Barbara G. Tarn's Blog, page 119
December 21, 2014
Sunday Surprise
Sooo, did you get Strange Portals or not? NO? Shame on you! Go get it now, it’s free! And you’ll be able to read a wonderful story by today’s guest! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome inkslinger DM Yates!
Where do you live and write from?
I live in West Jordan, Utah which is about 13 miles from Salt Lake City, surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Why do you write?
I���ve written for as long as I can remember. I have all these stories and poems that run through my mind constantly and always have.
When did you start writing?
My twin brother once told me that I started writing as soon as I learned the alphabet and a teacher placed a pencil in my hand. I believe him because I can remember having to read my stories to the class.
What genre(s) do you write?
Here���s where I���m a little odd. I write in fantasy/new age/spiritual/romance – sometimes all 4 genres in the same story. My poems are the same in genre too.
What does your writing routine consist of?
I���m one of those writers who must feel motivated. If I try to set a schedule, my writing is horrible. I go with the flow, but once I get going just try and stop me.
What do you feel are your strengths as a writer? How have you developed these qualities?
My strengths are from the many places I���ve lived and the many people I���ve met from all over the world. One of my hobbies is research – I���ll research any topic especially about people and places. I find people���s personalities and traits so interesting. I���m someone who loves to study just about any topic and I���ve never lost interest. That���s how the qualities have developed.
Where do you find your inspiration? Do you put yourself in your stories?
Sometimes I dream bout something; sometimes a tale will start to evolve in my thoughts. Within each story lies a treasure to be found by the reader and so I want to share those treasures. I���m in every story because a part of me is in each character I develop. My main protagonist has many of my qualities – especially my stubbornness.
Outliner or improviser? Fast or slow writer?
Once I see the story I make an outline in circle form. I start with a main circle and draw spokes off of it with smaller circles. Sometimes those circles have spokes with circles too. The beginning starts at the top with the main ideas and continues clockwise around the large circle. This guides me through my story. When I���m done writing, I���ll check this outline to make sure I���ve covered everything I wanted to say.
I���m a fast writer once the thoughts are there. I just can���t be slow and meticulous like others. I have to type out my ideas as quickly as I can and I never hand-write stories.
Tell us about your latest book
My latest book isn���t published yet but is soon to be. It continues the tale of my main character Einarr and his close relationship to the great dragon Zavat and is set in the 1300s.
The first in this series is ���The Lone Hero��� and can be found anywhere e-books are sold. Here���s the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Lone-Hero-DM-Yates-ebook/dp/B00HAL1KRY/
If you���re not into fantasy I have another novel, ���Always��� which is a roller coaster ride of emotions set in modern day England: http://www.amazon.com/Always-DM-Yates-ebook/dp/B00A04RIHO/
Indie publishing or traditional publishing – and why?
I choose Indie publishing. First, because it gives me the freedom to write what I want, how I want, and choose the cover I want. Secondly, I do have health issues and I can���t be stressed by demands from a publisher. Nowadays, whether you���re an Indie or under contract to a publisher, you have to do all the footwork in marketing, so why not do it your way?
Any other projects in the pipeline?
I have so many projects going. I���m working on a 3rd book in the dragon series plus the next historical romance for Einarr. I have poems I���m editing and another children���s book I���ve been working on. I���m also still trying to edit and revise my short story collection about a quirky older woman from the Midwest and her overly chunky tabby cat.
What is your goal as a writer and what are you doing to achieve it?
My goal is twofold. First, to get my stories out to the world which means writing them to the best of my ability and then marketing, marketing, marketing. My second goal is with my poetry – I want to bring readers back to poetry and the beauty of it. So many readers today avoid poetry because they don���t feel they can understand it so I write simple poetry in rhyme.
What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever been given?
Never give up and write all the time. Write about anything; just write.
Barb, I want to thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity and for introducing me to your friends. I strongly believe we all need to support each other. It makes attaining our goals so much easier. Thank you again.
It was a pleasure having you! :) I love your answers, you might end up in one of my WoW Sundays one day (that’s Writers on Writing or Words of Wisdom for whoever is new to this blog…) And MERRY CHRISTMAS to everybody!
Where to find DM Yates:
Blog on my works: http://dmyates.weebly.com
General blog: http://dmyatesbelieveinyourself.blogspot.com
or http://dmyatesjournalings.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/DMYatesAuthor
twitter: @merridm
google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/116251745641302231477/+DmyatesbelieveinyourselfBlogspot/posts
December 18, 2014
Random Friday
and it’s the last random Friday of the year, since the next will recap the reading year – so it won’t be totally random! In this randomness I’ll point you to the last pencil portrait of the year – that’s a technique that I haven’t lost yet, unlike my drawing-comics-technique.
