The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

September 10, 2014

The 40-Year Old Author

 

I don't know when it happened, exactly. Sometime between graduating high school, slinging pizzas at Pizza Hut, graduating college, getting my teaching job, getting married, going back to college to get my Masters, teaching some more, and becoming an author...suddenly, I've blinked, and I've turned the big 4-0. 

It's an odd feeling. I don't feel forty.  People say I don't look forty. And yet, when I subtract 1974 from 2014, that's the number I get.

Instead of feeling depressed about that number, I find that it's given me a sort of strength. I've spent the last forty years being a people-pleaser. A peacemaker. Doing things I felt like I "should" do instead of doing what I really wanted. Or what I needed. Worrying about what people thought of me to the point that it made me physically sick. But lately, I've noticed this particular phrase coming from my mouth quite a bit: 

"I'm almost forty years old, and I don't have to do that if I don't want to."

And it's awesome.

Breaking Bad is one of my favorite shows EVER (I'm so glad I waited until the series ended to binge watch it on Netflix). By the end of the series, Walter White is pretty terrible, but he said something that really resonated with me. Walt told his brother-in-law that he had spent his entire life being afraid of everything, but as soon as he was diagnosed with cancer, suddenly, he wasn't so afraid anymore. I remember thinking how sad his life must have been . . . that being told he had inoperable cancer was the one thing that made him feel at peace for the first time in his life. Granted, Walt took that peaceful, easy feeling and used it as an excuse to become a drug kingpin and murderer, but I found it interesting how such a grim diagnosis could give him such a sense of calm.

(Not that I'm comparing cancer to turning forty, but you know what I mean.)

I'd hate to think that it took something potentially life threatening to give me that confidence and sense of peace. And I would hate if, someday, when I'm breathing my last breath, someone asks me if I regret anything, and my answer is "Yes. I regret that I worried so much about stupid things that didn't matter."

So I'm hoping to use my forties as a time to smile more and worry less. To have confidence in myself and to accept that sometimes, good enough is good enough. To not put so much pressure on myself to make everybody happy. And to remember this:

Written by A2A Author and Contributor, Sydney Logan. Learn more about Sydney and her work at www.sydneylogan.com

 

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

T.M. Franklin on Netgalley

Author T.M. Franklin's books are available on Netgalley for a limited time! Don't miss this opportunity to check out the MORE trilogy for yourself!

MORE: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/show/id/19899
The Guardians: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/show/id/33310
TWELVE: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/show/id/51354

Jeanne McDonald has a new Preorder Available

Preorder Branded: A Bad Boys Anthology on Amazon today! http://www.amazon.com/Branded-Boys-Anthology-Jo-Matthews-ebook/dp/B00MYAL7QU

Sherri Hayes Book Sale

Author Sherri Hayes has books on sale on all sites for some seriously low prices! Take a look! Her newest work, Crossing the Line, is also available for preorder on Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, and TWCS!

 

Win a Signed Paperback

Author Sydney Logan is giving away two signed paperbacks of Soldier On! Register on her website for your chance to win! http://www.sydneylogan.com/2014/08/soldier-on-signed-paperback-giveaway.html

Wednesday's Weird Word

Abnormus

 Misshapen

Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news, savings, and giveaways to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

August 13, 2014

Are you ever self-conscious about what you write? 

This question was asked of me a couple of weeks ago at a book fair. I write contemporary romance and BDSM erotic romance, so this particular person was specifically asking about the sex I write in my books.

She went on to ask me if I would feel comfortable with my family reading what I wrote. The answer to that question is simple. Yes, I'm comfortable with my family reading my books. My mother and sister-in-law have read most of the books I've written.

Over the last three years, I've been asked these questions, and similar ones, regarding the genre I write. For a reason I'm still trying to wrap my head around, romance has this stigma attached to it. Granted there is some pretty racy stuff out there, but there are also sweet romances that contain no sex at all, and everything in between.

Romance is a genre that encompasses a huge variety of sub-genres and writing styles. At its heart, however, it is about relationships. Since when did love become that dirty word that can't be talked about?

Then again, it's not the love part some people have a problem with. It's the sex. Again, this confuses me. Most adults I know, especially those in romantic relationships, are having sex. It's human nature. So why is it taboo in books about the development of an adult relationship?

I'm not sure this stigma of the romance novel will ever completely go away. There will probably always be those who will look down their nose at the genre thinking it is inferior. It's not. There are romance authors that spend hours writing, revising, and editing the same as writers of any other genre. Writing is an art, no matter the genre.

 

Written by A2A Author and Contributor, Sherri Hayes. Learn more about Sherri on her website, www.sherri-hayes.blogspot.com

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

Lindsey Gray's Giveaway

Author Lindsey Gray has a giveaway going on to celebrate 1500 Likes on her Facebook page and the 2nd Birthday of her novel, Revisited. Check out the post pinned at the top of her Facebook page to enter! https://facebook.com/LindseyGray11

You can also check out Lindsey's radio show, Gray Matters. Catch up on past shows and listen to new ones as well! https://archive.org/details/GrayMattersRadio

Win a Signed ARC from T.M. Franklin

Join A2A Author T.M. Franklin on Goodreads for a very special giveaway! Entries are open now through August 21st! https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/103669-twelve

 

Wednesday's Weird Word

Anfractuosity

 This refers to a channel, crevice or passage full of windings and turnings, not quite a maze, though some mazes certainly take on an anfractuous appearance, one that is sinuous or winding.

Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news, savings, and giveaways to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

June 19, 2014

Virtues of a Writer

 Humility in Writing

Humility: Being able to respect one's own limitations.

Doesn't sound very motivating, does it?

In the writing world, we are told by our peers to put our best foot forward and have no fear. To try, try, try, and never give up. Though it might seem confusing and contradictory, humility can play an essential role in your writing process.

Let's break down that definition a bit and see what value we can derive from it.

Respect.

Respecting yourself is key to any success you seek to achieve in life.

Respect one's own limits.

You know your limits. You know what tires you out or turns you off from the work you love.

Pushing yourself too hard by setting unrealistic expectations for yourself can lead to writer burn out pretty quickly. If your word count goals are dragging you down, take a break. If your promotional activities are too taxing, back off for a while. (Professionally, of course. If you have others depending on you, you need to be clear with them by letting them know what you are going through and notifying them of any changes you plan to make.)

Take a moment to sit down and accurately assess what you can and cannot do on a daily basis. Jumping on every opportunity that comes your way may seem like the road to success, but more often leads to unnecessary burdens that can put quite a damper on your fiery love of writing.

As a writer, I sometimes have trouble following my own advice. There have been plenty of times when I felt burnt out and needed a break. It's normal, you don't need to feel badly about it or let fear of failure consume you.  Respecting yourself enough to have humility means that you're giving yourself what you need in order to succeed.

By respecting your own limits, you can ensure that writing continues to be an enjoyable activity.

Do you have a hard time respecting your own limits?

What activities tend to lead to your own "burn out" as a writer?



By A2A Member and Contributor, Andrea Goodson. http://www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com   

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

Sydney Logan Releases Soldier On

Check out Sydney's website for the release of Soldier On this weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

Download Fireworks for Only 99cents

Lindsey Gray has permanently lowered the price of Fireworks to 99 cents! Check it out! http://lindsey-gray.blogspot.com/2014/06/birthday-celebration-fireworks.html

 T.M. Franklin Hosts Blog Tour and Giveaway

The How to Get Ainsley Bishop to Fall in Love with You Blog Tour and Giveaway continues through June 19th.  Up for grabs: TWO signed copies of Ainsley, THREE eBooks of the winners' choice from the TWCS library, a t-shirt, notebook and pen, and some other fun prizes!

Jennifer Garcia to Visit Long Beach Library

If you're in California this weekend, stop by and visit Jennifer at the Long Beach Library this Saturday, the 21st for a signing and panels with Jami Denise, Lorenz Font, and many others!

Jennifer was also chatting books on Hummingbird Place Blog Talk Radio this week. Click here to listen: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/.../2014/06/16/sweet-romances

Wednesday's Weird Word

Frigorific

Something frigorific causes cold or is chilling

Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

May 7, 2014

Virtues of a Writer

Patience in Writing

Two weeks ago we discussed how important honesty is in writing. This week's virtue can be even more essential to utilize not only in the writing process but also in the actual telling of a story.

Patience is something that most of us struggle with on a daily basis. if you're anything like me, once an idea strikes you can hardly wait to share it with the entire world. A new novel or storyline can be exciting and wonderful, yet there are a few good reasons that one should hold onto their new gem before sharing it on Facebook, blogs, or even with a publisher.

1. Impact. As a writer, you need to make sure that your message will impact your readers as much as it impacts you. Though our own ideas can be perfectly clear to us, we need to make sure tat they come across as clear to our readers as well. New ideas, though full of life and excitement, need to be fine tune so that it can reach a broad spectrum of minds that all think a bit differently from each other. Having patience while writing, editing, and rewriting will ensure that your finished product is polished enough to penetrate even the most critical minds.

2. Indecisiveness. People change their minds. before you go spouting off about your new and fantastic idea to the world wide web, your gong to want to make sure it's something that you will stick with and complete. Does this idea have the actual potential to develop into a full novel? Would it perhaps be better in a short story form? Is this something that you could potentially develop into a series? Though you don't need a concrete answer to the last question, as many stories could be developed into a series with a little imagination, it is still important to ponder these things before jumping in with both feet.

3. Marketing. Ugh....I hate the sound of the evil word. Still, it is necessary. You could write the best novel that has ever been created by man, but if no one knows about it, what good will it do? You want to make sure that people have time to get excited about your new book. Give your readers time to spread the word. Introduce your idea slowly so that people have time to talk about it. This can be very frustrating. I know when I am inspired, the first thing I want to do is share it with everyone, but it is smart to wait it out a bit.

Patience is also important in the actual telling of your story.

