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 27, 2014

Writing and Cooking

I realized why I enjoy cooking.

Not baking. I haven’t baked my own bread since we moved to Maryland, though I need to get back to that.

But cooking. Cooking just works for me.  It helps me appreciate writing more.

When I cook, I have a challenge to myself to get everything (as close as I can, anyway) to be done as close to the same time as possible.  To time the garlic bread with the spaghetti sauce with the pasta with the salad and so on.  Additional challenges in this kind of thing include making a special sauce for my younger son, who has texture issues, and making sure the garlic knots and the garlic bread both come out evenly, so that all my guys get what they want to eat.

The ingredients are all over the place. I do all my preparations and open my spices and lay out any cooking tools and the pots and pans and so on… and then, I work. And I work hard. And I time the stirring of my pasta with the adding of the rosemary to the meat and so forth. For me, this is exhilarating.  Each aspect of the meal to be treated with respect, of course, and to be boiled, stirred, chopped, etc. as required. And then all the timers go off and everything comes out and ta-da! Dinner for four, served in the kitchen.  Everything is hot and tasty and we are all satisfied.

When I write, this is much the same. I love the ingredients that go into a story. I familiarize myself with the main ones before I begin writing. My lectures and seminars to my furniture might amuse people, but they work for me as I prepare my story for the flurry of creation.  And when I write, each plot line of the story has to be timed just so, so that they resolve themselves within a chapter or two of each other. Thus, the tension is equal throughout the book and my readers are kept engaged (I hope!) as they follow the story lines. And in the end, ta-da! Conflicts resolved, everyone has reached a place of stability of one sort or another, and sometimes, I even let them have a happily ever after.

Hey, it happens!

If you’re a writer and you don’t spend some time cooking on a regular basis, I would challenge you to do so.  Pay attention to the textures of your ingredients and their smells and tastes.  Appreciate the sudden power of diced scallions and the way cinnamon captures air pockets in a pot of water.  Inhale the steam after you take the lid off of a pot of steamed basmati rice.  Immerse yourself in the experience of cooking. You might even wish to take notes.  The beauty of a scene is sometimes in the small details that make it real for a reader.

Baking is fun and it is a challenge as well, but it doesn’t, for me, providing the soul-savory experience that cooking a meal does. Maybe it’s the scallions.

Written by A2A Author and Contributor, Sandi Layne. Learn more about Sandi and her work at www.sandyquill.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!

Participate in a Cover Reveal

Join Author Lorenz Font in her upcoming cover reveal on September 12th for Hunted and Tormented! Sign up here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kg5HxzgPASZ3cGXeIqHnUtgmDGiBbM4pzJOI3TrEYwo/viewform

 

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

Abomasum

 This refers to the fourth and final stomach compartment in ruminants (i.e. cows, etc...) This secretes rennet which is used in the cheese creation process. Provolone, anyone?

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 18, 2014

*Note: This edition of the Wednesday Word was published one day late on June 19th due to power outages from severe storms in the North East on June 18th. Thank you for understanding. :)

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                                                    

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 9, 2014

The Sweet Romantic Hero – A Myth in Contemporary Romance?

Admittedly, I’m new to the publishing game. My love stories are sweet, contemporary romances with happy-ever-afters featuring male characters who adore their women. My men are patient, kind, sweet, and devoted.

According to some reviewers, my guys are also a little too perfect.

I had no idea this type of man was such a myth in contemporary romance, but according to some, these qualities in a man are unrealistic. As a new author, it makes it difficult to find a home in the writing world.

As a woman, it makes me sad.

In my latest novel, Mountain Charm, Dylan Thomas is a Nashville reporter who has been sent to the Smoky Mountains to write a story about Appalachian witchcraft. He falls hard for Angelina Clark, an Appalachian witch who had cast a love spell when she was a young girl. Dylan is stubborn and bitter—thanks to his father leaving when he was a toddler. Dylan also has quite a temper, especially where Angelina is concerned. He tends to act before he thinks, and he ends up in jail twice during the course of the book because of his short fuse. To me, Dylan is incredibly flawed, despite the fact he is very much in love with Angelina and treats her well.

Are fictional guys only realistic when they treat their women like crap? Or, do they have to be tattooed “alpha males” with rock-hard abs (not that there’s anything wrong with that) to keep the attention of today’s reader?

