Blog Party: Day Three! We're just getting started!
Yesterday's winner is Kate (coffee with Kate - from the UK). She did the most log lines...and had fun doing them! (I'll email you and we'll work out the details of getting your book to you!)
Joy Collins gave me her books for the blog party last Saturday when we met for our usual lunch date. We get together fairly often, but not on a set schedule. We have this thing going on where we will email each other (though it is a local phone call) furiously for a couple of days, then not hear from each other for a couple of weeks. Then the emails start again.
Before this blog party came up, I was trying to remember how we met - it is a big city, after all. We think that somehow Cathy Marley figured in the equation - so thanks for the connect, Cathy! Joy's friendship is a treasure!
I got hooked on Joy's book, Second Chance, in an unusual way. (Her book was published before we met.) We were talking about something, I don't remember what, and she emailed me a chapter of her book to help her find something or look at something - formatting, I think. So I'm scanning away looking for whatever it was, and next thing I know I'm reading her book. As it turns out, Joy sent several chapters and by then I was hopelessly hooked. Yep, I got her book right away.
The normal way most people get hooked on a book is to check out the cover (number one tool in marketing is a great cover), read the back, read the first paragraph or page, then skip through a few pages.
So for you normal people out there, this is what the back of Second Chance says: "Mothers, fathers, children, wives, husbands -- everyone deserves a second chance, don't they?
Sara Weber has always felt she was married to two people -- her husband and his ex-wife. Suddenly her world -- and her marriage -- is turned upside down when his ex demands money for their college-age daughter. Her husband's response? He wants his daughter to move across the country to Arizona, live with him and Sara and attend the local university.
As if this wasn't enough stress, Sara's mother is becoming more senile and Sarah has to help her sister place her only living parent in a nursing home. When Sara's stepdaughter is in a car accident, the ex swoops in and attempts to re-kindle a relationship with Sara's husband. Devastated, Sara turns to the last person she ever thought could help her -- her own stepmother.
Second chance is the story of one woman's marriage and how she learns that understanding and forgiveness are the keys to a second chance at love."
I have to add a side note here: Somebody tells a huge lie that really has a HUGE impact on the lives of the people in this book.
Now, Check out this YouTube...
Joy's Party Game: scavenger hunt
Nadine and I often discuss blogging. Not only can blogging be a good networking tool, it can be downright fun - and addicting. I say that because I have three blogs! Each blog serves a different purpose, My first blog was started to track my writing career. The second blog was started to give me a place to vent my feelings about life in general and life as a Baby Boomer in particular. The third blog was started because I love talking about my fur-kids and my little boy kitten, in particular. So, today's game is:
Who is Riley's new neighbors?
Who sent Joy her favorite rejection letter?
What is does Joy do when she cooks?
Website: http://www.joycollins.com/
Blogs:
The Life of Riley - Tails of the Kids! http://rileycollins.blogspot.com/
The Aging of Aquarius - Thoughts from a Baby Boomer's Heart http://fromaboomersheart.blogspot.com/
Joyful Thoughts - My Writing Journey http://joycollins.blogspot.com/
CAROLYN "CARRIE" SHEPPARD is here tomorrow!
The comment section is below this line. Click on the word "comments." That's where you can leave a note. eMail me if you have trouble with this...NadineLaman(at)aol.com
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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When Paul Fenton stops for breakfast in a small town, he gets more than he bargained for in the process.
When two-hundred-year-old human remains are discovered on one of Neptune's moons, Earth's history falls into question.
Emily's husband persuades her to try thalidomide to ease her symptoms as she is unaware of the devastating effects.
Who is the women's shelter bomber? Melissa Ryan suspects that her husband knows.
Further developments with the Wilder family.
A hidden past shakes the O'Donovan family to its core
A swirl of emotion and choice, set in Cape Town, South Africa
Love is a constant, but it comes at a price.
When the road ahead is unclear, sometimes you have to rely on trust.
The struggle between good and evil is ages old. It gets all the more complicated when the good guys aren't all good and the bad guys have redeeming qualities.
Story of a land mothering two races of people – the light-skinned and the dark-skinned.
A gifted Ukrainian ballerina comes into possession of a mysteriously coded address book.
Six passengers' lives change for better or worse after they arrive in Honiton.
Resilience and love in a harsh and unforgiving age
Kathryn's Beach
High Tide
Storm Surge
Aw, Riley soooo cute!
