Ronda J. Del Boccio's Blog: Writing is pure Bliss, page 19
April 5, 2016
Excerpt and Cover Reveal: Trouble’s Turn: A Mystical Animal Allies Short Story by Ronda Del Boccio
Recently I've discovered the coolness that is Smashwords, a free way to publish in a variety of digital book formats. Simply by uploading a Word doc file, I can get my book into places like Kobo, Apple iBooks, and Barnes and Noble.
So I figured that I would put up some of my work, including a couple novellas and today, "Trouble's Turn: a Mystical Animal Allies Short Story."
Dreaming Stories
I had a dream that became this story. Though this tale doesn't resemble the dream, it got me thinking of the life of the animal Allies of Native American spirituality and what their lives are like.
In American Indian Wisdom, each person has an "Ally," an animal spirit guide who helps them live a good life. Trouble in this story is a young White Wolf trying to figure out her place in the world.
Making "Trouble's Turn" FREE
Why Smashwords and not just Amazon? I'll go over that another time, but the main thing is I can't make the short story free for everyone (not just Kindle Unlimited subscribers who pay) on Amazon.
I'm so excited to share the COVER of this short story along with the link where yu can get it in the format of your choice.
Cover Reveal - "Trouble's Turn"
And now...(Drum roll, please!)...The Cover of "Trouble's Turn: A Mystical Animal Allies Short Story" by Ronda Del Boccio, namely, ME.
Write On Purpose 
March 30, 2016
Innovative Way to Write a Novel Synopsis via Jan Morrill
If you're not a writer, this may surprise you. If you are an author who has ever tried to craft a synopsis for your novel or novella, you'll know this pain.
Writing a synopsis is almost harder than writing the novel itself.
Last year I was finishing up They All Died Smiling in preparation for getting it ready to pitch to an agent. By the way, 4months later, not a word from the agent. Still waiting But I digress.
I had to prepare a brief letter and a 1 page synopsis. FOr the uninitiated, this is a summary of the store, including the resolution at the end. It's supposed to cover the highlights quickly so a publisher or agent can decide if it's the sort of thing they want to see.
It's HARD. Did I mention that?
I have yet to find an author who enjoys writing them for their own book. I can help someone else write THEIRS with no sweat. Doing mine is a different matter.
I took a haiku class from author and speaker Jan Morrill last fall. Now, I don't write a lot of poetry, but 17 syllables I figured I could handle. She made haiku relevant for non-poets. If you missed my article about how valuable her workshop was, you can read "How Can Haiku Help Your Writing."
One of her BRILLIANT suggestions that would never have occurred to me was to write a haiku summarizing your book. While this would not replace the 1-pager publishers and agents want, it can serve as a great book blurb or elevator pitch that you might even put in the letter accompanying the submission.
I invite YOU to share a haiku of your novel or novella in the comments! The typical haiku form is as follows: 3 lines, 17 syllables total, 5-7-5.
Haiku synopsis of They All Died Smiling.
Is it gift or curse?
A tormented soul must know why
they all died smiling
This book is available for publication.
Haiku synopsis of A Tasty Morsel :
Bloodlust awakens,
secreted deep in a cave.
Humans are tasty!
Download A Tasty Morsel now & read using your Kindle app or device.
Haiku synopsis of The Assassin and the Prince :
A Feline assassin
must protect a pampered prince,
much to her dismay!
Download The Assassin and the Prince now & read using your Kindle app or device.
Writing Prompt: Craft a haiku synopsis of your book
I'd love to see what you came up with for your book. Please share.
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best 
selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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The post Innovative Way to Write a Novel Synopsis via Jan Morrill appeared first on Write On Purpose .
March 27, 2016
Book Review of Urban fiction Novel The Middle Step by Denise Pattiz Bogard
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. I review well-written books, highlighting what makes each good from the reader’s perspective and what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers.
I will honestly say that I don't read a whole lot of mundane books. By that I mean books set in the real world in ordinary times. I read a lot of fantasy, suspense, cozy mystery, thrillers and the like. I generally like to try on new realities better than delving into the gritty underbelly of this one.