A romantic relationship that goes from eye contact to marriage in 20 pages will most likely not go over well. It is both unrealistic and too fast to keep the reader wonder. Granted, Romeo and Juliet was a short love affair, but that's one in a million, and I feel the tragedy of that story gave it more success than the actual affair. Similarly, a mystery that goes from slight suspicion to solved in 50 pages or less can leave your reader feeling unsatisfied. You want your reader to try and figure out what is going to happen, you want them to be turning the pages, biting their nails, dying to know what's next. You can't lay it all out for them. Having patience inside your story will make it a better tale to tell.

Patience truly is a virtue. It is beneficial to us in everyday life as well as in our writing. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to try taking my own advice for a change!

What part of writing do you struggle with most? In what areas do you find yourself lacking patience?



By A2A Member and Contributor, Andrea Goodson. http://www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com   

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

Join Lissa Bryan and Sherri Hayes in Ohio

Lissa Bryan and Sherri Hayes will be at the Ohioana Book Festival this weekend! Catch up with these two authors on May 10th! http://www.ohioanabookfestival.org/

 

Join A2A Authors for Some Viking Excitement!

Lissa Bryan and Sandi Layne are watching VIKINGS on History Channel. Not only do they live-tweet the episodes (@LissaBryan & @sandyquill), they do a day-after recap/discussion. Here's the latest from episode four: http://sandyquill.com/.../eye-for-an-eye-vikings-episode-4/

 

A2A Visits Blog Talk Radio

Sherri Hayes and T.M. Franklin are visiting Blog Talk Radio!

 Sherri is going to be on the radio Monday, May 12th at 7pm Eastern Time.

T.M. will be on May 19th with some other YA paranormal/Romance authors.

Go to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hummingbirdplace and become a follower so you don’t miss them being on this popular radio program!

Visit T.M. Franklin at B&N

T. M. will be at the Barnes & Noble in Kennewick on May 27th for a fundraiser along with Kevin Emerson and other local YA authors to benefit a boy with brain cancer. Go and meet some great authors all for a great cause! 

Tune in to T.M.

Join T.M. Franklin on may 29th,  she'll be on Northwest Prime to talk about her books!  http://www.northwestprime.com/

Wednesday's Weird Word

Cruciverbalist

A crossword puzzle fan!

Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

April 23, 2014

Virtues of a Writer

Honesty in Writing

Honesty in fiction? Somewhat of a far off concept, don't you think?

Not necessarily.

Welcome to part one in a blog series on the Virtues of a Writer.

Writing fiction can be a difficult task. Creative? Yes. Educational? Unbelievably so. Therapeutic? Of course. Fun? Absolutely!

But is it possible to maintain an element of pure honesty when what you're doing is basically making up people, events, and scenarios and then spending hours upon hours perpetuating the lie?

I believe it is not only possible but also completely essential.

Honesty is an inside job. It isn't just about telling the truth when asked a question. It's about clearly understanding your world and responding in a way that is truthful both to others and yourself.

Using honesty in your writing doesn't mean that you can't write about things that aren't factual or that have never happened. If that were the case we wouldn't have 80% of all the fantastic stories and tales that grace the digital shelves of our beloved eReaders.

To me, using honesty in writing means being true to myself. And, in doing so, being true to the characters, events, and worlds that I have created.

The temptation to write what sells is present in every author's life. Many times I have found that after hours of note taking and research, while in the full swing of typing out hundreds of words in a scene, a scene that I absolutely love and believe in, then... BOOM!

Next thing I know, I come to a screeching halt.

It is at that moment that this question enters my mind... Is this what my readers will want?

It happens every time, without fail. And without fail, I always have the same answer.

It doesn't matter. If I tweak this to suit someone else's taste, if I change my character's values and beliefs to conform to what someone else expects, then it isn't real.

This is what I believe to be honesty in writing.

My honesty is that while putting my absolute best foot forward and trying as hard as I can to create an entertaining and thoughtful story, I remain true to myself. True to the world I have created in order to pass along whatever message the novel carries.

See, for me, writing isn't just about entertaining others. And please trust me when I say it isn't about making money. If that were the case I would have given up in the first week! Writing is about sending my truth out into the world. It's about sharing an experience that somehow became this amazing story. And if I'm not honest with it, if I'm not honest with myself while doing it, then what is the point?

It is for these reasons that I find true honesty to one's self and one's ideas to be an indispensable element. If I can't take myself seriously, how can I expect anyone else to?

What are your thoughts on honesty in writing?

What other virtues do you find invaluable?



By A2A Member and Contributor, Andrea Goodson. http://www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com   

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

The Righteous & The Wicked Are On Sale!

Check out the latest release by April Emerson! The Righteous & The Wicked has been cut to $3.99!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JLT1GSG

 

Join A2A Authors for Some Viking Excitement!

Lissa Bryan and Sandi Layne are watching VIKINGS on History Channel. Not only do they live-tweet the episodes (@LissaBryan & @sandyquill), they do a day-after recap/discussion. Here's the latest from episode four: http://sandyquill.com/.../eye-for-an-eye-vikings-episode-4/

 

R.E. Hargrave Giveaway

 Sign up to win a birthday swag pack from R.E. Hargrave! http://www.rehargrave.com/2014/04/happy-birthday-jayden-masterson.html

Vote in a Book Trailer Contest!

