How To Increase Writing Productivity Part 2

If you missed Part 1--suggestions on writing more productivly from Kevin J Anderson, be sure to check it out.

I agreed with a lot of what Kevin had to say. In fact I've worked to impliment at least one of his suggestions. I'm now telling people and doing my best to keep with writing at the same time each day. To me, that goes with the "shut up and write" principle. Now, that doesn't always work because my son may or may not go down for his nap at the same time each day, but I've found that it's even helped him sleep better if I'm consistent at putting him down at relatively the same time each day.

So, here are a few more suggestions that I've found have worked for me.

• Write something every single day, whether it be in your current WIP or a journal or a blog entry or something along those lines. Write something to keep you in the habit of writing daily.

• One of the things we should do as writers is to read. So, I've choosen a day where I will focus on reading rather than working on my WIP. That's usually a day that I count writing in my journal as work. This has helped keep me up to date as to what is out there in the published world, and I've learned a thing or two as I read. :)

• Be ready to write whenever you can. If I can only squeeze out 5 minutes, then I take those 5 minutes and write a few sentences. That's more than not writing anything at all because we don't think we have enough time to get anything done. I have found time in between classes at a writing conference that I've sat in a corner and worked on some things. I've taken the spare moment when my husband has the kids to get what I can done. It's better than nothing.

• Have you ever noticed how much time we spend in the car? When I really think about it, I'm amazed. So, I've begun to utilize that time to plot and develop whatever I happen to be working on. New ideas will come and when I get a chance, I'll scribble them down. It's a chance to tune out the kids and dive into your book at least mentally.

• Always have paper with you. You never know when something will come. Then you'll have something to write it down on so you don't forget.

• Work on something different. If you feel like you're not sure where to go next with a plot line or a character, give it a rest. Start another story. Write a blog post. Do something else. Let your subconcious have a shot at it, and things will iron out faster than if you beat your head against a wall for days.

• The last thing I've rediscovered recently is taking a break. Breaks are good. Give yourself permission to not stress over you WIP for a few days or a few weeks. Then DON'T stress over it or beat yourself up because you feel like you should be writing. Our minds need breaks just as much as our bodies do. I think the hardest thing to do though, is giving yourself permission to relax. Give it a try. You'll be amazed at how refreshed you'll feel your break, and how much more productive you'll be.

These are things that are working for me. I hope they may give you some additional ideas to help you write more productivly. Life is crazy and should be enjoyed. Hopefully these tips help. I'll share more as I discover more. In the meantime, HAPPY WRITING!

Freedom To Read Giveaway Hop (INT)--A Good Man by Vanessa Morgan

Welcome to this stop on the Freedom To Read Giveaway Hop (INT), hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer. On my blog, one lucky person will receive an ecopy of A GOOD MAN by Vanessa Morgan. Check out my buzz and interview, here.

Loved Dexter and American Psycho? Then you'll love A Good Man.

Louis Caron is a good man - vegetarian, he feeds the homeless, takes care of animals and is even concerned with the ecological future of the planet. But his altruism has a sinister edge - he's a vampire - and local detective Taglioni is becoming increasingly suspicious. Louis' attempt to escape the police takes him on a journey into his own private hell where he is not only forced to confront his worst fears, but also to destroy the lives of those he cares about most.

Entering's easy.

• Simply follow my blog via GFC and/or Networked Blogs. Leave a comment telling me you've done so and PLEASE leave an email address. I've had a few winners not leave an email and their profile didn't have an email, which left me with no choice but to choose someone else.

Optional Enteries:

• Follow Vanessa's blog, here. Leave a comment telling me you've done it with an email address.
• Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment.
• Follow Vanessa on Twitter. Leave a comment.

