquire' is the British derivation and is more 'formal.' Most Americans use 'inquire.' So fret not, there is no wrong answer when using either.

    2. What is the controversy of  'should of' versus 'should have?'

    The proper wording is 'should have' and not 'should of.' i.e. I should have written this post sooner. DON'T say 'should of.' EVER. 

    3. Is it 'egg nog' or 'eggnog?' 

    Since it's 'egg roll' or plain 'nog' I assumed it was 'egg nog.' It's NOT. It's 'eggnog' - 1 word.

    4. Why does Scrabble let you use some foreign language words, and not others?

    Frankly, this annoys me. If I can use 'qi' (Chinese word for circulating life energy) and casa (Spanish for home) and faux (French for fake) why can't I use faux pas? Their rules are inconsistent and make it hard to play the game without a dictionary. 

    5. Five fun words I love but will probably never use:

        1- Googly (n) a bowled ball that swerves in one direction and breaks in the other.

        2- Thingamabob (n) which means thingamajig which means a gadget or other item for which a person can't remember the proper name. 

        3- Dooblydo (n) is a YouTube term which gives info about a video such as what the video is about, who made it, and relevent links.

        4- Argle bargle (n) copious but meaningless talk or writing.

        5- Defervescence (v) medical term which means the lessening of a fever.

That's my 5 x 5 ( term used by Faith in Buffy the Vampire Slayer meaning things were good, or, in military terms, that a person is being received loud and clear over the radio) but I'm using it literally- 5 things, 5 words. 

Have a SAFE and wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Char 

5 Things I Hate About Christmas Movies

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I am the biggest fan of Christmas out there. I set up all my decorations and tree the day after Thanksgiving. Almost every room has Christmas decorations (except my sons' - they are grinches). One of the best parts of Christmas is yes, the sappy movies. 

But... there are things I hate about those movies. If you're going to write/produce a Christmas story, please DON'T do these:

1. Have the hero be able to save Christmas with Santa by re-wiring the electrical panel by twisting two wires together. Yeah, it ain't that simple. I'm not an electrician, although I have a cousin who is, so I KNOW it's not that easy. Just make it a tripped breaker. If you don't know what that means, you need to talk to a professional. Throwing in something you haven't researched only irritates readers who can see through it. Don't go for the quick, easy way. If something is too complicated, then simplify.

2. Have the two love interests do the following: have a 'surprise' snowball hit, 'suddenly' bump (as in spill the coffee all over them) at an awkward or convenient time, or win a contest for something where they're up against the people who win every year. I roll my eyes but I really want to gag.

3. Introduce a last-minute 'magical' element to save the story. If there's magic all through the story, I'm good with that; I believe in the magic of the season. It's the holiday of miracles- but not a last minute pull-the-rabbit-out-of-the-hat to save the day magic. It's hokey and a lazy way out. The fans aren't pleased.

4. No snow in places where it's not supposed to be, like California (unless it's in the mountains). Even in The Year Without a Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus had to enlist the help of Mother Nature. Again, unless there's a magical element, it's tooooo convenient. (Almost) everyone wants a white Christmas, but statistically, it doesn't happen a lot, especially as global climate change has us wearing a light sweater in December rather than mittens and boots. I get the whole ambiance of the idea, but seeing sheets of cotton doesn't feel like Christmas. 

5. The decorations. I LOVE Christmas decorations, but it seems the decorations in the movies are either made up of too sparsely decorated trees with not enough ornaments or lights, to places where there are bows on the kitchen cabinets. Who hangs garland from every single doorway? I have never seen real people do that. I know some people who have so much going on in their homes it looks like a Christmas store, but in the movies EVERYONE decorates to the max. And this is a pet peeve- fake snow that is too obviously fake. Cotton does not look like snow, especially when someone steps on a blanket of it. I understand there can't be real snow since most of the movies are filmed in warm locations or seasons without snow, but at least don't have the actors walk on the blankets. Have them walk up a clean walkway and then it's a little easier for me to believe that's snow.

