tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85495172807819359912024-03-05T06:29:50.460-05:00WriteNowGreg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-23421113758666088122023-11-28T12:48:00.002-05:002023-11-28T12:52:00.546-05:00Fiction ==> Non-Fiction<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Jumping into the True Crime pool.</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNCFlgRkRCZonyLKeAeTg2xcLZ_YafjSsOGEhbJhh3JICblRHxoU4khOFO0nD0etsdrD4BziBOZKDZOgm2O_LRXtPwqI766lUZzSZH01NN9PrCHnZwEiu4zBiVEWP3OdG4UpG9pEIV96cZ22yOcZU0UJUOcPa_8iTQ9ya68OMxBkF2st5ilv5o-d8cu5n/s800/Billy-Wilder-explains-filming-the-iconic-swimming-pool-scene-in-Sunset-Boulevard.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNCFlgRkRCZonyLKeAeTg2xcLZ_YafjSsOGEhbJhh3JICblRHxoU4khOFO0nD0etsdrD4BziBOZKDZOgm2O_LRXtPwqI766lUZzSZH01NN9PrCHnZwEiu4zBiVEWP3OdG4UpG9pEIV96cZ22yOcZU0UJUOcPa_8iTQ9ya68OMxBkF2st5ilv5o-d8cu5n/w400-h300/Billy-Wilder-explains-filming-the-iconic-swimming-pool-scene-in-Sunset-Boulevard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I have published fiction since 2008--five novels, three middle grade books, and several short stories. </p><p>To make a living, I have edited and written white papers, artists' bios, sales collateral, grant applications, arts & culture magazine articles, and a swimming pool full of personal profiles for Williamsburg's <i>Next Door Neighbors</i> magazine.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;">(10+ years of writing five profiles a month = over 600 articles published @ 2,000 word per profiles [I did this calculation for me] grand-totals to: 1,200,000 published words in just the NDN magazine.)</p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;">I moved back to southwest Virginia after many years living
in other areas of the country. As we drove around Abingdon, Virginia, to see
houses, our real estate agent pointed to a two-story home in the heart of the
historic district. “The Murder House is available,” he said. Immediately, I
said, “No. Actually, hell no.”</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br />Maybe, I shouldn’t have been so quick to dismiss it. We
bought a house about a block away–without a criminal history. During the
pandemic, I attended a Fourth of July cookout at the Murder House. All the neighbors had stories to tell of the killing of a 22-year-old
WWII Marine who boarded with a 44-year-old widow and her three daughters. Some
tales were shocking, some fantastical, others scandalous.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I had finished my latest book and began plotting a novel, but the Murder House
tale lured me to dig deeper. Newspaper coverage of the 1945 murder,
investigation, and trial revealed the facts and the fascination the nation had
with the crime.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Research revealed more twists and turns than fiction. Characters were exposed by primary sources like birth certificates, census listings, military documents, death certificates, and then the information found in old newspapers added layers of captured dialogue and attitude to these long-gone, real-life people.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This HAD to be my next project.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I was feeling like William Holden at the poolside.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8Ks9IQuxFoVSC7ltntSf-qgbg3ClHdYlYB7xZ4UDbcwMtoDtV7aPCxDkNGPZsRMS9ugv36VBrpeB9AbF5RGZqp5TmYoBKd_OtMFHDPM4kgo2UYJrwogpPlz-DvtMf3Ps0nBJSIFDUFJyxBrMvLMBiabmGS4AlpnVw_BktNA7sK_70UehzlF2_v27MSDl/s450/Holden%20at%20pool.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="450" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8Ks9IQuxFoVSC7ltntSf-qgbg3ClHdYlYB7xZ4UDbcwMtoDtV7aPCxDkNGPZsRMS9ugv36VBrpeB9AbF5RGZqp5TmYoBKd_OtMFHDPM4kgo2UYJrwogpPlz-DvtMf3Ps0nBJSIFDUFJyxBrMvLMBiabmGS4AlpnVw_BktNA7sK_70UehzlF2_v27MSDl/w400-h297/Holden%20at%20pool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>I researched, wrote a chapter outline, created character profiles (I know that's a fiction term), and then tapped my business writing experience to craft a proposal.<div><br /></div><div>Arcadia Publishing's The History Press offered to publish the true crime. The editor told me that she liked that I had a fiction background to warm up the cold facts, breathing life into them and making the story come alive.</div><div><br /></div><div>I like that, too.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week, The History Press gave me the publication date for <i>Abingdon's Boardinghouse Murder</i> -- May 2024.</div><div><br /></div><div>Huzzah!</div>Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812131860255609681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-38350629584272248192019-09-30T15:32:00.001-04:002023-11-28T12:47:48.809-05:00Banned Books & Censored Writing<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We just finished Banned Book Week at the public libraries.
This is always an interesting event to spotlight the list of brilliant
literature banned at some point in the books’ existence. Banned for the
language, the description, the characters, the plot, and/or the ideas the
authors conveyed. The small-minded and fearful censors fall into history as the
bad guys of the Banned Books’ narratives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But what about the everyday suggestions to ordinary (non-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">NYT</i> Best Selling) authors to curb what
we write? Off-handed comments from those closest to us: “That one scene is too risqué
for me to tell my friends to read your book.” “I liked the story, but the language
didn’t need to be that harsh.” “Does the character HAVE to be involved in a
three-way?” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRbdXNAPiqWDrBiq-ymtUVN9Jj5zoUuPkZajmHN8DeQzXeQ1Wu4" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Image result for censor" border="0" class="rg_ic rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRbdXNAPiqWDrBiq-ymtUVN9Jj5zoUuPkZajmHN8DeQzXeQ1Wu4" jsaction="load:str.tbn" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRbdXNAPiqWDrBiq-ymtUVN9Jj5zoUuPkZajmHN8DeQzXeQ1Wu4" style="height: 189px; margin-top: 0px; width: 202px;" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, yes the character HAS to be who he is, and no, it’s not
me. Life is harsh, crude, coarse, skinned, and blistering. Not all authors have
Hallmark movies dancing in their heads. There is a market for Hallmark movie
plots. For that, we’re grateful. But, Truth frees the soul, and needs to find
the page, even though exposing it is not profitable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A couple of years ago, Rita Mae Brown headlined the
Williamsburg Book Festival. She is one of the authors who inspired me to write
when I was young. At William & Mary that evening, she talked about how
telling the truth is not always easy for a writer. She admitted she writes her
cozy/cat mysteries for the income they provide. Her classic (and probably
banned in many places) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rubyfruit Jungle</i>
changed lives becaus</span><span style="font-size: large;">e she spoke her truth. Many readers recognized themselves
in her characters.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GggzOmEKAamcpJ8hT_TYq9nE5je22ZGvEZNxz_ewb1njMpw1TziRyfX8nYtzwz2y1eKmSWVAWMfzfj25XIzZhQ63vStIzXkqfm8iIjKQEQgD7G6swwC7DSwiZpu7iW-Ij7FUcAw5eWyppWo4qBNX0W0_LDwmc45QAgj014ZxalRxYFnstEqypXxo3Dw/s2928/Rita%20Mae%20Brown%20Greg%20Lilly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2584" data-original-width="2928" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GggzOmEKAamcpJ8hT_TYq9nE5je22ZGvEZNxz_ewb1njMpw1TziRyfX8nYtzwz2y1eKmSWVAWMfzfj25XIzZhQ63vStIzXkqfm8iIjKQEQgD7G6swwC7DSwiZpu7iW-Ij7FUcAw5eWyppWo4qBNX0W0_LDwmc45QAgj014ZxalRxYFnstEqypXxo3Dw/s320/Rita%20Mae%20Brown%20Greg%20Lilly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the audience, I heard people behind me say, “She just had
to bring up <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rubyfruit Jungle</i>. I love
her Sneaky Pie Brown series. She should just talk about that.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Everyday censors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We all do it if we know it or not. Maybe I’m trying to inhibit
comforting stories. I know we need a variety of tones and storytellers. Reading
is like diet – steak, hamburger, corndogs, or chicken soup (sorry, vegans) can
all be enjoyable options throughout the week. Let writers chew some steak from
time to time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My message to other writers and to myself: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When someone denounces all or part of a work, it has touched
a nerve. You have told the truth for story and character and situation. The attempted
censor bristled at the authenticity, the candor, and the concrete facts you
have exposed. Well done. Get banned.</span></div>
<br />Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-69064693216692032772019-07-29T14:44:00.000-04:002019-07-29T14:44:17.637-04:00Shadow Resident at the Martha Washington Inn... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GmZQNOyNA2CrM55WBgtkItut2MwtJ6UYLOQmTbsqppWy_UaHWG1ZLjroZkxY1SWyq1dMXcmgFnSFVNgmsY043SO0I_mBBVGUGO0XArPwJVnfH9JoO6xsbuBYQe0vuAB8wyWKiTpNlJE/s1600/LennieBlurry1071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GmZQNOyNA2CrM55WBgtkItut2MwtJ6UYLOQmTbsqppWy_UaHWG1ZLjroZkxY1SWyq1dMXcmgFnSFVNgmsY043SO0I_mBBVGUGO0XArPwJVnfH9JoO6xsbuBYQe0vuAB8wyWKiTpNlJE/s320/LennieBlurry1071.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Shadow Resident at the Martha Washington Inn... </span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I workout at the Martha's spa/exercise facilities. Usually I arrive before sunrise so I can get it finished before I start work. I like to walk to the Martha in the early morning and then do strength training with the LifeFitness machines. Those are in a small room with glass windows on three sides and the fourth side is ancient brick from one of t</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">he original buildings (late 1800s).<br /><br />Half way through the routine, I noticed a movement against the brick - a shadow.<br /><br />In an instant it was gone.<br /><br />Did an eyelash cause that? I brushed at my eyes, but nothing seemed different. I said "hello" and asked her name, "Lennie" is what came into my mind, and I continued my routine.<br /><br />I'm not a person to discount a haint experience, especially at the Martha with its history of the Martha Girls and Barter Theatre actors and all the guests who have traveled through creaky hallways.<br /><br />Maybe the shadow was just a loose eyelash or a trick of the rising sun. But, I like to think I have a partner making sure I get the workout done, urging me to show up on a regular basis, keeping me company...or me keeping her company during those lonely pre-dawn hours.<br /><br />I hope Lennie tells me some stories.</span>Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-68816406102434457092019-07-12T10:14:00.000-04:002019-07-12T10:14:41.916-04:00New Book - STRAY<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MkTj9GZOeqViyJ5ro-LwjfhyphenhyphengvPZ42sDQ5CRXOGZL8D7rlm_4Dmdo0ZzFGowa0tvqK1AV_r5DiqGLcnFEpWThz-wRJ5FGSwhy6RJG0qJOBjKVi1kbZej41iPCsa_ULRelsqSg70bYS4/s1600/STRAY_Pitch_WEBRES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MkTj9GZOeqViyJ5ro-LwjfhyphenhyphengvPZ42sDQ5CRXOGZL8D7rlm_4Dmdo0ZzFGowa0tvqK1AV_r5DiqGLcnFEpWThz-wRJ5FGSwhy6RJG0qJOBjKVi1kbZej41iPCsa_ULRelsqSg70bYS4/s400/STRAY_Pitch_WEBRES.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My new novel tells the story of a long-time Washington County, Virginia family and
the disappearance of the seventh son thirty years ago. </div>
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The story developed as I thought about
