Sweet Sorrows

 Alas, the time has come.

To give up this blog.

To move onto other uses for my time.

The sad fact is few people read blogs anymore- people have progressed to Instagram and TikTok. This blog is a dinosaur. And while I loved writing it, there are better uses of my time. Being in a graduate writing program takes a LOT of time. I'm currently in two classes and each one demands at least 15 hours a week (only more with me because I'm paranoid about being out of school and want to make sure I have done everything possible to complete my assignments). Plus, I have so many writing projects:

    1. Finish book I started writing.

    2. Write book which will become my thesis.

    3. Find an editor to help polish the other books I've written which have kind of languished.

    4. Independently publish my novels (traditional takes too long, it's a draining process where I have no control over any aspect, and there are fewer publishing houses for hundreds of thousands of writers).

    5. Create a new website and social media platform (which means I have to learn more of that stuff).

To those who've stuck around, thanks. I'll post when I have my new website up. I'm hoping to recapture those who've left and draw in new readers. For now, I'm leaving this blog site up. Just one other announcement: I'll be here! Come out and say hello! I'm so excited about getting back to normal! 

I'm hoping to hear about another festival in Bucks County, PA. If I'm accepted, I'll post those details here, on FB, Twitter, and Instagram. 

So thanks for the memories... Being seeing you around, kid. 

Char

Before It's Too Late...

 Yep, it's crazy time with the first term of grad school coming to a close, but I wanted to take the time to 

1- Thank my friend, Darlene Beck Jacobson 

for featuring many wonderful books on her blog, including mine. 

2. And tell you to get over there and browse and buy! Go here and leave a nice comment too, okay? 

All these authors work so hard and the pandemic has hit us- no in-person events, which we love because we get to greet and meet book lovers and fans. 

3. Ask you to please leave a review on Goodreads or Amazon. Most of us depend on reader reviews, we don't have a publicity person. 

4. And have yourself a nice holiday. Look for news of forthcoming events here, on Kidlit Authors Club on Facebook and Twitter, on the Smack Dab in the Middle Blog and on the individual authors' pages. 

Happy Holidays! 

Char

Clearing Out and Cleaning Up

 This time of year is special to me- 

Here's one reason why; flowers are blooming and they cheer me up after a hard, dreary winter. Spring is here and it means warmer weather and getting outside. It means, especially this year, of being with people (socially distanced, of course). It means a new start. Honestly, I think we should celebrate New Year's on the first day of Spring. Who thinks of doing anything in the middle of winter except hunkering down?

Because of flowers, warm weather, and longer days of sunshine, I'm energized. Sometimes I feel like a solar panel; in the dark I'm listless. When the sun hits, I'm all full of energy and raring to go into action. Unfortunately I can't work in my gardens because the fallen leaves are still protecting precious insects and small animals. (Once it stays above 50 degrees F, they can be cleared.) It's too soon to open the pool and outdoor bar. But there is plenty more I can do. 

1- I replaced the curtain rods in my dining room because I took down the heavy valances. More light filters through and the room feels bigger and brighter. That should make my plants grow like monsters too. 

2- I spent four hours at my church cleaning the grounds, mulching gardens, and planting pansies. We will have outdoor services from Easter on, until hopefully by September the church can be opened. Meeting fellow members and working (socially distanced, of course) gave my spirit such a lift. The hardest part of the epidemic has been the isolation. I got to catch up with church members while I got my hands into the soil and the church looked so welcoming. 

3- I bought a monitor for my laptop. I don't use a pc because I don't want to juggle and transfer stuff between two computers. The problem is my laptop, when it sits on my desk, is too low for comfortable viewing. The screen isn't high enough and my neck gets a crick after a few hours. Plus, the keyboard is not at an optimal level either. I'm tall with long arms and it's like being in a cramped airplane seat. Most things are meant for the average, shorter person. This monitor can be adjusted by heighth and angle of tilt. And yes, the larger screen is easier on the eyes. The new keyboard makes it so I don't have to have my laptop right next to me, causing cricks because I'm turned partway, trying to type and view the screen.  

