Free Book Offer

Here is an offer from my good friend Joy Collins.

Nadine,
We are trying a crazy thing to try to get COMING TOGETHER into the hands of more people. Could you blog this or send it out to your mailing list?
Thanks a bunch.
Joy

Here ya go, Joy!

Chalet Publishers is giving away free e-copies of their new novel COMING TOGETHER - A story of love and intrigue in Rio!

We know once you read it you will fall in love with Daisy and Luis and Rio.

This offer is good from 12:01 AM (today) October 14, 09 to 6 PM October 16, 09 Pacific Time. (Pacific time is -8 hrs GMT)

So, if you would like to have your free copy of Coming Together, send a blank email during that time frame to chaletpublishers@cox.net. Put FREE BOOK in the subject line.

We will send a PDF version of the book back to you by return mail.

Chalet wants to give books away! So, tell your friends about this novel and they will also receive one by emailing us.

There are no gimmicks. Just good will and total belief in a book we know you won’t soon forget!

This is simply our gift to you.

Don’t look for strings attached.

There aren’t any!

Personal note: Joy doesn't know (unless she reads this) I'm reading Coming Together now. How's that for coincidence? Pretty cool, eh?

Confessions, Endorsements, Disclaimers, and other stuff

I mentioned last Friday that I might disclose a possible conflict of interest endorsement this week. Well, here it is.

Months ago I was looking for my old book covers on the internet and going through changing the ones I could to the new covers.

I found filedby.com and signed up (free) so I could edit the cover art for my books. I emailed 'help' to add Storm Surge and change the publisher info (I couldn't do that myself).

A conversation ensued with Renae at Filedby and as I do with many beta sites, I gave feedback. She was prompt at helping me make the changes on my books. So I got interested in the site because the regular social networks I'd tried (as we're supposed to) didn't 'flip my cookie.'

I thought (and have said) filedby was what I was looking for in a site to chat with my readers about my books. No silly games and quizzes and I was not limited to 140 characters. My books aren't on amazon so reviews can't be posted there. I encouraged people to meet me on my page and chat with me or post reviews of my books on my fan site at Filedby.com.

Well anyway, I guess my input was useful to the filedby people, they certainly said Thank You often enough. (Very nice people - did I mention?)

One day they sent an email saying they had upgraded my free basic account to Premium Plus.They never said why they did that, as far as I remember it was sort of a group hug thing. They never asked for anything in return from me.

Of course I'm going to continue to tell them what I like and what doesn't work for me - that's what I do. The upgrade makes no difference in my opinion of their site. Filedby works for me and I like what it adds to my portfolio.

My Filedby page: http://filedby.com/author/nadine_laman/2238025

Filedby membership info: http://filedby.com/service/membership/matrix/

Human Resilience and Character Development

Writer, Susan Gabriel is a family therapist and I am a social worker (and a writer). Anyway, last week we were talking about human resilience. Since then, I've been thinking all weekend about resilience.

I have no problem putting down a novel (or throwing it in the trash) after reading less than the first chapter. I don't like reading. I read for information not recreation, even if it is fiction. If the writing is flat and boring me to death, then I'm done. (Unfortunately, I have the same reaction to real people - unless they are my clients.)

So what do I want to see in writing? Humanity. Whether the novel is about human people or fantasy people, I want to see human qualities. Here again, I'm back to crashing the urban myth that to learn to write well one must read [in their genre].

I'm probably going to be denounced by the powers that be, but that is like telling someone that they must go to art museums to learn to paint or sculpt. First you have to learn the techniques then go observe how others have applied them.

There is a certain amount of observation of people one can do. However, if you want to learn about people, then read a book on basic human growth and development. Take a psych 101 class. Don't just copy what you read in other writer's works - they might have it all wrong.

What's this have to do with resilience? Everything. What does this have to do with character development? It means I think that the standard advice is flawed. That is the wrong kind of research to do if you want to be a great writer. For one thing, most of the books out there really aren't that good, regardless of the sales records (that just reflects on the effectiveness of the marketing).

A few years ago one of the television networks ran promos that good television was all about drama. I'd add that it was about HUMAN drama. You have to understand resilience to know how to push your characters beyond their strengths, have them react, regroup, and succeed.

In high school senior English/college prep English, Miss Barbee made us identify the flat and round (well rounded) characters in everything we read that year. Not every character should be well rounded - who really cares what the waiter looked like?

You have to write in 3D (three dimensional) - flat, round, and very round main character (like not everything in a painting is in the foreground). While you are telling a lovely story with perfect pitch in the plot, sub-plot, and all the elements of writing, push your MC and make them interesting. Make them human. They can't just survive, they have to thrive and you can't make the obstacles too easy.