my own family and the dynamics between my father and my uncles and
grandfather. In the book, Taliesin MacGuire promises his grandmother he will
discover why his father left thirty years ago and never returned to his family. Time is the enemy in this tale. Time erases memories and paper trails of daily
lives.</div>
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I incorporate Scots-Irish legends in the names of the
characters, which shadow the characters’ personalities. Along with the
old-country lore, I have a trace of very early American history. Subplots
emerge from the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island in 1587 and the Virginia witch
trials of early the 1700s.</div>
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This is the most personal book I’ve written. Our own family legend was the day my father moved out – his first step toward
the eventual divorce. He disappeared. That stays with a 13-year-old son. I knew
this story would emerge in my writing at some point.</div>
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Settings are very important in my writing. This story focuses on Virginia with locations like Bristol and Abingdon, along with Charlottesville, Richmond,
Williamsburg, and the North Carolina Outer Banks. These are places I love. I have lived in these locations
or have attachments there. I set my stories in real places and let the
characters reflect the sense of place and time.</div>
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The story’s fictional family
resides between Bristol and Abingdon with the main characters showing up in
locations all around the area. At the Bristol Public Library in April 2011, I held a book signing for a previous novel and moderated a discussion on how
to use setting as a character. Those notes sparked the sense of place in
STRAY.</div>
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Advanced Praise</h3>
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Greg Lilly’s entertaining tragedy starts with a
threesome in Bristol and ends with a dead body in the water off the coast of
the Outer Banks. Thankfully, Lilly has taken his own character’s advice who
tells a failing Nashville musician to sing about drinking and hurting. I
enjoyed this Irish tale part detective story and part thriller. Lilly kept me
entertained throughout and had me hurrying to get to the last page.</div>
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- William J. Torgerson, author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Coach’s Wife</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Horseshoe</i>,
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love on the Big Screen<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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You’ll never meet a more intriguing cast of characters:
seven sons twice over, a probing, sexually-fluid musician, a persistent
grandmother, a seer, an uncommon doctor, a womanizer and the women he leaves
behind. Add to that an accused witch, a half-breed and a hero by the name of
Thistle. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stray</i> takes you from
the hills of Virginia to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, masterfully back
and forth through time—all in search of solving a decades-old mystery with
scant clues and no remains to be found.</div>
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- Sally Stiles, author of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Plunge!</i></div>
<br />Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-75659422937511450382015-02-10T17:18:00.000-05:002019-07-12T10:23:53.197-04:00Leave A Little Mystery"Reality" shows, Twitter, FB posts, and Kanye West rants have taught us every thought that pops into our minds should be verbalized in public -- to as many people as possible.<br />
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What happened to keeping some things to ourselves?</div>
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Sure, I'm writing a blog entry that expresses my opinion. An opinion that some things should be kept in our own minds. That's what an internal editor is for: to stop the stupid stuff from coming out.</div>
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Same with writing. You can write all the things that pop in your head, but it doesn't go directly to the public. I don't hit the POST or SEND button until I take a breath and reread the message. Is it something to be shared? Can it benefit the reader?</div>
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Back in the 1980s, e-mail was mainframe-based, and once I pushed the keyboard's F10 button, the message was gone. I learned early to consider exactly what was written, what was shared, what my name was attached to.</div>
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Maybe that's why writing a manuscript takes me so long -- well, that and having to make a living writing other things. </div>
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A first, I thought I would love the freedom of blasting off a thought on movies, music, politics, books, or gee, even television. But then I read what others posted and realized my opinion is really only interesting to me. </div>
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So, like writing a book, life can use a little mystery, a bit of suspense, or some subtlety.</div>
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Wait, weren't the <i>50 Shades of Grey </i>books big sellers -- those must have been coy and demure to have captured so many people's imagination.</div>
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Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-44908183179928204412014-11-29T12:36:00.002-05:002014-11-29T12:38:30.197-05:00Rush to Publish<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 7.5px 0px;">
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<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; text-indent: 0mm;">I'm reading a mystery that is exquisite in its writing, plotting, characterization, and I'm willing to bet that most people have never heard of it. Okay, he was a 2006 Pulitzer Prize finalist for the book, so that's not a great bet.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; margin: 0mm 0mm 3.52mm; padding: 7.5px 0px; text-indent: 0mm;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">I read a lot of unpublished manuscripts as a representative for a small publishing house, the organizer of a book festival, and the presenter of workshops on writing and publishing. I talk to publishers and agents and writers and readers. We agree that the technology boom that introduced the ease of self-publishing has created a segment of books that aren't crafted.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; margin: 0mm 0mm 3.52mm; padding: 7.5px 0px; text-indent: 0mm;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">Crafted means the writer learned the mechanics of writing, spent time going through multiple revisions honing the elements of a well-told story, worked with an editor to get a fresh set of eyes on everything from the plot's structure to the placement of each comma.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; margin: 0mm 0mm 3.52mm; padding: 7.5px 0px; text-indent: 0mm;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">As I read Lee Martin's <i>The Bright Forever</i>, I'm amazed by his skill and his art of storytelling.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; margin: 0mm 0mm 3.52mm; padding: 7.5px 0px; text-indent: 0mm;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">When I read query letters from agents and aspiring writers, I'm less amazed by some of the samples pages submitted. I admit there are gems among the rocks, but just a few.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">I guess it has always been that way. I cringe when I think of the things I submitted ten years ago. Then, self publishing was around, but it was very expensive – like $10,000 expensive. Today, a manuscript can be made into a book $300 - $4,999 depending on services the author buys.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 7.5px 0px;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">These lower costs mean more people jump into self-publishing.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 7.5px 0px;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 7.5px 0px;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">Why self-publish a novel?</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; margin: 0mm 0mm 3.52mm 13mm; padding: 7.5px 0px; text-indent: 0mm;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">You have a story you want to share that may not have a wide appeal, but is worth telling. Yes.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; margin: 0mm 0mm 3.52mm 13mm; padding: 7.5px 0px; text-indent: 0mm;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">You wrote a manuscript, tried to query agents and publishers without success, and now want – really want – to have a finished product in your hand. Frustration in the process of traditional publishing is not the best reason to self-publish.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 7.5px 0px;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 7.5px 0px;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">Writing is not about the physical book and informing your dry cleaner that you're a published author.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; margin: 0mm 0mm 3.52mm; padding: 7.5px 0px; text-indent: 0mm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="color: #ad0000;">Writing is a verb.</span></b> <span style="color: #010101;">It's the process that is important. Results may vary, but an author must love writing.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 7.5px 0px;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 7.5px 0px;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;"><i>The rush to publish is a waste of time, energy, and money.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 7.5px 0px;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 7.5px 0px;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">Self-publishing companies decorate their websites with accounts of authors making millions and landing on the</span> <i style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">New York Times</i> <span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">Best-Sellers list. Why? To entice an aspiring writer into the dream of fame and fortune, and to collect as many upfront fees as possible. IT'S A BUSINESS.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 7.5px 0px;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; margin: 0mm 0mm 3.52mm; padding: 7.5px 0px; text-indent: 0mm;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">Readers become disillusioned by poorly-crafted novels. So, they tend to stick to the name-brands in novels because new authors have burned them in the past. That's a disservice to all serious writers.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; margin: 0mm 0mm 3.52mm; padding: 7.5px 0px; text-indent: 0mm;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">Big names and personalities gather crowds. I see this at book festivals and conferences. The authors with cleavage, the 1970s sitcom actors, and the writers with the game show host personality draw crowds. The writer/craftsman sits alone. After the books are written, edited, and published, it's marketing – a completely different skill set than writing – that's important. So, yes, those highlighted CreateSpace authors may sell well.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; margin: 0mm 0mm 3.52mm; padding: 7.5px 0px; text-indent: 0mm;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">I realize that not every writer produces a Pulitzer Prize finalist-worthy book – I know I don't. But I'm working on the craft by writing constantly.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; margin: 0mm 0mm 3.52mm; padding: 7.5px 0px; text-indent: 0mm;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">For those of us who are not celebrities, not pretty or sexy, or not followed by 80,000 Twitter citizens, we stay in front of our computers, writing and searching out opportunities to improve our skills.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.3999996185303px; line-height: 16.1000003814697px; margin: 0mm 0mm 3.52mm; padding: 7.5px 0px; text-indent: 0mm;">