Random.org will choose the winner sometime after midnight on July 5th. Have all your enteries in by then. It is in your best interest to leave SEPERATE comments for each entry. Thanks for stopping by! Happy Reading. Be sure to see what else you can win on other participating blogs. :)

Book Review--Throne of Fire

The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan. The second book in his Kane Chronicles series is just as good as the first and his Percy Jackson series. I loved learning more about Eygiptian mythology and the Kane siblings in their journey. It's a series I will read over, especially after the next installment. Check it out! This is a read anyone will enjoy.

:):):):):)

Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians.

And now their most threatening enemy yet - the chaos snake Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family.

To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished. 

First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?

Narrated in two different wisecracking voices, featuring a large cast of new and unforgettable characters, and with adventures spanning the globe, this second installment in the Kane Chronicles is nothing short of a thrill ride.

A Good Man by Vanessa Morgan--Book Buzzin'

A GOOD MAN by Vanessa Morgan. This one looks great!


Loved Dexter and American Psycho? Then you'll love A Good Man.

Louis Caron is a good man - vegetarian, he feeds the homeless, takes care of animals and is even concerned with the ecological future of the planet. But his altruism has a sinister edge - he's a vampire - and local detective Taglioni is becoming increasingly suspicious. Louis' attempt to escape the police takes him on a journey into his own private hell where he is not only forced to confront his worst fears, but also to destroy the lives of those he cares about most.


Be sure to stop by again on June 29th for a chance to win a copy of A GOOD MAN.


Here's an interview with Louis Caron from A GOOD MAN.

What do you think it takes to become 'a good man'?

Let me quote Jonathan Safran Foer to answer your question: "Cruelty depends on an understanding of cruelty, and the ability to choose against it. Or to choose to ignore it." It's impossible to be a good man 100% of the time. Imagine that you are in a relationship that is not working out for you anymore and you are very unhappy because of it. If you leave the woman who is still madly in love with you, the woman's friends and family will probably tell you what a bastard you are, even if you are a good person in all other areas of your life. But is there a better option? In my opinion, a good man is someone who chooses to be good whenever he can, but it doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing your own health and happiness. 

You were 55 years old when you were turned. How has that affected your immortality? 

I don't know where the theory comes from that vampires are sexy and strong. It's so far from the truth. Do you know how many vampires exist on this planet that are desirable and healthy? Only one. In reality, when you get turned into a vampire, you stay exactly the way you were before... for eternity. If you were ugly, you'll stay ugly. If you have a broken hip, you'll have a broken hip forever. In my case, it means that I'll have wrinkles and arthritis forever. I know that some other vampires have problems far worse than mine, but it's still annoying. 

What is the most interesting thing that has ever happened to you?

I've seen every corner of the world, lived through many different wars, been in jail... But the only thing that really mattered was the love for the people I have met. The infectious smile of a woman that loved me as much as I loved her, belonging to a family, saving the life of a baby, making someone happy.

What is the most blatant lie you have ever told?

I have a very hard time telling lies. Of course I lie - once in a while. Who doesn't? I can't tell people that I'm a vampire, can I? But I try to be honest in any other area of my life.

How do you feel about being interviewed for fun?

I've been a vampire since 1750, but this is a first for me. I like being interviewed, because it enables me to tell the truth about who I really am; kind of like a confession. This interview is anonymous after all, isn't it?

Light or dark chocolate?

As dark as possible, please. I don't eat sugar.

Favorite color?

White. I've read somewhere that a preference for white symbolizes the desire for simplicity and impossible ideals. For an older person, it also indicates an attempt to recapture lost youth.

Dogs or cats?

I love all kinds of animals, but cats are definitely my favorite. I have a cat myself too. His name is Avalon. He originally belonged to one of my victims. As it was her last wish that someone would take care of that cat, that's what I did.

Tea or coffee? 

Tea, preferably herbal tea because it improves my complexion and makes my wrinkles less visible. I'm a bit self-conscious when it comes to my appearance. 

Favorite fruit?

Bananas.

And the winners are . . .

