Phil Giunta's Blog, page 12
October 14, 2022
After Action Report: Mindful Writers Retreat
As I write this, the sun is rising on the final morning of the 2022 Autumn Mindful Writers Retreat. As always, it was a magical week at the Ligonier Camp and Conference Center nestled in the Laurel Highlands in western Pennsylvania.
Mother Nature blessed us with five days of clement weather and vivid fall colors. I managed to finish three more chapters of my novella-in-progress and when I wasn’t writing, I hiked through the woods and joined my fellow scribes in afternoon meditation.
On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, I stole away from the retreat to participate in two Zoom sessions with fellow members of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group. The first was a discussion panel on Writing Genre Fiction with Dianna Sinovic, Michael Daigle, and Rachel Thompson. The second was an Author Dialogue with Dianna wherein we enjoyed an informal discussion about various aspects of writing. Both Zoom meetings will be included in the programming for the upcoming Easton Book Festival.
On our final evening of the retreat, the group gathered around the fire for a few hours of relaxation and socializing. Now, it’s nearly time for our final brunch together and then I’m on the road home with fond memories, some lessons learned about book marketing, and solid progress in my current project.
Deep gratitude to retreat organizers Kathie Shoop and Larry Schardt and to the staff at the Ligonier Camp and Conference Center. I look forward to future retreats!
My home during the retreat.
Macartney Lane
October 4, 2022
Easton Book Festival Schedule of Events
As part of the Easton Book Festival, I will have a table at the Easton Farmer’s Market from 9AM to 1PM on Saturday, October 29. Story readings are scheduled between 9AM and 10AM.
The festival will be held live and virtually from October 21 through October 30. The schedule is on the website now and includes online discussion panels, author interviews, story readings, in-person book signings, and a plethora of other events for all ages.
I will also be a panelist on Writing Genre Fiction along with Michael Daigle, Rachel Thompson, and Dianna Sinovic. The discussion will be pre-recorded and posted on the festival website on Thursday, October 27th at 10PM as shown in the schedule.
On Friday, October 28th at 6:30PM, Book and Puppet Company, the organizers of the festival, will celebrate the grand opening of their local author bookcase in their shop in Easton’s Center Square. I have a few titles on their shelves along with fellow members of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group.
This will be best EBF to date so we hope you’ll join us!
September 25, 2022
Magic, Folklore, and Otherworldly Encounters at the Beach!
Looking for the perfect read for the end of beach season or a trip to your own back yard? Check out SHELL HOUSE, the latest anthology by Year of the Book Press with stories by members of the Mindful Writers Retreat. Print and ebook versions are available everywhere and the ebook is on sale for $0.99!
Proceeds benefit the Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute in Lewes, DE.
Several SHELL HOUSE authors will be signing copies at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, DE on October 1, 2022 at 4PM. If you’re in town, stop by, say hi, and grab a copy!
Browseabout Books
133 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE
SHELL HOUSE is also available from:
Each piece in the anthology takes place at SHELL HOUSE. The famous historical home on Rehoboth Beach provides the backdrop for stories of every genre, spanning from the roaring 20’s to present day. Beach life is magical in so many ways whether you live there or stop by for a short trip. The following stories beautifully bring magic, fantasy, and science fiction to the page.
The inspiration for Stephanie Keyes’ “Wren and the Sea Captain” came from an old, black and white movie, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. It’s one of her favorites—spooky, very romantic, with sweeping vistas and sporadic comedic moments. There was a lost, forgotten quality to that film that came back to her as she reviewed the pictures of Shell House and the sea beyond. Read her story to see just how life meets the afterlife.
When Hilary Hauck began researching the Shell House for “The Heart of the Home,” it didn’t take long for a rather cheeky little character to be born. You know the kind, those often found in folklore, the ones who steal odd socks and knit dust bunnies to spread beneath furniture. With all the mischief these folkloric characters create she began to wonder what if they’re really sending a message to pay attention? What if their real quest is to encourage people to value what they have?
Michele Zirkle’s story, “Seashells and Cockle Tales of High Magic” was partially inspired by her experiences and those of a friend. Mysterious symbols appeared in the hands of her shamanic mentor and those serendipitously connected her with a group from around the world who were seeing them in their palms too. This led to an energy healing modality called Belvaspata and featured into her Shell House tale.
