Laina Turner's Blog, page 124

Ebooks are for real!

This time last year I was just starting to understand the importance of ebooks. It wasn't until late summer that I really understood how much ebooks were taking over the marketplace and that they were here to stay. Mostly because of my own personal preference. I love the look and feel and smell of books. I enjoy browsing at the bookstore looking at covers and the organized stacks of books all around me. When I finally changed my own mindset and realized that a book was still a book, even if it wasn't in paper format, a whole new world opened up to me. I now get excited to spend the $20 I would have spent on 1 maybe 2 books at the bookstore on 10-15 ebooks, depending on the price. It has allowed me to take a chance on unknown authors and read genres I may not have wanted to try because of the cost. It's opened up a whole new world as a reader and definitely as an author. For me as an author it's made the dream of being published a reality.

 

What have ebooks done for you?

 

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Working on multiple projects

I have shiny ball syndrome. Something I have mentioned before on this blog. It's very easy for me to get distracted by getting excited about something new and then am tempted to walk away from my work in progress. I have learned that a good way for me to combat that is to purposely have a couple different projects in the pipeline so that I can jump back and forth when it suits me. It keeps me from getting bored with one project and either walking away altogether or struggling to keep on task. I have also found that when I hit a block with one being able to switch to another helps me keep from going days without writing.

 

The drawback is I do get confused at times on which project I'm working on and where I'm and where I'm going.

 

How do you organize your projects and do you work on multiple ones at a time?

Laina

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I must like to kill people

I say this because I just finished a novella prequel that ended much differently than I had planned. My new book, A Day in the Life of Trixie Pristine, launches a new series about Trixie Pristine and her friends and my intent when starting out was to have more of a Rom-Com series since I have my Presley Thurman series, which has more of the murder and mayhem aspect. However, as I started writing I ended up killing someone. It just happened and I didn't realize until I had done it that the novella was going in that direction. Is something wrong with me? Do I have some underlying anger that makes me want to kill people on paper? I know a lot of authors who write different genres and while what I had intended to write wasn't that far apart in genre it ended up being the same. Which again isn't necessarily a bad thing but I was hoping to have a little more of a differentiator.

 

I am interested in knowing if you have found yourself in the same situation where you start out writing with one intent in mind and end up with another?

Laina

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We can all become better writers

Like most of us I am always working to improve my craft. Over the weekend I came across a good article on some steps to take to become a better writer (get original article here). One of the steps it talked about was once you finished the rough draft to go back through and pretend you had to cut a third of it. This would force you to be concise and not wander off. For me I thought this was great advice and I used it this weekend while editing my next book.

Hope you find this article useful.

Laina

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Tips on fiction writing

Writing fiction is fun, at last for me. I am able to scape into a world that isn't my reality and as an only child growing up I love that. I can sit for hours imagining stories in my head. However, to make what's in my head, as awesome as I may think it is, something others may want to read there are some basic guidelines needed to create a good book. I don't claim to know those guidelines but I found a really good article on some here.

 

Enjoy!

Laina

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6 weeks and 8 hours

Today I sent my short story prequel, A Day in the Life of Trixie Pristine, to my editor, only about six weeks past due, and to the point I have my fingers crossed that he is as timely as he usually is as I don't have any wiggle room before the date of a book promo I have scheduled and already paid for. Why? Procrastination of course. Now we all procrastinate sometimes and I myself am guilty of it. I have always felt more productive, although regretful, when I wait until the last possible minute to finish something. But this time was worse than usual. Why? I'm not sure. Mostly I wasn't in the mood to write. So for weeks I did everything but finish my book and when the absolute drop-dead date came I buckled down and got it finished in about 8 hours. So I'm sitting here asking myself why I put myself through the stress of now maybe not meeting the promotion deadline when all it took is a few hours of focus. Of course I have no answer for that I'm just promising myself to not let it happen with my next book. You know the one I am already behind on since I wasted so much time on this one:)

 

What about you? What's your procrastination habits?

 

 

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Going after your dream might require a detour

I am reading a very interesting book called, Quitter by Jon Acuff. It's about working your day job while pursuing your dream without sacrificing the quality of work you do at your day job. I think many times we think it might be hard, if not even impossible, to follow our passion which isn't a money maker (yet) while working full time and taking care of a family and just living life and the many things it can throw your way. The "I don't have enough time" trap is an easy one to fall into but as his book points out many times, we often don't use our time wisely and if we did, focusing on the important, we would have time to do everything we chose.

