Laura McNeill's Blog, page 11

Why I’m Thankful for Dirt & Sand

Every Monday morning, and the occasional Tuesday after a long weekend, my little white Prius looks like something’s blown up inside it. Not a bomb, mind you, but the dirt and mess that comes from little boys playing hard. This Tuesday, powdery sand from the shores of Dauphin Island, Ala. covers my floor mats. There’s a pair of neon yellow and black flip-flops, size small, and an array of beach towels in hues ranging from deep azure to cherry red.

If you look closely, there’s probably a Lego figure or two in the back seat, along with a water bottle, and a half-read paperback copy of The Maze Runner prequel. There’s an insulated, striped orange bag to hold picnic food, three set of sunglasses, and a faded hat from many summers spent in the Alabama sun. There might be a few old movie stubs in the center console. There are definitely Band-aids (I don’t leave home without them!). There are more miles registered on the dashboard than I care to count, a stray pebble has likely nicked the paint (again), and my gas tank is likely dangerously low.

When I clean it all up later today and wash my car, and my vehicle will go back to looking like a presentable mommy/author-mode of transportation. But in the moments before I wipe down the seats and tote away the beach gear, I breathe in the scent of ocean air and my son’s sun-soaked skin. I can almost hear music on the radio and laughter from the back seat. When I close my eyes, I can see waves and seagulls and broad smiles.

It’s why, every Monday, or Tuesday, the dirt and sand don’t bother me at all.

It’s evidence of love, happiness, and a life well-lived.

~ Laura

A Special Discount on #Publish15 for my Readers!

Hey y’all! I am so excited to be a part of Georgia’s first annual publishing convention – #Publish15 – Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th.

The event, centrally located just outside Atlanta in the Forsyth Conference Center (Cumming, Ga.), will run from 9 am – 5 pm both days and offers a plethora of valuable information for aspiring authors including workshops, literary agent pitching, exhibitors, demos, and more! The convention’s tagline says it all:

Workshops

Here are just a few of the 30 workshops being offered:

Go Big or Go Indie: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing
Landing a Literary Agent
Blogging to Create Waves
Break Into Bookstores: What Do Retailers Want?
The Business of Self-Publishing
Your Book in Review

Agents

If you are interested in pitching an agent, here are a few of the agents attending (Click here to read their bios).

Speakers

Here’s the full list of great speakers, and I’ll be there, too, talking about Platform, Indie and Traditional Publishing, Agents, Writing, and Social Media!!

What Will it All Cost?

The cost of attendance is very reasonable, ranging from $10 General Admission to $99 for a full two-day pass to attend all of the workshops.

Discount Code

As a preferred reader of my blog (yay! thank you!) you will receive an additional 25% off General Admission and Workshop passes!! Use Discount Promo Code “Pub25″ when you register!

Register

http://www.publish15.com/registration  (Use Promo Code “Pub25″)

Questions?

Email me at laura@lauramcneill.com anytime! Hope to see you at #Publish15!

~ Laura

Writer Wednesday: Why Chatting with Strangers Helps Boost Creativity

Writing is a very solitary profession. The glamour to work ratio is relatively low, though every six to nine months, there is the thrill of a new book launch, the fun of book signings, and meeting awesome readers!!

In truth, 98.5% of the actual job is competed in a room, in front of a laptop (pad of paper, electronic device) … by yourself. For me, inside the four walls of my office, I outline, create characters, conjure vivid descriptions, and dream up dialogue. Brain to fingertips to digital device. Repeat.

In my world, writing is accomplished early morning, before most of the world wakes, from 5:30 am-7:30 am Monday through Saturday. From there, I transform into Mom mode, corral kids, and head out the door to my full-time job. When 5 pm arrives, it’s time for dinner, blog posts, social media, and grad school assignments before tucking everyone into bed.

It’s a schedule that demands dedication–one definitely not for the faint of heart. Occasionally, though, I have to break out of my routine and remind myself why I started writing in the first place:

~ It’s all about the stories ~

Stories that make me laugh or cry, stories that make me stop and think, stories that make me look back on my life and be thankful for the choices I made or didn’t make.