4- 

I've been decluttering slowly. Last year I had a yard sale but didn't get everything sold and I've put more on the 'For Sale' pile. In the meantime, I'm listing things on Facebook's Marketplace and Neighborhood pages. It takes at least a month or longer to make a sale, but every sale means more free space in my basement or garage, and more money for the kids. (Most of the stuff I sell are their toys and sports equipment or old twin bedroom sets, so I'm dividing the money between them.) And in case you're interested, the above Christmas Poinsettia and Ribbons set has complete service for 12, with extras like a gravy boat, two salt/pepper sets, 2 extra dessert plates, 8 juice glasses, 11 cocktail glasses, all perfect condition, $75.

5- I've been throwing away old versions of manuscripts. Since some of my published books are out of print, there's no sense keeping the previous copies. Almost everything is stored on my computer and extra hard drive, and I have the bound books, so I don't need the paper copies. (I kept them in case there was ever a claim by someone that I stole their work- I could show a clear chain of creation.) Into the recycle pile and I have another clear shelf.

6- I've made a list of all my unpubbed manuscripts and am slowly going through either marking for revision, total overhaul, or to be set aside until a better time while I rethink it. I will send the revised manuscripts out on revision. And if I decide to, I can always Indie publish within a month. Either way, I'm not letting them gather dust any longer. I put a lot of hard work in them and it's time for the words to work for me.

7- My husband and I plan to eventually downsize, so I'm making (another) list of things that need to be done to get top dollar for our house. As each child moves out on their own, I'm painting the rooms and refinishing the floors. (Plus, since they're taking their stuff with them, more space!) I'm simplifying the gardens and addressing jobs like spackling a bumpy wall. It's not so overwhelming when you tackle one task at a time rather than thinking about all the jobs to be done. And, I like the satisfaction of crossing something off my list. 

Looking at all the things I want to accomplish seems a bit daunting, but I'm only looking at one or two at a time. Today, my blog is done (on time...!). Next, I'm finishing typing in the final revisions on a requested R&R (revise and resubmit for non-authors) so it's ready to go April 1st. Later I'll hike about 3 miles. Maybe I'll vacuum the family room too. So while I have four things on my list, it's okay if I don't get to the vacuuming until tomorrow. (It's not like we can have visitors....yet.) 

Hope you're feeling the renewed energy and motivation to do things that need or you want to get done-

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

Some of this, some of that...

I can now type with 2 hands, so it's time for a new post. But since my broken right arm can only last for 10 minutes before it starts to hurt like heck and swell, this is going to be a short post-

1- Dr checkup tomorrow, hopefully find out why wrist is so bad.
2- Arm break slowly (and I mean SLOWLY) getting better.
3- Revisions on my new projects is frustratingly slow because of stupid wrist.
4- Bunny moved out of my strawberry patch and didn't eat any strawberries...
5- Mating foxes need to learn that 'outdoor voices' ends at midnight.
6- I will spend most of this week in my bathing suit, poolside. Can't go anywhere anyway...
7- Trying to get more followers/friends on my Facebook author page- Author Charlotte Bennardo- which will be my main page in the future.
8- September is going to be crazy busy because by then I should be able to paint my living room.
9- Working in a new genre- adult sweet romance/drama. Children's publishing is a tough market.
10- Spending too much time wondering when life will get back to normal- and slowly realizing it will never be the same...

Oh, and here are some happy pictures of my meditation garden because we all need moments of peace and sanity...

Geraniums are such happy flowers..

My middle son loved daisies when he was little, so I make sure I always have them in my garden.

Since I put up a better fence, the bunnies and deer can't eat my astible. It's never looked this good!

Day lilies- how can you look at them and not smile?

Yarrow- some say weed, some say wildflower, I say pretty.

Cracked birdbath works as a pedestal planter.

So there's some happy for you. Hope to share more Good Things and give everyone just a tiny bit of serenity...


Char

Day 2 million and..? Who Knows How Long...

No more insults.

The boys are officially tired of the poetic insults on the fridge game. After... how many days? in #StayHome. I can't blame them. The game might have been more fun if there were more variety. Whoever selected the words clearly was NOT a writer- there were few adjectives, NO adverbs (I don't care what anybody says, adverbs are essential), and no pronouns. Verbs and nouns were seriously limited. I could have added some words, making them out of the fridge magnets from the dentist, the appliance repair guy, the old school numbers one, etc. But I think the time has come for something new.