That said, I also like to read a variety of genres, and I make it a point to read a few each year that are far outside my norm. I can always gain insights into life, try out new authors, glean new perspectives, and hopefully learn something from the writing that helps me hone my own craft.
So before I share my review along with a few hints for authors, here is more about the book., starting with the help wanted ad that opens it:
"HELP WNTED:
A woman to live with and care for four teenage girls in a residential home, to serve as foster mom and guide the girls through the academic and emotional challenges of high school. Master's in Social Work preferred."
- Excerpt from The Middle Step by Denise Pattiz Bogard
The Middle Step by Denise Pattiz Bogard
The Middle Step is set in an inner city community just outside of St. Louis. It's a place where religion and race and poverty and lack of education all converge. The headlines don't often describe how these things can cause life to be difficult for the youth trying to grow up among such strife. Denise Pattiz Bogard tells a wonderful fiction story about what life is like inside the confining borders of the inner city.
What made this book a worthy read?Not an Easy Read
This may sound like a slam, but it is not. The writing is perfectly accessible. It isn't at all convoluted, and you won't need a dictionary to read it.
It's a hard topic, full of the pain of broken homes, poverty, and dim prospects for the future. The high school girls who find themselves in the group home have never had it easy.
Great sense of place
When you read a book and can feel the roach crawling, smell the fire of the burning house across the street and see the decay and desolation of inner city life, that's because the author has put you right into the scene. That's sense of place.
If you're an author who has difficulty making your reader lose themselves in your scenes, reading this book will help you.
Excellent story arc
Story arc is a fancy word we writerly folk use to talk about the pacing and progress of a story. The hero is supposed to start out on a quest, go through countless trials and tribulations (called the Road of Trials in Hero's Journey speak), and eventually come to a new place.
Along the way, the hero, Lisa Harris in this book, must deal with forces trying to top her in her tracks, antagonists keeping her from her goal, and challenging people. She also rallies resources and has helpful forces.
The Middle Step is 327 pages, so there's room to let the story unfold. It's easy for an author to get bogged down in details or rush through uncomfortable aspects of the story.
There were times I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading, but Bogard's excellent writing and storytelling kept me going all the way through the pain, hopelessness, bad choices, and hardships of this inner-city tale.
If you are an author struggling with story arc, this book can help you take time to let the characters develop.
Realistic transformation
I've wanted to throw some books against a wall because the author makes the protagonist's change too pat and simplistic. Not so in The Middle Step.
Lisa Harris throws herself from a life of suburban affluence into inner city poverty. On the verge of divorce and fleeing her own tormented past, she is ill-prepared to be a source of emotional support and guidance to the troubled girls who live in a broken-down group home.
She makes countless mistakes throughout her own journey, and she must face her past, her critical family and more along the way. Bogard made the journey feel real.
If you are an author struggling with character development, you'll learn a lot reading this book.
Buy The Middle Step
About Denise Pattiz Bogard
THE MIDDLE STEP tells the story of a middle-aged white suburban woman who impulsively accepts a job to be a foster mother to four at-risk teenage girls, who have been pulled from their homes. Almost immediately, Lisa Harris discovers how little she knows about urban poverty and living with children of a different race, religion, culture and background. Doggedly Lisa stays on, struggling to create a "family" with girls who have known only trouble and sadness in their lives.
The novel is set in North St. Louis and explores the intersection of race, poverty and family-- a topic more important and more timely than ever.
While it is a work of literary fiction, the novel draws on Denise Pattiz Bogard's personal passion and on her experiences of the past 15 years as a writing and English teacher in a Title One charter middle and high school in downtown St. Louis, Lift For Life Academy.
Denise has been writing professionally for more than 30 years and has had her award-winning fiction and non-fiction published in, among others, The Oklahoma Literary Review, Newsweek, Lady's Circle, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and Teacher Magazine. Two of her essays have been anthologized in Are We Feeling Better Yet? Women's Encounters with Health Care in America (Penultimate Press, 2008) and Winter Harvest (Brodsky Library Press). THE MIDDLE STEP is her first novel.
