Julie Lence's Blog, page 12
March 2, 2012
Outlaws Are Fun To Write
Outlaws. The words conjures up images of Billy the Kid, Jesse James and numerous others. Dangerous, fast on the trigger; some had reason for embarking on this way of life. Others didn't. Some we read about in history class. Others we watched on the big screen, always hoping good would triumph over evil. Tall, short, dark-haired, unshaven or skilled at cheating at poker, one thing is for certain. They are fun to write.
Buck and Roth are two of the heroes in my Revolving Point, Texas Series. Both are temperamental, prickly outlaws, and fast with guns. They prefer life out on the trail to settling down, and they live by their own code of justice. Neither one of them is afraid to speak his mind, even if it isn't nice or mild-mannered. That's why they are fun to write. They don't live within the restraints of polite society.
In the series, you won't find Buck or Roth rubbing elbows with society's upper class in some high-fashion gentlemen's club. Nor will you see them wearing fancy clothes and boots polished to a shine. You will find them at Miller's saloon, dodging bullets and ferreting out the enemy any way they see fit. That's not to say they don't have manners. They do, and they treat women with respect. But even their woman aren't spared from their cursing, their rudeness and their need to prowl the streets. However, their women love them, and will overlook some of their faults, because life with a daring outlaw and his antics is too hard to resist.
Buck and Roth are two of the heroes in my Revolving Point, Texas Series. Both are temperamental, prickly outlaws, and fast with guns. They prefer life out on the trail to settling down, and they live by their own code of justice. Neither one of them is afraid to speak his mind, even if it isn't nice or mild-mannered. That's why they are fun to write. They don't live within the restraints of polite society.
In the series, you won't find Buck or Roth rubbing elbows with society's upper class in some high-fashion gentlemen's club. Nor will you see them wearing fancy clothes and boots polished to a shine. You will find them at Miller's saloon, dodging bullets and ferreting out the enemy any way they see fit. That's not to say they don't have manners. They do, and they treat women with respect. But even their woman aren't spared from their cursing, their rudeness and their need to prowl the streets. However, their women love them, and will overlook some of their faults, because life with a daring outlaw and his antics is too hard to resist.
February 22, 2012
My Eighteenth Birthday
My Eighteenth Birthday by Patricia Lieb follows Annie Jo as she boards a Greyhound bus on her eighteenth birthday. With suitcase in hand and a guitar slung over her shoulder, Annie Jo leaves her hometown for Memphis, where she hopes to get a waitress job and pursue a career in music.
At first, Annie Jo appears like any other starry-eyed teenager, with dreams of making it big on music row. But then, the reader learns there's more to Annie Jo's leaving home than wanting to be a famous singer. At a young age, she has experienced love and a profound loss, both of which she hopes to reconcile in her heart as the bus carries her further from home. Then there's Annie Jo on the verge of adulthood, someone who wants to make a difference in the world, and not necessarily because of her singing.
My Eighteenth Birthday will draw you in to Annie Jo's teenage antics and mature heartaches and keep you turning the pages as she strives to forget and begin anew. With a cast of interesting secondary characters and a backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, My Eighteenth Birthday is an enjoyable read and one book you won't forget.
At first, Annie Jo appears like any other starry-eyed teenager, with dreams of making it big on music row. But then, the reader learns there's more to Annie Jo's leaving home than wanting to be a famous singer. At a young age, she has experienced love and a profound loss, both of which she hopes to reconcile in her heart as the bus carries her further from home. Then there's Annie Jo on the verge of adulthood, someone who wants to make a difference in the world, and not necessarily because of her singing.
My Eighteenth Birthday will draw you in to Annie Jo's teenage antics and mature heartaches and keep you turning the pages as she strives to forget and begin anew. With a cast of interesting secondary characters and a backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, My Eighteenth Birthday is an enjoyable read and one book you won't forget.
February 8, 2012
Rook, Rhyme & Sinker
R. Michael Phillips Rook, Rhyme & Sinker is the 2nd book in his East London Adventures Club Series, and it is every bit as good as the first. Ernie, Nigel, Lily and Patterson involve us in another mystery, this time centering around a rare chess piece rumored to belong to a set carved centuries ago and very valuable.
