What Weather Will Bring

This has been a long week, a long day and a long month but the good news is...all of them are just about over.

As I look out the window at the steel gray sky and the skeletal frame of trees I can't help but wonder if we will get the snow the weatherman is forecasting. Unlike all the others waiting to see what this storm will do as they make a run on the milk and bread in the grocery stores I am actually looking forward to it. Why is it that everyone buys milk and bread before a storm? Why not coffee and water or something like that? Anyway, back to what I was writing, yep, I'm looking forward to it.

I'm not looking forward to the cold nor am I looking forward to shoveling the snow but I am looking forward to the opportunity the snow presents. You see, snow and rain will (and can) bring many people down because it hampers their activities. If you are a writer though...ah ha, now you can slide into your chair as the snow falls and write the day away. It is the perfect opportunity and the perfect excuse all wrapped up in a one big snowball.

I look forward to writing as I know all of you do as well. Right now you may be thinking - what if your power goes out? I have already thought about that. I plan to print out my manuscript so if that happens I can read what I have, makes notes, corrections and do some brainstorming. If I grow tired of this then I can turn to plan 'B' which is a few books waiting their turn to be read.

I guess this is just one example of what makes writers and authors an unusual group. We look at otherwise interruptions as opportunities. I would not have it any other way. What are your plans for the weekend?

If you are out in the snow this weekend be careful. Have a safe weekend and happy writing.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Title: Love Always, Hobby and Jessie
Author: Sara Robinson
ISBN: 978-0-9842496-0-2
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 186
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
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Thanks to Sara’s father, Randolph ‘Hobby’ Robinson, and his love for photography she has plenty material to develop a truly accurate and realistic depiction of the life of her parents, Hobby and Jessie. In “Love Always, Hobby and Jessie,” we take a trip to small town Elkton, Virginia during the late 1920’s and the 30’s to witness this life as told by their daughter.

Unlike other memoirs, “Love Always, Hobby and Jessie” takes a close, hard look at the truth of marriage and life. The author has left nothing out; we see firsthand the ups and downs, the good times and bad. We see the break ups and the make ups as Jessie and Hobby struggle to keep their union afloat while raising a little girl.

The truth can be tough at times but the no-holds barred honesty found in “Love Always, Hobby and Jessie” gives it a meaningful feel and a welcoming depth of reality. We learn, through the tales and relationship of Hobby and Jessie, that commitment back then is just as important as it is now.

From the first word, Sara Robinson’s passion for the small town she was raised in and what it meant to her and her parents is evident. Instantly, we are taken back in time to a different era. With each passing page, it is virtually impossible not to relate to the people, places, and events that occurred during the life of Hobby and Jessie.

Sara’s creative and colorful writing style incorporates the use of metaphors to give the story a new dimension and additional depth. Stimulating all the senses, Sara’s writing creates images in the reader’s mind that play like a movie reel. The textures and details invoked by the combination of all these attributes will place the reader right in the story, setting and plot.

I recommend “Love Always, Hobby and Jessie” to those who enjoy reading about small town America during the 1920’s and 30’s. I would also recommend this book to married couples. There is a lot to learn from the marriage of Hobby and Jessie.

No two people are a perfect match but once joined they can – love always.

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Words On A Wall

The obvious can sometimes escape us. What is written on the wall of life can often-times be missed or ignored. Strange how we can go through life as if everything is fine only to have the truth land on us like a grand piano. At this moment we are left with the thought "why didn't I see that sooner" or "if it was a snake it would have bitten me." I like the last one and I've heard a few hundred times in my life. I will admit that most of the time these things strike us when things are going wrong or something bad has happened but this can also happen during good times when things are going well for us.

Case in point, I love words. This should be no surprise to anyone that knows me; however, for more years then I care to admit I did not like words. I was not interested in words. Music changed that. It all started with the sound but then moved to the lyrics. I'm not sure anything in the world of writing can top a good song with lyrics that speak to you. Words and sounds you instantly connect with are gratifying. This love for music and lyrics has evolved to a love of writing. Writing what? Actually, writing anything but I seem to connect with poetry. The crazy thing is I can't simply write a poem. They come to me on occasions (which are often special ones) and I write.

I did this very thing last night. My third wedding anniversary is today and I was sweating it last night because I did not have a card or anything to go with my wife's anniversary present (which was pearl earrings and she loved them by the way.) Out of no where the words struck me and within minutes the poem was complete. It actually surprised me how well it flowed and how crisp the words were. Is the writing on the wall? Am I supposed to be a poet instead of a novelist?