Denise earned her MFA in creative writing from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and her BS in journalism and history from Indiana University. She is the founder of St. Louis Writers Workshop and coordinated the writing program at Lift For Life Academy charter middle and high school in downtown St. Louis. Previously, Denise worked as an adjunct professor at Webster University, as a reporter and as a co-founding partner of a full-service public relations agency.
Connect
Amazon author page
A Few More Success Tips for Authors and Publishers
Here are a few shortfalls that interfere with author success.
The cover isn't eye-catching in my opinion. A cover is the first thing readers see, and this one didn't pull me into the book.
The publisher's website needs lots and lots of help. I tried to go to the Denise Bogard page, and it links to something about a writer's conference. The bookshelf page is password protected, and when I put the book title into a search box, it didn't even come up. Boo-HISS!!!
Bogard has an author page but doesn't have social networks or a blog hooked up to it. This is one way readers can connect with you beyond Amazon. All you need to do is go to AuthorCentral.com and beef up your profile. Authors can add a blog feed, Twitter, videos and more. This is prime web real estate that helps build the author's credibility.
Please share and comment on this review all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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The post Book Review of Urban fiction Novel The Middle Step by Denise Pattiz Bogard appeared first on Write On Purpose .
March 22, 2016
Book Review of 6 Divine Principles of Success by Zohar Radiance Halevi
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. I review well-written books, highlighting what makes each good from the reader’s perspective and what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers.
I often review fiction, but this time it's a personal development book to help you live a BLISSful life. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, and I believe this is one you will enjoy if you care anything about self mastery and living a hapy life.
6 Divine Principles of Success: The Sacred Tree of Life and the Secret of Empire Builders by Zohar (Radiance) Halevi
What are the six divine principles of success?
This book reveals for the first time a sacred and over 2000-year-old system for personal and economic growth, based on six principles from the divine tree of life. It shows that these six principles are common to the endeavors of empire builders such as Bill Gates, the Roman founder Emperor Augustus, and the biblical King David. As such, they are a unique formula to great financial success.
The contents of this book have been tried and tested with great success by a variety of groups prior to publishing. Businessmen and senior officials of more than four groups which have implemented these principles mention the following benefits:
• Allows you to better read both client and company interests.
• The six principles together will help you create a bigger sum than its parts, allowing a more efficient and profitable economic performance with moderate growth.
• Provides tools to improve relationships and increase business partnerships.
• Improves performance and reduces the working day. And as we know - time is money.
• Improves the quality and delivery speed of products and services.
• Maintains business and personal development success, as well as relevance in changing market conditions, and the lead in various sectors.
• Enhances constructive pleasure and builds positive energy.
• Brings you a few steps closer to the "American dream."
“I have been surprised and delighted by the ability of this book to enrich my life.” - Keren Peled
Zohar (Radiance) Halevi is qualified in a multitude of disciplines: lawyer, computer programmer, expert in investigating, expert in the art of persuasion, mediator, personal and business coach and more.
This book is a product of the author’s life work over twenty-three years, to identify and analyze the sacred formula of universal human success. He skillfully integrates different sources of wisdom into a new, flowing and exciting perspective, as an inspirational masterpiece aimed at unifying personal development and economic growth.
Managers and businessman must have this book.
That's the book page on Amazon. What did I think of the book?
Unique, accessible style
6 Divine Principles of Success has a different flair from self help books by American authors I personally like the style. Here's an example. Good advice expressed with a different flair.
"Acquire the expertise needed to solve problems fast and efficiently."
- Zohar (Radiance) Halevi in 6 Divine Principles of Success
Historical examples
Halevi brings wisdom of ancient and modern empire builders into this book. Examples include Bill Gates, King Solomon of Biblical fame, Oprah Winfrey, and Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar. I would have liked more specific original source material especially for the ancients, but then I'm one who loves my research and provable sources.
Well organized book
Believe me when I tell you that some authors don't construct their books well, even if they have titles like 6 principles.