Then I have a couple of movies, since on Sunday I had a bad headache and couldn’t write much, so I watched World War Z – mmmmeh. Okay, I’m not into zombie movies and I knew that. But I found the DVD for 5euros and thought “what the hell”. So not totally wasted – it was kinda sorta not-my-genre-but-not-totally-ugly-either. And I’m not reading the book, because if the movie had a little plot, the book doesn’t as far as I know, so not my cup of tea at all! ;)
And then, since the headache didn’t let me write, I rewatched Velvet Goldmine to find inspiration – although I know I’ll be inspired more by Rockstar, but it’s been longer since I watched Velvet Goldmine, so I wanted to be sure there wasn’t anything there to inspire me.
Star Minds Next Generation SPOILER ALERT (skip the italics to avoid):
Kay-low, who likes to sing as much as his father Kol-ian, wants to be a galactic star. And it’s a sort of coming of age story, even if he’s already 20. So I’m rewatching all the movies that could help, although I do have a plot in mind.
Hope I did the spoiler thingy right. Not that I’m saying much, but well… So I rewatched Dreamgirls and a few more as well, I don’t lack that kind of movies (including Bollywood’s Rock On – oh, drat, Rock On 2 is still in development! Rock on and hurry up, guys!). And no, I’m not including Wyld Stallyns in this lot! ;)
But since the music industry has changed (at least from those two “period” movies – Velvet Goldmine 70s and 80s, Dreamgirls 50s to 70s), I will have to make up the rules for the galactic music business… ah, the joys of worldbuilding! ;)
Final announcement: another book out – an anthology of recipes including yours truly (who can’t cook/hates cooking, but managed to put together a couple of things in a Star Minds Extra Short). Here’s the link to the printed version. Or you can download the ebook on Amazon, Kobo &��Smashwords – Barnes&Noble coming up, search for it. Proceedings go to charity – so it’s the perfect Christmas Gift for your food junkies friends! ;)
That’s all for today’s randomness! Have a great weekend!
December 16, 2014
Writer Wednesday
Last title of the year is up! S.K.Y.B.A.N.D #14 is out on DriveThruComics. Now one more chapter to go, and then I can issue the whole story as a single, printed book, that will also be available somewhere else. But for its nature, this graphic novel doesn’t come out well as ebook, so you can download only a PDF above.
Yes, the HEA is coming, but it was so hard drawing this chapter (I felt I was drawing like a 10 year old again), that I won’t do another like this when this is over. I might continue with my other – non-realistic – style to do stupid vignettes (or happy vignettes, although I’m running the old ones again, no new happiness in sight – did I really cover them all?).
Or I might finish lettering Fleur de Lys (1 and 2 are out on DriveThruComics and Amazon, but 3, 4 and 5 are still on the To Letter list), or I might scan older works and publish them… or I might just write new stuff.
And I mean write, not draw and write. So I’ll probably stick to prose after I finish SKYBAND. Next week will be a summary of the writing year, so this is the last of the usual Writer Wednesdays. I don’t have writerly links – unless you sell ebooks from your site, in that case, you might want to check this post – and the last update on the WiP is… I’m writing it! ;) Yes, I’m almost done with part 4 – Kay-low, but I doubt the beta-readers will be thrilled to have to read Star Minds Next Generation over the Holidays (especially Jo, who already read most of it). Anyhow, when I’m done, I’ll ask! :)
I have another link, but I’ll add to the Reading Year post next week… it will go on the wishlist for next year, since there is no way I’ll be able to get it and read it this year. And I’ve finished Strange Portals, hope to interview some fellow authors soon! If you haven’t grabbed your copy, go get it now! :) Have a great week!
December 14, 2014
Just in Time for the Holidays – the Works of Barbara G. Tarn
Barb:
check these free excerpts on D.M. Yates blog!
Originally posted on DM Yates Journalings:
There are Only 12 More Days Until Christmas
With only 12 more shopping days left, there���s still plenty of time to buy e-books or gift cards for 3-books. The best part is delivery is usually the same day.