Thank you so much for stopping by and participating in the Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop. Random.org has spoken and the winners of THE MAGIC WARBLE are . . .

Moushka
Sheena-ka graham
Julie Witt

I hope to see everyone again soon! Congrats to the winners. :)

How To Increase Writing Productivity Part 1

This week, I'm sharing my notes from the keynote speaker at this year's StoryMakers Conference, Kevin J Anderson. I'm sure most of use struggle to find time to fit in our desire to write, or maybe that's just me. Kevin had some great ideas that I'm passing on, then next week I'll add my own (at least what has worked up until now). :)

Kevin J Anderson

Writing Productivity

You have to make it for yourself. Find the time & make the most of it

Tips for increasing writing productivity

(He began my gives us these ideas to think about and figure out where we fight into the numbers game.)

Writing one book per year, it’s virtually impossible to make a living.

“Be prolific or starve”

part-time writer=one bk a yr

1-2 hrs

10 hrs

full-time writer=8 hr, 7 days

9 wks

5-6 bks a yr

FAST writing doesn’t mean BAD writing

A Christmas Carol—6 wks

As I Lay Dying—6 wks

A Clockwork Orang—3 wks

on the Road—20 days

Fahrenheit 41—9 days

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde—1 wk

Now for the tips:

1—shut up and write (carve out time, let people know you’re at work, go into the “office”) focus mode in Microsoft

2—Defy the Empty Page (If you’re stuck, move on, fill it in later)

3—Dare to Be Bad (at first) then fix it, It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be finished. It’s easier to fix existing prose than to write a perfect prose to begin with.

4—Know the Difference Between WRITING & EDITING, you can always go back and make changes, don’t go back while you’re going forward

5—Use Every Minute. Learn to write at the drop of a hat, you never know how much time you’ll get. Think about stories when you have the time. Plot out, think about then you can write when you have a chance

6—Set Goals for Yourself and Stick to Them. Set realistic goals, set one you can achieve,         Writers of the Future Contest.com

7—Work On different projects at the same time, projects in different stages

8—Create your best writing environment (noise canceling headphones) look at your set up so you don’t hurt back, arms, wrists, arms 90 degrees, neck not down, back straight

9—Think outside the keyboard, digital recorder, talk to yourself, walk until you have a chapter dictated

10—Get inspired, go places, do things, take classes, learn things

11—Know when to stop.

HAPPY WRITING!

We Are Not Alone by Kristen Lamb--Book Review

WE ARE NOT ALONE--THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA by Kristen Lamb.

Wow, what a book. It is direct, to the point, and easy to follow. If anyone, especially writers, are fearful about getting involved with social media, (like me awhile ago) this is the book for you. It is fun to read and guides you through social media step by step. I learned and applied just about everything there. It's become my handguide in getting things set up the correct way and understanding exactly why writers need to be out there.

I've heard at many conferences, the need for a social media platform. If you are to that point in your career, and even if you're not, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.

:) :) :) :) :)

Foreword written by NY Times Best-Selling Author Bob Mayer, “I wished there had been a step-by-step guide for writers on how to not only do social media technically, but do it content-wise. This book is the answer to that wish.”

"Kristen Lamb's WE ARE NOT ALONE is a must-read for any writer dealing with the wildly competitive publishing climate. Even if you think you know what you're doing using social media, Kristen's book will teach you how to use all the tools to maximize your author platform and, most of all, SALES! I'm already recommending this book to all my authors!" Gina Panettieri from Talcott Notch Literary

Social Media is more popular than ever. As society becomes more and more technologically advanced, people are seeking new ways to interact. Humans are social creatures. Relationships and community are vital to our survival and our mental and emotional health.

Writers, published and unpublished, fiction and non-fiction are hearing words like platform and brand with increasing frequency as the publishing paradigm shifts into the 21st century. The world around us is changing faster than ever, and publishing is certainly not immune.