So beyond the obvious that yes, the principles each have their own chapter (Makes sense), each has a chapter full of what I think of as meditations or affirmations or thoughts to ponder. Halevi calls them "aphorisms." Here is an example:
Aspiration means 'to breathe.'
Filling your children with healthy aspirations is like breathing oxygen into their lives.
- Zohar (Radiance) Halevi in 6 Divine Principles of Success
Breathes spiritual principles into business
This book is geared at business owners. I feel it has much relevance for anyone working with a team or group, for philanthropists, for authors, and for world-changers. While the material lends itself to hiring a staff and other business functions, much of it applies to anyone who wants to have a positive impact upon the world.
This is not a book for the greedy person who wants to crush people while building your empire. It is a book for those who want to build up people and develop self mastery while creating your legacy.
I gave this book a 5 star review on Amazon.
About Zohar (Radiance) Halevi
Zohar (Radiance) Halevi is qualified in a multitude of disciplines: lawyer, computer programmer, investigations officer, expert in the art of persuasion, mediator, personal and business coach and more.
In this book, Zohar (Radiance) Halevi skillfully integrates different worlds of content and sources of wisdom, weaving, both knowledgeably and artfully, a new universal human perspective, flowing and exciting, in the field of personal development and economic growth.
This life-work is called "The Radiance Project".
Website: www.6inpower.com
A tried and true exercise to promote positive energy levels:
Connect with the author
Buy the Book
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Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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The post Book Review of 6 Divine Principles of Success by Zohar Radiance Halevi appeared first on Write On Purpose .
March 13, 2016
Book Review of Moonlight A Fairytale Retelling by Ann Hunter
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. I review well-written books, highlighting what makes each good from the reader’s perspective and what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers.
Last week, I reviewed The Subtle Beauty by Ann Hunter. This week I'm reviewing a prequel novella in the Crowns of the Twelve series called Moonlight. As before, I received a free Kindle copy of the book in exchange for my honest book review on several social networks and my site.
Moonlight is a retelling of the swan princess fairy tale. Here is he info from Amazon:
Moonlight (Crowns of the Twelve #1) by Ann Hunter
"My most beloved brothers, and father, With Mother's death and the threat of Ciatlllait's dark powers looming, I am not sure I am strong enough to save you. But I will try. War is coming. I am just one girl. I feel so small, but I will try to draw strength from Mother's final words: You are never alone." --Aowyn One vow. One curse. One thousand moons. While Princess Aowyn's six brothers are favored by their father, Aowyn is the jewel in her mother's crown. When the Queen dies, Aowyn takes a vow to protect her brothers and father from the hungry eyes of the queen's handmaiden, Ciatlllait - who is more than she seems. In order to save her family, Aowyn risks a dangerous deal with the dark creature Sylas Mortas. But magic comes with a price: and Aowyn soon realizes the one she has paid is too steep. Only true love can reverse the spell...but it will take one thousand moons. Set in a Celtic world, "Moonlight" is the story of faith and true love woven through a breathtaking retelling of the classic folktale "The Swan Princess"
How did I like this one?I found the characters to be more fully fleshed out for the most part. Xander became a whole person, not the 1D character he became in The Subtle Beauty. Aowyn showed various sides of herself as well. She only had a short part in Beauty.
I would love for Hunter to give her antagonists more substance so they're not just purely nasty baddies. But this book held my interest and kept me wanting more.
This book very much involved me in the world and its people, as an enjoyable read will. No gruesomeness this time either. Whew!
So if you are a fan of shows like Once Upon a Time, you'll enjoy this series and this particular volume.
About Ann Hunter
Biography
Multi-award winning author, Ann Hunter, is the creator of the young adult fantasy series Crowns of the Twelve (including the novels The Subtle Beauty, Moonlight, Fallen, with A Piece of Sky, Ashes, and The Rose In The Briar to follow). She likes cherry soda with chocolate ice cream, is a mom first and a writer second, has a secret identity, and thinks the Twilight movies are cheesier than cheez whiz (which is why they are her guilty pleasure!)
She lives in a cozy Utah home with her two awesome kids and epic husband.