Along with the gang and a few others from Along Came A Fifer, Mr. Phillips introduces us to some unique characters, one of which is Ernies's best friend from his boyhood years. The story opens with what is believed to be Simon's death and takes off from there. The more the gang tries to unravel how Simon came into possession of the chess piece, if the piece is indeed part of a missing set, and who will profit most from the sale of the piece, the more twists and turns this story takes. From London's back streets, to train rides, to breaking into a chapel, this book will keep you turning the pages, all leading to a clever and detailed ending. One that is sure to make you think.
I look forward to Mr. Phillips third book in the series. He really knows how to write 'em and keep the reader involved and guessing.
Along with the gang and a few others from Along Came A Fifer, Mr. Phillips introduces us to some unique characters, one of which is Ernies's best friend from his boyhood years. The story opens with what is believed to be Simon's death and takes off from there. The more the gang tries to unravel how Simon came into possession of the chess piece, if the piece is indeed part of a missing set, and who will profit most from the sale of the piece, the more twists and turns this story takes. From London's back streets, to train rides, to breaking into a chapel, this book will keep you turning the pages, all leading to a clever and detailed ending. One that is sure to make you think.
I look forward to Mr. Phillips third book in the series. He really knows how to write 'em and keep the reader involved and guessing.
January 26, 2012
Create Space
In today's world, many authors have chosen to go into self-publishing. With Amazon's Kindle and Smashwords, it is now easier to publish your own work and make it available for purchase to the public. Most stores sell E-readers, and having hundreds of books on one device is appealing to a wide range of people. But there are many who prefer an actual book to an electronic gadget, and that's where Create Space comes in.
Affiliated with Amazon, Create Space affords an author a means to publish his own book in print. Once you've completed the process, your book is available for purchase thru Amazon and Create Space, and a few other outlets should you opt for that route.
Is Create Space an easy tool to use? Unless you're computer savy, you're first time might prove challenging, as it did for me. It took me a while to learn how to navigate the step-by-step process and use the tools Create Space provides, but I kept at it, because I was determined to see No Luck At All in print format. Thankfully, Create Space has a community forum and a 24/7 call center to help authors solve problems. (I have used the call center and am always fascinated by how fast my phone rings when I click the button that says "call me now".) The entire step-by-step process is designed to make your book the best it can be, and each phase must be complete before you go on to the next one.
First up is creating your account and listing your title and name. Create Space will then offer to assign you an ISBN number or you can get your own--I let them do it. The next step is polishing your interior file. You can either use the templates Create Space provides or you can format and upload your own files. I use their template, but either way, I strongly urge you to edit your file completely (spelling, punctuation, etc.) before you upload it to Create Space. Once your interior file is complete the next step is your cover. Again, you're given the option of using their tools or your own. If you design your own cover, it must meet their requirements. Once you complete these processes you can buy a proof copy before the book is released for sale--buy one and read it from cover to cover. This is another good way to catch and fix any grammar errors you might have missed during the Interior Files process before you release the book for sale.
I like Create Space and continue to work with them. (Currently, I'm working on getting Zanna's Outlaw into print through Create Space.) I am able to upload interior and cover files as many times as I want, until they meet Create Space's requirements and my own, to include after I have receieved a proof copy and decide to make changes. The people at the call center are friendly, knowledgeable and strive to do their best to resolve whatever problem(s) you are experiencing. The end product is a high quality paperback book you'll be proud of. And Create Space is always striving to update their tools and make the process that much easier.
If you're looking to self-publish in print, give Create Space a try. It might take you some time in the beginning, as it did me, but the time I invested was time well spent. My sincere thanks to the Create Space team for helping me realize a dream that was born years ago and continues to this day as I keep writing western historical romances.
Affiliated with Amazon, Create Space affords an author a means to publish his own book in print. Once you've completed the process, your book is available for purchase thru Amazon and Create Space, and a few other outlets should you opt for that route.
