Devorah Fox's Blog, page 45
June 24, 2013
Just published: “The King’s Ransom”
Me: “Well, I’m not going to Disneyworld, I can tell you that. “
I’ll just start writing another book.
Meanwhile, you can get The King’s Ransom at amazon.com or at Kindle. It took me months to write it but it will take you mere seconds to order it. Your order could be the one that puts to book over the top into bestseller status!
June 17, 2013
2nd Annual Rockport Writers Roundup
June 14, 2013
“The King’s Ransom” prepublication offer
The King’s RansomDue for release July 2013
Advance Order Now Available $14.95
Free US Postage for all pre-publication purchases.
“The King’s Ransom is the hoped for sequel to her first novel, The Lost King. The King’s Ransom will not disappoint fans of her first novel – indeed this one is even better!” — Mike Green
When those you have loved and lived for betray you, how do you go on? Book Two of “The Bewildering Adventures of King Bewilliam” finds Robin, the hero of The Lost King, at sea both literally and figuratively. At first directionless and purposeless, he determines to reunite with his sons and with them restore his shattered kingdom but Fate has different plans for the lost king. Driven far from his home in the Chalklands, Robin pits his will against a dragon, a fortress’s duplicitous and deadly guards, high winds on the open water, and a horrifying sea monster only to meet his most formidable opponent.
June 10, 2013
Reading between the wines
Ten members of the RWG, me included, will read selections of their work, be on hand to sign their books and answer questions. I’ll be reading an excerpt from my first novel, The Lost King and I’ll have in my hot little hands the sequel, The King’s Ransom, fresh off the press, the ink not even dry.Rockport Writer Group President Kay Butzin will open the program with a brief introduction to the RWG which has been in existence since 1988. Members are writers who practice writing as a craft and want to improve their skill and technique with the goal of being published. They meet twice a month to share what they’ve learned about writing and to encourage each other in the development of writing skills. An important function of the RWG is the “read-and-critique.” Writers can bring their work to share and get constructive criticism.
The selections for the Roundup represent just about every genre: history and mystery, children’s and young adult books, memoir and fantasy. On the program are:
BOOK EXCERPTS
Pat Chapman, TEA ON THE GREAT WALL, Memoir
Devorah Fox, THE LOST KING, Fantasy
John Howell, MY GRL, Thriller
Heather Miller, LOST IN ALASKA: A TEXAS GIRL AND AN ALEUT BOY, Children
Rita Wendell, LADY SLAYER, Crime Thriller
PERSONAL ESSAYS
Mary Wallace, GOURDS, Non-Fiction
Herndon Williams, WHAT DIALECT DO YOU SPEAK?, Article
SHORT STORIES
Woody Davis, WHAT GOES ROUND, Disturbing Fiction
Roger Larimore, ROUGH & READY, Memoir
Kathleen Monju, ARE YOU MY BEST FRIEND?, Fiction
We’ll also have music featuring the lyrics of award-winner Pat Chapman.
I’m “dee-lighted” that The Rockport Writer Roundup will round up two Dee-Scoveries. The first is the Estelle Stair Gallery at 406 South Austin Street which I wrote about in December of 2012. It’s going to be the site of the event. A registered Texas historic landmark, the “Sorensen-Stair” building is the oldest commercial building in Rockport that’s still in use in its original form. Lovingly restored by owner Lisa Baer Frederick, it’s now an art gallery.
Another Dee-Scovery, the Wine of Mine Winery, will be on hand with a selection of wines for guests to sample in between readings. I wrote about the winery in February, 2012. Located at 264 S. Commercial Street in Aransas Pass, the winery provides all the instruction, help and supplies to make wine crafted to your specific taste and bottled with a custom label of your choosing. Along with the wine will be light refreshments.
For more information about the Rockport Writers Group, send an email to kaybutzin@sbcglobal.net or visit the group’s page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/rockportwritersgroup. To learn more about the Wine of Mine call (361) 944-9463. For more information about the Estelle Stair Gallery, call 361 (463-1059). Or just come to the 2nd Annual Rockport Writers Roundup where you can learn about all three as well as meet ten real live authors. I’ll see you there. — http://devorahfox.com
June 9, 2013
Check out a new author blog
June 7, 2013
Feature Friday
June 5, 2013
No Plot? (No Characters? No Setting? No Time?) No Problem!
Those who have been following my fiction writing career know that I’m a fan of writing marathons. I’ve participated in four since 2010: National Novel Writing Month 2010 and 2012, and Camp NaNoWriMo, June 2012 and April 2013.Organized by the Office of Letters and Light to encourage creativity, NaNoWriMo challenges participants to write 50,000 words (about 175 pages) in 30 days. The novel can be any genre, in any language. There is no prize for winning, except for bragging rights. In fact, you have to buy your own “Winner” T-shirt. There’s absolutely no guarantee that the novel will ever be published. A NaNoWriMo novel isn’t even long enough to interest most publishers. Although there have been successful novels that are roughly 50,000 words long, most commercial novels run from 65,000 to 100,000 words or more.
