Lisa Vandiver's Blog, page 18

My Current Projects

[image error]I have several projects that I’m working on, and all are important to me.

I’ve just published The Mystic Mist and The Hellavey into Print. I will be working on getting some of my others there as well.

In the meantime, I’m working on the remaining series in the New Breed and placing book one of Carasylia Chronicles into edits while I finish writing the remaining story to it. Also, I’m beginning an editing project for a client and prepare for a Podcast tonight.

I have some last minute things to finish up on my eleven-year-old daughter’s book and then it’ll be sent to the editor and cover designer. Aside from all of these projects I’m currently working on, I, of course, have several stories on the back burner as well.

If you’d like to check out my current works, please drop by Amazon. 

Social Media

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Social Media. Social Media gives us many choices, and sometimes it’s hard to decide which platform is the best for our needs and wants. There’s YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Google+,  Instagram, and Tumblr, but these are the ones I’ve mentioned, as they’re the ones I use the most.

These media platforms have opened doors for Authors, Musicians, and others in the Entertainment field to reach a larger segment of potential fans, as well as forming friendships and business partnerships with fellow artists. I have in fact met one of the most influential people in my walk as an Author, and together we’ve worked to create Deadly Reads into what it is today. I wouldn’t trade her friendship or partnership for anything. As a team, we’ve created Deadly Reads Radio(Podcast) on YouTube, and have interviewed some of the most talented, interesting people from the Music, Movie, and Book Publishing worlds.

If you are a new Artist in the entertainment world, there are a vast number of social media outlets you can plug into to get connected with those in your field. Google Social Media Outlets and be amazed at what the search brings to the screen.

If you are a person looking to connect with your favorite Author, Musician, Actor or to meet new ones, then Social Media can help you. If you want to connect with old friends and meet new ones, these platforms are excellent for you as well. So, no matter the reason, Social Media can meet that need/desire.

I’d be interested in what social media sites you all are using, so feel free to comment below with the links to the sites you use, and let’s connect.

If you’re interested in getting to know me better as an Author, feel free to find me on Twitter, Facebook, Facebook Author Page,  Instagram, and Tumblr.

 

Introducing New Breed &Carasylia Chronicles Series

The New Breed Series is by far the most detailed story I’ve worked on, and I’m not finished with it yet. I’m not sure how much work I have left to do on it, but my storytelling voices know, and so I simply follow their lead. From this story, I’ve developed a spin off series, The Carasylia Chronicles. It will be as detailed and exciting as its predecessor.

With Halloween approaching in a few short month,  I thought it might be fun to dedicate one post a week on the New Breed and Carasylia Chronicles series. In these posts, I’ll talk about how I came up with the idea for the story and how it all has come together thus far. I hope you’ll join me for these weekly posts.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to The New Breed Series and the Carasylia Chronicles by revealing their Series Covers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[image error]This series will follow Erich and Iseabail’s journey to the world of Carasylia

 

 

The Process

[image error]I’m sure you’ve seen the pictures on various social medias that depict what others think writers do? I find them silly and funny, but of course, unreal.

I can share with you a condensed version of my process as a writer. When I’m beginning a new story,  much of the time is spent spilling out the story as a First Draft. For me, I like to write as much of the story as I can before editing. In my experience, if I stop while I’m writing and specifically when I’m in the zone, it breaks my flow. Therefore, I usually finish the story before I self-edit, multiple times. Then I send to my editor.  The editor will go through it carefully, send it back with corrections and suggestions to make the story better.I make corrections, and perhaps change something else, and then send to her multiple times for final revisions. Finally, when she and I agree it’s ready, I read through it one last time as I assure the formatting is correct, then I publish. I don’t start the print version until after the Ebook is published.

Finally, when she and I agree it’s ready, I read through it one last time as I assure the formatting is correct, and if I’m lucky, I’ll have a few Beta Readers lined up to read through it. Once I hear back from my Beta Readers, I publish. I don’t start the print version until after the Ebook is published.

We all conduct our processes differently, and that’s okay. I don’t believe one way is better than the other. My thoughts are, do what is right for you and don’t worry about what others think about your process. Just keep writing. To check out my works, drop by Amazon.

Developing Stories

[image error]As an Author, I come up with story material in many ways, including from my dreams, or from the ones I can remember.  Sometimes, if I’m not too sleepy, I’ll jump out of bed and jot down the dream and then work on it the next time I’m writing.