Is Create Space an easy tool to use? Unless you're computer savy, you're first time might prove challenging, as it did for me. It took me a while to learn how to navigate the step-by-step process and use the tools Create Space provides, but I kept at it, because I was determined to see No Luck At All in print format. Thankfully, Create Space has a community forum and a 24/7 call center to help authors solve problems. (I have used the call center and am always fascinated by how fast my phone rings when I click the button that says "call me now".) The entire step-by-step process is designed to make your book the best it can be, and each phase must be complete before you go on to the next one.
First up is creating your account and listing your title and name. Create Space will then offer to assign you an ISBN number or you can get your own--I let them do it. The next step is polishing your interior file. You can either use the templates Create Space provides or you can format and upload your own files. I use their template, but either way, I strongly urge you to edit your file completely (spelling, punctuation, etc.) before you upload it to Create Space. Once your interior file is complete the next step is your cover. Again, you're given the option of using their tools or your own. If you design your own cover, it must meet their requirements. Once you complete these processes you can buy a proof copy before the book is released for sale--buy one and read it from cover to cover. This is another good way to catch and fix any grammar errors you might have missed during the Interior Files process before you release the book for sale.
I like Create Space and continue to work with them. (Currently, I'm working on getting Zanna's Outlaw into print through Create Space.) I am able to upload interior and cover files as many times as I want, until they meet Create Space's requirements and my own, to include after I have receieved a proof copy and decide to make changes. The people at the call center are friendly, knowledgeable and strive to do their best to resolve whatever problem(s) you are experiencing. The end product is a high quality paperback book you'll be proud of. And Create Space is always striving to update their tools and make the process that much easier.
If you're looking to self-publish in print, give Create Space a try. It might take you some time in the beginning, as it did me, but the time I invested was time well spent. My sincere thanks to the Create Space team for helping me realize a dream that was born years ago and continues to this day as I keep writing western historical romances.
January 15, 2012
Zanna's Outlaw
Hello Everyone:
I'm excited to report that I just released my latest western historical romance, Zanna's Outlaw, today on Amazon's Kindle.
Zanna's Outlaw is the first book in my new series titled, Revolving Point, TX Series.
Each book is set in fictional Revolving Point, TX and features an outlaw for a hero. First up is notorious outlaw Buck Grayson who appeared in Luck of the Draw and Lady Luck.
Download a copy onto your Kindle and find out what Buck has been up to since he was last seen in Lady Luck, and why, against his better judgement, he pins on a sheriff's badge.
I'm excited to report that I just released my latest western historical romance, Zanna's Outlaw, today on Amazon's Kindle.
Zanna's Outlaw is the first book in my new series titled, Revolving Point, TX Series.
Each book is set in fictional Revolving Point, TX and features an outlaw for a hero. First up is notorious outlaw Buck Grayson who appeared in Luck of the Draw and Lady Luck.
Download a copy onto your Kindle and find out what Buck has been up to since he was last seen in Lady Luck, and why, against his better judgement, he pins on a sheriff's badge.
The Past Came Hunting
The Past Came Hunting is Donnell Ann Bell's first published work, and it is a wonderful mix of romance, suspense, family relationships and good vs. evil. Set in Colorado Springs, Ms. Bell's knowledge of the interior workings of a local police department really shine in her hThe Past Came Hunting is Donnell Ann Bell's first published work, and it is a wonderful mix of romance, suspense, family relationships and good vs. evil. Set in Colorado Springs, Ms. Bell's knowledge of the interior workings of a local police department really shine in her hero, Joe Crandall. Joe is a police lieutenant climbing the ladder for a promotion. He is dedicated to his job and often feels guilty about not spending enough time with his teenage son. Enter Melanie and her teenage son, Joe's new neighbors. The boys hit it off with their love for basketball, and Joe and Mel are in for quite a shock when they realize they know each other--Joe arrested Mel several years ago when she was a teenager. The sparks fly between these two as they struggle to put the past behind them and embark on a new relationship, while a threat to Mel's life looms close in the form of a villan bent on seeking revenge against her. Truly an enjoyable read, I can't wait to see what Ms. Bell has in store for us with her next work.
January 5, 2012
Back From the Holidays
If you're like me, the holiday season flew past. In the blink of an eye, time went from a week before Christmas, to Christmas Day, to New Year's Day. And in between the days rolled into one long Saturday, with everyone home and enjoying their time off from work and school. The kiddie was happy--Santa was extremely good to him. The hubby was happy, as well, and for an e-book author, I finally got a Kindle. Now to learn how to use it….but that's for a different day.
