Woke up yesterday to find this in my inbox:
"It's sad to me that an author feels such a need to rip apart another
author. Writing a book and publishing it takes guts. As an author myself, I
will never be so publicly critical of another author's style. We each have
our own style. It's what makes reading books so interesting - the diversity.
Since I'm required by SCP to follow this group, I have watched these posts
float by before and bit my tongue. I've only once followed the link but get
enough of the jibes just in the blurb posted with the link in this group.
I've tried to say nothing but by saying nothing, am I not condoning authors
being deliberately mean to other authors? I simply couldn't stay quiet any
longer.
I've always been proud to be a SCP author but this has me shaking my head.
These posts are awful. All I ask is that we each consider how we treat
other authors. We are professionals and should act accordingly. Or at the
very least, treat others as we would want to be treated. It would feel
demoralizing to have someone rip apart my book like this series of posts
are doing. It just feels wrong.
Just my thoughts... had to let them out.'
Maybe it was just a blow to my pride, since all I ever saw on any of my posts on THIS BOOK (now trilogy) has been 'thank you for saving me from reading this...'
Just another example of how not everyone 'gets' my sense of humor.
I did write back, and think I handled it professionally:
"Thank you for your input:)
Yes, I 'ripped apart' the first book, practically page by page last year, since other authors were going much more 'in depth' with their criticisms, and other authors and readers were wondering what the fuss was all about. This is the only book I will EVER tear apart publicly, due to a) not wanting be known as 'that blogger who tears books to shreds' and b) I was asked for my opinion by several readers. A lot of people have thanked me for breaking the books down and letting them know how awful it is.
I won't post the segments on this loop again, since it offends you.
Cheers:)"
But still, this sort of grates on me. I'm not someone who routinely trashes books; in fact, my Recommended Reads and 4 and 5 star reviews are probably waaaaayyy too many. If I don't like a book, I say 'good story' on GR, or add it to my DNF list, or don't mention them again. If I wanted to do this to other authors, it would be sooo easy, but since there are at least three authors whose books are not in my favorite category, or I wonder what the hell inspired them to write that crap, and these authors I also interact with many times in a week, I keep my mouth shut. Because these authors might read my work someday and hate it, but I'd rather they kept their opinions to themselves, so that's why I adopt the 'if you can't say somethin' nice (about your friends/associates), then don't say nuthin' at all'.
I have no relationship to the author of THAT TRILOGY, so I'm free to rip her book apart, like so many others have before me. And I'm not even trashing every single page, like I did the 1st time. I'm only taking issue with plot or other issues which pull me out of the book. Everyone knows some of the words which drive me crazy, so I do multiple chapters in a short, sweet post.
And as previously stated, I won't post to that particular loop next week, when I promo the next segment.
Sheesh. If something offends you, skip over it! There's a lot of links I click on, see it's not to my liking, and move on.
Another 'gripe' I have is concerning FB posts. One of my friends posts blatent M/M posts; do I get angry about it? No; I scroll past. Another friend is totally pro-Life, while I'm pro-choice. I simply keep scrolling. I guess I'm more of a peacemaker than hard left or right. I've taken flak for my 'Marriage=1 man 1 woman' posts and my more conservative views. So why do my friends who are more liberal feel the need to take me to task? Do I challenge you on YOUR views? No.
Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression means you have your right to your opinions and I have a right to mine. It does NOT mean we have to cram our views down each other's throats in order to get along. We are free to agree to disagree.
Why fight about it? Is our friendship that fragile?
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
What You Pawn, I Will Redeem (posted May 2014)
A little boy stared at the giant plate glass window.
"Come along, Johnny."
"But-" He cast one more longing glance as his mother led him away.
Two days later, he again looked longingly at the items in the window.
"See something you like, young fellow?" A gentleman stood beside him.
"My momma told me not to talk to strangers." Johnny stepped to his right.
"Your mother is a wise woman. I'm rather partial to the violin in the corner."
Johnny hesitated a moment. "I like the train."
"Ah, the train. A very good choice. I used to have a train set like that. Shall we go inside and see how much it costs?"
"Twelve dollars. My sister told me. I can't have it because I've been bad."
"Bad? Why is that?"
Johnny hung his head. "I can't tell." He turned and walked away, shuffling his feet.
*********
The elderly gentleman stroked his small white beard and frowned. He entered the store and inquired about the cost of the train.
"Twelve dollars, but it's not for sale."
"Why is it in the window, if it's not for sale?"
"That kid you were talking to? He walked in while his sister was smoking. She pawned it in front of him, so he wouldn't tell their parents." The store owner's voice dropped as other customers entered. "I felt sorry for the kid, so I keep it where he can see it."
"I see. Can we speak in private?"
"Sure."
**************
A week later, Johnny ran to the store and stopped cold. My train! It's gone! Tears streamed down his face as he pushed open the heavy door.
"You promised! And it's gone. Why? I told you I'd be back. Why?" Johnny threw a fistful of dollar bills on the counter and crumpled to the floor.