I'm writing two Christmas stories so I have Lifetime and Hallmark movies on to help remind me not to do the above. Ultimately, I love sappy movies even with a few plot faux pas because they put me in the Christmas mood. 

Blessings of the season-

Char

"Brilliant!" But I Knew That

Sometimes, well all the time, authors have to toot their own horns. Publicity and marketing, the bane of most of us, is a continual thorn. There are moments, though, when we are THRILLED to shine the spotlight on ourselves.

My middle grade trilogy, Simple Machines, Simple Plans, and Simple Lessons in the Evolution Revolution series, was shopped around by myself and my former agent. Unfortunately, there were no takers. While I knew an interested editor might want to make a few changes, I had faith in the whole concept. When it failed to get picked up by publishers, I believed in the story enough to Indie publish. I hired a wonderful artist, Cathleen Daniels (former NJSCBWI regional advisor), who brought my vision to life through her fabulous artwork and layout expertise. Since it was pubbed in 2016, I have entered it in contests, gotten a favorable review in Publishers Weekly, and even won 2 awards (Feathered Quill). Unfortunately, Indie books are still looked down upon by libraries, schools, and the publishing world. Undaunted, I subbed the first book Simple Machines, to the Writer's Digest Self Published Book Awards.

I could NOT have been more surprised and thrilled. While I didn't win, the comments of the judge has not only confirmed my belief in the series, but maybe will help get the books the recognition others (not just myself) think it should have:  

Judge, 27th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards:

Evolution Revolution by Charlotte Bennardo features Jack, the gray squirrel, and his mission to save his forest and fellow animals from losing their habitat to disastrous human machinery. The book is designed to allow STEM lesson plans to be taught alongside a class reading, and an example syllabus is made available online. This is unbelievably brilliant, and I cannot say I've seen anything like this before. What a perfect example of carving out one's own market for the book! On a production level, the illustrations that accompanied the story were magnificent, especially on page 28, and I liked how the writing carved out space for these illustrations to thread into the prose.

There are some editorial notes about what this particular judge wanted and I can see the sense of them, but having had so many agents and editors look at this novel, what pleases one probably wouldn't please them all, so I've skipped over the notes.

Overall, Bennardo has created a solid book here, and I hope many STEM classrooms will take advantage of it!

If I could get into schools and libraries I think my series would have done better, but the label 'Indie - self- published' seems to be a flag to walk on by. The covers alone should have snagged readers and educators to at least take a peek and read the back flap or a chapter. The educational guides attached to each book would help teachers easily adapt to lesson plans in a number of STEM/STEAM and language arts areas.

So please show a little love for a smart gray squirrel who may be leading a revolution...

Char

People, Start Your Engines!

 It's #NaNoWriMo time. 

Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels

For those of you who haven't heard about it- it's National Novel Writing Month. That means writers bust their butts to draft a novel of 50,000 words (1,677 words a day) in one month. It's hard. Not everyone succeeds. (Whoever chose November, instead of like January or March- WHAT were you thinking???) The point is to START. To get words down. To initiate a writing routine that becomes a lifestyle. It's hard work, it's sometimes frustrating. The finished product is usually crap- but it's a START. Better to have something than just an intention.

From newbies hoping to write that first novel to seasoned writers, this yearly challenge is an obstacle course: juggling family, work, holiday schedules, keeping faith with ourselves, and staying motivated through all the demands on our time, emotions, and even health. 

So to everyone taking up the challenge, good luck! Here are five rules (suggestions?) to keep in mind:

1. You missed a day. Or two. Don't fret and don't give up. You have time to catch up.

2. You won't make the deadline - November 30th. There are no NaNo police coming to give you a ticket for failure to comply. Take a few days in December and finish. No judgement here.

3. If you get stuck, go to https://nanowrimo.org/ and sign up (which you should have done already, but it's never to late) and get some inspiration from other writers, from chatting with others in the same situation, to ways to break through the block.

