I wanted to share this post with all of my writer and reviewer friends. As both, I appreciate Julie Whiteley’s insight.
Julie Whiteley is a highly rated Goodreads and Amazon Reviewer with one thousand+ Reviews posted on Amazon and Goodreads. Julie has gone upmarket with her blog with a new design: The Book Review. …
Source: Book Reviews: The Good ~ The Bad ~ The Ugly « eNovel Authors at Work – A Resource for Indie Writers
I’m pleased to be a part of Women of Words Book Blitz with my novel, Trails in the Sand. You’ll find some great books here and a chance to win some fantastic prizes. During the tour, Trails in the Sand can be downloaded from Amazon for only $0.99.
Drew’s superstar days are long over. A car accident shattered
his knee, destroyed his football career, and crushed his hopes of winning
Maggie’s love. How can he, a desk-bound financial advisor, compete against the
celebrities Maggie whirls through one-night stands or Tyler Lamarck, the social
media maverick who sweeps her off her feet?
Emotionally devastated and financially ruined by the death
of her brother, Felicity Rivers is down to her last hundred dollars when Cody
offers his help, at a price. She’s out of options, but nothing on Earth could
possibly entice her into the arms of the man who killed her brother.
Welcome to Author Wednesday and an interview with Rebekah Lyn, the author of several Christian novels. Her stories are filled with faith, hope, and adventure. Today, she’s here to tell us a little bit more about her latest release, Jessie, the second book in the Coastal Chronicles. Jesse, a young adult coming-of-age story, is set in the 1960s in Indian River City, Florida, near Cape Canaveral where the race to the moon captured the hearts of and minds of young and old. As a result, Rebekah scheduled the release of the book to coincide with the forty-fifth anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing mission.
Welcome Rebekah. I love meeting new authors and finding out how they discovered their voice as authors. When were you first able to call yourself a “writer” or “author?”
I’ve always considered myself a writer, but I never really talked to anyone about my writing until 2001 when I met another friend who enjoyed writing. The conversations we had, coupled with some difficult times I was going through, really sparked me to write more. It took ten years for me to decide I had anything I wanted to publish, but without that friendship, I may never have pursued this path.
I know that you write Christian fiction and have two series. Are there any special themes or messages that you try to convey to your readers?
I write inspirational fiction because I want people to have hope and know joy. I’ve been through dark times and struggled with my faith, so I understand how others can lose hope. I want my stories to be entertaining and, in the case of Jessie, mixed with humor. My characters are overcomers, and by the end of the book, I want my readers to feel that way, too. When a reader lets me know how a book touched their heart I feel like I’ve done my job well.
Yes, that’s a very important aspect of being an author. It can keep us going for a long time. Tell us a little bit about your current projects.
My new release, Jessie, is my first foray into historical fiction, as well as what may be considered young adult fiction. The main characters are teenage boys, but the message is something everyone from age five to ninety-five can benefit from. I am also starting to work on the third book in the Seasons of Faith series
What’s your one sentence pitch for Jessie?
From tide pools to technology, follow Jessie’s emotional journey from a young boy enthralled with the United States race for the moon taking place just a few miles from his home to a young man overcoming many obstacles to pursue his dream.
How did you choose the title? Has it been the title from the very beginning?
The first book in the Coastal Chronicles was Julianne so I decided to keep all of the books the name of the lead character. I’ve toyed with the idea of making all the leads in the Chronicles start with J, but I don’t know if that will pan out. The characters usually tell me their own names.
That’s true. It might be difficult to pin yourself down. I’m always asked about how long it took me to write a book so I’ll ask you the same question. How long do you estimate it took you to take the book from an idea to a finished, published?
I don’t remember when exactly the idea first came to me, but I started research in October 2012, and the book was finally completed in April 2014. I chose to release the book to coincide with the forty-fifth anniversary of the moon landing since that event is a crucial element of the story.
That’s an excellent idea. Tell us about the antagonist of the book.
Jessie’s father, Eugene, would probably be considered the antagonist. He’s an alcoholic and has abused both Jessie and his older brother Max. Even though Eugene isn’t a very active character in the story, he is always present in Jessie’s mind.
If you listen to music while you’re writing, what is it?
I tend to choose music that fits the storyline of the character I am working on that day. For Jessie, I listened to music from the 1950s and 1960s. For my Seasons of Faith books, I have different bands for each character that I listen to when I am writing in their point of view.
That’s interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a writer doing that before, but it makes perfect sense. How does your immediate family feel about your writing life?
