Sandra Warren's Blog, page 6
December 19, 2014
When The Story GRABS ON And Won't Let Go!
Why is it that one story will grab your right from the beginning and another, although just as enjoyable, may not engage you until part way through? Is it the words? The characterizations? The story? The answer is not that simple.
When, where, and if a story grabs a reader is a very subjective thing. A writer cannot predict a reader’s likes and dislikes or know where the reader is emotionally when they pick up the writer’s book. It’s safe to say that it won’t matter how good the story is if the writing isn’t up to snuff. So the answer, if there is one, is found somewhere in the middle of where good story, good writing and good characterizations meet up with the preferences and the mental and emotional state of the reader; nebulous at best.
I’d been enjoying Comfort, a wonderful middle-grade novel written by Joyce Moyer Hostetter, a chapter or two at a time, stretching out the delight, until I reached Chapter 29. That’s when the words grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. That’s not to say there was anything wrong with the first 28 chapters, I did say I’d been enjoying the story, but something that happened in Chapter 29 made me sit down, first thing in the morning, when I didn'thave time, and read it to the end.
This experience got me to thinking about the manuscripts and books I’ve written. Has a reader ever felt that way about my work? Has anything, any word or character or situation buried in the chapters of a manuscript a Beta reader is currently pouring through, caught her attention? Is she laboring through it or savoring each word? And what about the agent who asked to see it? Agents reject quickly, right, one page and they can already tell if they like your writing style and your story? Has the agent even opened the requested email yet? Is she so engrossed that she’s shared it with colleagues and is putting a contract together? I can only hope.
I'veenjoyed many books without pulling an all-nighter. But let’s face it, if I spend five plus years of my life writing the next great American novel, I want to hear someone say, “The story grabbed me and Icouldn'tput it down.� That's what all writers want to hear,right?
What story or stories have your read recently that grabbed you? Can you put your finger on what made the difference? I’d love to hear from you.
* * * *
Sandra’s adult novel in waiting is called, They Called Me Blue, the story of two brothers whose lives are changed forever when one disappears on the last Orphan Train to leave New York in 1929, and the other spends the next fifty years of his life searching for him.
Two biographies written by Sandra Warren about nurses who served in the Persian Gulf War, When Duty Called: Even Grandma Had to Go and Hidden Casualties: Battles On The Home Front, are said to have those, "can't put it down," qualities.
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November 18, 2014
Bear Burgers = Finishing A Novel
I had bear sausage for breakfast the other day and bear burgers for dinner, compliments of a daughter who migrated to Alaska over a decade ago to seek adventure in the wild and in the classrooms of the Valdez school system. She's embraced the lifestyle. She seldom eats domestic meat. There's no need. She, her husband, son and daughter bring in all the salmon, halibut, shrimp, moose, caribou and bear they could ever consume.
You might wonder where this is all leading and what bear burgers have to do with writing? Well hold onto your stuffed Smokey the Bear toys, I'm getting there.
While standing at the stove cooking up the bear sausages, I was contemplating the novel I'd just finished. As I flipped sausages, the smell wafting through the house, my mind wandered back three years earlier when I thought my novel was finished once before and I wondered, was it really finished this time around?
Time got away from me while I was cooking, my mind on the novel not on what I was flipping. So imagine my surprise when I looked down at what I thought might be overcooked, near burnt burgers to see the meat still red, as red as can be, fresh out of the package red, raw meat red.
Were my eyes deceiving me? I looked at the clock and back at the pan, surely they'd been cooking long enough, but had they? They didn't look done. How was I to know?
Okay, now I think you can guess my point.
Three years ago, I thought my novel was finished, would have sworn it was, but it wasn't, no where near. I didn't know it then. Fortunately for me, an agent liked the premise and took the time to tell me exactly where improvements were needed. I could have chalked her comments up as only one agent's opinion, but I didn't. I am serious about my writing and I want it to be the best it can be, so I listened.
Now, three years later, it's done, at least ready, really ready for submission. How do I know? I know because during the last three years while revising, I've also been honing my novel writing skills, listening and discussing pieces parts of the manuscript as I've gone along, added and enhanced and cut multiple passages and scenes and words and pages I was in love with. I know because when I re-read it, I'm no longer stopping to make changes along the way. It's ready to submit and I'm excited.
Now back to the almost burnt bear sausages. They were done, they just didn't look done. Apparently, unlike domestic meat, bear meat does not brown when cooked. How did they taste? Well, let's just say they'll take some getting used to. I didn't dislike them I just didn't love them. Bear burgers served with all the typical hamburger trimmings was tastier to me than the breakfast sausages. Will I have them again? Probably. My daughter is still in Alaska living and loving the lifestyle and sharing the bounty.