What exactly inspired the “magic” in Madhu B. Wangu’s story “Life in the Mirror?” As she studied the Shell House, the one hundred-year-old sprawling mansion with balconies, corridors, Victorian furniture, manicured gardens, beach in the front and wilderness at the back she began to hear the haunting sounds of a sorrowful voice as if searching for itself. And she hadn’t even written the story yet! Written in a day Madhu felt as though the character, Jada, was feeding her the tale, drawing her to the mirror… There’s nothing like a beautiful mirror to draw a person in.
Denise Weaver’s “Molly’s Magic” was largely inspired by her sweet aunt and her own life in the kitchen. But Molly is so much more than a simple cook in an enormous, historic beach house. She seems to have been the Shell House cook forever… Denise’s inclination to show love through food was the impetus for Molly’s role. What if Molly somehow always made the right recipe to create just the right experience for those who are searching—searching for love, for peace, for a new beginning? The magic of a lovingly prepared meal can work wonders.
Kimberly Kurth Gray’s “A Sunday Séance at Sea” was inspired by Kim’s Aunt Evelyn Norton. Auntie Ev, with her bleached blonde hair and kitten heels, was the perfect model for the character of Linda Porter. Like Auntie, Linda is fascinated with the afterlife and spirits. Auntie could spin frightening tales, and once even moved from her home because she was convinced a loved one would make good on his promise to haunt her. When Kim began to read more on Spiritualism she found that the actress Mae West was also a believer. Who better to help the spirits move from one existence to the next? It gives a whole new meaning to, “Come up and see me sometimes,” don’t you think?
My own tale of science fiction comedy, “See You Around the Cosmos, Sweet Cheeks!” originated on a sweltering July evening while walking the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. Dramatic lights in the night sky almost convinced me that I was witnessing experimental military crafts or even extraterrestrials. But the silent light show was nothing more than kites laden with LEDs. Nevertheless, my writer’s brain began conjuring a story idea and I ran with it all the way back to autumn of 1983 when Rehoboth was less developed and the Shell House property would have been dark and deserted on an off-season night. This tale of a cynical college student and a snarky alien takes elements from my science fiction novel in progress, which is set in Wyoming. However, when the Shell House anthology was announced, I realized that I could carve out the opening scenes and rewrite it as a beach adventure.
September 23, 2022
Ghosts, Aliens, and Bootlegging at the Beach
Looking for the perfect read for the end of beach season or a trip to your own back yard? Check out SHELL HOUSE, the latest anthology by Year of the Book Press with stories by members of the Mindful Writers Retreat. Print and ebook versions are available everywhere and the ebook is on sale for $0.99!
Proceeds benefit the Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute in Lewes, DE.
Several SHELL HOUSE authors will be signing copies at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach, DE on October 1, 2022 at 4PM. If you’re in town, stop by, say hi, and grab a copy!
Browseabout Books
133 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE
SHELL HOUSE is also available from:
Each piece in the anthology takes place at SHELL HOUSE, a historic mansion that once stood on the border of Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches between the Atlantic Ocean and Silver Lake.
The famous site provides the backdrop for stories of every genre, from the roaring 20s to present day. There’s nothing like the beach to bring out the fun in life. Read on to see what inspired some of the more lighthearted tales in the collection. In later posts, we’ll explore some of the other tales in various genres.
“A Sunday Séance at the Sea” by Kimberly Kurth Gray was inspired by her bleach blonde, storytelling, obsessed with the afterlife, kitten heel wearing Auntie Ev. Drawing from flamboyant relatives and researching Spiritualism, Kimberly found the pieces of her Shell House story falling together in the perfect, otherworldly way. She even discovered that the actress Mae West was a believer in Spiritualism. And who better to help the spirits move from one existence to the next? It gives a whole new meaning to, “Come up and see me sometimes,” don’t you think?
Kathleen Shoop offers two lighthearted tales set nearly a century apart and connected by champagne and pineapple upside down cake! The first story, “Flora & George” was inspired by the 1920s bootlegging that sprouted up along the Delaware coast. The roaring 20s was the perfect back drop for witty banter and insta-love to bloom. The inspiration behind “Frannie & Eli” is the story of Flora and George and the illicit party that brought them together. A message in a bottle, a secret hidey hole, and a century of fabulous Shell House stories. Oh, if the walls could talk …. Sometimes they do.
