Michael Embry's Blog, page 26

March 15, 2016

Taking Control of Writing Life

I believe writers are often their own worst enemies when it comes to writing.
They complain about not having the time to write, that too many life events interfere with them being diligently involved in the craft. They have myriad excuses for not producing words, sentences, paragraphs, pages, and chapters. 
Some are simply those things that we chose, such as activities involving family and friends. I'm not saying thosse types of things are less important but they do take away from writiing. 
There are other interests, from favorite TV programs to movies to concerts to exhibits and everything in between. They take time as well from the writing life, probably more than a writer realizes. 
And then are events that demand our attention and time, such as catastophic  illnesses to our loved ones, caregiving to the bedridden and terminally ill. I would hope that most writers put aside their selfish interests in those cases. Also, as a silver lining,  a writer can better understand the human condition through observation, and at a deeper level, by being involved in the process.
But the main point is that writers, for the most part, control their own destiny in finding time to write. If they don't have the time, then it would be wise to cut back on those outside activities that cut into their time. 
If they're unwilling to do that, then maybe they should keep writing on the backburner until they make the needed life changes.
Writers, it's your decision. Take  control of your writing life.  
Until the next time....
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Published on March 15, 2016 08:25

March 6, 2016

Story Songs: A Few More Friendly Tunes

I have several more songs to add to the songs about friendship. They would have been included in the earlier post but I try to keep my musings at a reasonable length. 


Now these songs all have "friend" or "friends" in the title. There are many other recordings out there about friends but that will be a post at another time. 

So here are a few more that I've enjoyed through the years:

Dionne Warwick and Friends -- "That's What Friends Are For"
No. 5 in 1985
Written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager

"Keep smiling, keep shiningKnowing you can always count on me, for sureThat's what friends are forFor good times and bad timesI'll be at your side forever more"


Garth Brooks -- "Friends in Low Places"
No. 1 in 1990
Written by Dewayne Blackwell and Earl Bud Lee

"I've got friends in low placesWhere the whiskey drownsAnd the beer chases my blues awayAnd I'll be okay"


Wishbone Ash -- "Everybody Needs a Friend"
Released in 1973 on "Wishbone Four" album
Written by Martin Turner

"Trust in me, I'll try to doEverything to help you that I canBroken wings can heal and mend again"


Randy Newman and Lyle Lovett -- "You've Got a Friend in Me"
Released in 1995 in "Toy Story" soundtrack
Written by Randy Newman

"If you've got troubles, I've got 'em tooThere isn't anything I wouldn't do for youWe stick together and can see it throughCause you've got a friend in me"


And last, but certainly not least:

The Beatles -- "With A Little Help From My Friends"
Released in 1967 on "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney

"Oh I get by with a little help from my friendsI get high with a little help from my friendsGoing to try with a little help from my friends"



Until the next time....





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Published on March 06, 2016 06:28

March 5, 2016

March Madness Giveaway

It's March Madness. Basketball fans know what that means. Hoops, hoops and more hoops.

So check out my latest giveaway: an e-book edition of "Shooting Star."

It's the story of a young man who transfers to a new school. Although he's an outstanding basketball player, Jesse Christopher faces obstacles in fitting in at the school as he contends with bullies, cliques, teachers, and even fellow basketball players.  

Jesse is the member of a rural team that has hopes of winning the Kentucky State High School Basketball title. Read his story. 

The giveaway ends March 12 so be sure and enter. No gimmicks. No follows. No strings attached. 

Give it a shot! You may be a winner.

Just click here.



  
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Published on March 05, 2016 05:13

March Madness Giveway

It's March Madness. Basketball fans know what that means. Hoops, hoops and more hoops.

So check out my latest giveaway: an e-book edition of "Shooting Star."

It's the story of a young man who transfers to a new school. Although he's an outstanding basketball player, Jesse Christopher faces obstacles in fitting in at the school as he contends with bullies, cliques, teachers, and even fellow basketball players.  

Jesse is the member of a rural team that has hopes of winning the Kentucky State High School Basketball title. Read his story. 

The giveaway ends March 12 so be sure and enter. No gimmicks. No follows. No strings attached. 

Give it a shot! You may be a winner.

Just click here.



  
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Published on March 05, 2016 05:13

March 4, 2016

Story Songs -- Some Friendly Tunes

Some of the most uplifting tunes are those about friendship. Aside from food and water, having friends helps sustain us through life's journey.

Friends are special. They brighten our days with their presence,  lift us up when we're down, and enhance our memories when we reflect on our lives. 

There are quite a few friendship songs that I've enjoyed through the years, so many that I can't include them all in this post. More will come later. 

