B. Lynn Goodwin's Blog: Writer Advice's Flash MEMOIR Contest, page 19
September 11, 2018
Goodbye, Sweet Friend
Your spirit will live on until we join you.
Every time I’m afraid to make an outrageous request, I’ll think of you and find the courage to do it.
Twenty Minutes a Day: A Step Towards a Balanced Life
My friend Devorah Winegarten died today after a short and intense battle with cancer. She was one of my Circle Sisters, which is what we call our fellow writers at Story Circle Network. She and I were in a daily Internet group where we shared our victories and challenges related to our works-in-progress. Debs, or the Debster as she often called herself, was a powerhouse of positive energy and forward motion. She set the pace for that group with clear challenges for herself and lots of encouragement for the rest of us to push forward through our fear and procrastination. She was the queen of the outrageous request, modeling how asking for more than you think you’ll ever get can result in more yeses than nos. Yes, Debs had more energy, more focus and more excitement for life than most of the rest of us combined.
Debs and I were…
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August 14, 2018
The Hurrieder I Go . . .
This is an observation, not a complaint. I love all the good things that are coming my way.
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Awards for Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62
A new writing project — too soon to tell you about it
New editing jobs — through Story Circle Network and privately
More books to read — including three competing for the Sarton Award offered by Story Circle Network and a number sent by some excellent publishers
Submissions to Writer Advice’s Flash TRAVEL Contest, which I love reading and commenting about.-Read about it in the tan box at Writer Advice .
The next speaking engagement …
The light on the hills as the sun sets …
Thursday night dates with my husby, whose unexpected attention and love gave me the inspiration for Never Too Late .
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So, “the hurrieder I go, the behinder I get” (thank you Lewis Carroll) and I don’t publish here often. New things are coming soon. Sign up to be notified by putting your e-mail in the “Follow” box.
And if you are a writer, please check out Writer Advice’s Flash TRAVEL Contest.
July 8, 2018
Review of Never Too Late with a Different Flavor
Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62
Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62
Reviewed By:
Gisela Dixon
Review Rating:
5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review! Get your free 5-star seal!
Reviewed By Gisela Dixon for Readers’ Favorite
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Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62 by B. Lynn Goodwin is a memoir of Lynn’s journey in her sixties as a single woman to getting married for the first time. Never Too Late starts with Lynn talking about her life and how she reached the age of 62, single, unmarried, and a virgin. After having told her dating history in brief up to this point, the rest of the book is devoted to her and Richard’s dating and relationship. Lynn was an established professional when she met Richard through Craigslist. He worked as an electrical contractor and was also a pastor at a church. Although their backgrounds and histories are very different—him being married twice before and with several adult children—they connect at some level and continue dating slowly but surely. This is the story of their relationship and how it evolves with its ups and downs.
Lynn is a very good writer and she has presented the story in Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62 really well. The writing is candid and very engaging and she explains her thoughts and misgivings, especially regarding financial matters, every step of the way. I must admit that Richard’s character, although he does seem frank, is quite “traditionally Christian” where he truly believes he, being the head of household, ultimately has the final say in all decision-making after marriage. Although that idea would be impossible for me to stomach, Lynn appears to have made her peace with it and seems genuinely happy, so I was glad it worked out for her. In any case, whether one agrees with this couple’s specific beliefs or lifestyles or not, this is their mutual love story and makes for an interesting read.
I appreciate her balanced, genuine review, and of course I love any 5-star review. Any thoughts or opinions?
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July 6, 2018
Share Your Opinions: Why Book Reviews Matter and How You Can Help
[image error]“Together we can change the world, one good deed at a time.” ~~Anonymous
Share Your Opinions:
Why Book Reviews Matter and How You Can Help
Whether you’re an author or not, one of the kindest gifts you can give to any writer is a constructive honest review. It doesn’t have to be long or literary or quote specific passages unless you’re writing for a site that expects that.
Not only will your comments please the author, but your words might help her see her work in a whole new way. You’ll be helping readers who depend on reviews make a choice. In addition your review could be a springboard for new writing for either of you. That’s good for everyone and a lot to get out of a few minutes of reacting to a story that grabbed you and/or made you think.
Quick, short reviews can be very effective—especially on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads. Simply tell why you recommend the book in one or two sentences. If you want to add plot summary, analysis of writing style, or who the ideal audience is, feel free. It’s nice but not necessary.
““Never Too Late is an honest, insightful look at one of life’s greatest mysteries: the ever changing and ever challenging relationship between a man and a woman. This book is one you won’t want to miss!” —Mary Eileen Williams, Host of Feisty Side of Fifty, author of Land the Job You Love!: 10 Surefire Strategies for Jobseekers Over 50
If you decide to write a more detailed review, start with the themes an author explores and then talk about how and why the story sheds new light on a familiar subject or opens your insights. Often I start by articulating the questions that the author is exploring:
What if you have a gift that no one can accept?
Ever been puzzled by a partner’s behavior?
Ever wonder how others handle the costs of their bad decisions?
What happens when family and ambition compete?
What does it take to survive?
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Another approach is to tell people what the book intends to convey and how well it does its job. This works for a two-sentence review or a longer one.
I usually include a brief summary and identify the author’s strengths. If something bothers me I’ll mention it briefly as long as it’s not a story spoiler. If I can’t write something good and make the review at least 80% positive, I move on to the next book.
If you look at the reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads, you’ll see that lengths vary. I’ve written one-sentence reviews and I’ve posted reviews of 350 words or more. Generally, less is more. Many people have short attention spans.
Once you’re satisfied with your review, it’s easy to cut and paste into Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads.
Go to the site where you want to place your review.
Find the search box.
Type the book title and/or author and hit return.
When the correct page comes up, scroll down to the box that says, “Write a Customer Review” or “Add a Review.”