Connect with Ann Hunter
Amazon author page
GoodReads
Read my Amazon review here.
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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Book Review of YA Paranormal Fantasy Romance The Subtle Beauty Crowns of the Twelve Book 1) by Ann Hunter
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. I review well-written books, highlighting what makes each good from the reader’s perspective and what writing skills and techniques make it a worthy read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers.
I want to adore every book I read, but that is never possible. I was given a complimentary Kindle copy in exchange for an honest review, and I am living up to my agreement in sharing this review on my site.
Today's book gets a mixed review from me. Some elements of Ann Hunter's writing and storytelling are skillful, but Others, for me, not so much. I shall share what worked for me and what did not in this reworking of Beauty and the Beast.
The Subtle Beauty: Crowns of the Twelve Book 1 by Ann Hunter
A cursed prince. A vain beauty. Glory is the seventh daughter of Balthazar, High King of the Twelve Kingdoms. Glory hopes that - of all her sisters - she can escape the fate of a loveless marriage. But on the night she plans to elope with the royal falconer, her world comes crashing down: Her father announces Glory's betrothal to Eoghan of the Blood Realm - a prince no one has ever seen. The prince is said to be a recluse, cursed and deformed by the gods for the sins of his power-hungry father. Yet when Glory is trapped in Blackthorn Keep she discovers that not everything is what she expected. An insulting gryphon, a persistent ghost, and a secret plan to usurp the prince keep Glory reeling. Can she overcome her vanity to learn that what you want isn’t necessarily what you need—and save the cursed prince?
Now, no book is "perfect," whatever that may be. No such thing. Any book might be strong in some areas and not so much in others. I read as a writer who learns from how the book author applies skill (or fails to do so), and as a reader who loves to get swept deep into a captivating other world.
So what aspects of the book did I find enjoyable, and which turned me off?
What Worked:
Good retelling of Beauty and the Beast
I happen to love reworkings of traditional stories, folklore and fairy tales. I'm glad I read this, and overall I feel it was a worthy retelling of the familiar story.
Fabulous "show don't tell"
As writers, we all hear "show, don't tell" at least a hundred times. It means don't tell the reader it's cold. Make her shiver along with the characters. Hunter does this beautifully.
You know the baby was burn with a club fuut and a strange mouth, but you won't realize right away how the curse has affected him.
Good world building
For the most part, the world Ann Hunter built felt real even though it is a realm of fantasy. I didn't find the world of the story as engrossing as some others, but nor did I feel I was in a closet with the lights trned out wanting to see where I am.
Excellent description
Hunter did a great job helping the reader sense the world, including sounds, sights and smells.
What didn't work for me
Many flat character
while a couple of characters felt like whole people, most felt more like pancakes. Xander lacked dimension in this book, though he was much more dimensional in another volume in the series.. The 7 daughters of the king who each represented a deadly sin were nothing more than the poster child for their flaws.
OK so before I get hate mail from the author, here's what I'm getting at. Every book will have principle characters and minor ones. But I feel that even those with momentary entrances or small roles to play can come to life and feel real even if the reader never gets to know them.
I don't expect every single one to pop off the page, but I do want to feel they're more than placeholders or a-sided beings.
Part 1 got gory
The gory descriptions of what happened at Xander's hands when he took the enchanted word were in fact overly vivid for my taste. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, it won't bother you.
I very nearly put it down after that, except I was committed to read the whole thing and review. Aftger part 1, there isn't all the gore. So if you're not one who loves reading about heads being chopped off and seeing the blood etc., you might skip part 1.
Summary of Part 1: Xander wants to prove his worthiness to be with his princess, so he makes a bad bargain and gets an enchanted sword that feeds on death and gets uglier and nastier as it helps him slaughter.
I hope you find this review helpful. Here's how to connect with the author.
About Ann Hunter
Multi-award winning author, Ann Hunter, is the creator of the young adult fantasy series Crowns of the Twelve (including the novels The Subtle Beauty, Moonlight, Fallen, with A Piece of Sky, Ashes, and The Rose In The Briar to follow). She likes cherry soda with chocolate ice cream, is a mom first and a writer second, has a secret identity, and thinks the Twilight movies are cheesier than cheez whiz (which is why they are her guilty pleasure!)
