A Celebration of Blogging

I only started blogging three months ago and I'm truly blessed to have been awarded The Versatile Blogger Award by wonderful author, Cindy Keen Reynders who writes interesting articles on her blog, www.saucylucywisdom.blogspot.com Thank you so much, Cindy.

The rules of receiving The Versatile Blogger Award is that you thank the person who gave it to you and share seven facts about yourself, then pass the award to fifteen other bloggers if you can.

1. I love traveling, watching movies and curling up with a good book.
2. I love chocolate. :-)
3. I love dogs and sometimes believe that dogs are nicer than humans. ;-)
4. I believe in helping others and offering kindness.
5. I love all kinds of challenges and continue to push myself to the top.
6. I'm proactive and not reactive.
7. I never procrastinate and believe in doing things today.
8. I don't waste my time sweating the small stuff.
9. I believe that love is the most powerful gift God has given us.
10. I always try to be positive.

I am passing the Versatile Blogger Award to the following bloggers:

1. Richard Scott of Uphill Writing who talks about the craft of writing. Rik has entertained me with his quotes and Word of the Day.

2. Andrea Buginski of Andi's Realm invites a diverse group of authors to guest on her blog and each time I look for a new book to read, I can rely on her blog to check out new authors.

3. Stacy Eaton of Stacy Eaton Author is very creative when it comes to interviewing authors. She also writes articles from the character's point of view which is a perfect way to get acquainted with her characters.

4. Rob Guthrie of  Rob on Writing not only writes about the craft of writing, but he believes in giving back to others. He has a campaign called Read a Book and Make a Difference.

5. Mary Ellen Quigley of Mary Ellen's Musings offers good tips on how to be a better writer which I have found to be very helpful.

6. Christine Cunningham of Mungoi Sis Christine who has proven to be very helpful and supportive to writes. Christine invites authors to do a guest post on her blog.

7. Elizabeth West of E.A.West Writing offers valuable information on marketing and promoting your books.

8. Bonnie Trachtenberg provides interesting articles about promoting, writing and relationships.

9. Kaira Rouda  offers helpful tips for women, writers and anything under the sun.

10. Emerald Barnes  features a diverse group of authors on her blog. She also discusses about the craft of writing.

11. Karen Baney offers valuable tips about promoting and marketing your books. She also talks about the craft of writing.

12. Shilpa Mudiganti of Dreams Galore offers a variety of information on her blog about the craft of writing. She also does book reviews, and author interviews.

13.  Shirley Wine offers essential information every writer needs to know about editing and how to be a better writer.

14. Sarah of Workaday Reads is one of the book reviewers I trust. Her blog offers detailed reviews about the latest books, giveaways, and exciting events. Sarah is always up to date with the latest books and she knows how to connect with authors and readers.

15. Lindsay Jones of Just Another Book Addict is also one of my favorite reviewers. Her site is so colorful and this lady is very dynamic when it comes to conducting book reviews. She loves reading and her reviews are very genuine and heartfelt.

Thanks again to Cindy for my award.

Why Authors Should Cross-Promote with Other Authors

http://womensliterarycafe.com/

Why Authors Should Cross-Promote with Other Authors

I’m sure you’re familiar with the saying that two heads are better than one, well it also applies to promoting your book. Writing can be a solitary experience as we spend days toiling away on our computer. Thanks to the internet and social media, I’ve met a whole bunch of versatile authors—thirty five to be exact, and let me tell you, it has been the most exciting time of our career. We were brought together by best-selling author, Melissa Foster to help her launch her new book, Come Back to Me with a special promo of selling our books for 99 cents only—thirty six books for 99 cents. Great deal, right? Definitely not one you find everyday.

Despite living in different parts of the world, we managed to communicate daily, sharing one goal—to help one another succeed. We all worked hard to promote one another on Facebook, Twitter and other social media networks. We conducted author interviews, guest blogs and shared book reviews, all in the hope to create buzz for the book launch and to let the people know who we are. But that wasn’t all . . . As the days began to unfold, a strong bond between us developed, and we didn’t only see ourselves as authors who wrote and promoted books, but as humans who savored friendship. The relationship we have has allowed us to share our days of triumphs and voice out our frustrations. A listening ear, a praise, and a kind word reassured us that we would always be there for each other through thick and thin. It was one for all, and all for one—a commitment we all made and kept.

I am immensely blessed by the loyalty, kindness and friendship we shared in the past month. I’ve come to realize that working together with other authors is the most powerful tool an author can do to promote their book, yet at the same time, it’s the most rewarding feeling you’ll ever have. I’ll never be alone—I have thirty five authors who have played an instrumental role in my life and whom I’m proud to have as my friends. Thank you guys!

So come join us on November 1-3 at http://womensliterarycafe.com/, as we celebrate the Book Launch of Melissa Foster’s book, Come Back to Me. United we stand, bringing you books from all genres for a 99 cent delight.

Are You a Plotter or a Pantser?

I know a lot of editors and agents are going to cringe when I say this but I don’t believe in writing outlines before you write your novel. I know the beginning and how it will end, but everything in between is where I allow my characters to surprise me. Nonetheless, conflict is magnified throughout the novel. I create character sketches, visualize my setting and emphasize on my theme and hook before I write my novel. I keep a notebook and index cards beside me to add ideas along the way. Only when I’ve completed my first draft do I write an outline. I evaluate my character sketches to see if my characters are consistent and if the story has a payoff in every chapter. Before I begin editing, I write down notes for every chapter. I would love to hear if you’re a pantser or a plotter.

How Do You Choose a Catchy Title for Your Novel?

When choosing a title, I always think of a symbol. I chose to name my novel Love Letters because the letters were the symbol of a love that was lost but not forgotten. The powerful love was revived by reading the letters. I chose Chocolicious to be the title of my novel because chocolate led my heroine to pick up the pieces from her shattered life and help her find herself. Titles are meant to hook your readers and should have a deeper meaning behind the book. 

Do You Edit As You Write?

Never. Writing is a creative process and you need to let your creative juices flow. Don’t worry about the grammar or spelling issues in the beginning for that can be fixed later. If you feel you have a strong message and believe in your characters, then write the best possible story you can write. Don’t rush! Enjoy the moment and get to imagine and visualize what your characters are doing while you bring them alive. After writing your first draft, celebrate and congratulate yourself. Not everybody gets to write and finish a book like you did. Tuck your manuscript away for a month so you can give your mind and eyes a rest. You’ve been working too hard and deserve a break before you dive in and edit.