He felt a soothing hand on his back. "Johnny, your train is safe."
Johnny sniffed. "S-safe? But where is it? I told you I'd be back for it, and it's gone."
"Sit up and dry your eyes." Johnny sat up, took the tissue and blew his nose. "Here's your money, son. I think if you go home, you'll find it in your toy box."
"But....how?"
"Just go home."
Johnny struggled to his feet and hugged the store owner. "Thanks mister, for taking care of my train."
He ran from the store and all the way home. Sure enough, there in his room was his beloved toy train, with a note.
"No little boy should be without his favorite toy. Enjoy! Signed, a friend."
"Come along, Johnny."
"But-" He cast one more longing glance as his mother led him away.
Two days later, he again looked longingly at the items in the window.
"See something you like, young fellow?" A gentleman stood beside him.
"My momma told me not to talk to strangers." Johnny stepped to his right.
"Your mother is a wise woman. I'm rather partial to the violin in the corner."
Johnny hesitated a moment. "I like the train."
"Ah, the train. A very good choice. I used to have a train set like that. Shall we go inside and see how much it costs?"
"Twelve dollars. My sister told me. I can't have it because I've been bad."
"Bad? Why is that?"
Johnny hung his head. "I can't tell." He turned and walked away, shuffling his feet.
*********
The elderly gentleman stroked his small white beard and frowned. He entered the store and inquired about the cost of the train.
"Twelve dollars, but it's not for sale."
"Why is it in the window, if it's not for sale?"
"That kid you were talking to? He walked in while his sister was smoking. She pawned it in front of him, so he wouldn't tell their parents." The store owner's voice dropped as other customers entered. "I felt sorry for the kid, so I keep it where he can see it."
"I see. Can we speak in private?"
"Sure."
**************
A week later, Johnny ran to the store and stopped cold. My train! It's gone! Tears streamed down his face as he pushed open the heavy door.
"You promised! And it's gone. Why? I told you I'd be back. Why?" Johnny threw a fistful of dollar bills on the counter and crumpled to the floor.
He felt a soothing hand on his back. "Johnny, your train is safe."
Johnny sniffed. "S-safe? But where is it? I told you I'd be back for it, and it's gone."
"Sit up and dry your eyes." Johnny sat up, took the tissue and blew his nose. "Here's your money, son. I think if you go home, you'll find it in your toy box."
"But....how?"
"Just go home."
Johnny struggled to his feet and hugged the store owner. "Thanks mister, for taking care of my train."
He ran from the store and all the way home. Sure enough, there in his room was his beloved toy train, with a note.
"No little boy should be without his favorite toy. Enjoy! Signed, a friend."
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Writing prompt: A hypocritical preacher
“Thank you for coming.”
Reverend Jim greeted his parishioners as they exited the building. “I’ll see you next week.” He ruffled the hair of an eight-year old
boy. “You sang well in the choir today
Tommy.”
“Thanth!” Tommy
beamed, spittle dripping from the gap in his front teeth.
“Let me guess; all he wants for Christmas is his two front
teeth?” Jim joked with Tommy’s mother as
her son jumped down the stairs and raced around the corner.
“Pretty much. Good
sermon today.”
“Thank you.” Jim
waved as the last of the congregation drove off in their cars. His shoulders slumped as he returned to his
pulpit. Excellent sermon indeed. Father,
please forgive me for what I’m about to do.
“Reverend?” A sweet
female voice flowed over him. “Shall I
expect you in an hour?”
He nodded his head.
“Yes. One hour.”
Her heels clicked on the wooden floor. “I’ll be ready.”
Jim turned to watch her go, her floral dress swishing out
the side door and out through the main building. I
should fight it….but Lord, it’s been so long….and it felt so good the last
time….
He hung his robes in his office, then secured the building
and left for his house across the street.
He loosened his tie as he entered and greeted his silver Labrador . “You
need to go outside?” Jim strode to the
patio door and opened it, watching the dog bound outside to the fenced in
yard. He closed the door and went to his
bedroom, stripping off his dark suit. He
laid the suit across the bed; he’d send it to the cleaners in the morning. Right now, he had twenty minutes to get ready
and be across town.
He shrugged into a dark blue polo shirt and khaki
slacks. After making sure the dog had
plenty of water in his bowl, he opened the door to let him in.
“I’ve got to take off for a bit, boy. Behave yourself while I’m gone.” Be good
for the both of us, because God help me, I can’t deny this craving.
He grabbed his car keys and making sure his wallet was in
his pocket, exited the house and climbed into his car.
Again, the guilt assaulted him. You
don’t have to go. You can resist this.
No, I can’t.
Yes, you can.
One last time. Then I’ll stop, I promise.
You keep saying that.
Shut up.
Jim sighed and put the car in gear.
A few moments later, he parked beside a pristine, two story
brick house. He drummed his fingers on the
wheel in a nervous gesture, then silenced his conscience and got out of the
car. He walked up the brick walk, and
the door opened when he arrived on the front porch.