ReplyDeleteIsn't he, though?
ReplyDeleteHey...brb, gotta reboot my comp.
Have some coffee or tea...
I'm baaaack!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wbknf5W5NI&feature=PlayList&p=E4CDA6A69EDFE362&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=7
ReplyDeleteLet's paaartteeeee....
OOoooOH Thanks! Couldn't get that one to play, but posted the same song in another YouTube. Thanks for the suggestion.
ReplyDeleteCome in, the muffins are warm. What can I get you to drink, coffee. tea, juice?
Nadine
It's 0400. I'm heading for bed for a few hours. I'll post yesterday's winner when I wake up.
ReplyDeleteLove ya, make yourself at home.
Nadine
Ah, Prince! Coolio. I wonder if he should do a re-release, party like it's 2099? I'm going to go see if I can track down what Joy does in the kitchen!
ReplyDeleteGood morning!
ReplyDeleteSomeone asked if we could carry on the momentum. Well, of course we can!
Nadine!
Good morning, all! I just fed the crew [cats and dogs] and now I'm settling in with my coffee. I've got cornbread in the oven, Smells yummy.
ReplyDeleteHey everyone!
ReplyDeleteNadine, did you get some sleep tonight? You were up so late (or better to say, early)?
We are having a BBQ again, some relatives arrived, so I wasn't around.
@Joy-Riley is such a cute baby! We have just given away six little kitten, these were the FOURTH! this year!
Good morning everyone (even though it is afternoon round mine) :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Ivy, wouldn't mind a bit of BBQ myself.
Just limbering up for the scavenger hunt...great fun!!!
How about some sweet corn and potato salad with that? Comming up!
ReplyDeleteI started the scavenger hunt myself and got stuck at Riley :)
Cornbread's out of the oven. Can I cut someone a piece?
ReplyDeleteYes, Riley is the cutest little guy. He's just a little over a year now and still full of mischief, climbing all over, getting into trouble on a regular basis. We love him so much.
mmm! I like warm cornbread.
ReplyDeleteNot sure they have that in the UK in the way we do, Joy. I sent a box of the Jiffy cornbread to Carrie. Her family's reaction to it was mixed.
I'll get the plates...might have to make a second batch!
Nadine
Thanks Ivy, yummy, sweetcorn and potato salad and Joy, cornbread would be fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to go on a diet after this party...!!! :-)
Joy...no s'mores over there either!
ReplyDeleteCan you believe that?
NL
Kate, did you see the part in purple at the top of the page?
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Kate!
ReplyDeleteAneeta in Malaysia just emailed that she has a winner in her monthly free book contest.
ReplyDeleteSomeone in Mexico won Kathryn's Beach! What a small world.
I've invited them to the blog party too!
Has everyone seen Kate's blog today?
ReplyDeletehttp://coffeewithkate.wordpress.com/
WOOHOO!!! Thank you so much Nadine...I'm over the moon.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the rest of the party!!!
Kate
X
*smiles* Congrats, Kate!
ReplyDeletexoxoxox Nadine
Joy,
ReplyDeleteSecond Chance is your debut novel, isn't it? How long did it take to write it?
NL
SECOND CHANCE seemed to take forever to write. It was in limbo after a couple of years and then I put a push on and finished it in November 2006. I edited the heck out of it the next few months and had it published by iUniverse in the Fall of 2007. The following year it was picked up by All Things That Matter Press and is now in production with them. So, all in all, it was about 5 years from start to finish.
ReplyDeleteI can write a ms in no time, it is the rewrites and editing that kills me.
ReplyDelete(sorry Carolyn, Susan, Cathy...I know you three are professional editors, but it is my worst nightmare - I admire you!)
Joy, I was looking at your YouTube. Did you make it yourself? I like the way the photos pan.
ReplyDeleteGood shots of Arizona - my side of town is more sand, less green stuff.
Kate,
ReplyDeleteDo you want Kathryn's Beach or wait to see what else we have? (email your address to me, please)
You'll love how much Katey drinks coffee!
xoxox Nadine
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteJust stopping in to say 'hi.' I know it's strange, but I actually love editing. (I guess this is like loving broccoli or something.) But I love the process of transforming a good book into a really great book that readers can't put down. Call me crazy....
Susan,
ReplyDeleteI love people like you because with dyslexia, I'd be sunk without a good editor.
I like broccoli! Used to tell the boys it was trees with cheese. (gotta go with what works).
