Review of The Moonstone:
"This book strikes straight out of the heart of traditional fantasy, carefully combining many elements from ancient culture and modern fairy-tales. Broadwell's sources are a well-crafted mix of Celtic mythologies, Gaelic rooted language, life observations, and fantasy themes."
Richard Bunning
For any of you that love a good read, enjoy fantasy and a story of redemption please read on--
The Moonstone begins the journey into a fantastical world, peopled with humans and other beings never before seen...accompany Finna and her mother to the Glass Mountain for the momentous celebration to bless Finna's baby...but don't forget to bring your armor since danger lies around every corner!
Twenty-four years have gone by since Finna's child was born and now Maeve must unravel the secrets of her heritage. Her Tarot card readings point to a dark and frightening future. Join Saille, the Willow on a voyage of discovery as she comes face to face with a destiny she did not choose!
To win a free paperback copy of Saille, the Willow you must come up with the names of four gods or goddesses who play a part in The Moonstone. And if you would like a half off copy of both paperbacks, merely tell me the name of this series and where it takes place.
The first ten people who can answer either question will win!
And if you are partial to kindle, both books are on Amazon for only .99 during the month of December!
The Moonstone
Saille, the Willow
Happy Holidaze!
About Me
- nikki broadwell
- working writer wending her way through the labyrinth that is self-publishing
Showing posts with label The Moonstone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Moonstone. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The Next Big Thing--blog hop
Here is my post for the The Next Big Thing-
Ten Interview Questions
for The Next Big Thing
1. What is the working title
of your book? –Wolfmoon Trilogy.
2. Where did the idea come
from for the book? –I was working on a serious project and I decided to
start a fantasy to get my mind off it—and the story kept going. It seemed to
write itself.
3. What genre does your book
fall under? –Celtic fantasy with epic overtones and several love stories woven
through.
4. Which actors would you
choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? –Most would have to be
Scottish as two books of the series take place in the Scottish highlands. Book
II, Saille, the Willow, is the only
one that takes place in the U.S. –I also have several Gaelic speakers, a druid,
three alien species and many Celtic gods and goddesses. For MacCuill’s
character (druid) I would think someone like the actor who played Dumbledore in
Harry Potter or the person who played Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings.
5. What is the one-sentence
synopsis of your book?--When newly pregnant Finna’s mother shows up at her door
bearing the gift of a magical moonstone, it sets off a chain of events that
will shake the foundations of three generations of women, culminating in their
participation in an epic battle to save the mystical Otherworld from being
plunged forever into darkness.
6. Will your book be
self-published or represented by an agency? –Book I, The Moonstone, has already been (self) published under my own
publishing name, Airmid Publishing. Book II, Saille, the Willow, will be out under the same heading in mid to
late September. I plan to do the same with Book III, Wolfmoon, coming out around the winter solstice of 2012.
7. How long did it take you
to write the first draft of your manuscript? –Probably around six months. But
the seven following drafts and the subsequent professional editing have taken
several years.
8. What other books would
you compare this story to within your genre? –The only one that comes to mind
is The Sevenwaters Trilogy by Juliet
Marillier.
9. Who or What inspired you
to write this book? --As I mentioned, this series wrote itself. I felt the hand
of the goddess coming through my own.
10. What else about your book
might pique the reader’s interest? –There’s a lot of information on herbs as
well as Celtic mythology in the books. Wolves play a big part in the narrative.
For anyone interested in divination I include the Tarot and the Ogham Tree Oracle.
***Answer the ten questions about your current WIP (Work In Progress) ***
Tag five other writers/bloggers and add their links so we can hop over and meet them. It’s that simple.
TAG You’re it!!
Simon Williams--http://www.facebook.com/simon.williams.92505
Robert Chazz
Chute-- http://www.facebook.com/robert.c.chute
Sunday, August 19, 2012
POV confusion
I recently read a blog regarding the writing element of point of view (POV) in which the blogger stated that omniscient POV was lots of fun because you could be in everyone's head. When I began my book five years ago, I did what is referred to as head-hopping. This means that within the same paragraph I had more than one character's thoughts available to the reader. The main problem with this is that as a reader you want to know whose point of view you're in. Or at least I do. When my editor pointed this out I began to read extensively about POV's so I would not make this mistake again.
First lets go briefly over the different POV's a writer can employ:
1st person:
I started the car and pressed down hard on the gas peddle but nothing happened."Hey!" I yelled to my brother, "what did you do to the car?"
"Nothing!"
I watched his ears turn pink, a sure sign he was lying.
