Veronica Randolph Batterson's Blog, page 7
December 1, 2011
Goodreads Giveaway
My latest middle grade fiction book, Funny Pages, is now published. Request one of the five signed and free copies being offered as a Goodreads Giveaway.
Check out the book trailer on my profile page and feel free to message me with any questions.
Funny Pages is written for the middle grade and older age group. Sally's grandfather is a retired cartoonist and creates a comic just for her. The book blends the antics of Sally's family with the evolving storyline of the comic.
Thanks to all for your interest and for those who've read my first middle grade book, Billy's First Dance.
Check out the book trailer on my profile page and feel free to message me with any questions.
Funny Pages is written for the middle grade and older age group. Sally's grandfather is a retired cartoonist and creates a comic just for her. The book blends the antics of Sally's family with the evolving storyline of the comic.
Thanks to all for your interest and for those who've read my first middle grade book, Billy's First Dance.
November 9, 2011
Thoughts on Reviews/Ratings/Opinions
As an author, receiving a positive review for something I've written is like the old saying "having your cake and eating it too". Not only did someone actually read my work, he/she took the time to review it. And if it's favorable, then I couldn't be happier. All of that effort paid off and the recognition for something I know I've done well is finally being acknowledged.
Of course, receiving a less than stellar review hurts. It's as if your child is being criticized by the big bully at school. Something you've given birth to and nursed for a long time is less than perfect in another person's eyes. It's reality. There isn't a book written that's liked by every person who's read it, but it doesn't take away the sting from the jab.
I'm okay with honest and sincere reviews. I may not agree with them but again, it's a matter of opinion. It's the review that screams, "Where did that come from?" that leaves you shaking your head. When someone can hide behind a veil of anonymity (that being the computer screen and a fake name) and give a scathing critique because he's had a bad day or personally doesn't like the author, you wonder what drives such a person. Perhaps he's actually a coward in real life so acting tough anonymously makes him feel better about himself.
And since I'm an author, I don't feel I can give another author a bad review. If I like a book, I'll say so. I'll be happy to review it. But if I don't particularly care for something I've read, I'll pass on the review. I just think it's a courtesy that you extend to a fellow writer. Plus, Karma bites and I'm a firm believer in another old saying, "what goes around, comes around".
Reviews garner attention, good or bad. I don't need a reviewer to tell me whether or not I'll like a book. I can figure that out on my own because I know what I like to read. But take care on the type of review you give...we all know what they say about opinions.
Of course, receiving a less than stellar review hurts. It's as if your child is being criticized by the big bully at school. Something you've given birth to and nursed for a long time is less than perfect in another person's eyes. It's reality. There isn't a book written that's liked by every person who's read it, but it doesn't take away the sting from the jab.
I'm okay with honest and sincere reviews. I may not agree with them but again, it's a matter of opinion. It's the review that screams, "Where did that come from?" that leaves you shaking your head. When someone can hide behind a veil of anonymity (that being the computer screen and a fake name) and give a scathing critique because he's had a bad day or personally doesn't like the author, you wonder what drives such a person. Perhaps he's actually a coward in real life so acting tough anonymously makes him feel better about himself.
And since I'm an author, I don't feel I can give another author a bad review. If I like a book, I'll say so. I'll be happy to review it. But if I don't particularly care for something I've read, I'll pass on the review. I just think it's a courtesy that you extend to a fellow writer. Plus, Karma bites and I'm a firm believer in another old saying, "what goes around, comes around".
Reviews garner attention, good or bad. I don't need a reviewer to tell me whether or not I'll like a book. I can figure that out on my own because I know what I like to read. But take care on the type of review you give...we all know what they say about opinions.
November 4, 2011
Latest published short story - "Of Kudzu and Claudia Rose"
I just found out that a short story of mine, "Of Kudzu and Claudia Rose", is published at http://www.dewonthekudzu.com. It's posted under today's date of 11/04/11. It's my second short story to appear in 'Dew on the Kudzu', with my first being "Remembering Carlotta".
"Of Kudzu and Claudia Rose" is a story of how the power of love can transform and tame even that which is considered undesirable.
I hope you'll read my stories and enjoy them.
"Of Kudzu and Claudia Rose" is a story of how the power of love can transform and tame even that which is considered undesirable.
I hope you'll read my stories and enjoy them.
October 23, 2011
A Writer's Life
As the proof for my latest book, FUNNY PAGES, has been finalized, I find myself a little lost. Yes, I'm able to catch up on things that have conveniently been set aside due to creative pursuits...following up with friends, checking on family, etc. I no longer have an excuse to ignore laundry, physicians' appointments and grocery shopping. A sigh of relief has been released that a project I've been working on for two years is now complete.
But something seems missing. I wander around "catching up" as if I've emerged from a cave and the bright light hurts my eyes. I have to focus on reality at times and I long for the next story to write. My mind works on characters, plot and scenarios while I mechanically muddle through normality. I used to be a good cook...but somehow a new story idea will distract me while I'm trying out that new recipe and, well, the story always wins.
I've been asked many times what it's like to write. Some want to know how I have patience and self-discipline to work on something that could take months to years to complete. Others want to know how I come up with ideas for stories, while quite a few are certain they have the ideas for the next bestseller and want me to write it for them. I really don't know how to answer any of their questions. (I do, however, politely decline ideas for stories as I have plenty of my own.)
I often wonder why I isolate myself for hours to create something that, if I'm lucky, people will actually take the time to read. All I can say is that it gives me self-satisfaction and I know I'm good at it. I consider myself an artist and I'm creating something that will be around long after I'm gone. Perhaps that's the driving force behind the need.