Visit Sherri Hayes and vote for your favorite Finding Anna book trailer! All votes must be submitted by 04/28/2014! http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/2014/04/vote-for-your-favorite-book-trailer.html

Cover Reveal for Soldier On

Check out the full and finalized cover of Sydney Logan's new book, Soldier On! http://www.sydneylogan.com/2014/04/unveiling-full-final-cover-of-soldier-on.html

Wednesday's Weird Word

Hoosegow

Old American slang for jail.

Originates from Wild West cowboys!

Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

March 26, 2014

Invisible Burden of the Trilogy

tril·o·gy

ˈtriləjē/

noun

noun: trilogy; plural noun: trilogies

1. 1.

   a group of three related novels, plays, films, operas, or albums.

   • (in ancient Greece) a series of three tragedies performed one after the other.
   • a group or series of three related things.

     “a trilogy of cases reflected this development”

Origin

from Greek trilogia, from tri- ‘three times’ + logos ‘story.’

In the current publishing climate, I am seeing a divergent (See what I did, there?) set of perspectives regarding trilogies. On the one hand, folks like them because they are considered to be an extending of a story involving characters the reader has come to love/hate and this is pleasing. On the other hand, the story often changes or ends in a way that a reader might find unsatisfactory.

Because, let’s face it, life DOES that. If your life were a trilogy, would YOU expect to be where you are, now?

I digress.

As I am writing the final book in what is, in fact, a trilogy, I have to confront the general expectations of those who read trilogies. And I have to confront the fact that I am not and never have been a terribly conventional sort of person.

A trilogy is, as per the definition above, a group of three related novels. Related. That is, they are bound together by common theme or purpose, as well as (often) a character or two. Or more.

My trilogy has three separate books, each with its own story arc, but they are related. They are pointing to a place in history that I always intended to get to, and I’m there, just about, in my current writing. It’s a burden to shoulder, though, when I know how people sort of expect trilogies to conclude. A burden that I hadn’t fully considered when the idea originally occurred to me, once upon a time.

But still, I persevere. I am trying to balance my ideal for this final book—

—As an aside, it is highly intimidating and frustrating to write a trilogy and publish it and be unable to go back and tinker with earlier books in the series—

—with the role the final book in a trilogy should play. Because, honestly, to me a trilogy is a series of three related books. But to many, it’s a saga that should end in a certain way.

So, I continue to write, adding a scene here and there, progressing forward in my ultimate design for this final Viking book. I fret, I dance, I look up dates and names, I check the weather patterns for the 9th century…

And I enjoy the process.

I hope my readers will enjoy the result. Both of this book and the entire trilogy. By A2A Member and Contributor, Sandi Layne. Originally posted on her blog March 19, 2014 http://sandyquill.com/2014/03/19/invisible-burden-of-the-trilogy/

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

Enter April Emerson's Giveaway

It's the last week to enter April Emerson's Good reads giveaway! Don't miss it! https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/83983-the-righteous-and-the-wicked

Join R.E. Hargrave On Tour

Sign ups are open to participate in Author R.E. Hargrave's latest blog tour! http://www.rehargrave.com/2014/03/the-divine-trilogy-mid-series-tour.html?zx=4b5db85bcb698529

You can also join up with R.E. for a Facebook party this weekend here... http://www.rehargrave.com/2014/03/aint-nobodys-fool-multi-author-event.html

Join A2A Authors for Some Viking Excitement!

Lissa Bryan and Sandi Layne are watching VIKINGS on History Channel. Not only do they live-tweet the episodes (@LissaBryan & @sandyquill), they do a day-after recap/discussion. Here's the latest from episode four: http://sandyquill.com/.../eye-for-an-eye-vikings-episode-4/

 

Sign up for The Truth in Lies Book 2 Cover Reveal

Signups are open for Jeanne McDonald's The Certainty of Deception cover reveal on April 25th.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PAI_DiCRFcIg6vRQijoTcJNh02CiJXmLihxLiCJgdYs/viewform

Wednesday's Weird Word

Floccinaucinihilipilification

Noun for the act of deciding that something is totally and utterly valueless.

Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

February 12, 2014

Author To Author's Newsletter is Changing

If Not You... Then Who?

This is a question I have found myself struggling with lately. Every time that perfect idea strikes and it seems to get added to the never ending list of things I want to do. Or, things I should do. Or perhaps, the things I must do.

As writers, I am sure we all have so many fantastic ideas that our minds feel as though they are about to burst at the seams. Whether it be plot ideas, character traits, new strategies for marketing and promotion, or how we can positively use our platform, all of these ideas take up quite a vast amount of space in our imagination. So much so that it becomes extremely easy to become overwhelmed.

The feeling of being overwhelmed can be more stressful and tiring than actually accomplishing the idea you have in mind. When this happens, I find my "idea notebook" to be of great use. I keep my notebook divided into sections with enough room to include step by step instructions for myself. These instructions dictate how I will go about completing whichever task it is that I have set out to accomplish. I find that lists tend to keep the mind uncluttered.