I want to be a novelist but also enjoy poetry. Can I do both? I don't know yet. I'm still writing novels but until I'm published I don't think I can completely answer this question. Do I enjoy writing novels as much as poetry? Absolutely, just in a different way.

It is always good to explore and find out who you are but it is equally important to not ignore what you discover or miss what is being taught. This is true in both life and writing. We may put off what is written on the wall for a while but if ignored to long we could get in trouble.

What is written on your wall? There is plenty written on mine and I hope published author of books are four that will show up soon.

Haunting Words

What is seen when we read a book, an article or a blog? Do we see just words or do we see the author? Can we visualize what he or she is feeling and thinking as we process the letters and words on the screen or paper?

What about...

the flip side of this? Can we get to know a writer so well through their written words that blog posts, books and articles become mundane and monotonous? What of your own writing?

These are questions that creep in my mind at times. I don't know why but they do. They beg for an answer if given the chance to move front and center. It seems as though they have done just that. In my opinion we insert a small amount of ourselves in everything we write. Our emotions, thoughts and feelings instigate what appears on the screen or the paper. I believe it is important that a reader can pick up what a writer is feeling or possibly thinking. In our novels we want the readers to picture the characters and what they are experiencing but can it be said that each character in our novels carry a portion of us therefore the reader is seeing what we are feeling and thinking?

I would say this is true. This is why writing is such an intimate occupation. I also think that readers connect with authors in a love/hate relationship. When we read the first book by an author they are fresh and we are being introduced to their style of writing. If a connection is made then we eagerly wait for the second, third, fourth and maybe fifth book but then something interesting happens. One day we find that the author's work doesn't enchant us like it once did. We then move on to another author and a different set of books. The story doesn't end here though because this is where the elite authors separate themselves from the others. The elite authors have a way of haunting us so even if we do move on for a period of time we come back. We are always watching over our shoulders for that next book.

This is also true for blogs. Coming and going from the same blogs can get stale at times. That is normal and a natural occurrence but the really good blogs, like those books, haunt you so after a while you pop over just to see what is happening.

Did I answer the above questions? Not really, but it is something to think about. The main thing is that we keep on writing and pursuing our goals. Even though it may seem like we are losing steam we need to keep going. Hold to your style of writing and your voice as you post to your blog. You may not get many comments and you may not even know if people are reading but they are. If the connection has been made then you could be haunting some folks as we speak. The lingering power of words is amazing.

I have a goal of being published not for fame or fortune but to have my stories read and my voice heard and I hope that, as time passes, I make it to that elite status. Yep, I want my words to haunt people.

Chasing The Rabbit

Title: Rabbit : Chasing Beth Rider
Author: Ellen C. Maze
ISBN: 978-1-4327-5101-2
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 340
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
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Move over Twilight.


Beth Rider’s bestselling novels are making her a literary star from the south. Little does she know, her books are having a much deeper impact on the lives of others not just her own. She never thought her written words would cause trouble. They caused more than trouble; they brought danger and evil right to her doorstep.

Marked by the blood of an elder, the rabbit has been released for every hungry vampire to enjoy.

Becoming an inadvertent threat to a race of vampires known as the Rakum, Beth Rider now finds herself running from the very monsters that made her novels a hit. Chasing her is Jack Dawn, a brutal elder, with intentions of eliminating her slowly and painfully. To ensure his plan is successful he marks Beth with his own blood so every vampire can smell her out and have a little fun themselves. There is no escape for Beth Rider…or is there?

Along her harrowing path she confronts enemies and discovers allies when it seems none are there. Will it be enough to save her? Can she escape the clutches of a homicidal vampire?

In “Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider,” the chase is on. Will Beth survive?

From the first word, Ellen C. Maze’s passion for crafting a gripping vampire tale takes center stage. Instantly, you are immersed in the action and underworld of the Rakum. With each passing page, it is virtually impossible not to care for Beth and her allies in “Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider.” You will find yourself connecting with them on multiple levels.

“Rabbit: Chasing Beth Rider” delivers a fresh new twist to vampire lore. The strength of the plot carries it from page to page as all the pieces fall into place, painting an exciting tapestry. This book is a must have for those seeking a real, refreshing vampire novel.

Author Ellen C Maze’s debut novel, is sure to take the world by storm. I see a bright future for this up and coming author.