Maybe nice guys really do finish last, which is a shame, because women deserve nothing less than to be adored—in fiction and in real life.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

 By A2A Member and Contributor, Sydney Logan. http://www.sydneylogan.com  

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

It's Release Week for April Emerson

Check out the latest release news, blog tour, and Rafflecopter giveaway for The Righteous & The Wicked! http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/

Join Sandi Layne for a Christian Romance Discussion

Sandi Layne will be discussing Christian Romances on the Hummingbird Place on blogtalk radio on Monday, 4/24 at 7:45pm Eastern. www.blogtalkradio.com/hummingbirdplace Up for discussion will be Life, Books, and other Romance Industry issues. Their website is: http://www.thehummingbirdplace.com

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/

 

Join Lindsey Gray's Blog Hop and Giveaway

 A2A Author Lindsey Gray is participating in the Celebrate Romance Blog Hop! There is a great list of Romance Novels and their beautiful covers plus eBooks and soaps from The Soap BARista to giveaway! Giveaway ends 4/11. http://lindsey-gray.blogspot.com/.../talking-book-covers...

Enter a Book Trailer Contest!

Join Sherri Hayes and enter to win a signed copy of The Finding Anna series! All entries must be submitted by 04/15/2014! http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/2014/04/win-signed-copy-of-finding-anna-series.html?zx=7d7e0b13d1c32b72

Wednesday's Weird Word

Cynosure

A person who is the center of attention.

Oddly enough this word originates from astronomy, referring to the dog's tail in Greek, kunosoura. This term was used by Greek sailors to describe the handle of the Little Dipper. Like most sailors of the time, they greatly depended on astronomy for navigation. Hence the 'center of attention' meaning!

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                                                    

March 12, 2014

Winter Blues

It's the second week of March. Did you hear me, Old Man Winter? That means that we who reside in the northern hemisphere should start to soon be seeing a few signs of Spring. Yet here I sit in the midst of a winter storm warning, watching ice pelt against my office window.

I spent three hours this morning struggling to write. And I mean, struggling. Nothing could describe my energy level or inspirational thought process other than the simple word...blah. I long for the sunshine, to hear the call of blue jays in my backyard, and use those stimulants as fuel for my writing. Rest assured, friends, that we will soon see the change of seasons we are all surely waiting for, but it might not give us everything we hope.

As surely as I sit here and actually believe that once that change comes I will no doubt have a bolt of energy when it comes to working on my WIP, deep inside I know that won't quite be the case. No, when the days get longer and those flowers bloom, I will be outside, enjoying the weather. Thinking about writing. Thinking about the plot. Imagining all sorts of great ideas to put in my book. However, I probably won't actually be doing it and that's not part of the plan.

When I realized that this morning, I had to ask myself why. Why wouldn't I be working like crazy on my project? The first word that popped into my mind was work.

Work.

When did this wonderful hobby that I love so much become work?

Was it over a year ago when I hit the publish button on my first book? Was it when I started keeping track of what promotions and giveaways I was running? Was it when I created a writing schedule for myself? Or, was it when I had to start tracking the dreaded book sale numbers?

I'm not really sure when it happened but at some point this became a job, and that has to stop.

Right now.

I'm not lazy, it isn't that I don't enjoy work. However, writing has always been my escape from the real world, my relief from real life responsibilities. So, if it was once that way, there has to be a way to return to that frame of mind.

I'm going to start by putting a stop to tracking sales. The money aspect of this venture might just be what is sucking the fun right out of it. Sure I will have to print out my statements at the end of the year for tax purposes, but there is no reason to obsess about that every month.

If that doesn't alleviate the strain then the next step will be to eliminate my writing schedule. There isn't anyone to tell me when I must write, which is sort of why I created the schedule in the first place, but looking back, I can see that my best writing days were unplanned. I just let my fingers hit the keyboard when inspiration struck.

As far as promotions and giveaways go, well I love those and have a great time with them. That won't be changing anytime soon.

Yep, "Operation Make Writing Fun Again" has begun.

What stressors do you find when trying to write? What seems to hold you back? Most importantly, how do you find your way around those obstacles?