Here are some of my favorites:

The Beach Boys -- "Friends"
No. 47 in 1968
Written by Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson and Al Jardine

"We been friends now for so many yearsWe've been together through the good times and the tearsTurned each other on to the good things that life has to give"


Queen -- "You're My Best Friend"
No. 16 in 1976
Written by John Deacon

"Oh, you're the best friend I ever hadI've been with you such a long timeYou're my sunshine and I want you to knowThat my feelings are trueI really love youOh you're my best friend"


James Taylor -- "You've Got a Friend"
No. 1 in 1971
Written by Carole King

"You just call out my nameAnd you know wherever I amI'll come running, to see you againWinter, spring, summer or fallAll you have to do is callAnd I'll be thereYou've got a friend"


Simon & Garfunkel -- "Old Friends"
Released in 1968 on "Bookends" album
Written by Paul Simon

"Old friendsMemory brushes the same yearsSilently sharing the same fear"


Andrew Gold -- "Thank You for Being a Friend"
No. 25 in 1978
Written by Andrew Gold

"And when we both get olderWith walking canes and hair of grayHave no fear, even though it's hard to hearI will stand real close and say,Thank you for being a friend"


Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks -- "Whenever I Call You Friend"
No. 5 in 1978
Written by Kenny Loggins and Melissa Manchester

"Whenever I call you friendI believe I've come to understandEverywhere we areYou and I were meant to beForever and ever"


The Zombies -- "Friends of Mine"
Released in 1968 on "Odyssey and Oracle" album
Written by Chris White

"It feels so good to know two peopleSo in love...So in love..."


More to come later, my friends.

Until the next time...










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Published on March 04, 2016 12:17

February 27, 2016

Write the Book You Want to Read

"If there's a book you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."


Toni MorrisonThat sage advice comes from literary legend Toni Morrison, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and American Book Award in 1988 and Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Among her 11 novels are The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, Beloved, Jazz, Home and God Help the Child. The 85-year-old author has also written seven nonfiction books and numerous other works in her distinguished career.

Getting back to the quote, one reason I like it is because it should motivate a writer to compose an original story, not something that mimes what has been written by another author(s). I believe it's safe to say that the best stories are those that offer a fresh and authentic expression from the writer to the reader.

Another point from taken from Ms. Morrison's comment is that if the subject is so strong within the writer, then that person is the one who needs to write the book because only she knows the content and direction of the story. You certainly don't want your novel to sound formulaic.

Another take for authors is not yielding to others (readers, editors, and moms) on changes in a draft if they feel it doesn't strengthen the novel. Only the author knows the story. It's his creation. Now don't misunderstand. I think it's good to listen to advice and contemplate what it means, but if it doesn't feel right and it's not something you want to change, delete or add, then don't do it. If you feel it's an action that you will regret later -- that gut instinct -- then don't do it. It's the author's novel, not someone else. 

Any thoughts?

Until the next time.... 




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Published on February 27, 2016 08:48

February 25, 2016

Needing a Kickstart on WIP

I must confess that I haven't made much progress on my work in progress. For the past few weeks I've started, stalled, and stopped.

And since I'm a pantser, you might say that I need a swift kick in the backside to get going again.  I've had a few things on my mind lately so I suppose that's a good rationale (or excuse) for my sorry status.

I'm not trying to elicit some sympathy because my lack of production at the keyboard is of my doing. As I've posted before, this WIP is a sequel to "Old Ways and New Days." I've already written more than 20,000 words.

So I'm going to do what I would tell someone if they were in this predicament -- start writing. Simply do it!

I've generally been a morning writer, getting to the computer before daybreak with a cup of coffee in hand and then producing sentences and paragraphs for several hours. I'm going to change my routine and write in the late morning. Or early afternoon.

I believe part of the problem is that I'm retired from the regular work force (I'm not sure honey-dos count). When I was employed, time was of the essence so I adhered to a strict writing regimen to get things done. Now I have all the time in the world, so to speak, and I'm losing control of it. I need to refocus because time is still of the essence -- at my age.

I know what I need to write,  and even have a rough outline on where I want to go with the story. So it's as simple as getting back on track and setting aside the time to do it.

It's time to get back to work.

Until the next time....
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Published on February 25, 2016 11:05

February 18, 2016

Active and Passive Book Promotion

Sometimes, as authors, we tend to forget about our earlier works. We focus on a recent publication and mentally store previous books in the attic.

I'm guilty of that to some extent. I find myself expending lots of time and energy in promoting a new release. That's probably a good thing to do but I think authors should also look at their catalog and make sure some titles aren't forgotten.

Since the publication of "Old Ways and New Days" last October, I've used various outlets to spread the word about the coming-of-old-age novel. I'd like to report that it has resulted in the book reaching the upper echelons of best-seller lists, but that hasn't been the case, unless you view "upper" in the off-the-chart categories.