So why do it? For many people who have always wanted to write a novel, NaNoWriMo is the kick in the pants they need to get going.
But say you don’t have a month to spend writing a book. How about a week? Yes, 40 Hours.
Can a book be written in 40 hours? I’m about to find out, because I am one of 100 writers chosen to participate in How to Write a Book in 40 Hours.
The system for writing an entire book in 40 hours was developed by International guest speaker, author, philanthropy consultant and Rooney International Scholar Getrude Matshe. Her speaking career started in Norway 1989 and for 12 years she has worked in the IT industry as a systems analyst, systems support manager and project manager. Getrude immigrated to New Zealand in 2001 with nothing and is now the director of three successful companies.
Getrude is passionate about helping people achieve their full potential and find their individual life purpose. She is passionate about individuals’ success. If that includes writing a book, Getrude is determined to help make it happen. And fast, before you lose your motivation.
In a way, the concept is similar to the NaNoWriMo marathons. The deadline pressure simply doesn’t allow for hesitation or second-guessing.
Getrude extended an invitation to try out the process and received 150 replies from around the world. She chose 100 writers and aims to get them all over the finish line. Here’s some of the participants and their projects.
S.D. Light is twenty one years old and was born in Bangor in Wales where she still currently resides. She published some novellas under another name in early 2013 and is now setting out to publish her first Young Adult Novel entitled the Pageant and the Problem. She aims to help girls unlock their inner beauty through this romantic yet dramatic love story. Keep up with S. D. at http://about.me/steffiedawn/#, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SteffieDawnAuthor and Twitter at https://twitter.com/AuthorSteffDawn or on her Website, http://www.steffiedawn.co.uk
Sherri Ziff is a life coach in Hollywood. She’s writing about society’s toxic obsession with fame and how to fight it to life happily in anonymity. See more on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/sherriziff or on her Web site at http://www.RockYourLifeCoaching.com
From Indiana, Tony Fiorillo is president of Asset Management Strategies, Inc. and his book Asset Management Strategies will offer advice and tips for “worry free investing in today’s market.” Find Tony on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/tony.fior...
Kate Hovat from Minnesota is an online marketing specialist. She writes romance and “romantica” (romances on the racy side) under the name Cynthia Rome. She’s aiming to get her latest book, Sweet Surrender out by August, 2013. Find out more about Kate on her Facebook author page, https://www.facebook.com/#!/author.cy....
A science teacher, Montessorian and parenting counselor, Elaine Winchester lives in Petone, New Zealand, across the bay from Getrude, Elaine grew up in Central Africa but has roots in Finland and Britain. She’s drawing on her background for her book which will be part memoir, part family history.
Lorraine Spencer’s novel will contrast contemporary exploration and development in Alaska against a background of native cultures. And werewolves.
Other writers are from Australia, New Jersey and New York.
And Texas. That would be me. I’m working on The King’s Ransom, the sequel to The Lost King. At the rate I’m going it should be out in July 2103…maybe even June! Check back here or find me on Facebook for the latest.
May 31, 2013
I am thrilled that The Lost King is spotlighted on Featur...
I was so flattered to be asked, I put together a sale for readers of her blog. You can take advantage of it too. Check her blog at www.aleshaescobar.com for the details.
The King’s Ransom, the sequel to The Lost King, will be out in July so now’s a great to time to grab a copy and get acquainted with what is now a series, The Bewildering Adventures of King Bewilliam. Get a copy for your friends, too.
Of course, The Lost King is still available online in print at amazon.com and as a digital book on Kindle, Nook, iBook, Diesel and Kobo. Find links in the sidebar to the right.
May 26, 2013
For bibliophiles
Eyes Like Blue Fire, a tense romp through Gothic horror.
Two fantastic fantasy books of the Gray Tower trilogy are out from Alesha Escobar.
Author Jessica Rister adds Cradled Darkness to her incredible series.
May 12, 2013
Meet Alayna-Renee Vilmont
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Philadelphia, and attended university in New York City. In between being born and now, I’ve also called London, Los Angeles, and Ft. Lauderdale home. I’ve traveled the Caribbean working for a cruise line, and have also been to most of Europe. I’m currently a faux Southern belle, living in Atlanta, Georgia.
What do you like to write? How long have you written? What prompted you to start writing?
In addition to keeping a blog, Jaded Elegance: The Uninhibited Adventures Of A Chic Web Geek, I write poetry and short stories on a regular basis. I also have significant bits and pieces of two novels sitting on my computer, but I tend to have attention span problems with longer works. I started publishing and entering my work into contests and submitting to literary journals around the age of 7, so we’ll just say “I’ve been writing for a very long time.”