<span style="color: #010101; font-family: Calibri;">Today, I'm looking at ways to bring serious learning opportunities on the craft and art of writing. I'd love to hear where other authors struggle. Set aside the topics of publishing, marketing, selling books for a while – that's the business side. I want to learn more about the art of writing, because that's why I do this.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-71787353982210081722014-02-26T12:38:00.001-05:002014-02-26T12:47:45.680-05:00Top Five Ways an Editor is Worth the $$<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As the publisher for a small independent publishing house
and as an editor for a magazine, I see drafts of manuscripts submitted by
writers that illustrate the need for an editor. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Writing is a solitary pursuit, but editing is a
collaboration – and an essential stage in the publishing process. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><strong>Nothing
screams "amateur" more than a meandering, error-ridden manuscript.</strong></em> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An
editor is important for authors trying to land a literary agent or a publishing
contract, but for a self-publishing author, hiring an editor is vital. Agents
and publishing houses will edit the incoming manuscript several times including
using the in-house editors to make sure the work is the best it can be. A
self-published author shouldn't go through the process alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A professional editor is a partner in
crafting the story for a novel you will be proud to have your name on.</span></div>
<h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mudG8Q4ibX3TOhqxnMEttAMitljJXJS8n6g3tjWx-zdrF6IzAMjE-L64kQbXKqD32uO4PKuRndk5uGJJ808tb1o3gQzq4NK6OxM2yH-aHDJM2kIuxSa5WhNa4g3fM5AMvWpu3zIFjzI/s1600/Editing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mudG8Q4ibX3TOhqxnMEttAMitljJXJS8n6g3tjWx-zdrF6IzAMjE-L64kQbXKqD32uO4PKuRndk5uGJJ808tb1o3gQzq4NK6OxM2yH-aHDJM2kIuxSa5WhNa4g3fM5AMvWpu3zIFjzI/s1600/Editing.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
</h3>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Here are the top five reasons to engage a professional
editor:</h2>
<h3>
1 – Developmental editing</h3>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No matter how many times you read and edit your book, there
will be omissions in the plot structure. You know the characters and their
motivations and where they need to be in the next chapter, so if you failed to
write it, your mind supplies it for you. All the thinking and dreaming about
the story, the advanced planning and the backstory plotting work against you in
editing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While developing the initial drafts, critique groups are
great. Once you feel the manuscript is perfect, that's when you need the
experience of an editor to bring a fresh look to the development of the
storyline and the character arcs. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is not a job for spouses or friends. You need someone
who understands the mechanics of creating strong plots and the characters who
move it forward.</span></div>
<h3>
2 – Kill your darlings</h3>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The phrase "kill your darlings" is usually
credited to William Faulkner, but I have heard it from fine art painters,
fiction writers, poets and even architects. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a creator of a work, you will find some parts that are
your favorites: a cleaver turn of a phrase, a saucy metaphor, an ingenious
character name, or a whiplash plot twist. Writers fall in love with their own creations.
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When that happens, you are reluctant to change it (or worse,
delete it) when it doesn't contribute to the whole work. An editor will see
these elements that may be fabulous on their own, but not pulling their weight
in the manuscript.</span><br />
<h3>
3 – Revision reassurance </h3>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You decide to add a subplot or delete a darling character. Did
it work? Did your revisions mess up other parts of the book? It could be one
last minute change that cascaded throughout the work. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I saw this many years ago by a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New York Times</i> best-selling author who claimed she didn't want
editors changing her books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
jungles of Brazil, a character was called Jack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jack? What happened to Christopher? One hundred pages into the story and
suddenly Jack is walking in another character's footsteps. Three pages later,
Jack was gone and the character was once again referred to as Christopher. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Revisions need to be checked for their effect on the
unchanged sections.</span><br />
<br />
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
4 – Line editing: grammar/punctuation</h3>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You know that you make fun of people on Facebook who post
things like: "Between you and I,…" or "Leah and me offer good
advice." </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you know the difference between: there, their, they're or
two, to, too? Not every great storyteller is a grammar king/queen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you're not, engage an editor who is.
Nothing will put off a reader like finding a word usage mistake. After all, you
represented yourself as a professional. The reader paid hard-earned money for
the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You wouldn't tolerate a
plumber who left a few leaks behind, just because they're so hard to find.</span></div>
<h3>
5 – Education </h3>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Doing is learning. Every time I have had one of my own books
edited or worked with an editor to edit another writer's manuscript for
Cherokee McGhee, I learn. I learned to use a semicolon successfully. I learned
that a character cannot laugh a sentence ("You're not serious," Jean
laughed). I learned that a mystery novel's sleuth cannot pull clues from thin
air – the clue must be mentioned (or planted) before she discovers it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The process of revising a manuscript under the guidance of
an editor is one of the best writing classes you will ever take.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<hr />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An editor is an objective person who wants the manuscript to
be the best it can be. She will tell you if it is ready for the public or if it
still needs some polishing. Authors accepted for publication with a publishing
house will have an editor assigned to them. Self-published authors can choose
an editor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, the editor has
the same goal as you: developing, revising, and perfecting your work for the
enjoyment of the reading public.</span>Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-71674964983027425612013-11-12T12:36:00.001-05:002013-11-12T12:36:48.067-05:00Novel structure & pace via KindleI'm reading a book I wouldn't ordinarily read. This author is a NYT Best Seller. I wasn't drawn to the story, but I wondered what it was that made him soooo popular -- a bit of story analysis on my part.<br />
<br />
Here is the Kindle progress bar:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWujqX6yi_Nzw3O3Fiw34PaDr7zvn8i7B3Kx1FNn5pT463LrT4Hg7F8KvgKhgU-6gmjKO9gqjUG7Erfj-sJGZsrOG3ETyMUZ2ah7do1Tn0Twly4oWBzyvhEIBlHN13hnvp1nNety5s7Vw/s1600/KindleChapterTimeline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWujqX6yi_Nzw3O3Fiw34PaDr7zvn8i7B3Kx1FNn5pT463LrT4Hg7F8KvgKhgU-6gmjKO9gqjUG7Erfj-sJGZsrOG3ETyMUZ2ah7do1Tn0Twly4oWBzyvhEIBlHN13hnvp1nNety5s7Vw/s400/KindleChapterTimeline.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Since I'm only 13% in, I can't say how I like the story. But the thing I noticed was the chapter lengths of the book, which can be a clue to pacing.<br />
<br />
Kindle's progress bar shows a graphical representation of the book's length with a dot at the beginning of each chapter. <br />
<br />
For a "big picture" person like me, this is great.<br />
<br />
I see that the story has a fairly uniform length of chapters up to middle. [The part of the story where plot and characters are being established.]<br />
<br />
Then things get quick. [Building to the main conflict.]<br />
<br />
The chapter lengths vary after that until nearing the end when the chapters get shorter (and probably the pace speeds up). [The plot climax and resolution.]<br />
<br />
This is a handy tool for writers to analyze plot construction from the masters.<br />
<br />
<br />
My field guide to the writer's life has more on plot:<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cherokeemcghe-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1937556034" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<br />
<br />Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-63098963362015138992013-10-23T08:45:00.000-04:002013-10-23T08:45:40.224-04:00Reviewing for Pleasure & Revenge
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">New authors ask me how to react when a reviewer seems to
have a wooden stake to drive through their new novel or how to review other
authors’ books. The questions make me evaluate how I regard reviews.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">First, each book has qualities that may not work for me, but
are probably the reason other readers love it. The very aspect that one reader
enjoys, another will dislike. I know that and remind myself when I see reader
reviews of books – other people’s and mine.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">That’s the part of reviewing that’s hard for me: being an
author. I want to say only encouraging things to other authors. I’ve been
there. No one wants to read a harsh review of their work.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">A review is, after all, one person’s opinion. My friend Brenda
would often recite, “Opinions are like a$$#*les; everyone has one and it
usually stinks.” </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, on sites like Amazon or GoodReads, I tend to not write
reviews unless I’m crazy-infatuated with a book, and then I’ll keep focused on
what I think other people will find interesting about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Giving stars is difficult too. For a while, I gave 5-stars
to every book I enjoyed, but it occurred to me that 4-stars are “great” and
5-stars means a book is “perfect.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
was the performance evaluation criteria we had in the corporate world – I was
always disappointed if I didn’t get a perfect evaluation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Donna, my director, would remind me that I
did not “walk on water.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">No book “walks on water” either. A 4-star review is a
compliment to the work. I know I see a lot of all 5-star reviews. Moms and