Since I am a single lady, my parents are my biggest supporters, and I couldn’t do this without them. My mom helps with marketing and brings me food when I’m in a really good writing groove. My dad is handy and has made me some beautiful easels for my book as well as a prize wheel I can take with me to the variety of festivals in my hometown where I’ve started selling books. I have also enlisted my teenage niece and her friend to make signature jewelry to give out at teas where I meet with readers and talk about books. I think my cat gets a bit annoyed when I am in the zone and don’t take time off the computer to give her attention. She gets over that pretty fast when I fill her treat bowl, though.
How wonderful to have such a supportive family. If a movie was made about your success as a writer, who would play you?
Connie Britton of Friday Night Lights and Nashville. She is a fighter and never gives up, but most of all I love her Southern Exasperation, the way a southern woman can say more with facial expressions than most can with words, a tilt of the head or a pat on the hand.
She’s a good choice. Rebekah, it’s been wonderful having you visit today, and I wish you tremendous success in your writing career. The world needs as much hope and inspiration as possible.
About Rebekah Lyn – Rebekah is a popular Indie Author with a strong following of loyal readers who enjoy her inspirational novels of faith, adventure, and hope. She is a Christian with a heart for new beginnings, and her desire is to reflect that in each of her books. Rebekah writes character-driven novels, which she hopes will engulf the reader in a great story and leave them stronger in their faith. One Summer Storms reviewer said, “Something about this author’s writing style reminds me of Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series.” Her first published novel was released in October, 2011, and three of her current books have received solid ratings in the Christian Fiction category on Amazon.com. She has two distinct series developed, with further books planned for each series.
Contact Rebekah
Buy Rebekah Lyn’s books
Click on cover
Welcome to Author Wednesday. Today I welcome Lori Crane, the author of several books of historical southern fiction. Lori visited Author Wednesday last year and I reviewed her novel, Elly Hays for Book Review Friday. I’m so happy she returned today to tell us a bit about her new release, Savannah’s Bluebird.
Welcome, dear friend. I’m thrilled you’ve come to talk about Savannah’s Bluebird. Give us your one sentence pitch for the new novel.
Savannah’s Bluebird is a tragic love story that transcends the boundaries of this world.
It’s a beautiful title so I’m wondering how you chose it.
It took a long time to decide on a title. I knew I wanted the female character’s name to be “southern,” and I originally thought the setting would be Savannah, Georgia. I had the rough draft finished before I changed the location to Biloxi and gave the name Savannah to my heroine.
That’s interesting. I love the name Savannah for a female so it all fit together. How long do you estimate it took you to take the book from an idea to finished, published?
I wrote the outline and rough draft a couple years ago over a period of a month or so, and it’s been collecting dust in my computer ever since. I re-opened it December 1, sent it to my editor in January, and published in February, so a couple months, but it’s only a novella, not a full-length epic saga.
I know you’re an Indie Author, but how did you make the decision to self-publish?
I like having total control over every aspect of my work. I like to choose the timeline for writing and release, and even the cover design. If I published traditionally, those choices would all be taken away from me.
That’s true. I’ve gone both routes, and I love the independence of being an Indie Author. What message did you try to convey in Savannah’s Bluebird?
The obvious message is “Love is Eternal,” but an underlying layer shows how destiny and fate may have more important plans for you than you imagine. Everything happens for a reason.
I love it! It’s good to be reminded of that message. What is the best thing someone could say about this book?
“I didn’t see the end coming and had to read the book a second time from a different perspective.”
You did accomplish that, but I’ll save any more comments for my review on Book Review Friday. Explain how this book was conceived in your imagination.
I dreamt Savannah’s Bluebird a couple years ago and awoke at 4 a.m. in a cold sweat with my heart pounding. I had to write it down immediately and did so until the sun rose.
You were getting a message from somewhere! So happy you followed the muse.What type of research did you do in the writing of this book?
Once I decided on the setting and era, which didn’t happen until I had already finished the first re-write, I Googled every aspect of the 1930s from maps of Biloxi and New Orleans to railroads, from clothing and household appliances to automobiles.
Who or what is the antagonist in your book?
In this book, there are two—the ticking clock and a gunman named Bernard. I found both to be very frustrating.
Without giving us a spoiler, tell us a little bit about your favorite scene in this book.
My favorite scene is when Savannah is approached by a gypsy woman on the beach. The woman tells Savannah a bunch of cryptic things about the future and gives her a mulevi—an item to reach the dead.
That’s a good scene, with vivid characterization of the gypsy woman.What else do you want readers to know about this book?