I agree with him because I know myself that the busier I am the more focused I am and the more I get done. If I have a lot of time I am the worlds biggest procrastinator. So if you find yourself using the "I don't have time" excuse as to why you aren't following your dream pick up a copy of this book. It will help give you a much better perspective.

 

Follow your dreams-

Laina

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Interview with children's author Jen Pereya of Mommy & Daddy Work to Make Some Dough

[image error] What would be the first thing you would do if today was your last day?

That's easy…I would climb in bed with both of my girls and cuddle with them.

What's your own definition of happiness?

Happiness can be summed up in one joyous sound…my girls' laughter, especially when they are doing it at the same time!

What do you do in your free time?

Free time?  What's that? Seriously though, I am 100% committed to my career in corporate America but I also love to write, share, and connect with others so I have my entrepreneurial side as well which limits free time.  That being said, I adore baking with my girls and helping my oldest practice her Irish dance steps.  In terms of just plain old me time, nothing beats heading to the salon for some girl time with my bestie!

 

What tv shows do you like?

I love watching shows where there is something to learn.  I know, kind of boring and maybe I could be accused of being nerdy but then again, I have always been a bit of a nerd.  I love the Discovery Channel and I often find myself watching the History Channel too! J

Where do you see yourself in "5,10″ years?

I try to have a general vision in terms of moving in an upward trajectory no matter what the path but I intentionally avoid trying to be overly specific.  The reason is that I don't want to pigeon hole myself by looking at opportunities too myopically.  As long as I am moving forward and upward, then I'm good.  Then again, some days I think it would be great to sell it all and live on a beach somewhere serving tourists cocktails.  I guess only time will tell!

 

How do you balance work and life?

I think it's important for us to change our perspective on how we view balance.  As opposed to trying to assess the balance in one's life over days and weeks, it is my belief that it should be evaluated over months and years.  If at the end of the year you can look back and say that you feel good about the time you gave to your work, your family, and yourself I think you can say that you have found balance.  It is, however, something that is very subjective.

 

Now that I have that out of the way, here is a piece of practical, actionable advice.  I think that no matter how busy one is, it is absolutely necessary to schedule time for you.  If you don't, I strongly believe that you will not be able to be as effective in any of your roles as a mother/spouse/friend or employee/entrepreneur.   The key word here is "schedule".  Put it in your calendar the same as you would any other appointment for work and make sure to keep it.  Schedule everything else around it.  You will be much better off for it!

What do you say to your fans?

I try to just be myself.  As an author and a writer, I am my own brand and therefore, if I'm not genuine with my fans it would be very obvious.  Whether I'm writing blog posts on my website or writing tips for www.30secondmom .com, I am who I am and that's pretty much all there is to it.  If you read my blog, the posts are geared towards families with working parents.  (After all, the number one rule of writing is to write what you know.)  Looking at my author page on 30Second Mom, it's a bit all over the place with regard to categories but there is one consistent theme and that is streamlining your life and trying to find ways to be more efficient.

 

How did you come to write Mommy & Daddy Work to Make Some Dough?

Our oldest, Rebeca began questioning why my husband and I dropped her and her baby sister off at pre-school every day. As I began to think of how I would respond to her, I was reminded of my own trials and tribulations as a five-year-old starting kindergarten. The first few days weren't that bad considering I was super excited about my new clothes and my Buster Brown shoes.  However, the tearful days that followed culminated with my mother finding me on the front porch of our house crying my eyes out. I had actually walked home from school, alone. She had dropped me off one morning at the front door but I never made it all the way to my classroom.  I turned around and made my way back home, sure that I was never going to go back. Obviously, I did end up returning to kindergarten, thanks to my teacher sharing with me the story of The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, and the words, "I think I can, I think I can". That book became my security blanket of sorts.  Remembering how helpful that book was to me at that age, I began my search for a story that would help me to answer my own daughter's questions in a simple, yet entertaining way. Shockingly, I found the children's picture book market to be devoid of stories about families with two working parents.  The rest is literary history!

 

When was the book released?

It was released in April 2011.

 

What is the biggest challenge you have faced since your book was released?