Here we are in one person's head...she/he can only deduce what's going on with other characters by what she/he sees, hears, smells...etc...
1st person present:
I slip off my shoes and switch on the T.V. This day has made me cranky. I need a glass of wine. I pick up the bottle. Only a drop left. Damn! Why didn't I stop at the store!
This is a fun and immediate way to write but the narrative can go too quickly if you aren't careful.
3rd person:
He watched the line of orange disappear over the western mountains, leaving a sky the color of pewter. Soon it would be completely dark. Why had he decided to come down here alone? In the distance he saw a rider, a woman by the look of it. He cupped his hands around his mouth. "Haloo!"he called, listening to the echo bounce off the canyon walls.
A wave of her right hand told him she had heard. It was several minutes before she drew close enough to make her out. Her dark hair was tangled, matted with sticks and leaves.
"What are you doing here?" she asked in a thick accent.
His heart pounded. He knew her, why didn't she recognize him? "I...I..." he stammered, trying to collect himself.
Here we are also in one character's head. In the next chapter or even the next paragraph we could switch into her head but if we did it now it could become confusing and irritating. We want to connect with one person at a time. We want to identify with this person.
Omniscient:
The three teenage boys looked up at the sky as they made their way down the hill. It was lucky for them there had been no rain, otherwise the track would have been too slick for their light canvas shoes. When all was said and done they enjoyed each other's company despite their very real differences. In the lead was Ed, sharp-faced and an even sharper tongue. Behind him was Jake, short and heavy, a grim expression on his thug-like features. And following several paces back was Mel, the one with the gun.
In omniscient we have a story-teller. One who knows everything but is unnamed. If these boys speak to one another we can know all their thoughts because the story-teller knows. But it's very difficult to write in this POV correctly. Tolkien is a master at this, and we all recognize the fairy-tale feeling of this POV. We could have a fox looking out from his burrow commenting on the goings on...or a tree with thoughts. In this POV we look at the characters from a distance.
here is a link to a very good article on this subject: https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/deadly-sin-of-writing-5-p-o-v-prostitution/
I have not attempted to write in omniscient POV because I prefer the intimacy of 1st or 3rd person. And also because I'm afraid I would screw it up. My trilogy is in 3rd person with several different POV's separated by chapters or paragraphs. The sequel to the trilogy I've begun is in 1st person but I'm finding it limiting in some respects.
The other important thing to remember is that if you decide to switch from 1st to 3rd or vice-versa, it is not an easy fix. You can't just change 'I' to 'he/she'. The Moonstone was originally in 1st person and I changed it to 3rd-- a LOT of work! And of course this is doubly difficult if you're employing omniscient. There are other POV's I haven't mentioned here because I don't know enough to write about them--I have written one story in 1st person present--tenses are a subject for another day!
I may have made mistakes here as I'm learning as I go. There are many articles on this subject and many with false information ...here's a link to another valuable article if you'd like to read further: http://www.the-writers-craft.com/omniscient-point-of-view.html
First lets go briefly over the different POV's a writer can employ:
1st person:
I started the car and pressed down hard on the gas peddle but nothing happened."Hey!" I yelled to my brother, "what did you do to the car?"
"Nothing!"
I watched his ears turn pink, a sure sign he was lying.
Here we are in one person's head...she/he can only deduce what's going on with other characters by what she/he sees, hears, smells...etc...
1st person present:
I slip off my shoes and switch on the T.V. This day has made me cranky. I need a glass of wine. I pick up the bottle. Only a drop left. Damn! Why didn't I stop at the store!
This is a fun and immediate way to write but the narrative can go too quickly if you aren't careful.
3rd person:
He watched the line of orange disappear over the western mountains, leaving a sky the color of pewter. Soon it would be completely dark. Why had he decided to come down here alone? In the distance he saw a rider, a woman by the look of it. He cupped his hands around his mouth. "Haloo!"he called, listening to the echo bounce off the canyon walls.
A wave of her right hand told him she had heard. It was several minutes before she drew close enough to make her out. Her dark hair was tangled, matted with sticks and leaves.
"What are you doing here?" she asked in a thick accent.
His heart pounded. He knew her, why didn't she recognize him? "I...I..." he stammered, trying to collect himself.
Here we are also in one character's head. In the next chapter or even the next paragraph we could switch into her head but if we did it now it could become confusing and irritating. We want to connect with one person at a time. We want to identify with this person.