My newest idea came to me while watching a program about human trafficking a few weeks ago. This idea isn't for a book and it isn't for promotion. With over 2,000 Facebook followers I feel a moral responsibility to use my platform in a way which will positively impact our world. Yes, I realize 2,000 isn't some astronomical number and that there are plenty of other authors around who have a much larger fan base than that. Still, how can I have access to so many human beings and not try to spread the word about something so horrific?

With everything that is going on in life, day-to-day chores, working, being a fulltime wife and mother, writing and rewriting my current work in progress, as well as the many promotional tasks I sig myself up for, I had to wonder... How can I effectively make a difference?

So I busted out the idea notebook and went to work.

That's when I came up with the idea of raising money for Unlikely Heroes. They are a fantastic organization that not only spreads the word about the millions of children in human slavery around the world, but also rescues and rehabilitates these victims! After talking with their Program Manager, I started the February Fight for Hearts Campaign.

During the month of February all proceeds from my books sales as well as donations to the campaign will be sent directly to Unlikely Heroes.

I haven't had a huge influx of donations yet and I barely have the time to keep up with it. But does that mean I shouldn't try? Does that mean I should leave this task for someone else who might be able to devote more energy to the cause?

No.

Because the same is true with this scenario as is true with all of our ideas. When we come up with that book that absolutely must be written, we have to find a way to do it. Because if not you...then who?

If you'd like to participate and put an end to this worldwide atrocity you can donate here.

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

T.M. Franklin Hosts Giveaway

Author T.M. Franklin is hosting a giveaway from February 13-19! Take a look and enter to win! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/5c62db24/

Many readers have been wondering Who is Ainesly Bishop? Find out on February 17th! www.tmfranklin.com

T.M. is also offering her novella, Window, free from February 11-15! Download your copy today! http://www.amazon.com/Window-T-M-Franklin-ebook/dp/B00BU7TYBS

Jeanne McDonald Offers Giveaway and FREE Download

Join Jeanne for a Goodreads giveaway running now through March 3rd. https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/79912-the-truth-in-lies

You can also download A Ray of Hope for free between February 21-25! http://www.amazon.com/Ray-Hope-Jeanne-McDonald-ebook/dp/B00D7L9BXG

Join Sydney Logan's Stupid Cupid Gieaway

Author Sydney Logan is holding a giveaway now through Valentine's Day! Don't miss your chance to enter! http://www.sydneylogan.com/2014/02/cover-reveal-stupid-cupid-by-sydney.html

Enter Sydney Logan's Valentine's Giveaway

This giveaway is live and goes until February 1st! Take a look and enter to win! http://www.sydneylogan.com/p/giveaways.html

Join Sandi Layne for a Blog Tour and a Sweet Deal

Follow along on Part Deux of Sandi's blog tour! http://sandyquill.com/2014/02/06/blog-tour-part-deux/

Don't miss the new release of Justin's Second Chance. It will be available on Valentine's Day for a low 99 cents! http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/books/detail/134

Visit Goodreads to enter April Emerson's Giveaway

Take a look and enter The Righteous and The Wicked Giveaway on Goodreads! https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/79358-the-righteous-and-the-wicked

Don't miss the new book trailer for April's book which goes live on February 14th! www.aprilemerson.blogspot.com

Wednesday's Weird Word

Doohickey

unspecified object or small device, especially a mechanical one.

Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

January 29, 2014

Author To Author's Newsletter is Changing

Sometimes Quantity is Quality...

The Author to Author newsletter is changing. We are excited about the new format and publishing schedule and hope you will be too!

The Wednesday Word has been issued on a weekly basis for about four months now. Though many people look forward to the weekly updates, exciting news, and book deals, we feel that changing the newsletter to a monthly publication will help with quality content as well as offer something with a bit more substance for our readers.

Starting in February, The Wednesday Word will be issued on the second Wednesday of each month. This will allow our authors more time to create some amazing sales for all of you while also giving you, our readers, a newsletter full of good news, deals, savings, and some great articles on writing and publishing!

We hope you will continue to follow along on a monthly basis and appreciate the larger newsletter you will be receiving.

As always, A2A is extremely thankful for our readers and supporters. We invite you to look forward to the first monthly edition of The Wednesday Word on February 12, 2014!

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

Join Sherri Hayes for a Read-A-Long

Join Author Sherri Hayes for a read-a-long of her Finding Anna series. Starts February 4th! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1379434072295837/

Follow Eire's Viking on Tour

Author Sandi Layne invites you to follow the book tour of her new release, Eire's Viking! http://sandyquill.com/2014/01/17/book-tour-eires-viking/

Enter Sydney Logan's Valentine's Giveaway

This giveaway is live and goes until February 1st! Take a look and enter to win! http://www.sydneylogan.com/p/giveaways.html

Angel Lawson's Cover Reveal

Check out the cover for the third book in Angel's Wraith series, Grave Possession! http://www.angellawson.com/cover-reveal-grave-possession-by-angel-lawson/

Visit Goodreads to enter April Emerson's Giveaway

Starting Saturday, you can enter The Righteous and The Wicked Giveaway on Goodreads! https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/79358-the-righteous-and-the-wicked

Wednesday's Weird Word

Deray

to provoke disorder, disturbance, tumult or confusion.