By A2A Contributor Andrea Goodson www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

Join T.M. Franklin on St. Patty's Day

Over 45 ebooks will be given away at the St. Patty's Day Party on March 17th! Check out T.M.'s page for more information! http://www.tmfranklin.com/index.php/blog/big-ebook-giveway-join-st-patricks-day-party/

M.B. Feeney Offers Books for Review

Check out this page to sign up and be a part of M.B. Feeney's Review Tour! Choose what book you would like, read it, and write your review! Did I mention you get a free book? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1b_VXSMSWQ6-kKd0pKAKyAdylt79bkGQk14gHVn22nc4/viewform

Join A2A Authors for Some Viking Excitement!

Lissa Bryan www.lissabryan.com and Sandi Layne www.sandyquill.com will be live-tweeting as they watch the next episode of VIKINGS on History Channel. On Friday, they'll post their post-episode conversation, complete with speculation and commentary about everything from costuming to possible human sacrifices. Follow them on Twitter beginning at 10pm EDT @LissaBryan and @sandyquill

 

Sherri Hayes Offers Slave for FREE

Check out Amazon between March 13-20th and download your copy of Slave (Book 1 in The Finding Anna series) for FREE! http://www.amazon.com/Slave-Finding-Anna-Sherri-Hayes-ebook/dp/B005EYTG1Q

Also, vote for Sherri's book here--> http://indtale.com/2014-rone-awards-week-one It's up for a RONE award!

Wednesday's Weird Word

Anadiplosis

The trick of repeating the last word of a sentence, line, or clause, at or near the beginning of the next.

Example: (Star Wars) “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”

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 26, 2014

Author To Author's Newsletter is Changing

Inspiration

We've all heard it time and time again. "Inspiration comes, but it must find you working." So, what happens when your work is where you are lacking in the inspiration department? For writers, this can be especially difficult. Luckily, I consider simply day dreaming to be a working task. (One of the perks of being an author.) I stare blankly into space, the husband says something like "What are you thinking about?" and I can reply, "Shh, I'm working!"

Seriously though, nobody wants to waste their time staring blankly at a desk when trying to be inspired. So, when your job requires your imagination, I suggest that excercising that imagination is the "work" that must be done.

I like to do little things like go on walks and observe nature, that's usually enough to spark my imagination. However, when I am having an especially difficult time, I find that playing music helps me. In fact, I played my piano for an hour this morning simply trying to figure out the proper ending scene for To Be Loved. I had one in mind, ah yes. And thought it was a sure thing, it was all typed out, edited, and ready to go. But you all know how those pesky little characters can be, they like to change things up on you, take you by surprise. So, I find myself revising.....repeatedly.

On an occasion when music doesn't work I might move on to something like crafting. I'm a big do-it-yourselfer and working with my hands always helps me to clear my mind. Whether it's refinishing a piece of furniture or painting a canvas (With stencils, mind you. I'm no Picasso.) eventually the creative juices start flowing.

Last but definitely not least, my last resort is always the same thing. Food. I love food. Not Like, LOVE. I could eat for days, probably continuously if it wouldn't make me sick.  I like to cook and try out new recipes and of course while doing so, I begin to imagine a scene that could find a place in my story. However, be warned. Snacking while writing can be hazardous, I practically aspirated a chili cheese Frito just a few moments ago.

So, what say you? What do you do to find inspiration?



By A2A Contributor Andrea Goodson www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

Join T.M. Franklin for a Cover Reveal

Author T.M. Franklin is presenting the cover for Who is Ainsley Bishop on March 1st, don't miss it! http://www.tmfranklin.com/index.php/blog/who-ainsley-bishop-finally-answer/

Check Out R.E. Hargrave's Latest Novella

Take a look at Unchained Melody, a military novella. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20839842-unchained-melody

April Emerson's Novel Goes on PreSale

Check out April's blog for link to preorder The Righteous & The Wicked now! http://aprilemerson.blogspot.com/2014/02/pre-sale.html?zx=47db010d365288bf

 

Join Andrea Goodson in a Fight for Hearts

Andrea Goodson still has a few days left in the Fight for Hearts campaign to aid Unlikely Heroes.  Visit her website to find out more. www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com

Wednesday's Weird Word

Blunderbuss

A gun with a flared muzzle or disorganized activity

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!