“Hi Jim, we’ve been waiting for you.” He walked inside and greeted the two scantily
clad women. “Shall we begin?”
He nodded and followed them up the stairs, excited by what
was about to unfold. They entered a
large bedroom and closed the door.
“On your knees, slave.”
A whip cracked.
Jim dropped to his knees and bowed his head, hands behind
his back.
“Ah, I see you’ve been practicing. Rise, and take off your clothes.”
He did as he was told, then dropped back to his knees.
“This is for that horrible sermon you preached.” Crack! A leather flogger struck his left
shoulder blade. “Did you not think I
would hear about it? ‘Woman shall be
subservient to man.’ And while they’re
eating it up, you’re here every week at our mercy.”
“I’m sorry Mistress.
I was feeling guilty.”
Crack! “I did NOT give you permission to speak. For that, you will be gagged until we are
done with you.” A ball gag was stuffed
in his mouth and fastened behind his head.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Is It Me?
For a while now, I've been a little disgruntled about our Tuesday night group. I liked it (back in the day, lol!) when we met between 5-7pm and actually TALKED writing, or passed around and discussed what we were working on, or helping with edits. But now it's evolved into simply a social hour. Some new members have joined in the last year, and the preferred meeting time has been 6-9. Seven of us are published now, and I'm thinking seriously about only showing up once a month now.
Which begs the question, is it me? Did I simply outgrow these people, now I have a regular publisher and editor, and don't need outside help anymore? Or is it simply the fact I don't care to hang around them anymore, that our personalities have simply grown apart?
I like getting out of the house once a week to write. But when talking overrules my writing, then I feel my time is wasted. But on the other hand, it's nice to get out and associate with adults once a week. Or, I can also do that at karaoke.
I need to write more. I didn't write a single word last week, other than my blog posts. And if I want to have a book out next year, I'd better get it written in the next four months. So maybe I simply need to return to the coffee shop, and forego the social hour and venue of the others?
Which begs the question, is it me? Did I simply outgrow these people, now I have a regular publisher and editor, and don't need outside help anymore? Or is it simply the fact I don't care to hang around them anymore, that our personalities have simply grown apart?
I like getting out of the house once a week to write. But when talking overrules my writing, then I feel my time is wasted. But on the other hand, it's nice to get out and associate with adults once a week. Or, I can also do that at karaoke.
I need to write more. I didn't write a single word last week, other than my blog posts. And if I want to have a book out next year, I'd better get it written in the next four months. So maybe I simply need to return to the coffee shop, and forego the social hour and venue of the others?
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Edit Rant
Edits arrived and I want to bitch-slap my editor. Why? There are sooooo many 'suggested changes' that I do NOT agree with! Kind of makes me want to thrust my last two books in her face and say 'See? THIS is how it's done!!!'
-There are so many brand names crucial to my early 80's time period, it literally made me sick to take them out and use their description. IE: Nike and Keds shoes; Izod the alligator; Cheryl Tiegs, Calvin Klein, Jordache, and Chic jeans...the list goes on. And I never realized how many times I used Mountain Dew! Wendy's. McDonalds. Pizza Hut. Olive Garden. Chi-Chi's.
-My dates in itallics. Yes, I jump around in time. Get over it. Have you never read any 'epic sagas'? Not everything has to be a minute-by-minute/day-by-day explanation!!!
-My prologue flashback. This is NOT meant to be an 'in the moment' scene! It's a FLASHBACK, written in Omniscent POV, like a glimpse into her private memories.
This is what happens when you don't have the same editor. This particular one whipped #4 into shape, and now she's trying to edit #7. Why do I need to regurgitate a scene that has already been described in books #5 and 6? There's just enough description for the reader to know; it does not need to be retold!
I'm easy to work with, seriously. And this is only the 2nd time in my 4 year publishing history that I've clashed with an editor. I don't know if she's messing with my voice or trying to tell it her way, but it's driving me crazy. And I need to get these finished so I don't have to mess with it while on vacation! Bad enough I'll be on a review tour that week....ugh! My family's going to hate me every morning.....
I just want T or A back for the rest of this book!!!
-There are so many brand names crucial to my early 80's time period, it literally made me sick to take them out and use their description. IE: Nike and Keds shoes; Izod the alligator; Cheryl Tiegs, Calvin Klein, Jordache, and Chic jeans...the list goes on. And I never realized how many times I used Mountain Dew! Wendy's. McDonalds. Pizza Hut. Olive Garden. Chi-Chi's.
-My dates in itallics. Yes, I jump around in time. Get over it. Have you never read any 'epic sagas'? Not everything has to be a minute-by-minute/day-by-day explanation!!!
-My prologue flashback. This is NOT meant to be an 'in the moment' scene! It's a FLASHBACK, written in Omniscent POV, like a glimpse into her private memories.