Since the closing of Asylett Press back in October, I've been getting a crash course in self-publishing. Luck of the Draw, Lady Luck and No Luck At All are now available on Kindle. No Luck At All will soon be released in print edition through Amazon and Create Space. For those who may want a print copy of Luck of the Draw and/or Lady Luck, Amazon has a few copies left for sale.
Learning how to prepare interior files and a cover for print has been a challenge. For every one thing I did right, something else would mess up. My days consisted of constantly going back and forth fixing things and praying they didn't mess up at a later date. Through much perseverance--I was determined to see No Luck At All in print format--I finally succeeded and have to say the journey was worth the end result. With the help of fellow Asylett authors, and the hubby, I've broadened my knowledge of computers and can now do things I never dreamed of doing.
These past few weeks I've set goals to take me through the first half of 2012. They consist of launching a new western historical romance series. Set in fictional Revolving Point, Texas, each book features an outlaw for a hero. First up is Zanna's Outlaw, and features notorius outlaw Buck Grayson from Luck of the Draw and Lady Luck. I'm excited about this series for two reasons. First, it's fun working with outlaws for heroes, and second, I've found I like self-publishing. Being in control of my work from start to finish is rewarding. It's also nerve-wracking, but two months of hard work and perseverance, my sense of accomplishment has reached new levels.
Until next time, be safe, healthy and happy.
Since the closing of Asylett Press back in October, I've been getting a crash course in self-publishing. Luck of the Draw, Lady Luck and No Luck At All are now available on Kindle. No Luck At All will soon be released in print edition through Amazon and Create Space. For those who may want a print copy of Luck of the Draw and/or Lady Luck, Amazon has a few copies left for sale.
Learning how to prepare interior files and a cover for print has been a challenge. For every one thing I did right, something else would mess up. My days consisted of constantly going back and forth fixing things and praying they didn't mess up at a later date. Through much perseverance--I was determined to see No Luck At All in print format--I finally succeeded and have to say the journey was worth the end result. With the help of fellow Asylett authors, and the hubby, I've broadened my knowledge of computers and can now do things I never dreamed of doing.
These past few weeks I've set goals to take me through the first half of 2012. They consist of launching a new western historical romance series. Set in fictional Revolving Point, Texas, each book features an outlaw for a hero. First up is Zanna's Outlaw, and features notorius outlaw Buck Grayson from Luck of the Draw and Lady Luck. I'm excited about this series for two reasons. First, it's fun working with outlaws for heroes, and second, I've found I like self-publishing. Being in control of my work from start to finish is rewarding. It's also nerve-wracking, but two months of hard work and perseverance, my sense of accomplishment has reached new levels.
Until next time, be safe, healthy and happy.
December 1, 2011
Nova's Christmas
Can you believe Thanksgiving has past and today is the first day of Decemeber. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday have come and gone and now we're in the rush to prepare for Christmas. Parties, shopping, wrapping presents, trips to the post office; tis the season when we could all use a few extra hours in the day. I know I could. But this year, I seem to be more prepared than last year. The tree is up. The decorations are on display. Now it's time to enjoy these upcoming weeks.
For me, the best part of the holiday season is the excitement on the kiddo's face, and watching the dog. Nova knows exactly what the tree means, that she's getting something special in a few weeks. (Keeping her from knocking the trees down is a whole different matter, but this year I blocked her path with a large stuffed Rudolph.)
Each Christmas Eve, Nova patiently watches as I put the presents under the tree, looking for the ones belonging to her. She's a good girl in that she doesn't spring into action and steal any of them at that moment. She goes to bed, sleeps the night and then wakes up in the morning as excited as any kid. Then she again waits patiently for her gifts. One year she got a rawhide bone that was three feet long. It took her a long time learning how to navigate through the house while holding it in her mouth. She truly was funny bumping in to furniture as she proudly paraded her gift for everyone to see. Mostly, she get treats and would love the opportunity to devour the whole bag in less thean thirty seconds. But once she realizes she has a limit, she sits and watches everyone open their presents and then she inspects them--she has to know every new item brought into the house.