What are you markers for knowing when your manuscript is complete? I'd love to hear from you.
You might wonder where this is all leading and what bear burgers have to do with writing? Well hold onto your stuffed Smokey the Bear toys, I'm getting there.
While standing at the stove cooking up the bear sausages, I was contemplating the novel I'd just finished. As I flipped sausages, the smell wafting through the house, my mind wandered back three years earlier when I thought my novel was finished once before and I wondered, was it really finished this time around?
Time got away from me while I was cooking, my mind on the novel not on what I was flipping. So imagine my surprise when I looked down at what I thought might be overcooked, near burnt burgers to see the meat still red, as red as can be, fresh out of the package red, raw meat red.
Were my eyes deceiving me? I looked at the clock and back at the pan, surely they'd been cooking long enough, but had they? They didn't look done. How was I to know?
Okay, now I think you can guess my point.
Three years ago, I thought my novel was finished, would have sworn it was, but it wasn't, no where near. I didn't know it then. Fortunately for me, an agent liked the premise and took the time to tell me exactly where improvements were needed. I could have chalked her comments up as only one agent's opinion, but I didn't. I am serious about my writing and I want it to be the best it can be, so I listened.
Now, three years later, it's done, at least ready, really ready for submission. How do I know? I know because during the last three years while revising, I've also been honing my novel writing skills, listening and discussing pieces parts of the manuscript as I've gone along, added and enhanced and cut multiple passages and scenes and words and pages I was in love with. I know because when I re-read it, I'm no longer stopping to make changes along the way. It's ready to submit and I'm excited.
Now back to the almost burnt bear sausages. They were done, they just didn't look done. Apparently, unlike domestic meat, bear meat does not brown when cooked. How did they taste? Well, let's just say they'll take some getting used to. I didn't dislike them I just didn't love them. Bear burgers served with all the typical hamburger trimmings was tastier to me than the breakfast sausages. Will I have them again? Probably. My daughter is still in Alaska living and loving the lifestyle and sharing the bounty.
What are you markers for knowing when your manuscript is complete? I'd love to hear from you.
November 11, 2014
When Life Parallels Your Character's Life
I finished a novel the other day that I've been working on for over five years. Three years ago I thought I was done but it was awful, truly awful. Thanks to an agent who took the time to critique it, I was able to do a rewrite and fix the problems. I believe in this story or I would have just pitched it. Now, it's ready and I'm hopeful that this time will be the charm.
The characters are friends, like distant relatives but more because I know them intimately. And strangely, my life has paralleled events written into my character's life. You'd think it would be the other way around but no, not in this case.
In the novel, a life was put on hold for fifty years while my main character searched for his long lost brother. My character believed that all would be well once his little brother was found. Until then, everything else in his life, his marriage and his son, was pushed aside.
I realized about three quarters of the way through the final rewrite that in real life, I was doing the same thing as my main character, putting my life on hold, house work, yard work, cleaning out overstuffed closets and cupboards, until the manuscript was finished. I believed that all would straighten out once the novel was done.
But, as we writer's know, finishing a manuscript is not the end of the work. Up ahead will come more rewrites as an editor has their say. The writing won't really be done until the book rolls off the presses ready for market. And then the real work begins, the promoting, the marketing, the selling.
Perhaps I should revise the beginning of this post to say that I finished my novel enough to put into a book proposal package, enough to present to an agent or editor. Regardless, I feel a tremendous sense of relief and joy to have completed the story arc, the plot points and sequence, the character development and the tearful conclusion in a way that pleases my critique partners and pleases me.
Have you seen yourself in your characters in surprising ways? If so, please share.
The characters are friends, like distant relatives but more because I know them intimately. And strangely, my life has paralleled events written into my character's life. You'd think it would be the other way around but no, not in this case.
In the novel, a life was put on hold for fifty years while my main character searched for his long lost brother. My character believed that all would be well once his little brother was found. Until then, everything else in his life, his marriage and his son, was pushed aside.
I realized about three quarters of the way through the final rewrite that in real life, I was doing the same thing as my main character, putting my life on hold, house work, yard work, cleaning out overstuffed closets and cupboards, until the manuscript was finished. I believed that all would straighten out once the novel was done.
But, as we writer's know, finishing a manuscript is not the end of the work. Up ahead will come more rewrites as an editor has their say. The writing won't really be done until the book rolls off the presses ready for market. And then the real work begins, the promoting, the marketing, the selling.