friends are kind to their writers. ;-)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also, some authors have achieved teen idol status, so gushing reviews
are common for household names or pretty writers. I like to read and to write
well-thought reviews about what was enjoyable about the novel. A written review
takes time and effort; I appreciate those for my own work and try to return
that to others.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">We can’t always be syrupy in admiration for a book, but if I
find a book doesn’t speak to me, I stop reading and move to the next one on my
list. I don’t release brimstone onto the author. A rabid, hateful review
demonstrates more about the reviewer than it does of the targeted book.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">That’s what I tell new authors about reviews. If the tone is
harsh, the review is about something more than the book. It was written to be
hurtful to the book’s author. Julia Cameron says “blocked creatives” can be
very spiteful to those who are achieving what they long for.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingiqz8mr3geWYAM_EvHqcrfeX1thPEkY6bHqQNCfsQAJfrv6Ea6nSsQfj6Mt_iNqiBuKPSXYL_MJN7GPGu3sLFjgrqJFRSt8_6voBux5QtiWWQUPyKR8jtJ5JbMdtuN0ZnoyDsx49ny4/s1600/SteveJobsQuote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingiqz8mr3geWYAM_EvHqcrfeX1thPEkY6bHqQNCfsQAJfrv6Ea6nSsQfj6Mt_iNqiBuKPSXYL_MJN7GPGu3sLFjgrqJFRSt8_6voBux5QtiWWQUPyKR8jtJ5JbMdtuN0ZnoyDsx49ny4/s320/SteveJobsQuote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Focus on encouragement and refinement when reading or
writing a review from someone not of your relation! The old adage “If you can’t
say something nice, say nothing at all” is a good rule for reviewing (and in
life).</span></div>
Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-80300443739392724872013-07-22T18:14:00.000-04:002013-07-22T18:15:30.935-04:00Giving it away...<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give-away of a free Audible.com audio book of "Fingering the Family Jewels - A Derek Mason Mystery" to a "like" on my Facebook author page. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">On July 25, a secret committee will choose a random person who has "liked" my author page for a free download of the audio book. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">Go ahead and "like" me. It's free and you might win an audio book.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;" /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GregLillyAuthor" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.facebook.com/GregLillyAuthor</a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or if you would rather, you can buy the audio book from Audible.com:</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B00AZ2PMKG" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJDmkmJq_wR2uZ7b9f5onO8CWgS_H5N6e7Cbq-OcBbnn_q4R3ZLRppJzo-_L-peXA7v0wWhCtbc65QBJYmQPUQg0wlTMB_IG0iMt-GMMEyawtIDUb_C9xnA3j_JVBYwFqFpPaDWmOwsI/s320/FTFJCoverAudio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-79859451886467112672013-07-04T12:11:00.003-04:002013-07-04T12:13:10.773-04:00Happy Independence Day -- Celebrating the Independent Press<div class="MsoNormal">
It's the 4th of July, and that made me think of
Independence...And independent publishers and the uphill battle to get our
books known by the public.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as we're shopping local to keep diversity and
uniqueness alive, I say let’s help promote the mid-list authors and the
independent publishing houses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I saw this article on an e-mail from THE BOOK MARKETING
EXPERT NEWSLETTER and thought it would be wise to share:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Feature Article:
Readers: How You Can Help Your Favorite Authors <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Okay readers, listen up.
This one is for you. Being an author isn't easy, in fact it's a pretty tough
job. We write our books for you and, in return, we'd love a little help now and
again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Most
of my articles are around marketing, social media, and advising authors on what
they can do. Often I am sure that authors read these pieces and feel like they
need a nap. Yes, there's a lot to be done, but you shouldn't go it alone. Your
readers can be your best ally to help you market and readers, listen up: it's
not easy being an author in a world where everyone can get published. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Often
readers do want to help, but aren't really sure what to do. Also, there's a bit
of a mystique around authors. Many readers think, "Well, the book has been
published, they probably don't need my help." But this couldn't be further
from the truth. Authors (especially those who are starting out) do need our
help. Here are a few things you can do to help support your favorite author and
for authors, don't hesitate to post this list somewhere on your website. If you
need help (and who doesn't) you need to ask for it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">* Review the book</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: I've been doing an experiment
with a book that I published anonymously. I included an email address for
readers to write to share their thoughts on the book and I was shocked at all
of the emails I got. Most of them complimentary (whew) and many of them asking
when I'd write another book (something every author wants to hear). I would
write them, thank them and ask them if they had the time, would they consider
reviewing it on Amazon. This has netted me over fifty reader reviews. Authentic
opinions about the book, written by a reader. Fantastic, yes? Readers are some
of the best resources for reviews. If you are an author, ask for a review. You
might even include a note at the end of the book to your readers inviting them
to review it and telling them why. I'm surprised that many readers don't do this,
it's not because they're lazy but because they wonder if their opinion matters.
Guess what? It does! Like a book? Please review it. Even if you don't like it
review it, too. Most authors welcome feedback if it's constructive. Always be
positive. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">* Video reviews</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: If you're ready to take this
a step further, why not offer a video review? Amazon lets you do this and I
know, as an author, I would be thrilled if someone reviewed my book on video!
If you do this, send the video clip via Dropbox or YouSendit and keep the clip
to under a minute. Hold up the book and smile! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">* Photo sharing</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: This is another thing that I
would love so much. A reader holding up my book, snapping a picture and posting
it on social media! This is a fun, visual way to share your love for a book.
Even better, snap a picture where you're reading it. Taking a book on vacation?
Why not show yourself enjoying the book (cover out!) reclining in a hammock or
sitting somewhere sipping espresso (Paris?). If you don't have any travel
planned, take a picture anyway. Authors love, love this so much! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">* Local bookstores</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: Though it may seem like every
author who is published gets a shot at bookstore shelf space, the truth is that
most don't. If you've found a book you love and had to buy it on Amazon because
your local store didn't carry it, tell them. Bookstore managers have told me if
they get multiple requests for a book they will consider stocking it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">* Reading groups</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: This is often a tough one for
authors to get into. Reading groups are a fantastic way to get the word out
about your book but many are tough to reach and often pick their books months
in advance. Unlike The Pulpwood Queens which has a website and a strong online
presence, most local book clubs don't have that kind of exposure but their
regional reach can be fantastic. If you know of a local book club let them know
about this book and then put them in touch with the author. It's a quick thing
to do and I speak from experience when I say that any author would be very,
very grateful to have this kind of a connection. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">* Buy the book for a friend</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: This is pretty basic. If you
love the book you just read, buy a copy for a friend. I do this almost every
year for Christmas. If I love a book, I gift it. When you gift it, remind the
person to review it. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">* Social Media</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: Sharing has become part of our lives. We
share good and bad news but when was the last time you shared what you are
reading? Here's where that great picture you just took of you reading a book
can come in handy. Or even better, hop on over to Goodreads or Library Thing
and share your love for this author to the millions listening there. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">* Bookmarks</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: Most authors will get things printed up
like bookmarks, postcards, etc. Bookmarks are especially fun because despite
the eBook surge, many of us are still reading printed books. Email the author
and see if he or she will send you a stack of them that you can share with your
local library or bookstore. Leave them at the counter or pop them inside of
similar books. Sort of like Amazon's "Other customers also bought"
which pairs up similar titles. I know of a few times when this has happened,
meaning readers contacting authors and the authors are blown away and grateful.
Again, this takes very little effort. Ask for the bookmarks and the next time
you're at a bookstore drop them off. Easy and the authors will really
appreciate the local exposure. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">* Authors on tour</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: It's not often that authors
tour anymore but if you have someone coming to your area why not offer to help
them get the word out? Maybe drop off fliers, or if you are so inclined, call
your local paper and let them know this author is coming to town and as a
reader, you'd love for the paper to do a story on it. Getting a heads up about
an author coming to town from a reader can be ten times more effective than
even a well-polished pitch. Why? Because the media is serving the local
community and if a resident is sharing an idea, they're bound to listen. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">* Libraries</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">: Authors can have a tough time getting
into libraries so why not buy an extra book and donate it? Then let the author
know that you did this so they can let readers know where they can check out
the book at a local library. I know most authors would love to have a reader do
this. It's impossible to reach everyone and most authors don't have the budget
to do a library pitch on top of everything else. Many will submit their books
to publications librarians read and hope for the best. Having a local
connection is a fantastic way to get a book some local exposure. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">When I've offered th</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">ese tips in
a session sometimes someone will pop up and say, "But big named authors
don't need this kind of help." That's possibly quite true, but if you're
only reading big names you're missing out on a whole crop of wonderful new writers.