Thank you for reading this edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again next month for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful day!

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

January 22, 2014

Writing & Publishing Tips

It's All About Perspective...

…And yours is probably pretty screwed up.

But no worries, you’re not alone. So is mine.

This might read like some what of a rant, but here we go…

At some point in time, throughout life, all of us will pass judgement on someone else. Every single one of us. Yes, that includes you. Even if you claim to be the most nonjudgemental person in the world, at some point you WILL pass a judgement on another person. Even if that judgement is you assuming that person to be too judgemental.

This is really okay. Judgements are based upon opinions, standards, morals, and how we were raised. But, most importantly I believe judgements are based upon perspective.

Wherever you happen to be in your adventure of life is going to greatly affect how you see the world.
Whether you are highly successful in your endeavors, or dangling at the end of a very short rope. Your placement in the world, society, and life will create your view.

I’m sure we all have had many people come into our lives who assume that they know much about what transpires in our day-to-day activities. And I must say that 95% of the time, their perspective is either warped, misunderstood, or just blatantly false. But rather than lash out or defend ourselves, as much as we all love to blame people for being wrong about their assumptions, let’s take a moment instead to look at it from their perspective. After all, it’s them not having the ability to place themselves in our shoes that leads to the false assumptions and misunderstandings in the first place, correct?

So, take off your judgey face…

 

(This is your judgey face.)

 

…and take some time to reflect.

If there are people out there who seem to think that they know what is best for you, what you should be doing instead of what you are doing, or simply can’t seem to believe or understand a situation you are going through, perhaps if we try to see things from their point of view, not only will we understand them better, but we might just set a great example as to how they should try to see things as well.

So, problem solved. Right?

Wrong.

Unfortunately, the judgement doesn’t stop here. Presumptuous expectations seem to reach on into the fictional world as well.

No?

Oh, come on. Admit it, you judge the actions of every fictional character you read about. In fact, I’m willing to bet you might just be judging this post right now. You’re probably silently judging the author as well, thinking to yourself “Well, why would they say that?” or in a book, “I could have come up with a different ending that suited the story better.”

And you know what, you’re right. You probably could have. The great thing about fiction and novels is that they tell a story, a complicated story, from one person’s perspective. Now if that same story were told by another author, one with different life experiences than the first, the story might take place differently.

This is what is absolutely wonderful about books! That one can tell the same story that a million other authors have already told, yet it will be different and unique, set apart from all the others. This is also what connects fiction to real life.

In Riverbend, I have a character, Lena, who struggles endlessly with grief and trust. Some readers love her character while other have left reviews complaining about her being too weak or “whiney”.

Well, guess what?

We aren’t all Lara Croft from Tomb Raider, ok? Some women are weak at times. Some people are vulnerable. Not every woman is some super human, kick butt chick who doesn’t care about anything.

I am already prepared for the opinions I will receive about Avery from my WIP, To Be Loved. She is young, confused, and well, let’s just say kind of an idiot. But isn’t that the whole point? That we are all kind of an idiot at some point in time? That we find our way through life and we enjoy reading about characters who must do the same?

I hope so. I hope there isn’t an entire group of people out there who have it all figured out, have all the answers, and here I am left out in the cold.

Anyway, back to the point. Some readers don’t like that my character Lena is vulnerable and confused. But I’m willing to bet that all has to do with their perspective on life. Try not to take it to heart when a reader doesn't unconditionally love one of your characters. The judgements they make actually greatly reflect their personality. Which is really kind of cool. Because that means that somehow, our writing has brought a part of that reader’s personality to light and in print on our book pages.

Yeah, I think that’s kind of neat.

But hey, that’s just my perspective.

By Author to Author Member and Contributor, Andrea Goodson. You can learn more about Andrea on her website, www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

Release of Eire's Viking

Sandi Layne is about to release the sequel to Eire's Captive Moon. Make sure you get your hands on a copy of Eire's Viking. This is happening....TOMORROW! Don't miss it! http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/books/detail/118

Signed Books Now Available

Author R.E. Hargrave has made signed books available to readers via direct order! Take a look! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-ksYYtDCM3xvtY2k0lBA6e7VwV_MUZ_7wPzN4SwjcdQ/viewform

Wednesday's Weird Word

Deliquescent

Something with the ability to dissolve or melt away substances.

Thank you for reading this week's edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful holiday!

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

January 15, 2014

Writing & Publishing Tips

So, you're in a slump. Now what?

Get over it!

Yes, you heard me correctly.

Get. Over. It.

I’d like to expand a bit on last week's post about callings in life. Some of us feel like we have to have a goal or be actively working towards something to be of any real value. So, what do we call it when we are stuck in between interests with no idea what to do next?

That’s right, it’s a slump.

