Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts

11.28.2024

Write Fearless. Edit Smart. Get Published. ~ Review


Write Fearless. 
     Edit Smart. 
         Get Published. 
            A Master Class for Fiction Writers 
By Lisa Mangum

This is the book you'll want on your desk as a go to if you have questions about some of the basics of writing. I enjoyed getting some background on the author's past and qualifications on this topic. 

No one writer has the same weaknesses or strengths and this one addresses so many situations that we face. I loved how there are examples showing not just telling me the rules of puncuation. As everyone knows commas can be especially pesky depending on how they are used. Though this for fiction writers I don't think it needs be limited, but would be a handy guide to anyone who writes in any manner.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Wherever you are in your author’s journey, this book is like teaming up with a personal writing coach who has more than a quarter of a century of editorial and publishing advice.

Thousands of writers—from first-time authors to #1 New York Times best-selling authors—have learned from Lisa Mangum’s masterful literary advice and inspiration. Now she’s collected the best of her writing and editing tips in this helpful book that covers the entire writing and querying process, from nurturing a story idea all the way to submitting a polished manuscript.

In the first half of the book, Lisa guides readers through the various steps of the writing process, including starting the story in the right place, developing characters with high-stake goals, mapping character relationships for increased conflict, and introducing tension and plot twists. She also shares tips and tricks for nailing a satisfying ending as well as helping authors discover their own unique voice that can help them break through writer’s block.

With her decades of experience, Lisa then takes writers on a behind-the-scenes tour of the many levels of editing, including a handy flowchart that unravels the mystery of where the commas go in a sentence.

Finally, she helps writers prepare to “get published” by deconstructing what makes a query letter catch an editor’s eye and how to answer the all-important question: “What’s your book about?”

Packed with Lisa’s own personal stories of encouragement and inspiration, Write Fearless. Edit Smart. Get Published. is a literary adventure that’s as fun as it is informative.

7.11.2024

The Novel Matrix ~ Review

The Novel Matrix

The Complete Novel Writing Guide
By Brad Pauquette

As anyone who has written a book will tell you it is a big deal. Writing takes work, dedication, and time. But how do you plan and structure the story you want to write so you can go from point A to point B?

In The Novel Matrix author Brad Pauquette calls upon his years of experience helping writers do just that and presents them in this book. I loved how he stated that story in your vehicle to change the world. And this book gives you the tools and knowledge to create your vehicle.

This book provides you with an understanding of the structure and elements you need understand to create a universe in which your story and the characters who live within it will come alive. This is the recipe for creating your story, it is up to you, the writer to follow it. 

This book is a resource you'll want to have readily on hand to refer to as you'll want to refer to it throughout your writing journey. If you are in a writing group this will be a resource you'll want to share with your fellow writers - it provides good information in an easy to follow language that won't scare you away from the written page you are about to create.

I was provided a complimentary ARC of this title with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Available to purchase at https://amzn.to/3zJE3j8 

About the Book:

Spoiler: There’s no secret code for writing a bestselling novel.

But there are fundamental principles of story structure that will make your novel work.

Once you understand these fundamentals, writing a novel transforms from a chaotic, enigmatic roller coaster into a succinct and sensible process.

Whether you’re a new writer or you’ve written several manuscripts, if you’re not yet achieving what you’d like to achieve with your writing—
The Novel Matrix is for you. Hundreds of authors just like you have used this remarkable system to begin and improve their novel writing.

What is a matrix? A matrix is either the natural substance in which something forms, or it can be an interrelated system of information. 
The Novel Matrix is both.

The Novel Matrix explores the natural principles of storytelling that humans instinctively understand and expect in great stories. This is the foundation from which great artwork is born.

The Novel Matrix also relates plot, characters, conflict, and setting together in a way that no other craft book has done. Written in simple, nonacademic language, this is the honest, elegant solution for long-form storytelling you’ve been waiting for.

Armed with this information, you’ll never begin another novel manuscript only to abandon it partway through the writing.

Never again will you completely overhaul a novel manuscript because it just doesn’t 
work, but you have no idea why.
The solution is 
The Novel Matrix.

As one writing student put it, “
The Novel Matrix makes novel-writing scandalously simple.” Don’t start another project without it.

3.15.2024

Chapter 3 of Yours, Mine, and Hours is now available to read!

 

You may or may not be aware that I have been taking part in the Story of the Month club for the last two years. 

What's the Story of the Month?

Well, I'm glad you asked. It is a collaboration between several authors to provide new and exciting stories for you to enjoy for free. Last year (2023), four authors wrote three stories each, and each month, one of them was offered online for readers to enjoy at their leisure. 

This year, Michelle Francik and I decided to do something different. We are collaborating to write a story, a chapter per month, with each of us alternating chapters (and months). So far, we have been having a blast seeing just where the story is going next because until we get the next chapter from one another, we don't know either.

Chapter three of Yours, Mine, and Hours is now available for you to read at Chapter 3 - Phoebe

You missed the first two chapters? That's no problem; they are available to read at Story of the Month 2024. And the best part is the reading is still free!

9.22.2023

The Art of Writing

Art of Writing JustRead Takeover Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Art of Writing 2023 webinars, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You are Invited

The Art of Writing 

Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. CT 

online October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9

This virtual conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators includes access and recordings to four webinars organized by publishers.

Session One: Dispelling the Myths Around Christian Fiction Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m. central Kelsey Bowen, Jamie Lapeyrolerie, Rachel McMillan

Kelsey Bowen Jamie Lapeyrolerie Rachel McMillan

Christian fiction is alive and well and this will be a great opportunity to hear more. Join a panel of publishing experts as they dispel myths surrounding this genre. This session will encourage you to replace unsettling rumors with exciting truths and be reminded of the unique and powerful place that Christian storytelling has in our world. 
 
Session Two: How Great Books Can Improve Your Novel and Your Life 
Thursday, October 26, 7 p.m. central 
Claude Atcho, Jamie Lapeyrolerie

Claude Atcho Jamie Lapeyrolerie

This session will provide dynamic conversation with authors and publisher sharing great works that provide excellent examples of authentic scenes, character arcs, characters with varying life experiences, and more -- to help you write a really great book. Come away with a few must-reads and a list of excellent writing examples to inspire your own craft. 

Session Three: Publishing Doesn’t Have to Terrify You! 
Thursday, November 2, 7 p.m. central 
Stephanie Broene, Tamela Hancock Murray, Barb Roose, Laura Wheeler

Stephanie Broene Tamela Hancock Murray Barb Roose Laura Wheeler

Writing a book is only the beginning of the publishing process and it can feel overwhelming. After you sign a contract or decide to self-publish, what comes next? With a panel of publishing experts, we’ll cover publishing aspects everyone needs to know, such as: How do I get endorsers? If I need an authenticity reader, where do I start? How can an agent help me in the process? If I’m just starting to build a platform, what should I focus on? Come away with tips and tricks that cover all areas of publishing! 

Session Four: Going Deep with Award-Winning Authors 
Thursday, November 9, 7 p.m. central 
Patricia Raybon, Steven James, Becky Wade

Patricia Raybon Steven James Becky Wade

Hear and learn from the life songs of three award-winning authors who will weave their real-life tales about writing fiction later in life, moving from nonfiction to fiction, then gaining a “seat” in the Christy Hall of Fame. Find out what motivates them, how they stay inspired, and what encouragement they have to pass on to fellow writers. Patricia, Sean, and Becky will provide a peek into their world to help you, with pen in hand.

Added Bonus

All registrants to the Art of Writing sessions can opt to “add-on” a publisher consult. Choose one or more of these small group sessions with a publisher: Pitch & Publish, Ask Me Anything, Strengthen Your Proposal & Get Your Foot in the Door, Calling All Debut Authors. Time/dates are determined based on attendee and moderator schedules. Space is limited. First come, first served.

Learn More about The Art of Writing 2023 Webinar Series


Register

Save the dates for The Christy Award Finalists Webcast & Winners Gala Webcast on October 12 and November 16, respectively. Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA's Jeff Crosby will be announcing the 2023 finalists on October 12 at 11 a.m. CT. Janette Oke, Davis Bunn, and other award-winning novelists will be featured and winners announced during the 2023 Winners Gala Webcast on November 16 at 7 p.m. CT. The Christy Award webcasts are free but registration is required.

Chris Fabry Janette Oke Davis Bunn

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

Register Now for The Art of Writing & The Christy Award web events


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Art of Writing JustRead Takeover Blitz Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 27, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

10.10.2022

Art of Writing ~ Blog Blitz

Art of Writing Conference JustRead Takeover Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for the 
Art of Writing Conference organized by ECPA, 

A QUICK NOTE ABOUT THE CHRISTY AWARD FINALISTS

Christian fiction fans are invited to register and watch the free webcast announcement of The Christy Award finalists in each category live on October 11 at 11 am (CDT), featuring award-winning novelist and radio host Chris Fabry and ECPA president Jeff Crosby.

Registration is available at ecpa.org/event/Christy22Finalists


ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The Art of Writing conference will be held from 12:30-5 pm (CDT) on November 17 at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN, and is designed to bring Christian writers, creatives, storytellers, and publishing curators together for a half-day of intensive seminars that: celebrate the creative life while recognizing the weariness; provide practical tips for engaging in a rapidly-changing industry; introduce challenges to become better writers; and answer the questions authors are asking.

The four-session conference will bring together writers, creatives, and publishing curators for training and connection around these topics presented by industry experts, authors, and publishers:

Carrie Schmidt Kelsey Bowen Cynthia Ruchti Jamie Lapeyrolerie

What Makes a Gush-Worthy Book with book reviewer Carrie Schmidt, Revell senior acquisitions editor Kelsey Bowen, author and agent Cynthia Ruchti, and WaterBrook editor Jamie Lapeyrolerie.

Edwina Perkins Deborah Gonzalez Dorena Williamson

Jeff Crosby Jevon Bolden

How Reading Diverse Books Makes Us Better Authors and Humans with a panel of writers, agents, and publishers including Edwina Perkins, Deborah Gonzalez, Dorena Williamson, Jeff Crosby, and Jevon Bolden who share their own stories and best practices through this approach

Emilie Haney Kristi Ann Hunter

To Tok or Not to Tok with reel pros Emilie Haney (pen name Bell Renshaw) and author/ podcaster Kristi Ann Hunter

Carolyn Weber

When Weary & Discouraged: How We Can Care for Our Writing Souls with author Carolyn Weber, whose debut book Surprised by Oxford, is being made into a feature film

REGISTER: The Art of Writing conference $99 | The Art of Writing conference + The Christy Awards Gala Bundle $139  

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive their choice of one ticket to the Art of Writing conference OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles from one category!

Art of Writing Conference JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 10, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 17, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


REGISTER FOR THE CHRISTY AWARD 2022 EVENTS

The Christy Award Finalist Reveal Webinar on October 11 at 11 am CT FREE 
Christian fiction fans are encouraged to watch the announcement live!
SIGN UP

Art of Writing on November 17, 12:30-5 pm at Lipscomb University in Nashville $99
A conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators.

The Christy Award Gala on November 17, 7-9 pm at Lipscomb University in Nashville $89
Celebrate this year's finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

Bundle the Art of Writing Conference & The Christy Award Gala $139

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

9.14.2018

Sale of Write-Publish-Profit ending today

From Obscurity to Highly 

Paid Bestselling Author

41 cutting-edge e-books, e-courses, 
and other resources to help you 
fulfill your dreams of becoming
a bestselling author!

What is the Write-Publish-Profit Super Stack?

It's a curated selection of premium resources and tools, including e-books, e-courses, software, and coupons. It includes 35+ contributors across a broad range of the self-publishing space.

The combined retail value of everything in the stack is almost $3000.00, but you get everything for a humongous 96% off!

This is one of the best compilation of resources I've ever seen for writers and self-publishers.

When is this sale happening?

For a very limited time from September 10 to 14. After the “Flash Sale” is over, this deal is gone.

Who is this resource for?

Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, are just starting out or are attempting to take your already successful writing career to the next level, there’s tons of cutting-edge up-to-the-minute content here for you.

What kind of resources are included?

I don’t even know where to start telling you about the depth of information they’ve compiled… but here’s a quick list of just some of the info that’s included:

Derek Doepker shows you how to discover the insider strategies used to launch a book that sold over 631 copies in only 5 days. You’ll find out how a bestselling author goes from just a vague book idea to proven concept, to bestselling book in today's extremely competitive kindle market... including strategies even total newbie authors can use

Jonathan Green tells you how to get paid upfront as a writer for hire, and how to find the most loyal (and lucrative) clients. He also shares his best strategies as a ghostwriter, and how he’s able to write 5,000 words every day before lunch.

Matt Stone (aka Buck Flogging) shares his definitive course on e-mail list building for authors. Find out the exact steps one of the web’s top list building experts uses to rapidly build a list of raving fans in any niche or genre.

Tom Morkes, founder of Insurgent Publishing, is including access to what many consider the premier self-publishing and bestseller book launch platform in the world: “Publishers Empire.” Inside, Tom shares step-by-step tutorials on how to create, package, and launch your book, even if you're starting from scratch (these are the same strategies his clients, authors, and students have used to land on the New York Times, WSJ, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists).

C.S. Lakin gives you access to her book called “Crank it Out” that will show you once and for all how to hack through the excuses, bad habits, and distractions that block your way from becoming the writer you know you're capable of becoming.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! There’s 30 more full-length courses and e-books!

You have nothing to lose by checking it out.


But before you go, help us spread the word about this awesome opportunity by entering the giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card:

Giveaway ends Sept 14, 2018 at 11:59 pm.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

9.11.2018

Write-Publish-Profit Super Stack

From Obscurity to Highly Paid Bestselling Author

41 cutting-edge e-books, e-courses, and other resources to help you fulfill your dreams of becoming
a bestselling author!

What is the Write-Publish-Profit Super Stack?

It's a curated selection of premium resources and tools, including e-books, e-courses, software, and coupons. It includes 35+ contributors across a broad range of the self-publishing space.

The combined retail value of everything in the stack is almost $3000.00, but you get everything for a humongous 96% off!

This is one of the best compilation of resources I've ever seen for writers and self-publishers.

When is this sale happening?

For a very limited time from September 10 to 14. After the “Flash Sale” is over, this deal is gone.

Who is this resource for?

Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, are just starting out or are attempting to take your already successful writing career to the next level, there’s tons of cutting-edge up-to-the-minute content here for you.

What kind of resources are included?

I don’t even know where to start telling you about the depth of information they’ve compiled… but here’s a quick list of just some of the info that’s included:

Derek Doepker shows you how to discover the insider strategies used to launch a book that sold over 631 copies in only 5 days. You’ll find out how a bestselling author goes from just a vague book idea to proven concept, to bestselling book in today's extremely competitive kindle market... including strategies even total newbie authors can use

Jonathan Green tells you how to get paid upfront as a writer for hire, and how to find the most loyal (and lucrative) clients. He also shares his best strategies as a ghostwriter, and how he’s able to write 5,000 words every day before lunch.

Matt Stone (aka Buck Flogging) shares his definitive course on e-mail list building for authors. Find out the exact steps one of the web’s top list building experts uses to rapidly build a list of raving fans in any niche or genre.

Tom Morkes, founder of Insurgent Publishing, is including access to what many consider the premier self-publishing and bestseller book launch platform in the world: “Publishers Empire.” Inside, Tom shares step-by-step tutorials on how to create, package, and launch your book, even if you're starting from scratch (these are the same strategies his clients, authors, and students have used to land on the New York Times, WSJ, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists).

C.S. Lakin gives you access to her book called “Crank it Out” that will show you once and for all how to hack through the excuses, bad habits, and distractions that block your way from becoming the writer you know you're capable of becoming.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! There’s 30 more full-length courses and e-books!

You have nothing to lose by checking it out.


But before you go, help us spread the word about this awesome opportunity by entering the giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card:

Giveaway ends Sept 14, 2018 at 11:59 pm.


a Rafflecopter giveaway