Omniscient:
The three teenage boys looked up at the sky as they made their way down the hill. It was lucky for them there had been no rain, otherwise the track would have been too slick for their light canvas shoes. When all was said and done they enjoyed each other's company despite their very real differences. In the lead was Ed, sharp-faced and an even sharper tongue. Behind him was Jake, short and heavy, a grim expression on his thug-like features. And following several paces back was Mel, the one with the gun.
In omniscient we have a story-teller. One who knows everything but is unnamed. If these boys speak to one another we can know all their thoughts because the story-teller knows. But it's very difficult to write in this POV correctly. Tolkien is a master at this, and we all recognize the fairy-tale feeling of this POV. We could have a fox looking out from his burrow commenting on the goings on...or a tree with thoughts. In this POV we look at the characters from a distance.
here is a link to a very good article on this subject: https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/deadly-sin-of-writing-5-p-o-v-prostitution/
I have not attempted to write in omniscient POV because I prefer the intimacy of 1st or 3rd person. And also because I'm afraid I would screw it up. My trilogy is in 3rd person with several different POV's separated by chapters or paragraphs. The sequel to the trilogy I've begun is in 1st person but I'm finding it limiting in some respects.
The other important thing to remember is that if you decide to switch from 1st to 3rd or vice-versa, it is not an easy fix. You can't just change 'I' to 'he/she'. The Moonstone was originally in 1st person and I changed it to 3rd-- a LOT of work! And of course this is doubly difficult if you're employing omniscient. There are other POV's I haven't mentioned here because I don't know enough to write about them--I have written one story in 1st person present--tenses are a subject for another day!
I may have made mistakes here as I'm learning as I go. There are many articles on this subject and many with false information ...here's a link to another valuable article if you'd like to read further: http://www.the-writers-craft.com/omniscient-point-of-view.html
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Front matter, back matter, does it matter?.....
I just read an article stating that four Smashwords e-books were listed on the New York Times best seller list--http://www.teleread.com/smashwords/four-smashwords-authors-make-the-new-york-times-bestseller-list/ Only two weeks or so ago I read another article saying that Indie authors would never be listed there. Things are changing in the publishing world and they're changing fast! Very good news for all indie authors!
I'm still not on the e-reader bandwagon. I am not capable of sitting at my computer to read a book and I'm too cheap to buy a Kindle, Nook or Ipad. Because of this I'm passing on books I would really like to read. There are two books languishing on my Kindle app right waiting to be read and reviewed..
On another subject, there have been several posts on one of my FB groups asking about where to put the acknowledgements page. When I published 'The Moonstone' I found a link on the Createspace website to Joel Friedlander who has much needed information on front matter and back matter. http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2012/02/self-publishing-basics-how-to-organize-your-books-front-matter/
I wrote about this in a previous post called "Let the Uploading Begin!" but I thought I might revisit the topic since it seems a confusing issue.
If you open a traditionally published book, you will come upon several things organized in a somewhat routine fashion..
(reviews)
1. Title page--just the name of the book
2. Other books by the author
3. Possibly another title page with a listing of publisher and author
4. copyright page
5. dedication
6. acknowledgements
7. prologue
There is a fair amount of variation in these seven items. There may be a dedication and no acknowledgments or acknowledgements and no dedication. Their order may be reversed. I have seen acknowledgments listed at the end of the book. I put mine in the front because it seemed proper to give thanks to those who helped me along the way.
Working on my first book, front and back matter came as an unpleasant realization after I'd uploaded my manuscript to Createspace. I checked through the novels in my bookshelf and then followed Joel's instructions. Part of my front matter was a short pithy blurb from a reviewer, (one I managed to obtain by sending the manuscript out before it was published) raving about the book. In traditionally pubbed books, reviews can be on the back page, on the inside flap or on the first pages. And there are usually more than one. Hard to get for those of us going the self-publishing route. For back matter, I had the first chapter of the next book in the series and my bio, but there can be a glossary or translations or any number of things at the end of the book.
I wrote about Prologues in a former post, entitled strangely enough, "Writing Prologues". Other information on this topic can be found here: http://www.foremostpress.com/authors/articles/prologue.html
A lot to think about and organize for those of us who have chosen to do this on our own. But the pay-off is control and satisfaction, even if the monetary reward takes a while.
I'm still not on the e-reader bandwagon. I am not capable of sitting at my computer to read a book and I'm too cheap to buy a Kindle, Nook or Ipad. Because of this I'm passing on books I would really like to read. There are two books languishing on my Kindle app right waiting to be read and reviewed..