She lives in a cozy Utah home with her two awesome kids and epic husband.
Connect with Ann Hunter
Amazon author page
GoodReads
Read my Amazon.com review
Buy The Subtle Beauty on Amazon or your favorite bookseller
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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The post Book Review of YA Paranormal Fantasy Romance The Subtle Beauty Crowns of the Twelve Book 1) by Ann Hunter appeared first on Write On Purpose .
March 8, 2016
Leader Dog Jemma Moolights As a Treat and Toy Tester
Not only is my fabulous Leader Dog Jemma a gorgeous and gifted guide dog, she is also and adorable product tester!
I am an Amazon top reviewer, & I get offers to try out products for free or steep discounts because of the quality out of my reviews.
I've been posting pictures and reviews of various dog treats and toys my wonderful girl has tried, and that's I am now being offered items for dogs. Hooray!
So she gets to try new things and show her adorable face as she please with or champs on them. I get to add to my review repertoire.
She loves these Wyld Life Pets American made bully sticks and tendons I received a free package in exchange for an honest review.
Here's my 5 star Amazon review
Toys, treats, and chews are part of her Blissful life. I love providing her healthy treats made in the USA and toys that are both safe and fun.
Meet & Follow Leader Dog Jemma on the Social Web
Jemma is a busy dog. Not only is she my guide, toy reviewer and treat tester, but she also shares her adventures in her own voice on her own Facebook page and Instagram Feed.
Watch for her hashtag is #LeaderDogJemma
LIKE Jemma's Facebook Page: Leader Dog Jemma's Adventures
FOLLOW Jemma's Instagram photos: LeaderDogJemma on Instagram
WATCH her videos in the Leader Dog Jemma's adventures YouTube Playlist
READ about her Leader Dog Chronicles
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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March 7, 2016
Leader Dog Jemma Takes a Bow And They All Say Awwww
Since I'm an author and speaker, I make public appearances with my gorgeous and talented Leader Dog Jemma. She's a scene stealer for sure, and I wanted to have her do something special to wow the crowd.
So I taught her to give her paw (shake hands) and to bow. Here she is showing off for the camera at our local Lions Club fundraiser.
Until recently, only my family have witnessed these, but Jemma had a chance to bow when I spoke to the Ozarks Writers League. My contribution to open mic night was to share from the book I'm writing about her.
Naturally, she stole the show, as animals do.
"Never work with animals or children."
- W. C. Fields
I walked up to the podium and put Jemma in a down-stay, which she obediently maintained until I got to a particularly animated part where I shared the frustration of waiting to meet my dog. She popped up, thinking I was upset about something happening now.
I put her back down with assurances all was well. Another animated part, another rise to her feet and this time a nuzzle into my leg.
So cute! This time I put her back down and playfully stomped on her leash to keep her there. I patted her head and she knew I wasn't mad at her.
After we finished I came in front of the table with my beautiful dog and told her to take a bow.
Everybody said "Awwww."
Jemma smiled and wagged.
Meet & Follow Leader Dog Jemma on the Social Web
Jemma is a busy dog. Not only is she my guide, toy reviewer and treat tester, but she also shares her adventures in her own voice on her own Facebook page and Instagram Feed.
Watch for her hashtag is #LeaderDogJemma
LIKE Jemma's Facebook Page: Leader Dog Jemma's Adventures
FOLLOW Jemma's Instagram photos: LeaderDogJemma on Instagram
WATCH her videos in the Leader Dog Jemma's adventures YouTube Playlist
READ about her Leader Dog Chronicles
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Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
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The post Leader Dog Jemma Takes a Bow And They All Say Awwww appeared first on Write On Purpose .
March 1, 2016
Book Review of First Maggie Storm Blue Cozy Mystery Uncultured Pearl by Sherrill M. Lewis
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. I review well-written books, highlighting what makes each good from the reader’s perspective and what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers.