There are more opportunities for a new author today than there has been in the entirety of human history. Yet, the flip side of that reality is, with thousands and thousands of authors with books and blogs, how can a writer ever hope to stand apart let alone succeed?

This book will show you how.

There are countless social media experts, but Kristen's system is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of a writer. Take charge of your future today. You have great books to write, and don't have time for rookie mistakes that can cost you years of rebuilding your name, brand, and platform.

Kristen's method is simple, effective, and helps auhors find ways to harness the imaginatin used for writing and employ this creativity to build a solid platform designed to connect with readers. This system is designed to change the writer's approach, not the writer's personality.

And the best part is you have help. Remember, We Are Not Alone.

Altercation by Tamara Hart Heiner--Book Buzzin

ALTERCATION by Tamara Hart Heiner. This one sounds exciting! There are also a bunch for great giveaways on Tamara's blog. Be sure to stop by, leave a comment, and have fun!

The FBI promises Jacinta Rivera and her friends that they are
safe. Jaci wants desperately to believe them but weeks of hiding from
their kidnapper, alias "The Hand", have left her wary. Hidden from the
public eye in an FBI safe house, Jaci must reconcile both the mysterious
disappearance of her father and the murder of her best friend.

A betrayal lands Jaci back in the grasp of The Hand, shattering her
ability to trust and leaving her to wonder if she will ever piece together
her broken life.

What made you decide to become a writer? 

It wasn't really a conscious decision. It was more like, "I have too much 

time on my hands and I'm bored. What can I do to kill time?" That 

always seemed to be what led me to writing until I got it through my 

head that that's what I love doing.

:)

Who inspires you? 

I'm inspired by anyone who can be a mom and pursue their
dreams at the same time. Too many women fit that description to list.

What would you like your readers to get out of your writing? 

I want my readers to become so attached to my characters that 

they can't get them out of their heads. I want the need to know 

them better to become so great that my readers come back 

for more and more, just to see them again.

Where did this idea come from? 

ALTERCATION is the sequel to PERILOUS. I sat and brainstormed so
that I could write the sequel in a way to wrap up the first book while
still having a plot so it could stand on its own.

Who was your favorite character to develop? 

I LOVED developing Seth. He's so bipolar! He'll be sweet and you 

just want to love him, and then he's a nasty jerk and you hate him. 

But it makes those sweet moments even better.

Any advice for aspiring authors? 

Read a lot. Especially in your genre.

What can we expect next from you? 

Good question. I don't have anything else under contract, though 

I've got several projects I'm working on. So, we'll see.

Where can we purchase your book? 

Amazon.com, most bookstores, or my
website. http://tamarahartheiner.com

THANK YOU TAMARA!

The World Of Social Media For Writers

By Bonnie Harris

I’ve been thinking a lot about this topic as of late. I’ve also been reluctant to join the social media sites for years, partly because I don’t like to “jump on the bandwagon.” The decision to join in on the craze happened when I realized that most of the authors I liked had profiles on things like MySpace and Facebook. As an aspiring author, it only made sense that if I wanted to be a successful author, I should be doing what other successful authors do.

So I’ve slowly gotten my feet wet and set up a profile on MySpace and Facebook. I didn’t spend too much time on either site, but I did post book reviews. Then a friend of mine, Tanya Parker Mills, encouraged me to set up a blog and post my reviews there. I followed her advice and that’s how I got my start in the social media world.

From there, I’ve taken classes on networking, creating platforms, and had another realization. The social media websites, i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, and all the other sites out there, are all ways of creating an author platform as well as networking with other writers and readers around the world. And let me tell you, it works.

Here are a few tips that I’ve learned, mostly from Kristen Lamb’s WE ARE NOT ALONE—which I highly recommend to anyone who is wanting to make a name for themselves in the cyberspace world, which really is any author out there, self-published or traditionally published. Stay tuned for my review. :)

One—you have to be online. You can’t just have profiles and update them once in awhile. Be consistent. If you have a blog, make sure you blog at least once a week. Try to make it on the same day so followers will know when to come visit you. As Elana Johnson said in one of her classes, the internet world is very forgiving, but also very forgetful.