Quite simply, the biggest challenge is getting the word out.  Since I am a first-time author, I am still working on building my credibility with my niche audience to get my name out there and that takes time.  The process would be faster if I was able to promote the book full-time but as I mentioned, I am very much committed to my career so I can't devote the time I would like.  That's why I am so incredibly grateful for opportunities like the one you have given me here.

 

What advice do you have for other businesswomen?

The biggest piece of advice I can give is to make your intentions known and to go for it.  Study after study has shown that men are more likely than women to let their career aspirations be known.  The reason this can become a problem for a woman in business is others cannot champion you or sponsor you if they don't know where you would like to go, thus placing you at a strategic disadvantage compared to your male counterparts.  The reason I say to just go for it is there are always going to be reasons why you shouldn't take that next step or go out on a limb and try to make a go of it on your own.  I'm not saying that we shouldn't be prudent in our risk taking rather, I suggest using a T-sheet.  Draw a T on a sheet of paper and on the right side of the line down the middle, list all of the positive things that could happen as a result of whatever change you are facing.  On the left side of the line, list the potential negatives.  The important part here is to share it with a trusted friend or colleague to get someone else's perspective.  It's a great way to add some science to the process as opposed to just going with your gut.

Jennifer Pereyra has sought balance between her career and home life. Working as a Regional Account Manager for one of the largest manufacturers of health care products worldwide, Jennifer and her family have successfully survived two corporate relocations, no small feat with two young children.

Currently serving on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Jennifer has one foot successfully and solidly placed in corporate America.

 

She is also a mompreneur who sought publication of her recently released children's book, Mommy & Daddy Work to Make Some Dough. Since being published in April 2011, Jennifer has received numerous accolades as her book truly meets an unmet need; helping the children of working parents understand why their parents must work each day.

Most recently, Jennifer joined a team of select contributors for the launch of a new website, 30Second Mom A stream-based mobile website and app tied into the leading social networks, 30Second Mom's goal is to provide mobile moms with quick and helpful tips from other moms – each in about 30 seconds or less – delivered straight to their phones.

 

Whenever possible, Jennifer enjoys speaking to other working parents about the challenges they face while attempting to "do it all". She has been quoted in numerous articles of varying topics ranging from issues facing working women to raising bilingual children. In addition, Jennifer was recently featured on ABC6 Philadelphia news.

Jennifer and her husband Ignacio currently reside in Columbus, NJ where they are raising their two young daughters.

Make sure you stop over and visit Jennifer's blog where you will find posts that will be of particular interest to working mothers.

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Working mothers and working fathers, finally there is a children's picture book that you can use to explain to your children why you both work.

Rebeca doesn't want her parents to leave every day. But then Mommy explains why she and Daddy must go, to make a living and provide for their girls. Young children will love the fanciful rhymes and find reassurance when they understand why Mommy and Daddy Work to Make Some Dough. Jennifer Pereyra's charming tale is an excellent story for the children of working parents.

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The MS Project – Volume 2 is on it's way

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The MS Project – Volume 2

The MS Project is a collection of things created to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Consisting of a book, a website, apparel, and an iPhone app these elements work together to bring more attention to the disease, teach people, and create a strong community.

The book – Volume #2 scheduled for release on March 15th, 2012 is a collection of stories written by people afflicted by Multiple Sclerosis, or who have loved ones afflicted. This book is meant to be informational regarding the disease as experienced by real people and to showcase the amazing strength people find when facing adversity.

The website – is a social networking site where people passionate about raising awareness for the disease can become members and get to know one another. The goal is to create a community to provide support, awareness, and motivation to people within and outside the community. You can currently access the website at http://www.themsproject.com.

 

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Promote your book for as little as $10

Calling all authors!!!!

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1 feature of the day plus one feature of the week for both book and author. Feature of the day broadcasted to over 20,000 book fans via social media and sister sites.

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1 feature of the day. Feature of the day broadcasted to over 20,000 book fans via social media and sister sites.

Pub Promos broadcasts to the follow places.

Sister Sites – a Mom Entrepreneur & entuiti (+1700 members)

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Mailing list of over #10,000

After deciding your package send jpeg of cover and author photo (125×125 for optimal resolution), 250 word or less blurb, link to where book can be purchased, and brief author bio to laina@fiveseasink.com. Put the package you chose in the subject line. we will respond within 2 business days with the day of your feature. If you need a certain date please let us know so we can schedule accordingly.

More info here.

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