Reading, wRiting, and Roaming with Author Valerie Biel

Monthly Book Review - March

April 3, 2017

Ah, March! I had a lot of book-ish things going on in March that prevented me from reading as much as I would have liked to. I know we can all relate to that. I was happy to attend the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association Conference and the University of Wisconsin Writers’ Institute as well as visit St. Mary's School in Portage, but that means my review list is much smaller for March. 

The stand out read for the month was a middle grade novel I had downloaded quite some time ago. Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere by Julie T. Lamana follows Armani Curtis who is turning ten the weekend Hurricane Katrina hits New Orleans. All... Continue Reading

March Writers' Forum

March 28, 2017

In my journey through the steps of independent publishing, refining my writing skills, and most recently completing a successful agent search, I’ve come across some excellent information, tips, tools, and shortcuts that I think would be beneficial to any writer. Once a month, I’ll share the “best of” information and news from the publishing industry as well as feature other authors and writing instructors with tips to share. I am incredibly thankful for the assistance and advice given to me from writing and publishing professionals and am happy pay that forward.

Book News

If you are one of the many adults who has never read a book from the young adult or YA genre, you are missing out on some very fine stories. (I’m not just saying... Continue Reading

Snowflake Method to Write A Book Super Fast by Lucy Adams

March 20, 2017

Writing a book can be very intimidating not just for veteran writers but more so for rookie ones. Why? Simply because everyone wants to read a good book. We all like to encounter stories that will make us think about our own lives or to take us to a trip down to memory lane. Today, writing a great book can be done faster than it would normally take to draft your very first sentence.

How? By utilizing the snowflake method! Now, we are sure that not everyone has heard about this method of writing a book so let us give you a brief background. Randy Ingermanson according to http://www.... Continue Reading

Spring into Writing: Six Ways to Make the Most of a Class

March 15, 2017

 

 

 

 

Every writer benefits from writing classes or writing instruction. Even the best writers seek an outside perspective. Almost every professional, whether involved with writing, sports, or business, admits that continued instruction is helpful. 

Have you contemplated taking a class? Perhaps you’re seeking certification or maybe you’re enrolling in school to acquire a writing degree. I returned to school after many years to pursue a master’s degree. It was difficult and exhausting but worth it. Yes, for me, two-and-a-half years of writing classes was a fantastic choice. 

So, perhaps you’ve enrolled in a course. Now what? How... Continue Reading

Monthly Book Review - February

March 8, 2017

Books – Books – Books! I continue to wish for a real-life working Time Turner (like the one Hermione Granger had in Harry Potter) so I could live each day twice: Once to do all the things I’m supposed to do, and a second perfectly wonderful day just for reading.

February continued my love affair with books featuring futuristic worlds where things are not all that perfect. I originally became interested in the 5th Wave series by Rick Yancey after I saw the movie advertised. (I know this is backwards, but I truly hadn’t heard of it until then.) And I have another confession to make. I watched the movie FIRST! (I know, I know – that is just so WRONG.) The good news is that the movie was... Continue Reading

Artistic Collaboration and Inspiration

February 28, 2017

Going beyond your niche to fuel creativity (or energize your daily life) through other artistic endeavors.

I am a writer of fictional stories. That’s how I choose to express my creativity and ideas. I do not identify myself as a dancer, a painter, a singer, or a writer of poetry. But, that does not mean that I can’t enjoy these types of other artistic activities either directly or as a spectator.

I am convinced that my writing is better when I fuel my creativity in unexpected ways. I think all of us (not just those involved in creative endeavors) benefit more than we even know from exposing ourselves to things that are outside our normal life, helping us to see the world in a new and different way.

... Continue Reading

February Writers' Forum

February 21, 2017

In my journey through the steps of independent publishing, refining my writing skills, and most recently completing a successful agent search, I’ve come across some excellent information, tips, tools, and shortcuts that I think would be beneficial to any writer. Once a month, I’ll share the “best of” information and news from the publishing industry as well as feature other authors and writing instructors with tips to share. I am incredibly thankful for the assistance and advice given to me from writing and publishing professionals and am happy pay that forward.

General Publishing News

March 1: Book Release from Wisconsin writer Angie Stanton. She discusses her inspiration for her newest novel on her... Continue Reading

Five Ways to Fall in Love (Again) With Your Writing

February 12, 2017

 

 

 

                           I love those job-themed memes. You know, the ones where six images are displayed and phrases are offered about what friends believe, what society believes, and what one really accomplishes. Have you seen the memes about writers? Hilarious. My version is thus:

Note the last image. A muscular fellow rolling up his sleeves, tackling the job at hand. It’s simplistic but it’s what writers must do. Effective writing is roll-up-the-sleeves work. Writing takes discipline and creativity;... Continue Reading

Monthly Book Review - January

February 8, 2017

There’s a reason I didn’t get much (okay any!) writing done in January. I was reading! And I’m happy to tell you all about my favorite books of the month . . . full of deadly diseases, crumbling societies, and murder. 

I’m sure many of you saw the movie World War Z when it came out a few years ago. I assumed the book by Max Brooks would be close to the same plot line as the movie, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. This novel has a very intriguing format. It’s written as a series of first-hand accounts in interview format from locations around the world about what happened when the virus hit and the aftermath on those who managed to survive. It’s political and personal and horrific and uplifting—all... Continue Reading

Interview with Author Sandy Goldsworthy

January 31, 2017

Today I welcome author Sandy Goldsworthy. I fell in love with her Aftermath series and think you might, too. I love the unique premise of this series and find it incredibly imaginative. It drew me in immediately. Here’s the cover blurb . . .

After losing her father, Emma Bennett moves to her aunt’s small town of Westport to finish out her senior year of high school. Emma wants to forget the pain and loss of the past few weeks, finding relief in the company of Ben Parker—a local boy who she has an instant attraction and uncanny connection with. When Ben seems a little too preoccupied with other responsibilities and has no time for her, Emma turns to the town’s hottest flirt—Lucas Crandon—for affection. Unfortunately, she... Continue Reading

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