I love cozy mysteries, and today's review is a cozy with a touch of romance. It is a hint of romance and not graphic, thus safe for younger or more sensitive readers. I am not a fan of graphic intimacy myself.
The way I encountered this book is because I read unsolicited submissions for a publisher, and Ms. Lewis submitted her book. I suppose I outed her by telling the publisher her books are all self published and available on Amazon.
I started reading the portion of Uncultured Pearl she submitted to the publisher and was unhappy to run out of pages. So I used my handy-dandy Kindle Unlimited subscription to read the whole book.
I typically don't review self-published books. There are a lot of bad ones, since it's free and easy to publish. I enjoyed this book a lot,, though, and there are some good teaching points for authors in what I shall share as well.
Yes, I know a commercially published book can be bad too, but at least it has seen editors. It's more likely to be not for my taste VS awful and full of errors.
OK so, here's the info about the book:
Uncultured Pearl (Maggie Storm Blue Mystery Book 1) by Sherrill Lewis
Description from Amazon.com:
Maggie Storm Blue is taking a medical leave from her job as a PR copywriter/magician in Oklahoma City. Over the last ten years, 50-pushing-60 Maggie has experienced several psyche-battering events. De-stressing at her uncle’s idyllic lakeside home in Maine, she finds herself sidestepping her aunt’s matchmaking mischief, embroiled in solving multiple murders, and being the target of mystifying mayhem. She hopes the mayhem does not follow her back to Oklahoma. Meanwhile, she wonders, This is a vacation?
What made this cozy an irresistible read?
Strong Start
The first SENTENCE of a novel needs to invite the reader to keep reading. Here's the start of Uncultured Pearl:
"If I were married to a man who did that to me, I'd be a widow," Maggie Storm Blue stated. She was watching a mother and her squirming toddler standing at the cafe's bakery takeout counter.
Lewis diminished the strength of the opening by adding, "Maggie storm Blue stated," followed by "She was watching..." Even so, the reader knows the protagonist is a woman of strong opinions who is not afraid to voice them.
This opening only requires a minor edit to strengthen the prose and cut out the passive voice. One possible rewrite would be:
"If I were married to a man who did that to me, I'd be a widow." Maggie Storm Blue watched a bruised and bandaged mother with her squirming toddler await their order at the cafe's bakery takeout counter.
The reader will soon learn that perhaps Maggie needs to zip her lip. I love the character insight and foreshadowing this provides.
An Interesting Protagonist
I enjoyed perceiving the world through Maggie's viewpoint. This is important for any cozy, as the intent is for each to be a series.
Maggie gets herself in a world of trouble, as any cozy mystery protagonist does. While visiting her matchmaking aunt and uncle in her hometown, she finds herself in the midst of trouble that earns her both admiration and consternation from local law enforcement, a nasty candy box that squirms, threatening phone calls, and budding romance.
Maggie is a woman of faith. She looks to God for guidance, but the book is not preachy in any way.
Fabulous Sense of Place
"Sense of place" is what we writerly folks call that feeling of knowing where you are in the world of a story.
I'm sure you've read some books or stories that seem to take place in a closet with the lights off, meaning you can't see, feel, hear, smell or taste anything. You can see, hear and taste the world in which the characters live. It fees complete. As the reader, you know where you are.
Here is an example of pulling the reader right into a scene.
Each house or cottage...sat on its plot of terra firma with pride. Front yards showcased flower gardens ranging from reserved to riotous. Wildflowers tickled by the warm June breeze created a giggle of color.
I laughed at the part in which Maggie and her aunt and uncle discussed the "case" using the kind of made-up names typical of mystery dinner theater, such as "Mr. Oily Limp Wrist" and "The Fruitcake." A handy way to speak of murder suspects at a public place.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am keen to read the next.
How the Author Could Improve Results
I'd first like to say I'm not shaming or criticizing Lewis. We all of us are on a journey and have our strengths and imperfections, both personally and as writers. I share this to help her and hopefully many other authors enjoy the best possible results.
Active Voice
Passive voice tricks any of us who write, and Lewis could go through and change a lot of those uses of passivity into active voice. This will strengthen her writing.