This is the story that started my writing career. After I woke from dreaming it, I told my husband about it, and he said I should write a book. The next day, I told my daughter the story, and she said the same thing. That evening, I told my son, and got the same response. On the way home that night, we passed a billboard on the freeway that advertised “Publish Your Book.” Listen to the universe when it talks to you!
You are so very right (write), Lori. I’m glad you did because it’s a treasure of a story and came to you for a reason. Thanks so much for stopping by today and sharing the creative process for your latest work.
From Lori Crane: I started writing novels professionally in 2012, although before that, I wrote songs and television/radio commercials for a living. Since 2012, I’ve released five novels and have two more slated for release in 2014. During the day, I write; at night, I work on Norwegian Cruise Lines as a dueling piano player. When I’m not playing bawdy songs on a cruise ship, I reside in Tennessee with my trophy husband and a menagerie of critters, including a four-foot ball python.
Links to Lori Crane
Website: http://loricraneauthor.com/
Blog: http://loricrane.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @LoriCraneHess
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lori-Crane/e/B00ATIQW8M
I’m happy to announce a new book by one of my favorite Indie Authors, Michele Shriver. I read and reviewed After Ten and just finished Finding Forever. They’re both wonderful reads and can’t wait to delve into Leap of Faith.
Author Michele Shriver presents a story of healing and second chances.
Leap of Faith
Single mother Tracey Hiatt prides herself on having a close relationship with her daughter- the kind of relationship she’s always wanted, but never had, with her own mother.
When her mother suffers a debilitating illness and faces a lengthy recovery, family takes on a whole new meaning for Tracey as she finds herself pulled back to her ex, Steve Eldridge. There’s only one problem: he’s involved with someone else.
Steve is drawn back into Tracey’s family drama and after her mother awakens from a coma believing he and Tracey are married, the two are forced to confront some fundamental questions about their relationship.
Can they put past hurts behind them and take a leap of faith into a new future together?
Available now:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JD0LYCQ/?tag=viewbookat0e-20
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/leap-of-faith-michele-shriver/1118970901?ean=2940149455492
It’s my pleasure today to participate in the Author’s Blog Chain. Francis Guenette tagged me on her blog, 
Disappearing in Plain Sight. I also reviewed her delightful novel, Disappearing in Plain Sight. 
Please visit her blog. She writes thoughtful pieces on the process of becoming and sustaining a career as an Indie Author. I’ve found many of her insights very helpful in my journey as an Indie Author.
The Author’s Blog Chain requires me to answer four questions about my writing life, so here goes:
Sketch of P.C. Zick by Jae at Lit and Scribbles
1. What are you currently working on?
I’m working on my next Florida Fiction novel, Native Lands. This work looks at who owns the land on which we live and how we should tend to that land as good stewards. There’s plenty of love and intrigue and nasty antagonists. I hope to publish it sometime before the end of the year. I’m also working on a nonfiction book, Odyssey to Myself, which is a collection of essays on my travels from 2004-2009 and how each trip held a significant life lesson. I’m also developing an editing and book formatting business, which I hope to launch very soon.
2. How does your work differ from others’ in the same genre?
I think most authors like to think their work is different from any other work, and I’m no exception. I’ve been compared to Carl Hiassen because I write about the disastrous effects of development on Florida; I’ve been compared to Anne Rivers Siddons because of my southern characters. I may have elements of those writers’ genre in my work, but I also write in-depth about nature and wildlife. I take a page from the John Steinbeck book of writing and try to create metaphors in nature that represent man’s actions. I aspire to write as noteworthy books as those I’ve mentioned!
3. Why do you write what you write?
Good question. I often refer to Rachel Carson’s (Silent Spring) comment on how she chose her subjects. She said that she never chose a subject, but rather the subject chose her. I believe I’ve chosen my path to help bring awareness on issues regarding nature and all its creatures. If we continue to live thoughtless lives without consideration of the natural world around us, then we’re dooming our future generations to some heavy burdens.
4. How does your writing process work?
I’m not sure I have a process. I write when the mood strikes, which is every day. I keep several journals going. I usually have a work in progress. I tend to begin with an idea and then plot it out, researching as I go. With every project, the process changes.
Now that I’ve answered questions about my writing life, I’m tagging three other authors so they can continue the Author’s Blog Chain.