Two—return the favor. I’m working on this one. If someone follows you, follow them back. (Twitter, FB, Blogs) If someone comments on something you said, return the favor. I had someone ask me how I keep getting Twitter followers. My answer: follow people. I go out and find people with similar interests and follow them, and if someone follows me, I be sure to follow them back.

Three—choose a few social media sites to participate in. It seems like every few months a new media site pops up. My head spins just thinking about all of them, and if I tried to keep up with all of them, I wouldn’t have time to write. So don’t feel like you have to be on all of them. Pick a couple that work for you and stick to them. Personally, I’m on Facebook, Twitter, my blog, LinkedIn, and Goodreads. Am I active on all of them all the time? No. I keep FB and my blog regularly updated. I’ve also linked my blog posts to FB and Twitter. There are ways to do that and it makes life much easier.

Four—create a brand name. As authors, we want people to recognize our names, not just the title of our books. When at all possible, use your name. For example, my Twitter account is @bonnieharrisaz. My blog is www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com. You can find me on FB under harris.bonnie. When I get my website going, it will have Bonnie Harris in there. That way, people will know my name and when I am published, they will recognize it when they are looking for a good book to read. :)

These are just a few things I’m trying to implement to help build my author platform. I’ve had a few author friends ask if having an online presence really does any good. My answer to that is a resounding YES. I know it takes time and I know it can be a time waster, but if you allot a few minutes a day, you’ll be amazed at the results. We live in an internet world and our readers are closer than ever. I know, as a reader, I get really frustrated when I go to an authors website and the information there is years old. As fickle as this sounds, it makes me not want to read there stuff anymore. If I feel that way and I’m more lenient toward authors, how does a reader feel that wants the information, but can’t find it?

In the end, we want to share what we do. In a world that has everything at their fingertips, we need to be willing to share it by letting people know what we do. Take a look at Kristen Lamb’s blog. It has tons of help on it. Her book helps authors navigate the social media world. And here’s another article by Aimee L Slater about some do’s and don’t’s for authors. In the meantime, Happy Writing!

Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop (INT) 3 winners

Welcome to this stop on the Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop, hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer. There will be 3 winners on my blog. Each winner will receive an ecopy of Victoria Simcox's THE MAGIC WARBLE. Check out my buzz here.

Dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and an evil queen all these and more can be found in The Magic Warble, an enchanting tale of adventure and friendship.

Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself magically transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals and the evil Queen Sentiz.

In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she's honored as ''the chosen one'', the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz's control. But it s not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous ''Magic Warble,'' in its final resting place. And she must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen s ''zelbocks'' before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, as well as an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.

Entering is easy. All you have to do is

• Follow my blog via GFC and/or Networked Blogs (on the left sidebar). Leave me a comment telling me you've done so, with a way to contact you if you win.

Optional enteries

• Follow Victoria's blog. Leave a comment, telling me you've done it.
• "Like" THE MAGIC WARBLE FB page. Leave a comment.
• Follow Vicotria on twitter. Leave a comment.

It is in your best interest to leave SEPERATE comments, as random.org will choose the winners. The winners will be notified and will have 72 hours to respond. Please, have your enteries in by midnight on the 20th. Thanks for stopping by! Happy Reading!

Be sure to stop by other participating blogs.

Garden of the Lost Souls by Erik Olsen--Book Review & Blog Tour

GARDEN OF THE LOST SOULS by Erik Olsen.

Welcome to this stop on the Blog Tour for Erik Olsen's GARDEN OF THE LOST SOULS, hosted by Cedar Fort. Like this first book in this series, it has so much potential. I loved the idea and the characters. The setting is incredible. It's a great, fun read that anyone who likes adventures will love. I would have liked a little bit more conflict, but Erik has a great series on his hands. Take a look an interview he gave us earlier, here.

:):):)

Flin climbed to the top of the Cathedral and was now pinned against the anemone’s ceiling while dozens of enraged Snazzards scaled up after him.
I can’t climb any higher he thought, desperately looking around for any last options. There’s no place left to go! They’re going to get me! Panicked, he jumped and fell hundreds of feet through the air as the ground raced toward him.
“NOOooo…!” he screamed.

After all he’s been through, it seems Flin’s life is finally getting back to normal—well, as normal as you can get when you’re stuck hundreds of miles under the earth’s surface. But in Cobble Cavern, nothing stays normal for long. 

And when Flin and the rest of his classmates are sucked into another adventure, they’ll need more than a little magic to make it out alive. Especially since this time Flin will have to choose between saving an entire village from destruction or rescuing his own best friend! (taken from Goodreads.)

The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox--Book Buzzin'

THE MAGIC WARBLE by Victoria Simcox. Take a look at this one. Sounds fun. Stay tuned for a giveaway beginning on June 15th. They'll be 3 winners. You'll want to stop by.

Dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and an evil queen all these and more can be found in The Magic Warble, an enchanting tale of adventure and friendship.

Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself magically transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals and the evil Queen Sentiz.

In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she's honored as ''the chosen one'', the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz's control. But it s not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous ''Magic Warble,'' in its final resting place. And she must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen s ''zelbocks'' before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, as well as an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.

Have you ever gotten an idea for a book or part of one of your novels from something or somewhere unexpected? 

I would have to say that most of my ideas are unexpected. I rarely plan too far in advance what I'm going to write. My ideas come to me as I write.

Did you always know you would write a novel? Why did you finally decide to write one and when? 

Though I've always been creative, mostly in painting watercolors, I didn't think I would be a writer. It was actually a vision I had while sitting in a movie theater watching a flick the inspired me to start. I only saw the first scene of my story, probably half a page of writing.  Then when I started writing the story, it just started flowing to me.

Is there anything you’d like to go back one year to tell yourself? 

I don't think so. Part of life is to learn from my past mistakes, also I challenge myself to walk by faith and trust that what is to come is meant to be. I believe there is purpose to all I go through whether good or bad, and in the long run it will be to my benefit and make me a stronger person.

Who are the writers who've inspired you the most?

 C.S. Lewis, J.K. Rowling, Lemony Snicket. There are more but these are the first that come to mind.

Was there ever a time you felt like giving up? Why didn't you? 

Sure. There are times when fear tries to creep into my mind and tell me that all I have written and will write in the future is in vain, but the joy of writing, inner inspiration, and fan letters letting me know that they love my story, out weigh the fear.

Who is one person in the past or present who you felt was truly visionary? 

J.K. Rowling: Her mind is labyrinth of creative ideas.

When you were growing up, what did you want to be? 

A zoo keeper; I actually took one of those aptitude tests as an adolescent and zoo keeper is what it suggested I become.  I was like "YES!" this is a sign from God, lol. I've always been a big animal lover. But then when I became a teenager, my passionate love for animals some how mellowed and like most teenybopper girls of the 80s, boys became the main focus.

And the winners are . . .

Thank you so much for all of you that stopped by for the My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop. One of these times I'll have something for everyone. Random.org has chosen the following two winners. Both have been notified. Thanks again and I hope to see you all again soon!

Amber Garcia--TANGLED TIDES
Shauna Buck--GRASPING AT ETERNITY

Another Way To Look At World Building

What is world building?

This may show my naiveté with literary terms, but if I had the misconception, then maybe others have too. What the first thing you think of when I say (or write) the word world building?

Now, let’s see if we’re thinking along the same lines. To me, world building is something that’s done in a fantasy or science fiction novel. The writer gets to create a world where they make the rules. Pigs really could fly, people have magical powers, aliens run the government, you know things like that.

