Nancy Kelly Allen's Blog, page 5

Guest Author Sandi Underwood

Nancy: Sandi Underwood, welcome back. Again, congratulations on Mountain Laurel, your latest book, as well as Blood Money and The Secret at One Belmont Lane. Is it true there may be a sequel in the works? 


Sandi: Thank you, Nancy. It’s great to be back, and thank you for asking about sequels. I often say I’m humbled when someone asks about my books and especially when they ask for more−and that is exactly what happened with all three. I have finished the sequel to Blood Money, my adult romantic-mystery, so I have my fingers crossed that it can find a home at a publisher.


I am interested in a sequel for my first book, The Secret at One Belmont Lane−a Middle Grade Paranormal Mystery−and have a plot in mind, but that one is still in plotting stage.


As for the last one, Mountain Laurel, I simply must write a sequel so folks will know which boy Laurel chooses. The story is about my parents’ first date and the main character (Laurel) is ‘struck’ on one boy but invites another to go on a church outing to Norris Dam. She finds herself in one pickle after another.  


A sweet side note happened after my first book signing for Mountain Laurel. A lady from my Church tracked me down to buy a book for her future granddaughter-in-law, whose name is Laurel. When the lady read the article in the local newspaper promoting my book, she decided she just had to present the future bride one of my books at her upcoming wedding shower. I thought my heart would burst right out of my chest!


And just last night, another friend from church called to ask if she could drop by to pick up a copy of Mountain Laurel. It seems her daughter works with a lady whose brother “thought the world of my dad.” Encouragement like that spurs me on and makes me want to be a better writer. That’s why I pour over your blog. I always find some little nugget that sticks, either with a WIP (work in progress) or I’ll file it away for when I slam up against that wall known as ‘writer’s block’.


Back to your question, yes, I do plan sequels for all three books. Apparently, in my case anyway, one book will just not work. There’s more to the stories that need to be told.


Nancy: Wow! You’ve got characters chasing characters in that brain of yours. I don’t know how you keep them all straight, but it sure sounds exciting. Were the characters in the first two books based on real people? How do you develop a character to make it seem so real?


Sandi: My first two books were not based on real characters. The last one, of course, was−my parents. 


For Blood Money, my adult romantic-mystery, I created character sketches. Most of that content never made it into the book, but the background work helped me develop their identity…helped me stay ‘in voice’ and aided me in fleshing out their total personality, down to the way he/she talked, carried themselves…even their taste in clothes. The exercise was daunting, but kept me on course when writing scenes. It kept me from portraying that specific character in conflicting ways that my readers might find false or hard to follow; or at least, that’s how it seemed to me.


I had several reviews for Blood Money and a few touched on how they felt they were right in the scene with the character. One lady said she couldn’t put the book down because she got so absorbed walking right alongside Alex−she felt as if she saw what Alex saw and felt what Alex felt. Talk about humbling! That’s sweet music to my ears.


As for developing the story, you know as well as I how those characters niggle your mind when you least expect it. I recently was at an art class and the instructor asked if I was okay. He said I was quiet−which is unlike me. I answered truthfully that I was on a moonlit beach in Miami working out the plot on Blood Moon (the sequel to Blood Money).


Nancy: Daydreaming for writers is considered work, right Sandi? On another note, my claim to fame: I created the title for the sequel to Blood Money, which is Blood Moon. (I’m stealing some of your credit, Sandi.) Thanks for writing books readers love to read, the writing tips, and visiting this blog. I hope you’ll come back when your next book is released. Tell the Followers where will you be signing books in the near future.


Sandi: I will be at Tusculum’s University Old Oaks Festival April 12-14, and I hope to join in a couple more this summer. My appearances will be posted on Facebook at Sandi Underwood @gcywriter, on Twitter @SandiGCY and my website at www.sandiunderwood.net.


If nothing else, you can email me at sandiu@comcast.net. Thank you, Nancy, for your wonderful direction and continuing guidance in your blogs.