As this isolation drags on (I'm not questioning the need for it, only lamenting how long), a lot of us are realizing that you can only read so many books, only write so many words (my butt gets tired from sitting so long), only watch so much TV. For some people, this is wonderful (my introvert friends are living la vida loca). But even though I'm not a wild party gal, I'm beginning to feel the strain. This means I need to find different ways to spend the time. Every day, I try to complete something on a list that I constantly update. Today I have two things already accomplished: I've posted on the Kidlit Authors Club social media, thanking library workers, and I'm writing this blog. Before I start on going over where I can possibly submit manuscripts while my agent isn't feeling well, I'm going to make the bed, put away the dishes, and then go outside for a bit. I'm sure I can find a few weeds to pull, clean up the sticks all over the yard, etc. I find I feel less restless, less anxious, if I break up the monotony and do a variety of things. We all need coping mechanisms and finding new ones as the others lose their luster.

I hope this post finds you well and safe. And boy is there going to be one big fat celebration (I foresee a pool party, ice cream from my favorite place, Polar Cub, and LOTS of pina coladas around the pool bar with friends and family) when this is over.

Till then, be seeing you- via Zoom, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, from across the street, etc.

Char

Writing in the Time of Pandemic

We're all trying to deal with this pandemic and a new 'normal'. I've heard people "keep a journal" of our experiences as we are living this crisis. A decade or two into the future, people will either reminisce or want to learn about it.

I'm not a good journal keeper. Inconsistency is my biggest flaw because I get distracted by life, projects, seasons, family, etc. And then, there are days where there is nothing that I want to convey, nothing that is interesting. Kind of like always posting on Instagram. I'm scrolling past pics of food,  flowers, family pets, etc. because there are so many (and yes, I'm guilty of posting them, although not to a great extent). After a while, it becomes tedious. I want something fresh.

Another suggestion is to make notes for a future book. Nope, not doing it. There will be millions of other writers all across the globe with that same idea. If people think there are too many vampire books, in the next few years the market will be saturated with pandemic books. Already there are books hitting the market, via self-publishing. Besides not wanting to jump into that overcrowded boat, since I'm living it, I don't want to read about it. I'm not into 'issue' books; I find the angst boring, or overdone. I understand some people are very anxious over certain subjects and this pandemic is enough to give anyone an anxiety attack, depression, or other mental and emotional problems. I'm not disparaging them or the issues because in my family, we have members who must deal every day with them. I just don't want to read about them. Nor do I want to write about them. (This blog is the most I've written about the Covid-19 pandemic, and honestly, I think the next time I write about it is when we are finally free to move about.) There are, and will be, many stories about it so no one needs to hear/read mine. It's a story I don't care to tell.

But writing in general is hard during this time. I can't say I've ever really suffered from writer's block. Sure, I get stumped on a plot point occasionally, but usually within a day or two, as I'm doing mindless work like weeding, cleaning, or swimming, I can figure out a solution to my problem. Only this time it's different; I have a new manuscript started, but I couldn't find the 'groove.' It's a light-hearted romance, but I couldn't get 'in the mood' to write about love and happy things during such a grim time. There are a lot of writers, from what I read or see on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and just plain chat, that are having the same problem. And if the muse is hiding, unwilling to be found, I don't think you can force it.

The solution for me is to work on older manuscripts; revise ones that were thrown in a drawer, those that didn't get far with agents/editors, those that my critique group is red-penciling. Reading a whole novel pulls me in; I don't have to plan out the plot, or create characters, or set up resolution. All I have to do is read with a critical eye to see where I can improve, even if it ends up being a complete overhaul, because at least the framework is there. So far, I've revised three manuscripts. I have the first book I ever wrote, an adult horror, that is next. These were revisions I meant to do; I was going to do them all last summer, but... life. Then came retirement for my husband, and a vacation, then BAM! Covid-19. In this lockdown, there are fewer distractions: no bell practice, no setting up the church flowers, no trustee meetings, no concert practice, no going out for pizza, no visiting family. I didn't realize how much time I spent on these activities- nor how much I'd miss them. By throwing myself into revisions, my muse is peeking her head out. Last night I wrote almost 200 words. Not much when some people are cranking out 3,000 or more, but this is not a competition. I am getting things done that are important to me. There is no prize, other than self satisfaction, for writing the most words, or doing the most decluttering, or painting the most rooms. I'm not in it to win it.

So as this drags on, I hope to get that novel written and the other revised. Be kind to yourself if you don't accomplish everything, or even anything, on your To Do list, because surviving without emotional or mental harm, besides the obvious physical, is the goal. Be good to yourself, be compassionate of others, and avoid the crazies who think that because death rates seem to be leveling off or dropping, that they can congregate in large groups, or not wear their mask, or refuse to stay home.