Joy has some fresh baked cornbread, want some?
Hi all.
ReplyDeleteI'm stopping in to introduce myself. I'm Erin Collins, authro of Shadow Walk: The Gathering.
I will be here all day Monday to chat with you about my book.
I look forward to getting to know you all.
I also hate editing...and I tend to keep going back and re-reading what I've done, and realize...THAT SCENE DOESN'T GO THERE! WHAT WAS I THINKING? LOL
Erin
Hi, Erin!
ReplyDeleteI read the chapters on your web page and got hooked! That little girl has serious potential to be the Satan's heir!
I do exactly the same when I write, constantly going back and revising. Nadine and I discussed it the other day. It's sort of fine when you're at the beginning-but it becomes a problem when you're at your hundreth page!
Hi Erin,
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you. I know just what you mean. I'll go through my ms a couple of times, get beta reader reactions, do more rewrites...
I ship it off to my editor all proud of my accomplishment, and thinking I'm so smart, then I get it back with several pages X'd out with a big note: NO! What were you thinking!
(She is so funny!) I look at it and can't believe I ever thought that scene should stay.
A good editor is worth their weight in gold. I can't remember, Joy don't you do editing too?
Oh Ivy, no rewrites until your first draft is done. You'll go nuts. I never look back at what I wrote before (except to get the name of one of the nuns - I can never remember their names).
ReplyDeleteSeriously, it your story will flow smoother if you write straight through rather than jag back and forth.
Any other opinions, writers? (You don't have to agree with me.)
Heh, heh, heh. Yeah, I should have edited that post. Ooooops!
ReplyDelete*Seriously, your story will...*
Hi, Ivy...just wait until you read the book. my lips are sealed. LOL
ReplyDeleteNice meeting you.
And yes, it does become a problem....LOL
Erin
Nadine, I need to learn to do that....I go back and read, and I think, I should have done this.....or that, then it affects the rest of the story...
ReplyDeleteI will try it your way.
Erin
I try to write all the way through without editing but that rule gets broken often. Sometimes, I change a timeline and then I HAVE to go back and rewrite before I can go forward [I'm doing that now to book #3 - I just added a whole new character so I need to do her story before I can go back to the present time].
ReplyDeleteBut when the book is done [is there really such a thing?] and edited by me, then it goes to several beta readers for comments.
Rewrites, then reread.
Then a final read from someone who has never read it before so that a pair of fresh eyes will hopefully see any mistakes.
Then, I read it myself one more time before it goes to print.
By that time, I can recite whole passages by heart!
You guys are worrying me. I NEVER look back. I just thought you wrote a book in the same way you'd read one - front to back. (It does help to write every day, then no need to look back to see what happened last.)
ReplyDeleteDo you guys do pre-writing stff? Like write an outline or do character schetches or bios for the main characters? I don't.
(See why there are a couple of psych nurses and a threapist in my list of writer friends?)
Nadine,
ReplyDeleteI write by the seat of my pants...except for this work in progress, I did get my characters first.
E
I'm back. Had to go make some (real) cornbread for lunch. Joy made me hungry for it.
ReplyDeleteErin, Yep, organic writing...so um, well... natural, no. So... um, Zen.
I'm going to take a minute and add a song Ivy sent a while ago. It might disrupt the ability to comment. Hang on. I'll hurry!
XX Nadine
Oh Ivy,
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute song. It won't be long before everybody knows everybody. We're all just freinds here. Some meeting for the first time.
With everything (serious) going on in the world, isn't it nice to have a place to relax, meet new people and make new friends.
(C'mon Naturewalker, come sit by me and join the conversation.)
Auuuugh! Just crashed my blogger. Anyone see a tool box around here? I can't 'member where I put it.
ReplyDeleteAh, there it is, just need a few things. Hammer. Vice-grips. And this, don't know what it is, but I think I'll need it.
*mumbles to self: "error code: bX-8ca5sc"
*leaves, stage left*
...just to say goodnight to everyone...it's almost midnight and I'm exhausted. Tried to write but nah...barely see the screen...have fun for the rest of the party, see ya in the morning!
ReplyDeletexo,
Ivy
I made cornbread a couple of times, but now I can't get the right flour over here. Send some over quick! And some more Graham crackers - the kids love s'mores now I've introduced them to 'em.