Nancy: Sandi’s books can be purchased at— Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and other online bookstores. You can get a signed copy by emailing her at sandiu@comcast.net.

For more about Sandi, check out her blog: Sandiu.blogspot.com


Call for Submissions for Young Writers:
Cliché Teen Journal. Have something you would like to be shared to the Cliché Teen Journal? Why not submit it? We accept a broad range of submissions. If you are between the ages of 13 through 19, consider submitting to us. (If you don't fit in the age range, we may make an exception if you contact us first!) Whether it is fiction, non-fiction, poetry, prose, personal essays, art, photography, or anything else you have been working on, feel free to submit. All you have to do is follow the submission details and view the submission seasons in the submission guidelines tab!
Submissions guidelines at https://xn--clichteen-f4a.weebly.com/...

Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
Fun for Kidz. We are looking for lively writing that involves an activity that is both wholesome and unusual. The Ideal length of a FUN FOR KIDZ nonfiction piece is up to 300-325 words for a one-page magazine article or up to 600-650 words for a two-page magazine article. Articles that are accompanied by strong high-resolution photos are far more likely to be accepted than those requiring illustration.
Submissions guidelines at http://funforkidzmagazines.com/ffk_gu...

Nancy Kelly Allen has written 50+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK.
Comment or check out the blog at https://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

Today, I’m so happy to welcome Sandi Underwood, author of...

Today, I’m so happy to welcome Sandi Underwood, author of Mountain Laurel, as a guest author. Tell us about your latest book and what inspired you to write it. 

Sandi:Thank you for inviting me to your blog. I love reading your writing tips and I learn something each time. Thank you, also, for asking about Mountain Laurel. Out of my three books, this is my favorite. 


Mountain Laurel represents my mother at what I perceive her to be at age 14. She (and Dad) loved to tell stories about their childhood. It wasn’t until much later that I started writing them down, but every story in Mountain Laurel is based on stories from their childhood, stories I’d heard all my life. I wanted a way to preserve them for my grandchildren, so what better way than to write a book?


As my publisher describes it, Mountain Laurel is told through the eyes of a fourteen-year-old Appalachian girl in 1936. The acquisition editor stated he could see it being marketed to teachers for classroom use as the flavor and events are factual. It is set in the Smoky Mountains−close to where I grew up−and features the opening of Norris Dam, the first project of the newly formed Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which was part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s ‘New Deal’.


Nancy: A sequel may be in the works, right? If so, I want to read it.


Sandi: Mountain Laurel came out early March of this year and I cannot tell you how many people have already asked, “Well, who did Laurel choose−William or Mason?” You’ll need to read the story to learn why, but my answer is a teaser. I tell them I already have the sequel titled. It will be _____’s Story. I’d love to keep the secret until the very end; however, I doubt any publisher would agree to that, but wouldn’t it be fun!


Nancy:I’m sure readers will want to know who Laurel chose. I sure did as I read it.

You’ve been writing for years. If you could tell your younger “writer self” anything, what would it be? 

Sandi: I would tell my younger self what I tell every wanna-be writer: BIC (Butt in chair!) I didn’t get serious about writing until I was in my late 30s, but I’ve always loved to write. The answer is simple: writers write. Writing is like any other craft−the more you do, the better at it you become.

Nancy:Excellent advice, Sandi. We wish you the best with Mountain Laurel. I loved it so much, I had to ask if you would visit this blog. Would you consider visiting again in a couple of weeks to update us on future books you are working on? And one more question. Where will you be signing books this spring?


Sandi:Nancy, I’m honored to be a guest on your blog. I’ll come back any time you ask. As for book signings, my next one is the weekend of April 12-14 at The Old Oaks Festival at Tusculum University−the oldest University in Tennessee and the 28th oldest in the United States. The three-day festival has loads of food vendors, local crafters, and musicians. Last year, there were approximately fifteen authors on “Author’s Row,” some from your home state of Kentucky. I’m thrilled to join them−a first for me; but to be honest, I go every year just for the funnel cakes!