So back to the reading bit to learn to write (to tie up the loose ends in this post). AFTER you learn the techniques then read as a writing student. Look at how the techniques were applied. Or...read for enjoyment and quit justifying it by thinking you are learning to write.

Susan Gabriel: http://www.susangabriel.com/

Blogger homework, read the links

Irene Watson gave me a heads-up that the Federal Trade Commission was looking at the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in relation to bloggers. (see link #1 at the end of page).

I am not even sure I understand everything, so you'll have to read this stuff for yourself. Don't ignore it because the fine is BIG if you screw up and get caught. (see link #2)

One discussion Irene and I had was about non-American bloggers. Personally, I wouldn't think anyone blogging on American sites should ignore learning about this new development - it might apply even to foreign bloggers, if blogging is on an USA site. Yeah, policing might be a task.

My take on this is they didn't take this step because a few people get free books in exchange for a book review. Most of us know there is little control over how the review gets written, and frankly, it is kinda fun to see how they turn out. Nonetheless, I suppose beginning December 1, this year, we should consider noting compensation of any kind we get.

Sure it is the usual thing where everyone has to take notice because some companies set up blogs and hired people to give bogus endorsements - so goes the rumor, but anyone who pays attention to the industry already knew that. It was the news two years ago. It was also rumored that some companies tried, briefly, to hire people to write bad stuff about other companies.

All of that is childish and I don't think any of us grown-up types stoop to that stuff. The thing is, I don't care if someone gives me a book [I usually buy or trade books], if I hate the book, I'm not going to say I like it. I might not say anything, but I'm not going to Hell for lying over something like that.

So I guess it is true confession time. Maybe I'll write about my recent conflict of interest next week. Stay tuned.

Link #1 http://www.edrants.com/interview-with-the-ftcs-richard-cleland/
Link #2 http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/06/news/companies/ftc_blogger_advertising_rules/?postversion=2009100611

More: http://www.chrisbrogan.com/my-thoughts-on-the-ftc-disclosure-rules-and-bloggers/

Meet Irene Watson here: http://www.irenewatson.com/

No compensation has been given for this post. We are friends - that's why we talk about book stuff with each other.

Whoo-Hoo! Newsletter!

I don't know if anyone noticed, there was no Sept newsletter (from me). Well I made up for it this month! Check out the October newsletter! http://nadinelamanbooks.com/newsletter.html

Also I forgot to add a link for Glyn Pope yesterday. Go check it out.

And...skip down to Monday's Book Buzz by Ivana, I added her picture.

And...go look at Andrew Revels' website, what is he celebrating this month, besides this, "Did you see the good news for my show? I got picked up by a TV station so it's going to be syndicated seven days a week in 32 counties in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois." http://www.planet-revels.com/

Writing Resources

Glyn Pope and I have continued commenting on the Beta Reader post from the other day. I recommended the book: The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them) by Jack M. Bickham.

This is a little book that actually has useful information for the beginning novelist. It is also a good review for experienced fiction writers. The chapters are short and to the point. Of course, I think Mr. Bickmam is a genius since he says such things as "Writers Write" - one of my signature comments too.

I thought it might be useful to all of us if people would post one of their favorite writing books in the comment section. Please, everyone is invited to jump in and contribute.

Find Glyn Pope here: http://glynpope.blogspot.com/

Proof Positive (I love being a writer)

The Blog Party Book proof arrived today. I couldn't wait to get back to the cabin and hold it in my hands.

Geeze, one would think I hadn't seen a proof book before (this is number six for me). It isn't like it is a novel I wrote.

I looked through every page reliving the blog party and the community that developed during those four weeks.

Silly as it is to print the blog party, I love that book. I've ordered 20 copies that will be added to my website for sale.

There is a picture of it in my October newsletter (which will be posted on my website soon - subscribe to get a notice when it posts).

BUZZ-BUZZ, BOOK BUZZ

by Ivana Marić, Croatia, guest blogger

Storm Surge by Nadine Laman: Grandfather McKenzie announces his retirement at a staged media event, naming who will succeed his rule of the McKenzie multi-billion dollar empire. In the four years Kathryn has known him, he never mentioned his plans to retire. None of the McKenzie heirs are thrilled about the announcement. The first lesson is, "Money corrupts!" Lesson two: "Everyone has an agenda!"

Preceded by Kathryn's Beach and High Tide, Storm Surge is the last book in the trilogy. Though I tend to love the first in the series best, it's not the case with this one; Storm Surge is my favorite in this series. It's different than the first two in many ways. In Kathryn's Beach, Kathryn is broken and struggles to make peace with her haunting past; in High Tide, she is confronted with changes and is doing her best to resume her life. All she learned and knew will be put to test in Storm Surge. When Grandfather McKenzie's announcement comes like a bolt from the blue, she needs to change her simple way of life in order to carry out her new duties as the heiress of a multi-billionaire worth business empire. She becomes the most powerful woman in California. But with power comes obligations, responsibilities and many tough decisions-not to mention danger and loss of anonymity.

