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                                                    

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 - September 18, 2013

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    

September 18, 2013

Writing & Publishing Tips

Picking a Title

Finding the right title for my books is something I spend a lot of time contemplating. Often a title doesn’t come to me for a particular book until I sit down to write the book blurb for my publisher.

Need and Truth, books two and three in my Finding Anna series, were like this. The right title wasn’t coming to me no matter how many minutes—hours—I spent thinking about it. I was at a total loss. I was discussing Finding Anna, Book 2 with my editor one day, and she suggested I go ahead and write book summaries for marketing, and see if a title came to me. Sure enough, after I finished, I noticed a theme. Need. Could she be what he needed? Could he be what she needed? Could they find what they needed in each other?

Red Zone, my newest novel, was the exact opposite. I knew even before I started writing what the title would be. The hero, Gage Daniels, is a professional football player. I knew I wanted to utilize a football reference in the title, I just had to find the one that would be the best fit. It’s a romantic suspense novel, and I wanted something that would reflect that. In football, the red zone is the stretch of field between the twenty yard line, and the end zone. They are the last yards that stand between the offense putting points on the board. It’s the part of the field that either makes or breaks a team. They pull together and score, or they fall apart, and lose the precious opportunity.

Every story is different, but for me, it’s important to take the time to find the right title for a book. It should say something about the story whether it be the overall theme, or something more vague. Either way, the title should mean something, and shouldn’t be rushed. It’s better to take the time to find a title that works, than to pick something generic that has no meaning.

By Author to Author Member and Contributor, Sherri Hayes. You can learn more about Sherri and her book at http://www.sherrihayesauthor.com/

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

Lissa Bryan Hosts Ghost Story Contest

To celebrate the one year Book Birthday of Lissa Bryan's, Ghost Writer, she is hosting a ghost story contest! Visit Lissa's blog for information on how to enter, rules, and bust out your notebook and pen! There are some fantastic prizes at stake! The winner will be chosen on Halloween! http://www.lissabryan.com/2013/09/ghost-story-contest.html

Andrea Goodson to Rerelease The Riverbend Trilogy

It's almost Riverbend's first Book Birthday! In celebration, Andrea Goodson is rereleasing the entire trilogy, Riverbend, Rapid Water, and Waking Tide, as a one-book boxed set the week of October 6th! Any bloggers interested in reviewing the entire collection prior to rerelease are invited to contact Andrea via Facebook or Website for an ARC. www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com

Sydney Logan's 2000 Likes Giveaway

Sydney Logan has hit 2000 Likes on her Facebook page! She is still celebrating and hosting an amazing giveaway with books and swag from some awesome authors! Visit her website to enter! http://www.sydneylogan.com/p/giveaways.html

 

Fall into Reading Giveaway!

Stay tuned to Author to Author's Blog for the upcoming Fall Into Reading Giveaway! Enter for a chance to win a $25.00 Giftcard! Giveaway takes place September 22-29. Don't miss it! www.author-to-author-blog.blogspot.com    

Sherri Hayes Hosts Newsletter Contest

Want a chance to win a bookmark from Sherri's book, Behind Closed Doors? Visit her blog and sign up for her newsletter to enter! While you're there take a look around and explore some of her other work...that is if you like sensual romance. Who doesn't? http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/2013/09/weekly-update-contest-announcement.html?zx=71f71efc3854ef20

Allie Jean and T.M. Franklin Host Vine Challenge

Are you an Instagram junkie? Don't feel bad, most of use are! Take a look at Allie Jean and T.M. Franklin's websites to enter the Vine Challenge and win a prize pack of books! The contest runs September 12th to October 17th! http://alliejean.net/ and http://www.tmfranklin.com/

Allie Jean To Release New Book Trailer

Author Allie Jean is all set to release the book trailer of Book 2 in The Dreamer series...tomorrow! Visit her website to watch! http://alliejean.net

Lorenz Font Releases Tormented

The second book in Lorenz Font's The Gates Legacy has been released! Check out Lorenz's website to read the summary and check out the first book in her series, Hunted! http://lorenzfont.com

Wednesday's Weird Word

Borborygmus

This one sounds as though it should be from the world of Harry Potter!

