Galley proof was delivered to my door about half an hour ago. I will be doing my final edits. You probably won't hear much from me for a day or two. I'm not lost, just lost in my work.
I am looking into the possibility of a book launch...with two possible sites. So possibly two launch parties. Much thought and planning are going into those.
I have been interviewed by the local paper in West Branch. They have offered to cover any book launch I do there. The other possibility is to do a book launch in my hometown and have that local paper cover it.
Right now I am working on finding sites to hold one or both of those. Lining up food and catering, and planning and organizing what we hope the party to accomplish. That means I could be writing a mini mystery for the guests to solve while at the party. Photo ops, autographs, book sales, giveaways. The list is endless. I'm not sure if we could be wired to do anything for those people on-line who are interested but we are checking into that. I'll keep you posted.
Happy reading.
TTFN
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
It's Friday
Time for your weekly writing prompt. This week the prompt is brought to you by Lori Ann Bloomfield author of The Last River Child. Here it is: Read today's horoscopes-all of them. What you have are 12 potential stories. Pick the one that most inspires you and write a short story.
Go for it. See what you come up with. Feel free to put your ideas in the comment section. No one is going to steal them. I encourage only positive feedback.
TTFN Happy writing
Go for it. See what you come up with. Feel free to put your ideas in the comment section. No one is going to steal them. I encourage only positive feedback.
TTFN Happy writing
Thursday, February 2, 2012
WoW
Things are moving quickly. We have a tentative release date of Feb. 28, 2012 for my new book
We also have a final cover. I should have the galley proof in my hands in the next couple of days. Last chance to edit before we go to press. No pressure there.
So for my birthday an new book. Can't beat that.
TTFN
We also have a final cover. I should have the galley proof in my hands in the next couple of days. Last chance to edit before we go to press. No pressure there.
So for my birthday an new book. Can't beat that.
TTFN
Friday, January 27, 2012
Friday=Writing Prompts
Tosay's prompt comes from Hal Zina Bennett author of 30 books including Write Starts: Prompts, Quotes, and Exercises to Jumpstart Your Creativity.
The phone rings in the middle of the night, awakening you from disturbing dreams about a friend. You answer the phone it's the friend you've been dreaming about. She describes a crisis she's in; it's exactly what you were dreaming. Starting with the dream, describe your meeting with your friend and what happens next.
Post your responses. I'd like to get some ideas generating....no stealing.
TTFN
The phone rings in the middle of the night, awakening you from disturbing dreams about a friend. You answer the phone it's the friend you've been dreaming about. She describes a crisis she's in; it's exactly what you were dreaming. Starting with the dream, describe your meeting with your friend and what happens next.
Post your responses. I'd like to get some ideas generating....no stealing.
TTFN
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Day You've All Been Waiting For
I have a book cover!!!!!!
Just wanted you to know what the new book will look like. No release date yet. Just know it's coming soon.
TTFN
Just wanted you to know what the new book will look like. No release date yet. Just know it's coming soon.
TTFN
Friday, January 20, 2012
Is Your Giveaway Legal?
Many bloggers are giving things away on their blogs. If you are considering this, be sure to read this link: Blog Law - Is Your Giveaway Legal?
www.savingforsomeday.com
Not all giveaways are legal. So, if you're going to do it right, know the law. Be safe not sorry.
TTFN
www.savingforsomeday.com
Not all giveaways are legal. So, if you're going to do it right, know the law. Be safe not sorry.
TTFN
Switching Things Up
Today's blog is going to be different. You will find that from now on my Friday blog will carry a writing prompt. Whether you choose to use it or not is up to you. Here is the one for today:
In a paragraph or two, describe an event from your character's point of view, perhaps a dinner with a friend, a walk in the park, or a neighborhood watch meeting. Write about the event from a different emotional point of view--anger, delight, hope, detachment or dispair.
This prompt comes from Rochelle Melander author of Write-a-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (And Live to Tell About It).
Feel free to post yours in the comment section. This could be some interesting stuff. Stretch your characters and watch them grow.
TTFN
In a paragraph or two, describe an event from your character's point of view, perhaps a dinner with a friend, a walk in the park, or a neighborhood watch meeting. Write about the event from a different emotional point of view--anger, delight, hope, detachment or dispair.
This prompt comes from Rochelle Melander author of Write-a-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (And Live to Tell About It).
Feel free to post yours in the comment section. This could be some interesting stuff. Stretch your characters and watch them grow.
TTFN
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Better Get Back to Blogging
I have been so busy that I have neglected my blog. I have finished my third short story. Time to get them ready for the contest. Then we will make covers and have them printed as ebooks. I am looking forward to that. I have finished the second round edits on my novel. I am very pleased with how that is shaping up. Cover art and a book trailer soon.
I am enjoying the peacefulness on the island. I have learned that winter is the down time here. I can hear the ocean all day. I can walk for miles on the beach and not see another soul. They are very nature conscious here and there is a bird sanctuary. I am finding my way at least back to the spot where I turned to come onto the island.
I have had a blast with glass fusing at Turtle's Nest Craft Cove. Ally has been very helpful. I am learning how to use the tools and mix the colors to achieve what I want.
