IWSG: May & the Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime Release

April went far better than I expected with the A-Z Challenge and my theme, Under the Sea Myths and Legends. For the next several months, I plan on visiting all the blogs I didn't get to in April so I'm looking forward to that. There were hundreds of blogs that signed up so be sure and take a look when you get a chance.

Before I dive into the IWSG for May, I wanted to mention our fearless Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh who created this monthly hop and also give thanks to the people who are co-hosting this month,, E.M.A. Timar, J. Q. Rose, C.Lee McKenzie, and Raimey Gallant. Thanks for all your help!

To learn more about the IWSG program and how it can help your insecurities, visit the website here.

IWSG May

Monthly question:  "Does this season inspire you to write more than others, or not?"

Source

For sure it's a good time as any to write. What I like most about this month is I get some spring cleaning done with my files. Sometimes I find that I need to go back and reorganize things to streamline my writing and reinspire the creative process.  I'll review old chapters and decide if I need to rewrite, add back in or delete completely--that type of thing. Maybe it's the spring cleaning-type of thing in preparing for summer? I don't know. 

Fun Find for Writers

I thought I'd share this little tidbit from Custom-writing.org. Take a look at this link: The Weird Side of Famous Writers when you get a chance.  Here's a snapshot of a couple of the fun and weird facts about some the most famous writers we love. 

Book Release: Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime Release

 Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime is out now. Woot!  Take a look at the book description: 

Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?

Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues, and stay out of danger. Time is wasting...

Get your copy here: Amazon / B&N / / Kobo / Goodreads

That's it for May!

Mina B.

IWSG: AAUGH!

Insecure Writers Support Group has returned for another year of insecurity.  A big thanks to the man who created this phenomenon,  Alex J. Cavanaugh.  This monthly meme is a great way to reflect on your writing insecurities every month so that you can toss them out and focus on the positive stuff.   If you aren't familiar with #IWSG and want to know more,  click here and check it out! 

Lately, I've been doing really great getting back into the swing of things.  I've been able to balance work and family nicely and do a fair amount of writing which has me extremely pleased.  Sometimes there are instances in my life where I recognize a parallel of what's happening in my writing career.  That happened to me recently and I thought I'd share it with you.

On Friday afternoons, I take my kids to the park where they meet up with their friends and play like their lives depended on it. My son has gotten into a routine where he and a handful of other boys play down and dirty football. It always starts out as touch, but then after a good hour it turns more aggressive. These 7,8, and 9-year olds are very serious about their football. It's pretty adorable to watch them call plays. One play I watched had me roaring. I watched my son who was holding the ball steady for the kicker--yeah, we all know the play and the way its supposed to go. But to my absolute shock and slight horror, I watched my son pull a Lucy. Yes, he did. And I never laughed so hard in my life--God love him.

Later I had to explain that he couldn't do that.  I explained that it was okay to be afraid but to pull away like that wasn't good.  "You have to stay tough to support your team," I said, hiding a smile.  He's getting the hang of it, and I'm supporting him along the way.  This brings me back to that parallel in my writing I mentioned.  There are two actually.  In one scenario, I am Charlie Brown, focused on my sole goal of connecting with the ball i.e. my novel and actually launching the darn thing.  Lucy represents my hurdles and the fact that they feel endless when it comes to finalizing things.  The other scenario is--I am both Charlie and Lucy and it's me that keeps screwing things up.  Yeah, it's probably the second one.  *Sigh*  

Can you relate? I find that writing these ridiculous thoughts down does help.  Thank you IWSG for all the love and support.  I saw this image and thought of you.  In case you haven't guessed, I'm good ol' Chuck and ISWG is the ultimate BFF, Snoopy.  

What type of insecurities are you faced with this month?  

Mina B.

IWSG: Don't Ever Give Up!

It's time for Insecure Writers Support Group.  This monthly meme is brought to us by  Alex J. Cavanaugh and now has a new home.  If you haven't visited their new website, click here and check it out! 