4. Don't be afraid to walk away- at least for a little while to gather your thoughts. Talk a walk. Read a book that inspires what you're trying to write. Look at pictures. When the idea comes to you (and it will) you'll write with renewed vigor.

5. The only reason to go back to the beginning of your story is to read to pick up the thread if you feel lost. DO NOT go back and make edits; make notes. Don't waste precious time polishing the beginning because you might very well toss that beginning when you do NaNoRevMo (National Novel Revising Month) or whenever you decide to revise it. Read only to get back in the mood of your novel to push you forward. 

May the words be with you! 

Char

Ooooh, Scary!

                                                                                Photo courtesy of Pexels

It's strange how many people love scary things and I often wonder why... 

The scariest book I've read: a book by Dean Koontz that was so scary, I didn't finish it and I can't even remember the name.

The scariest movie I've seen: tied between Alien and Jaws.

The scariest situation I've been in: when some idiot girl sped through a red light and T-boned us. I really thought I was going to die.

The scariest person I've met: psychotic scum who fractured my skull with a beer bottle.

The scariest place I've been: looking over the edge of a cliff.

The scariest TV show: American Horror.

Since I don't remember the book and didn't finish it, all I can say is I know not to read any Dean Koontz. If I see Alien or Jaws now, no big deal but when I first saw them, Alien gave me nightmares and Jaws kept me out of the water for a year. I wasn't seriously injured in the car crash (seatbelts!) but my life really flashed before my eyes. The psycho man is dead so we're all a little safer. Heights never used to bother me, but now just watching people do crazy stunts from up high makes me dizzy (but I still love roller coasters). I still can't watch American Horror.

So, what scares you?

Char

To Be... Or Not

 Today's new math lesson:

Allergies + Congestion = Bronchitis

Photo courtesy of Pexels

So I'm taking off this week.

Send cookies, chai lattes, and books.

Char

Goodbye, Columbus....

 Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!

Photo by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels

No, I won't say 'Happy Columbus Day' anymore. Here's why:

Columbus didn't 'discover' America, he stumbled across it. If you go to a strange town and walk into someone's back yard, did you discover it, or merely come across it? So no kudos to a man who stepped onto a foreign shore and claimed it when he had no right.

Columbus' visit has brought about the death of millions, from the Native Americans living here then, and through our country's history. Nothing to celebrate.

While the same accusation could be tagged to Spain, France, Britain, the Netherlands, and Portugal (among other nations) colonizing what is now known as the American Southwest and California, and holds true for Central and South America, Canada, Africa, and various islands, no invasion should be celebrated. 

While the Native Peoples frequently had their own wars, mass killings, and slavery, that's no reason to celebrate the European version. 

It may be unpopular, but I have no problem with taking down statues of Columbus or Confederate generals. And since no human is perfect, and all have a darker side, how about no statues to any individual? That would be the most equitable solution, in my humble opinion. Put the statues in a museum, although how many statues of Columbus, Robert L. Lee, etc. do we need? 

And that's my thought on this day....

Char

Help Needed: English Pros and Non-Tech People

 Sometimes I wonder who creates and checks the Microsoft word processing software. I'm not talking about making the software run or fixing glitches, I'm talking about their so called 'grammar' expert.

(Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels)

'Cause they ain't no expert. 

Follow:

Those annoying underline dots where they insist that a semicolon is needed. Um, no. I put a comma for a reason. Like everything else in English grammar, there are rules that can, and sometimes should, be broken or ignored. This program does not recognize any digression. Even when warranted.

When I put in a rhetorical question, it demands a question mark. Ok, I'll give them that one even though there are instances when it is so obviously not a question. AI is only as smart as we make it (so far).