Cindy Moldovan’s “Love Dawns at Shell House” was inspired by, well, love! Main character Lacey is taking an early morning stroll when she realizes that she is in love. But this fun story explores more than romance. Lacey is soon tasked with finding a way to save Shell House from demolition. Conflicts arise threatening Rehoboth’s beloved home and the guy who has captured her heart! Can love win out?
My own tale of science fiction comedy, “See You Around the Cosmos, Sweet Cheeks!” originated on a sweltering July evening while walking the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk. Dramatic lights in the night sky almost convinced me that I was witnessing experimental military crafts or extraterrestrials. But the silent light show ended up being nothing more than kites laden with LEDs. Nevertheless, my writer’s brain began conjuring a story. I took the idea and ran with it, all the way back to autumn of 1983 when Rehoboth was less developed and the Shell House property would have been dark and deserted on an off-season night. The perfect location to encounter a massive alien ship? You’ll have to read to find out!
September 11, 2022
About This Writing Stuff…
In this month’s roundup, Becca Puglisi reminds us to enhance our characters by imbuing them with unique talents and skills.
Struggling to write a compelling start to your novel? Maggie Smith can help. Over at Career Authors, Brian Andrews and Gina Panettieri show us how loglines help authors answer that dreaded question, “what’s your book about?”
If you’re grappling with impostor syndrome, as many creatives do, Ruth Harris and Tiffany Yates Martin have some encouraging advice for you.
There’s no denying that TikTok has become one of the hottest sites for book promotion. Shailee Shah offers a roster of writers who are using the platform to build an enormous following.
All that and a lot more. Enjoy!
Character Traits & Skills: Beyond the Superficial by Becca Puglisi via Jami Gold
Seven Components of a Successful Novel Opening by Maggie Smith
Exposing Inner Conflict in non-POV Characters by Kathryn Craft
It’s Messy in the Middle: Unpacking Cultural Appropriation by Colice Sanders
Understanding the Three Types of Character Arcs by Britton Perelman
Why a Strong Plot Requires a Significant Goal by September C. Fawkes
The Upside of Impostor Syndrome by Ruth Harris
Are You Telling Yourself the Wrong Stories? by Tiffany Yates Martin
What is Your Book About… Do You Know? by Brian Andrews
Loglines and Comps by Gina Panettieri
14 Indie Authors to Follow on TikTok for Ideas and Inspiration by Shailee Shah
How to Build an Amazing “About the Author” Page by Jason Hamilton
August 16, 2022
About This Writing Stuff…
This month, personal experiences come into play as Kathryn Craft reminds us to cultivate a productive and fulfilling writing life, Gwen Plano examines different aspects of character diversity, and Scott Hines creates meaningful connections on social media.
In the marketing department, Jan Sikes delves into BookTok while AJ Jack offers seven methods for analyzing reader habits. Want to know more about the book-to-screen process? Literary agents Allison Hunter and Jennifer Weltz give us the low down.
All that and a lot more. Enjoy!
The Book that Tore Everyone Apart by Gaby Hinsliff
The Fight Between Authors and Librarians Tearing Book Lovers Apart by Pranshu Verma
How Are Books Adapted for the Screen? Two Agents Demystify the Process by Sangeeta Mehta
Transparency in Slush: The Wizard Behind the Curtain by AJ Cunder
Dear Writer: Advice on Cultivating Connection in the Internet Age by Scott Hines
Fill Your Writing Life by Kathryn Craft
7 Clever Ways Authors Can Learn More About Readers Online by AJ Jack
8 Sequence Structure: The Best-Kept Screenwriting Secret by Britton Perelman
#MKTG 17 – TikTok by Jan Sikes
Characters and Diversity Part I: Race by Gwen M. Plano
Characters and Diversity Part II: Wealth by Gwen M. Plano
Characters and Diversity Part III: Physical Ability by Gwen M. Plano
August 15, 2022
Good Things Happen in Threes!
Excited and relieved to have conquered the third and final Microsoft exam to achieve my Enterprise Administrator certificate. Now I can get my life back, writing and otherwise!