I'll keep my post short. Like most writers, I've had way too much going on.  To give you an example, it's 11:30 at night here and right now I'm trying to write a compelling post.  *Smacks forehead*  That's just the way it goes, huh?  
Anyway, my insecurities this month--which seem to be a common theme for the year--are surrounding my novel and some setbacks I have had.  This is not necessarily a bad thing but it has caused some insecurity for me. That said, I haven't dwelt on that insecurity for too long.  In truth, finding time is my biggest challenge with my writing these days.  Do hurdles like this make a writer want to give up?  It used to, but I realized a long time ago that this whole writing process is a journey so I'm doing my best to enjoy the ride.

And no I haven't given up either.  To show you I haven't I thought I'd share this writers creed with you:

Have you seen this before?  It's perfect for the publishing industry, huh?  Can you guess which one's publishing and which one's me?  Can you relate?  What type of insecurities are you faced with this month?  

Mina B.

Insecure Writers Support Group: Why not?

It's October and time for another Insecure Writers Support Group.   This monthly meme is brought to us by non other than  Alex J. Cavanaugh.  Thank you Alex for giving us an outlet to release our demons.  This month Alex has enlisted these fine folks, Julie Luek, Rachna Chabria, Beverly Fox, and Ilima Todd!   Thanks guys!  Don't forget to visit our awesome IWSG helpers.  Oh, and use the hashtag, #IWSG.

Like most aspiring writers, I tend to get an exorbitant amount of unsolicited advice from publishing firms, agents, writer acquaintances,  blogs and so forth.  For the first few stories I wrote, many harangued me with sometimes subtle but mostly damaging statements like “You can’t do this,” or “You can’t do that.” 

As I embarked on my writing adventure, I took copious notes on what was expected.  And so what happened after that?  Well, this list grew and grew to the point of nausea.  Don’t get me wrong there was a ton of excellent advice I found along the way.  Honestly though, there was also a ton that I found crippling.  Soon after, I grew more and more insecure.  To give you an example, here are a few lists of "You can'ts" that I heard when writing my YA novel.   

1. You can’t self-publish.  
2. You can’t be that graphic in a YA novel. 
3. You can’t have prologues in novels.
4. You can’t write about religion like that. 
5. You can’t write about personal stuff. 
6. You can’t have character be evil and then good.
7. You can’t make a plot rule and then break it.
8. Oh, and my favorite...You can’t write about vampires.

Well, as you can see the list goes on and on.  I felt like not matter where I turned, I was incapable of making these rule-makers happy.  After a couple of years, I realized that the growing expectation from others wasn't worth all the hype I’d given it.  In fact, it wasn't worth much at all.  The truth is when you constantly have people tell you, “You can’t do this or that,” it stifles the creativity. 

Soon I realized my best course was to ask the inevitable…Why not?  Now that I understand much more about myself, using this tactic has helped me stave off the naysayers and focus on what’s most important….the story.  

If you want to write about a purple elephant who possess magical farts, then by all means write about it.  As the owner of any story, what’s most important is you have total control from the beginning to end so make it a great one.  Write a story that way you want to and don't listen to every little bit of crap out there.  

Have you ever been plagued by this type of insecurity?  Did you fall in line or did you eventually break from the crowd?

Mina B.

Publishing Tips

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley posted some great advice steps for self-publishing on Facebook over the weekend.  I honestly have never seen a traditional and successful author provide such extensive insight into the self-publishing process.  I found it refreshing.  Anyway, Jennifer is one of my favorite authors and if you missed it check out my author interview I did with her a few years back.  If you've read any of her Mackenzies novels, then you understand why I have such a obsession for men in kilts.  Don't believe me?  Check my eye candy on Pinterest and know that I owe it all to Jen.    

Jennifer Ashley on Facebook: Here is her post that I copied and pasted below.  

Steps to self-publishing (backlist or new titles): I thought I'd give you a brief explanation as to what I have to do to get out a title on Kindle / Nook / print so you know why it takes a bit of time.