If you would like to learn more about this author and her book (plus enter contest and read deleted scenes) please follow this LINK.

Plus, you can purchase the book HERE and HERE

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The Styles That Bind

So many thoughts so little time... What to do about them all? I suppose it all started this morning. That would make sense because that is the start of the day. To say it was busy would not necessarily be true but to say the day just disappeared would be very accurate.

Writing is fun, writing is a passion and writing is a craft. You know it and I know it but I'm not talking about fiction writing alone, I'm talking about all forms of writing. I think part of the problem for today is, for lack of a better term, is writing overload. Is it possible to even have writing overload? Does such a thing exist? Well, I'll let you be the judge of that.

I wear multiple hats throughout the week and even day. I have a full time job as an engineer, I write for this blog, of course there are my WIPS, and I write book reviews and let us not forget all the social networks like Twitter. No, I'm not complaining. My wife would be the first to tell you that I can't sit around and do nothing. I'm always doing something.

I enjoy all the writing I do but each calls for a new hat, a new way of thinking. Twitter makes you think about your words in order to get your thought out quickly. This helps as an exercise in making each word count. When I write a book review I get to dive into a book and pull out those nuggets I wish to. It's a challenge at times but it gives a new perspective to looking at a book. It also sharpens the writing skills by looking deeply into the writing of others.

We all have a clear idea and feel for the joy we get from writing our novels. We get to let the words fly and enjoy the ride; until revisions come around but that is another story. Writing a novel, short story or whatever your project is allows us to escape which is a grand gift at times. As for work, that is 100% technical writing. You need to be accurate and concise. Everything but the important information is cut out so the point and conclusion is clear. These projects call for a completely different thinking then writing a fiction novel because of the approach needed. Whereas a novel can be like putting together a puzzle, all the pieces need to fit; technical writing is like building an engine. It needs to fit together and when built it needs to run. Again, this is a great learning tool in regards to the craft of writing.

There comes a time when multiple types of writing collide. This is what happened today and I believe this is what brought about writing overload. Throughout the day I wrote documents for work, a book review, and now this article. Later, I plan to write but we can look at the first three. They collided and my brain feels like a blender was in it. With that said though, I wouldn't have it any other way. It is a joy to write and see what comes from different types and methods of writing. I may be exhausted but the day was productive and I learned a little more.

What's the point of this article? All writing lends to itself. You can learn from anything to enhance your own writing whether it is blogs, technical papers or novels. We should always be ready to learn from everything we are presented with throughout the day. We, as writers, are in the business of painting pictures with words and by learning from things around us we make that picture a little brighter.

How Far Will You Go?

Twitter is a great social network that has a lot of value by delivering many avenues of learning opportunities. There are groups within Twitter that operate using the hash tag (#) so those involved with the group can follow the conversations of all at one time. I give you this general background because yesterday I was part of a fascinating discussion on Lit Chat. This group gets together to talk about all things literature and yesterday was a spirited session.

What did we discuss? We discussed researching your story but more then that we looked at going underground to research your story. Going underground meant inserting yourself as far as possible into the environment of your characters. For example, if you were writing a crime novel you could ride with the police a few times or if you were writing about the paranormal you could get with a group that investigates the spooky things of the night. Many points were made and questions were asked that got me thinking about this topic. How far would you go to write your story? Think about that for a moment.

Many, if not all, of us research some portion of our book through the use of the Internet, interviews, reading older books, and/or watching movies related to the topic but would you/could you go deeper? Like I said yesterday, we need to go as deep as our comfort level will allow or we get what we are looking for. In my opinion, we can really capture the essence of the setting and the atmosphere around our characters if we live the life of our characters. With that in mind, what if we were writing a book about a prostitute hooked on drugs? Would we then become a prostitute or a drug addict so we could better research our story? I really doubt it; but we could do the next best thing. We could interview an addict in rehab or a person with experience in the before mentioned occupation. This is a harsh example but one that shines a light on the idea of finding the comfort level and still getting the needed information.

Can research like this really help when writing a fiction novel? Absolutely, it can help us with settings, finding the proper time period, procedures and/or processes. All the things that surround or characters and story but allow us to maintain the use of our imagination can be researched. It provides an element of realism as the foundation of our story without hampering it.

Allow me to present another scenario. You're writing a novel about paranormal activity, would you spend the night at a haunted site or just visit it? How far will you go?