Perhaps I should revise the beginning of this post to say that I finished my novel enough to put into a book proposal package, enough to present to an agent or editor. Regardless, I feel a tremendous sense of relief and joy to have completed the story arc, the plot points and sequence, the character development and the tearful conclusion in a way that pleases my critique partners and pleases me.
Have you seen yourself in your characters in surprising ways? If so, please share.
June 10, 2014
When Did “Interesting� Become a BAD Word?
Language changes. I get that. Old words or usage fades away and new words become accepted.
Think of all the new words or new meanings to old words that have come about over the last two decades: net, cell (meaning cell phone), Internet, Web, Website, ebook, blog, and text. These, as you know, relate mostly to technology. One of the words, “texting,� has produced a whole new language in and of itself.
Yet even the new abbreviated words in a texting dictionary have suffered confusion. For example, when you send LOL are you “laughing out loud� or sending “lots of love?� Folks still get those confused, sometimes with hilarious results. You have to grab the nearest teenager to interpret what is being said, emailed or texted.
Then there are phrases that when spoken mean the opposite of what the words say they should mean. Consider, no way, get out, hold the fort or yes way, or that’s so sick or so bad. No wonder folks trying to learn English have trouble.
That brings up the word that started all this � interesting. It’s interesting to me that when I moved to the South, suddenly things couldn't be “interesting� anymore. When a neighbor sent over a lovely dessert and I described it as “interesting,� she said, “Oh, so you didn't like it?� She took offense. I was flabbergasted. I meant no disrespect. I thought I was giving her a compliment. Her dessert was "interesting" as in different, unusual and unique. Her “interesting� dessert was also delicious.
Just so you know, coming from me “interesting� is a good thing. So, if you receive a critique from me and I say your new book was “interesting,� please know that I found your work to be something of importance or consequence that engendered curiosity on my part and made me take notice, like the dictionary says.
What words that have taken on a different connotation bother you?
Think of all the new words or new meanings to old words that have come about over the last two decades: net, cell (meaning cell phone), Internet, Web, Website, ebook, blog, and text. These, as you know, relate mostly to technology. One of the words, “texting,� has produced a whole new language in and of itself.
Yet even the new abbreviated words in a texting dictionary have suffered confusion. For example, when you send LOL are you “laughing out loud� or sending “lots of love?� Folks still get those confused, sometimes with hilarious results. You have to grab the nearest teenager to interpret what is being said, emailed or texted.
Then there are phrases that when spoken mean the opposite of what the words say they should mean. Consider, no way, get out, hold the fort or yes way, or that’s so sick or so bad. No wonder folks trying to learn English have trouble.
That brings up the word that started all this � interesting. It’s interesting to me that when I moved to the South, suddenly things couldn't be “interesting� anymore. When a neighbor sent over a lovely dessert and I described it as “interesting,� she said, “Oh, so you didn't like it?� She took offense. I was flabbergasted. I meant no disrespect. I thought I was giving her a compliment. Her dessert was "interesting" as in different, unusual and unique. Her “interesting� dessert was also delicious.
Just so you know, coming from me “interesting� is a good thing. So, if you receive a critique from me and I say your new book was “interesting,� please know that I found your work to be something of importance or consequence that engendered curiosity on my part and made me take notice, like the dictionary says.
What words that have taken on a different connotation bother you?
June 4, 2014
Your Writing Career: It’s More Than Your Books
Once you’re published, many new adventures come your way. It’s not just about your book(s) anymore. Folks will become interested in you; who you are, what you write, why you write and how you write? You may not have bargained for more than an autograph party or two but like anything in life, when you finally achieve a goal, there’s always more waiting for you than meets the eye.
Speaking at a local school was the first request I received. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of presenting to school children from Alaska to Florida, and British Columbia to London, England. I’ve spoken to parent groups, other educational organizations, at library and educational conferences on the local, state, national and world levels, and even addressed business meetings; sometimes about my books but more often about the process of living and working as a writer.
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Gretchen Griffith, author of Lessons Learned: The Story of Pilot Mountain School, and other works of non-fiction and children’s books as well, to offer a class on memoir writing that we titled, Preserving the Past: Collecting & Recording Family History & Life Experiences. Between the two of us we've authored five memoirs including nurses serving in the Persian Gulf War, a female pastor in the Salvation Army, the story of a school, and an early entrepreneur who built stagecoaches, brought roller skating to North Carolina and helped people turn moonshine into gasohol. This opportunity came to the two of us because others heard about our books and wanted to know how to write their own memoir. So, we took our knowledge and experience and turned it into a two-hour workshop. It wasn't a session on “how to� write a memoir. Our focus was directed at our process; what each of us did that was similar and more importantly, how our processes differed. We looked at gathering and organizing information, researching facts to enhance the memoir, resources to help and legal things to consider, just to name a few. Our goal was to encourage students to develop their own strategies because, in the end, no matter how many classes or webinars or seminars you take, when it comes to writing, you have to take that information and make it your own.