1. Write the book (takes the most time :-))
2. Revise / edit / proofread--both myself and hired editors / proofreaders
3. Cover: Give cover designer information about the book, and work with her for a design and look
4. Write blurb that is succinct and concise, makes the book sound interesting and doesn't give too much away (shorter is better). This is one of the harder tasks!
5. Once book is proofed, format
6. I use html coding in Notepad to format my books. Make one file for Kindle, one for Nook, one for Kobo, one for All Romance Ebooks (each different so Nook books don't have links to Kindle and so forth).
7. Using Callibre, I convert each file to mobi, epub (and whatever is needed).
8. Gather cover files, formatted books, blurb, and whatever other info I need.
9. Upload books, covers, blurbs, reviews, whatever to Nook, then to Kindle, then to Kobo. (Each takes however long to publish from there).
10. Format the original Word file of the book for Smashwords (doc file). Got to Smashwords, upload book, cover, etc.
11. Format original Word file to make a PDF file for All Romance Ebooks.
12. Upload epub, pdf, and mobi files to all romance ebooks along with cover, blurb, excerpt, subject heading, bio etc.
13. As books go "live" update website to include links to book at various vendors.
14. Once all vendors are live, send out newsletter, post to blog, and announce on FB and Twitter.
15. If print: Format original Word file into PDF.
16. Give word count to cover designer and get full back / front / spine cover from her.
17. Upload final cover, book, description, etc to CreateSpace.
18. When notified that proof is ready (usually 1-2) days, download proof or order print proof.
19 Final proofread.
20. Make changes and re-upload, or ok print book as is.
21. Update website, blog, send out newsletter / announce on FB / Twitter
22. Pour large glass of wine, take bubble bath, and sleep for two days.

Great tips, huh?  

Book Feature:  L. Diane Wolfe's How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now!

After posting the tips above, I also wanted to feature L. Diane Wolfe's How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now!  I loved that Diane did this.  So many authors really need help navigating themselves through this process, including me.  See Diane's book description and get some incredible facts before you take the plunge.

Publishing and promoting made simple! Have you always dreamed of publishing a book but didn't know where to begin? This book walks you through the steps of identifying markets, budgeting, building an online presence, and generating publicity. Get the whole story on: • Traditional publishing • Self-publishing • Print and e-book setup, formatting, and distribution • Finding your target audience • Generating reviews and media interest • Networking and developing an online presence • Promotional materials and appearances Uncover your ideal publishing path and numerous marketing options before you begin. Writing is your dream. Give it the best chance for success! A member of the National Speakers Association, author L. Diane Wolfe offers in-depth seminars on publishing and promoting. Known as "Spunk On A Stick" to her fans, the author resides in North Carolina. "With a positive attitude, any goal can be achieved!"

That's some great advice, huh?  Have you checked out Diane's book yet?  Are you a fan of Jennifer Ashley?  What about men in kilts?

Mina B.

IWSG: Losing My Sh**

I can't believe its been a month since our last session of  Insecure Writers Support Group. Before I dump my woes on you, I have to thank  Alex for being probably one of the best support networks a writer can have in the lonely world of publishing.  Thank you, Alex. 


For this month's IWSG I decided to discuss the importance of backing up all your writing files, even the small ones you may overlook.   *Sigh*  I made significant progress with my YA novel over the last month, but unfortunately hit a major hurdle.  Because I'm an idiot, I lost an important file I was compiling over the last month.  I'm so pissed at myself; I could scream.  I knew better and should have never made the rookie mistake by not backing up that particular file.  Damn me!   What type of file?  A stupid sticky note file.  

Go ahead and say it..."Dumb a**."   I'm once again reminded what a jerk I can be at times. *Shakes head*  I've tried everything to restore the file, and I've finally given up.  I've been able to salvage some pieces of data, but that's the extent of it.  *Bangs head on wall.*

Is there a silver lining to losing my sh**?  Yes. This crappy situation has prompted me to change a poor process that I was using.  No more using sticky notes!  They suck, just like I do right about now.  I'm also backing up my work once more to make sure I haven't missed anything.