Everybody has limits and during the writing/researching process we may consider crossing those limits in the name of a better story. I'm not sure if that would work out well. If you go too far in your research, beyond your limits of comfort, it could show in your writing. We should also be cautious; too much research could make for boring reading if we do not handle the information properly. None of us want that to happen.

There was one question I wanted to ask yesterday and get the thoughts of others on but could not. I'm going to ask you because I'm very interested in your thoughts. What if you were researching your story by all available means, including going underground and you discovered that you did not like what you found out; would you write the novel anyway?

Integrity Held High

I was originally planning to post this yesterday; however, I decided to think about the topic for a little longer. Integrity, as defined in the dictionary, means: the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards.

In my opinion, integrity is a very important word for writers to hold close to their vest. Why is that? I believe that the majority of the population has moral principles and professional standards but the problem is this - what our definitions are of moral principles and professional standards may not be the same as the next person. Herein is the gray area. Will we lower our principles and standards if it meant a contract with a publisher or agent? What if we are building our platform with a blog and a group is offended by our content? Will we change our style of writing and/or our voice because this group thinks our principles and standards are not high enough?

These are situations and questions we will, at some time, confront and need to address. What is the right answer? It is easy to say, "I'm not lowering my principles or standards for anybody," but what if you've received a few hundred rejection notices and then get offered a contract? The catch is that it comes from a publisher you're just not comfortable with or produces books you don't agree with? What do you do?

I feel like I'm walking a fine line with this topic but it is an important one. As new authors we need to be prepared for this because we can never tell what kind of impact that first publishing house or agent will have on our career as writers.

What do we do? That seems to be the question. The simple, yet hard, answer is that we must identify our principles and standards and stick to them; hold them tight and not let go no matter what. Like I said before, there will be a time when we will be challenged. I actually witnessed it a few days ago and it got rather nasty but the person under scrutiny persevered. Yes, feelings will get hurt but if we hold on to what we believe is true then all will work out when the dust settles.

Integrity is a word that relates to so many aspects of life. As for writers, integrity will lead us to the right agent and/or publisher. We can lean on our integrity when challenged because our blog or book is not accepted or labeled in a negative way. If we hold true to our principles and standards we will, one day, hold our heads high knowing we put a book out there to the world that we can be proud of and support completely.

This article is in no way attacking anyone in the publishing industry. Rather it is looking at another avenue that new authors must be aware of. Have you experienced a situation where you felt your integrity was challenged?

One Word -- Organization!

I read a fair number of blogs, articles and websites. I don't always comment on them but I drop in to read and learn. Today was no different but I did make a connection in the information I was reading that brought about this article.

It started this morning on Twitter. It is amazing what can be learned from short sentences. Anyway, I was having a conversation with a friend of mine. He is in the middle of revising his first novel and I am on pace to finish the first draft of my second novel by months end. We began discussing revisions and how many it takes to really polish a book but from there it switched to story details and making sure all the story lines are addressed by the end of the book. He asked me how I was able to make so much progress since I had just completed my first novel. My answer? I had been planning the second novel from the time I was revising the first.

Planning and researching the second novel allowed me to pull away from the revision for a period which gave me time to think on something else. I made my notes and a general outline for the plot until I completed the first novel at which time I began writing the second. What I found interesting is that he had just as many (if not more) notes then I did and his main concern was taking care of all the details.

Hang on to that information for a moment because I'm switching gears on you. This afternoon, after my conversation with my friend, I read an article on the blog of a published author who was discussing query letters. More to the point, she was talking about how many publishers/agents to query at one time. She stated that she made a list of the publishers/agents that interested her and then narrowed it down to five of the most professional.

Now what does the second and third paragraphs have to do with the fourth? The answer is one word but it is of critical importance for writers and that word is organization. Let's look at these topics in reverse order. First we have an author who made a list of possible agents/publishers to query and from that narrowed it down to the top five. I'm willing to bet that she also has the date she submitted the query and notes regarding any response (if any). Also, if she gets a rejection notice she can simply go back to the first list and send to the next one.

As for my friend, he had multiple folders of notes and information to guide his thoughts and development of his story. As I said, he is revising that story and is working hard to keep track of the details. I believe he has everything he needs laid out to make sure all the details are in order and connecting as he wants them. Since this is an ongoing thing it will be interesting to learn how he modifies his approach to revising his work and organizing his information. He may not but then again he just may.