I've made pendants and a candle holder.
I have learned there is a kiln at my parents. I will pick that up on my way home in the spring. I am learning everything I can in the meantime. I love doing the glass fusing.
Not much washes up on the beach which I found surprising. I've found a couple shells and a piece of drift wood. I was hoping to find more shells and a sand dollar or two. I will keep looking.
I am eager to dig into my second book in the series. Even my reviewers are asking for more. That is a good feeling. I am also behind on my book reviews. I have to learn to space myself. I am trying to get those done.
I've had a couple of on-line interviews. The latest can be found at shahsight.com. I was interviewed on a book I had reviewed. I am working hard to get my name known. New marketing campaign and website are in the works.
So, now everyone is caught up. I can go be lazy some more.
TTFN
I am enjoying the peacefulness on the island. I have learned that winter is the down time here. I can hear the ocean all day. I can walk for miles on the beach and not see another soul. They are very nature conscious here and there is a bird sanctuary. I am finding my way at least back to the spot where I turned to come onto the island.
I have had a blast with glass fusing at Turtle's Nest Craft Cove. Ally has been very helpful. I am learning how to use the tools and mix the colors to achieve what I want.
I've made pendants and a candle holder.
I have learned there is a kiln at my parents. I will pick that up on my way home in the spring. I am learning everything I can in the meantime. I love doing the glass fusing.
Not much washes up on the beach which I found surprising. I've found a couple shells and a piece of drift wood. I was hoping to find more shells and a sand dollar or two. I will keep looking.
I am eager to dig into my second book in the series. Even my reviewers are asking for more. That is a good feeling. I am also behind on my book reviews. I have to learn to space myself. I am trying to get those done.
I've had a couple of on-line interviews. The latest can be found at shahsight.com. I was interviewed on a book I had reviewed. I am working hard to get my name known. New marketing campaign and website are in the works.
So, now everyone is caught up. I can go be lazy some more.
TTFN
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Getting on My Soapbox
I try to stay off my soapbox, but this issue is near and dear to my heart. Having grown-up with an educator in the family and later becoming one.
I am tired of teachers being blamed for the failings of the "education system." I'm tired of hearing that we don't do our jobs. We are failing our students. There need to be stricter standards for teachers. Why?
The system broke back in the 1970's when some fool decided that children had to be socially promoted and remain with their age peers so they would not get their feelings hurt. That archaic system is still in place today.
I'm going to date myself, but I need to make a point. When I was an elementary student back in the early 1960's there were things we had to be able to do to go on to the next grade. They were required. Children did NOT fail kindergarten, nor were they held back in kindergarten. Our wise teachers knew that children learned at a different pace. Kindergarten was where we learned to share, work in groups, and basically what the boundaries were. The prime grades for repeating were first and second where the basic were taught. You really had to have the basics. I don't remember too many that didn't get those on the first try.
Fast forward twenty some years to when my daughter was in elementary school. The kids were tested and placed into reading groups. They changed classrooms for reading. They were tested throughout the year and moved up as they progressed. It wasn't rocket science. The kids who needed more help got it.
Now you cannot put a child in reading group. Heaven forbid, the damage to their egos would be forever ingrained. Many would be doomed to failure. NOT. Real life is full of failures. You pick yourself up and start over. Whole group instruction is the thing now. Doesn't matter if you have children reading two grades above grade level, on grade level, or two grades below grade level everyone reads the same story at the same time. Oh wait, they don't read it. They listen to it on a tape/CD the teacher plays for them. REALLY???? Then they break into mini groups with tasks to complete and move every twenty minutes or so. One of two of the groups has a teacher or paraprofessional that monitors what the children are doing. The other two or three groups the children are left to themselves. The teacher then chooses the group work she will take a grade from. Heaven help the child who was in a non-monitored group if they didn't understand what was expected.
Part of the fix for education is to come up with a simple list of requirements that must be mastered (mastered meaning your child can get it 85% of the time without assistance) post them where parents, teachers and the community can see them and then teach them. We as educators spend so much time trying to prepare kids for "The Test" whatever one is required by the state or district that we have lost sight of what teaching really is. We have let the politicians (who themselves are clueless) dictate what goes on in the classroom. It's time to relook at education and what really did work. It's not rocket science. It's more common sense.
If you have a child two months into the school year that doesn't seem to be getting whatever you are teaching, you need to get the parents in and get some kind of help for that child. If the government is going to hold teachers accountable for the education of the child, then maybe parents need to know what it is that the child is expected to learn. Curriculum guides don't tell a parent anything. They are written in educational jargon to appease administrators and government bodies. Get back to the basics.
Okay, now I'm getting off my soapbox. I'm open to all comments. I can take it.
TTFN
I am tired of teachers being blamed for the failings of the "education system." I'm tired of hearing that we don't do our jobs. We are failing our students. There need to be stricter standards for teachers. Why?
The system broke back in the 1970's when some fool decided that children had to be socially promoted and remain with their age peers so they would not get their feelings hurt. That archaic system is still in place today.