Has this ever happened to you? Hey, at least it wasn't my novel right? Thank god for small miracles.

What's going on with you this month?  

Mina B.

Book Review & Giveaway: Social Media Just for Writers by Frances Caballo

Today I'm reviewing Frances Caballo's Social Media Just For Writers. Get your pencils ready, writer buddies, because you're gonna want to take some notes.  Being a writer is tough enough without having to worry about building a brand online.  Whether you're traditionally or self-published, writers must actively engage their readers with social media.  It's just the way it is, folks and its not going to change anytime soon.

When I started my journey as a writer, I already had a solid knowledge of social media so it was a bit easier for me.  But for some authors, social media is like an intimidating abyss--much like the publishing industry these days.  Nevertheless, it doesn't have to be.  

So you have to create an online platform to build a presence, huh?  Did your publisher, agent or sister tell you to start a blog or get on Facebook?  Now what?  Are you frustrated with your current platform and feel it needs to be revamped?  Or are you just trying to figure our another way to sell your books?  If you said yes to any of these questions, then Social Media Just For Writers is the book for you.

What I liked best about this book was how it was organized.  Caballo breaks down every social media platform starting with the mother of all networks, Facebook.  She walks you through the "must haves" of this monster network and I thought it was really good advice.  She discusses  Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Blogs etc... explaining a host of vital information ranging from profile setup to recommended applications and strategies.  The list goes on and on.  After I read the book, I found myself going back and reviewing different chapters and testing a few tips on my own.  And yes, they worked!  That's when I realized what a great resource it was.  

Let's face it, social media can be fun, but also overwhelming at times.  And what's worse is most of these social networks have poor help/support for general or even complex inquires.  I found this to be another reason why this book is a great reference tool.  For the novice, it makes for a great guide.  For the intermediate or even expert social media person, it provides some great suggestions and perspective--things you may have never known about or considered.

Social Media Just For Writers is available on Amazon or for more information you can check out Caballo's website and social networks: Facebook page, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.As an added bonus, Caballo has graciously donated a free copy to one (1) lucky winner. WAHOO! Who doesn't love free sh**? 
Update! Congrats to Carl S. for winning a copy of Caballo's Social Media Just For Writers!   Winners are selected by the reputable Random.org via Rafflecopter.  The winner will be notified by email and will have 72 hours to respond.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


So, what about you? Think you could learn a thing or two from Frances? Have any questions you want to ask me? 


Mina B.

Cheers, Cavanaugh BlogFest

Welcome to the “Cheers, Cavanaugh BlogFest hosted by Mark Koopman, Morgan Shamy, Stephen Tremp, and David Powers King, the BlogFest runs from December 10 - 12. 

1.  Alex's Description
I believe Alex is a tall, physically-fit man with a youthful disposition.  His preferred attire is a worn pair of Levis 501's that he wears with Rush concert t-shirt that he purchased during their Bones tour over twenty years ago.  His favorite pastime is a toss up between jamming on his Gibson with his band-mates, heading to the theater with his beloved wife or riding on the never-ending blogging train supporting his ever-increasing ninja tribe.           


2.  Who could play Alex in a documentary? (Living or dead.)
Mathew Fox, the star of cult favorite, Lost, would be my pick to play Alex.  Am I right, ladies?  I think Alex would approve.  Yes?  No?  What do you think?

3.  I'm not sure if I've ever met anyone like Alex.  He feels like a big brother to me which may sound ridiculous but that's what I think.  He's supportive, loyal and is as true as a friend as you could have realistically online.  He's someone you look up to and aspire to be like.  

4.  My FF about Alex - it's well over 100 words, but I had fun writing it.

The phone rang as Alex types the last sentence for tomorrow’s blog post. He answered the phone not paying attention to the caller.

"Hello?"

"Alex Cavanaugh, please," an unknown male voice carried across the line.

"This is." Alex replied.

"Is this Alex J. Cavanaugh, author of the sci-fi Cassa series?"

"Yes, can I ask who is call-"

Alex was cut off by the caller. "And also Casa Storm?"