Nancy:That festival sounds wonderful. Sandi’s book can be found at the following:  Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and other online bookstores. You can get a signed copy by emailing her at sandiu@comcast.net.


Also, you can follow her blog: Sandiu.blogspot.com 


Call for Submissions for Young Writers:
Skipping Stones. Writing (essays, stories, riddles) limited to 1,000 words and poems to 30 lines.
Submissions guidelines at http://www.skippingstones.org/submiss...
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:

Amazing Kids! Online Magazine. Do you love writing, art, photography or videography, and are between the ages of 5 to 18? Would you like to be published in the Amazing Kids! Online Magazine? Read the following Amazing Kids!’ Writers Guidelines carefully, then submit your writing and art; it might just be published in an upcoming issue!
Submissions guidelines at http://mag.amazing-kids.org/get-invol...

Leave a message or check out my blog at www.nancykellyallen.com
Nancy Kelly Allen has written 50+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK.

“Write” Start: Emotions

So far in my last few blogs, I’ve discussed different ways to open stories. This week the “write” start begins with emotions. Make the readers smile or laugh with the opening sentence. Or scare them. Shock them, even. Any emotion works to grab the readers’ attention.

Humor is a winner with any age group. But what’s funny? That varies with age, so ALWAYS write to your audience. In DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, the first line tickles my funnybone: “First of all, let me get something straight: this is a journal, not a diary.” So does THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGENT EVER: “The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world.”A Wrinkle in Time oozed with intrigue: “It was a dark and stormy night.” The first line in A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS is a bit scary: “If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book.”
Play with words. See what type of opening works best with the story you are writing. If you find that writing an attention-grabbing first line is difficult, you’re not alone. That is the most difficult line of the entire book, so take your time. Remember, you don’t have to have the first line written to write the second and third lines. Just write. Revision comes into play after you finish the first draft. That also gives you time to think about the opening. And to rewrite. And rewrite. And rewrite. After all that, try out your opening with a few fellow writers and ask for feedback.
Call for Submissions for Young Writers:
Magic Dragon. Writing – Work should be neatly printed or typed. If you type it, please double-space. Stories and essays can be up to three pages, poetry up to 30 lines. It is ok to send writing that you have also illustrated. You can write about anything that is important to you; it can be serious or funny, true or fiction. If you send originals and want them returned, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Submissions guidelines at http://www.magicdragonmagazine.com/?p...

Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:
Chicken Soup. Miracles do happen each and every day. Everyone has experienced events in their lives that cause wonder and astonishment and give them hope for a better future. Why did these things happen? Is there an explanation? Or did these things seem to happen for no reason at all?




We are looking for true stories of no more than 1,200 words for this multi-faith book that will awe you with examples of amazing events and unexplained happenings. Share your inspirational stories with us to remind us that each day holds hope and to never give up. A miracle can happen at any time.
Submissions guidelines at https://www.chickensoup.com/story-sub...


Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK.
Leave a message or check out my blog at www.nancykellyallen.com

“Write” Start: Action

Action is another way to open a story, whether it’s a picture book, chapter book or YA novel. The official term is in media res, Latin for “in the midst of action.” Delving the reader into the exploits of the main character establishes the stakes at risk and ups the tension. I used this style of opening in FORTY WINKS. A dragon zoomed around the child’s room at night, waking him. 
Opening a story with action places the reader in the middle of the scene as it is taking place. It’s been used for centuries, as far back as the Roman poet Horace who stated that an epic poem should not begin “from the egg” but should “snatch” the listener “into the middle of things.” It kicks the story off in the middle of the plot. 
To begin with action, something happens. The action may be near the beginning of the story, or closer to the middle or ending. The writer then backtracks to introduce the character and the situation.
Call for Submissions for Young Writers:

The Louisville Review accepts accepts submissions of previously unpublished poetry from students in grades K-12. Seeks writing that looks for fresh ways to recreate scenes and feelings. Honest emotion and original imagery are more important to a poem than rhyming and big topics—such as life, moralizing, and other abstractions. Parental signature must accompany submissions. Unsolicited submissions of fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and drama year round. All work must be previously unpublished. Reply time is 3-6 months. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please notify us promptly via email if your work is accepted elsewhere. All submissions are considered based on quality of writing above all else.
Submissions guidelines at http://www.louisvillereview.org/submi...
Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:

East of the Web. East of the Web is keen to provide exposure for writers by offering them a place where their work will be seen and read in a high quality, respected setting. The site receives about half a million unique visitors per month, so successful submissions are likely to be viewed by more readers than in almost any other short story publication. In addition, the site receives attention from agents, the press, film makers, schools, universities and other publishers.

Submissions guidelines at http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-sto...


Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK.
Leave a message or check out my blog at www.nancykellyallen.com

"Write" Start: Image

Today’s blog is a continuation of the “Write” Start series. Along with appealing to the readers with unexpected events or situations and stirring their curiosity, try writing the opening with an image. Focus on a sensory detail—see, hear, touch, taste, smell—with the first line. In  my picture book, DEAR KOMODO DRAGON, the opening focuses on a visual setting:

Over on Komodo Island living, breathing dragons, giant, man-eating dragons, sharp-clawed and fierce, stomp through the wood and lurk in the grass, ready to attack.

The goal is to immediately engross the reader in the setting, hooked by the image. Background information and context can come later. 

Beginning with an image provides a pivotal moment that creates an interesting mental picture. First lines are difficult to write. If we can provide the readers with information to paint a picture in their minds, they are more likely to keep turning the pages. The opening scene is the make-or-break moment for the reader. Either engage immediately, or many, maybe most, readers will close the book and choose another.
Call for Submissions for Young Writers: 
Skipping Stones Magazine. Writings (essays, stories, letters to the editor, riddles and proverbs, etc.) should be typed or neatly handwritten and limited to 1,000 words and poems to 30 lines. We encourage writings in all languages with an English translation, if possible. And, we love illustrations! Please send originals of your drawings, paintings, or photos to our post office box address below. Include your name, age, and address along with your submission. We welcome electronic submissions as well.
Submissions guidelines at http://www.skippingstones.org/submiss...

Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:

Boys’ Quest Magazine. We are looking for lively writing, most of it from a 10-year-old boy¹s point of view, with the boy or boys directly involved in an activity that is both wholesome and unusual. Our current need is nonfiction articles accompanied by strong supporting photos. Nonfiction pieces that are accompanied by clear photos with high resolution are far more likely to be accepted than those that need illustrations. The ideal length of a BOYS' QUEST nonfiction piece is 350-375 words for a one-page magazine article or 700-750 words for a two-page magazine article.  Submissions guidelines at http://funforkidzmagazines.com/bq_gui...


Leave a message or check out my blog at www.nancykellyallen.com

“Write” Start: Curiosity

 My last blog focused on the “write” start by introducing the unexpected as the beginning of the story. Another way is to appeal to the reader’s curiosity. In my book, AMAZING GRACE,” a young girl had two mysteries—a wrapped box and a letter—that intrigued her because she didn’t know what was in either.When we stir readers’ curiosity, we hold their interest. They want to dig deeper and explore the story to discover the next turn of events. Readers enjoy immersing themselves in the plot as they attempt to figure out the mystery or how the protagonist will escape from the dire situation the writer has created.As writers, we want to give the reader a compelling force to grasp and hold their attention. Allow them information so they, too, can become part of the team as they try to figure out the solution or solve the problem. End each scene with them wanting more, using such tactics as an unexpected twist to the story, a surprise, or another problem or setback.Call for Submissions for Young Writers:Guardian Angel Kids.
MONTHLY THEMES AND DEADLINES 2019
March----- SADDLE UP! -----February 3 2019
April----- CHALLENGES-----March 3 2019
May------ LIVING IN A FISHBOWL -----April 3 2019
June----- I AM ME -----May 3 2019
July----- SCENT SENSE -----June 3 2019
August----- CONSERVATION FOR KIDS -----July 3 2019
September----- SUPER HERO -----August 3 2019
October----- TRAINS, TRACKS, AND TRAVELERS -----September 3 2019
November----- GAK SAYS LET'S EXPLORE OREGON TRAILS -----October 3 2019
December----- THE BEAUTY OF THE HOLIDAY -----November 3 2019
Submissions guidelines at http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/su...Call for Submissions for Adult Writers: Cast of Wonders. Stories that evoke a sense of wonder, have deep emotional resonance, and have something unreal about them. We aim for a 12-17 age range: that means sophisticated, non-condescending stories with wide appeal, and without gratuitous or explicit sex, violence or pervasive obscene language. Think Harry Potter or The Hunger Games.Submissions guidelines at http://www.castofwonders.org/submissi...

Nancy Kelly Allen has written 50+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK. Comment or check out the blog at https://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

“Write” Start: The Unexpected

As we enter a brand new year, my goal is beginning with the “write” start. A recent study indicated that announcing our resolutions to the world makes authors less likely to follow through on those good intentions. So, instead of resolutions, I’ll broach the subject of ways to open a story to keep the reader interested, the “write” start. Whether writing a picture book or children’s novel, the opening lines should work as an invitation for the reader to keep on reading. It’s the writer’s job to convince the reader to follow along. 
One way to do this is starting with the unexpected. In my book, TROUBLE IN TROUBLESOME CREEK, kids swing across the creek and their landing creates a rock slide that opens an entry into a cave. My goal included an unexpected event to add an element of surprise, make the audience pause for a moment, capture their attention, and intrigue to the point the readers want to know more.In my next blog, I’ll focus on another type of opening to a story: curiosity.Call for Submissions for Young Writers:Magic Dragon. Writing – Work should be neatly printed or typed. If you type it, please double-space. Stories and essays can be up to three pages, poetry up to 30 lines. It is ok to send writing that you have also illustrated. You can write about anything that is important to you; it can be serious or funny, true or fiction. If you send originals and want them returned, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.Submissions guidelines at http://www.magicdragonmagazine.com/?p...Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide. Anthology. We’re looking for stories that:
· Have a main character that a middle grade reader (ages 8-12) can identify with;
· Show a diverse set of real characters;
· Are well written, fun to read, and encourage a love of reading science fiction;
· Tell of adventure, space, science. Give us rockets, robots and alien encounters, and we’re pretty happy; Steampunk, time travel, weird west and alternate history are all fine;
Are between 3,000 and 6,000 words

Submissions guidelines at https://dreamingrobotpress.com/young-...
Nancy Kelly Allen has written 50+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK. Comment or check out the blog at https://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

Hiram and I wish youThe magic of Christmas All year long...

Hiram and I wish youThe magic of Christmas All year long,So spread a little sparkle wherever you go.Use your words to be someone’s sunshine.

Are Restraints Holding You Hostage?

As a visiting author, I’ve been extremely fortunate. I love working with kids, love teaching the writing process to kids, and love their excitement when they share the writing. For the last few weeks, I’ve been working with 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 8th graders, primarily focused on informational and nonfiction pieces. Every day, they amaze me with their creativity and enthusiasm. I especially appreciate word choices and phrasing that distinguishes their personalities through writing. Voice. The concept of grasping the personal uniqueness of writing is not an easy task, yet I see it in these young writers. It makes me wonder why it can be so difficult for adult writers.  
Maybe it’s because the students are fearless in placing thoughts on paper. Adults have a contract hanging in the balance, so maybe we can’t capture the voice because somewhere in our minds someone told us that a particular word or phrasing was not acceptable with some editors. Maybe it’s because we try so hard to write a marketable piece that the manuscript becomes too commonplace to stand out. Maybe we’ve allowed our imaginations to hover, rather than soar.
Let’s shake off our restraints and write to please ourselves. The worst that can happen is no contract. Conversely, a new style of writing may evolve from our fingertips.
Call for Submissions for Young Writers:Skipping Stones. Writings (essays, stories, letters to the editor, riddles and proverbs, etc.) should be typed or neatly handwritten and limited to 1,000 words and poems to 30 lines. We encourage writings in all languages with an English translation, if possible. And, we love illustrations! Please send originals of your drawings, paintings, or photos to our post office box address below. Include your name, age, and address along with your submission. We welcome electronic submissions as well. We prefer Word.doc. or .docx.files or text.edit files. Art and photos can be sent as .jpeg or .tiff files. Please DO NOT send us zip.files.Submissions guidelines at https://www.skippingstones.org/submis...
https://www.skippingstones.org/submis...

Common Writing No-Nos (of which I am guilty)

Oh, those tricky grammar rules. So many. And then there are rules for writing. So many. Plus, factor in the tendency to misuse grammar and writing rules. Realizing my tendency to choose the incorrect word, I watch for my errors knowing that I will find many. So many. 

This writer tends to fall in love with a word and use it too often. Just is one word I just can’t drop…until I force it out during revision. Diverse language adds voice to writing, taking it from a hum to a song. Using the same word repeatedly doesn’t cut it with readers. 
Clichés sneak into our prose and are as boring as Uncle Ned’s tenth retelling of his visit to the E.R. Surprise the reader with sensory descriptions as you write the unexpected. Boring as an old shoe or as watching paint dry adds no excitement to the storytelling because it’s expected.   
I also have a tendency to write sentences of mid-size length. During revision, I actually count the number of words in sentences, for picture books. Vary sentence length. The variety adds rhythm to the text and engages the reader.
I do the same with paragraph lengths. Paragraphs offer breaks in the text, but if all are the same length, that pattern may become boring and expected.
Action verbs help push the plot along. My goal is to provide the reader with visual images of action by using such verbs as slither, hop, scurry. In the first draft, I’m so busy writing character and plot development, non-action verbs—was, have, are, and is—make too many appearances. 
Spell-check catches some mistakes, but in-depth revisions elevate questionable writing to a reader pleaser. 


Call for Submissions for Young Writers:Stone Soup. We publish stories on all subjects—horses, dance, sports, problems at school, problems at home, magical places—and in all genres—literary fiction, science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery—there is no limit to the subject matter of a Stone Soup story. What matters to us is not the subject. It is how interesting your story is to another reader. Does it have a strong beginning, middle, and end? If there is dialogue, is it realistic—is it the way people speak? If your story has talking animals, is there something about the way the animals think or move that feels true to that particular kind of animal?
We publish stories on all subjects—horses, dance, sports, problems at school, problems at home, magical places—and in all genres—literary fiction, science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery—there is no limit to the subject matter of a Stone Soup story. What matters to us is not the subject. It is how interesting your story is to another reader. Does it have a strong beginning, middle, and end? If there is dialogue, is it realistic—is it the way people speak? If your story has talking animals, is there something about the way the animals think or move that feels true to that particular kind of animal?Submission guidelines at https://stonesoup.com/how-to-submit-w...Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:  Fun For Kidz  is a magazine created for boys and girls from 6 to 13 years, with children 8, 9, and 10 the specific target age. Issues are themed. Genres: Nonfiction and fiction. Length: 300-325 words for a one-page magazine article or up to 600-650 words for a two-page magazine article.Submission guidelines at http://funforkidzmagazines.com/ffk_gu...Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK.Leave a message or check out my blog at www.nancykellyallen.com