I make notes and research my stories beforehand but when it comes to the revisions those notes are put away. I start the revision process by reading the book and changing the obvious errors and those things that are begging to be changed. If that change is an impact to the plot, flow or a character then I will make a note about it. The second revision is a more focused approach to grammar, misspelled words, and sentence structure unless something presents itself at which time I make more notes. The third is all about the story structure which I make plenty of notes about so once I give it the fourth read through if something does not sound right I can go back and see why I made the change. Of course a project can have many more revisions but I think you get the point with this illustration.

In everything we do we need to be organized. It simply makes life easier for us and develops a paper trail that we can refer to if need be. I like the approach my friend and the author has for writing and submitting queries. What do you do to stay organized?

Gaining exposure on the Internet has never been so easy!

The following is my book review for a resource book catered for writers and authors. We, as writers, understand how important it is to have a platform and the ability to promote/market both our name and book title(s). This is a topic we have looked at a number of times here on The New Author, which is one reason why I appreciate Jo-Anne's book so much because the tips are informative, useful, and important to have handy.

I have reviewed a number of books and posted them on The New Author but this one was a must to post here because of the reasons I listed above and then some. It is my hope that you will click over and enjoy the information available.

Title: Premium Promotional Tips for Writers
Author: Jo-Anne Vandermeulen
ISBN: 978-0-9841680-4-0
Genre: Internet Resource
Pages: 130
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:

You have written a book and/or started an online business…now what?

Books need readers, and stores need shoppers. The only way to get them is by promoting and marketing. This is where “Premium Promotional Tips for Writers” earns a lasting spot on your bookshelf.
So much more then a book of tips for writers…“Premium Promotional Tips for Writers” illustrates the expertise and experience of the author in a way that will inspire and motivate you to get on the Internet and go for it. From blogging to social networks, the importance of being active is emphasized. “Premium Promotional Tips for Writers” has something for everyone interested in making a presence.
Author Jo-Anne Vandermeulen has advised a multitude of people on her blog *Conquer All Obstacles*. Time and again, her knowledge and direction has guided these same people to huge followings and large numbers of friendships. Now she has put that knowledge and experience on paper in “Premium Promotional Tips for Writers.” With such a powerful tool at your fingertips, there are no limits on the exposure you can generate.
Are you ready for the exposure you have worked so hard for? “Premium Promotional Tips for Writers” will guide your mouse clicks in the right direction.

I recommend “Premium Promotional Tips for Writers” to writers and ALL who dream to be seen and heard on the Internet. Whether it be for fun or business, this inspirational book is a must read. The huge marketing benefits from this book are astounding.

To learn more about Jo-Anne, click HERE.

To read the first 30 pages FREE click HERE and to download the pdf or eBook for $9.95.

Jazz, Like Writing, Comes From Within

Title: Color Me Jazzmyne
Author: Marian L. Thomas
ISBN: 978-0-615-27067-8
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 279
Reviewed By: Brian Knight
Official Premium Promotional Services Rating:


The future blossoms from the roots of the past.

Music stirs the soul and moves you in many directions but Jazz comes from the deepest part of the soul. No one knows this better then Naya Moná, Jazz not only came from her soul but it also saved it.

Naya’s childhood was brought to an end by the man who was to protect and raise her. With that and the knowledge of a dark secret she leaves. She runs for the nearest bus station for an unknown destination. That destination is soon discovered when her feet hit the New York asphalt. With only the clothes on her back, some money in her pocket and the gift of song in her core, she sets off to make her own way.

The Skinny is the launching part of Naya’s singing career and the backdrop to many of her life lessons that will leave her anger, sad, heartbroken and wise. Going by her stage name, Jazzmyne, she grows in fame and fortune the roots of her past call her back – for to gain true happiness and peace she must conquer the things in her past. One of which is reconnecting with her long lost son.

Her longing to know her son brings both pleasure and pain as we see the multiple colors in Jazzmyne’s box of crayons. Each color is a moment, emotion, or experience that makes her the person she is but she will need to expose all of them to find her true peace and the family she never had.

Can she relive her past to have a future with her son? Will the past rule the life of Naya or will she find a new shade to “Color Me Jazzmyne?”

This debut novel of Marian L Thomas is both gripping and moving as we get pulled into the life of this Jazz singer. Like Jazz, “Color Me Jazzmyne” has a flow and rhythm that can only come from the heart of the author. The melody of her words will capture your senses.

To learn more about the author and her debut novel please follow this link.

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