ReplyDeleteAs to editing - I've stopped my main MS because I know I screwed up big time and can't face the edit... one day. *sigh*
Joy, what a good partier you are. Happy to meet you!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Tweeting writing tips @frugalbookpromo
G'night Ivy! Sweet dreams. See ya in the morning!
ReplyDeleteCarrie, I'll send a box of s'mores straight away! Night, darling!
Carolyn! Hello girlfriend! Tweeting tips? You just asked me to email you a party tweet to use. I should have read this frist!
I've had a nap and my blogger seems to have recovered on its own.
I still have that n'sync song in my head.
*dances to kitchen...* (don't you like the little stage directions I add to my comments?)
For you 'observers' who have emailed me that you are quietly hanging out in the corner. Jump in here. We don't have a winner for today's book and 7 hrs left in 'today' at my time zone.
ReplyDeleteHint: Two of the questions came from Joy's 'about' page on her website. Go look. www.Joycollins.com
shhhh, don't tell I gave you a hint!
Someone asked where I got this idea. It wasn't 'zactly planned to the 9's. (go read last Friday's blog - post 99)
ReplyDeleteBut if you've ever hung out at the coffee shop on MyWritersCircle.com, you'll get some idea of partying with writers and readers.
I'm going to add something to today's post, so it might be hard to comment for a min. BRB
Back to some questions:
ReplyDeleteYes, I made the video myself with software I have and I purchased the rights to use the song.
The software is great; all kinds of transitions and panning.
I also made the cover for SECOND CHANCE with other software and photoshop. I turned it into a painting to soften it.
As for pre-writing - I make a very simple outline AND a timeline so that I can visualize sequence. I am very visual and the timeline. But I deviate from the outline often. And I have to write in sequence - I can't write one scene and then go back and write another in the first draft. On subsequent drafts I have no problem doing that. Just a weird thing of mine.
I write very little backstory of characters. I find they tell me about themselves as we go.
I'm very organic. I have no idea what is happening next until I write it. It is like I'm transcribing a movie or something.
ReplyDeleteI think there is a Muse because I'll be typing away and Maggie says, there's a letter (Me: A What!); Kathryn says, Maggie is part of the reason I came home (Me: Oh, ok); the nuns are in full habit (Me: What! Who does that anymore.
It is absolutely crazy! Keeps me writing because I want to know what happens next. (Me: *mutters to self* I don't think THAT is normal!
*meant to type, I think there is a muse in my keyboard*
ReplyDeleteSorry...I had to pull down the party music YouTubes. I don't know why, but they kept hanging up my comp and I couldn't get back to the party. You can listen to previous days' music and party too.
ReplyDeleteNadine
I like your blog. You are very knowledgeable and have some great content.
ReplyDeleteSuccess Mom
Hello June, nice to meet you. Wow, I'm going to have to spend some serious time on your website.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to stick around and answer the 3 questions to win Joy's book?
(Joy went to eat dinner. I've eaten already, so I'm here!)
ReplyDeleteHi Joy and Nadine.
ReplyDeleteI know the answers. Bobcats; 20th Century Fox; Joy expirments in the kitchen.
Whoo-hoo! Anonymous, you won an autographed copy of Joy's book, Second Chance! Yeah!
ReplyDeleteEmail me so I can arrange to send her book!
Congrats!
There's lots of thunder here in the West Valley. I guess the monsoons are finally rolling in. If I go off line, I'll be back as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteLove you guys! Keep the music spinning!
*dances around the room* (I love-love rain!)
I think this is sooooOOooooOoo cool.
ReplyDeleteIn 4 days of partying, Google Analylitis reporst that "visits came from 26 countries/territories."
I just love meeting new friends, don't you?
I need a nap, I'm going all dyslexic!
ReplyDeleteSheesh! Should be *reports*
Hi:
ReplyDeleteI'm here in Fountain Hills, (Hi Joy) and I'm not a fiction writer. I do enjoy reading good fiction, though...Like Second Chance and Coming Together. I just finished and submitted, to Chalet Publishers, a chapter book. Most of the rest of my creations are science based picture books that I've submitted to Sterling Publishing and Albert Whitman & Co.
Hi Mary! Nice to meet you, come on in and meet everyone. We have Erin coming on Monday - she writes Science Thriller (I just made up that genre right on the spot -- heh heh heh...
ReplyDeleteBet you like looking at Joy's video with all the East Valley photos.
Congratulations on submitting to Chalet. That is so cool. You're in good hands there.