This is what happens when you don't have the same editor. This particular one whipped #4 into shape, and now she's trying to edit #7. Why do I need to regurgitate a scene that has already been described in books #5 and 6? There's just enough description for the reader to know; it does not need to be retold!
I'm easy to work with, seriously. And this is only the 2nd time in my 4 year publishing history that I've clashed with an editor. I don't know if she's messing with my voice or trying to tell it her way, but it's driving me crazy. And I need to get these finished so I don't have to mess with it while on vacation! Bad enough I'll be on a review tour that week....ugh! My family's going to hate me every morning.....
I just want T or A back for the rest of this book!!!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Weird Dream
What did I eat/drink before I went to bed?
I was fine until I got up at 5:30 to put my dog outside. I went back to bed (when will I learn??) and tried to squeeze in another hour of sleep.
Imagine my surprise when I finally dragged myself out of bed at 7:15, puzzled and slightly icked out by the dream I'd had.
I'd woken up in bed beside Ozzy Osborn, and he'd been a complete gentleman during the night. We dressed, and a guy who looked like Penn (from Penn and Teller fame) greeted me and the three of us drove to a dilapidated beach house. We looked through it, discovered the owner either comatose or dead; it was never really explained. And then Penn alluded to mine and Ozzy's engagement.
I laughed. "But he's not divorced from Sharon yet! We can't be engaged!"
That's when I woke up, shuddering at 1) dreaming I'd slept with Ozzy; 2) 'Penn' thought we were engaged; and 3) what the hell were we doing, walking around this guy's house?
I was fine until I got up at 5:30 to put my dog outside. I went back to bed (when will I learn??) and tried to squeeze in another hour of sleep.
Imagine my surprise when I finally dragged myself out of bed at 7:15, puzzled and slightly icked out by the dream I'd had.
I'd woken up in bed beside Ozzy Osborn, and he'd been a complete gentleman during the night. We dressed, and a guy who looked like Penn (from Penn and Teller fame) greeted me and the three of us drove to a dilapidated beach house. We looked through it, discovered the owner either comatose or dead; it was never really explained. And then Penn alluded to mine and Ozzy's engagement.
I laughed. "But he's not divorced from Sharon yet! We can't be engaged!"
That's when I woke up, shuddering at 1) dreaming I'd slept with Ozzy; 2) 'Penn' thought we were engaged; and 3) what the hell were we doing, walking around this guy's house?
Monday, May 6, 2013
Graduation Plans
I can't talk about this on my other blog, b/c I'm not sure how often a friend reads it. I'm lying through my teeth to longtime friend K, all because of the way she acted 3 years ago at my son's graduation, and it took nearly everything I had NOT to kill her. My daughter does NOT want her at her graduation or party, and frankly, neither do I. Here's a little back story:
In 1998 or '99, K came to our house for a visit. We took her out to dinner, and on the way home, she was tickling my older son and laughing with him. S, age 3 or 4 at the time, decided she wanted in on the fun, and tickled K, who snapped, 'Don't do that.'
S burst into tears; I calmly stated, "She was only trying to join in; why is it okay for you to tease KD, but not receive it from S?"
She didn't have any response to that, and when we arrived home, she decided to pack up and leave.
Fast-forward to 2010. I won't bore you with the frustration I had at getting her a hotel room. I had TOLD her weeks in advance, to get her reservations made. And then thankfully, a cancellation made it possible for her and N to get a room at the EconoLodge.
Graduation dinner went fine; graduation was fine. But the next morning, time was tight in order to get the food, decorations, drinks, etc, out to the park. K and N sat in my living room, not offering to help. I finally asked if they'd go pick up the guacamole, and they left.
We packed everything into the van, then I realized we'd still have to pick up the cake, and there was no room left. I told the spouse to go ahead; K and N would be returning soon and we'd follow.
I waited....and waited. Finally, K and N arrived, and I directed them to the bakery. They followed me in, and as I'm trying to herd them out the door, K drools over the candy display and asks for a chocolate pretzel, and talking to the owner about various chocolates. Really? I need to be at the park in 5 mins; it takes at least 15-20 minutes to drive, and you want a pretzel dipped in chocolate? What part of 'I'm in a hurry' did you not understand?
We arrive at the park, where thankfully, my mom and aunt were arranging the food and getting everything set up. K and N get out their chairs and sit down while I jump out with the cake and get it set up.
K's party was a success; and then we packed everything back into the van and K's car. When we arrived back at the house, K and N once again plopped their plus-size asses on my couch while the rest of us carried things in. When I finally said something, they got to their feet as the last of it was being brought in.
My mother was incensed, and asked me about it. I told her I was furious, but needed K to stay out of my way until I cooled down. I put the leftovers in the fridge, then packed my overnight bag, since I was going home with Mom and Dad to attend the Indy 500. K and N left at the same time to return to their motel room; as soon as we were on the road, I called my BFF and vented.
"I told you to come down and keep me from killing her!"
"Sounds like you showed great restraint. I probably would have killed her if you hadn't!"