I'm going to date myself, but I need to make a point. When I was an elementary student back in the early 1960's there were things we had to be able to do to go on to the next grade. They were required. Children did NOT fail kindergarten, nor were they held back in kindergarten. Our wise teachers knew that children learned at a different pace. Kindergarten was where we learned to share, work in groups, and basically what the boundaries were. The prime grades for repeating were first and second where the basic were taught. You really had to have the basics. I don't remember too many that didn't get those on the first try.
Fast forward twenty some years to when my daughter was in elementary school. The kids were tested and placed into reading groups. They changed classrooms for reading. They were tested throughout the year and moved up as they progressed. It wasn't rocket science. The kids who needed more help got it.
Now you cannot put a child in reading group. Heaven forbid, the damage to their egos would be forever ingrained. Many would be doomed to failure. NOT. Real life is full of failures. You pick yourself up and start over. Whole group instruction is the thing now. Doesn't matter if you have children reading two grades above grade level, on grade level, or two grades below grade level everyone reads the same story at the same time. Oh wait, they don't read it. They listen to it on a tape/CD the teacher plays for them. REALLY???? Then they break into mini groups with tasks to complete and move every twenty minutes or so. One of two of the groups has a teacher or paraprofessional that monitors what the children are doing. The other two or three groups the children are left to themselves. The teacher then chooses the group work she will take a grade from. Heaven help the child who was in a non-monitored group if they didn't understand what was expected.
Part of the fix for education is to come up with a simple list of requirements that must be mastered (mastered meaning your child can get it 85% of the time without assistance) post them where parents, teachers and the community can see them and then teach them. We as educators spend so much time trying to prepare kids for "The Test" whatever one is required by the state or district that we have lost sight of what teaching really is. We have let the politicians (who themselves are clueless) dictate what goes on in the classroom. It's time to relook at education and what really did work. It's not rocket science. It's more common sense.
If you have a child two months into the school year that doesn't seem to be getting whatever you are teaching, you need to get the parents in and get some kind of help for that child. If the government is going to hold teachers accountable for the education of the child, then maybe parents need to know what it is that the child is expected to learn. Curriculum guides don't tell a parent anything. They are written in educational jargon to appease administrators and government bodies. Get back to the basics.
Okay, now I'm getting off my soapbox. I'm open to all comments. I can take it.
TTFN
Monday, January 9, 2012
On-line Interview
In case you are not on my Facebook friends list or missed it. I did an on-line interview today. You can check it out at ShahSight: The Interpreter: With Rebecka
www.shahsight.blogspot.com
I did a book review of Shah Wali Fazli's book The Interpreter a couple of months ago. He has opened a Facebook page to promote other writers. He kindly asked me to answer three questions and posted my answers in interview format on his blog. I am very thankful for the opportunity.
Be sure to check it out.
TTFN
www.shahsight.blogspot.com
I did a book review of Shah Wali Fazli's book The Interpreter a couple of months ago. He has opened a Facebook page to promote other writers. He kindly asked me to answer three questions and posted my answers in interview format on his blog. I am very thankful for the opportunity.
Be sure to check it out.
TTFN
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Almost Human Again
I think I have survived. My mouth feels better and most of my congestion is gone. I spent yesterday sleeping. The sofa is very comfortable. I did rouse myself a couple of times to find food.
After tossing and turning last night I came to life late today. I was amazed at how much better I felt.
I did take an early walk on the beach. Found that a Portuguese Man of War jelly fish had washed ashore. Of course, I hadn't taken my camera. I also learned that beyond where I enter the beach are private homes...okay mansions. Some very plain and others very ornate. I'll be sure to get pictures. There were many more people on the beach today. Still way to cold for swimming.
Spent the evening reading a rough draft of a novella for an author friend. I do so hate cliffhangers. It was a great read. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Did some editing as I went, suggestions only.
Now I am about ready to call it a day. I'm sure I will find much to do in the coming weeks. Finishing my short story is the first priority. Getting the second one down so it meets the word count is another and finally finishing my second novel. And also the much talked about release of my new novel. So, I do have much to keep me busy.
TTFN
After tossing and turning last night I came to life late today. I was amazed at how much better I felt.
I did take an early walk on the beach. Found that a Portuguese Man of War jelly fish had washed ashore. Of course, I hadn't taken my camera. I also learned that beyond where I enter the beach are private homes...okay mansions. Some very plain and others very ornate. I'll be sure to get pictures. There were many more people on the beach today. Still way to cold for swimming.
Spent the evening reading a rough draft of a novella for an author friend. I do so hate cliffhangers. It was a great read. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Did some editing as I went, suggestions only.
Now I am about ready to call it a day. I'm sure I will find much to do in the coming weeks. Finishing my short story is the first priority. Getting the second one down so it meets the word count is another and finally finishing my second novel. And also the much talked about release of my new novel. So, I do have much to keep me busy.
TTFN
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
October Already
I'm not sure where the time has flown. June was an exiting month. July was a mess. I had a change of medication which caused me to gain...
-
Many of you have seen this design before. It was on the backs of my first books. It was my publishing company. I was lucky enough to pub... -
O is for optimism. Believing you can do something and setting goals to get to it. Everyday offers us an opportunity for being optimistic....