I'm not immune to the pesky passive voice trap. I go through my manuscripts looking for words such as "was," "by" and gerunds (ing) so I can activate the language and make the story more interesting.
Amazon Author Profile.
Every book author NEEDS an Amazon Author Profile. It's free, easy to do, and I cannot stress enough how essential this is for all book authors.
All Lewis need do is go to AuthorCentral.com and set up an account using her Amazon.com email and password. THen she can hook up her online properties such as a blog, videos and Twitter feed.
Witness the difference it makes to have a photo of the author show up on the book page.
Because Lewis has no profile, there is no picture. Authors can upload up to 8 photos to your profile.
Be Honest with Publishers
When submitting a book for consideration with a publisher, do let them know if the book is self published or previously published. Sometimes an indie book will be picked up, but not always. Best to be forthcoming.
Have an Online Presence
Most of us hate this fact, but an author must have a robust online presence along with the books. If you don't have a Facebook page, Twitter profile and blog at a minimum, you're invisible and less desirable to publishers.
About Sherrill M. Lewis
Sherrill M. Lewis is a self-taught artist across diverse media. Since her senior year in high school, she has won awards for writing, art dolls, beadwork, crazy quilts, and photography. In 2009, her first technique-oriented book, Splendiferous Bead Motifs!, was published. Raised in Maine, she currently resides on an idyllic, never boring, five acres in Payne County, Oklahoma, with her husband.
I hope this review has helped you.
Please share this all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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February 24, 2016
Writing Prompts: How Can Haiku Help Your Writing?
Have you heard of haiku? Maybe you remember it from your language arts classes at school.
I've seen it. I've written some upon occasion outside of academic necessity for a grade. Recently, author Jan Morrill taught a workshop that helped me hone my poetry writing skills and opened my eyes to a variety of ways to use Haiku to help my other writing.
What is Haiku?
Haiku is a Japanese poetic form that traditionally has 17 syllables across 3 lines. The typical pattern is 5-7-5. haiku are generally about nature.
I remember that much from my English classes, which is what my school district called language arts.
Beyond the Nature 5-7-5
Beyond the brevity, I learned from Jan Morrill that haiku should capture a moment. While nature inspires much haiku, anything in life can find its way into one of those tight little gems.
"Haiku captures a moment."
- Jan Morrill, author of The Red Kimono, Life: Haiku by Haiku, and other books
Haiku as Writing Prompt
Jan Morrill has a blog called Life: Haiku by Haiku. in which she shares her haiku about happenings in life. She created a book (with the same name) of haiku from the poems on her blog.
Memory
Memory can spark you to write your own haiku.
Morrill's post about the loss of cherished dogs made me cry.
Rest well, dear friend
By my side so many years
My heart lost its wag
- by Jan Morrill. See original source
Memories of my second guide dog Molly inspired this haiku at the writing workshop:
Soft eyes lose their spark
betrayed by an aging body
love lasts. Fur does not
- by Ronda Del Boccio
Turn a Poem into a Story
Another great idea Morrill shared in her haiku workshop was to use a haiku as a story writing prompt.
Find a haiku online or in a book and write a scene or story it inspires.
Picture into Haiku
If you want to try this with a story, check out Friday Fictioneers, which provides a photo to use in order to craft a 100 word flash fiction story. I don't do this often since seeing what's ina picture is often a challenge for my mostly blind eyes.
Look at a photograph or painting and write a haiku based on it. I've written reflections, stories or scenes based on a picture, but I had never done this with haiku until Morrill's workshop.
This can help get the creative juices flowing when you need a break or are having trouble getting started.
I took a photo of sunbeams kissing winter morning frost on the grass. Here is the haiku it inspired.
Sun kissed winter morn
awakening from slumber
warmth thaws frosty blades
- by Ronda Del Boccio
Thanks to Jan Morrill for these writing ideas and prompts. I hope they are helpful to you.
Jan Morrill Across the Web
Book review of The Red Kimono here on WriteOnPurpose.com
Amazon Author Page
Website
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