Definition: Medical term, referring to a rumbling in the gut. Origin: French, Latin, Greek

Savvy Savings

We seem to be running low on coupons this week, but take a look at the ultra low-priced reads hand picked by A2A members on Kindle! *covers are never posted without permission from the author*

Katrina, The Beginning by Elizabeth Lorraine

4 STARS $0.99

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K1EVY6/

Gingerbread Man by Maggie Shayne

4.5 STARS FREE

http://www.amazon.com/Gingerbread-Man-ebook/dp/B00EHI1MDK/

Out in the Country by Kate Hewitt

4 STARS FREE

http://www.amazon.com/Out-In-The-Country-ebook/dp/B008EV1C9U/ref

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!

The Wednesday Word

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                             September 11, 2013

All of the Author to Author Writers would like to dedicate this issue of the Wednesday Word to the lost lives and still grieving families of September 11, 2001. We will never forget.

Writing & Publishing Tips

Five Elements of Writing the Perfect First Kiss

There’s nothing like it – after a hundred pages of will he or won’t he? the hero steps toward the heroine, heart racing, licking his lips in anticipation. There’s nothing like reading the perfect first kiss. If it’s done right, it’s even more satisfying than a more intense and graphic love scene.

“Are you all right?” Sam asked, straightening to look into her eyes.

“You look a little flushed.” Emily smiled, but didn’t answer.

Instead, she rose up on her tiptoes, her hand curling around the back of his neck, fingers tingling where they touched his skin. His eyes widened and dipped to her mouth before rising questioningly to meet her gaze. She nodded slightly, breath catching as he bent slowly to press his lips against hers. Heat surged through her, electricity tracing over her skin at the touch of his lips – his body against hers, as he drew her closer. In that instant, she felt all that they could be – the potential and the promise – their future together, whether days, weeks or years. -A Piece of Cake, T.M. Franklin

 Here are some tips for writing a nerve-tingling, toe-curling, perfect first kiss.

What Kind of Kiss?
The first thing is to decide what kind of kiss you’re going for. Is it gentle and sweet? Rough and passionate? Tentative and shy? Write down all the adjectives you can think of to describe the kind of kiss you want to write. Hit up that thesaurus. It’ll be a big help.

Build Up Slowly
To me, building anticipation is half the battle. You want the readers to be turning the page, wondering, When in the world is she going to make her move? Hint at the budding romance. Shy smiles fraught with meaning, longing glances that the reader knows about but the other character doesn’t see, moments where they almost kiss but don’t quite get there – all of these can help build the romantic tension. And they make it that much more satisfying when your characters finally, finally act on their feelings.

It Doesn’t Have to be Perfect
It sounds like a contradiction, but a perfect kiss doesn’t have to be perfect. Sometimes, the little imperfections – clashing teeth, or knocking foreheads – can add a realism to the kiss that makes it even sweeter. First kisses can be awkward, with the heroine worrying about her breath, or the hero wondering if he’s pursing his lips too hard. These moments are rife with opportunity for comic relief to mix with the romance – and the two can combine in satisfying and unique ways.

Avoid Tired Clichés
Lips that taste like honey. Tongues battling for dominance. Angels singing. Earth moving. You know the drill. If you’ve read it more than twice before, maybe it’s time to find another way to say it.

Focus on the Feelings
It’s not always all about the details. Sure, there’s some appeal to her sliding her fingers around his neck, then up to twist in his hair. But be sure to focus on the feelings to really make the kiss hit home. What does his skin feel like? Is her heart pounding? Are her palms sweaty? Is his stomach flip-flopping? Think about the best kiss you ever got, and then think about how it felt. Try to describe that, not whether you turned your head to the left or the right.

By Author to Author Member and Contributor, T.M. Franklin. You can learn more about T.M. and her books at http://www.tmfranklin.com/

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

A2A member Angel Lawson Celebrates Coauthored New Release

Angel Lawson and Kira Gold have coauthored a new novel that debuted yesterday! Odin's Murder, newly released on Amazon, is already receiving 5 STAR reviews!

"If you want a well written adventure with a good dash of the supernatural and fantastic characters give this a go."

Congratulations to Angel and Kira on what appears to be a fantastic read! Take a look and add a copy to your Kindle! http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Murder-ebook/dp/B00F2ISDHM/



Ethan Tyrell is out of his element at the College Scholastic Honors Program for exceptional students. But at least he’s out of prison. Keeping his temper and his hands to himself isn’t so easy when an irritating professor demands full participation with a mismatched study group, where he clashes with his roommate’s sister, Memory.

