If you are serious about it, writing ain’t easy

Wise words from Jack Eason about #writing #writefromtheyesofthereader to avoid formulaic writing

Jack Eason's avatarHave We Had Help?

storyboard1

In a post I became aware of on someone’s blog via a link today thanks to a blogger friend, its author was talking about whether or not it might be a good idea to employ story-boarding when it comes to writing fiction. To the uninitiated, it may sound like a sensible suggestion. But, while new writers might wish to employ the technique, writers like myself largely refrain from doing so for the simplest of reasons.

Most full time writers (I include myself in this group) will tell you that writing a story is a dynamic process where ideas constantly change direction during the story’s evolution. By relying rigidly on a mapped out storyline, it is far too easy to literally ‘paint yourself into a corner’. I’m a firm believer in ‘flexibility’ being the key to good writing.

One other valid point to consider – story-boarding is just another name for…

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The Wyrd Shop #Edinburgh #crystals #writing inspiration #mindfulness #walkingmeditation

My latest post on The Sisters Of The Fey blog.

M E Hembroff: Voices of Yesterday #NewRelease #PlaistedPublishingHouse

The Voices of Yesterday

Description

In part one Kate is confused and overwhelmed about her parents’ divorce. Her teacher gives the class an assignment to research and write about a historical event, person or place in Riverdale. Kate chooses the Franklin Manor where she lives with her Mom. Her classmate Rose finds information about a fire that left Kate’s Gran an orphan. Kate sets this information aside until she has completed her assignment. As Kate continues her research, she finds her Great Aunt Rebecca’s journal. She stumbles across a link between the Franklin’s and her family. What is that link? How does it affect Kate?

In part two Kate and her mom spend the summer at her Gran’s farm. Kate helps her Mom sort through the items hoarded over the years. She finds old journals written by her Great, Great Grandmother. Old treasures turn up in unexpected locations. A rift has developed between Kate and her dad. She doesn’t accept that he has a girlfriend who he intends to marry. Will Kate find all the family secrets? Will she resolve her issues with her dad?

 

Author Biography

 

Marjorie was imaginative since early childhood. She grew up on a farm, before television, where there was lots of scope for imagination. Marjorie did art and writing assignments in school. After she had married and moved to Alberta Marjorie took art and writing classes, some by correspondence.  Marjorie joined an art club and took part in their shows. At that time she started to have strange dreams. In these dreams, she held a book with blank pages and no cover. In other dreams, there was a series of books with no covers. Marjorie told one of the art group members about the dreams. That artist had learned to interpret dreams. She told Marjorie she was supposed to write the stories and draw the pictures for the covers. Shortly after that Tiny in Gramma Mouse Tells a Story was born. It wasn’t long before the idea for Bess’s Magical Garden surfaced.

Marjorie’s favorite author has always been L.M. Montgomery. In some ways, she felt akin to Anne the main character in the Anne books.

Marjorie has since written and self-published Gramma Mouse Tells a Story, Bess’s Magical Garden and the sequel The Mystery of the Hidden Cabin. She now resides in Strathmore Alberta. Her books are sold at local craft sales every fall and Christmas as well as on Amazon. She has also written numerous stories. Some can be found on her website.

Book Links

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/170826681X

eBook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081LHWTCK

 

Web site:

https://www.mhembroff.wordpress.com

www.amazon.com/author/mehembroff

https://www.facebook.com/mehembroff

https://twitter.com/margiesart1

http://www.goodreads.com/mehembroff

http://www.plaistedpublishinghouse.com

 

 

It’s been great having another Marjorie over! That’s a first…

Bye for now,

 

My Buy Book Link YA/Fantasy: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

 

Author Spotlight – Cendrine Marrouat & David Ellis #Poets #Submissions #Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal

Today, it is my great pleasure to welcome not one, but two poets…

Author Spotlight – Cendrine Marrouat & David Ellis

Cendrine and David co-founded Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal, a magazine that promotes inspirational and uplifting poetry no matter the topic. They accept everyone, as long as they have something positive to say in their poetry.

They published the first issue of their magazine in October of this year.

