Ronda J. Del Boccio's Blog: Writing is pure Bliss, page 31
March 4, 2015
Does Your Life Feel Miraculous?
You might once you see this video, “The Miracle Is You” by Kute Blackson!
Life is full of everyday miracles.
Expect a miracle and claim it as yours!
March 3, 2015
Book Review of Washed in the Water: Tales from the south by Nancy Hartney
Send to KindleWelcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. Each week, I review a well-written book, highlighting what makes it 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.
This week’s excellent read is a collection of southern short stories called Washed in the Water: Tales from the South by Nancy Hartney
I like a good short story collection. Sometimes I want to read something that won’t require a lot of time to read. Sometimes I don’t want to dive into the world of a novel. Plus, I can sample an author and decide quickly whether I like their style.
Washed in the Water: Tales from the South contains 7 stories. Grab a glass of sweet tea and get ready to journey to the deep south into the lives of people who live and work hard.
Vivid, Tight Descriptions
Gone are the days when people will read pages and pages of description of a flower. Hartney brilliantly pulls you into the stories with few words. Here are a couple examples.
See how this description also reveals character.
Although heavy-set, Lisa was still a striking girl-woman, with her raven hair, olive complexion and acorn-brown eyes. She lacked self confidence though and often chewed her nails down to the quick, leaving raw, ragged hangnails outlining each finger.
You can feel the bumpy ride and smell the dust with this one:
they rattled off down the road in a rooster tail of dust toward old man Chesterfield’s cane sugar mill.
You can see the colorful swarm of cats going after fresh milk with this one:
They ringed about, a pinwheel of stripes and colors, jostling against each other.
I live in the country, and the bugs create their own unique chorus at night. You may hear about the “quiet country,” but if you’ve ever been there, the critters are anything but silent.
I adore this single sentence that captures the essence of the nightly sing:
An insect chorus rose and throbbed in a deafening hosanna.
Enjoyment as a writer and as a reader
Lots to emulate as a writer desiring to pull the reader into the tale. Hartney wastes no words and deftly engages the senses.
As a bookworm who goes through 1-2 books a week, I feel as if I’ve had an education on life in the old South. I will re-read these stories more than once
Award-Winning Book
Washed in the Water won 2 awards last November from the Ozarks Writers Leaue:
The Ozarks Writers League President’s Choice Award for best book
Published Book of the Year
Congratulations!
About Nancy Hartney
Nancy Hartney writes about the Deep South of today wrapped in yesterday’s clothes. Her roots dig into the piney woods that she rode through on horseback, into the sweat-soaked hardscrabble farms, and into humid passionate nights. Her slice-of-life tales chronicle a time past that is poignant, vivid and sometimes brutal. The reader stares into the eyes of people struggling with living, grasping for understanding, doing the best they know how.
Nancy makes her home in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Washed in the Water: Tales from the South is her debut short story collection. Her website is http://nancyhartney.com.
Connect with Nancy Hartney
Website
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Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
Read More Book Reviews by Ronda Del Boccio
Looking for more book reviews? I share insights on books in most genres. See them all in the Book Review Category
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 2, 2015
7 Keys to Writing a Profitable Book
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Want your book to bring you PROFITS?
It’s not just about writing a good book. There are 7 key elements in nonfiction, 6 in fiction, you can add to boost your book’s profits.
For example, you need to write a page turner, so give the reader a reason to turn the page at the end of each chapter.
Find out what they are so you can implement them in this FREE mini-course, which includes a printed special report + a quick video tutorial to help you implement.
Grab it now WriteOnPurpose.comfree
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
best selling author, speaker and mentor
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February 28, 2015
Book Royalty Truths
Send to KindleBook Royalty Truths
Reshared post from +Book Marketing Tools
On Author Royalties
Considering whether you should self-publish or go the traditional route? You need to hear Tara Meyer-Robson's story about her trip to Starbucks in this episode of The Author Hangout: http://buff.ly/1LKRDgH
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February 26, 2015
Social media INTERVENTION Saves Your Sanity!
Send to KindleFrustrated by time-sucking social media? This fast, fun class teaches you a simple system to take back your day.Revised for 2015, thi 22 min. 23 second web class teaches you:
If people look for you and you're not on social, you're nobody! Being in social media sites is essential to your book marketing success.
* Why authors need to be on social media
* Why to LOVE and use hashtags
* Social media tricks and shortcuts to save loads of time
* the "RIPPLE" that lets you get in and out of each social network in under a minute AND be a social, responsible web citizen.