Those of us in the writing world might call it writer’s block. Some call it lazy, others call it a lack of motivation. No matter which way you slice it the next course of action remains the same…get over it.
As I discussed yesterday, many of us have many interests and potentials. We need not be limited by society’s expectations that we remain on one long and tedious path our entire lives. So, now that that’s established, let’s say we realize that and still don’t seem to have a concrete direction to go in.

That’s ok. I feel like this all the time.

In fact, I feel like this right now. I have been drilling away at my new book for months and months. Despite being rewritten, edited, and ready to go I haven’t been able to get past the feeling that something is missing. Quite frankly this is driving me absolutely crazy. I can’t stand it. I need to feel like I am working. And right now, I am not. So, I'm in a slump.

But after my post last week about being free from the grind of expectations and careers, I realized something. When I wrote my first novel, Riverbend, I wasn’t working toward a goal. In fact, I wasn’t working at all! I was playing around with different ideas and interests and it just sort of transformed into this book. So, perhaps I don’t need to put pressure on myself to do something of value?

I also realized something else, that I need to get over my slump. The only way to do that is to keep going. So, here I am writing a post about being in a slump to try and get myself out of my current slump!

To effectively get over it , I need to be creative. Whether I am blogging, writing, or even starting a new project. I simply have to trust that the idea will come and most likely not while I am staring blankly at a manuscript.

I can’t even believe how picky I have been with To Be Loved. I feel sure that missing "something" will strike my mind, but it won’t happen while I am sitting around feeling slumpy. (Yeah, that's a new word I've invented.).

“Inspiration exists, but it must find you working.”

Or in my case, just playing around. Still, something is better than nothing, right?

What tactics do you use to raise yourself up when you’re in a slump? How do you get over it?

By Author to Author Member and Contributor, Andrea Goodson. You can learn more about Andrea on her website, www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

April Emerson Reveals Cover for New Book

Head on over to April's blog to check out the cover reveal for her new book, The Righteous and The Wicked! Don't miss it! http://aprilemerson.blogspot.com/2014/01/cover-reveal-righteous-and-wicked.html?zx=54be171a28af324d

Sandi Layne Publishes First Chapter of  New Release

A2A member, Sandi Layne has published the first chapter of Eire's Viking on her blog! Head on over and take a read. http://sandyquill.com/novels/eires-viking-trilogy/eires-viking-2/chapter-one/

Innocence Now Available

Innocence by Elise de Sallier is now available! Order your ebook or print copy today! http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/books/detail/110

 

MORE hits a Top Ten List!

Author T.M. Franklin's MORE has hit Lilly Mac's Top Ten Reads of 2013! Take a gander and check out this great YA read!
http://lillianmackenzierhine.com/2013/12/31/lilly-mac-presents-top-ten-reads-of-2013/

Wednesday's Weird Word

Alegar and Beeregar

Two types of vinegar formed from fermentation of ale and beer.

"Why, yes. I would love some oil and beeregar for my salad!"

Thank you for reading this week's edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful holiday!

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

December 18, 2013

Writing & Publishing Tips

 Are you a perfectionist?

All authors put quite a bit of hard work into their books. Many hours are spent doing vigorous research, writing, and then rewriting. Editing, and then revising. Then there are the times when  simply deleting and starting all over again seems like the best idea.

Some of us are never quite satisfied with our work. I have found this to be true with my current work in progress, To Be Loved.

This novel was due to be released on December 26, 2013. I have cancelled the release date as I am not entirely satisfied with the finished product. Despite the editing, revising, and polished novel that stares back at me on my laptop screen, there is a pressing feeling inside of me that something is just not right.

This is because...I am a perfectionist.

I am rarely satisfied with the end product and quite regularly feel that something could have been better.

This lovely personality trait acts as a hindrance in my role as a writer.

Why?

Because there is no such thing as perfection.

So, I am telling you all, as writers, not to do what I do. How's that for advice?!

My current plan is to spend the holiday break going over my manuscript, in the hope that I will find that elusive "something" that I feel is missing. I have set myself a deadline and if I do not feel the finished product has reached it's final stage of perfection by that time then I must simply surrender to the obvious fact that it is complete, despite my worries.

At that point publication will take place.

If you too are a perfectionist, I suggest you do the same. Have a beta reader or two check it out and then make a decision.

If we all waited for perfection, nothing would ever be accomplished.

 

By Author to Author Member and Contributor, Andrea Goodson. You can learn more about Andrea on her website, www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

Lindsey Gray's Christmas Short Now Available

Download your copy of Holiday Cure for the Cursed on Kindle today! http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Cure-Cursed-Melting-Snow-ebook/dp/B00HDGC44O/

December to Remember Giveaway

You can also join Lindsey Gray in her December to Remember Giveaway that runs now through December 23rd! Don't miss it, there are 40 books up for grabs! http://lindsey-gray.blogspot.com/2013/12/december-to-remember-40-ebook-giveaway.html?zx=bef8a3908db3a876

Enjoy a Free Christmas Story

Sherri Hayes is offering A Christms Proposal FREE! Download your copy today!