Christina Carson – I discovered Christina Carson’s work through my social media channels and what a lovely surprise to find her. I’ve read one of her books, Suffer the Little Children, and reviewed it, and Christina wrote a guest blog for Author Wednesday in June. Her books are delightful reminders that novels serve as more than entertainment; they also show a way to live a more thoughtful existence
From Christina: I was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, when it still looked like the verdant farming country of England. Horses and dairy farming were prominent, and I chose horses. Educated as a scientist, I was a child of the 1960s, and one of the outcomes of that was my stance as war protester. Leaving a Ph.D. program and the United States in 1968, I settled in western Canada and fell in love with the wildness of the country and the tolerance of the people. The cold was a tad stunning, however. I’ve been writing nonfiction and poetry as long as I can remember, but eight years ago, I began to write fiction. In 1996, I came back to the States on the arm of a Vietnam veteran. Now there’s a story for you. Presently, I reside in Alabama with my husband, also a writer. Neither the adventure of life and its wonder, nor what it has yet to teach me seem anywhere close to an end.
Links:
Blog: Cristina Carson, Writer
Darlene Jones – Darlene Jones caught my attention when I came across her blog, Em and Yves. Her experiences from living in Mali made an indelible mark on her so much so she’s dedicated herself to writing books that reflect a country and culture living in poverty and pain. I usually don’t read science fiction, but Darlene’s purpose in writing her novels intrigued me. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed reading, Embattled, which I reviewed on Book Review Friday. Darlene has also appeared on Author Wednesday.
From Darlene – A long time ago, I lived in Mali. Every single day, I wished I could wave a magic wand to relieve the heart-wrenching poverty. The story line of my books reflects my desire to wave that wand and make the world a better place. If only wishes could come true. And of course, every novel needs its love story, so along with the sci-fi magic, I’ve added the requisite romance.
I’ve always believed we can’t be the only beings existing in the vastness of the universe. There must be others “out there somewhere,” and I brought some of them along for the ride. The setting stays, for the most part, within the realities of our world, but I’ve found that I love the magic the sci-fi element of other beings can bring to the story.
Links:
Blog: http://emandyves.wordpress.com
Books: http://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Jones/e/B005ZVH88G
Paffi S. Flood – One of my blogger friends, Staci Troilo introduced me to Paffi S. Flood. I’m very pleased to meet her and add her to the growing list of author friends I’ve met since starting Writing Whims. Her novel A Killing Strikes Home is another in the series of Mystery, Ink by Goldminds Publishing.
From Paffi – Ever since I worked on the school newspaper in the seventh grade, I had a passion for writing. Although I pursued software engineering in college, being a writer was always in the back of my mind. A decade ago, I attended writing classes and workshops and was encouraged to chase my dream. A Killing Strikes Home published by Goldminds Publishing, LLC: in January 2013 is my debut novel, and I’m currently working on my next one.
Links:
Website: www.paffisflood.com
Twitter: @paffiFlood
A Killing Strikes Home on Amazon
Please visit these other authors and their outstanding work. They’ll be posting their Author’s Blog Chain on February 3.
This morning as I prepared the Author Wednesday post for the week, I thought about my own life as a writer. What have I accomplished this year? I often times think I didn’t do much as I faced harsh treatments for seven months. But I gathered all the books I’ve put out in eBook format and in paperback. I placed them under my Christmas tree and sat back amazed. I published five books this year (Live from the Road went live in 2012). Two of the books (A Lethal Legacy and Tortoise Stew) were re-issues, but I still did the formatting for all versions.
Books still make wonderful presents in this world of eBooks. I hope you’ll consider giving gifts from Indie Authors such as myself. I feature authors each week on Author Wednesday and review when I can on Book Review Friday. Take a look at some of the offerings because I’m continually amazed and pleased to read some great books from Indie Authors. The only way this form of publishing can succeed is from excellence in production of works and from sales from readers. The genres are varied as are the writing styles and plot twists and turns.
A few promotional things I have going on this month:
Civil War Journal of a Union Soldier – The Kindle version is available at a discounted price for the next week on Amazon. Check out the book trailer for this – it’s my first one. Rob Hess at Elite Book Design created this stirring video. He was a dream to work with, and I love what he did with the story of my great grandfather.
Rafflecopter contest going on for autographed copies of Trails in the Sand and Live from the Road over at Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews.
Most of all, I wish for you a safe and relaxing holiday season. So many times, we get caught up in the bustle and pressure that we forget to enjoy this time of family and love and celebration.