"Yes, but-"

"And the Ninja Captain of hoards of writer/blogger minions?"

"Yes-"

"The creator of the IWSG," the caller stopped to howl on the other line, "Insecure Writer's Support Group. I love that one, by the way. Where were you when I started my career back in the 60s?"

"I have no idea. May I ask who this is?" Alex said.

"You may. I've just read your series, and I really enjoyed them. I actually have a call into your publisher to get my hands on Cassa Storm. They won't release a copy to me until they have spoken to you--which is why I'm calling."

Alex attempted to speak, but the caller continued.

"I like your Cosbolt pilot, Bryon too. I must know what's in store for him. You by chance don't have an agent do you?"

"No."

"Well, there's plenty of time for that. You see, I've recently sold my baby--something I've treasured my entire life. Now I'm in need of a new project."

Alex stops the caller. "I'm sorry. Who is this again?"

"Lucas. George Lucas."

And that was just the beginning for Alex. No amount of writing or guitar playing could have prepared him for that phone call. The rest was history.

***
I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did.  You're such an inspiration, Alex.  I wish nothing but crazy, inconceivable success and happiness for you!

Mina B.

Book Feature: The Mistaken by Nancy S. Thompson

As part of the Writers4Writers, the group led by Stephen Tremp, Mary Pax, C.M. Brown, and Christine Raines, I'm participating in a special book feature for author/blogger, Nancy S. Thompson.  Go Nancy!

Sapphire Star Publishing recently released Nancy's suspense novel in October.  The book is titled The Mistaken and is getting killer buzz on the blogosphere.  Here's the book description.

All Tyler Karras wants is to enjoy life with his expectant bride; what he gets instead is a graveside seat at her funeral. With the woman who killed her uncharged and still free, all Ty wants now is revenge. His brother, Nick, has dangerous connections and suggests a sadistic plan: grab the woman responsible and hand her over to his associates—sex-traffickers in San Francisco’s Russian Mafia. They offer Ty more than he dreamed possible. In exchange for the woman, they’ll finally let his brother leave the business for good—with his debt wiped clean and his heart still beating.

There’s just one problem: Ty kidnaps the wrong woman.

Now he must protect her from the very enemy he’s unleashed, but the Russians are holding Nick as leverage to force Ty to complete their deal. Caught in a no-win situation, Ty must find a way to save himself, his brother, and the woman, but with the Russian Mafia, even two out of three makes for very long odds.

***

Sounds good, huh? You can purchase a copy at the following locations:

Amazon & Barnes & Noble

But wait...there's more!

Nancy is currently doing a giveaway for one signed copy of her novel, The Mistaken.  
Visit Goodreads to enter!  Contest runs until December 12th.

Have you read this book?  Do you know Nancy?  You can find her on FB or follow her on Twitter.

Have a great day!

Mina B.

IWSG: Art Imitating Life

Welcome to another month of Insecure Writers Support Group!  Special thanks Alex for creating this growing group.  First, I'd like to start with an update.  I've made incredible progress editing one of my novels.  I write when I can, but I'm attempting to get my YA novel in the best possible shape (again) before sending it to an editor who will rip it to shreds, no doubt one more time.  Insecurities aside, I'll keep you posted on my progress.


On another note, I can across a segment by 60 min.  It was a powerful piece and a political one too on generation prisoners in North Korea.   Have you ever heard of such a thing?  I wanted to feature this today, because as I watched, it felt so foreign I swore I was reading a page out of history or better yet, a fictional novel--one with an oppressive government, deadly prisons, murdered children and people oblivious to the world and humanity around them.  I decided to feature this impactful video not to depress you, but to remind you where much of our art comes from--real-life history.  Please take the time to view this video.  It struck a vital cord with me.  I bet it does the same for you.


North Korean prisoner escaped after 23 brutal years, December 2, 2012 4:42 PM
Born in a prison camp, Shin Dong-hyuk describes how three generations of a family are incarcerated if one family member is considered disloyal. Anderson Cooper reports.North Korean prisoner escaped after 23 brutal years

Mina B.