On another subject, there have been several posts on one of my FB groups asking about where to put the acknowledgements page. When I published 'The Moonstone' I found a link on the Createspace website to Joel Friedlander who has much needed information on front matter and back matter. http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2012/02/self-publishing-basics-how-to-organize-your-books-front-matter/
I wrote about this in a previous post called "Let the Uploading Begin!" but I thought I might revisit the topic since it seems a confusing issue.
If you open a traditionally published book, you will come upon several things organized in a somewhat routine fashion..
(reviews)
1. Title page--just the name of the book
2. Other books by the author
3. Possibly another title page with a listing of publisher and author
4. copyright page
5. dedication
6. acknowledgements
7. prologue
There is a fair amount of variation in these seven items. There may be a dedication and no acknowledgments or acknowledgements and no dedication. Their order may be reversed. I have seen acknowledgments listed at the end of the book. I put mine in the front because it seemed proper to give thanks to those who helped me along the way.
Working on my first book, front and back matter came as an unpleasant realization after I'd uploaded my manuscript to Createspace. I checked through the novels in my bookshelf and then followed Joel's instructions. Part of my front matter was a short pithy blurb from a reviewer, (one I managed to obtain by sending the manuscript out before it was published) raving about the book. In traditionally pubbed books, reviews can be on the back page, on the inside flap or on the first pages. And there are usually more than one. Hard to get for those of us going the self-publishing route. For back matter, I had the first chapter of the next book in the series and my bio, but there can be a glossary or translations or any number of things at the end of the book.
I wrote about Prologues in a former post, entitled strangely enough, "Writing Prologues". Other information on this topic can be found here: http://www.foremostpress.com/authors/articles/prologue.html
A lot to think about and organize for those of us who have chosen to do this on our own. But the pay-off is control and satisfaction, even if the monetary reward takes a while.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Covers, KDP and other brain-rotting endeavors...
Book II of Wolfmoon Trilogy, Saille, the Willow, now has a cover. Yay! I spent an extra $400 for it but in the long run I think it's worth the money. If I had hired an illustrator I'm sure the cost would have been considerably more. My original intention had been to have wolves next to her and have her emerging from the tree but now all I want is an engaging cover that grabs a readers attention. And the red dress, uplifted eyes and slightly scathing look are all in keeping with the story. The pale skin of this version will be darkened slightly. Even though the vampire genre is very popular right now, I didn't want this look for Maeve.
How many of you Indie publishers have used a book cover of either your own design or paid an illustrator? These costs all add up and I know if I lived in 'Practical World' I would be tearing my hair out because of the lack of money coming in. And yet I have to remind myself that Book I has only been live since February. And...I also must admit that making money is not my main objective. WHAT? Not your main objective?...how can that be in this world where money is king? Of course I would love to make some money just like the next person but ultimately I want my books SEEN, READ and ENJOYED--nothing more, nothing less. I like them and I think others will too if they can find them and if they enjoy reading fantasy.
More about the finding part: I'm trying to do another KDP select giveaway for The Moonstone, but am having a hard time getting my author/amazon/KDP select webpage to work they way it's supposed to. When I finally found my way to 'manage promotions', and a rectangular icon came up, the little button I was supposed to click on was dim...then I noticed that in tiny letters it said that if it was dim it meant I needed to clear the last promotion before I started the next one. How do you do that? I looked all over, went into the FAQ and did not find the answer. And so I sent yet another message off to KDP. Does anyone else have trouble with this stuff or is it just me?
Without meaning to I found out that Amazon will automatically sign you up for another 90 days on KDP unless you tell them not to--well, that was a shock to begin with. Not only had I thought my 90 days was not anywhere close to being over but I also assumed that when it was over, it was over! (how fast three months can go by) So now I'm faced with another dilemma--to giveaway or not. I thought I might publish on Smashwords after this, but now...is it worth another 90 days stuck on Amazon? This time I've already promoted The Moonstone for the dates in question on two different e-reader websites I was told about--one is ereader news and the other is Pixel of Ink...maybe because of that I'll get more downloads...but in the long run will this help sales? Yes, I know... I said I didn't care, but...
More about the finding part: I'm trying to do another KDP select giveaway for The Moonstone, but am having a hard time getting my author/amazon/KDP select webpage to work they way it's supposed to. When I finally found my way to 'manage promotions', and a rectangular icon came up, the little button I was supposed to click on was dim...then I noticed that in tiny letters it said that if it was dim it meant I needed to clear the last promotion before I started the next one. How do you do that? I looked all over, went into the FAQ and did not find the answer. And so I sent yet another message off to KDP. Does anyone else have trouble with this stuff or is it just me?