Click on the box. Amazon asks some questions to guide you. Barnes & Noble doesn’t. You can simply rate the book and paste in your review, because you are prepared.
Often the sites will notify the author when a review is posted. Not always. It’s all controlled by algorithms beyond our control. Here’s what’s within your control:
You can write a review.
You can read other reviews as samples.
You can post a review.
You can practice on the last book you read. Or the one you’re just finishing. The authors will love you for it.
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Another way to help authors is to recommend their books to your friends, writing peers, and book groups. Word of mouth is excellent publicity. Paying it forward matters. Right or wrong, the number of reviews you have on Amazon also matters, so the important thing is to write honestly and share your thoughts. They’re just as valuable as anyone else’s. You never know where a review might lead. Doing book reviews is a great way for writers to build community.
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Not sure where to start? Not even reading a book right now? I’d be delighted to have you review my memoir about love, acceptance, and much more. It’s called Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62.
It’s a quick, easy read, and I’m perfectly happy with either a short or long review, as long as it’s honest. You can post it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, or all three.
July 3, 2018
The Story I Promised A Week Ago
Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62
I was only going to New Orleans for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards if I won. I thought I had, but I had won the National Indie Excellence Awards in the category of Relationships, not the NGIBA.
Confused? I was.
On the other hand, finalists are considered award winners. They just aren’t first place. If I count everything up I was a WINNER in Relationships at the National Indie Excellence Awards and a finalist in Aging. I was a finalist in both Relationships and Women’s Issues at the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
And this morning, I learned that because I had a five-star review from Reader’s Favorite Book Awards, I’m entered in their contest too.
My glass is half full.
June 26, 2018
June 11, 2018
Gotta get the word out!
Not too hard.
It’s getting them to listen that’s the trick.
[image error]Speaking with a customer at the Dublin Library in Dublin, CA.
Saturday I shared books with other local writers at the Dublin (CA) Library, and even sold some.
Today my interview with Kaye Lynn Booth is out.
via Interview with author B. Lynn Goodwin
Take a look, leave a reply, and let me know if you’d like to interview me for your blog.
BTW, it’s never too late to pick up a copy of NEVER TOO LATE: From Wannabe to Wife at 62.
Also available wherever books are sold. Just tell them to order from Ingram.
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“A delightful read that will teach you much about the process of discerning what is right for you.” ~~Linda Marshall, author of A Long Awakening to Grace
“Instead of continuing to search for a mate who is a mirror of ourselves, who is the most intelligent, wealthy, successful, witty, etc., embrace the person who is authentic and trustworthy, with styles or attributes that we lack, who brings out the best in us.” ~~L. Kain
Interview with author B. Lynn Goodwin
Fun to go back and read what I said a couple weeks ago, now that it’s out for the whole world to see. Let me know what you think.
My guest today is an author with a unique story. She’s published three books, two of which are nonfiction, inspired by her own experiences. The third is a work of fiction, so she traverses both realms. In addition she does editing and acts as a writing coach for her fellow authors on her site, Writer Advice. Her book, Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62, which she’s going to tell us about, has recently become a 2018 National Indie Excellence Award finalist. I am pleased to welcome B. Lynn Goodwin to Writing to be Read.
Kaye: Would you share briefly the story of your own publishing journey?
Lynn: I began writing seriously while I was also caring for my mother in the last years of her life. It was a great outlet. I also began Writer Advice, www.writeradvice.com, which started as an e-mail newsletter…
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May 22, 2018
Woo-hoo or Trying to Make it REAL
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Never Too Late
CONGRATULATIONS!
It is our great pleasure to inform you that you are a Winner in the 12th Annual National Indie Excellence® Awards. Your book truly embodies the excellence that this award was created to celebrate, and we salute you and your fine work.
The lists of winners and finalists are proudly displayed on our website, please log on to www.indieexcellence.com and click on the Winners & Finalists tab to see your name and book cover highlighted for all to see. Awards are available for download and purchase on our website including: cover stickers, certificates, and medals. The 12th Annual NIEA contest’s Press Release will go out to a wide array of news, media and industry outlets (it is also on our website as a download for your use).
The team at the National Indie Excellence® Awards sincerely hope your participation in our contest will serve you well in your ongoing success. You have our deepest congratulations.
Warmly,
The Team at the National Indie Excellence® Awards
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Exciting news indeed. In third grade I came in second in the spelling bee. In high school speech contests I once got a third place, but nothing better. In 1976 I was named Teacher of the Year by an alternative, unsanctioned high school newspaper.
A couple years ago I won a Bronze Medal for Talent and later I was a finalist in the Sarton Writing Contest.
Today I actually won. Best in my category as they would say at horse races and county fairs. Everything changes.
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My husband, a major player in Never Too Late, says, “You don’t lose until you quit trying.” Good statement!
May 3, 2018
Writer Advice’s Flash Fiction Contest
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Would you like feedback on your writing as well as a chance to win a prize? Writer Advice seeks flash fiction(750 words or less).
Draw us in.
Open our eyes.
Dazzle, delight, and entice us.
Give us new insights.
Entertain us.
Winners receive cash prizes and are published. Low fee for solid feedback.
DEADLINE: 06/01/18.
FEE: $15.50 for individualized feedback and the possibility of winning a prize.
PRIZES:
First Place: $160
Second Place: $ 80
Third Place: $ 40
Honorable Mention Winners will also be listed.
Questions, but not submissions go to Lgood67334 AT Comcast DOT net. We look forward to reading your work.
Writer Advice has been running this contest for over 10 years, so we have lots of experience explaining what works and why as well as suggesting improvements.
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Writer Advice's Flash MEMOIR Contest
- B. Lynn Goodwin's profile
- 154 followers
