Sunday, November 27, 2016

Looking for readers!

I am starting to compile a list of interested readers for advanced chapter copies of my newest work, which is more than halfway complete. If you are reading this, and you are interested (or might know someone interested) in a time travel to ancient Greece involving demigods, please email me at Angela@ParanormallyWeird.com

I'd like to start getting feedback on my work. The chapters will be previously read by my Southern Indiana writers group and my husband. I will send one chapter at a time, and if I get feedback from the reader, I will then send subsequent chapters. Quid pro quo and all that!

I am not looking for fixes in grammar. I am interested in if the chapter captures your interest. Do my characters make sense to you? Are their actions too wacky? (I have a tendency to go a bit overboard, once in a while!) Do you want to read further to find out what happens to everyone?

I look forward to working with my readers!

Sunday, November 20, 2016

My First Author Fair Recap

I was fortunate enough to attend my very first author fair at a local library - Charlestown-Clark Public Library in Indiana last Monday. When I arrived (thirty minutes before the event start), our tables were set up and each table had the name of an author posted.

I was torn between using a table cover, but I noticed no one else utilized one, so I decided to leave it in the car. I don't doubt it would have made the table more finished, but I didn't want to go over the top. I was glad I did some research on helpful items to bring with me.

Here is a list of items:
1. Books to sell - since I am self-published, the location would have no way to obtain my work, so I decided to bring 4 copies of each book.
2. PR materials - book marks with blog/ website and list of books and business cards.
3. Stand up poster - I created a document that consisted of all 4 book covers in 8 x 10 format and set it at front of my table in a plastic holder.
4. ARC sign-up sheet - for people interested in receiving advanced reader copies of chapters. As I am getting feedback from individuals, I will send them more complimentary chapters.
5. Book stands - small stands I bought from Michaels. I used these to hold up each of my books at the front of my table.
6. Printed summaries of each book - to hand out to interested individuals if they would more info on any of my works.
7. Write up on any books not available - I made single copies of description of a book that was in transit and was redirected to Florida right before the my book signing.
8. Nice pen for book signings - quick dry, good grip needed. I used blue ink.
9. "Signed by Author" stickers - just a nice item to have. Creates a finished look and it was a big hit with all the authors that didn't have the sticker.

So, all in all, I was ready for my author signing.  The only thing I really needed was more traffic. I did lurk in the hallway to tell the people entering the library about our book signing. I did get one person to come in that had no affiliation with any author. I took that as a plus.

I am eager for the opportunity for the next book signing, as I really enjoyed sharing the room with other authors.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

I Need Tough Skin... But Not Too Tough

So, you would think after writing four books and working on my fifth, I would be okay with issues that pop-up while in the process of writing. I have to admit, when I first hear I am heading the wrong way, or if what I'm trying to get on paper isn't translating correctly, my first reaction is anger.



I am angry with me for not realizing something isn't right, and possibly, angry at the person that told me. Then a minute later, their words sink in, and I am able to process their constructive criticism. I say to people I yearn for constructive criticism, but it's almost if someone is calling your baby ugly. It takes a while for the red haze to die down, and what is left is a golden egg.

My husband gave me a "crazy" look (includes a weird eye/eyebrow thing) when I told him about my trouble with part of my Greek story. I should have realized this wasn't going to go well. We were eating at Olive Garden and having a nice discussion on what part of the story I was getting wrong. If anyone doesn't know, my husband is a genius in world history, ancient history, and almost every other kind of history.

But after my hands stopped shaking from anger at having my main character's actions get shot down, common sense set in. He was right! After a level headed conversation, I find myself more excited about where this story will be going then before. This opened my mind on how important it is to talk story ideas with people.

Get their ideas or, at least, their feelings on how things are going, especially if you find yourself writing without a strong voice. If you don't know where your character is going, your writing doesn't, either. The next step in this process was to write down our ideas. When we started brain storming, too many ideas were swirling around. I can't remember everything we talked about a day later, and I know it, so I pulled my phone to take notes as we were discussing various ideas.

Mostly, just be willing to tweak (or completely overhaul) your story, if needed. It makes the manuscript better to have fully thought through ideas. Be thankful and appreciative that someone you know is willing to help you design a more cohesive storyline.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

It's November!! National Novel Writing Month!

Where the heck has the time gone???!!  I can't believe it's the 10th of November, and I almost completely forgot about the nanowrimo challenge! This will be my 3rd year at attempting to write 50,000 words for the month of November.

NaNoWriMo
National Novel Writing Month
November 1 - 30, 2016

I've come close to the goal, and maybe this year I will actually make it! It is a great tool to use to help get one off the proverbial "writing couch." This contest isn't judged, it is truly on word count. I do know from personal experience, that having a friend take on the challenge with you helps. It's hard to break down 50,000 words in just 30 days. Some would say it's impossible, but, for me, I've found this really helps speed up my creative juices.

Word count is everything for Nanowrimo. It's not the quality (that comes after your massive writing marathon), it's truly getting words on paper.

So, I'm hoping to see some of you join the craziness, and if you can't this year, put it on your calendars for next year. It truly is an event and how cool is it to tell people you are attempting to write 50,000 words in one month -- unheard of!

Write on, readers!

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Cover for print Immortal Moonlight finally revealed!

Okay, so my huge dilemma about the cover for Immortal Moonlight wasn't such a big deal. I tend to make mountains out of mole hills. Here is the final product and it works extremely well with the 2nd book, Immortal Crusade. I must say Pixabay.com comes in so handy when trying to design my own cover - cost free! I realize having a professionally-made cover would be idea, but I have to start somewhere.


Here it is! Let me know what you think!




Event registration is now open for November 14th author signing

There is now an official registration site for the Southern Indiana Author Signing event at Charlestown-Clark Public library! This will be my first author event.  I will have all four novels available in paperback for purchase for $5 each! Three other authors from our Sellersburg writers group will also be at the signing.  Hopefully it will have a good turnout!

Author Signing
11/14/2016
5:30 PM
Join us Monday, November 14 at the Charlestown Library from 5:30-7:30 pm for a book signing event! Some books may be available for purchase at the event. Registration required. Authors: Chuck E. Ledbetter, Sr., Joanna Foreman, Scott Spoonmore, Brenda Drexler, Grace Click, and Angela McPherson.