Without meaning to I found out that Amazon will automatically sign you up for another 90 days on KDP unless you tell them not to--well, that was a shock to begin with. Not only had I thought my 90 days was not anywhere close to being over but I also assumed that when it was over, it was over! (how fast three months can go by) So now I'm faced with another dilemma--to giveaway or not. I thought I might publish on Smashwords after this, but now...is it worth another 90 days stuck on Amazon? This time I've already promoted The Moonstone for the dates in question on two different e-reader websites I was told about--one is ereader news and the other is Pixel of Ink...maybe because of that I'll get more downloads...but in the long run will this help sales? Yes, I know... I said I didn't care, but...
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Kindle Giveaway!
Kindle version of The Moonstone will be free from June 1st through 5th! go to: http://www.amazon.com/The-Moonstone-ebook/dp/B007DXI9SM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338399473&sr=1-1 and download onto your Kindle reader!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Goodreads and other marketing tools
I just finished my ten book giveaway for "The Moonstone" on Goodreads and over a thousand people entered! I had some trouble setting it up since for some reason my profile was missing several key bits of information and at the very end, when I got the finished notice to approve, I thankfully noticed that the country listed for the giveaway was Denmark! (luckily it wasn't too late to EDIT) Thanks to the group threads I was able to navigate my way through the electronic maze...I am also impressed by the efficiency of the Goodreads staff--they randomly select the winners and then send a copy of their names and addresses to me for mailing the books...AND, I have noticed that many people now have my book listed as 'to read' so I think the promotion was definitely worth it.
With the success of this one I am now ready to embark on the Kindle giveaway on Amazon. So far I've listed my dates for June 1-5. I sent an e-mail to find out what I need to do to promote this and await Amazon's sage advice...I'm assuming the recipient must have a Kindle and can then download off the website but how do people find out about this wonderful event?
Being a newbie to all the social media marketing possibilities, I am unable to take in a lot of information people share. I find that I need things spelled out step by step. But if the list is too long I will walk away.
Every time I manage to accomplish something on the computer I am thrilled and delighted and it leads me a tiny bit further into the secret world that so many people gad about in with ease. But ultimately for me this way of marketing is far superior to giving a talk at a bookstore. To even get to that point would require hefty amounts of pre-promotion and self-selling, something I am REALLY not good at.
So a big thank you to the Goodreads staff and all the people who entered the giveaway. I so appreciate your interest! And those who won--I hope you love the book! And don't forget, Book II, "Saille, the Willow", will be out at the beginning of July if not sooner...
With the success of this one I am now ready to embark on the Kindle giveaway on Amazon. So far I've listed my dates for June 1-5. I sent an e-mail to find out what I need to do to promote this and await Amazon's sage advice...I'm assuming the recipient must have a Kindle and can then download off the website but how do people find out about this wonderful event?
Being a newbie to all the social media marketing possibilities, I am unable to take in a lot of information people share. I find that I need things spelled out step by step. But if the list is too long I will walk away.
Every time I manage to accomplish something on the computer I am thrilled and delighted and it leads me a tiny bit further into the secret world that so many people gad about in with ease. But ultimately for me this way of marketing is far superior to giving a talk at a bookstore. To even get to that point would require hefty amounts of pre-promotion and self-selling, something I am REALLY not good at.
So a big thank you to the Goodreads staff and all the people who entered the giveaway. I so appreciate your interest! And those who won--I hope you love the book! And don't forget, Book II, "Saille, the Willow", will be out at the beginning of July if not sooner...
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Goin' south!
We are heading off to Tuscon in the RV for a week or two--need time away from my desk! (and time in the warm desert sun!) computer will come along, though--still stuff to do on Createspace and Amazon once the book goes live.
I've finally landed back on earth, able to do housework, walk the dog, go to the chiropractor...a bit too much time in a chair, I'm afraid--not to mention little to no yoga. As I write this blog I'm trying hard not to think about how I'm going to get people to find my book, or if they find it, buy it! Have a Y-tube movie in the works...should be fun but will it help? All in good time, I tell myself. For now concentrate on rest and recuperation. But what if?...be quiet, I tell my ever-busy brain--my husband has taken over the marketing bit, you can relax now...
I've already done round one of editing on Book 2. Strangely enough I'm looking forward to starting on this one--I know what the book cover should be and now that I've gone through the process from start to finish...well, hope springs eternal. Summer release date for this next one...(much better astrologically)
As soon as I get copies of The Moonstone I plan to have a give-away on this blog, so keep tuned. Also, reviews would be much appreciated!
And in a week or so, if you have a mind, check out the Q&A and review on my website...