If you’re already published, then you know what I’m talking about. If not, get ready. Your time is coming, hopefully, sooner than later.
If you’re already published, please share the most unusual request you've received for a presentation or one that took you by surprise. Gretchen and I are ready to take the memoir writing class on the road. If you know of a group that might be interested, please have them contact us at one of the following websites:
Speaking at a local school was the first request I received. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of presenting to school children from Alaska to Florida, and British Columbia to London, England. I’ve spoken to parent groups, other educational organizations, at library and educational conferences on the local, state, national and world levels, and even addressed business meetings; sometimes about my books but more often about the process of living and working as a writer.
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Gretchen Griffith, author of Lessons Learned: The Story of Pilot Mountain School, and other works of non-fiction and children’s books as well, to offer a class on memoir writing that we titled, Preserving the Past: Collecting & Recording Family History & Life Experiences. Between the two of us we've authored five memoirs including nurses serving in the Persian Gulf War, a female pastor in the Salvation Army, the story of a school, and an early entrepreneur who built stagecoaches, brought roller skating to North Carolina and helped people turn moonshine into gasohol. This opportunity came to the two of us because others heard about our books and wanted to know how to write their own memoir. So, we took our knowledge and experience and turned it into a two-hour workshop. It wasn't a session on “how to� write a memoir. Our focus was directed at our process; what each of us did that was similar and more importantly, how our processes differed. We looked at gathering and organizing information, researching facts to enhance the memoir, resources to help and legal things to consider, just to name a few. Our goal was to encourage students to develop their own strategies because, in the end, no matter how many classes or webinars or seminars you take, when it comes to writing, you have to take that information and make it your own.
If you’re already published, then you know what I’m talking about. If not, get ready. Your time is coming, hopefully, sooner than later.
If you’re already published, please share the most unusual request you've received for a presentation or one that took you by surprise. Gretchen and I are ready to take the memoir writing class on the road. If you know of a group that might be interested, please have them contact us at one of the following websites:
March 3, 2014
Why Negative Reviews & Negative Critiques Hurt!
Your critique group trashes the latest chapter in your novel. Out of 25 positive reviews on Amazon, someone gives you ONE STAR. Why does it hurt so much?
Why is it that one negative comment out of 25 or 50 or 100+ sticks like glue in our brain over the multiple positive ones? Am I just too sensitive? Well, thanks to a segment on CBS Sunday Morning, which aired the morning of Oscar Sunday, I now know that there is scientific evidence to support that there is more to it than my personality.
According to psychological studies, there is something called, Negativity Bias, that supports the theory that our brains are affected by negative things more than positive. The brain is good at learning from bad experiences and bad at learning from good experiences.
A doctor from the University of California-San Diego has identified two regions of the brain, the Amygdala and the Medial Prefrontal Cortex, that grab onto negative comments or criticisms and block out the brains ability to do anything else at the time. Dr. Rick Hansen, Ph.D., describes it this way: "negative comments stick like Velcro in the brain while positive comments roll off like Teflon." In other words, the brain works harder when processing criticism and can keep the brain from processing anything else. Dr. Hansen has written a book, Hardwiring Happiness, that teaches how to beat negative bias.
Somehow, I’ve learned to endure the negative criticisms from my critique group because I know they care about me and my work and they want what I want—for my manuscript to be the best that it can be. An agent recently rejected representation of a novel I submitted but took the time to tell me what was wrong. Grateful, I poured over every point and began a complete rewrite. Those negative comments taught me where my manuscript was weak and how I could improve it. I value that kind of negativity. It pushed me to be a better writer.
On the contrary, a negative Amazon review has stuck in my mind like glue. I recently put a Kindle version of my children’s story books, Arlie the Alligator, up on Amazon. There was a glitch in the technology—I paid a company to covert the story for me—that wasn’t realized until folks began to download it. Not knowing where to lodge their complaint, five purchasers chose to complain by posting a ONE STAR review, even though it had nothing to do with the quality of the book. Now, I can deal with the THREE STAR review it received, not everyone can like your work, but those ONE STARS based on a technology glitch I had no control over, are frustrating. I struggle to forget that they’re there.
Some writers suggest that you not read negative reviews. But sometimes you don’t know the review is negative until you’ve already started to read. By then, it’s too late.