 

Indie Book Fair

Join T.M. Franklin along with other authors at the Indie Book Fair this weekend! Click here for more information!

R.E. Hargrave offers holiday Savings!

Sugar & Spice will be available for only 99 cents throughout the month of December! Download your copy today!

 

The 12 Days of Christmas

Join Author to Author Members as we celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas with a huge giveaway! Starting December 13th you can enter to win every day for 12 days by visiting the author's Facebook pages! The details will be posted on the Author to Author Facebook page, so don't forget to check in on the first day and enter for your chance to win!

Innocence Now Available

Innocence by Elise de Sallier is now available! Order your ebook or print copy today! http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/books/detail/110

Vote for Finding Anna

The Finding Anna Series is a finalist in four categories on Inner Goddess! Congrats to A2A member, Sherri Hayes! Go and vote for Sherri's book today!

Wednesday's Weird Word

Codswallop

Definition: Nonsense. (British)

Savvy Savings

Riverbend: The Collection

99 Cents

By Andrea Goodson

http://www.amazon.com/Riverbend-Collection-Andrea-Goodson-ebook/dp/B00FE5BTLK


Holiday Hijinx

99 Cents

By Roxy Queen

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZ01RRO


Sugar and Spice

99 Cents

By R.E. Hargrave

http://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Spice-R-E-Hargrave-ebook/dp/B00FJRVMYC


A Christmas Proposal

FREE

By Sherri Hayes

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Proposal-Hidden-Threat-Short-ebook/dp/B00A3DZ0TU/

Thank you for reading this week's edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again in two weeks for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word! Have a wonderful holiday!

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

December 11, 2013

Writing & Publishing Tips

 Reader Appreciation Parties

As an author, there are always times when one should let their readers know how much they are appreciated. Whether your sales are through the roof or stuck in a ditch, you should always show your gratitude to those who support your hard work.

I find the best way to do this is to host what I like to call "Reader Appreciation Parties". Though these are not actual physical parties, they can be planned on Facebook and Twitter and you might be surprised by the amount of people that will show up.

Just this past weekend I hosted one in celebration of reaching the 2000 Like milestone on my Facebook author page. I invited all of my Facebook fans and Twitter followers to an event on Facebook.

Events are easy enough to create and allow you the chance to host a party for anyone who would like to come, without clogging the newsfeed of others. An event is private, yet public. Anyone may attend, but the activity doesn't land all over Facebook and irritate or annoy those who might not be interested in participating.

I had roughly 100 attendees and did 10 giveaways that included games, Christmas questions, and tasks to visit other author's pages. Quite a few fellow authors donated books and swag to the event. As a final thank you at the end of the party, there was a Grand Prize Pack awarded to one winner.

Everyone who attended expressed their thanks and let me know how much fun they had. That made me feel as though I had accomplished my goal, which was to show my readers how much I truly appreciate their support.

Hosting these types of events is easy, fun, and a great way to connect with fans, both past, present, and future!

What types of things do you do to you show your appreciation to your readers?

 

By Author to Author Member and Contributor, Andrea Goodson. You can learn more about Andrea on her website, www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

Join Author Lindsey Gray for a Chat!

Lindsey Gray is hosting an author chat on December 16th! Click here to join the fun!

December to Remember Giveaway

You can also join Lindsey Gray in her December to Remember Giveaway that runs now through December 23rd! Don't miss it, there are 40 books up for grabs! http://lindsey-gray.blogspot.com/2013/12/december-to-remember-40-ebook-giveaway.html?zx=bef8a3908db3a876

Enjoy a Free Christmas Story

Sherri Hayes is offering A Christms Proposal FREE! Download your copy today!

 

Pacific Northwest Author Event

Join T.M. Franklin along with other authors at the Barnes & Noble in Kennewick, WA on December 15th! The event runs from 12:00pm-2:00pm. Click here for more information!

R.E. Hargrave offers holiday Savings!

Sugar & Spice will be available for only 99 cents throughout the month of December! Download your copy today!

 

The 12 Days of Christmas

Join Author to Author Members as we celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas with a huge giveaway! Starting December 13th you can enter to win every day for 12 days by visiting the author's Facebook pages! The details will be posted on the Author to Author Facebook page, so don't forget to check in on the first day and enter for your chance to win!

Wednesday's Weird Word

Esurience

Definition: Hunger or appetite.

Savvy Savings

Riverbend: The Collection

99 Cents

By Andrea Goodson

http://www.amazon.com/Riverbend-Collection-Andrea-Goodson-ebook/dp/B00FE5BTLK


Holiday Hijinx

99 Cents

By Roxy Queen

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZ01RRO


Sugar and Spice

99 Cents

By R.E. Hargrave

http://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Spice-R-E-Hargrave-ebook/dp/B00FJRVMYC


A Christmas Proposal

FREE

By Sherri Hayes

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Proposal-Hidden-Threat-Short-ebook/dp/B00A3DZ0TU/

Thank you for reading this week's edition of Author to Author's The Wednesday Word! Visit us again next week for more news and savings to refresh your bookish pleasures! As always, feel free to share and spread the word!