You can submit one free poem per submission period to the magazine.

13-16 year olds can also submit to the magazine, via their parents and guardians.

Furthermore, Auroras & Blossoms are also looking for article submissions or essays relating to poetry that are inspirational in nature.

For more information regarding their poetry journal, how to submit and to subscribe to their magazine then go to: abpoetryjournal.com

Bios:-

Cendrine Marrouat

Originally from Toulouse, France, Cendrine Marrouat has called Winnipeg, Canada, her home for 16 years. She is a photographer, poet, author, French instructor, and the Head of marketing and communications at ConnexionFranco.Coop. She has also co-founder two projects, FPoint Collective and Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal.

Cendrine specializes in nature, black-and-white and closeup images. Her photography seeks the mundane to capture the fleeting, but true beauty of life in its many forms.

Cendrine is passionate about haiku. She has studied the Japanese poetry form extensively and written many pieces since 2006.

In 2015, Cendrine was recognized as a Top 100 Business Blogger by BuzzHUMM. Social Media Slant, her former blog, also made Fit Small Business’ Best Small Business Blogs of 2015 & 2016 lists.

Walks: A Collection of Haiku (Volumes 1 & 2) are Cendrine’s 12th and 13th books. Other releases include five collections of poetry, three photography books, a play, two social media ebooks, and a spoken word CD.

Website: https://www.cendrinemedia.com

Email: cendrine@cendrinemedia.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cendrinemedia

Instagram: http://instagram.com/cendrinemedia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cendrinephotography

David Ellis

David Ellis is a UK based author of poetry, fiction and music lyrics. He has been writing poetry and music lyrics for years.

His debut poetry book ‘Life, Sex & Death – A Poetry Collection Vol 1’ is an International Award winning volume, having won an award in the Readers’ Favorite 2016 Book Award Contest for Inspirational Poetry Books.

Think of him like the thriller genre in that he is fast paced, relentless and impossible to put down!

His latest book ‘See A Dream Within: Found “Poe”try Based On The Collected Poetry Works Of Edgar Allan Poe’ can now be purchased on Amazon Kindle, on Lulu and in print at major outlets.

Connect with him on Facebook:- TooFullToWrite (FB)

Like his Facebook Page:- Toofulltowrite – The Creative Palace For Artists & Author Resources

Follow him on Twitter:- @TooFullToWrite

For Creativity Resources, Writing Advice, Guides, Author Interviews and Poetry, visit his website/blog at:- www.toofulltowrite.com

It’s been wonderful to discover two new poets, plus Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal. Sounds like a great opportunity to submit your work.

Do get in touch if you’d like to be featured on my blog. Writers, poets, artists and creative individuals are all welcome.

Bye for now,

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Social Media Links

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

When It’s Time To Commit #CoverReveal for Marriage Unarranged

Congratulations to my lovely friend Ritu on her cover reveal for Marriage Unarranged. Awesome. Love it. Wishing her much happiness and success with her book launch.

Ritu's avatarRitu Bhathal

Photo Credit Kimberley Farmer. Banner produced on Canva

It’s been a while, and for that, I apologise, my dear readers.

I haven’t been wallowing in a puddle of misery because I got another rejection.

Nothing like that. Unfortunately it has been my health that has held me back from progessing further.

You see, I made a decision to become an Indie Author, and self publish my baby!

And, in order to self publish, there are a few things that need to be done.

  • Finish editing my book – so close, I am just in the throes of discovering my crutch words… cringe-worthy!
  • Sending it to my editor for that final look over
  • Formatting the text for paperback as well as e-book
  • Writing the blurb
  • Writing acknowledgements, etc. for inside the book
  • Setting a publication date
  • Designing a cover

Wait. What?

I actually have an item on the list that I…

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#SCBWICon19: Tips for Newbies #Writing #Illustrating #Conference #Agents

I had a wonderful weekend at the SCBWI conference in Winchester and thought I’d share my experience with you.

It was a first time for me and I have to say it was such an amazing conference.