A HUGE thank you to all of you for reading my blog as well as the support and thoughtful comments during this process...
I've finally landed back on earth, able to do housework, walk the dog, go to the chiropractor...a bit too much time in a chair, I'm afraid--not to mention little to no yoga. As I write this blog I'm trying hard not to think about how I'm going to get people to find my book, or if they find it, buy it! Have a Y-tube movie in the works...should be fun but will it help? All in good time, I tell myself. For now concentrate on rest and recuperation. But what if?...be quiet, I tell my ever-busy brain--my husband has taken over the marketing bit, you can relax now...
I've already done round one of editing on Book 2. Strangely enough I'm looking forward to starting on this one--I know what the book cover should be and now that I've gone through the process from start to finish...well, hope springs eternal. Summer release date for this next one...(much better astrologically)
As soon as I get copies of The Moonstone I plan to have a give-away on this blog, so keep tuned. Also, reviews would be much appreciated!
And in a week or so, if you have a mind, check out the Q&A and review on my website...
A HUGE thank you to all of you for reading my blog as well as the support and thoughtful comments during this process...
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Whine and wine
In past years January 1st has been sort of inspirational for me. I've spent the day in contemplation and setting intentions for the next year. Not so this year. A major depression has set in and several things come to mind as reasons. First of all I'm having a birthday in a week and I'm not at all happy about the age I'm turning. Second, my book will be printed very soon and then put up on Amazon--this is a good thing but the work I need to put in for marketing makes me want to crawl into a hole somewhere. I have the book, Aiming at Amazon but every time I open it I want to scream. My website designer seems to have fallen off the face of the earth and I'm realizing that she will not be helping me with things like sending out press releases and the myriad tasks that I'm not even aware of. Should or shouldn't I have a launch party? Who would I invite if I have one? Where should it be? Do I need to design postcards to mail out? What about bookmarks? How do I create a buzz about the book so that people want to buy it?
With my stubborn and unrelenting Capricorn nature I've worked long and hard to get this book polished and ready to go into the world but now my energy seems to be completely gone. I ask those I know who have self-published for lists of what they did and they kindly tell me and then I stare at the words with a sinking sensation. Where has my energy gone? Will it come back? What if it doesn't? I'm considering consulting a psychic. It's either that or a trip to a psychiatrist. But I don't want to see a psychiatrist...
The social media marketing thing makes me feel like crying. I'm not cut out for this. I can hear the whine in my voice even though I'm typing--don't be a baby, a voice says. I have to stop feeling sorry for myself--that's the first step. Maybe I just need to lay low until the book is truly done--spend my days working on other writing and put The Moonstone on the back burner.
Right now all I can think about is red wine.
With my stubborn and unrelenting Capricorn nature I've worked long and hard to get this book polished and ready to go into the world but now my energy seems to be completely gone. I ask those I know who have self-published for lists of what they did and they kindly tell me and then I stare at the words with a sinking sensation. Where has my energy gone? Will it come back? What if it doesn't? I'm considering consulting a psychic. It's either that or a trip to a psychiatrist. But I don't want to see a psychiatrist...
The social media marketing thing makes me feel like crying. I'm not cut out for this. I can hear the whine in my voice even though I'm typing--don't be a baby, a voice says. I have to stop feeling sorry for myself--that's the first step. Maybe I just need to lay low until the book is truly done--spend my days working on other writing and put The Moonstone on the back burner.
Right now all I can think about is red wine.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Back home
I must say I'm glad to be home. The trip was wonderful but although I speak a bit of German, my French is sadly lacking and the stress of not speaking the language, the scarcity of good coffee and very few vegetables has taken its toll! Today I marveled at being able to have a conversation with the check-out clerk at the grocery store. And why don't the French or Germans have vegetables on the menu? It seemed that french fries or other types of potatoes and salad were about it--and yet going to the farmer's markets I saw tons of delicious looking vegetables. Maybe we were eating in the wrong restaurants.
Every cheese in the world is available at the markets--three different types of blue--mild, medium and strong...every kind of sheep and goat cheese you can think of--delicious--and all sorts of other foods, meats and sausages, baked goods including flan and apfelkuchen as well as every kind of fish and shellfish imaginable! I found myself singing, 'food glorious food, hot sausage and mustard, while I'm in the mood, cold porridge and custard..." I am now on a cheese fast after completely overdoing it and baguette is on the no list as well.(not to mention kasekuchen and apfelkuchen) No desserts, and I'm sticking to the whole wheat, seeded, health breads until the extra roll around my middle is gone.