My Rippy was the same as Nova is now. He'd watch on Christmas Eve, sleep thru the night and then eagerly wait for his presents in the morning. Then he'd follow after the kiddo to see what he got. But unlike Nova, I never blocked his path around the tree. I should have. One year he knocked the tree over in his haste to get to the person standing on the front porch and broke the tree.
This year I haven't decided what Nova is going to get. I'll make a visit to the pet store and see what special treats they have for her, but you can bet that no matter what it is, she'll love it and have as Merry of a Christmas as the kid.
For me, the best part of the holiday season is the excitement on the kiddo's face, and watching the dog. Nova knows exactly what the tree means, that she's getting something special in a few weeks. (Keeping her from knocking the trees down is a whole different matter, but this year I blocked her path with a large stuffed Rudolph.)
Each Christmas Eve, Nova patiently watches as I put the presents under the tree, looking for the ones belonging to her. She's a good girl in that she doesn't spring into action and steal any of them at that moment. She goes to bed, sleeps the night and then wakes up in the morning as excited as any kid. Then she again waits patiently for her gifts. One year she got a rawhide bone that was three feet long. It took her a long time learning how to navigate through the house while holding it in her mouth. She truly was funny bumping in to furniture as she proudly paraded her gift for everyone to see. Mostly, she get treats and would love the opportunity to devour the whole bag in less thean thirty seconds. But once she realizes she has a limit, she sits and watches everyone open their presents and then she inspects them--she has to know every new item brought into the house.
My Rippy was the same as Nova is now. He'd watch on Christmas Eve, sleep thru the night and then eagerly wait for his presents in the morning. Then he'd follow after the kiddo to see what he got. But unlike Nova, I never blocked his path around the tree. I should have. One year he knocked the tree over in his haste to get to the person standing on the front porch and broke the tree.
This year I haven't decided what Nova is going to get. I'll make a visit to the pet store and see what special treats they have for her, but you can bet that no matter what it is, she'll love it and have as Merry of a Christmas as the kid.
November 17, 2011
Blessings
This is such a wonderful time of year. Family and friends gather around crowded tables. The smell of turkey roasting fills the air. Some watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Others watch football. Thousands attend those games, cheering their team to victory while envisioning the feast they'll enjoy later in the day. Children eagerly watch television commericials, looking for the latest new and exciting toy, and many labor over the sale ads for Black Friday, groaning how early 2 a.m. is to rise and hit the stores. (I feel sorry for the store employees--they have to rise even earlier.) No matter how you celebrate the day, or not, take a moment and give thanks for your blessings.
I have many in my life; my family and friends, great neighbors and my home. I'm thankful that my husband has a good job which affords me the opportunity to stay at home and write. I'm thankful for my son's teachers--they are awesome. Their dedication to students and school shows in the little things they do every day, how they go out of their way to ensure each student feels like school is a second home and not just a place they have to go to Monday thru Friday. I'm thankful for Nova, our dog. She keeps me company all day. I'm grateful to the people who read and enjoy my work, to the ladies who manage the romance sites and afford me the opportunity to promote and join their community events. My web-mistress, Rae and my critique partner, Stacey--two ladies I can't do without. I'm thankful that the hubby and I have the means to help others, especially at this time of year.
The good Lord has blessed me in more ways than I can count, and in ways I don't even know about. More importantly, he gives me the strength to move forward when the chips are down. As you sit down to dinner next Thursday, remember he has blessed you, too, and this great nation we live in.
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! May your hearts be warm and your bellies full.
I have many in my life; my family and friends, great neighbors and my home. I'm thankful that my husband has a good job which affords me the opportunity to stay at home and write. I'm thankful for my son's teachers--they are awesome. Their dedication to students and school shows in the little things they do every day, how they go out of their way to ensure each student feels like school is a second home and not just a place they have to go to Monday thru Friday. I'm thankful for Nova, our dog. She keeps me company all day. I'm grateful to the people who read and enjoy my work, to the ladies who manage the romance sites and afford me the opportunity to promote and join their community events. My web-mistress, Rae and my critique partner, Stacey--two ladies I can't do without. I'm thankful that the hubby and I have the means to help others, especially at this time of year.