What do you do about negative reviews? How do you let go? I’d like to know.
Why is it that one negative comment out of 25 or 50 or 100+ sticks like glue in our brain over the multiple positive ones? Am I just too sensitive? Well, thanks to a segment on CBS Sunday Morning, which aired the morning of Oscar Sunday, I now know that there is scientific evidence to support that there is more to it than my personality.
According to psychological studies, there is something called, Negativity Bias, that supports the theory that our brains are affected by negative things more than positive. The brain is good at learning from bad experiences and bad at learning from good experiences.
A doctor from the University of California-San Diego has identified two regions of the brain, the Amygdala and the Medial Prefrontal Cortex, that grab onto negative comments or criticisms and block out the brains ability to do anything else at the time. Dr. Rick Hansen, Ph.D., describes it this way: "negative comments stick like Velcro in the brain while positive comments roll off like Teflon." In other words, the brain works harder when processing criticism and can keep the brain from processing anything else. Dr. Hansen has written a book, Hardwiring Happiness, that teaches how to beat negative bias.
Somehow, I’ve learned to endure the negative criticisms from my critique group because I know they care about me and my work and they want what I want—for my manuscript to be the best that it can be. An agent recently rejected representation of a novel I submitted but took the time to tell me what was wrong. Grateful, I poured over every point and began a complete rewrite. Those negative comments taught me where my manuscript was weak and how I could improve it. I value that kind of negativity. It pushed me to be a better writer.
On the contrary, a negative Amazon review has stuck in my mind like glue. I recently put a Kindle version of my children’s story books, Arlie the Alligator, up on Amazon. There was a glitch in the technology—I paid a company to covert the story for me—that wasn’t realized until folks began to download it. Not knowing where to lodge their complaint, five purchasers chose to complain by posting a ONE STAR review, even though it had nothing to do with the quality of the book. Now, I can deal with the THREE STAR review it received, not everyone can like your work, but those ONE STARS based on a technology glitch I had no control over, are frustrating. I struggle to forget that they’re there.
Some writers suggest that you not read negative reviews. But sometimes you don’t know the review is negative until you’ve already started to read. By then, it’s too late.
What do you do about negative reviews? How do you let go? I’d like to know.
January 4, 2014
Ten Wishes for Writers in 2014 - The LIST GROWS!
A few days ago I posted
Ten Wishes for Writers in the New Year
and asked you to add to the list. Here are a few additions:
May 2014 bring you:
1. Writing time carved out of your day with NO distractions.
2. Ideas that pop into your head and won't let go until you write them all down.
3. A "brutally honest" critique group to help you tighten up your manuscripts.
4. The wisdom to listen with an open mind, not get defensive and make the changes that strengthen your story.
5. The COURAGE to submit.
6. The persistence to continue submitting in the face of rejection.
7. An editor or agent to invest in your story, your ideas and you.
8. A contract or multiple ones to help you share your story with the world.
9. Time to post your marvelous work via social media.
10. Perseverance to keep writing and do it all over again.
Here are some wonderful additions:
11. Writing buddies that will absorb your tears and celebrate your triumphs all day long!(Linda Vigen Phillips)
12. I wish for all the joy of a surprise email with a publishing offer. (Gretchen Griffith)
Let's keep this list going. Please leave a comment and I'll it add to the list.
May 2014 bring you:
1. Writing time carved out of your day with NO distractions.
2. Ideas that pop into your head and won't let go until you write them all down.
3. A "brutally honest" critique group to help you tighten up your manuscripts.
4. The wisdom to listen with an open mind, not get defensive and make the changes that strengthen your story.
5. The COURAGE to submit.
6. The persistence to continue submitting in the face of rejection.
7. An editor or agent to invest in your story, your ideas and you.
8. A contract or multiple ones to help you share your story with the world.
9. Time to post your marvelous work via social media.
10. Perseverance to keep writing and do it all over again.
Here are some wonderful additions:
11. Writing buddies that will absorb your tears and celebrate your triumphs all day long!(Linda Vigen Phillips)
12. I wish for all the joy of a surprise email with a publishing offer. (Gretchen Griffith)
Let's keep this list going. Please leave a comment and I'll it add to the list.
January 1, 2014
TEN NEW YEAR WISHES FOR ALL MY WRITER FRIENDS!
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my writing friends! This will be OUR year if we wrap up all those manuscripts collecting dust and SUBMIT, SUBMIT, SUBMIT!