August 14, 2022
After Action Report – Lehigh Valley Comic Con
The post-COVID return of the Lehigh Valley Comic Con (LVCC) was a success! It was a gorgeous day and attendance was the highest I’ve ever seen at this con. Sold six books. Made a profit. A few friends from the area showed up to keep me company. All told, it was a blast and as always, the cosplayers did not disappoint as you can see from the pictures below.
LVCC’s next show is October 1, but I will be signing books in Rehoboth Beach that day, so I’ll be back for their final show of the year on December 3rd.
August 5, 2022
Party at the Shell House!
Reviews are pouring in for Shell House, the latest anthology from Year of the Book Press and the Mindful Writers Retreat members.
Below are the first four reviews from our blog tour. Click on any one of the links to see the full review, read excerpts from three of the short stories, and enter to win an ebook copy of Shell House and a $50 Amazon gift card!
“I am always in awe of the Mindful Writers Retreat Authors books. The collections of short stories are a fulfilling treat that leaves you in a state of reading bliss.” – Shelly at Lynchburg Reads
“In this fourth installment of the Mindful Writers Retreat Anthology Series you will find a beautiful collection of short stories that circle around the city of Rehoboth and its famous Shell House. The authors include a bit of the history of Rehoboth and share experiences of different types of love. Stories that feature bootlegging, fantasy, science-fiction, architectural conservation, and many more to explore the ways people love. I really enjoyed these stories and the couple of recipes included! A perfect beach theme and read!” – Natalie at Mammanatty
“Shell House is the fourth installment of the Mindful Retreat Series, and I must say I am just in love with these collections.” – Melanie at It’s My Side of Life
“[Shell House] is such a fabulously different summer read… I love the Mindful Writers Retreat series, and I adore how the theme of each book is different, yet they still invoke a lot of the same feelings. This book is outstanding and is chock full of wonderful stories.” – Sonya at Sanity Is For Those Without Children Contributors to Shell House include: Lorraine Donohue Bonzelet, Gloria Bostic, Deborah Hetrick Catanese, Jennifer D. Diamond, Judy England-McCarthy, Phil Giunta, Kimberly Kurth Gray, Hilary Hauck, Larry Ivkovich, Stephanie Keyes, S. M. Kraftchak, Cindy Moldovan, Amy Morley, Michael Morley, James Robinson, Jr., Larry Schardt, Carol Schoenig, Kathleen Shoop, Demi Stevens, Lisa Valli, Madhu Bazaz Wangu, Denise Weaver, and Michele Zirkle.
Proceeds benefit The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute (MERR) in Lewes, DE.
July 23, 2022
About This Writing Stuff…
New on the monthly roundup, Philip Athans reminds us that writing is a lifelong calling while Kristen Lamb reviews different aspects of world-building.
Tiffany Yates Martin examines the elements that go into creating complex characters. Speaking of which, what makes characters “likeable”? That depends on genre, as Anne R. Allen explains.
Over at Career Authors, Hank Phillippi Ryan and Dana Isaacson provide advice on self-editing while Daryl Wood Gerber helps us avoid burnout while writing a series.
From Writer Unboxed, Donald Maass delves into the inner workings of story imagination and Kathryn Craft encourages us to visualize our scenes not as authors, but as our characters.
All that a lot more. Enjoy!
Are You a “Lifer”? by Philip Athans
Beyond Character Goal and Motivation – The Longing and the Lack by Tiffany Yates Martin
17 BookBub As Designs Promoting Books in a Series by Carlyn Robertson
DIY Author Marketing 101 by Michal Leah
Why “Likeable” Characters Depend on Genre by Anne R. Allen
10 Things Beginning Writers Must Do by Anne R. Allen
5 Tips to Pick Up the Pace by Dana Isaacson
Copy Editing Secrets by Hank Phillippi Ryan
5 Tips to Keep a Series Fresh by Daryl Wood Gerber
World-Building: Captivate Readers and Never Let Go by Kristen Lamb
Seeing Through a Character’s Eyes: Literally by Kathryn Craft
Three Modes of Story Imagination by Donald Maass
Trademark Tips for Writers – How to Protect Your Creative Work by Matt Knight
Writing Mistakes: Choosing Between Plotting vs. Pantsing by Michael Woodson
10 Relaxing Activities to Rediscover Your Writing Voice by Miles Oliver
