Tag Archive | Writing

What makes a Five-Star Book?

Apr25

I remember the days when I was sick as a child, and had to stay home from school. To pass the time, I would read. Reading took me away from home on adventure after adventure, and the hours flew by. I think there may have been times that I probably wasn’t sick enough to warrant staying home, but the books called to me, and I managed to convince my mother that I was “very” sick.

One of my favorite series of books to read was “The Chronicles of Narnia.” I could polish off one of those books easily in a day’s time. And then, as I got older, I read “The Hobbit” followed by “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Other favorites included “Watership Down” and “Christy.” As an adult, I continued reading fantasy and went on the adventures in “Dune” and the “Thomas Covenant” books. And I can’t leave out the books about Merlin and Arthurian Legend by Mary Stewart; “The Crystal Cave,” “The Hollow Hills,” and “The Last Enchantment.”

All of those books have stayed with me through the years, and I enjoy reading them over and over again. When I began reading romance, I was drawn to “The Thorn Birds” which is not your typical romance. Maybe that’s what has made my writing far from “typical.”

I know there are many more books that I’ve not mentioned, but what I want to say is that to me, all of the books I mentioned rated five stars. They took me away to other places, captured my heart, and made me feel like I was a part of them. Any author who can achieve that in their writing is gifted. I hope that I will achieve that goal with my stories, and if at first I don’t succeed, I will keep at it until I do. I pray that I’ve been blessed with that gift.

My goal is to touch the heart of my readers, and maybe even give them something to think about. Perhaps even take them to places that they’ll want to journey to time and time again.  I want my characters to feel like brand new friends, whose lives are being shared.

So what are some of your “Five-Star” books, and what makes them rate so high for you? And…if you don’t mind sharing…what is the first thing that turns you off from a book and makes you put it away without ever finishing it?

 

 

 

Great Intentions

Apr21

Last month, I made up my mind that I would post at least two blogs a week!  And then…I had a little accident and nearly lost the end of a finger on my right hand. I am now finally able to type with both hands again, even though that finger has little-to-no sensation.  Thank goodness for muscle memory!!

When I became a writer, I told friends that what I love about writing is that I don’t have to dress up to do it, and unlike being a singer, it doesn’t matter whether or not I can use my voice. And…if I injure a leg and can’t walk, I can still write!  I never dreamed that I would hurt my hand in a silly accident. I guess that it goes to prove that we should never take anything for granted and be grateful every day for even the little things that bless our lives.

Good health is a biggie!!  And getting enough rest so that you don’t make silly mistakes is also important. In case you’re curious, I stuck my hand into the spring mechanism of a reclining sofa. Yes…big OUCH!  Eight stitches later…and a great amount of pain, I’m on the mend.

The best thing of all is that in the time I couldn’t write, I was writing in my head, and once I could “hunt & peck” with my right hand, I started getting all those thoughts on paper.  I’m working hard on the sequel to “Marked” and am very excited about the progress I’m making.

The new book is entitled, “Forgotten” and takes place at the end of the Civil War.

Now that I can type again, I plan to blog more!!  See you again soon…

 

 

Edit, Edit, Edit

Mar15

Being around other members of MCRW who talk about the endless nights of editing… I want those nights!

Every road leads somewhere...

Every road leads somewhere…

I long to get that phone call, telling me that a publisher finds my work worthy of publication. I want to hear the words, “We love it!  Now…here’s what you need to do to fix it.”

In the meantime, while I’m waiting for that phone call, I’m doing my own line-by-line edits. With everything I’ve learned, I’m taking my books a step further. Every step leads me closer to the bookshelf at your favorite bookstore, or that “e-universe” where you can download it into your e-reader.

Thank you for sharing the journey with me, and be sure to check out my “Books” page and read my prologue for “Marked.”

 

MCRW Retreat

Mar8

Natchez Trace State Park, Lexington, Tennessee.  Wow!!  What a wonderful time I had learning from and sharing with other writers!!  The scenery was breath-taking and inspiring, and the workshops offered by some of our members who are published authors was priceless. I learned ways to improve my already existing manuscripts, and have already started a major edit on “Marked.” Though I know my existing manuscript is very good, I believe these simple changes will make it GREAT!  I’m very motivated!! And…I plan to do much better at keeping up my site!ImageImageImage