Praying for better days...

Char

When The Editor is Wrong...

GASP!

Photo courtesy of Samer Daboul, Pexels Inc.

I know what you're thinking: Don't say that! They'll hear! You'll never get a book published again! They're always right!

No, they breathe and bleed and bumble like the rest of us. Really.

In Sirenz, my former co-author had written a scene where our characters go to Century 21 (retail store, not real estate firm). The editor looked down her nose and informed us there was no such store at the location we gave. From the way the critique was going, it was clear the editor was nitpicking our novel to a swift editorial graveyard. My co-author looked her in the face and said, "Sure there is." And she gave the address.

Not only did the editor turn slightly red and argue we needed to do research on real places, she ignored the fact that my co-author gave a real address. That editor wasn't going to offer us a contract or an R&R (revise and resubmit), but she belittled us too. (Spoiler: our book got pubbed, along with a sequel by someone else).

I'd been subbing my World War II historical fiction, The Elephant Gates, which is set at the Berlin Zoo. The main character, Tomas, is 13-years-old. When he addresses his parents, it's always "Mama" and "Papa". The editor said that made him too young, that I should use Mother and Father or Mom and Dad.

*Clears throat.

No.

My ancestors on both sides are German (my father's side has some Swedish). I've grown up with German culture more than said editor. My grandparents on my mom's side (100% German), used 'mama' and 'papa.' Those great grandparents left Germany right after World War I, so their language was appropriate for the era of my story. But, due diligence! I checked my my friend who translates German to English. Her husband was from Germany. She studied there, and still visits her husband's family. She and her children speak German. I asked her several questions not only about the language that would be used, and other cultural factors. She was a primary source. She told me I was correct in my usage. I mentioned this to the editor.

Said editor still argued with me, and proceeded to tell me I needed to do 'proper' and 'deeper' research. The critique of my manuscript made me feel like I was a junior high school kid who'd written an essay and Stephen Hawking was pointing out how I'd messed up basic science- it was that brutal. Hey, I know I have to take criticism, but I'm going to ignore it when the editor is factually wrong. Plus, the quotes on writing and research by other authors was a nice turn of the blade in my back. I keep the critique to remind me that 1- editors aren't always right, and 2- with the tone of the critique, that sometimes editors just don't like you or your story.  It's the human condition; some people like you, others don't, and that works both ways; you're not going to love everyone. And 3- she isn't the only editor out there.

Not only beginning authors but veterans too need to keep in mind there is always another editor- one who understands your manuscript, loves it, and will listen as you explain why you wrote a particular scene, character, or dialog the way you did. Of course there's always room for improvement and that's what we authors have to keep in mind, but one editor's or even 10 editors' opinions aren't all there is. I follow prolific author Jane Yolen on Facebook and almost weekly she writes about the rejections she's gotten; so many awards, so many published books, on the SCBWI executive board, who would turn her down?? And, we've all heard the story of how many rejections Dr Suess got (sorry bud, but I'm way past that benchmark!). And yes, rejection hurts, but just like ice skaters, NFL refs, and actors, our work is subject to the opinions of others. That's the biz.

Hang in there. I am, because I know my agent will find the right editor for this work.

Char

Embrace the Devastation...

If you know me well (or follow my blog and/or Facebook posts), you've heard about and seen my meditation garden. It looked like this:

I go there to work out plot problems on my novels, talk to God when something's on my mind, get some distance when I'm seriously angry, and just revel in getting my hands in the dirt as I plant flowers. My meditation garden makes me happy.

Two weeks ago (and I can't believe another storm is coming this way...), this happened:

The fence will have to be replaced (it's got a good buckle), and one tree will have to be cut down (it's split in half and will die). I saw the devastation and it broke my heart. But I will have to wait until spring before I can repair it.

In the meantime, I am working on my middle grade manuscript. It started out like this:

Pristine. Loved. Ready to go out- to the critique group. I knew there would be changes, some of them tough to accept. Working in my garden, sometimes I have to dig up a dying or dead plant that I loved.  I have to chop branches so trees are strong and healthy. I have to clear out leaves that clutter up and take the eyes away from the gentle green foliage. I have to make decisions which flowers will work well in the garden based on available sunlight, water, space, and hardiness.