So when my daughter's graduation approached, she adamantly refused to have a party if K was invited. So I told K no party. Then she said she wanted to come for graduation. So I told her S refused to go through the ceremony, and K and N will not make the trip.
But this poses a problem for me: I cannot post anything about her party or graduation on Facebook or on my other blog, because N reads it. I don't know if she only reads it when I promo, or if it's a daily thing. And I also cannot post pictures anywhere afterward, unless I say it was a last minute change of heart!
So right now, I'm spending this week combing through 18 years of photos for the collage I'm making to display.
And we're praying the rain moves out of our area by Saturday!!
In 1998 or '99, K came to our house for a visit. We took her out to dinner, and on the way home, she was tickling my older son and laughing with him. S, age 3 or 4 at the time, decided she wanted in on the fun, and tickled K, who snapped, 'Don't do that.'
S burst into tears; I calmly stated, "She was only trying to join in; why is it okay for you to tease KD, but not receive it from S?"
She didn't have any response to that, and when we arrived home, she decided to pack up and leave.
Fast-forward to 2010. I won't bore you with the frustration I had at getting her a hotel room. I had TOLD her weeks in advance, to get her reservations made. And then thankfully, a cancellation made it possible for her and N to get a room at the EconoLodge.
Graduation dinner went fine; graduation was fine. But the next morning, time was tight in order to get the food, decorations, drinks, etc, out to the park. K and N sat in my living room, not offering to help. I finally asked if they'd go pick up the guacamole, and they left.
We packed everything into the van, then I realized we'd still have to pick up the cake, and there was no room left. I told the spouse to go ahead; K and N would be returning soon and we'd follow.
I waited....and waited. Finally, K and N arrived, and I directed them to the bakery. They followed me in, and as I'm trying to herd them out the door, K drools over the candy display and asks for a chocolate pretzel, and talking to the owner about various chocolates. Really? I need to be at the park in 5 mins; it takes at least 15-20 minutes to drive, and you want a pretzel dipped in chocolate? What part of 'I'm in a hurry' did you not understand?
We arrive at the park, where thankfully, my mom and aunt were arranging the food and getting everything set up. K and N get out their chairs and sit down while I jump out with the cake and get it set up.
K's party was a success; and then we packed everything back into the van and K's car. When we arrived back at the house, K and N once again plopped their plus-size asses on my couch while the rest of us carried things in. When I finally said something, they got to their feet as the last of it was being brought in.
My mother was incensed, and asked me about it. I told her I was furious, but needed K to stay out of my way until I cooled down. I put the leftovers in the fridge, then packed my overnight bag, since I was going home with Mom and Dad to attend the Indy 500. K and N left at the same time to return to their motel room; as soon as we were on the road, I called my BFF and vented.
"I told you to come down and keep me from killing her!"
"Sounds like you showed great restraint. I probably would have killed her if you hadn't!"
So when my daughter's graduation approached, she adamantly refused to have a party if K was invited. So I told K no party. Then she said she wanted to come for graduation. So I told her S refused to go through the ceremony, and K and N will not make the trip.
But this poses a problem for me: I cannot post anything about her party or graduation on Facebook or on my other blog, because N reads it. I don't know if she only reads it when I promo, or if it's a daily thing. And I also cannot post pictures anywhere afterward, unless I say it was a last minute change of heart!
So right now, I'm spending this week combing through 18 years of photos for the collage I'm making to display.
And we're praying the rain moves out of our area by Saturday!!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
When To Stop?
I've seen some discussions on when a series has gone on long enough; when do you draw the line 'enough is enough'?
My answer has always been 'when I can no longer keep the stories fresh. I do not want to keep writing the same thing over and over.'
Why do I bring this up?
Because this past month I was fortunate enough to three books by two different authors in which, in my humble opinion, the authors did not know when to end the STORY.
One author has written a series of books, and to hear her talk about them, her fans clamored for the secondary characters to have their own stories. Fine and dandy; I can relate to that. Others do it all the time. BUT....the stories overlap so much, it gets confusing. Book #1 was wonderful; book #2 was a nice sequel; Book #3 kept going....and going.....and going......I had a hard time believing one woman could keep going back and forth between the two men, one of whom came off as a wuss. I disliked him intensely, and wanted to yell at him that there were more women out there. Man up and go find one. Forget this chick who can't seem to make up her mind!
Then we come to book #4. Which goes BACK to everyone's college years....then catches up to book #1, then book #2.....then WHAM! Suddenly this M/M story goes back and forth M/M; M/F; then M/F/M or M/M/F. Then a character dies, and it becomes M/F again. Make up your mind! Oh, then we're back to Book #3's storyline....and there's an annoying female secondary character who I also want to bitch slap and tell her 'there are more men out there....stay away from these two!'
And there are at least three more books in this series?
Yes, I want to read them. And yes, I'm probably going to skim a great deal if I get mad again. I'd prefer to WIN the rest of the books in contests, but this author has contests which frankly, I don't have the time to follow all the damn instructions/blogs in order to be entered.