And, candidly, most authors, no matter how big they are will appreciate the
help. The publishing world isn't just shrinking for the little guy, it's
shrinking for every author. As a reader, you have a unique opportunity to make
a difference and help out an author who has poured his or her heart and soul
into a book. As an author, if you need help from your readers ask. Post this
article on your website or excerpt pieces of it that you feel best fit your
needs. Even better, create your own list. When you ask for help, you might be
very pleasantly surprised by the results.</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p> - - - - - - -</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Contact Information for the Book Marketing Expert</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">email: <a color="#000000" href="mailto:penny@amarketingexpert.com" shape="rect"><span style="color: black;">penny@amarketingexpert.com</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">web: <a color="#000000" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001lMsAKParjg8UfCxKDWg1oochoFjK-3IyhrH5UhMpqTbH7sWm8ReQXCyEYgBxkIb_qnaQ4jWsIOMW9F5PXH6FIUIDi7xr48IHUDqa9ZzyT7I5QkjkIklmgjaL99sgfsg2" shape="rect"><span style="color: black;">http://www.amarketingexpert.com</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">--- Hope you have a safe & happy Independence Day.</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Thank you to all the men and women who have served our country!</span></o:p></div>
Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-79016506044839739832013-02-07T08:25:00.003-05:002013-02-07T08:29:06.230-05:008 Query Letter Mistakes & How to Avoid Them<br />
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
8 Query Letter Mistakes & How to Avoid Them</h2>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Along with writing my own books, I work with a publishing
house that publishes novels of experienced, award-winning authors along with
emerging authors. Part of being a small publisher is helping new writers sharpen
the craft of writing and allowing them to experience the art of storytelling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To get to that point, a writer has to introduce the
manuscript to an agent or publisher with a query letter. This is one area where
most writers struggle – the query letter is a business sales letter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Writers use it to introduce their work to an agent or
publisher, and hopefully, to get a commitment to send more of the manuscript
for evaluation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both experienced and
novice writers struggle with this. Like any good business letter, there are
aspects that should be avoided. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are eight mistakes that I’ve seen in just the past
three months (along with some real-life examples). </span><br />
<br />
<h3 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Don’t start with what you want. </h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are offering something that
the publisher/agent will discover that they want.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">NO: “I am interested in having my
recently completed a 74,000-word mystery titled Deathly Deadbeats published by
Cherokee McGhee Press.”</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">YES: “My recently completed a 74,000-word
mystery Deathly Deadbeats features an off-beat amateur sleuth who tracks down
men behind on their child support payments, but…”</span></div>
<br />
<h3 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Don’t query your first novel outside your
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have received several queries
from South Africa, Israel, India and the United Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small publishers, who usually take first
novels, have so many queries that the added complexities of working with
foreign authors make them an easy rejection. Not fair, I know – but it’s a
business.</span></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>If you receive a rejection from a publisher,
don’t turn around and send a query for another manuscript.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This makes it look like you have a
computer full of old manuscripts – even if you do, always query with the one
that best fits the publisher/agent’s list.</span></div>
<br />
<h3 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Don’t re-query a year later thinking the
agent/publisher won’t remember and maybe accept the exact same manuscript this
time around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I read all the queries. I have a
process of tracking what comes through the mail. This shows that the author is
not working on his craft and a new manuscript; he just keeps shotgunning the
same manuscript to every e-mail address he can find.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As in dating, the same in
publishing: “No means no.”</span></div>
<br />
<h3 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Watch for wishy-washy lead sentences. Start the
query with confidence. </h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’m seeking a publisher who is
willing to consider publishing my first novel, Dancing Trees.” A publisher
“willing to consider” would be the first logical step, but don’t put that as
the focus. If the publisher is taking query letters, it is willing to consider
manuscripts.</span></div>
<br />
<h3 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Don’t query a manuscript that’s not appropriate
for the list. Know the agent/publisher’s genres. </h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I receive queries for books on
business or textbooks or poetry – we publish fiction. That’s not hard to
decipher; it’s in the submission guidelines.</span></div>
<br />
<h3 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Don’t describe yourself. It’s the manuscript
that is being evaluated.</h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I am a Paul Newman/Kirk Douglas
looking Jew with long hair and beard that is observant and has done serious
time.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I supposed to be impressed,
afraid, cautious, or introduce him to my sister?</span></div>
<br />
<h3 class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Do not query a self-published book (that
includes a book that has been an eBook)</h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Self-publishing or subsidy
publishing a manuscript in paper or eBook format is considered a published
book. The “First” Worldwide, North American, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">or whatever</i> print rights have been used. We have found a book’s
original publication usually taps out its initial sales potential, and that
first period of sales is when the book recoups the publisher’s investment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most paper and/or eBook publishers only
consider unpublished works.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.75in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, if you decide to self-publish,
that book is technically published. Most publishing houses will not consider
it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOe83NtYaQS124LK2Q4Hei9DyQDwQMpWSrE4ZBe_80GTlFimLVI5p5-7896ZCRIBd-9wFcZi9kGadX7pNh5LoXlWpTb1SVs6bX45XbiE41JXxIumjHhBEck-gdHyQg5stZ_7ohhRf_es/s1600/Sunset_Semicolons_FrontlCover_WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOe83NtYaQS124LK2Q4Hei9DyQDwQMpWSrE4ZBe_80GTlFimLVI5p5-7896ZCRIBd-9wFcZi9kGadX7pNh5LoXlWpTb1SVs6bX45XbiE41JXxIumjHhBEck-gdHyQg5stZ_7ohhRf_es/s320/Sunset_Semicolons_FrontlCover_WEB.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That last one is a big one as aspiring authors have more
opportunities to self-publish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
something like <em>SmashWords</em> makes your manuscript “published” and not eligible to
be considered for original publication by another publisher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is usually in the contract and could
become a legal issue if you try to conceal the fact.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These are just a few of the things to watch. More information
on creating the perfect query letter to snag a publisher is in my new “field
guide to the Writer’s Life” – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1937556034/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1937556034&linkCode=as2&tag=cherokeemcghe-20" target="_blank">SUNSETS & SEMICOLONS</a>.</span></div>
Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-37871306407548070232013-01-11T11:43:00.000-05:002013-01-11T11:43:19.323-05:00<h2>
Audio book of </h2>
<h2>
<em>Fingering the Family Jewels – a Derek Mason Mystery</em></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B00AZ2PMKG&qid=1357920704&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJDmkmJq_wR2uZ7b9f5onO8CWgS_H5N6e7Cbq-OcBbnn_q4R3ZLRppJzo-_L-peXA7v0wWhCtbc65QBJYmQPUQg0wlTMB_IG0iMt-GMMEyawtIDUb_C9xnA3j_JVBYwFqFpPaDWmOwsI/s320/FTFJCoverAudio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My first novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fingering
the Family Jewels</i> has landed on virtual bookshelves as an audio book! This
is exciting to hear my own words read/acted by a professional actor. Andy Babinski
does a fantastic job in the narration with Derek, Aunt Ruby, Daniel, Mark,
Gladys and all the rest.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3phP4dn2WnfiVXc7TPuZFcmjD96oEmW1ser8ORw1lXCqP4UxteZnkeZO3RdwNH_cZ4oANF7q1pU8mEGlRKa96x-afV9VfabFcWIViH6df71CKJSww2kX7BZy3ejqBQGvTgEmRHHCGZE/s1600/AndyBabinski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3phP4dn2WnfiVXc7TPuZFcmjD96oEmW1ser8ORw1lXCqP4UxteZnkeZO3RdwNH_cZ4oANF7q1pU8mEGlRKa96x-afV9VfabFcWIViH6df71CKJSww2kX7BZy3ejqBQGvTgEmRHHCGZE/s320/AndyBabinski.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ll say it again: Andy Babinski is a jewel (in a great
way).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gives life to the words I wrote in a way
that I couldn’t have imagined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s got
a great voice and style. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel lucky to have found ACX (who matches authors with
narrators/producers) and Andy Babinski.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The cool thing found was that the chapters average about 16
– 19 minutes each. That’s perfect for a daily commute or exercising at the gym
or walking at lunch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get your ears ready for an aural delight!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The audio book is available on Audible.com, iTunes, and
Amazon.com</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Audible.com</span></div>
<a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B00AZ2PMKG&qid=1357920704&sr=1-1"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_1?asin=B00AZ2PMKG&qid=1357920704&sr=1-1</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">iTunes</span></div>
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/fingering-family-jewels-derek/id592938598"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/fingering-family-jewels-derek/id592938598</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amazon.com</span></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fingering-Family-Jewels-Derek-Mystery/dp/B00AZO4CO6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1357920424&sr=8-3&keywords=%22Fingering+the+family+jewels%22"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.amazon.com/Fingering-Family-Jewels-Derek-Mystery/dp/B00AZO4CO6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1357920424&sr=8-3&keywords=%22Fingering+the+family+jewels%22</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://greglilly.com/MediaKit/GregLilly_Office_Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://greglilly.com/MediaKit/GregLilly_Office_Web.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
Win an Autographed Copy of the Print Edition of <em>Fingering
the Family Jewels</em></h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Listen to the audio book and win an autographed copy of the printed
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>Write a review for the audio book</strong>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> That will enter you into the drawing. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">You can e-mail me at<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span><a href="mailto:Greg@GregLilly.com"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Greg Lilly</span></a> to let me know you've posted a review at one of the sites selling the audio book.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.greglilly.com/images/fingering_front4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.greglilly.com/images/fingering_front4.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I’ll draw a name from
the “hat” of reviewers on February 15 and mail the winner an autographed copy (Collector’s
edition) of <em>Fingering the Family Jewels – A Derek Mason Mystery, Book 1</em>.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-22254562559594132702012-11-28T07:54:00.000-05:002012-11-28T07:54:03.499-05:00The “Next Big Thing” blog hop
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This idea of linking together
authors and asking the same questions about their current works-in-progress
(WIP) sounded like a lot of fun.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was asked by two authors on the
same day, so I’m tagged from the first e-mail I received – Keith Pyeatt (</span></span><a href="http://keithpyeatt.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://keithpyeatt.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">). But also go see Kris Neri (</span></span><a href="http://www.krisneri.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.KrisNeri.com</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">).
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> -------</span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These are the rules/questions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rule details:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<ul>
<li>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Answer the ten questions about your current WIP (Work In Progress)<o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tag five (or fewer) other writers/bloggers and add their links so we can hop over and meet them. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s
that simple.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ten Interview Questions for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Next Big Thing</i>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is the working title of your book?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gee, I feel like a slacker because
I don’t have one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me and titles – we’re
complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tend to brainstorm titles
at the last minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m calling the
project <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">WitchDuck </i>as I work on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s where the kernel of the idea
started…which leads me to the next question.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where did the idea come from for the book?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is a road in Virginia Beach
called Witchduck Road; I hear it referenced in the traffic reports in the
mornings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The name intrigued me. I did
some Goggling and found it refers to Grace Sherwood who was the only Virginian
to be convicted of witchcraft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back in 1706, Grace was tested for
innocence by being dunked (or ducked as they said back then) into a pond to see
if she would float.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Float = guilty of
witchcraft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sinking below the surface of
the water = innocence (but too bad because you would probably drown).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grace floated.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The witch trials and accusers went
after people who were different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three
hundred years later, people who seem different are still persecuted in one way
or another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even towns that refuse to
accept the influx of sameness from the big box and chain stores, restaurants,
hotels, and office parks lose tax money and traffic from the hordes of people
who crave the numbing sense of sameness.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each town seems to have a
Wal-Mart, Lowes, and Home Depot with an Appleby’s and Olive Garden at the edge
of the parking lots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I have no
idea which town I’m in. I’m a big supporter of local independent businesses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The idea was born to construct
characters who are chastised for not fitting in. They lose things important to
them because they do not comply. I’m using an ancestor in the 1700s accused of
witchcraft to parallel the lives of her contemporary descendents.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What genre does your book fall under?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good question…I would probably set
it as historical or maybe a mystery since the main plot is a cross-generational
mystery.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a
movie rendition?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I list these like I have thought
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I’m trying to list people
I like and who seem to have some of the character’s personality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t keep up with pop culture, so my
answers may be a bit dated – hopefully these actors are still working.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Anna (the witch):</strong> Michelle Pfeiffer or</span> Julianne Moore</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Taliesin:</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James Franco</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Cliodhna:</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Reese Witherspoon (love her because she reminds me of my niece Whitney)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Brigid:</strong></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kirsten Dunst (love her because she reminds me of my niece Courtney)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Finn</span>:</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colin Farrell (had a drink with him in Jerome, Arizona – he doesn’t know that since we were ten feet away from each other)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Granny:</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shirley Maclaine or Frances Fisher<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? (Really it
is three sentences – I can’t comply)</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Struggling musician Taliesin
searches for the reasons his father vanished one night 26 years ago. The
disappearance leads Taliesin and his cousins to discover parallels between
themselves and their ancestors of over 300 years before. As it was then, and now,
being an outsider can be murder.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will your book be
self-published, sent to an independent publisher, or represented by an agency
to a large house?</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I plan to have this published
through Cherokee McGhee as were the last two books.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How long did it take you to write the first draft of your
manuscript?</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hmmm, still haven’t finished the
draft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once that’s done, I can have it
ready for an editor in about five months. After that, it takes about a year to
hit the shelves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2014??<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What other books would you compare this story to within
your genre?</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are no other books like this
one!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has bits of family saga,
history, mystery, and mythology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
I aspire to be a mix of Lee Smith, Bobbie Ann Mason, and Tony Hillerman.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who or what inspired you to write this book?</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">People who know me and my family
will see the Lillys here: my father, uncles and aunt, along with my
grandparents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get a lot of inspiration
from family history.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What else about your book might pique the reader’s
interest?</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If a reader knows Irish mythology, there will be multiple
layers revealed in the symbolism. If you don’t then it will just be a damn good
story – that may spur you to dig deeper into the tales and legends of our
ancestors before us.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> -------</span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The following writers will pick up "The Next Big Thing" thread and answer the 10 questions about their WIP. Go ahead and visit them today to learn a little more about the writers and their work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">They will post next Wednesday, December 5, about their Next Big Thing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tag – you’re next week’s posts:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Narielle Living<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Narielle Living is the author of the novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Signs of the South</i>, a novella in the
collection <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chesapeake Bay Christmas</i>,
and the upcoming novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Past Unfinished</i>.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">Blog: </span><a href="http://narielleliving.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">NarielleLiving.blogspot.com</span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Website: </span></span><a href="http://www.narielleliving.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">www.NarielleLiving.com</span></a><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michelle Moore</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michelle Moore is a North Carolina writer inspired by quirky
characters; she has written of cats and criminals with a work in progress set
in the Great Dismal Swamp.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">Website: </span><a href="http://www.michelleamoore.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">www.MichelleAMoore.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">William Torgerson</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">William J. Torgerson is an assistant professor in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Institute for Writing Studies</i> at St.
John's University in New York. In addition to novels and screenplays, William
writes short stories and articles on teaching and writing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">Website: </span><a href="http://thetorg.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">http://thetorg.com/</span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">John Bray</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">John Bray is a retired attorney, member of Chesapeake Bay
Writers, author of THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY MADIGAN, THE CONFIDENTIAL and CODE
NAME: CALEB, the sequel to Johnny Madigan, all published by BeWrite Books. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Work-in-progress working title, OPERATION REBOUND, sequel to
Confidential.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Blog: </span></span><a href="http://www.poppa10sblog.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">www.poppa10sblog.blogspot.com</span></span></a><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pamela K. Kinney<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Journey to worlds of fantasy, beyond the stars, and into the
vortex of terror with the written word of Pamela K. Kinney.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Website: </span><a href="http://fantasticdreams.50megs.com/"><span style="color: blue;"></span></a><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://fantasticdreams.50megs.com/">http://FantasticDreams.50megs.com</a></span><a href="http://fantasticdreams.50megs.com/"></a></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Blog:</span><a href="http://pamelakkinney.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
http://PamelaKKinney.blogspot.com</span></a><div>
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Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-12962747593975627152012-11-26T10:01:00.001-05:002012-11-26T10:01:18.074-05:00Coming: Next Big Thing WednesdayCool idea among writers on the Web: Start with ten questions about the current Work-in-Progress (WIP), answer them and tag a few writers to do the same thing on their own blog.<br />
<br />
This past Wednesday, Keith Pyeatt blogged about his WIP at <a href="http://keithpyeatt.blogspot.com/">http://keithpyeatt.blogspot.com/</a> and tagged me for this Wednesday. Scoot over to Keith's Blog to read about his upcoming release.<br />
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Stay tuned (as they used to say on Batman) for this Wednesday and discover details about my new book. Plus, see who I tagged to carry forward the questions.Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-86274693361249311332012-11-15T15:56:00.003-05:002012-11-15T15:56:50.585-05:00Can you hear me now? -- Audio book production<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m in the process of reviewing the audio book recording of my first Derek Mason Mystery: <strong><em>FINGERING THE FAMILY JEWELS</em></strong>. It’s been a long time since I reread the book. I’m doing it now as I listen to the production, chapter by chapter.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7gOqml8UcX2BYE4nMsy1I_P8D-qZZxuheL-WZ0v1rp2iq4bh2iwJ4-F3U1O2Ir_3ETEJ3h73nDZc-j7MZUD-GfQLPLEOXeiVFwgGRnu7MV8WbOHAMwhy8Ia6JogQ6moAHpTt3xhgVj8/s1600/Nov+15,+2012+3:48:09+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs7gOqml8UcX2BYE4nMsy1I_P8D-qZZxuheL-WZ0v1rp2iq4bh2iwJ4-F3U1O2Ir_3ETEJ3h73nDZc-j7MZUD-GfQLPLEOXeiVFwgGRnu7MV8WbOHAMwhy8Ia6JogQ6moAHpTt3xhgVj8/s200/Nov+15,+2012+3:48:09+PM.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, honestly, I guess I’m reading along with the narrator Andy Babinski (great voice). I check to make sure Andy gets the pronunciation right on some of the Charlotte, N.C. location names and to make sure I didn’t have some huge error in the book that gets put in the audio version. I know the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932300228/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cherokeemcghe-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1932300228" target="_blank">paperback</a> is a little different than the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002E9HMKG?tag=cherokeemcghe-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B002E9HMKG&adid=0KSE8HG1JXT0S8G352Z3&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fcherokeemcghee.com%2FKindle%2Fkindlecatalog.htm" target="_blank">eBook</a> – words here and there, nothing big – and the audio is too. Some things read differently than they sound when spoken out loud.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJDmkmJq_wR2uZ7b9f5onO8CWgS_H5N6e7Cbq-OcBbnn_q4R3ZLRppJzo-_L-peXA7v0wWhCtbc65QBJYmQPUQg0wlTMB_IG0iMt-GMMEyawtIDUb_C9xnA3j_JVBYwFqFpPaDWmOwsI/s1600/FTFJCoverAudio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJDmkmJq_wR2uZ7b9f5onO8CWgS_H5N6e7Cbq-OcBbnn_q4R3ZLRppJzo-_L-peXA7v0wWhCtbc65QBJYmQPUQg0wlTMB_IG0iMt-GMMEyawtIDUb_C9xnA3j_JVBYwFqFpPaDWmOwsI/s320/FTFJCoverAudio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do you get an audio book made?
</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First write and publish a book. Make sure you keep the audio rights. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secondly, sell a lot of copies of the book. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Third, post the rights on ACX.com That’s Audiobook Creation Exchange. There are some ties to Audible and to Amazon.
</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ACX matches up authors with voice talent to produce an audio book. I had a few of auditions from narrators for <em>FTFJ</em>, but they didn’t capture my idea of what Derek would sound like. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Searching through the database of voice talent, I found samples of Andy’s work. His voice matched what I had always thought Derek sounded like. I sent Andy a sample of the book, and he took on the project.