The good Lord has blessed me in more ways than I can count, and in ways I don't even know about. More importantly, he gives me the strength to move forward when the chips are down. As you sit down to dinner next Thursday, remember he has blessed you, too, and this great nation we live in.
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! May your hearts be warm and your bellies full.
November 10, 2011
Never Give Up
Last time I blogged about the closing of Asylett Press, and how, due to health reasons, the publisher couldn't keep up with the demands of the company. It was heartbreaking to see the doors close, and uplifting how the Asylett family of authors bonded together and kept each other going. Any number of us could have decided to give up, to put down our pens and forget about bringing to life the stories taking root in the backs of our minds, but that hasn't happened.
Through a hard two weeks, we've each taken a look at our careers and set our goals for the future. Some hope to find new publishers. Others an agent. And some of us have taken and completed crash-courses in publishing on Smashwords, Kindle and CreateSpace. I choose Kindle and am happy to say that Luck of the Draw, Lady Luck and No Luck At All are now available on Amazon's reading device.
Amazon's process of publishing on the Kindle is virtually painless after you've completed the process once. They have step-by-step instructions and guides along the way, especially in areas where one might not be familiar with what Amazon is asking or offering. After loading three books onto the Kindle, I highly recommend that you thoroughly check your work before you hit the 'save' button. This relieves the headache of having to go back and make corrections, like I had to. Thank goodness the hubby works in the world of computers. Zip files, saving here, resaving in a different place; if not for his expertise, I would have literally thrown the computer out onto the front lawn. And cried about breaking it into tiny pieces later.
My next course of action is to tackle CreateSpace and get my books back into print. The eyes need a few more days rest from constantly looking at text, but the one thing that has become clear to me through this rough time is that I like being in control of my work. I have learned that just because one door closes that doesn't mean an end has come to my career. New beginnings were waiting for me. I just had to look for them, make the decision to move on and have some faith in myself that I could get the job done. You can do the same in your writing. A rejection letter, a less-than-perfect critique; learn from these and move on, have faith in yourself and your work. You'll get where you want to go.
As for the Asylett authors; we are, indeed, a family. Our ties to one another were always strong. Over the last few weeks, they have strengthened and united us in ways we probably never thought about last year. We are dedicated and commited to helping each other, to lending support and cheer, and shoulders to lean on when needed. And that is something that will never change.
Through a hard two weeks, we've each taken a look at our careers and set our goals for the future. Some hope to find new publishers. Others an agent. And some of us have taken and completed crash-courses in publishing on Smashwords, Kindle and CreateSpace. I choose Kindle and am happy to say that Luck of the Draw, Lady Luck and No Luck At All are now available on Amazon's reading device.
Amazon's process of publishing on the Kindle is virtually painless after you've completed the process once. They have step-by-step instructions and guides along the way, especially in areas where one might not be familiar with what Amazon is asking or offering. After loading three books onto the Kindle, I highly recommend that you thoroughly check your work before you hit the 'save' button. This relieves the headache of having to go back and make corrections, like I had to. Thank goodness the hubby works in the world of computers. Zip files, saving here, resaving in a different place; if not for his expertise, I would have literally thrown the computer out onto the front lawn. And cried about breaking it into tiny pieces later.
My next course of action is to tackle CreateSpace and get my books back into print. The eyes need a few more days rest from constantly looking at text, but the one thing that has become clear to me through this rough time is that I like being in control of my work. I have learned that just because one door closes that doesn't mean an end has come to my career. New beginnings were waiting for me. I just had to look for them, make the decision to move on and have some faith in myself that I could get the job done. You can do the same in your writing. A rejection letter, a less-than-perfect critique; learn from these and move on, have faith in yourself and your work. You'll get where you want to go.
As for the Asylett authors; we are, indeed, a family. Our ties to one another were always strong. Over the last few weeks, they have strengthened and united us in ways we probably never thought about last year. We are dedicated and commited to helping each other, to lending support and cheer, and shoulders to lean on when needed. And that is something that will never change.