I bet you are shaking your head at my comment about the coffee--the French? bad coffee? you've got to be kidding! Part of the problem was the area we were in--no cows so no fresh milk or cream to add to the espresso--they use condensed milk or milk that comes in a package and sits on the shelf like soy milk or almond milk. And believe me it makes a difference in the taste! Why no cows you ask? The Languedoc is very dry with meagre rainfall and rocky soil. Wonderfully sunny and warm but not conducive for pasture land...Yes, I know I'm an incredible coffee snob but here in the PacificNorthwest where there's a Starbucks on every corner one gets spoiled--of course don't get me started about Starbucks taking over the world because that's also an issue, but I do appreciate them a bit more now.
So I'm back to editing and getting ready for the big push for The Moonstone. My website will be up and running around the middle of the month. I'll post a link here. I've changed the back and front cover format on Createspace several times already, adding excerpts from a review and adding to the title. I'm not sure how many times I can do this before I have to pay extra but hopefully I haven't gone over the limit yet.
It's nice to be back to work, sleeping in my own bed, cooking meals and taking my doggy out for his daily walks. And I'm not feeling quite as negative about everything here as I was before I left. (politics and so on) Traveling is a great way to gain a little perspective.
Every cheese in the world is available at the markets--three different types of blue--mild, medium and strong...every kind of sheep and goat cheese you can think of--delicious--and all sorts of other foods, meats and sausages, baked goods including flan and apfelkuchen as well as every kind of fish and shellfish imaginable! I found myself singing, 'food glorious food, hot sausage and mustard, while I'm in the mood, cold porridge and custard..." I am now on a cheese fast after completely overdoing it and baguette is on the no list as well.(not to mention kasekuchen and apfelkuchen) No desserts, and I'm sticking to the whole wheat, seeded, health breads until the extra roll around my middle is gone.
I bet you are shaking your head at my comment about the coffee--the French? bad coffee? you've got to be kidding! Part of the problem was the area we were in--no cows so no fresh milk or cream to add to the espresso--they use condensed milk or milk that comes in a package and sits on the shelf like soy milk or almond milk. And believe me it makes a difference in the taste! Why no cows you ask? The Languedoc is very dry with meagre rainfall and rocky soil. Wonderfully sunny and warm but not conducive for pasture land...Yes, I know I'm an incredible coffee snob but here in the PacificNorthwest where there's a Starbucks on every corner one gets spoiled--of course don't get me started about Starbucks taking over the world because that's also an issue, but I do appreciate them a bit more now.
So I'm back to editing and getting ready for the big push for The Moonstone. My website will be up and running around the middle of the month. I'll post a link here. I've changed the back and front cover format on Createspace several times already, adding excerpts from a review and adding to the title. I'm not sure how many times I can do this before I have to pay extra but hopefully I haven't gone over the limit yet.
It's nice to be back to work, sleeping in my own bed, cooking meals and taking my doggy out for his daily walks. And I'm not feeling quite as negative about everything here as I was before I left. (politics and so on) Traveling is a great way to gain a little perspective.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
teaser from back cover of The Moonstone
Finna’s mother is dead. So why is this woman standing on her stoop claiming to be just that? Catriona arrives bearing a gift—a luminous moonstone that holds the secrets to Finna’s heritage. What heritage? Before Finna can form a question, Catriona is telling her all about a journey the two of them must make to the castle of the Celtic moon goddess, Arianrhod.
Moon goddess?
The story Catriona weaves is preposterous. A parallel reality, known as the ‘Otherworld’, exists right next to this one. According to the woman’s description, this place is stuck somewhere in the past, with no electricity, cars or any other modern conveniences.
“The moonstone will show the way,” Catriona intones cryptically.
Newly pregnant Finna is naturally skeptical. Where has this woman been for the past eighteen years? And why would her father lie about her mother’s death? All her instincts tell her to stay put during this critical time. But Catriona is uncannily persuasive, convincing her despite all of Finna’s misgivings.
What a trip through this alternate reality really means, and the secrets Catriona reveals as they travel, have Finna questioning everything she has ever known. With her life and that of her unborn child in jeopardy, Finna must find a way to survive.
Monday, September 26, 2011
tempting morsels to whet your appetite (or so I hope)
I've been asked to post some excerpts from The Moonstone. This one is at the beginning of the story right after Finna discovers her mother--the woman she thought was dead. Finna is faced with a momentous decision and has gone to a favorite spot of hers to think.