Memory Erikssen is not the kind of girl a boy can forget; she makes sure of that. Quick with both a charcoal pencil and a lipstick, she won’t draw the same line or walk the same path twice, and antagonizing Ethan is a break from the usual academic doldrums.

Ethan and Memory find themselves tangled together by more than their special abilities–and mutual irritation–as members of their team go missing, and they unravel a dangerous mystery that spans centuries of local and distant legends.

Lissa Bryan Hosts Ghost Story Contest

To celebrate the one year Book Birthday of Lissa Bryan's, Ghost Writer, she is hosting a ghost story contest! Visit Lissa's blog for information on how to enter, rules, and bust out your notebook and pen! There are some fantastic prizes at stake! The winner will be chosen on Halloween! http://www.lissabryan.com/2013/09/ghost-story-contest.html

Attention Book Bloggers!

A2A Author, M. B. Feeney is looking for bloggers for the Cover Reveal for the upcoming release of her anthology, Honour! Visit the link below to read the summary and sign up! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14bTEHZNwuNCN7UrusUlB9zGF00UJiciWfeAT7xxqlrg/viewform

 

Andrea Goodson to Re-release The Riverbend Trilogy

It's almost Riverbend's first Book Birthday! In celebration, Andrea Goodson is rereleasing the entire trilogy, Riverbend, Rapid Water, and Waking Tide, as a one-book boxed set the week of October 6th! Any bloggers interested in reviewing the entire collection prior to re-release are invited to contact Andrea via Facebook or Website for an ARC. www.andreagoodson.wordpress.com

Lessons Learned Anniversary Giveaway

Sydney Logan is still celebrating her on year book birthday for Lessons Learned! Visit her website to enter! http://www.sydneylogan.com/p/giveaways.html

Elise de Sallier Reveals Innocence Cover

Take a look at the intriguing cover for Elise de Sallier's newest book, Innocence. Visit Elise's blog to read all about this upcoming Regency Romance! http://elisedesallier.wordpress.com/elises-books/innocence/

Fall into Reading Giveaway

Stay tuned to Author to Author's Blog for the upcoming Fall Into Reading Giveaway! Enter for a chance to win a $25.00 Giftcard! Giveaway takes place September 22-29. don't miss it! www.author-to-author-blog.blogspot.com    

Sherri Hayes Hosts Newsletter Contest

Want a chance to win a bookmark from Sherri's book, Behind Closed Doors? Visit her blog and sign up for her newsletter to enter! While you're there take a look around and explore some of her other work...that is if you like sensual romance. Who doesn't? http://sherri-hayes.blogspot.com/2013/09/weekly-update-contest-announcement.html?zx=71f71efc3854ef20

Wednesday's Weird Word

Gazump

Definition: To unfairly acquire a property by bidding more than an offer from somebody else that has already been accepted by the seller.

Origin: Yiddish. "Gezumph" To overcharge or cheat.

Savvy Savings

We seem to be running low on coupons this week, but take a look at these ultra low-priced reads hand picked by A2A member Andrea Goodson on Kindle! She's added them to her TBR list, why not add them to yours?

*covers are never posted without permission from the author*

Silver Serenade by Gary O'Hara
4 STARS $0.99
http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Serenade-ebook/dp/B008RBTSDY/

The Fool's Tale by Nicole Galland
4 STARS $1.99
http://www.amazon.com/The-Fools-Tale-ebook/dp/B000XU8DB0/

Wait for Me by Mary Kay McComas
4.5 STARS $1.99
  http://www.amazon.com/Wait-for-Me-ebook/dp/B00A11CDEY/

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!

Author To Author’s Newsletter                                                    August 21, 2013

Writing & Publishing Tips

“I have this great idea! See, there’s a villain, and he’s got a hideout in a gravity-shelter underground on this other planet. And there’s a hero, right? And he’s got psychic abilities and then they fight and a war breaks out and they hide from nuclear fallout and then the villain dies. Isn’t that a great story?“

Believe it or not, I have been approached with…a variety of scenarios over the years. Not this one precisely, but others that have been outlandish, disorganized and most enthusiastically presented. The hopeful writer is generally convinced that their idea is amazing and original and mind-blowing. And indeed, it may be. But it lacks … well… It lacks discipline. I tell authors about self-discipline often. To me, this is one of the KEY MUST-HAVES if one wants to work as a writer. DISCIPLINE. It does not mean spanking or whips or chains…so just tug your mind out of the gutter. Discipline means a structure for growth. For development. A writer needs that. So does her story.