NaNoWrMo 2012 - Progress Anyone?

I was off to an excellent start with National Novel Writing Month.  I wrote a little over 10,000 words and mostly ironed out plot issues.  This might not seem very much, but plot issues were killing my progress for my novel.  Now I can think clearer, and the words flow easier since the harmony has returned. 

That said, the progress I had was halted, and I'm not even half way through the month.  Damn!  Sometimes life overwhelms us with its untimely incidents, which is precisely what happened to me.  Both of my kids collided in a freak accident which has led to two trips to the ER, several trips to the dentist and of course, the pediatrician.  No worries, everyone is fine but this cat lost a life or two that's for sure. Between work, missed school and good lord anything else that comes with that, I'm certain of one thing only: minimal progress for NaNoWrMo.  Oh well...  

I decided to write this post to find out if others are struggling with nanowrimo progress.  I think it wouldn't be so bad if it weren't the end of the year.  For some reason, I feel a bit sullen that 2012 is almost over.  I think it's because the remainder of my year is planned out extensively, which gives me little time for editing and probably less for writing.  Oh well...

On another note, I'm curious how others are using NaNoWrMo to network and write.  Has anyone else met with their group?  Or do you have plans to attend a Write In?  Unfortunately, with work and my family, I don't have the time to attend one.  Still, the plan is to keep trying, right?

Have a fabulous week and don't forget to stop by on Friday for I Miss You Blogfest!
Mina B.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group - Adverbly!

Insecure Writers Support Group, brought to you by Alex Cavanaugh, is here today.  I've been editing some of my previous works and thought I'd get your perspective.  Are you a lover or hater of adverbs?  Have you ever watched School House Rock?  If so...Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, Get Your Adverbs here!

To be honest, I'm not too insecure about this topic.  Still, we're expunging demons here with the IWSG post, right?  That said, I have  *clears throat*  misused adverbs before.  *Ducks for cover*  I know, I know.  Stop throwing sh** at me.  I'm not perfect and yes, I use "ly" adverbs.    

I know many writers aren't adverb fans, but kill me for saying this, I actually don't mind "ly" adverbs.  Dare I say, even in dialogue I don't mind them.  The best post I've read about using adverbs in dialogue was written by Nathan Bransford almost a year ago.  For me, I don't identify my mistakes until I'm in the editing phase.  And when I come across a "ly" word, I focus on whether or not I truly do need it in the sentence.  If not, then I do what Twain recommended...I kill it.  

How about you?  Do you like or hate adverbs?  Do you have a trick to keep your adverb use in check?

Mina B.

Insecure Writers Support Group: Editing Hell

Thank God Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writers Support Group is here.  Hopefully with this post, I'll vanquish some of my writer demons.  This past month I had so much to be insecure about, I don't know where to start.  Between work and family obligations, I had little time to write.  And then there's the blogging part, which, frankly, I'm incredibly burnt out.  It's all about maintaining balance in our everyday lives and sometimes when I have hoards of to-dos on your list that I attempt too much and accomplish little.  In the case of my writing, I've spent a good portion of my time--when I had it--writing a little, but mostly...editing.  

I know editing is a crucial part of writing, but truthfully I struggle with it.  Does it ever end?  Sometimes I obsess over words, sentences, scenes, chapters, and plots so much I want to... 

And then just when I finish editing/revising a chapter, act or even a novel, a sort of peace and tranquility burgeons within.  Everything is right in my universe, and I am calm and ready to forge ahead. 

Of course, less than 24 hours later, I'm back at square one--stuck in editing hell, double-checking my edits, doubting my revisions and creating new ideas to add to the plot.  WTF?  Can someone prescribe me some good drugs for my sick inclination towards OCD writing, cuz right now....I think I'm going nucking futs!  

I feel better now.  Do any of you suffer from this type of relentless editing like it's never-ending.  Do you have any advice?  Tricks?  After you edit, do you have another person reedit your work or do you rely solely on your critique partner.  Does it ever end?

Mina B.