As the sun sank lower, the indigo water became streaked with mauve and gold. Finna closed her eyes and when she reopened them the sky had turned deep purple; time felt suspended in the stillness of the growing twilight. At the bottom of the hill Catriona sat on a cedar log facing the sea. As she rose and moved toward the house her body was surrounded with light but the sun had gone down an hour ago. Finna watched her until she entered the cottage, heard the hollow thump of the door as Catriona pulled it shut. Was there something dangerous about her? Could that be the reason her father had lied about her death? Despite these new revelations about him she longed for her father’s calm certainty. He wasn’t here to help with this decision; she had to rely on herself.
Guilt surged through her. In her fervor to be independent, Finna hadn’t told either her husband or her father where she was living. There was a baby to consider. All of a sudden she felt very irresponsible—like a recalcitrant child mad at the world. Now the rash decision to live alone away from town seemed wrong when just yesterday it had seemed so right.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
is anybody out there?
So, I posted the cover of The Moonstone on Facebook, even made a page specifically for THE BOOK. I posted it here too...but where is everybody? even the people in my life who I hear from on a daily basis have not responded via e-mail, facebook or anything...(Thank you, Stephen for your comments on the blog. ) I think I'm freaking!! I'm definitely out on the limb now but who is that sawing it off? Me? Where did that big saw come from?
Still trying to find reviewers. I sent e-mails off to two well known writers who I have interviewed here. They both said they were too busy which I totally understand. But honestly I thought it was brave of me to ask! (someone has to pat me on the shoulder)
Last night I dreamed about Viggo Mortenson. I won't even say what we were doing because it's x-rated. What does this mean, exactly? I think it's about my book--especially since he was Strider, my all time favorite character in the Lord of the Rings. And then there was Hidalgo...horses, another favorite even though I couldn't understand a word he said for the entire movie. (didn't matter) Maybe he represents my yang self--the one who is willing to put herself out there despite MAJOR FEAR! what else could it be? I've noticed how wacky my blogs are becoming--is this a good thing?
Still trying to find reviewers. I sent e-mails off to two well known writers who I have interviewed here. They both said they were too busy which I totally understand. But honestly I thought it was brave of me to ask! (someone has to pat me on the shoulder)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
giving up and other wise decisions
As I said, I've given up on doing the website myself--for one thing I don't have time since I'm in the final edit of the first book of my trilogy--and...I'm completely incompetent! anything I could manage would look like shit!
If only IWeb was what they say it is, *sigh*--
Yesterday I got the first sample cover design for The Moonstone back from Createspace. I was very pleasantly surprised. With a couple of small changes I think it will work! and they had done a mock-up of the interior and I like that too! Last night I slept better than I have for many days. Now the push to get the book uploaded...I've been editing like mad, hence the lack of sleep, adding details and funny bits. In the past week I've increased my word count by 5000. At 57,000 it just wasn't long enough and I want the spine to be wide enough to include my little Celtic knot icon to go with my publishing name--Airmid Publishing--you know, the healing goddess?
Kismet Design Group will have a detailed calendar for me when the time comes for THE BIG PUSH. What she talked about is completely alien but I will leave it to her and follow whatever she tells me to do. I have discovered that Web Design is expensive. But honestly in the long run I think it will pay off to have a shazam site.
So...for those of you who are having trouble finding an agent and are on the fence, I say take the reins. What do you have to lose? (besides some cash) And for those of you who have published the traditional way, congratulations! I won't even say that I wish that for myself anymore--Of course, who knows what the future holds? Right now I'm just enjoying having control of the process.
If only IWeb was what they say it is, *sigh*--
Yesterday I got the first sample cover design for The Moonstone back from Createspace. I was very pleasantly surprised. With a couple of small changes I think it will work! and they had done a mock-up of the interior and I like that too! Last night I slept better than I have for many days. Now the push to get the book uploaded...I've been editing like mad, hence the lack of sleep, adding details and funny bits. In the past week I've increased my word count by 5000. At 57,000 it just wasn't long enough and I want the spine to be wide enough to include my little Celtic knot icon to go with my publishing name--Airmid Publishing--you know, the healing goddess?
Kismet Design Group will have a detailed calendar for me when the time comes for THE BIG PUSH. What she talked about is completely alien but I will leave it to her and follow whatever she tells me to do. I have discovered that Web Design is expensive. But honestly in the long run I think it will pay off to have a shazam site.
So...for those of you who are having trouble finding an agent and are on the fence, I say take the reins. What do you have to lose? (besides some cash) And for those of you who have published the traditional way, congratulations! I won't even say that I wish that for myself anymore--Of course, who knows what the future holds? Right now I'm just enjoying having control of the process.
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