And that's another thing: Keep contests SIMPLE....just leave a comment and you're entered. Not this 'follow', 'like', 'leave a comment on all 20+ blogs...' Who the hell has TIME for all that?
Okay, that rant's over.
The next author has only one book out. I read and enjoyed the first few chapters, and then came to an ENTIRE section which failed to hold my interest. It literally made me sleepy. I had to put it down, take a nap or read something else, and then return to it for another two or three chapters.
And then I came to the last three or four chapters, and enjoyed every word:)
The action in the middle dragged. I kept wanting things to move along....but in my opinion, the author went off on a tangent and finally wandered around to his original plot point.
So authors, please reread your work? Get a good crit partner?
This is why I limited my books to a year or two in the lives of my girls. Why Keri's story stops at a 'HEAFN' ending. It kept bleeding into books 4 and 5, when her ending is clearly told both times. It didn't need to be told 3 times. And-hint, hint-she comes back at a later date, and gets her HEA. There; now you have an incentive to keep reading:)
My answer has always been 'when I can no longer keep the stories fresh. I do not want to keep writing the same thing over and over.'
Why do I bring this up?
Because this past month I was fortunate enough to three books by two different authors in which, in my humble opinion, the authors did not know when to end the STORY.
One author has written a series of books, and to hear her talk about them, her fans clamored for the secondary characters to have their own stories. Fine and dandy; I can relate to that. Others do it all the time. BUT....the stories overlap so much, it gets confusing. Book #1 was wonderful; book #2 was a nice sequel; Book #3 kept going....and going.....and going......I had a hard time believing one woman could keep going back and forth between the two men, one of whom came off as a wuss. I disliked him intensely, and wanted to yell at him that there were more women out there. Man up and go find one. Forget this chick who can't seem to make up her mind!
Then we come to book #4. Which goes BACK to everyone's college years....then catches up to book #1, then book #2.....then WHAM! Suddenly this M/M story goes back and forth M/M; M/F; then M/F/M or M/M/F. Then a character dies, and it becomes M/F again. Make up your mind! Oh, then we're back to Book #3's storyline....and there's an annoying female secondary character who I also want to bitch slap and tell her 'there are more men out there....stay away from these two!'
And there are at least three more books in this series?
Yes, I want to read them. And yes, I'm probably going to skim a great deal if I get mad again. I'd prefer to WIN the rest of the books in contests, but this author has contests which frankly, I don't have the time to follow all the damn instructions/blogs in order to be entered.
And that's another thing: Keep contests SIMPLE....just leave a comment and you're entered. Not this 'follow', 'like', 'leave a comment on all 20+ blogs...' Who the hell has TIME for all that?
Okay, that rant's over.
The next author has only one book out. I read and enjoyed the first few chapters, and then came to an ENTIRE section which failed to hold my interest. It literally made me sleepy. I had to put it down, take a nap or read something else, and then return to it for another two or three chapters.
And then I came to the last three or four chapters, and enjoyed every word:)
The action in the middle dragged. I kept wanting things to move along....but in my opinion, the author went off on a tangent and finally wandered around to his original plot point.
So authors, please reread your work? Get a good crit partner?
This is why I limited my books to a year or two in the lives of my girls. Why Keri's story stops at a 'HEAFN' ending. It kept bleeding into books 4 and 5, when her ending is clearly told both times. It didn't need to be told 3 times. And-hint, hint-she comes back at a later date, and gets her HEA. There; now you have an incentive to keep reading:)
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Don't You Just....
....love it when friends offer support, but even your own PUBLISHER won't acknowledge your presence?
My latest book was sent on a review tour. Wonderful! I'm getting good review, posting links everywhere I possibly can, without being overly-pushy about it, and I feel somewhat invisible. I've walked a close line of yelling 'Look at me!' and 'Please, please PLEASE someone leave me a comment/show me some love!'
There was a post on FB about how an effective marketing tool would be to promote others, not just yourself. I do this all the time, but rarily get it in return.
And I get sick of seeing others post the same promo spot hourly. I've been posting it twice; once in the morning and again in the evening. I realize not everyone scrolls through their entire 'feed' to see what others have posted, but I'm nosy like that (lol!).
When I post to the loops, I check back several times a day, if I'm not on digest. So yes, I'll respond to comments.
Sorry for the 'Debbie Downer'....just feeling a bit irritated at not being the 'favored child' by this particular publisher. And not getting any support from other authors or even other friends whom I share their links with the world.
My latest book was sent on a review tour. Wonderful! I'm getting good review, posting links everywhere I possibly can, without being overly-pushy about it, and I feel somewhat invisible. I've walked a close line of yelling 'Look at me!' and 'Please, please PLEASE someone leave me a comment/show me some love!'
There was a post on FB about how an effective marketing tool would be to promote others, not just yourself. I do this all the time, but rarily get it in return.