May 2014 bring you:
1. Writing time carved out of your day with NO distractions!
2. Ideas that pop into your head and won't let go until you write them all down.
3. A "brutal" critique group to help you tighten up your manuscripts.
4. The wisdom to listen with an open mind, not get defensive and make the changes that strengthen your story.
5. The COURAGE to submit.
6. Persistence to continue submitting no matter the response.
7. An editor or agent to invest in your story, your ideas and you.
8. A contract or multiple ones to help you share your story with the world.
9. Time to post your marvelous work via social media.
10. Perseverance to keep writing and do it all over again.
What would you add to this list?
***
Contest results for Fallen Prey by Ann Eisenstein
Congratulations to Gretchen Griffith. She won a copy of Fallen Prey by commenting on the December 10th post about Ann Eisenstein
May 2014 bring you:
1. Writing time carved out of your day with NO distractions!
2. Ideas that pop into your head and won't let go until you write them all down.
3. A "brutal" critique group to help you tighten up your manuscripts.
4. The wisdom to listen with an open mind, not get defensive and make the changes that strengthen your story.
5. The COURAGE to submit.
6. Persistence to continue submitting no matter the response.
7. An editor or agent to invest in your story, your ideas and you.
8. A contract or multiple ones to help you share your story with the world.
9. Time to post your marvelous work via social media.
10. Perseverance to keep writing and do it all over again.
What would you add to this list?
***
Contest results for Fallen Prey by Ann Eisenstein
Congratulations to Gretchen Griffith. She won a copy of Fallen Prey by commenting on the December 10th post about Ann Eisenstein
December 16, 2013
CONTEST EXTENDED TO DEC. 20th DUE TO COMMENT GLITCH!
My husband, who has been involved in the computer industry for years, maintains that a computer is only as accurate as the person inputting the information. But I don't think it's that simple, at least not with all the different kinds of software we're exposed to and expected to master. The software developer's ability to convey instructions, step-by-step instructions, to help users of all levels of experience is also a key element. To further complicate things is vocabulary specific to each entity, new words created for the computer age.
Enter the writer. Me. Someone who just wants to finish that novel I've been working on for five years, and send off that picture book manuscript and redo that screenplay gathering dust in the manuscript box. Instead, I find myself splitting precious writing time with all these other entities I'm supposed to master; twitter, facebook, Pinterest, Google+ and this blog. With all the "how to's" rattling around in my brain, it stands to reason that something will come out on the short end of the stick. It seems my last blog did just that.
On December 10th, I posted a blog about mystery writer Ann Eisenstein, and offered a Contest to WIN an autograph copy of her new, hot off the press, middle-grade novel, Fallen Prey. The only problem is or was, my COMMENT LINK was not working. So I'm extending the CONTEST DEADLINE to Friday, December 20th.
PLEASE try again. Here are two ways to enter:
1. Go to: and click on "An Intriguing Glimpse of Mystery Writer: Ann Eisenstein." Under the article you'll see the word COMMENT in Green. The word is a link that will allow you to share your feelings, ask a question or make a comment.
OR
2. Scroll to the bottom of this post and add you comment and click on the green word, COMMENT. It will link you to the comment box.
Winner will be notified by email.
*
I love hearing from you. Please leave a COMMENT.Click on the GREEN word COMMENT at the end of this post.
The little envelope will take you to an email screen.
Enter the writer. Me. Someone who just wants to finish that novel I've been working on for five years, and send off that picture book manuscript and redo that screenplay gathering dust in the manuscript box. Instead, I find myself splitting precious writing time with all these other entities I'm supposed to master; twitter, facebook, Pinterest, Google+ and this blog. With all the "how to's" rattling around in my brain, it stands to reason that something will come out on the short end of the stick. It seems my last blog did just that.
On December 10th, I posted a blog about mystery writer Ann Eisenstein, and offered a Contest to WIN an autograph copy of her new, hot off the press, middle-grade novel, Fallen Prey. The only problem is or was, my COMMENT LINK was not working. So I'm extending the CONTEST DEADLINE to Friday, December 20th.
PLEASE try again. Here are two ways to enter:
1. Go to: and click on "An Intriguing Glimpse of Mystery Writer: Ann Eisenstein." Under the article you'll see the word COMMENT in Green. The word is a link that will allow you to share your feelings, ask a question or make a comment.
OR
2. Scroll to the bottom of this post and add you comment and click on the green word, COMMENT. It will link you to the comment box.
Winner will be notified by email.
*
I love hearing from you. Please leave a COMMENT.Click on the GREEN word COMMENT at the end of this post.
The little envelope will take you to an email screen.