The thing that bugs me the most, other than the screwy way to add and modify headers? Insisting on commas where one isn't needed. I think I know better than you, Microsoft, about commas. No, I'm absolutely positive I know where to use commas better than you. I have an English degree and a journalism degree. I've had newspaper and magazine articles, and several books published. I write my own weekly blog and a monthly post for another. I'm in the middle of writing and/or revising several books. Your word processing software was created, most likely, by a techy person who writes code, not paragraphs or books. I think you're just going to have to trust me on this. Often times your program reminds me of those instructions that come with products from other nations where English is probably the last language they use, yet they print out directions that leave English-speaking people dumbfounded- and struggling to assemble or use the product. They need to hire someone whose native language is English to proofread.

I think, besides hiring a person with strong grammar skills, you need to hire a person like me. Very little tech skills so if I can't get the program to do what I want without screaming for my tech-savvy sons to help me, then you have a problem with the way the program works, or at least you need to simplify it. I wasn't born with computers and electronic games and such in my hands like the current generations, who are most likely writing your programs. To them, it's easy (unless we're talking about grammar). You have to give us 'more creative, less techy' people a break. And your 'help' button is mostly useless. Really. If it was easy to use, I could stop being afraid of my kids moving out, leaving me in a technological panic. 

There are other issues with the program, but I'll stop here, I think the message is clear. Hire an English major when you're working with the written language.  

Have a nice day.

Char 

The Gift of Motivation...

 Writers, like anyone else, sometimes lose motivation to do their job. We have to solve problems in marketing, public relations, communications, business relationships, balancing work-family, and creating new projects. There are times you need a little pick-me-up. Enter someone who says the right thing, or does something, that gives you that boost.

 

This was a gift from my Aunt Dolores and my Uncle Ed (love you guys!). They've been big supporters of me, my Evolution Revolution series, and my other books. I've been toying with an idea to write a fourth book about Jack, the exceptionally smart squirrel who learned to use simple machines- and is sharing that knowledge with other animals to fight back against humans taking over their habitat. I have a great twist in mind, so the timing of this gift is very... karmic? 

I'm working on a project currently that I need to finish (a trilogy- one book is done and subbed to agents, the next is about one third written, and the basis for the third has been scrapped and a new idea in place). I'm thinking I can use NaNoWriMo to write the next story in Jack's saga. 

But even if I don't get to Jack's next chapter for a few months, just looking at this little guy gives me motivation to not only finish my current project but to plan the details in Jack's story. 

Wishing you motivation and good people who give it to you-

Char

The Tale of Two Roads....

 "The road goes ever on." (JRR Tolkien)

"...and I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference." (Robert Frost)

Wishing you happy trails and discoveries in this journey we call life...

Char

The Laws of Property

 I took Labor Day Monday off, and this post is a day late. With this pandemic, the days run into sameness- I can't appear at book festivals, go to music practice, attend church, meet up with friends at a restaurant- one day blends into the next. Plus, I tend to be a little inconsistent with my blogs. (My readers should really call me out on this so I know that someone's reading out there.... hello?)

Anyway, years ago I came across this poem and thought it highly appropriate. I'll tell you why at the end.

A Child's Property Laws

Photo by Pragyan Bezbaruah from Pexels

1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
7.  If it looks just like mine, it is mine.
8. If I saw it first, it's mine.
9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.
10. If it's broken, it's yours!

The credit listed is "Developed by James O'Quinn" so thank you, James.

Here's why I think this poem is timely: It sounds like the adults in governments, businesses, all around us. I don't think we've learned to share. 

From children we expect this behavior, they are following a survival instinct. As adults, we should have learned that the more we share, the better, happier, safer, and nicer our trible becomes.

Go share something today.

Char

I'm Dying to Know...

 We all have questions that can't be answered during our lifetime: what would have happened if I didn't do X? If I could go back in time, can I meet up with my younger self without destroying the world? If I disappeared, how would that affect the world?