For newbies there is a wealth of support, including a SCBWI Newbies & Lone Rangers Facebook group which I joined a bit late, so here’s the link: Newbies & Lone Rangers SCBWI group

On the first day of the conference, Friday 1st of November, there were arrangements to meet up and gather newbies together to help them out. Unfortunately, I missed the earlier part of these, as I struggled to find my airbnb which was a little out of the centre of Winchester but I did catch up with the newbie crowd later at 5pm.

TIP: book your accommodation early and try to find a hotel, or airbnb in the centre of Winchester.

It’s a full-on conference with so many seminars and talks plus the invaluable one-to-ones with agents too.

TIP: keep an eye on your one-to-one times. If like me you get really engrossed listening to a speaker talking about i.e. your first page of your manuscript you might just miss your all important one-to-one like I did! That was so embarrassing! But, the lovely conference organisers managed to reschedule my one-to-one with agent Catherine Pellegrino who (was lovely.) We chatted after I’d sneaked away for a much needed calming down/don’t panic lunch. And wonder of wonders Catherine said that she liked my writing style and my characters, so I am submitting the first few chapters of my first novel and synopsis to her soon. Wish me luck!

All the conference goers, helpers, etc… are so friendly that it is easy to make new friends wherever you go and you might even find yourself dining with fellow authors you’ve never met before as I did prior to the fancy dress party on Saturday night. That was such fun! I love dressing up… I went as the black cat Shadow in my book.

TIP: talk to everyone!

Highlights for me were:

  • The Hook which was judged by the following agents: Amber Caraveo (Skylark,) Megan Carroll (Watson Little,) Gemma Cooper (The Bent Agency,) and Clare Wallace, (Darley Anderson.) They are looking for submissions particularly in the YA romance category.

All four hook contestants were amazing but my two favourites were YA authors: Helen MacKenzie SCBWI Scotland who was in my Friday night critique group (and she won first prize,) and Ellie Rose McKee.

Here’s a Twitter announcement from Ellie’s feed:

Ellie had a terrible cold throughout the conference. I had huge respect for her that she managed to get on stage and deliver a pitch whilst feeling so poorly.

TIP: bring drugs/sweets/comforting elixirs to combat viruses, warm clothes, etc. Just in case you or someone else needs them.

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More Highlights…

  • The Friday Night Critique with Matt Killeen, Helen MacKenzie, and Angela Murray which I found really helpful.
  • Geraldine McCaughrean’s Keynote Speech.
  • The one-to-one that I had with agent Catherine Pellegrino.
  • The ruthless revision workshop with Sara Grant – which I found very useful as I am in the editing phase with the second book in my series The Curse of Time.

 

There are many awesome videos of the conference on the Facebook KidLit TV page which are well worth perusing. The link is here: https://www.facebook.com/KidLitTV/

I have come away with lots of positive vibes about the conference and the experience in general. Oh, and Winchester itself was a lovely place to visit, but the weather could have been better! Here I am looking particularly windswept and wet waiting for a bus…

Wait a minute… across from the bus stop I spotted this tree with its lovely heart.

So that’s why I walked in the rain!

I’ve found my tribe… I have two now! The Bloggers Bash Tribe who I meet up with every year in London at the Bloggers bash https://twitter.com/BloggersBash and now I have the SCBWI tribe too: https://www.scbwi.org/

Other posts about the conference:

Words and Pictures SCBWI Conference

Helen Murzin SCBWI-BI Conference 2019 — Curiouser and curiouser

Finding your Tribe: http://www.bbtaylor-books.com/finding-your-tribe/

Preparing for a writers conference: https://catherinerosevear.wordpress.com/2019/10/25/preparing-for-a-writers-conference/

Are you intending on coming to a SCBWI conference?

Or were you at this year’s conference? Do let me know in the comments below.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curse-Time-Book-Bloo…/…/1999822439/

My social media links:

Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time

Instagram

Facebook

Nightmareland #Amazon #No1NewRelease #Horror #Shortstory #Anthology

Yay we are #1 New Release in Horror Anthologies Amazon USA!

I’m convinced a demon possessed me.

I’ve never written horror before… ghost stories yes, but I’m heading into different territory with my short story Scrabble Boy which sounds kind of funny but is dark humour horror! Ha ha….