And I get sick of seeing others post the same promo spot hourly. I've been posting it twice; once in the morning and again in the evening. I realize not everyone scrolls through their entire 'feed' to see what others have posted, but I'm nosy like that (lol!).
When I post to the loops, I check back several times a day, if I'm not on digest. So yes, I'll respond to comments.
Sorry for the 'Debbie Downer'....just feeling a bit irritated at not being the 'favored child' by this particular publisher. And not getting any support from other authors or even other friends whom I share their links with the world.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Yes, It's A Choice!
Last week, the Supreme Court began hearings on the same sex marriage arguments, and FB began 'lighting up red' in posts, profile pics changing, etc. I only saw maybe 3 posts to the contrary. So on Thursday, I decided it was time to voice my own opinion.
I found a quiet post, rebuttaling the arguments and shared it. A friend had posted it several minutes (maybe even an hour) before with a few 'likes' and no comments. But a minute after I shared it, one of my more liberal HS friends commented:
I found a quiet post, rebuttaling the arguments and shared it. A friend had posted it several minutes (maybe even an hour) before with a few 'likes' and no comments. But a minute after I shared it, one of my more liberal HS friends commented:
- Molly Daniels I'm not against civil unions; I'm all for gay couples having the same legal rights (adoption, spousal-health-issue rights, etc), but have trouble with the biblical/moral aspect. In fact, funnily enough, I show both sides in my next book, arriving in April. I respect my friends who are for the issue; I ask for equal respect for my views. I don't want to lose friends over this issue; but on my 'feed', the 'pro' side greatly outnumbers the 'con' side. Just wanted to equal things up a little. We all have a right to our opinions w/o it turning into a 'me-vs-you' debate.
- Trisha Fogleman What does the bible have anything to do with governmental decisions? Church and state should be separate.
Civil unions are not the same as marriage and separate but equal has not ever stood in this country.
I don't understand how you could take this position. It's not that I don't respect your position, but rather I'm completely dumbfounded by it. - Molly Daniels LOL....I see both sides of the issue, and am just trying to keep the peace. This is one hot-button topic I really don't care to get involved in a heated debate. I have gay friends, gay married friends, and people who are in favor of DOMA. I don't agree with the fact gay spouses aren't awarded the same rights as hetero spouses when it comes to certain legal issues. And unfortunately, I'm married to a stubborn bigot who is appalled by the whole issue. So I keep quiet.
- Catherine Vogel Gadberry Molly, I feel exactly the same on the issue. Civil unions/domestic partnerships with equal rights to married couples.
- Molly Daniels Exactly:) LOL....Thanks Cath....I'm now watching to see if I lose any friends....don't think YOU got any comments! Was just hoping to slip this into my feed and go about my merry, non-confrontational way.....
- Trisha Fogleman That isn't equality. If you think there should be civil unions, then there should be civil unions for all- the government can get out of the marriage business altogether. Then marriage can be a religious ceremony in the church.
- Trisha Fogleman Yep government should stay out of the churches, and churches should stay out of government. No more tax breaks, nada. It's a two way street.
- Molly Daniels I already know I'm going to take some flack from the GLBT community when that book comes out....I had to cut most of the sex scenes. Unless editor wants them back in...then I'll have to have them ghost-written.
- Catherine Vogel Gadberry Molly, a lot of my friends and half my family are for marriage equality. We just don't stir each other up on Facebook.
- Molly Daniels Yes. Did you see the cover for Searching For Love? It's more of a 'Bi-curious' story. Woman caught between another woman and her casual male lover. One of my roommate's story, fictionalized. And my cover artist created a wonderful cover which resembles the Queen in a deck of cards. Really tasteful and elegant.
- Molly Daniels Caught a lot of flack from the parents while writing it; wanted to incorporate both sides of the argument and make sure I had the facts straight. Still learning, lol:)
- Molly Daniels Here's the blurb, Trish.
Stephanie Ridgeman is sick of men. She's tired of watching her best friends go through heartache and question their goals, all in the name of love. When she meets a young woman who introduces her to another lifestyle, Steph’s curiosity overwhelms her. She discovers there are different ways of expressing love, although society shuns her new views. When she learns her parents disapprove, will it affect her choice?
Jodie Armstrong lost a partner to AIDS the previous year, and is intrigued by the young woman whose friends’ antics rival those of a soap opera. She patiently answers Steph’s hesitant questions concerning her lifestyle choices and encourages Stephanie to follow her heart. Will Steph ever figure out which world she belongs in, and will her friends accept her decisions? - Molly Daniels Friends can agree to disagree sweetie. I'm at a loss for why it's okay for everyone else to express their opinion but I can't. I'm not slamming anyone for their lifestyle choices. Maybe when everyone's emotions calm down. ((((((((HUGS))))))))
- Trisha Fogleman I'm not upset about your opinion I'm upset about that blurb. Appalled doesn't begin to describe what I'm feeling right now.