Join free now http://WriteOnPurpose.com/quickie
#SocialMediaMarketing #bookmarketing 
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Writer: Finish What You Start
Send to KindleThese tips on finishing your book are good ones. I am definitely taking note of them as I get my books ready to take your publishing journey. #writing #writinglifeReshared post from +Book Marketing ToolsThe Hardest Part Of Writing Is… Writing. – Get some tips for finishing your book. http://bookmarketingtools.com/blog/the-hardest-part-of-writing-is-writing/
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February 24, 2015
Book Review: Biographical Historical Novel No Paved Road to Freedom by Sharon Rushton
Send to KindleWelcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. Each week, I review a well-written book, highlighting what makes it 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.
This week’s excellent read is a historical biographical novel called No Paved Road to Freedom by Sharon Rushton.
A good book is aboiut the writer’s craft and in equal measure enjoyment for the reader. This book has it all!
Here is the description of No Paved Road to Freedom from Amazon:
No Paved Road To Freedom is a gripping and emotional story that humanizes the impact of communist occupation in Romania after World War II. It is relevant, it inspires, and it reminds us that freedom is precious. Based on a true story, it documents the loss of freedom, and the extraordinary courage of Cornel Dolana and his family as they pay an incredible price for resisting communism. Cornel makes up his mind to escape the oppression and uses his ingenuity to put his plan in place. His fortitude keeps him moving toward his goal, despite enduring enormous setbacks, brutality, and extreme outdoor elements that few humans could survive.
What makes No Paved Road to Freedom a good read?
Pulled into the Story
A great book sucks you into the characters, the setting, the story (aka plot). No Paved Road to Freedom does just that!
Based on a true story, it would not be possible for anyone to remember all the conversations they’ve had that contribute to the telling, yet Rushton makes you feel you’re right there with Cornel through his life.
Imagine you’re a youngster, the child of farmers. A new government takes over and now your family is told their cows should be able to find their own owners. Then they come take away your livestock and kill your pet dog. And that’s just the beginning.
The government later insisted upon certain harvest days that did not correspond to the reality of what was happening with the crops. The resulting food scarcity kept the people at the edge of starvation.
And if anyone said or did any little thing that went against the Official View, they could be beaten, imprisoned, even killed.
It’s such a different life than most of us have ever lived. Rushton writes so well I felt I was right there with Cornel Dolana and his family
Imagine school children reading this book and having a much deeper understanding of life under a restrictive government. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
A Road of Trials
Cornel Dolana could not be satisfied with oppression, and this book reveals his trials and tribulations along that road. He found ways to sneak morsels of bread and secret them to nourish him along the way. And yet, his first attempts failed miserably.
Biographical Fiction
A story based on someone’s life means countless hours of interviews, historical research, and often, pain. Cornel Dolana had to relive his story of being hungry, frozen, imprisoned, fearful for his life, and much more. No easy road to tell that tale.
Rushton wrote in the notes at the end of the book: “Mimi (Cornel’s wife) told me nightmares plagued Cornel after our interview sessions.” I am not surprised.
Sharon Rushton said the book may be turned into a movie, and it would be a good one, full of interesting characters, thrills and chills. I would also love to see this book taught in schools so children may know a more personal side of oppression and the fight for freedom.
Buy No Paved Road to Freedom on Amazon
Read More Book Reviews by Ronda Del Boccio
Looking for more book reviews? I share insights on books in most genres. See them all in the Book Review Category
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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PS Want to republish this review?
I am delighted for you to repost this review on your blog or website. You are most welcome to republish this review following standards established by best practice and copyright law. This is true of any blog post, by the way.
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Want your book reviewed?
If you are an author or publisher desiring a review, here is everything you need to know:
Each Tuesday, read a book review on WriteOnPUrpose.com. I delve deeper in these than I do for what I post on Amazon
Focusing on what makes a good read, these reviews benefit authors and readers alike. Each contains helpful hints to help authors make their books more compelling.
Before posting here, I first write a review on Amazon, and I am an Amazon Top Reviewer; read my reviews at WriteOnPurpose.com/reviews.
If you are an author or publisher wanting a book review, go to my Review Request Page at WriteOnPurpose.com/reviewrequest and complete the form.
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February 23, 2015
Can Slideshare Bring You Customers?