Do check out, read and review… PLEASE, LOVELY PEEPS… this wonderful collaborative anthology edited and compiled by USA TODAY best selling author Dan Alatorre of 14 awesome authors, including my pals Robbie Cheadle, Adele Marie Park and Ellen Best.

From the creators of the #1 bestseller The Box Under The Bed horror anthology and its #1 bestseller sequel Dark Visions, comes Nightmareland
A horror anthology with 23 stories from 14 authors.

In a rundown shack deep in the woods, a high school girl dares herself to try the strange new drug all the kids are talking about. One injection of “Nightmareland” is all it takes to unleash a person’s biggest fears to them – and then they are on their own! But rebellious Jessica thinks she will prove herself to her peers and parents.
Tremble along as she is strapped into the chair and becomes a lost child on a Florida party island, an investigator looking into a circus’ bizarre side shows, an abused prisoner locked away in a desolate concrete cell, and much more as Jessica faces the most terrifying ride of her young life.
Compiled by USA Today bestselling author Dan Alatorre, this anthology of horror once again unites the minds and pens of more than a dozen amazing authors.

Amazon USA link:

Nightmareland will send you into the foggy twilight of the eerie and macabre, with heart stopping stories from:


USA Today bestselling author Dan Alatorre (The Navigators),
award-winning bestselling author Robbie Cheadle
award-winning bestselling author Ellen Best
award-winning author Kaye Booth
award-winning bestselling author Betty Valentine
award-winning bestselling author Alana Turner
award-winning bestselling author Christine Valentor
award-winning bestselling author Nick Vossen
award-winning bestselling author Alana Turner
award-winning bestselling author Victoria Clapton
award-winning bestselling author AM Andrus
award-winning bestselling author Adele Marie Park
award-winning bestselling author Barbara Anne Helberg
award-winning bestselling author MD Walker
award-winning bestselling author Dabney Farmer
award-winning bestselling author M J Mallon

#horrorstories #horroranthology #no1newrelease #amazon #shortstories

 

Amazon UK Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nightmareland-horror-anthology-stories-authors-ebook/dp/B07ZG3ZXP3/

We’ve had some awesome reviews… One of which is from a Top Contributor on Amazon , a Hall of Fame Top 100 Reviewer and he gave us 5 stars! 

Customer Review

Grady HarpTop Contributor: Children’s Books
HALL OF FAMETOP 100 REVIEWER
5.0 out of 5 starsOne fine Halloween treat!

October 27, 2019

Format: Kindle Edition

Author and humorist Dan Alatorre became a first-time dad at the age of 47 – a daughter by the name of Savvy. His comedic debut book ‘Savvy Stories’ tells humorous tales about a loving dad who sees the magic in children, and isn’t a bumbling stooge about changing diapers like some TV sitcom. Dan was born in Ohio, and graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida before earning an MBA from Tampa College. Dan, Michele and Savvy live in the Tampa area. Beware! There is a problem with reading Dan Alatorre’s book – Savvy Stories Series: They are addicting. Few writers today have that keen gift for finding the humor in challenging situations and Dan has a secure place at the top of the heap for comedic writing. He knows how youngsters think, and better yet he knows how to appreciate their joyful outlook …and wisdom.

After his many successes in writing humor, Dan turns his attention to the paranormal/ghost/psychic/suspense book genre – and here he succeeds just as well. AN AGEL ON HER SHOULDER and THE NAVIGATORS proved that Dan can not only write fine horror stories but that he also has a wide circle of friends who are successful in the same genre. Dan now offers Book 3 NIGHTMARELAND of his THE BOX UNDER THE BED series in this anthology of horror stories – tales of varying length and subject matter for tingling the spine.

Dan offers three of own stories to the collection and, as editor, welcomes Robbie Cheadle, Ellen Best, Kaye Booth, Betty Valentine, Alana Turner, Christine Valentor, Nick Vossen, Victoria Clapton, AM Andrus, Adele Marie Park, Barbara Anne Helberg, MD Walker, Dabney Farmer, and MJ Mallon. Each offers a fine story guaranteed to satisfy those horror story lovers!