For me, breaking out of that routine means leaving work behind. It means going to conventions and attending sessions held by bestselling authors. It means chatting with strangers.

Chatting with strangers? 

Definitely. But, for many people, that’s a scary prospect. Striking up a conversation with someone who you’ve never met, a person with which you might not have anything in common, and a reader who might be a die-hard vampire fan when all that you write is regency romance.

My advice? Do it anyway.

It’s in those conversations, in that interaction and communication, when my creative wheels begin spinning. This past week alone, I spoke to a bookseller from Australia, a librarian from Iowa, a bookstore owner from Seattle, a physician on his way to a conference in New Orleans, and a licensed professional counselor who evaluates criminals in Texas.

Granted, I was attending the #RT15 conference in Dallas (for all of 72 hours), but it was more than enough to jump-start quite a few story ideas and get the “What if…” questions rolling around in my head.

What jump starts your creativity? Where do you get your story ideas?

5 Reasons Kids Make Great Novel Heroes

There’s something magical about novels that include a child or teen’s point of view. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter comes to mind immediately, as does Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird and the Hunger Games’ Katniss Everdeen.

Including a young person’s point of view (POV) isn’t limited to young adult or middle grade genres, however. Adult fiction author Jodi Picoult (Leaving Time) writes these POVs masterfully, as does Sue Monk Kidd (The Invention of Wings), and Susan Meissner (Secrets of a Charmed Life).

Done well, adult novels that includes a young narrator can add richness, depth, and tension to a story. From an author’s point of view, though, it can be particularly tricky to add the voice of a child into the mix. Ask any reader–it’s crucial to capture authenticity through dialogue, personality, and behavior.

In Center of Gravity, I tell a major portion of the story through the eyes of an eight-year old boy. Luckily, as the mom of two wonderful sons, I’ve observed and absorbed much though play dates, car rides, field trips, time at the pool, and conversations over dinner. While writing Center of Gravity, I reflected often about what my boys think about, how they communicate with friends, play, celebrate, and cope with challenges.

Here are 5 reasons why I believe kids make great novel heroes:

1. They offer an honest look at the world around them.
In Center of Gravity, eight-year-old Jack offers a raw and unfiltered view of what happens to his family after his parents’ marriage unravels. He tells the reader about his life in the only way he knows how–simply and honestly–through the lens of an innocent child.

2. They are often the underdog.
It’s difficult not to root for the Harry Potters of the world–a child who’s lost his parents and is forced to live in a cupboard under the stairs. Like Harry, Jack doesn’t have the resources to solve the problems facing his family. Jack can’t jump in a car and escape a bad situation, he doesn’t own a cell phone, and feels powerless to protect his younger brother, Sam. This desperation leads Jack to uncover clues about the past, unknowingly stumbling on secrets that change everything about the world as he knows it.

3. They are idealists.
Like many eight-year olds, Jack idolizes Batman, Spiderman, and Superman–symbols of light in a dark, scary world. During Center of Gravity, Jack often wishes he had the speed of the Flash, Bruce Banner’s intelligence, and Thor’s strength to zap the bad guys in his world into oblivion. Real life soon intervenes, however, helping Jack to discover that true, everyday heroes live among us.

4. They cannot succeed unless they take risks.
If Jack remained the child he was at the outset of the story, Center of Gravity would have a very different ending. Throughout his journey, Jack must battle his fears, push past his doubts, and seek the truth. Each obstacle in Jack’s path, though seemingly insurmountable, presses him to change and grow–changing his life forever.

5. We’ve all been there.
Though it may have been a decade or three ago, we’ve all experienced the journey from child to grown-up. Many of us have watched, or are watching, our own children on that same path.

Because of that, we, as readers, are often able to envision ourselves sharing these experiences with a young narrator. We relate to that child or teen’s struggles, wants, needs, and values. We feel his or her pain. We rally behind them in times of crisis and celebrate the moments of joy.

We connect. And isn’t that what great novels are all about?

What are your thoughts about child or teen narrators? Do you have any favorites?

Report from the #RT2015 Booklovers Convention!