I don’t really know what prompted me to start writing. I always had a lot of ideas, and a desire to be heard and to express myself. I started working as a performer at a very young age, and so much of that world is about using your personality and your vision to bring another person’s vision to life. For me, writing was a way to express my thoughts, my ideas, visions, imaginary worlds, without feeling they’d somehow be laughed at or disapproved of by another person. I didn’t share my writing with anyone for a very long time. To this day, I can get on stage and perform in a three-hour show without a bit of stage fright. Whenever I have to read my poems or stories or anything I’ve written, my hands shake the entire time. Writing has always been such a private part of my world, and sharing it with others makes me feel vulnerable. I admire authors who enjoy reading their own work. It takes a lot of courage, and the need to cast aside the fear of judgment.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
My most recent book is a collection of poetry entitled “Ophelia’s Wayward Muse”, published in late 2012. It was something I wanted to cross off my bucket list, and I’m so happy I chose to do so.
30 word synopsis? It’s a modern coming-of-age story about the role that human connections and relationships play in our lives, and help mold us into who we eventually become.
Do you keyboard your writing or write in long hand? Do you outline or free write?
Both. I have numerous paper journals, and will never resist the opportunity to buy pretty journals, pens, and other writing tools. One of the poems I wrote was actually written in a tiny spiral notebook while waiting for my bus in Port Authority. Another was written on a blank page torn out of a telephone book. The “rough drafts” of my ideas are typically fragmented thoughts and phrases I like, but once in a while, I’ll get a mostly complete poem.
When it comes time to edit, I do everything on my computer. Almost all my fiction comes out via computer screen, too. I find that when writing fiction, essays, or blog entries, my mind works faster than my hand can get them to the paper. Poetry is a slower and more deliberate creative process, and better-suited to handwritten mediums.
And, no, I don’t outline. I just let everything come pouring out, and edit later. I think that stories tend to tell themselves and find their own natural flow. Outlining, like most forms of organization, feels constraining to me.
How long did it take you to write the book?
Oh, it took me forever and a day to write the book. The poems were collected over a decade-long period in my life, and stuck in journals under my bed and on old memory cards for a very long time.
The actual process of writing the book, editing, cover design, choosing which poems would be in there, and running the Kickstarter campaign that allowed me to cover the costs of doing what I wanted to do took about 6 months. One day, the idea came to me that would weave some of my poems together in order to tell a story. Once I have an idea, there’s really no turning back.
One thing I’m not is detail-oriented, but I edited my manuscript 17 times after I said, “Oh, look, a manuscript! I’m done!”
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
I’m a freelance writer by day, and organize a social group in my free time, so I basically write creatively whenever I have a moment. I find I’m most inspired when I’m traveling, because being somewhere different gives you a different perspective on the world and on yourself. I’m also more inspired after midnight, when the rest of the world is asleep, and I know my creative process isn’t likely to be disrupted or de-railed by anything but me.
I will write anywhere, though, when the right idea comes into my head. I often remember pieces by where they were created, so places tend to have sentimental meaning to me, perhaps more than others. I can return to that place years later, and feel exactly how I was feeling when I originally wrote something.
What inspires you? Where do you get your ideas?
I’m inspired by people, and by their inner lives, secrets, and figuring out what makes them tick. I’m an extroverted person by nature, but I’m also keenly intuitive and notice things about other people that often go unnoticed by others. It isn’t always something of which I’m even conscious, but will later think about a good deal. I often joke that I know how someone else is thinking or feeling before that person does, and I’m often absolutely right. Sometimes, I understand what’s going on with someone months or years before that person has an epiphany.
It’s not always a gift in my personal relationships. In fact, it causes a lot of heartbreak. As an artist, though, it’s inspiring. Human psychology and the way people relate to one another is something that artists have been inspired by for thousands of years, yet, it’s a code nobody’s quite cracked yet.
Most of my ideas are inspired by my life, or by the people around me. A simple interaction with another person can create a reason to write, and that’s why blogging has always been such a natural medium for me.
What contributes to a good writing day?
A good writing day is a day in which nothing goes wrong to distract me from writing. If my personal life is in shambles, if I’m struggling at work, if the bills aren’t paid, if the “to-do” list is out of control, I’m not going to be in a mental state to be creative. Similarly, it can’t be a day in which I’m overly excited and happy about other things. I have to be in an anxiety-free, introspective state, or the writing tends to not get done.
When that happens, I’ll read or watch reality TV. Soon, I’ll feel inspired to write again. However, I can’t make myself be one of those 7-day-a-week writers, unless I’m writing something that requires no creativity whatsoever.
One of your favorite quotes –
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars” ~ Jack Kerouac, “On The Road”
You can find out more about and keep up with Alayna-Renee and her works here:
“Ophelia’s Wayward Muse” is available in paperback form via Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Ophelias-Wayward-Muse-Alayna-Renee-Vilmont/dp/1478218886. (Alayna’s chosen not to do a Kindle version, but does have the .pdf available for a nominal fee at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/princessalayna
Jaded Elegance (Uninhibited Adventures Of A Chic Web Geek) at http://www.jadedelegance.net. Check out the newest feature, a guest post, author interview, or book review each Sunday.
Alayna’s also on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/princessalayna, and Twitter (@PrincessAlayna).
You’re invited to check out her work or simply drop by for a virtual visit!