Send to KindleAs an author, you're an expert in certain areas, EVEN if you write fiction. Have you thought of using Slideshare to generate interest in your book? It can be a fabulous tool when you know how to use it.Find out how Slideshare can generate leads in this great article for +Social Media Examiner by +Peg Fitzpatrick
Reshared post from +Peg Fitzpatrick
4 Ways to Use SlideShare for Lead Generation
Are you using SlideShare presentations to market your business?Have you considered +SlideShare as a conversion tool?
SlideShare is useful for sharing highly informative presentations with your audience, but it’s also a hot social platform. Many businesses are missing out on the huge potential of SlideShare as a social marketing and lead conversion tool.
My latest guest post for +Social Media Examiner. If you like it, please share with your network as well. Thanks!!
Read it all here: http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/use-slideshare-for-lead-generation/Pin it for later: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/259590365998002960/
#SlideShare #leadgeneration #leadgen #socialmediatips #socialmediamarketing #ns
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February 21, 2015
Ozarks Writers League Cancels Ronda Del Boccio Presentation on Social Media for Authors at the Last Minute
Send to KindleI was scheduled to give a presentation titled “Social Media Quickie for Authors: Get in – Get Done – and Get Back to Writing” at the Ozarks Writers League (OWL) quarterly conference at Ozarks Technical Community College in Hollister, Missouri this morning (Feb. 21, 2015).
I got a message just after 8 this morning from past president Karen Nelson that the president, Casey Cowan, asked her to inform me my presentation was canceled.
While nasty weather conditions exist, nobody called, texted, emailed or otherwise messaged to ask whether I would be able to make it. Since I live in the area, I did not choose to stay at the hotel. As a blind non-driver, I had arranged transportation and was fully prepared to give the interactive presentation I had spent considerable time and energy preparing..
The schedule was reorganized for a delayed start time and supposedly “abbreviated.” Interestingly, one talk was ADDED to the event.
Nonfiction author Karen Nelson is doing an unscheduled talk about characters. She describes herself on her website as: “a writer and teacher in Southwest Missouri, specializing in educational and nonfiction works. ”
From the rearranged and “abbreviated “schedule:
2:15 – 3:00 – Session 2
(planned) Velda Brotherton – “You’re Never Too Old For Love”
(planned) Pam Foster – Critique Group
(NEW! Karen Nelson – “Creative Characters”
While the official reason will be weather, the late start and the perceived necessity to use the speakers who were on-site, the addition of an unplanned talk in this scaled-back schedule appears suspicious.
Numerous OWL members attending the conference expressed excitement over getting help from me with their social media.
Could some more sinister forces be at play? ou decide.
3 Board Members Resign on same Day
On a related note, I was a board member until I resigned last week over a variety of issues, including bullying, censorship and abuse of leadership. OWL is a 501(c)3 organization subject to all the laws and legalities of any nonprofit. Three board members all resigned within an hour over these issues.
Ozarks Writers League Conference Kicked Out of Private Christian College for Planned Sex Talks
OWL got kicked out of its 30-year meeting place at College of the Ozarks, a private Christian college because of the racy nature of some of the workshops. While some of the League leadership called it censorship, the college is privately funded and not subject to the same regulations as publicly funded colleges.
I say their house, their rules. I don’t blame C of O one bit. I did not approve the topics and was not involved in the process of finding speakers or naming their talks. Had this been passed through the entire board VS a subset, the negative publicity could potentially have been averted.
Though I was supposedly the Publicity Coordinator, the president and his chosen did not involve me or some other board members in any of the planning of speakers, topics, or response to the College of the Ozarks decision.
Thankfully, with the ease of technology and the fact I have the tools available, nobody has to miss out on getting help!
You can attend this same presentation from hte comfort of your own computer, tablet or phone free of charge. See details below:
FREE Online Presentation: Social Media Quickie for Authors: Get In – Get Done – Get Back to Writing
HOW to attend? Via a link. Watch and listen from your computer or web-enabled tablet or phone.
Date: Thursday, February 26
Time: 8 PM Eastern US (5 Pacific)
Reserve your seat now: Simply give your name and email below for to hold your place for the class. That’s how you’ll get the link and details about how to join the class. It’s easy, I promise!
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First Name
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If you’re seeing this post on another sitge (not WriteOnPurpose) and don’t see the sign-up box, don’t despair! Just go to the Free Training page at WriteOnPurpose.com/adventure
I look forward to helping you make social media EASY!