Well . . .

In my writing group, one of the gals commented on my world building. That stopped me, and I had to think about it. World building? Really? I’m writing a YA mystery. That doesn’t have world building in it? Does it?

My ‘aha’ moment came one day while walking with the dog and my son. I guess you could say I had a “world building” moment, because what I was doing that very second could be considered world building. The things our characters do on a daily basis creates the world they live in. Not everyone goes on walks with their dog and baby. Then again if they do, maybe they have two dogs and three kids. That creates a whole different image for me than one dog and one kid. It makes me wonder, what kind of dogs are they? How old are the kids? Are the dogs crazy wild or calm on the leash? Do the kids tease the dogs or chase them?

Anyway, it got my mind whirling with several different books and figuring out how the authors created the world for their characters. After going through those books, I returned to mine, and looked at it from a readers perspective. I created a world where a teenager has to reset a tripwire before closing the fridge and sits on a couch with a weapon hidden in the cushions. I guess that’s not a normal, everyday thing for most people, and in that sense, I just created a different world. It was an amazing moment for me and I appreciate the guidance to the insight.

So, have fun with building your world this week, whether in real life or with your WIP. Either way, Happy Writing!

The List by Melanie Jacobson--Book Review

THE LIST by Melanie Jacobson.

I am not a huge fan of LDS chick lit. Melanie converted me. She is one of my new favorite authors. THE LIST had such wonderful characters, humor, twists, highs, and lows that I couldn't read it fast enough. It had me smiling from the first page to the last. I loved it and can recommend it to any and everyone who loves a good laugh with some romance and fun in the mix. It should definitely be on everyone's "To Read" list.

:) :) :) :) :)

Ashley Barrett doesn’t want to get married. At least, not anytime soon. She doesn’t care how many of her friends and family members and fellow churchgoers had weddings before they finished college — the last thing she needs in her fun-loving twenties is the dead-weight of some guy. And that’s why she created The List. By the time she completes all twenty-five goals — from learning a language to skydiving to perfecting the art of making sushi — she’ll be more ready to settle down. Maybe.

This summer in California is a prime time for Ashley to cross two items off the list: learn to surf (#13) and have a summer romance (#17). And Matt Gibson, the best surf instructor in Huntington Beach and the most wanted guy in the singles ward, is the perfect man for the job. Ashley hatches a plan to love him and leave him before heading off to grad school in the fall (#4, get a master’s degree). But when Matt decides he doesn’t like the “leaving” part, Ashley’s carefully laid plans are turned sideways. Now Ashley faces an unexpected dilemma: should she stick to the safety of The List, or risk everything for a love that may tie her down — or might set her free?

What made you decide to become a writer?

I didn't really decide to become a writer. I've just always been one. Even before I knew how to write, I would stand by my dad's typewriter and dictate stories for him to type up for me. I still have a file of that stuff.

Who inspires you?

I'm inspired by a range of writers. I'd love to emulate Janette Rallison's career.

What would you like your readers to get out of your writing?

I'd love for readers to get some good old-fashioned escapism out of my writing, and I hope a lot of laughs.

Where did this idea come from?

The idea for The List came from my husband. He said, "You know what would be funny? A bucket list, only for someone who wants to do a bunch of stuff before they get married." So I turned it into a book.

Who was your favorite character to develop?

My favorite character in this story to develop was Lauren because she's based on my mom.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

My advice to aspiring writers is to read in your genre and to go to as many workshops and conferences as you can get to. Also, find great critique partners. You aren't limited by geographic. 

What can we expect next from you?

My next book comes out in the fall. It's called SMART MOVE and picks up everyone's favorite character from my third book, TWITTERPATED. 

Where can we purchase your book?

My books are available on Kindle for $9.99 at Amazon or at all Deseret and Seagull bookstores.