Barbara G. Tarn
As I mentioned last time, I���ve met a new friend. Barb ain���t no ordinary friend. Nope. She���s one of the most prolific, imaginative and creative people I���ve ever met. Just take a look at her website:
https://creativebarbwire.wordpress.com/
This is from Barb���s profile:
Barbara is my real first name, but I want to be known as Barb when artist (graphic novels & illustrations) and Barbara G.Tarn when writer (novels and screenplays).
I���m a writer and an artist and English is not my native language, so bear with me if I make writing mistakes!
I write heroic fantasy for adults who still like to dream and escape. Mostly medieval settings, with���
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Sunday Surprise
He’s author of the month at the Smashwords Authors group, so if you’re curious about him and want to ask him questions that are not covered in this interview, just hop off to Goodreads! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Anthony O’Brian!
Where do you live and write from?
I was born and raised in a small town in North Central Idaho in the United States. Although I did live in California (with my parents) for nearly four years due to my dad���s work. Yet, we came back as soon as possible and have lived there until 2012. In 2012 I began to travel and work abroad with my non-profit corporation. We still travel at this time throughout the U.S. We live in a 5th wheel trailer, which faithfully follows our truck around the country.
Why do you write?
I write because I must! I write because I have to get the words out of my head! ��� I love to write and sometimes when it is very busy there will be days that I simply can���t wait to get to my MacBookPro and began typing. Most of what I write is unpublished or not publishable material being work related. To answer the question frankly, I write because I want to communicate and I love words.
When did you start writing?
I started writing very young. I wrote, like most young kids and teenagers, poems, songs, ideas, etc. But I got very serious about writing in High School when I realized that I enjoyed it so much and was fairly good at it. Mind you, not necessary good at grammar and English, but good at creating and conveying my ideas. Even if I was the only one interested, I was hooked.
What genre(s) do you write?
At this point it appears that I am sort of painting myself in the corner of the genre of thrillers, but I am stubborn and my next several books will be out of that box. Really three of my titles have a thriller aspect to them, or at least mystery/adventure, but my first book, ���The Two Schillings��� was actually a historical-fiction epic. That is one of my interests, but quite honestly is difficult to pull off well ��� it is hard to be a convincing writer in this genre. Yet, I have a trilogy to finish and I MUST before I die���so I shall keep after it.
What does your writing routine consist of?
There is no established routine when it comes to punching the keys, except do it when and while you can. Day or sleepless night. When it comes to creating a story that is a little different.
An idea comes to me. If I like it I say, ���Wow!��� and began to consider it. If I don���t like it, I move on.
As the idea gains momentum I have to make the decision whether I will pursue it or not.
Once the decision is made to pursue the idea I create the opening of the book, which is nearly always how it comes to me (with the rest latent in the back of my mind.) I often get the whole book in that first single thought.
Once this opener is established I mentally build around it with characters, plot, motives, whys and wherefores, etc.
Then I type, type, type���the work of an author. The fun part was daydreaming. (although I enjoy the creative process that evolves while writing).
What do you feel are your strengths as a writer? How have you developed these qualities?
I would hope realism. I want to write realistic material (for the most part) ��� something believable. Also, proficiency with the English language. I wanted to go to college and actually had a full ride offer for engineering school, but that dream was cut short by another road by my own choice, I followed a different profession. I have no regrets. I have tried to develop these skills by practicing critical thinking and trying to maintain a practical mindset approach to the logistics and mechanics of my characters��� lives. Also, I try to be very critical of my grammar, syntax, spelling, and language usage.
Where do you find your inspiration? Do you put yourself in your stories?
I find inspiration in man���s indomitable nature when it comes to hardship and impossibility. What I want to convey in my writings is that good will always prevail over evil; maybe not like we would think or prefer, but it will always win. Do I put myself in my stories? I am certain I do, though it is not always my intention.
Outliner or improviser? Fast or slow writer?
Mental outliner. Improviser in my writing, though not severe. When I get started typing I blaze away by the hour usually. Most of the writing volume takes place in these few sessions.
Tell us about your latest book
My latest book is called ���Pushup King��� (unpublished)
It is about a woman who is trying to keep house and home together after her war-veteran husband is injured on the job, nearly dying. Her husband was comatose, but she remained by his side until he awoke and now may be defying all medical odds by coming out of the trauma. It takes place in a small town in Wyoming and climaxes at an annual summer event. The end will be happy. (I don���t want to spoil it!)
Indie publishing or traditional publishing – and why?
Indie publishing. Limited funds, knowledge or ability to publish traditionally. Also, like the control as well as enjoy the process. I am not opposed to signing a mult-million dollar contract though!
Any other projects in the pipeline?