But being published by a small publishing house -- Wings ePress -- it's difficult creating a buzz about the novel. That's why I and most authors urge readers to leave reviews and/or ratings on websites such as Amazon.com, B&N.com, Goodreads.com and others. That's a word-of-mouth promotion that can bring more attention to our books.


Recently I've promoted "Shooting Star," a young adult novel about a boy trying to gain acceptance on a team that has aspirations of winning the high school basketball title. Although it was published nearly five years ago, it's a timely (it's basketball season)  and timeless story that's received little promotion. 

After the "Shooting Star" promotion, I'll turn my attention to "The Bully List," which was published nearly three years ago. It's also a young-adult novel, focusing on bullying in a middle school. 

I also try to promote other titles at writing conferences, book signings and similar events. And they're passively promoted on my website, Facebook, Amazon, and other sites -- including this blog page, if you haven't notice.

I try to limit the promotions on places such as Facebook and Twitter. Too much and it becomes unwanted spam. I want to attract readers, not turn them off. 

I confess I don't like promotion but it's a necessary part of the publishing process. I know quite a few authors who have books with large publishing houses, and believe it or not, they find themselves doing many of the things that I do with my novels. And most of them don't like it either; they'd prefer to be writing.

Do you have any marketing tips?

Until the next time....










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Published on February 18, 2016 07:57

February 16, 2016

"Explore. Dream. Discover."

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page" -- St. Augustine

I'll be taking another trip to Europe this spring, making stops in Budapest, Vienna, and Prague. 

For those who follow my blog (and if you don't you can sign up on the right column), you know my wife and I traveled to London, Paris, and Roma last May. It was an unforgettable experience so we decided to return to Europe, this time taking in some other cities that we've read about in publications, seen in movies, or raved about from other travelers. 

"I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything." -- Bill Bryson

Austria
We're looking forward to seeing places such as the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Hungarian State Opera House, and perhaps Memento Park in Budapest; Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and the Jewish Quarter in Prague; and St. Stephen's Cathedral, Schonbrunn Palace, and Hofburg in Vienna.

"Travel like Ghandi, with simple clothes, open eyes and an uncluttered mind." -- Rick Steves

Czech RepublicWe're urban hikers so we'll be taking in a lot of sites and sounds from this new adventure to the Old World. We often find the most interesting things off the beaten path.


And we can't wait to taste some of the cuisine from those countries. I've read that Czech beer is great; Austrian pastries are divine; and Hungarian dishes are spicy and delicious. 

"One of the great things about travel is that you find out how many good, kind people there are." -- Edith Wharton

HungaryI'll be taking tons of photos and writing posts to this blog. (If any media outlets are interested in features and photos, you can email me at michael.embry@gmail.com. I may also be available to visit or speak to groups, there or here.) 

Any suggestions of places to visit?

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain

Until the next time....


(Travel quotes from www.autoeurope.com)







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Published on February 16, 2016 09:29

February 14, 2016

Some Sweet Songs for Valentine's Day

What I enjoy about love songs for Valentine's Day is that they can last a lifetime. A box of candy may be gone in a few hours. Flowers wilt. Diamonds  may last forever, but who needs something that will be around longer than mere mortals (don't answer that, ladies!)? 

So here are a few songs I've enjoyed through the years that I believe are sweet, tender and touch the heart -- for a lifetime. 


Canadian Anne Murray sang about everlasting love in her "Could I Have This Dance," written by Wayland Holyfield and Bob House. The crossover hit reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Chart and No. 33 on the Hot 100 in 1980. It also garnered a Grammy Award and was used in the movie, "Urban Cowboy."


"I'll always remember the song they were playin'The first time we danced and I knewAs we swayed to the music and held to each otherI fell in love with you"


One of the greatest love songs in the rock era was written by Tony Asher and Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys -- "God Only Knows,"  released on the group's masterpiece "Pet Sounds" album in 1966.


"I may not always love youBut as long as there are stars about youYou never need to doubt itI'll make you so sure about it"


The Beatles' George Harrison also penned a beautiful love ballad in "Something," from the Abbey Road album in 1969. It was a No. 1 hit for the quiet Beatle.


"Something in the way she movesAttracts me like no other loverSomething in the way she woos meI don't want to leave her nowYou know I believe and how"

And how can you put together a list of love songs and not include Elvis Presley. My choice is "Can't Help Falling in Love," a chart topper for the King in 1961, from his "Blue Hawaii" album.  The song was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. 


"Take my hand, take my whole life tooFor I can't help falling in love with you"


And finally, "Unchained Melody," a No. 4 song by Bobby Hatfield of The Righteous Brothers in 1965. The tune was written by Alex North and Hy Zaret. The emotionally charged tune was used in the blockbuster movie, "Ghost."


"Oh, my love, my darlingI've hungered, for your touch"

Those are a few of the many songs that touched my heart and soul. What are your favorite love songs?

Until the next time...









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Published on February 14, 2016 03:48