Do you think this kind of artwork happens without a plan? By no means. The macrame artist has a plan. She monitors the tension in each strand of string, braiding and designing and crafting knots at the appropriate intervals. She does this knowing there will be a support, or that it will hang “just so” and works to make sure the structure of the creation will work. The pattern is secure. There aren’t a bunch of oddly spaced loose ends dangling without form or function. This is a work of art and it requires discipline to achieve. Just like a novel. There are many ways to achieve the balance of tension necessary to achieve a work of fiction that is coherent and comprehensive. One way is to outline. Another is to put different pieces together – like a quilt – and work the pieces into a glorious whole. But both ways require some planning. Some idea of what the final product will look like.

For me, I HAVE TO KNOW where I will end up before I get much beyond chapter one when I write. I might write one chapter just because an idea won’t let me go. But if it goes much beyond that…I want to know where my story is stopping. Then, I make a plan to get there.

Contributed By Author to Author Member, Contributing Writer, and Author, Sandi Layne. Originally posted on her blog, http://sandyquill.com/2011/05/02/its-like-macrame/ on May 2, 2013.

Exciting News for Author to Author Group Members

New Release from A2A Author, Savannah Leigh!

With This Ring
A Novella

Synopsis: Lily is a thirty-two year old single woman who owns Wedding Dreams. She spends her days planning weddings for other people. She is a realist, and knows that marriage is not in the cards for her. Drew Hamilton is a thirty-six year old lawyer who has no desire to have a wife or family. But, he is plagued by his desire to grant his mother’s only wish. When Drew meets Lily at a wedding, he thinks he has a solution to both of their problems. If only Lily sees it the same way.

With This Ring is only 99 cents on Kindle!

You can’t beat that price!

http://www.amazon.com/With-This-Wedding-Dreams-ebook/dp/B00EHMXUW2/

Congratulations to Savannah on her new release!

A2A Author N.K. Smith goes on blog tour with Are You Mine?

Synopsis: Human connection? Who needs it? Ever since she can remember, wealthy but weary Saige Armstrong has felt different from her peers in Pechimu, New Jersey. With only one good friend to her name, she has navigated the complicated halls of high school and is now faced with the timeless question: Now what? Fox Harrington, a fun-loving, socially charismatic graffiti artist uses his passions to color his world how he wants it. He knows exactly where his life is headed. That is, until he meets Saige. A summer project links the two together, making a tentative friendship bloom into romance, but despite their affection for each other, fundamental beliefs and ways of thinking threaten to destroy all they have built.

 "These moments in life are the best there are. They’re heavy with emotion, messy with the what-ifs, and frightening with the unknowns."

Visit N.K. Smith’s blog and view the full schedule here: http://nksmithauthor.blogspot.com/2013/08/are-you-mine-blog-tour-schedule.html?zx=14a4f7adba85412a

Are You Mine? may be purchased on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Mine-ebook/dp/B00CSVPBGC/

Author Lindsey Gray's Redemption Series I-Spy Game

For all you readers and writers out there who love to play online games and enter contests, here's a good one! The winner will receive an ebook of their choice published by The Writer's Coffee Shop! Take a look!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WoqCjX55BmRPnEkJ0pLwac7xt_jU63fEfo6Ye71WURg/viewform

Wednesday’s Weird Word

Acersecomic

Definition: A person whose hair has never been cut.

Origin: Greek- kome /Latin- acersecomes

Savvy Smashwords Savings

If you don’t have a Smashwords account, you can create one for free and download your ebooks in any format for any eReader!



Fireworks by Lindsey Gray

$0.99

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/323558

Use Coupon Code: DE22P

Life of The Party by Christine Anderson

FREE

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/164487

Use Coupon Code: XZ79F




The Boomerang Effect by Lindy Spencer

Price Slash!

$6.99
NOW $2.99!

No coupon code required

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/180083




Franco's Fortune by Cara Marsi

FREE

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/290943

Use Coupon Code: GM79V

Thank you for reading Author to Author's first edition of 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!