- Karen McClive All the points in this article seem very silly to me. My marriage is not defined by someone else. And there are other dumb statements in that article.. such as this one: o use an analogy, men and women have equal rights, but because they significantly differ they require separate restrooms. Equality means treating similar things similarly, but not things that are fundamentally different. NOOOOO Men and women DO NOT NEED separate bathrooms. Do we have separate bathrooms in our home? No.. Family Restrooms are popping up all over the place that either men or women can go into. The restroom thing is done for convenience and nothing more. Sorry but I don't buy it. Marriage should be for whoever wants it.. it's a human made institution that has changed over time and will continue to change.
- Molly Daniels Trish: My website, my author page, and under the picture on FB. It won't be anywhere else until the book is edited and released, most likely this month or early next.
- Trisha Fogleman So when you release your version of the LGBT story, are you going to have transparency to say that you think gays are less than straights and undeserving of all the rights enjoyed by straight people?I then sent T a private message:I didn't want to answer on the thread, since I knew a 'spoiler alert' would be in my reply.To answer your question: I express both views on the issue in a fictional manner. And at the end of the book, the women are together, and each wear wedding bands. And in the epilogue, I have Stephanie bemoaning the fact her wife didn't leave a will; they had an appointment to do that the following week before Jodie falls ill and dies. Fortunately, though, Jodie's parents accept Steph into their daughter's life and give her full access as a spouse. And Steph says to her friends not to delay in drawing up their wills, in case they're not as lucky as she.The timeline of this book is from 1988 (when Billie Jo came out to myself and another friend) through late 1990's or even 2000; I can't remember exactly. It reflects the views back then, but is also timeless, since we're still arguing it now in the Supreme Court, and states are legalizing it. I just happened to write this in 2003, and publisher picked it up last fall. I just have a feeling I'll take flack for not having more sex scenes in it. But my best friend is bi, so she's offered to help me out if necessary.
- Jacqueline Dean Roth · 11 mutual friends
I was stunned you reposted that bigotted mess, and concerned that with that attitude you are publishing a GLBT story. I just can't imagine that the story will be an honest portrayal. You have stepped into a topic that is a mine field and if it isn't handled well could backlash hard against you as the author. The straight girl who is curious and can't decide what world she belongs in? That is a dishonest cliche at best. There are not two worlds. We all live in the same world. - Jacquwenteline Dean Roth · 11 mutual friends
And you do realize that the risk of lesbians contracting HIV is lower than any other subgroup except the celebate? In the rare cases it's happened it's been because of involvement with a bi partner. - Trisha Fogleman I expressed much the same concerns and more with Molly. I do feel she has good intentions but it is troubling.
I agree about the AIDS issue too. I live in SF which was ground zero of the epidemic, and the lesbian angle with it just does not ring true. Give her cancer instead. - Lori Oglesby Johnson You know I had to come looking... lol..... I don't see how anyone could read those "reasons" and think they are valid. As I read, I found myself wondering if they were written tongue-in-cheek. Marriage between elderly people is so rare that it's not wo...See More
- Lori Oglesby Johnson For the record, the post I just made about Christians has nothing to do with you or this thread... it's about something that happened last night. Just wanted to you know know that...
- I went over to L's thread and we had a very civil, non-threatening conversation. I then closed the laptop and got ready to attend the Outdoor Way of the Cross, even carrying it twice.And I especially needed to be reminded at the beginning. Fr. Dave reminded us we need to stand up for our beliefs and not waver. I felt better after hearing that, and it strengthened me.So what's the big deal? Why am I posting this? Because contrary to what T and others believe, it is a choice! God gave us Free Will, and the freedom to choose Him or reject Him. If being gay isn't a choice, but rather 'the way I was born', then society would fall apart. People would run rampant; we would all be acting like two-year olds demanding instant gratification and giving in to our base desires.No, it is choice. Even if a person believes they were born the wrong gender, or discovers they aren't attracted to the opposite sex, there is still a choice to be made: Decision for sex change. Decision to stop pursuing the opposite sex, or to stop trying to 'conform'. The decision to go against everything you've been taught, if you were raised in a biblical home.I'm not saying if you feel this way it's wrong. But you don't have to give in. Live your life quietly. Go ahead and have a long relationship with that partner who makes you happy. But don't call it 'marriage'. I'm all for civil unions/domestic partnerships. I cannot throw stones at you, since I engaged in premarital sex and cohabitated before marrying my spouse.But if you're one of the ones who can't come out of the closet, then live a quiet life, a non-sexual life. Two friends of mine have taken this route. They haven't admitted it (that I know of, anyway!), but do nearly everything together, but not The Act. They maintain separate homes.And that's their choice. At least one of them is aware it wouldn't be acceptable in her family, so she chooses not to give in.
I was in tears after the first part of this exchange, and realized I'd forgotten to put on my 'armor'. I'd not had a shower yet, and therefore had not had my Quiet Time. I felt better after doing this, although I still felt a little bruised.
And the next morning, my friend J jumped into the discussion, but I chose to ignore her comments.
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