But something seems missing. I wander around "catching up" as if I've emerged from a cave and the bright light hurts my eyes. I have to focus on reality at times and I long for the next story to write. My mind works on characters, plot and scenarios while I mechanically muddle through normality. I used to be a good cook...but somehow a new story idea will distract me while I'm trying out that new recipe and, well, the story always wins.
I've been asked many times what it's like to write. Some want to know how I have patience and self-discipline to work on something that could take months to years to complete. Others want to know how I come up with ideas for stories, while quite a few are certain they have the ideas for the next bestseller and want me to write it for them. I really don't know how to answer any of their questions. (I do, however, politely decline ideas for stories as I have plenty of my own.)
I often wonder why I isolate myself for hours to create something that, if I'm lucky, people will actually take the time to read. All I can say is that it gives me self-satisfaction and I know I'm good at it. I consider myself an artist and I'm creating something that will be around long after I'm gone. Perhaps that's the driving force behind the need.
October 10, 2011
Author Fair
This Saturday, October 15, 2011, I'll be attending the Joliet Public Library Author Fair from 11 am to 3 pm. Stop by and meet some talented writers. Autographed copies of books will be for sale...register to win door prizes.
I will have copies of my juvenile fiction book, BILLY'S FIRST DANCE, for sale. Previews of my upcoming middle grade read, FUNNY PAGES, will be available.
The event will be held at the Black Road Branch of the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60431.
I will have copies of my juvenile fiction book, BILLY'S FIRST DANCE, for sale. Previews of my upcoming middle grade read, FUNNY PAGES, will be available.
The event will be held at the Black Road Branch of the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60431.
August 31, 2011
My Interview on 'Ink Drop Interviews'
I would like to thank Kathy Reinhart for interviewing me on 'Ink Drop Interviews'. Please visit http://inkdropinterviews.wordpress.co... to read this question and answer discussion.
I share with her my views on writing, inspiration, advice and my upcoming projects. Feedback regarding the interview can be given on site. I would appreciate feedback as well.
Thanks for reading!
In addition to this interview, I'll be attending the Second Annual Author Fair at the Aurora Public Library (Aurora, IL) on Saturday, September 10, 1-4 pm.
I share with her my views on writing, inspiration, advice and my upcoming projects. Feedback regarding the interview can be given on site. I would appreciate feedback as well.
Thanks for reading!
In addition to this interview, I'll be attending the Second Annual Author Fair at the Aurora Public Library (Aurora, IL) on Saturday, September 10, 1-4 pm.
August 19, 2011
Back from Vacation and Second Book is "off to the publisher"
I'm feeling a great sense of accomplishment today. The manuscript is done. Of course, a series of final edits and cover approval will follow, but it is "on its way". It's my second juvenile fiction book (for middle grade readers) and is titled FUNNY PAGES. A weight has been lifted.
Also, there's nothing like spending a relaxing (and productive) time in the American Southwest. I was able to do some research in New Mexico for my next book...very excited to get started on it. Then it was on up to Colorado. Beautiful scenery in both places. I love going out there and can't wait to visit again.
At any rate, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
Also, there's nothing like spending a relaxing (and productive) time in the American Southwest. I was able to do some research in New Mexico for my next book...very excited to get started on it. Then it was on up to Colorado. Beautiful scenery in both places. I love going out there and can't wait to visit again.
At any rate, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
August 2, 2011
"Remembering Carlotta" - My latest published short story
I'm happy to share my latest short story, "Remembering Carlotta", published on the ezine http://www.dewonthekudzu.net. It's posted under the date, 8/2/11.
It's a humorous tale about a stranger turning a small southern town upside down.
I would appreciate any feedback you might give and I hope you enjoy it. Thanks to all who read it!
It's a humorous tale about a stranger turning a small southern town upside down.
I would appreciate any feedback you might give and I hope you enjoy it. Thanks to all who read it!
July 18, 2011
Public Libraries
When my children were younger, summer started with a visit to our local library. Both of my daughters had their own library cards. They would each get a bag of books and spend long summer days on our screened porch, escaping to far away places with their imaginations.
Library books accompanied us on vacations, to the pool, on picnics and in our backyard. Those books coexisted with swim lessons, cookouts, fireworks and sleepovers.
Looking back, I can't imagine summers without our library. We made several visits throughout the summer break, taking advantage of what that big, old building had to offer our community. I was always surprised when I learned of someone who had never stepped inside its doors. What a loss to them!
Even though technology has changed the way we read books today, a visit to the library is still a treat for me and brings back warm memories of when my children were little.
Public libraries are nice introductions to the world of books for children. They help establish a foundation in reading and a lifelong passion for it.
Library books accompanied us on vacations, to the pool, on picnics and in our backyard. Those books coexisted with swim lessons, cookouts, fireworks and sleepovers.
Looking back, I can't imagine summers without our library. We made several visits throughout the summer break, taking advantage of what that big, old building had to offer our community. I was always surprised when I learned of someone who had never stepped inside its doors. What a loss to them!
Even though technology has changed the way we read books today, a visit to the library is still a treat for me and brings back warm memories of when my children were little.
Public libraries are nice introductions to the world of books for children. They help establish a foundation in reading and a lifelong passion for it.
July 11, 2011
Indie Authors
Wouldn't it be wonderful if all readers read a book without looking first to see who published it or how it was published?
There are some talented Indie authors with stories to tell. Give them a chance. And if you do a little research, you'll find some traditionally published authors who were once "indies".
There are some talented Indie authors with stories to tell. Give them a chance. And if you do a little research, you'll find some traditionally published authors who were once "indies".