Absolutely!! The pipeline is jammed and backing up!!
What is your goal as a writer and what are you doing to achieve it?
I want to be a successful writer that sells many, many books and makes many, many book lovers happy. I don���t want to be or get rich from it I just want to make a lasting impact on readers everywhere. I don���t mind being famous after I am dead.
What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever been given?
Write every day. Though I don���t, it drives me back to the keyboard���it tells me that I am always behind schedule and depriving anxious readers everywhere of a good story!
Thank you for conducting this interview���I got to write some more!!!!
_________________________________
Where to find Anthony:
GoodReads
Smashwords
Blog��
Amazon Author Central
December 11, 2014
Random Friday
And it’s Movie Friday! Sort of – as usual! ;) First, if you like stoner movies, have a look at this micro short and comment/rate/enjoy! It’s by a friend of mine, but it’s not really my cup of tea. I mean, I don’t mind Bill&Ted because of Da Muse, but I’m really not looking forward to #3 – especially if they make them stoned at 50.�� My suspension of disbelief would break more than it already has (#1 was actually awful with those historical figures, #2 was better and not only because of the – almost impossible to hear – Slaughter song in the soundtrack). I might check the comic – although I like only one cover – but enough of that kind of movie. But if it’s your favorite genre, please check the above project, thank you! :)
I watched Dil with young Aamir Khan and Madhuri Dixit (yes, we were young in 1990, but already in our 20s, LOL – and I’ve just realized that my favorite dancer Madhuri is my sister’s twin. Can I switch them?). Ahem! The movie… well, it’s the average Bollywood movie. At least Aamir’s ears were covered by his hair! ;) Still not my favorite Khan, but always better than the other most wanted bachelor (I wouldn’t want him not even painted, so I’ll stick to the other option that arrived second in the poll, but was my first choice anyway)…
I should have said Actors Friday, I know. So, moving to the next sort-of-movie-related-thingy, here’s some advice from some hunk you might have heard of. If little me with less than 300 Facebook Likes would tell you that, you wouldn’t believe me, right? Well, take it from someone who has almost 15MILLION FB Likes! ;) So, listen to Duggu Guru and stop hating yourself – nobody is perfect! ;)
In case you don’t want to spend money buying 15 years of creative barbwire (on DriveThruComics and Amazon), here’s how I draw him when I’m not doing pencil portraits – brand new vignette that didn’t make it in the collection! ;)
Have a great weekend! :D
December 9, 2014
Writer Wednesday
And Kilig&Hakeem is now live on Amazon, Kobo, Smashwords, Apple, Barnes&Noble and DriveThruFiction. If you used the pre-order button when available, it should be on your device by now – except again nobody used the pre-order button. Sigh. One last try with Star Minds Next Generation as soon as I have the cover and then I give up! ;)
Another experiment I did – worked with one title out of two. I raised the price. Going trough the catalog while doing the inventory, I realized Pat&Babs was priced lower than the other body switches, so I raised its price, and raised the collection as well. On Amazon I had sold 10 copies in 2 months – I have sold 8 in 2 weeks at the higher price. Wonders never cease.
And I also have two more short stories out in the Strange Portals anthology! Both my English pseudonyms are there… It’s a free e-book, so go get it for your holiday season’s reading! I’ve started reading the other contributions and I’m very excited to be with these new authors – will have to invite them over! :D
On the writing front, on Monday I’ve added another 6800words to Star Minds Next Generation, so I’m well on my way to completing it by mid-month, definitely before Christmas. Of course it helped that Monday was bank holiday, but Tuesday I coulnd’t write a single word. Then Friday it’s a general strike, so hopefully I’ll be able to catch up for the lost time…
Which goes well with my hero’s post on pulp speed – yes, when I grow up I want to�� be like Dean Wesley Smith (who is barely 15 years older than me, LOL)! At this time I’m around “pulp speed one”, but I don’t despair to get to other levels – especially if I get rid of DayJob and all the wasted hours coming and going there! ;)
Now, one more pearl of wisdom – be excited. If you don’t enjoy writing, don’t do it. If you’re having fun, just keep going – the only way to fail is to quit! :) Besides, being excited about telling stories is a good way to be prolific (Pulp Speed Ahead!)! :D
Joe Konrath destroys that DBW survey I suggested we took – sharing it from Hugh Howey’s blog. I admit some of those questions were “huh?” but well… the time is wasted. Just don’t buy the results, since, like he says, they’re skewed! :) Have a great week! :)