December 9, 2013
An Intriguing Glimpse of MG Mystery Writer Ann Eisenstein
RECIPE FOR A SUCCESSFUL MYSTERY WRITER:
Start with a psychologist; add in a sincere interest in the worth and dignity of all human beings; give her work experience that spans elementary schools, college teaching, practice in psychiatric treatment facilities and the Department of Juvenile Justice; sprinkle in memberships in the FBI InfraGard and the FBI Citizen's Academy; and what do you get? A fabulous background, rich in trauma and drama, one perfect for developing characters and weaving stories filled with mystery andintrigue. Such are the impressive credentials of middle grade mystery writer, Ann Eisenstein.Ann's debut novel, Hiding Carly, introduced Sean Gray, an eleven-year old Junior Special Agent who just happened to be a member of the FBI Junior Special Agent Program--yes, there really is such an organization. In the story, Special Junior Agent Sean is faced with solving two mysteries; one is the death of his father--the FBI has closed the case calling it a suicide, but Sean knows otherwise; and two, the puzzling connection between his father's death and Carly, a new girl in his class. Book two of the three part Sean Gray Junior Detective Mystery series, entered the market in November.In this new MG novel, Fallen Prey, Sean comes face to face with a mystery involving a very real threat to the youth of today--the dangers of internet predators.Ann says, "My love of mystery and children and the issues that affect them led me to write the Sean Gray, Junior Special Agent Mystery series."When asked about her connection with the FBI she jokingly added, "I was always afraid I would be wanted by the FBI...just didn't know it would be for good. Seriously, though, my own childhood drama (and trauma) gave me a heart for helping kids. The FBI came later. I have always been interested in crime and law."I couldn't resist the urge to ask a few more questions. Here are her interesting and insightful responses:1. What role or influence does growing up the only girl in a family of boys play in the stories you write or the characters you develop?That is a great question � certainly one I have never been asked. I think I see the play and behavior of boys more clearly, perhaps because I was the baby and my brothers were so close in age. As children, we were isolated on a farm and I spent a lot of time watching them and wishing that I had the kind of relationship that they had. They were best friends and always together. In the barn. Playing football. Riding their bikes, then their motorcycles. Sharing stories, secrets. I vacillated between being jealous of them and their brotherhood and envious of their special kinship. So that might have played a part in my development of Sean as the hero and protagonist of theSean Gray Junior Special Agentseries.2. Share one negative life-experience that influenced your writing in positive ways.Wow…just one? First of all, many of the events of my own childhood have influenced my life’s choice as a child advocate � as a teacher, a psychologist, and an author. I draw upon those experiences � broken family, bullying, and abuse -to help young readers develop skills and strategies that they can use throughout their lives.3. Profile that one special person you hope your writing reaches.Of course, I want many people � young and old � to find something in my writing that speaks to them. But I especially want that young person who feels alone in whatever situation that they find themselves. Bullying. Drugs. Hopelessness. Friendless. Afraid. Rejected, disenfranchised, marginalized. Problems in school, the family, the community. Our young people are more bombarded by an overwhelming array of social issues than at any other time in history.I want to help them navigate the waters as they deal with and reconcile those situations and work toward becoming responsible citizens.4. If you could thank one person for influencing your path to authorship, who would that be?Easy answer: My mom. She believed that I could do anything. (And sometimes, everything!)5. How does the reality of being a published author differ from what you thought it would be?The reality of being a published author today is so much different than it was many years ago. Unless you are a megastar, i.e., Rowling or Grisham, or Collins, the act of writing “The End� is just the beginning of the real work! Authors today are responsible for so much of their own marketing and promotion. One has to be a master juggler of social media, blogging and web design, speaking, traveling � either by train, plane, car or internet waves, publicity and press, reviews and interviews, school visits, special events, etc. And then there is always the next book to write.Thank you, Ann for taking the time to share with us.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *I hope you enjoyed meeting Ann Eisenstein as much as I've enjoyed sharing her with you. Her books are shinning examples of the blend of her family background, her work experience and her desire to help children. I look forward to book three in the Sean Gray Special Agent series and the many other books Ann decides to pen. It's Christmas time. Hiding Carly and Fallen Prey would make GREAT GIFTS for that book reading mystery loving child in your family. Books are available atAmazon, Barnes and Noble, Books A MillionFor more information about Ann Eisenstein, her presentations and workshops and the Sean Gray Junior Detective series contact: [email protected]* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *CONTEST: Leave a comment by December 15 and I'll enter your name to WIN an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Fallen Prey!(Scroll down to the end of this article to enter!)* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *I LOVE hearing from you. Please leave a comment but remember:Only children 14 and older are allowed to comment (COPPA Law).