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3phP4dn2WnfiVXc7TPuZFcmjD96oEmW1ser8ORw1lXCqP4UxteZnkeZO3RdwNH_cZ4oANF7q1pU8mEGlRKa96x-afV9VfabFcWIViH6df71CKJSww2kX7BZy3ejqBQGvTgEmRHHCGZE/s320/AndyBabinski.jpg" width="214" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel lucky to have found ACX and Andy Babinski.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cool thing I’m discovering is that the chapters are averaging about 16 – 19 minutes each. Perfect for a daily commute or exercising at the gym.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The production will be finished and available on Audible.com by mid-December – just in time for a Holiday download!
Get your ears ready for an aural delight!</span>
Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-82938393925125685702012-09-24T13:18:00.002-04:002012-09-24T13:18:39.437-04:00Guest post at "Women & Words" blog<h1>Book giveaway today!</h1>
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I'm interviewed by Andi Marquette for the <a href="http://lesbianauthors.wordpress.com/2012/09/24/interview-with-author-greg-lilly-and-book-giveaway/">"Women & Words"</a> blog.
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Find out how I started writing fiction, my upcoming projects, my close encounter with a great-horned owl, and enter to win UNDER A COPPER MOON.
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<a href="http://lesbianauthors.wordpress.com/2012/09/24/interview-with-author-greg-lilly-and-book-giveaway/">Women & Words Blog
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<a href="http://greglilly.com/images/Web300pixels/UnderACopperMoon300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="200" src="http://greglilly.com/images/Web300pixels/UnderACopperMoon300.jpg" /></a></div>
http://lesbianauthors.wordpress.com/2012/09/24/interview-with-author-greg-lilly-and-book-giveaway/
Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-63566152769043078582012-04-21T09:31:00.001-04:002012-04-21T09:31:30.768-04:00Interview for the Malice Domestic conference April 27 - 29, 2012 in BethesdaFollow the link to Linda Rodriguez Writes blog for an interview with me about writing and mysteries.<br />
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I tried not to offend anyone, but might have. ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://lindarodriguezwrites.blogspot.com/2012/04/countdown-to-malice-domestic-2012-greg.html?spref=bl">Linda Rodriguez Writes: Countdown to Malice Domestic 2012--Greg Lilly</a>: This is my final post counting down to Malice Domestic 2012 in Bethesda, MD, April 27-29, and Greg Lilly is the last of my panelists for H...Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-68607515112389063782012-03-09T17:00:00.004-05:002012-03-09T17:09:45.646-05:00Greg Lilly to appear at the 18th Annual Virginia Festival of the BookPress Release<br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">(Williamsburg, VA • March 9, 2012)</span> Greg Lilly, author of <em><strong>Scalping the Red Rocks – a Derek Mason Mystery</strong></em>, will<a name="_GoBack"></a> participate in the 18th annual Virginia Festival of the Book. The Festival, which takes place March 21-25, 2012, is held in venues throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, and is now the largest educational book event in the mid-Atlantic, drawing a cumulative annual attendance of more than 20,000 attendees.<br /><br />Lilly joins authors James Church, Corban Addison, Thomas Kaufman and Brad Parks for the “Murder, Murder Everywhere” panel on Crime Wave Saturday (March 24). The panel discusses how the combination of character and location create unique settings for mysteries.<br /><br />Lilly’s novels are acclaimed by critics for their sense of place and settings that act as characters in the stories. Drewey Wayne Gunn from Lambda Literary magazine praises <em>Scalping the Red Rocks</em> for its “vivid sense of place.” Author Keith Pyeatt says the mystery “showcases Greg Lilly’s mastery of characterization, setting, and suspense.” AOL Travel listed the new novel as an Editor’s Pick in Sedona (Arizona) Culture, alongside John Wayne’s movie Angel and the Badman and the Glenn Ford western, the original 3:10 to Yuma, which were both filmed in the desert resort town. “For a good airplane read,” AOL lists, “try Greg Lilly’s Derek Mason Mystery, <em>Scalping the Red Rocks</em>. Lilly, a former Sedona resident, so thoroughly captures the town’s personality and culture that a favorite game among the locals is guessing who the characters are based on.”<br /><br />The “Murder, Murder Everywhere” panel is a collection of mystery writers who will discuss using setting as a character and plotting device. The panel is free and open to the public – Saturday, March 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the Charlottesville Omni Hotel, Ballroom A.<br /><br />The Virginia Festival of the Book runs March 21 - 25 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Authors, illustrators, storytellers, and other publishing professionals from across the United States are participating this year, including<br />Jeffery Deaver (<em>Carte Blanche</em>),<br />Lee Smith (<em>Mrs. Darcy and the Blue Eyed Stranger</em>),<br />Charles Shields (<em>And So It Goes: Kurt Vonnegut: A Life</em>),<br />Edward Ayers (<em>America on the Eve of the Civil War</em>),<br />Kwame Alexander (<em>Acoustic Rooster and his Barnyard Band</em>),<br />Kathryn Erskine (<em>Mockingbird</em>),<br />Nikki Giovanni (<em>Bicycles: Love Poems</em>),<br />Sharyn McCrumb (<em>The Ballad of Tom Dooley</em>),<br />Nikky Finney (<em>Head Off & Split</em>),<br />Jill McCorkle (<em>Going Away Shoes­–Stories</em>),<br />Barton Seaver (<em>For Cod and Country</em>),<br />Nick Galifianakis (<em>If You Loved Me, You’d Think This Was Cute</em>),<br />and many more.<br /><br />The mission of the Virginia Festival of the Book is to bring together writers and readers and to promote and celebrate books, reading, literacy, and literary culture. Full details on the entire five-day festival are available at vabook.org. More information on Greg Lilly and his novels can be found at www.GregLilly.com.<br /><br /># # #Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-21712734263747264412011-11-09T14:32:00.002-05:002011-11-09T14:38:21.954-05:00A brilliant flash of the obvious…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUMGxoYQTUE5CtPpOYtnF7DjA5VfsZh7sJKPPBhl9I2TRKM1fk4-3nVKEwfiqh_N1R8TCedThbUcjhizLMnSLZHJwPmihriYXwlq8dZo9ZeqYagzmKLVdRZDSJjNJXONNHSjCU22wB1Y/s1600/J0101856.BMP"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 192px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673082377580778962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUMGxoYQTUE5CtPpOYtnF7DjA5VfsZh7sJKPPBhl9I2TRKM1fk4-3nVKEwfiqh_N1R8TCedThbUcjhizLMnSLZHJwPmihriYXwlq8dZo9ZeqYagzmKLVdRZDSJjNJXONNHSjCU22wB1Y/s320/J0101856.BMP" /></a><br />I’ve been struggling on the new book because it incorporates several different characters’ points of view – different stories that converge, one storyline that comes from 400 years ago.<br /><br />Last night as I read some research on the witch trials in Virginia from Colonial Williamsburg, I realized in a “brilliant flash of the obvious” [as my former boss, the VP of technology, used to say] that I didn’t have to write the draft in the order that I want to eventually structure the story. Duh.<br /><br />Working on the Anna storyline set in 1690s was difficult when I would then jump to present day and write scenes on her descendents. I’ve always been structured, logical, and synchronous. My other four books, I started with chapter one and wrote through until the end. The structure was linear. The process was linear. Once finished, this book will be linear, but with parallel storylines across time. I have increased respect for science fiction and fantasy writers who move around in time and place.<br /><br />Scenes, chapters, POV segments are my components, my strategy. Once I have the building blocks, I can construct the story for next draft. Gee, it’s freeing to allow yourself to do things in a different way.Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-59191882756528765622011-08-08T13:14:00.003-04:002011-08-08T13:21:34.450-04:00A Novel ApproachI attended and presented at the Virginia Writers Club’s <em>“Navigating Your Writing Life” – A Symposium for Writers of All Ages & All Stage </em>this past weekend. What an inspiring and informative day! All writers discussing the craft and art of writing…and the business.
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<br />Thriller writer and author of the new James Bond novel Jeffery Deaver presented the keynote. He talked about how he writes a novel a year, used to write two a year when he “was younger.”
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<br />I’ve had some distractions and paid work that have kept me from the new novel. Jeff Deaver has convinced me incorporate his processes.
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<br />First, he said that writing is a BUSINESS. A writer needs to keep a product in front of his customers. This means I need to get my ass in the chair and write this novel.
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<br />His second rule was that since writing is a business, a writer needs a business plan. He used the example of mint toothpaste versus liver toothpaste. Know your readers and what they want to read and what you like to write. Pâté may be popular, but no one wants it as a toothpaste flavor.
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<br />Next comes the idea – an idea that “grabs the reader and drags him through the book to the last page.” That’s a page-turner.
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<br />Jeff Deaver spends eight months of his 12 month schedule working out a detailed outline of the structure and plots of the story. This is the time he tests and confirms that he has a great idea (not a liver-flavored toothpaste idea) and that the structure and plan are sound.
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<br />After this, he writers and re-writes the book.
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<br />And finally after the book is out, like all good business people, writers need to gather feedback. He doesn’t rely too much on critics, but more on sales, reader e-mails, and fan comments at events.
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<br />Some of this I have done over the years, but the outlining is a tale of two camps in the writing world. Creatives usually rally against outlines because we recall the high school English teachers making us use Roman numerals and hierarchies of indention. Other writers, usually non-fiction writers, outline heavily and see it as the only way to finish a book that is worth reading.