Then the critiques from group members came in. Cut that sentence. This situation doesn't work. No one likes this character. The tension dies here. Chapter after chapter had been torn apart. No page had emerged unscathed. Beloved words would not survive. I pushed up my sleeves (really, I hate sleeves rubbing my elbows) and went to work. I sweated and (sometimes) swore, and used my tools (thesaurus, dictionary, research books, Google- and lots of chai lattes) to repair my manuscript. This is what my manuscript looks like after I finished.

But after pruning redundant words, digging out dead plot threads, combing through inconsistencies, I'm confident it will become ready to submit to editors and agents (it needs another read through, maybe ten). So while there's still snow on the ground, I'll work on the manuscript until it's finished. By then, spring will be in control and I can work on my garden (and meditate on a few choice words for Father Winter).

With the loss of one tree, more sunlight will fall on that space and I can add different flowers which couldn't tolerate the shade there previously. In my manuscript, the loss of words, phrases, pages, chapters- will allow me to add new things and improve it.

From devastation, something new.

Char

Just a Little Peek...

While I wait for Evolution Revolution: Simple Plans to debut, I'm going to tease you a bit. Here's one of the inside pics, created by my fabulous illustrator, Cathy Thole-Daniels:

The main character, Jack the gray squirrel, is learning quite a bit from his human friend Collin. (I'm not going to tell you what, but it's pretty amazing. Sorry, you'll have to buy the book or ask your library to get a copy.) If you've wandered around Facebook, Twitter, and other social media, you've seen stories about animals doing some amazing 'human' things: unlocking doors, dancing to music, skateboarding. This makes me smile because maybe this book will move from fiction to non-fiction. 

Strange things are happening...

Don't miss Jack's continuing story.

Char

How Do You Support An Author?

"I like them on Facebook."
"I follow them on Twitter."

This is not enough.

Authors are struggling to make it. The sheer numbers of books being published makes it almost impossible for any author who isn't JK Rowling or Stephen King to get noticed. We're here! We matter!

How can you help?

Easy, peasey... and it won't cost you anything more than time.

1. Yes, like/follow/interact with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. (I think I missed a few). They like to hear from people who enjoy their books and unlike Kanye West, we don't disappear. Plus, by interacting with us, you make us visible to more people who might want to give our books a try. And who knows, you might just strike up a great friendship (but don't stalk, that's creepy and not the objective).

2. Even if you don't read our books, check them off on Goodreads as "To Be Read" (unless you've already read them). With growing numbers of people doing this, it gets us more notice. Kind of like that whole "6 Degrees of Separation" with someone connected to someone, connected to someone (makes me wonder if I have a connection with Anne Rice, Stephen King, Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, and other famous people who might read/mention my books....)

3. Leave a review! You don't have to love or even like our books, we understand (better than the cast of Suicide Squad who're pushing to have negative reviews pulled) that what we write isn't for everyone. Hey, I've shelved about 10 books this year already because I didn't like them. All we ask is that you fairly state why the book didn't meet your expectations; don't get personal, no foul language because that makes it personal, and don't b.s. (we can tell when you haven't read the book because all the details are wrong). An honest review, even if not stellar, helps people understand our books.

4. Want the book but have no money? Check it out at your local library. They've bought a legal copy so you get to read the book for free, the author gets a royalty so they can eat and make more books, and EVERYONE is happy.

5. Don't patronize pirate sites. There is absolutely NO JUSTIFICATION for going to these illegal, thieving, low-down, corrupt, immoral, amoral, scum-of-the-earth sites. If you want the book but can't afford it, see above- LIBRARIES. By going to pirate sites, you cheat the author. Then we'll have to give up writing because we're not making any money, publishers see this and won't offer more contracts, so we have to get jobs at Starbucks. Do you want that on your conscience that because you can cheat us and did, that you have destroyed a career, a dream, a LIFE?? Think about it (because Karma certainly will...) If you go there, we can't be friends.

6. Recommend us! Sitting at the beach with gal pals? Hanging at a friend's BBQ? Sitting next to a person on the train who's reading something similar? Please! mention our books. Like I said, we're struggling. We need help. Famous authors (see above and you know the rest) don't need you to gush about them; everybody already knows their names and publishers spend millions on ad campaigns. Mid-list authors get a few pages of 'suggestions' on how to promote our book from an over-worked publicist (if we're lucky).