I'm so glad you stopped by...can I get you a plate? Carrie baked a cake...ooops! for her son's BD. Maybe she'll bake another for us next week...
Nadine
Thanks. I'm on travel for a while again. Going to meet Joyce in Birmingham next week. I'm excited to get to know both of the Chalet principals.
ReplyDeleteMary
That is sooooo cool. Have a good trip!
ReplyDeleteHave fun on your trip, Mary.
ReplyDeleteWe have lots of fun work to do when you return. :>)
Hi everyone!
ReplyDeleteI'm back from my trip. I met Joyce and Teresa Thorne and her husband, Roger in Birmingham. We had a delicious dinner and great conversation.
I'm back now and ready to do what needs to be done to get my book in print!
Welcome back, MJ. Guess you'll be rolling up your sleves and getting to work. Congratulations and good luck!
ReplyDeleteSleeves are rolled up and ready to sign a contract on Wednesday. Can't wait to get down to the "nitty gritty" on my book, with Joy.
ReplyDeleteWell, cool...listen to Joy.
ReplyDeleteOh, I definitely will!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Joy, I met someone yesterday who was very interested in Chalet Publishers! I gave them your card.
ReplyDeleteMy book, Mom's Story; A Child Learns about MS, is going to press next week! I am so excited!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! Just wait until you see it in print. It is an incredible experience. Nice title!
ReplyDeleteMary has worked so hard! We are all anxious to see it in print - just days away!
ReplyDeleteChalet Publishing is GREAT to work with. Thanks to Joy and Joyce!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMary...nice website! http://marynickum.com/
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nadine. Joy just brought the advanced copies to my house, they are beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! That's great. Read it aloud.
ReplyDeleteAnybody interested in writing a review of my book for publication in a local newspaper, on your blog or anywhere where people will read it, let me know.
ReplyDeleteMary, you might want to post your email so people can respond -- if they want to review for you.
ReplyDeleteYou can reach me at mjnickum@cox.net
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI've sent out more than a dozen book review requests. If you'd like to write a review of my book for a magazine, newspaper or blog, let me know (mjnickum@cox.net). I'll be sure you get a review copy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary, I wouldn't have time to read and do a review. Have you looked into ReaderViews.com? They have kids who review kid's books and do a nice job of it.
ReplyDeleteNo, I have not heard of that one. I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteReaderViews.com is well respected and worth the fee. I have used their services and couldn't be happier with them.
ReplyDeletePlease visit my new blog: http://bit.ly/2NBlbs
ReplyDeleteMy book, "Mom's Story, A Child Learns About MS" is out. It's beautiful. Hugs go to Joy and Joyce, Chalet Publishers.
ReplyDeleteWoW congratulations to each of you!
ReplyDeleteIt arrived today and I just finished reading it. You girls have done a wonderful job! The review is coming up tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Ivana
Wow, Ivy! You write such well done reviews. Mary is lucky to have you read it. Post the link to your review...please.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ivana. Yours will be the first!
ReplyDeleteWhoops! Maybe I'm confused on which book Ivana read. Guess we'll find out on her blog...
ReplyDeleteGo look, her blog has a new design and it is beautiful! http://willingtoseeless.blogspot.com/
I wanted to paste the link to the review, but it won't let me....it's up there at willingtoseeless.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Ivana
I couldn't get to it. It said "Blog not found."
ReplyDeleteTry this link. You'll have to paste it because active links don't seem to happen in the comment section here.
ReplyDeletehttp://willingtoseeless.blogspot.com/2009/11/moms-story-child-learns-about-ms.html
I got it. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI read your review. Thanks so much, Ivana. I really appreciate your taking the time to write the review. It's my first!!!
ReplyDeleteMary, leave the comment/thank you on Ivana's blog so you're sure she sees it.
ReplyDeleteWill do!
ReplyDeleteI sold my first book last night!
ReplyDeleteThe first of many...
ReplyDeletePlease visit the newest review of my book: http://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/articles/1511/1/Moms-Story-A-Child-Learns-About-MS-Reviewed-By-Karen-Coiffi-Ventrice/Page1.html
ReplyDeleteMom's Story is available now on Amazon and my website, www.marynickum.com.
ReplyDeleteMom's Story is now available at Gridley's in Fountain Hills, AZ.
ReplyDeleteHave you visited http://bit.ly/kHLOU lately?
ReplyDelete