The Three Rs: Reading, wRiting, and Roaming

January Writers' Forum 2019

January 28, 2019

FEATURED ARTICLES: Wordplay Author Lineup & Top 10 Publishing Industry Trends for 2019

The Writers' Forum is a compilation of the month’s important publishing news and helpful writing information for authors, particularly those independently publishing their books. As an independently published author who is now agented, I provide this information to assist others in the way that generous writers assisted me when I was at the beginning of my publishing adventure. On a professional level, I also use my publicity and editorial skills to aid other authors through my company Lost Lake Press. I'd love to use my skills to guide you through the steps of independent publishing!

FEATURED... Continue Reading

Meena Meets Her Match - Review and Interview with author Karla Manternach

January 22, 2019

Meena Meets Her Match by Karla Manternach is a sweet treat of a read that I highly recommend for young readers and their parents. Meena is a relatable main character with her own set of quirky traits that make her instantly likable. From the ups and downs of friendship and the misunderstandings of elementary school to an even bigger worry, this story takes us on Meena’s journey in a skillfully written way. The vivid descriptions will transport grown-ups back to the classroom! The illustrations of Rayner Alencar give us Meena in her full-color glory and add a flair that makes this book an extra-special kind of fun.

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BUILDING YOUR ONLINE AUTHOR IMAGE

January 16, 2019

Often, the first impression people form about authors comes from digital sources – an author website, social media accounts, book sales’ websites, blogs and more. This handy checklist makes sure you won’t miss any of these important ways to reach readers and others in the publishing world. Even for pre-published authors, these digital resources are important. Consider it dressing for the job you want!

CONSISTENCY & BRANDING

One of the most important things to keep in mind when creating the content for your online image is to be consistent in how you present yourself. This means that you should not only be using the same general artwork, colors, and fonts, but also that you should be using the same biography and information about yourself and your books. Consistency... Continue Reading

DECEMBER WRITERS' FORUM

December 27, 2018

FEATURED ARTICLE: The Writer’s Vision for 2019

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Christmas Gifts for Writers (and other hard-to-buy-for people)

December 11, 2018

Momentary panic set in this past weekend when I came across a count-down-to-Christmas clock on a website. I don’t know what date I THOUGHT it was but seeing that Christmas was about two weeks away made me freak out—just a little bit.

I haven’t bought many gifts and I haven't finished decorating the house because I’m immersed in my work in progress. I’ve been slogging through a middle-grade novel for the better part of a year. This is a book that shouldn’t have taken this long to write, and yet, here I am. The rough draft will be finished by December 22. (Yes, you can hold me to that.)

I will need to take a break to finish decorating and buy some gifts. I am certain some of you have the same gift-giving challenges. I’m sharing some fab gift ideas for your writerly family... Continue Reading

October & November Best Reads!

December 4, 2018

These are all books by people I (kinda) know!

During the past two months I’ve read a number of books by authors who I have either met in person or online. I’ve had the privilege of reading a few of these books as a beta reader—giving advice (sometimes minimal/sometimes more than that) for possible changes before the book was published. I feel it’s an important disclaimer to give you before I review these books and recommend them to you.  

Recently, I was asked a question by a fellow reader who had been asked to read a friend’s book and review it. Unfortunately, the reader didn’t feel that she could give the book a good review. She asked what she should do? I jokingly said she had two choices . . . LIE or IGNORE the review request. (She would never actually write... Continue Reading

NOVEMBER WRITER'S FORUM

November 27, 2018

FEATURED ARTICLES:

The Big Picture – Treating Your Writing Like a Business

KDP Books Unavailable to International Readers

The Writers' Forum is a compilation of the month’s important publishing news and helpful writing information for authors, particularly those independently publishing their books. For readers, there are links to southern Wisconsin bookstores to preview their upcoming events. I’ve been an independently published author since 2014 and provide this information to assist others in the way that generous writers assisted me when I was at the beginning of my indie pub journey. On a professional level, I also use my publicity and editorial skills to aid other authors through my company ... Continue Reading

Naming Your Characters

November 6, 2018

I admire brilliant character names and agonized over choosing just the right ones for my Circle of Nine series’ characters. Assuming every author has this same problem, I’ve invited author Kristin A. Oakley to join me today for a discussion on this topic.

Valerie:  Long before I began writing, I admired JK Rowling’s ability to name characters. She used a blend of Latin, Greek, French, botanical, and astrological names to create her characters’ monikers. My series is inspired by Celtic mythology and witchcraft, so I made sure to research Irish names, both... Continue Reading

October Writers' Forum

October 30, 2018

FEATURED ARTICLES: 

The Writing-Marketing Balance

Amazon’s Review Rules

The Writers' Forum is a compilation of the month’s important publishing news and helpful writing information for authors, particularly those independently publishing their books. For readers, there are links to southern Wisconsin bookstores to preview their upcoming events. I’ve been an independently published author since 2014 and provide this information to assist others in the way that generous writers assisted me when I was at the beginning of my indie pub journey. On a professional level, I also use my publicity and editorial skills to aid other authors through my company Lost Lake Press. I'd love to use my skills to... Continue Reading

9 Reading Lists for a Haunting Halloween

October 23, 2018

It’s that time again . . . it’s almost Halloween. Or for those who follow a slightly different calendar, Samhain, is nearly upon us. This is when the veil between the worlds thins and makes it easier for us to commune with the spirit world. (Are you feeling the spooky vibe yet?)

Are you looking for ghostly, eerie, witchy, creepy, spine-tingling reads this year?

Or even just a little non-frightening Halloween fun in book form?

I have some excellent book lists for all ages and fright levels. Nine lists . . . because nine is a magical number.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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