Sometimes something will trigger a story idea. Perhaps a thought from something I see in my daily life, but most of the time, the ideas form in my head, and I go with it. Isn’t it amazing how the brain works? Some might call that a Waking Dream. What do you think?  So the next time, someone calls you a ‘Dreamer,’ take it as a compliment, and write those dreams down as they might just develop into a best-selling novel.:)

 

 

A Toast To You

[image error]I want to offer a toast to all of you who have become a part of the An Escape From Reality community. You are what keeps me writing. It has been an amazing two weeks since I’ve begun this blog and I am appreciative of how it’s grown in that short time.

I will do my best to entertain you with my posts. If there’s a subject in regards to the publishing world that you’d like me to cover, drop me a line requesting it and I’ll do my best to find an answer. lisavandiver@deadlyreads.com

In the meantime, enjoy a glass or two of wine this Labour  Day weekend, and above all, party smart, party safe. [image error]

 

Get Those Creative Juices Flowing

[image error]I have hundreds of story ideas literally in my head, probably more than I can write in my lifetime. But, that’s okay, I’ll jot the ideas down and leave them with my daughter. Perhaps after I’m gone, her creative juices will flow, and she’ll complete my stories I didn’t have time to finish. I’m sure she’ll put her own spin on them, making them incredible, entertaining stories. She is, after all, a girl after my own heart. She is a storyteller. Yes, I’m a proud mother.

Now, back to my original thought. Causing Creative Juices to Flow. I usually don’t have trouble with my creative juices. Most of the time when I begin a story, I can usually see the ending for it in my mind. I simply need to fill in the middle.  This is where I depend on my creative forces to guide me through.

To get my juices flowing, I sometimes listen to appropriate music that’s related to the genre I’m writing. For example, if I’m writing a Fantasy, I’ll listen to the theme music from certain Fantasy Genre movies while I write and before I know, I’ve got several chapters written.  This technique is the best way for me to get into my writing zone. I must admit, however, that at other times, I just need complete quietness, without the music, to write. I supposed it depends on the mood I’m in or the piece I’m writing.

Whatever it takes for you to fire up your creative juices, do it, and get that writing done.  I’d be interested to hear about what you do to get your Creative Juices Flowing.

The Moon People Teaser

Thank You

[image error]Amazon Barnes&Noble iTunes

I wanted to say thanks to the 38 people who have downloaded The Moon People this month. You Rock!

Writing Style

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Writing Style

I was told once that I was a simple writer.  He also said that I did not possess natural writing talent, and of course, those words stung me quite hard. But, I did not cease writing because you see, I’m not a quitter.

However, after I was told this by someone I trusted as a mentor, I began evaluating my writing, and what I found was interesting. He was right in a way. I am a simple writer in the fact that I don’t continuously use complicated, lengthy words in my writing style. I believe that writing style changes with each book project. For example, I would not write in the same style with a YA story as I would with a Romance or a Horror project. They are different genres and meant for a different audience.

Regarding my basic writing style, this is how I approach my writing. I write to entertain, not to impress the reader with my impressive knowledge of the dictionary. Yes, if my story calls for usage of a complicated, large word then by all means, I use it. But, for the most part, as I stated above, I write to entertain.

I understand some readers like large books with impressive words, and that’s okay. I, myself, enjoy reading those books and learning new words. I think everyone should acquire new words and expand their vocabulary. However, for me as an Author, my books aren’t meant to impress readers with my knowledge, I simply want to entertain.

As far as Natural Writing Talent goes, I don’t think anyone has natural writing talent. What I mean by this statement is this, I believe some people are born to be natural storytellers, but learning how to ‘write’ the story is a different matter. No one is born with the natural ability to put words on paper with perfection; it’s a learned skill. So, no, I don’t believe anyone has natural writing ability.  Natural Storytelling ability, yes.

Look, if you write, and you only receive negative responses, then yes, perhaps you should gauge your writing and see where you can improve. We all have room to improve on our writing. Even the most famed, successful writers have a need for improvement. I don’t care who they are. However, if over all, you’re getting good feedback on your books, then you might be a storyteller. You just have to gauge it for yourself and make that decision based on responses to your stories. The main thing is this, if you’re writing to make money, then that’s not a reason to write. You should write because you enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy telling the story, then it’s probably not for you.

So, if anyone tells you, you aren’t a naturally talented writer, agree with them, and smile. Then pick yourself up, and evaluate your writing.  If there are flaws in your writing, then learn, improve, but above all, never quit writing because of someone else’s opinion of you or your writing style.

As always, I welcome responses to this post and look forward to them.  If you want to check out my writing style, then check my work out at Amazon.