Every year about this time it is advised to pull out this box under the bed. Even in relating horror stories Dan retains his consummate gift of humor. A fine collection, this. Grady Harp, October 19

 

And… I’m thrilled to get a mention in this review…

Customer Review

bob
4.0 out of 5 stars23 stories, a perfect number for horror!

November 2, 2019

Format: Kindle Edition

I’m writing this review through my Step-Dad’s account because I couldn’t post it on my own for some reason.

I would like to start off by letting future readers know that there’s a suicide that takes place in the story The Path to Atonement by Robbie Cheadle, which as a whole, I enjoyed besides the fact.

When you especially have a horror story, letting the reader begin to bond with the characters is a big part of how the events in the story will affect the reader.

Put that on top of having a short horror story where you – for the most part – need to be instantly dropped into the middle of the climax to wrap the story up quickly. This can make it difficult to grow attached to the characters involved, and leave you feeling distant once the story ends. This causes the stories to be either a hit or miss.

Which, is what I felt most of these stories were. Although, the hits greatly outnumbered the misses in this case. I found myself greatly enjoying quite a number of these short stories including; Nightmareland + it’s continuation Concessions by Dan Alatorre, The Haunting of Carol’s Woods by Kaye Booth, Final Curtain by Betty Valentine, The Siren + Drift Away, both by Alana Turner, Serpent Eye + The Barghest O’ Litlington both by Nick Vossen, Alice Investigates by Adele Marie Park, The Assignments by Barbara Anne Helberg, Ghastly Science by MD Walker, Why Can’t Murdered People Hold Their Breath on TV? by Dabney Farmer, and finally Scrabble Boy by M J Mallon.

While other stories intrigued me, the stories that were misses weren’t bad. They just mainly needed the chance to be fleshed out more.

This anthology has a multitude of genres that you can read, from gore, to supernatural, to psychological horror, you name it. It’s a fun read especially if you’re like me and you enjoy horror at any time of day.

Thanks Bob, (whoever you might be,) for taking the time to read and review! Reviews are like gold dust to authors.

 

Social Media Links

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’

“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)

 

Ghostly Rites Anthology 2019 – meet the author Marjorie Mallon

I’m talking to Wendy Steele about my writing rituals and #GhostlyRites #anthology #plaistedpublishinghouse

steelewendy's avatarWendy Steele

Ghostly Rites Anthology is here!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ghostly-Rites-2019-Plaisted-Publishing-ebook/dp/B07ZQV2Y4Q

And for my friends across the pond…

https://www.amazon.com/Ghostly-Rites-2019-Plaisted-Publishing-ebook/dp/B07ZQV2Y4Q

Today, I’m welcoming Marjorie Mallon onto my blog to chat writing and to find out a little more about the author of dark and scary stories…

1 How do you write? Is everything plotted, planned to perfection? Do you ever change tack as you go along or always stick to a pre-made plan?

I don’t tend to plot much at all. Instead, I rely on my crazy imagination to create and form the story. The only problem with this approach is a fair amount of editing is required.

But it’s exciting though! I love allowing my characters to tell the story for me.

2 Do you have a writing ritual? Meditation, certain cup for your tea, writing trousers?

Not really, but, I sometimes get ideas when I’m out walking.  For instance, on my usual route to…

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Nightmareland #Horror #Anthology

Ellen Best is getting her spook on for Halloween! #Nightmareland #Halloween #horror #anthology compiled and edited by Dan Alatorre is now available to buy! EEK… including a story by yours truly!

ellenbest24's avatarEllenbest24

This book, and two more sit in ‘The Box Under The Bed.’

Waiting … if you dare to peek.

Where writers come together, to gather their tales.

The #spooktacular, the sad, and the creep.

Each delivers a different take on the weird,

Feel the mysteries unfold, and the havoc they reek.

Visit the ghool, the macabre, the wandering and the lost.

Do it now! you’ll find it all

In Nightmareland, the cost of which

Will be … your sleep.

Today you can hold it in your hand. Now available in paperback.

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