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<br />I always tell my writing classes that I know where I want to start and where I want to end and then let the characters take me there.
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<br />Well, it <em>ain’t a-working</em> this time.
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<br />I think I’m going to try outlining the structure of the new novel, not as extensively as Jeffery Deaver, but enough to know that I have a firm architecture in which my characters can live and interact.
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<br />I’ll let you know how it goes.
<br />Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-88033855869130377832011-05-16T16:30:00.008-04:002011-05-16T17:03:44.559-04:00Comma, comma, chameleon<div><font face="arial">On Twitter, I saw this post from APStylebook: </font></div><font face="arial"><font color="#3333ff" face="times new roman"><blockquote><font face="arial"><font color="#3333ff" face="times new roman">We do not put a comma before the "and" in a simple series: The flag is red, white and blue.<br /></font></font></blockquote></font><div>A follower had asked about the use of a comma in a series. There were plenty of comments, recommendations<strong>,</strong> and accusations (see I just broke the AP Style rule by putting that comma before the word <em>and</em>). </div><div> </div><div>Some posters were almost mean about the proclamation that the extra comma is not used. I think I read a thinly-veiled threat to the <em>Associated Press Stylebook</em> team – guys check your cars’ brake cables before driving home today.</div></font><div><font face="arial"><br />I had to learn these rules when I first started writing and editing for a magazine. You see, non-fiction writing tends to follow AP Style. Fiction writing follows <em>The Chicago Manual of Style</em>. I do both, so I’m always confused.</font></div><font face="arial"><div><br /><em>Chicago</em> says the sentence structured would be: The flag is red, white<strong><font color="#ff0000">,</font></strong> and blue.<br /></div><div>As an editor, I just want consistency. </div><div><br />For some reason, I’m partial to using the comma in front of the and in a series – maybe as Lady GaGa says, <em>I was born that way</em>. Although, I think my elementary school English teachers must have taught that.</div><div><br />My suggestion is that <strong>fiction </strong>writers buy a copy of <em>The Chicago Manual of Style</em> for reference when in doubt about how to punctuate something. </div><div> </div><div>For <strong>magazine</strong> and <strong>newspaper</strong> writers, refer to the <em>Associated Press (AP) Stylebook</em>. Either way, watch those commas. Wars have been started with less passion.</div></font><div></div><div> </div>Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-82288582481300308532011-03-02T10:49:00.004-05:002011-03-02T11:00:29.150-05:00e-Book PricingI've heard a lot of chatter on e-book pricing. I understand how some of it comes about. For example: I have a hard time spending money for a reader then shelling out trade paperback prices for a NYT bestseller from a NY mammoth publishing house. Lisa Unger for $11.99 Kindle edition? That just seems greedy.<br /><br />A publisher can’t drop the price of e-books too low because the cost of editing, graphic design, royalties, management and promotion are all still there. The only cost-savings is paper printing and distribution – but then the e-book seller/distributor replaces those with their own costs.<br /><br />Because I can (I still control the electronic rights to all my books), I lowered the price of my four novels on the Kindle format, from $6.99 to $2.99 (the lowest price Amazon will allow me to use). This is an experiment to see if price really enters into the buying decision.<br /><br />At that price, I would make a few cents per book. This scenario would be difficult for a publisher to get everyone who has a finger in the per book margin to agree to take pennies, so it can’t happen in a for-profit company, but with me, sure – for a limited time experiment.<br /><br />March is my birthday month. So, for a few days, I want to extend a price break to readers, and also, test the pricing model. Does a 58% reduction in price increase demand as our economics professors claimed? I’ll let you know.<br /><table><br /><tr><br /><td><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cherokeemcghe-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B003UD815A" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /></td><br /><td><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cherokeemcghe-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B002E9HMKG" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /></td><br /><td><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cherokeemcghe-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B002E9IPHU" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /></td><br /><td><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cherokeemcghe-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&asins=B001J6O3VG" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /></td><br /></tr><br /></table>Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-45812952809600087812010-12-06T13:09:00.002-05:002010-12-06T13:46:26.449-05:00Nurturing the CreativeI have several promotions lined up for <em><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0979969468?tag=cherokeemcghe-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0979969468&adid=15BDH7QS0KD8HDKF60PS&">Scalping the Red Rocks</a></strong></em> and the other books. On Monday, December 13, I’ll be on a <a href="http://www.chesapeakebaywriters.org/">regional radio show </a>during morning drive-time to discuss the new mystery. This is the same show I was on in November 2009 and discussed <em><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0979969409?tag=cherokeemcghe-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0979969409&adid=104CFFS3KECJH8T70GWM&">Under a Copper Moon</a></strong></em>. It’s a fun thing to do. I’m always a bit nervous, but I try not to think of the people listening, but instead focus on the announcer in the booth.<br /><br />With the radio interview, it’s beneficial to schedule a book signing the following Saturday, mainly to give the listeners a call-to-action, a place they can go to buy the book. I have a book signing set at Twice Told Tales in Gloucester, Virginia on Saturday, December 18. That’s the Saturday before Christmas. Throw in a trip to see my family in Bristol and getting back home for Christmas and a magazine deadline when I have four articles due and a fight with Intuit Customer Service in India and I’m getting overwhelmed.<br /><br />What falls out in all these commitments? The new writing project.<br /><br />In the radio interview, I was going to mention the new project because part of it is set in this part of Virginia, along with the Bristol area, and the Shenandoah area. Now that I consider it, this may be too early in the development to make a comment on radio, especially where answering questions is broadcast to a few people, maybe more than a few – no time to edit before it goes. I’m usually pretty good about editing things before they leave my mind, but being nervous, I say things that I wouldn’t ordinarily say. Not that I have any great secret about the new book. Not that it’s a subject I fear will be “stolen.”<br /><br />I heard a writer once say that inspiration and ideas need to be protected like a growing child until they can stand on their own and speak for themselves. Other people (“blocked creatives” as creativity guru Julia Cameron calls them) try to squelch the growth of new ideas and developing muses, to stop creativity from allowing a different world view, to inhibit forward momentum. So, this writer, he said not to discuss the new project too much at the beginning, give it time to mature.<br /><br />Like an infant, this idea needs my attention, care, nurturing. Why is it always the one thing that gets pushed aside? Yes, I know. I’m the one setting the priorities and I think I’ve just worked out what to do: I’m going to go write.Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8549517280781935991.post-7819431580902787482010-07-12T12:42:00.005-04:002010-07-12T12:52:18.163-04:00eBooks on the “Down Low”I’m finishing Elena Santangelo’s <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0738708909?ie=UTF8&tag=cherokeemcghe-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0738708909">Poison to Purge Melancholy</a></em>, which I bought at Malice Domestic this year. I’m enjoying the way she works poisons into the historical subplot and how readily available those poisons were in the 1700s. Even before I started reading it, I had heard a NPR radio interview with Deborah Blum on her new book about poisons and forensic science in New York City in the 1920s.<br /><br />I’m not a CSI TV show watcher; in fact I don’t think I’ve watched a cop show since “Hill Street Blues.” Forensic science is fascinating. I’ve heard multiple opinions from the real technicians: Either they say the TV labs have more funds and equipment than real life could ever hope for, or they say they never get involved and only write up reports – not much drama there. So I think I avoid those CSI-type programs because I don’t want to write a mystery where the research comes from watching TV. That’s second-hand knowledge. <br /><br />Back to the poisons. Now the public is gaga over forensics. I don’t know if Blum’s book would have been on NPR if it weren’t for the success of television shows like CSI. I listened to the interview as I drove and found her anecdotes fascinating. I went into the William & Mary Bookstore yesterday and bought <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594202435?ie=UTF8&tag=cherokeemcghe-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1594202435">The Poisoner’s Handbook</a></em> by Deborah Blum. It has bumped up on my reading list to follow Santangelo’s mystery, which is just a few chapters from the end.<br /><br />The “Down Low” part of this tangential blog is how self-conscience I felt walking around town with a book titled <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594202435?ie=UTF8&tag=cherokeemcghe-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1594202435">The Poisoner’s Handbook</a></em> (trying to be green, I declined the shopping bag for the one item). Sunday afternoon is a time for beer in Colonial Williamsburg. People tended to guard their drinks when I sat down near them and they saw the book’s title.<br /><br />[I will clarify: Blum does not give poison recipes.]<br /><br />I thought, maybe I should have bought the Kindle copy. That way, no one would know what I was reading.<br /><br />That covert reading is a plus for eBooks. I will admit I have bought Kindle books that I probably wouldn’t have bought in paper form – mainly because of the cover or title. Some books look too much like romances (not that there is anything wrong with that), when they aren’t. Some aren’t as literary as you want your reading image to convey. Some covers are just too sexy to have complete strangers see you carry on the train or bus.<br /><br />My first Derek Mason Mystery <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002E9HMKG?ie=UTF8&tag=cherokeemcghe-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002E9HMKG">Fingering the Family Jewels</a></em> is doing great Kindle sales. Yes, I know the title is a bit risqué for some people, and I wonder if that’s who is buying it in eBook format. Read the book, but don’t let mama know.<br /><br />Where the Internet opened up a way to buy any book without awkwardness, now eBooks let you read any book, anywhere with complete subject/storyline anonymity.<br /><br />Be it books on poison, romances, erotica, Dr. Ruth, Dr. Phil, or books with risqué titles, now you can read on the down low. And that (as VP Biden likes to say) is a big f-ing deal.<br /><br />Read what you want!Greg Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07052807467852329807noreply@blogger.com0