Start with a psychologist; add in a sincere interest in the worth and dignity of all human beings; give her work experience that spans elementary schools, college teaching, practice in psychiatric treatment facilities and the Department of Juvenile Justice; sprinkle in memberships in the FBI InfraGard and the FBI Citizen's Academy; and what do you get? A fabulous background, rich in trauma and drama, one perfect for developing characters and weaving stories filled with mystery andintrigue. Such are the impressive credentials of middle grade mystery writer, Ann Eisenstein.Ann's debut novel, Hiding Carly, introduced Sean Gray, an eleven-year old Junior Special Agent who just happened to be a member of the FBI Junior Special Agent Program--yes, there really is such an organization. In the story, Special Junior Agent Sean is faced with solving two mysteries; one is the death of his father--the FBI has closed the case calling it a suicide, but Sean knows otherwise; and two, the puzzling connection between his father's death and Carly, a new girl in his class. Book two of the three part Sean Gray Junior Detective Mystery series, entered the market in November.In this new MG novel, Fallen Prey, Sean comes face to face with a mystery involving a very real threat to the youth of today--the dangers of internet predators.Ann says, "My love of mystery and children and the issues that affect them led me to write the Sean Gray, Junior Special Agent Mystery series."When asked about her connection with the FBI she jokingly added, "I was always afraid I would be wanted by the FBI...just didn't know it would be for good. Seriously, though, my own childhood drama (and trauma) gave me a heart for helping kids. The FBI came later. I have always been interested in crime and law."I couldn't resist the urge to ask a few more questions. Here are her interesting and insightful responses:1. What role or influence does growing up the only girl in a family of boys play in the stories you write or the characters you develop?That is a great question � certainly one I have never been asked. I think I see the play and behavior of boys more clearly, perhaps because I was the baby and my brothers were so close in age. As children, we were isolated on a farm and I spent a lot of time watching them and wishing that I had the kind of relationship that they had. They were best friends and always together. In the barn. Playing football. Riding their bikes, then their motorcycles. Sharing stories, secrets. I vacillated between being jealous of them and their brotherhood and envious of their special kinship. So that might have played a part in my development of Sean as the hero and protagonist of theSean Gray Junior Special Agentseries.2. Share one negative life-experience that influenced your writing in positive ways.Wow…just one? First of all, many of the events of my own childhood have influenced my life’s choice as a child advocate � as a teacher, a psychologist, and an author. I draw upon those experiences � broken family, bullying, and abuse -to help young readers develop skills and strategies that they can use throughout their lives.3. Profile that one special person you hope your writing reaches.Of course, I want many people � young and old � to find something in my writing that speaks to them. But I especially want that young person who feels alone in whatever situation that they find themselves. Bullying. Drugs. Hopelessness. Friendless. Afraid. Rejected, disenfranchised, marginalized. Problems in school, the family, the community. Our young people are more bombarded by an overwhelming array of social issues than at any other time in history.I want to help them navigate the waters as they deal with and reconcile those situations and work toward becoming responsible citizens.4. If you could thank one person for influencing your path to authorship, who would that be?Easy answer: My mom. She believed that I could do anything. (And sometimes, everything!)5. How does the reality of being a published author differ from what you thought it would be?The reality of being a published author today is so much different than it was many years ago. Unless you are a megastar, i.e., Rowling or Grisham, or Collins, the act of writing “The End� is just the beginning of the real work! Authors today are responsible for so much of their own marketing and promotion. One has to be a master juggler of social media, blogging and web design, speaking, traveling � either by train, plane, car or internet waves, publicity and press, reviews and interviews, school visits, special events, etc. And then there is always the next book to write.Thank you, Ann for taking the time to share with us.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *I hope you enjoyed meeting Ann Eisenstein as much as I've enjoyed sharing her with you. Her books are shinning examples of the blend of her family background, her work experience and her desire to help children. I look forward to book three in the Sean Gray Special Agent series and the many other books Ann decides to pen. It's Christmas time. Hiding Carly and Fallen Prey would make GREAT GIFTS for that book reading mystery loving child in your family. Books are available atAmazon, Barnes and Noble, Books A MillionFor more information about Ann Eisenstein, her presentations and workshops and the Sean Gray Junior Detective series contact: [email protected]* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *CONTEST: Leave a comment by December 15 and I'll enter your name to WIN an AUTOGRAPHED copy of Fallen Prey!(Scroll down to the end of this article to enter!)* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *I LOVE hearing from you. Please leave a comment but remember:Only children 14 and older are allowed to comment (COPPA Law).