Now I'm a Christian woman so I believe in an afterlife. When my time comes, and I can face God, I've got questions I want answers to. Here are my top 5 questions:

Photo by James Lee from Pexels

1. Did the Warren Report get it right- was there a 'magic bullet' from Lee Harvey Oswald that killed John F. Kennedy?

2.  Have aliens visited the Earth? 

3. Was it the Big Bang or Intelligent Design- or did You do it both ways?

4. Are ghosts/demons/evil spirits real?

5. Can Ouija boards summon evil?

Of course I have many more questions but for now, these are my top five. A few others I'd like the answer to are:

6. Ordained fate or predestination?

7. Has an angel ever interfered in my life to 'help' me?

8. When will life on Earth end?

9. Has there ever been an honest politician?

10. Can I meet up with Will Shakespeare?

What answers to YOU want? 

Char 

Kindness Matters...

 I saw a tweet about random acts of kindness that either changed people's circumstances, or changed them personally. With everything that's happened this year, and who knows what other trials will come our way, it's good to see, remember, and do random (or planned) acts of kindness. I have been the recipient of such unexpected kindness in dark times.

Photo by ATC Comm Photo from Pexels

When I was 21, my boyfriend and I went out for pizza, planning to meet up with his brother, sister, and their companions. Walking into the bar, I was accosted by a nasty drunk. I asked him to leave me alone, and after an exchange of angry words, I walked away, but he picked up his beer bottle, hitting me from behind, and fractured my skull. Just like in the movies, all hell broke loose- a bar fight. Being unconscious on the floor, some guardian angel dragged me out of the chaos over to a corner. I never did find out who pulled me to safety. All these years later, I still wish I could have thanked that person. 

Another unexpected kindness happened when a giant bag of peanuts on my counter tipped over- turning on the toaster oven. On top was a huge bowl of Halloween candy, which caught fire. I came in the back door, instantly choking on the smoke. The local police and firefighters took care of everything, but the smoke damage was so bad we couldn't stay there. My husband was away on business, I was home with two small children, with my mom visiting. Being frazzled and rattled over the whole incident, we went to Wendy's for dinner. After I ordered, I realized I didn't have my purse- or wallet to pay for the food. My kids were hungry and tired. On the verge of a breakdown, I asked the manager who waited on me to put the meal aside, I would go home for my wallet. The kind manager told me not to worry about it. With tears running down a smoky face, I thanked him. I wish now that I had written to the company to commend this man for his kindness.

The most recent kindness was in May, when I fell off my bike. A family, sitting outside on their deck, saw me fall, and came running to help. In the middle of a pandemic, they didn't hesitate to come to my aid. With a head wound, which bled profusely, and a broken arm, I was a mess. They brought a chair for me to sit on, paper towels for my head, and then called my husband for me. This time, when I felt better, I left a pretty plant with a Thank You note on their doorstep. 

There is too much vitriol- either over politics, wearing masks, racial injustice, going back to school, and so many other subjects. I hear people talking about how they don't want to engage on social media, or even go certain places because of violence, verbal assault, and plain rudeness. Just looking on social media, anyone can see this is true.

I don't think anything I say, like 'Be kind' will make much, if any, difference. But how about we all do one random or planned act of kindness. Donate to a food bank. Buy a homeless person a meal. Walk away from someone who wants to engage in arguments. Arrange a socially distant get together. Do something positive. It won't change the world, but for one person, the world might be a better place. Kindness shouldn't be random. 

Love multiplies when we divide it.

Char

Top Five Reasons Not to Indie Publish

 You're thinking about going the Indie route. I hear ya; traditional publishing is almost completely closed without an agent, especially since all the writers conferences have been cancelled. Before you get all giddy about finally becoming a published author, here are the five reasons YOU SHOULDN'T INDIE PUBLISH:

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

1.  Crappy cover art. If you're not a tech whiz, or know anyone who can create an amazing ORIGINAL cover, then don't bother. Covers generate interest before the story, before any queries, before your name. Spend the time and/or money to get a great cover. Remember, if it was done by someone for free, generally it looks it. 

2.  Not enough or no editing. I've seen bestsellers from giant publishing houses with the occasional typo, wrong tense, time flub, etc. It happens. When these mistakes run all through your manuscript, it looks like you simply slapped that puppy on Amazon as soon as you could. If you did that with your manuscript when you were submitting to agents and/or editors, no wonder you're considering Indie publishing.

3.  "I'm going to make sooo much money!" Yeah. No. Does it happen? Once in a while, yes. I'm sure people can give me two or three names of mega successful Indie authors; I can show you ten thousand who didn't. Don't be fooled into thinking if you throw something up for $.99, that people won't care if it's not perfect and you'll make thousands because people want cheap. Hint: they don't care if they spend under a dollar or over $30; the book better be good or no one's buying it.

4. Your tagline (the 1-2 sentences giving the reader a short preview about your book) is better than the actual book. Anyone can write a sentence about a story- you have to live up to it. And if you don't, even if you give the book away for a promo, word will get around and no one will want it, even if it is free. Crap is crap and no one thinks it's a deal to get it for nothing.

5. It's soooo easy! Again, yeah, no. It's not. One simply doesn't write the story, pop on a cover, and put it up for sale (or at least, one shouldn't). Selling an Indie book is harder than a traditionally published book. While publishing houses are demanding more marketing by authors and cutting down what publicity they will help with (unless of course you're already famous), an Indie author-publisher has nothing. You will have to foot the bill for the free books you send to reviewers, to bloggers, as a promo, etc. You have to figure out how to get into book festivals and stores who generally want nothing to do with Indie authors. Indie authors are still pretty much the ugly, unwanted stepchild. There is nothing easy about going it alone so don't listen to anyone (especially a 'publisher' that will 'help' you for a fee....).

As a hybrid author (4 books with traditional publishers: Sirenz, Sirenz Back in Fashion, Blonde OPS, Beware the Little White Rabbit - anthology, 3 Indie pubbed)- Evolution Revolution trilogy: Simple Machines, Simple Plans, Simple Lessons) I can definitely tell you that traditional may be demanding as far as pleasing an editor who has a 'vision' for the book that you may not totally agree with, and a crazy deadline schedule, but more doors open for a traditionally pubbed author. I don't want to discourage you, but see above. If any of these apply to you, maybe you want to consider dental school.

I wrote this post because I got a free download of a book from an ad on Facebook. Indie book- she's doing her own marketing, good for her! Part of #5 is taken care of. The cover looked amazing. Yay! she conquered #1, I'm really interested! If I like the first one, I'll pay for the rest of the series! I don't know her motivation, so I can't speak for #3, but since she's done well so far, let's assume she's not just thinking moolah, but is dedicated to her creativity. Uh oh, snag. I hit problems with #2. The tagline drew me to the story, and initially, the manuscript lived up to the hype- for about half a chapter. With all the errors: spelling, grammar, timeline, and format (missing or misplaced words, sentences ending in the middle of the line and continuing on the next line), it just killed me. I liked the premise and I think this writer could have a good story if only she had spent the time reviewing, revising, and getting someone to give her honest advice. It would help considerably if she previewed the ebook before okaying it to go live. The mistakes were so frequent that I honestly can't finish the book. I'd like to know what happened to the characters, but not enough to waste my time grinding my teeth over all the mistakes. So she lost the sale of every sequel because of the first sloppy book.   

Do I feel bad? Not particularly. I spent so much time getting my illustrations and words and format on my Evolution Revolution series as perfect as I could (and still a few mistakes got through...) that I have no patience for anyone that lets that many mistakes go, brushing it off as possibly unimportant because it's 'about the story.' Don't kid yourself, it's about the total package. Maybe someone will review it and tell her and she'll get it. And no, I'm not going to name the book for the same reason I don't do reviews; no one thanks the messenger.

Char

Don't Want to Hear That Anymore...

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Besides being the year for almost every conceivable disaster- pandemic, social chaos, tornadoes, unemployment, school cancellations, tropical storms, heat waves, toilet paper shortages- 2020 will also be known as the Year of Yet Another Cliche. These are the phrases/words I NEVER want to hear again: 

        Unprecedented times

    Challenging times

    

    Hydroxychloroquine

    Social distancing

    Kanye

    Uncertain times

    Karen

    United - Apart

    We're in this together

The one that bugs me the most (ok, they ALL bug me) is 'social distancing.' Um, NO. What we want is physical distancing- you know, keep your physical distance to stop the spread. Social distancing implies avoiding any social situations. That would mean no one goes anywhere, ever.  And that is just not possible. So politicians, if you want an accurate catch phrase, next time call an author.

I'm pretty sure most of you feel this way too. And, as an author, I will never write a pandemic story because you know almost everyone else is going to write a novel or screenplay about it. I read pandemic stories before Covid-19, and that was fine. I've lived through a pandemic now and to me, that's like reading about your worst nightmare; I don't go there. I don't read all happy, happy, joy, joy books but it doesn't mean I want to relive something which stresses me to the max personally. 

Now I have to get back to my rom com novel because I have to break a few hearts and totally screw up a character's life...  😉

Char 

(wow, I really like all the new font colors, Blogger, but where the frick is the tab to fix spacing??) 😖

    

My New Best Writing Buddy

Writers have many tools, some of which are like trusted friends: a thesaurus, a computer/laptop, Spellcheck...

I have found a new one that I just want to hug:

 
Yes, it's a book; not a new software program, or an app, or anything downloaded. I'm writing a story that travels through almost 400 years of history. I wanted to include both momentous and unnoteworthy historical events. Trying to Google history decade or year by year would have taken too long. I remembered my son had a book that traced history. Actually, he had two. Not only could I get all the basic information I needed on any time period or event in history quickly through the index, BUT! The one book, The Times, edited by Richard Overy, IT HAS A TIMELINE.

It shows all the events from 700 BC, from development of simple farming to creation of major works of art and music, to every war.  At a glance, I can scan all the continents and see what was happening at any one time across the globe. There are maps and diagrams and charts, too.

For a novel about time travel, or which spans decades, centuries, or several millennia, this book is a gold mine- even though it's old school. I'll bet it's even quicker and easier to use than any computer program or Google, too.

My son no longer wanted the books, so they go on my reference shelf, adored once more. I have a lot of plans for those two. Stay tuned.

Char

Relax, Imagine, Believe

This quarantine and the state of the country is a tough situation.

1. We can't go anywhere, like meet up with critique groups, or take classes or go shopping.
2. Book events and conferences are cancelled.
3. Social media is a minefield that is tearing apart friendships, casting suspicions, and making a tense situation worse.
4. I think the stress of confinement and the uncertainty of everything are making people angry and act out.
5. My agent is dealing with personal issues so I'm subbing- and not getting very far.

I could make a list with 100 points to complain. It's looking grim. I'm usually an optimist but yes, 2020 is taxing my supply of silver linings. It's time to stop and regroup.

 I have to (and I do) try to live by the above. So I'm going to relax, and the best way is to wander through my garden. New flowers are blooming:

Now that I'm relaxed, the next part is to imagine. While it's easy enough to imagine getting a book deal, it's not as easy to imagine that this quarantine will be over soon, or that we will find the answers to social injustice, or that we can soothe the festering anger. As writers, imagining is what we do. What would the world be like if we imagined a more perfect world?

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death.”
― Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts On Common Things

And because we can imagine, we can believe.

I can imagine these brown-eyed Susans in full bloom. They will be beautiful. I believe they will bloom (especially since I put up a wire fence to keep the deer from munching on the buds). A part of believing in our imagination is doing the work to make it a reality.  For stunning blooms, I had to put up the fence. For a book deal, I have to do the writing, revising, and submitting. For social justice, we have to look deep at what's wrong and make hard changes. For a kinder world, we must be kind. For anger, we must imagine ourselves at peace, and strive for it. 

"It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it." - Eleanor Roosevelt

So let's get started.

Char

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