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio, best selling author, speaker and mentor
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February 20, 2015
10 Best Tips for How to Throw a Book Launch Party from R. H. Burkett
Send to KindleConsidering throwing a book launch party? It can be a huge undertaking! I’ve been at a few parties – online, real world, and virtual.
My friend R. H. Burkett, award-winning author of several books including Daughter of the Howling Moon, which I reviewed here, threw a hum-dinger of a bash! And she was kind enough to write this guest blog post to go along with my series of articles on throwing a book launch party.
Top Ten Tips for Throwing a Successful Book Launch Party by R. H. Burkett
Here are my top ten tips for successful launch parties. These are my ideas. I’m sure others will have just as good of ones. Use what resonates with you.
Feel free to put your magic touch on any of this.
Get an event planner: Find someone who is willing to help you with the event, a person who shares your vision. This person should be forceful without being a bitch, have connections, be a great organizer, and have the time to devote to the event. (My event planner brokered a deal with the venue and came up with great ideas to enhance the whole party.)
Make it all about you and your book: From birth to death it’s beaten into our heads that tooting our own horn is selfish and egotistical. A book launch is all about one thing: YOUR book. Your accomplishment. So brag about it. Make the launch your own. (Personal note here: Don’t share the launch with a new band that is seeking recognition or any other group as it takes away from YOUR time. If you share a launch party with other authors be sure that when your turn comes, you make it all about you.)
Swag and door prizes are good: Think of items related to your book that you can give-away. People love free stuff. (I made gris-gris bags) Think outside the box. (I put a miniature tarot card with a one word explanation in each bag. It’s fun and it did relate to the story) Also, add a picture of your book or your brand on the items. Door prizes are also a great idea.
Keep it simple: Don’t overdue the refreshments. (At first I was going to have gumbo and all the fixins. This ran into problems: who was going to make it, how to keep it warm, what about the people who don’t like this type of food, what are we going to do for them etc,, etc..) My event planner finally said that the launch is about the book, not food. People come to hear about the book, not to eat. Light refreshments are the best and a lot less work.
Decorate and display: Think of how you can decorate your venue in keeping with the book. This enhances the launch and gets the people attending both interested, curious, and in the mood of the story. Ya can’t go wrong with twinkle lights especially if you have your launch outside at night. Think of unique way to display your refreshments (we make cupcakes in the shape of an alligator. Pinterest has excellent ideas) Again, think outside the box. If your story is about a dragon, get a dragon! Paper Mache. Toy dragons, etc. etc. **** Oriental Trading, and Bits and Pieces have wonderful ideas**** Music is a great enhancement, keep it loud enough to hear but low enough to be heard.
Give your books their own special place. And get a third person who can be trusted to stand by the books and take the money. This leaves the author free to sign and to work the room. One less thing to worry about.
Send out invitations: People love to get an invitation in the mail. It makes them feel special, that YOU like them and sincerely want them there. (FaceBook is good but not that personal touch that is so special, use FB in tandem with the invitations.)
Give people that something extra: Think, “what can I offer at my launch that would entice people to come and just not order the book online?” (I introduced my characters)
Be creative in the presentation: I acted out my characters, however most writers are not so inclined. But they can dress in costume even if they read from the book. It doesn’t have to be much. A western-wear a cowboy hat, etc. etc.. Use your imagination and come up with ideas that are different and not boring.
Be classy and humble. Yes, make the launch all about you and the book but never forget to be humble and grateful. At all times, be a class act.
About R. H. Burkett
RH Burkett was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and was famous from birth because she and her brother were the first set of boy/girl twins born at the local hospital. She studied drama at the University of Arkansas and joined Rogers Little Theatre acting in many musicals and productions. She married a United States Air Force Sergeant and moved to Salem, Massachusetts, to work for Parker Brothers Games as a sales analyst. From there she moved to Galveston, Texas to work in banking. A hurricane brought her back to Fayetteville.
Burkett is a professional Tarot card reader who discovered her gift for writing when she penned her first novel, Soldiers from the Mist, which broke open the dam for many more novels to follow.
She has won many writing awards, including the Ozarks Writer’s League 2010 Book of the Year for Soldiers from the Mist; Storyteller Magazine People’s Choice Award; The Clouse Literary Arts Award; and the 2010 Hightower Award.
* * * * *
Thank you, R. H. Those are great tips. Your party was out of this world – a HOWLING good time!!
Dearest author/reader – Take these tips to heart!
Follow your BLISS,
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Writing is pure Bliss
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