Storm Surge was a read that made me hold my breath and flip the pages to find out what happens next. Once again, Kathryn proves herself as an intelligent, smart, compassionate and strong woman able to cope with any problem coming her way. She is thrown to the sharks, faced with the dark side of a world she never wanted to be a part of and carries it out graciously and without corrupting her own system of moral values. The ending was everything but predictable. As the families dirty laundry comes to surface, Kathryn is faced with a terrible illness-her own. It almost kills her, but with some help from her lovable friends she returns stronger.

I just love the way Nadine builds up her characters and story. Her writing is a wonderful example of show, don't tell . The characters crystallize through their actions, not words and descriptions.The last pages leave more than enough space for one more book, and it's amazing how the last chapter is tied back to Kathryn's Beach.

I'll miss Kathryn. As I said in my previous reviews of Kathryn's Beach and High Tide, she is as real as she can be. It was wonderful to watch her unfold to the maximum of what she can be in Storm Surge. Luckily, we'll spend some more time together as I'm translating Nadine's books into Croatian!

Meet Ivana Marić, Croatia. She is a English and German student, a novelist, blogger, and most importantly, a mom. Visit Ivana's blog http://willingtoseeless.blogspot.com/2009/10/tss-storm-surge.html

Beta Readers

No, I'm not ready for beta readers. I've goofed off most of the summer. I guess there is a first time for everything.

Recently I was reminded again how lucky I am to have the beta readers I have. It took a bit of prodding, but they eventually understood that telling me they love every word wasn't helpful. I do want to know what they like and what works - so I don't change those parts, because after a couple of rewrites it all looks like crap to me.

What really helps is when they point out problems like they got lost in the dialogue or there was no transition to a location change, which was confusing.

Sometimes they will say, find another word (you're over using this one), this sentence needs changing (it doesn't make sense), or this paragraph is out of place. Usually when a sentence needs to be rewritten, there is no fixing it, it needs DELETED.

I'm not afraid of the delete button. I have been known to cut 5,000 words in a weekend marathon read.

The thing is, no one's first or second draft is ready to shop. The first few drafts are to bang out the story - from beginning to end. If an ms is shopped before its time, that lit agent or publisher has been lost. Once they reject an ms, they don't want it back - unless they say the story has merit, but rewrites are needed.

Usually I won't read for anyone who won't make changes or take suggestions. Why bother to read for them? It is simply a waste of time. All they want is to be told it is wonderful and frankly that is their mom's job, not mine.

Most of the time, when someone calls their ms their baby, they aren't ready for useful beta reads. Let's face it, we think our kids are wonderful. We aren't supposed to be objective and detached about our kids, but we are supposed to be objective about our mss during the rewrite stage.

So if someone reads for me and says it is wonderful, I either figure they love me very much and can't see the trees for the forest or they have no clue about writing. Same goes for crit groups when no useful suggestions are given or taken. It is a waste of time, unless it is serving the purpose of a feel good session - but it is also a set up for lots of rejection letters from literary agents.

It is a good mix to have reading maniacs and writers (two different groups) on your beta reader list. Readers can point out what works and doesn't work for the general public. Writers can point out craft tool errors. Friends help friends, not whitewash the truth about their ms.

So there is that, find yourself really good beta readers.

Writers write

On the distraction scale, today ranks in the high range. Too many thoughts on too many subjects and I'm struggling to come up with a decent post for today. I keep telling myself that writers write.

Nothing is wrong, I simply go through the topics like switching channels on the television. They all seems pedestrian. I've been writing for a long time, so that isn't good enough. Writers write.

One distraction is figuring out how to tell an unpublished writer who I have known for years that the story is great, but the writing isn't bold. They take risks with the plot that are absolutely brilliant, yet in the end, I don't know the characters.

I understand not writing boldly. There are so many people who think they know me after reading my books. Perhaps they do - up to a point. But I would hope I am more than the sum of my writing. Perhaps it is my own fault for keeping more of me private than it appears. One of my sisters-in-law said she understood...but would tell me later. It has been almost a year. Understood what? Has she forgotten or changed her mind?

So that's it, that's what I got for a post. It is nothing to write home about, that's for sure.

This is what my horoscope on Yahoo said:
Have faith in yourself and, especially on Thursday and Friday, in others. The people around you are quality.

I'm certainly delighted with the people in my life, so here's to you. Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings.