Allie Boniface's Blog, page 31
May 31, 2013
Friday Fun Facts: Two Websites You Must See!
Happy Friday, everyone! Can you believe tomorrow is the first of June? Where did the spring go?? Here in the lower part of New York, it's been hot and steamy weather, with more promised today and over the weekend. I do love all the green leaves, but WOW! Have to get used to sleeping with the air conditioning on at night...
First website you must visit today: Brenda Novak's Online Auction for Diabetes Research. Today's the very last day that you can bid on items, so take some time and browse...there are a lot to choose from! And there aren't just items for writers or readers, but things like vacations and handmade jewelry and ties and even life coaching sessions. Check it out - all the proceeds go to an awesome cause!
Second website you must visit today: Teaching the Hudson Valley Blog. Featured right now is one of my students and the winning essay he wrote as part of a contest earlier this year. We worked through so many drafts of his work, and I was thrilled when he won. The writing isn't perfect, but the voice is great and really conveys the picture of his favorite spot and why it's "home" to him.
Read, enjoy, bid on auction items, and have a fantastic weekend. And stay cool!
First website you must visit today: Brenda Novak's Online Auction for Diabetes Research. Today's the very last day that you can bid on items, so take some time and browse...there are a lot to choose from! And there aren't just items for writers or readers, but things like vacations and handmade jewelry and ties and even life coaching sessions. Check it out - all the proceeds go to an awesome cause!
Second website you must visit today: Teaching the Hudson Valley Blog. Featured right now is one of my students and the winning essay he wrote as part of a contest earlier this year. We worked through so many drafts of his work, and I was thrilled when he won. The writing isn't perfect, but the voice is great and really conveys the picture of his favorite spot and why it's "home" to him.
Read, enjoy, bid on auction items, and have a fantastic weekend. And stay cool!
May 29, 2013
Writers' Wednesday: A Run-Down of the Latest Writer's Digest
Happy Wednesday, everyone! Time for my run-down of the July/August issue of Writer's Digest. I love this magazine, folks, and if you're a writer, it's worth the annual subscription. It has content for writers of all kinds, all genres, at all steps of the publishing journey. Definitely worth its weight in information!
5 Things Novelists Can Learn From Screenwriters talks about focusing on dialogue, tension, and cutting out the non-necessities - this from the screenwriter of Life of Pi whose first job was reading books & then abridging them for audio.
What "High Concept" Means in Any Genre dissects 7 key qualities that make a book that elusive "high concept" that editors and agents are looking for. Among them: high entertainment value, originality, highly visual, highly emotional, and possessive of mass market appeal. (Sure. Easy, right?)
"New Adult": The Next Big Thing looks at this new YA+ genre, what it includes plot and character-wise (18-24 year olds and their dating/first jobs/first apartments/money issues/identity/self-sufficiency issues), why readers like it, and why it's more than just sexually amped-up YA. The article also mentions 4 agencies currently seeking NA works (check the websites first to see which agents to target!):
Foreword Literary Agency
Nelson Literary Agency
Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency
New Leaf Literary & Media
How to Write and Sell the Cross-Genre Novel is a great look at how many successful authors are blending genres and targeting multiple audiences, following their own hearts and interests in doing so. Charlaine Harris's best-selling Sookie Stackhouse novels (inspiration for the TV series "True Blood") combine paranormal with traditional romance and mystery. Advice from agents in this article included focusing on your strong genre first, and then adding in a second and creating characters that don't fit the typical genre stereotypes. Sounds interesting but challenging...but filled with potential, right?
Be inspired, folks - and write on!
5 Things Novelists Can Learn From Screenwriters talks about focusing on dialogue, tension, and cutting out the non-necessities - this from the screenwriter of Life of Pi whose first job was reading books & then abridging them for audio.
What "High Concept" Means in Any Genre dissects 7 key qualities that make a book that elusive "high concept" that editors and agents are looking for. Among them: high entertainment value, originality, highly visual, highly emotional, and possessive of mass market appeal. (Sure. Easy, right?)
"New Adult": The Next Big Thing looks at this new YA+ genre, what it includes plot and character-wise (18-24 year olds and their dating/first jobs/first apartments/money issues/identity/self-sufficiency issues), why readers like it, and why it's more than just sexually amped-up YA. The article also mentions 4 agencies currently seeking NA works (check the websites first to see which agents to target!):
Foreword Literary Agency
Nelson Literary Agency
Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency
New Leaf Literary & Media
How to Write and Sell the Cross-Genre Novel is a great look at how many successful authors are blending genres and targeting multiple audiences, following their own hearts and interests in doing so. Charlaine Harris's best-selling Sookie Stackhouse novels (inspiration for the TV series "True Blood") combine paranormal with traditional romance and mystery. Advice from agents in this article included focusing on your strong genre first, and then adding in a second and creating characters that don't fit the typical genre stereotypes. Sounds interesting but challenging...but filled with potential, right?
Be inspired, folks - and write on!
May 27, 2013
Monday Mentionables: The Next Three Big Things
Happy Memorial Day, for everyone observing it in the U.S. It is certainly a day worth honoring :)
In other thoughts, the next book I want to read is And the Mountains Echoed by Khalid Hosseini (author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, both of which I loved).
The next movie I want to see is Before Midnight (did anyone see the first two in the trilogy, Before Sunrise (18 years ago) and Before Sunset (9 years ago)? I love the concept of following love in "real time" over 2 decades...
And the next TV show I want to try is Mistresses on ABC, just because it looks dishy and dirty and perfect for summer. Anyone else??
In other thoughts, the next book I want to read is And the Mountains Echoed by Khalid Hosseini (author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, both of which I loved).
The next movie I want to see is Before Midnight (did anyone see the first two in the trilogy, Before Sunrise (18 years ago) and Before Sunset (9 years ago)? I love the concept of following love in "real time" over 2 decades...
And the next TV show I want to try is Mistresses on ABC, just because it looks dishy and dirty and perfect for summer. Anyone else??
May 24, 2013
Friday Fun Facts: Reasons to Smile
Happy Friday, everyone! It's the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend here in the U.S., and while that usually means days off from school and pools opening and backyard get-togethers, it also means that it's time for us to remember why we have a Memorial Day, to honor and remember those who have served and lost their lives for our country:
While you're taking some time to relax and reflect this weekend, here are a couple of videos that are well worth watching, if you haven't seen them already. We love our animals and the way they make us smile, don't we?
While you're taking some time to relax and reflect this weekend, here are a couple of videos that are well worth watching, if you haven't seen them already. We love our animals and the way they make us smile, don't we? May 20, 2013
Monday Mentionables: A Litte Catching Up to Do...
Happy Monday, everyone! First off, congrats to winners of two recent giveaways:
Karen H from NC won the $50 Barnes & Noble gift card for commenting during my Beacon of Love review tour!
And Sherry Strode won the $10 Amazon gift card from The Romance Studio's Release Party on May 9th!
Congrats to both readers - and thanks, as always, for following along on my cyber world adventures. If you haven't yet entered my latest giveaway through Black Lion Tours, another $10 Amazon gift card PLUS any of my back ebooks, make sure to click on this link right here and do so before the end of the day today: Allie's Black Lion Tour Book Blast
In other news, it was a rough weekend here, as one of our beloved cats passed away unexpectedly :( It's always tough to lose a pet, and she was young, only 4 years old. I do find comfort in the Rainbow Bridge poem - have you read it? It's worth posting here, if only for my own solace.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Have a wonderful week, everyone.
Karen H from NC won the $50 Barnes & Noble gift card for commenting during my Beacon of Love review tour!
And Sherry Strode won the $10 Amazon gift card from The Romance Studio's Release Party on May 9th!
Congrats to both readers - and thanks, as always, for following along on my cyber world adventures. If you haven't yet entered my latest giveaway through Black Lion Tours, another $10 Amazon gift card PLUS any of my back ebooks, make sure to click on this link right here and do so before the end of the day today: Allie's Black Lion Tour Book Blast
In other news, it was a rough weekend here, as one of our beloved cats passed away unexpectedly :( It's always tough to lose a pet, and she was young, only 4 years old. I do find comfort in the Rainbow Bridge poem - have you read it? It's worth posting here, if only for my own solace.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Have a wonderful week, everyone.
May 17, 2013
Friday Fun Facts: In-Person Appearances Coming Up!!
Happy Friday, everyone! There's still another week left to enter my Black Lion Tour giveaway of a $10 Amazon gift card + your choice of any ebook from my backlist, so here's a link if you haven't entered yet: Love in a Book
I'm happy to welcome a whole bunch of new followers on my author Facebook page, so THANKS if you're one of them! I admit to still favoring Facebook over Twitter when it comes social media - it just seems more personal and manageable. Whenever I check into Twitter, I'm instantly overwhelmed by the news feed there. I know other people - other authors - who love it, but I've never warmed up to it the same way. Do I use it? Yep. I figure it's yet another way to reach out and connect with people, but it's not my favorite. What about you? Do you have a preference?
I do believe writers should use the medium that feels best to them, whether it's blogging or FB or Twitter or their website or (gasp!) in person. And speaking of in person connections, I have a couple appearances coming up in the next few months. I hope you'll be able to join me, if you're in the area(s)!
July 20, Holiday in Homer - Homer, NY - This one's definite
These next 2 are tentative:
September 20-21, SOAR Conference - Vernon, NJ
October 4-5, Indie Romance Convention - Lebanon, TN
I'm happy to welcome a whole bunch of new followers on my author Facebook page, so THANKS if you're one of them! I admit to still favoring Facebook over Twitter when it comes social media - it just seems more personal and manageable. Whenever I check into Twitter, I'm instantly overwhelmed by the news feed there. I know other people - other authors - who love it, but I've never warmed up to it the same way. Do I use it? Yep. I figure it's yet another way to reach out and connect with people, but it's not my favorite. What about you? Do you have a preference?
I do believe writers should use the medium that feels best to them, whether it's blogging or FB or Twitter or their website or (gasp!) in person. And speaking of in person connections, I have a couple appearances coming up in the next few months. I hope you'll be able to join me, if you're in the area(s)!
July 20, Holiday in Homer - Homer, NY - This one's definite
These next 2 are tentative:
September 20-21, SOAR Conference - Vernon, NJ
October 4-5, Indie Romance Convention - Lebanon, TN
May 13, 2013
Monday Mentionables: Lookie! More Blog Stops!
Happy Monday, everyone! Yes, yes, I know you've been following me all over cyber-space the last few weeks, helping me celebrate the release of my books - and I really appreciate it! First off today, congrats to blog commented Karen H in NC who won the $50 B&N gift card last week. Hope she enjoys shopping with it!
I do have a few additional blog stops today to mention...and you can win gift cards by commenting at any or all of them! Some are excerpts, and some are original chatty posts by Yours Truly, so do take a peek if you have a few minutes :)
Krystal Shannan
Ms. Romantic Reads
Lindsay's Scribblings
I also wanted to mention that The Promise of Paradise will be releasing in audio book this summer! And I'm thrilled to announce that the narrator will be professional actress and voice-over artist Teri Schnaubelt. I think you'll love her voice!
May 10, 2013
Friday Fun Facts: Don't Forget to Enter for that $50 Gift Card!
TGIF, everyone!
Don't forget, any comment on a blog post this week wins you another chance for the $50 Barnes & Noble gift card I'm giving away at the end of this weekend. yesterday Romance Addict posted a lovely review of Beacon of Love, and today Queen of the Night is hosting me.
Please drop by and thank them for having me! Oh, and if you've read Beacon of Love and wouldn't mind leaving a review, I'd be forever grateful! Thanks so much, readers. And a Happy (early) Mother's Day to all mothers out there, especially mine!
May 8, 2013
Writers' Wednesday: More Blog Posts!
Hi, everyone! Yesterday I blogged over at The Romance Studio about where some of the ideas behind Beacon of Love came from. I always think it's fun to see (and share) how authors develop their story ideas :)
And don't forget that you can win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card this week just by commenting on any of the blogs that are hosting me during my review tour! Yesterday All in One Place hosted me, and today it's Teena in Toronto! Please drop by, visit, and thank those lovely hosts for having me :)
And don't forget that you can win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card this week just by commenting on any of the blogs that are hosting me during my review tour! Yesterday All in One Place hosted me, and today it's Teena in Toronto! Please drop by, visit, and thank those lovely hosts for having me :)
May 6, 2013
Monday Mentionables: A New Release and a $50 Giveaway!!
Happy Monday!! It's the official release day of my new contemporary romance, Beacon of Love!
I'm thrilled to share my "baby" with the world and hope you'll love it as much as I do. And to help celebrate, you can follow my review tour this week for multiple chances to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card!!
All you have to do is leave a comment on any blog post along the tour - I'll update this blog with the links each day, as well as add them to my sidebar. Today, Kaisy Daisy's Corner is hosting me...please drop by and say hello!
I'm thrilled to share my "baby" with the world and hope you'll love it as much as I do. And to help celebrate, you can follow my review tour this week for multiple chances to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card!!
All you have to do is leave a comment on any blog post along the tour - I'll update this blog with the links each day, as well as add them to my sidebar. Today, Kaisy Daisy's Corner is hosting me...please drop by and say hello!