Florida Keys
Disclosure: As I prepared to write a review on two of my favorite Florida authors, I realized something about the way I write reviews. I’m much tougher on the bestselling authors than I am on Indie Authors. Therefore, I’m filing this disclosure to let you know I am biased and guilty of conflict of interest as an Indie Author and reader. I am tougher on the traditional, popular, and talented authors because those big guys make a substantial living from book sales and peripherals; they have assistants and media relation gurus; they have editors, agents, and toenail clippers. So beware that I’m about to review two of my favorite—and successful—authors who happen to write wacky Florida fiction, and I’m going to be tough on them because with all the help they receive to write and sell their books, there’s very little allowance for error.
Bad Monkey by Carl Hiassen and Hurricane Punch by Tim Dorsey both contain elements close to my own writing preferences, except I’m not as wild as these two. I met Hiassen twice and both times, he spoke about the outrageous characters and occurrences found in his novels. He said he simply reads the newspaper and sometimes doesn’t go as far as the real life loonies living in the Sunshine State. He received his education on all things crazy in Florida through his job as a reporter—and now columnist—for the Miami Herald. He’s funny in person and on the page. Bad Monkey is his latest offering and it’s full of Hiassen characters and demented plot twists as expected. Perhaps it’s a bit too expected by now. He’s written eight or so novels in this same vein, and I’ve read them all. He’s on the verge of becoming the dreaded formula writer. Despite witty and surprising plot convolutions, I found his new book predictable and slightly disappointing. As far as I’m concerned, the book could have ended 100 pages earlier than it did.
Hiassen breaks one of the rules I adhere to in both my writing and editing for other writers: Don’t use dialect unless you’re very, very good at it. And despite Hiassen’s bevy of helpers, he just doesn’t pull off the Bahamian accent for several of his characters. To the end of the novel, I still struggled to figure out what the island folk were saying.
Here’s an example: “Yah, I hoyt ‘im putty bod but he ain’t dead. I saw ‘im utter night.”
Now here’s my problem. I had to stop and back up my reading to interpret what this actually said. “Yeah, I hurt him pretty bad but he ain’t dead. I saw him other night,” works just as well for me. It captures tone and dialect through word choice and placement without confusing the reader. As a writer and a reader, I value that simple concept the most.
Other than a few other areas of editorial weakness, the novel is pure Hiassen with an arm caught on a chartered fishing boat off the Florida Keys, a spooky medicine woman in the Bahamas, and a demented monkey who once appeared in a movie with Johnny Depp until he couldn’t keep his hands off his genitals. But as one of his greatest fans, I implore Mr. Hiassen to perhaps step out of his lovely Keys home and breathe in the fresh salt air and infuse his brain and fingers with something that stretches his very creative juices. I’d love to read one of his books without expecting and predicting the most demented of plot twists and turns.
Tim Dorsey is another reporter turned novelist, although Dorsey wrote for the Tampa Tribune on the other side of the side of the state. On the back cover of Hurricane Punch, which I just read, there’s a quote from the Boston Globe, “Tim Dorsey’s zany novels are invariable compared with Carl Hiaasen’s.” That’s true they are, but there’s a slight difference. Dorsey’s main character s often are murderous heroes, which makes about as much sense as George Zimmerman winning citizen of the year.
It had been years since I’d read a Dorsey novel because I found his first two books were far too similar. However, I wanted to introduce my husband to two of my favorite Florida writers so I bought three of Dorsey’s books I haven’t read yet and two of Hiassen’s. Hurricane Punch was the first one I read. At first, I wondered why I started reading Dorsey again. I found the plot confusing, and it jumped around quite a bit. But then something hooked me about the book. Perhaps the hurricane season Dorsey creates in this novel intrigued me since my latest work contains an out-of-control hurricane season as well. I also recognized the places he uses in the setting from Tampa to Sarasota to the Everglades and then on up to St. Augustine.
However, with both Hiassen and Dorsey, it’s their despicable and gross main characters who inevitably capture my attention as well as my heart. As unlikely as it seems, I adore Dorsey’s Serge whose murderous ways contain an element of morality—albeit a schizophrenic one—as Serge does what we all have imagined at some point. He makes the jackasses of the world pay, and he helps the victims. Hiassen’s Yancy harasses people in not so kind ways, but always his victims deserve the predicaments created by the former cop turned restaurant roach guard.
Despite some flaws in dialogue choices, plot contrivances, and point of view, both novels made me laugh and created a fan in my husband who’s currently reading his second Dorsey novel. Then he’ll start Bad Monkey. I’ll make a Floridian out of him yet. 
“A Lethal Legacy” by P.C.Zick was a real surprise-find and treat for me. Knowing this superb author from her award nominated environmental novel “Trails in the Sand” I was not prepared for a psychological thriller so incredibly well written…