7. While not for everyone, if you like an author and want to help, ask them if you can do something to publicize their books. Some authors are blessed enough to have 'street teams' which is one or more fans who help get the word out about their fave authors. (Bueller? Beuller? If you're interested, you know where to reach me...) This can be anything from talking about them, featuring them on a FB page or blog, finding out events where the author could apply to appear, to organizing a signing. There is so much work to making a book a success; if you only knew. It's not all 'show up and sign a gazillion books, garnering a lot of money.

8.

And The Winner Is... Maybe...

Well, I've tallied the results of my un-official survey about my new author photo. Clearly, most people liked #1 for my Facebook photo.

Reasons cited was because it was more friendly, showed my playful side.

The second most popular is a tie between #2:

And #3:

And #6:

And #10:

Surprisingly, the most popular choice for my book photo is the black and white:

My publicist likes this one too.

In second place was #7:

And close behind was #6:

So, I'll post #1 as my new Facebook photo (because my public demands it). I'll see what the publisher's requirements are for the author pic and get back to you. Or maybe I should leave it as a surprise (buy the book? Get your library to buy it? Ask to borrow a friend's copy?)

Thanks all for your thoughtful consideration.

Next... Suzy's blog post about how to take a successful author photo. Then... Cover reveal! (I hope).

Char

A Picture is Worth... How Much?

When you get a book published, it's usually customary to have an author photo. That's exciting! Everyone will see the face behind the masterpiece. Then you're like... everyone will see the face! When you're an author or anyone who has to be in the public, this can be a real fear. Do I look good? Should I be serious or look like a fun person? Face or full body? Black and white or color? Solid shirt or patterned? Get a friend to take the pic, do a selfie or hire a pro?

It's enough to make a gal dizzy. (No blonde jokes here.)

Here's what I did: my friend Suzy Key Ryan is a FABULOUS photographer. I didn't know this until she started posting some pics on Facebook of kids, friends, etc. This gal knows what she's doing. So I asked her to do my author photos. Some things to be aware of when choosing a photographer:

1- Get a good location. Suzy suggested the Grounds For Sculpture. It's a beautiful place with green spaces and peacocks and art.

2- Suzy recommended a change of clothes, which I did bring, but it was so beastly hot, I didn't want to wear the second outfit, but at least I had it.

3- Since Suzy uses digital cameras, she could take hundreds of pics without great cost. If anyone's still using film...that could be expensive or you only get a few pics.

4- Check their work out beforehand. Suzy's work speaks for itself.

This is my dilemma; she took a number of great pics and I've narrowed it down. In the comments, tell me which one you think should go on my next book and which one on Facebook profile. If you can, tell me why you chose that photo. I'll post the results in about 2 weeks.

Here they are:

Just say #4 for the book because I'm not laughing, #7 for FB because I look friendly, or whatever.

In two weeks, Suzy will be a guest blogger here and will share her tips on how to get a great author photo.  In the meantime, check out her work here. She might be on Instagram, but I'm not, so check that out too.

Thanks for your help!

Keep smiling,

Char

It is... finished.

Yay! I'm done! My NaNoWriMo novel is finished. Now before you get green faced, let me explain that this is a middle grade novel, which means that 50,000 words is a tad long. Yes, there are MG books that are that long-and longer, but this one won't be. That doesn't mean there won't be more words to add--there will be as I fine tune my research (questions always pop up about tiny details that you need to have answered). And as I revise, I'll find sections that need more description or clarification.

And before you think thoughts of me being an over-achiever because I finished well before time (this is such a crazy month- WHO picked November? Wouldn't the doldrums of January have been better? Or the emptiness of February? The isolation of March?) Let me tell you that my novel currently stands at 28,741 words.

Don't scream that I'm cheating- I've worked on a short story (which adds another 4,272 words to my  count because hey, it's writing and I had to get it in under deadline and I'm counting it), kept up (pretty much) with my blog posts, and dabbled in a few other things that didn't contribute to my word count. (I didn't add Facebook or Twitter chatter, emails, or texts, even if writing related either.) All that might total up to 50,000.

The purposed of National Novel Writing Month is to write that novel--which I have done so I have achieved the goal. This is an historical fiction and I see it as a two year project. More research,  revisions, and writing are required before I even breathe a word to my agent. Last year's NaNo project, Lethal Dose, is currently making submission rounds, and a middle grade project I finished just prior to starting NaNoWriMo 2014 is with a critique group. I have a lot of work to do.

But that's another facet of NaNoWriMo; to get you used to writing/working consistently. No one does the same amount every day, but to write everyday (okay, I slacked off when I was sick, but there were days I wrote double the guideline of 1,700 words), I have achieved this.

So I'm calling this a win: novel drafted and finished, wrote almost every day.

How is your NaNo journey going?

Char

I'll NEVER READ THAT!

Strange title and post for a voracious reader and an author, isn't it?

We all have our favorite genres, and even some not-so-favorites that we occasionally read. However, there are some lines that I cannot cross. Maybe that makes me narrow-minded, but there is nothing you can say to convince me to read certain books:

- computer tech manuals, although I think I need the "Social Media For Dummies" one. (Does it even exist?) I can do basic Twitter, blogspot, Facebook, and now I'm adding Pinterest, but I'm still confused and juvenile on these sites. I have to get more desperate before I'll pick up a tech manual (that's what I have sons for).

-books where I know people will suffer and die. Sorry, I can't watch or read "The Fault In Our Stars" because I know it's heartbreaking. If I read a book and there's a sudden death, like Dumbledore near the end of the Harry Potter series, I can deal--I must so I can finish reading. But to pick up a book, no matter how beautifully written, knowing that is going to wrench my heart? (especially when the subject matter hits too close to home or is one of my biggest fears?) Nope, can't do it.

-any book that involves the abuse, torture, or killing of children. I'm a mother of three and after reading The Lovely Bones, although it was handled in an excellent manner--NO. It will give me nightmares and I don't read to be upset to that degree.

-anything political. No matter how good the journalist, everything is skewed. We can't help it, we're imperfect people and our own agendas come into play. Plus, I believe there is no more objectivity in reporting now. Just watch any news show. Everyone is biased.

-black magic, satanic, or similar stuff. Yes, I'm a Christian, but I read plenty of fiction that deals with these subjects and I can disassociate my beliefs from the story. But books about this stuff in real life? NO- it freaks the hell out of me. I believe in evil, and that it exists both in our world and in people. I don't want to invite it into my life.

-literary essays. I find the language pretentious, dull, and frankly, I had enough of it in college. Who cares if there's another viewpoint that says Shakespeare stole all his work from another? They're all dead, can't change that, and it's only opinion.

-management, corporate life, and such. I bailed out of the corporate world. For good.

-books that are an insult to someone else, to justice, to peace. No way will I read OJ Simpson's book because he was trying to make money off a horrendous event--at the expense of the Brown and Goldberg families. (Makes me even more convinced of his guilt if he could do that.) I won't read anything that denigrates women, my country, authors, religion, and anything else I hold close to my heart. Constructive criticism is one thing, pure malice is another.

-anything that is so boring I can't get past the first few chapters. I don't care if it's a huge bestseller and people tell me "it gets better." There are too many great books out there I want to read and wasting my time on a dense book is something I won't do.

I think that's a pretty extensive list of 'won't read.' There are other categories that I limit how much I read of them, like autobiographies. The person has to interest me (self-aggrandizing people are tedious), even if I find them abhorrent, like Adolf Hitler or Charles Manson. I'm curious about what makes them who they were, but I can only take so much. Another category is the legal thriller. After a while, they seem to blend, but I like a good one now and then.

Is there something YOU won't read? Not even if everyone else is reading it? Not even if someone dragged you over hot coals? Tell me about it.

Char

A Miffy Subject...

Toward or towards.

Afterward, afterwards.

Which one to use?

Someone recently had a post on Facebook that said using 'towards' is incorrect.

Is it?

According to Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language, printed by Grammercy Books, New York, 1983 and a whopping 1,854 pages, both forms of both words are acceptable, even if the latter is not the preferred use.

You can use towards and afterwards if it tickles your fancy.

Personally, I don't like the 's' tacked on; it feels, well, tacked on. (Like the way people not-in-the-know use 'irregardless' instead of 'regardless.')

But as I consider Webster's an authoritative cite, I give you the green light to use the form you like.

Here's something else you didn't know: miffy: adj. Touchy, inclined to take offense. Also, miffed, miffier, miffiest. (You know that's going to appear in my writing somewhere!)

So the next time an editor/copyeditor circles that word and tells me 'no such word,' I'm going to send her the cite from Webster's.

Char