It’s been a whirlwind this week! I flew out of New Orleans bright and early Wednesday morning and landed in Dallas, Texas for #RT2015. The RT Booklovers Convention is a fabulous meet and greet for readers and authors, and includes workshops, parties, and tons of book and prize giveaways!

Kellie Coates Gilbert

Melanie Dickerson

I was so fortunate to room with the wonderful Melanie Dickerson, who writes historical fiction for HarperCollins/Thomas Nelson (my publisher).

I also had the chance to meet and talk with Colleen Coble, Tamera Alexander, Kellie Coates Gilbert, Rachel Hauck, Amy Clipston, Katherine Reay, Kristy Cambron, Sarah Ladd, Lisa Wingate, and Denise Hunter, among many others!

One of our Kindle Fire Winners!

We had a blast playing Saddle Up and Draw Pictionary with readers. The theme was Texas (of course) and we had a blast scribbling, laughing, and guessing.

We gave away twenty $15 Amazon gift cards and two Kindle Fires to 17 lucky winners!

How Sweet it Is, Y’all! Breakfast

Alyssia from Dothan, Ala.

On Friday morning, Thomas Nelson hosted a “How Sweet it is, Y’all!” breakfast. We had 350 fantastic readers attend the event, which was amazing and wonderful! I spoke with readers from Alabama (woot!), Australia, India, Seattle, Iowa, and from all over the state of Texas. Everyone received a big bag of books, sparkly rings (see photo), swag, and delicious treats.

I gave away a huge basket worth over $200 full of Lauren Clark books, a Vera Bradley, a phone case, earrings, a cookbook, and swag! 

I’m so excited to share that Rhonda Doiron of Baton Rouge, La. won my gift basket! Congratulations!

If you are a book lover, author, or aspiring writer, I highly recommend attending #RT2016 in Las Vegas or #RT2017 in Atlanta, Ga.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

~ Laura

Reader Spotlight: Jessica Sinn, Chick Lit Café

This week, I’m so excited for you to meet the lovely and talented Jessica Sinn, book reviewer, writer, and dog whisperer. Jessica runs Chick Lit Café, where she gives honest and insightful reviews about a wide range of novels from romance to horror. Her reviews around Halloween are particularly fun!

Jessica is an audiobook junkie, like me, and when she’s not reading or working as the Communications Coordinator at University of Texas at Austin, you can find her at Austin Pets Alive playing with pups.  Fun Fact:  This past year, Jessica had the opportunity to meet Goosebumps creator, R.L. Stine!

Here’s the 411 on Jessica:

Name: Jessica Sinn
Hometown: Santee, California
Where you live now! Austin, Texas. I’m doing my part to keep Austin weird!
Family members: My teenie tiny family consists of my dad and my big sister.
How did we “meet?” Hmmm…it was so long ago, it’s hard to remember! I believe it happened when you offered me an ARC of you first book, Stay Tuned.
Five words friends would use to describe you. Silly, funny, colorful, loud, talkative. Little do they know, I’m a closet introvert!

     7.  Why and how did you start blogging?

I started it mainly for myself. I wanted to keep a record of all the books I’m reading for the same reasons people put together scrapbooks. I love looking back at my reviews and reminiscing about how I felt while reading the book, and how I connected—or disconnected—with the characters. It’s kind of funny how I can look back at a book I read two years ago and remember exactly what was going on in my life at that time.

What is the most rewarding thing about it? There are so many rewards, but if I had to choose just one, I’d say that my community of writers and bloggers is an unexpected gift. It’s like having pen pals who truly understand me at a whole other level. They totally get my book obsession and motivate me to get cracking on my book. I wouldn’t trade my book blog community for anything in the world!
Finish this sentence. “When I’m not reading, I’m running with rescue dogs.”
Finish this sentence. “I love it when people are kind to each other.”
What would you do with a million dollars? Quit my day job and write full time!
Favorite book: The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
Favorite movie: Hocus Pocus
Favorite treat/snack: Cupcakes!
Favorite vacation spot: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Romance or Suspense? Suspense with a touch of romance.
Coffee or Tea? Coffee in the morning; lemon ginger tea at night.
Beach or Mountains? Definitely the mountains.
Sun or Snow? Bring on the sun!
Where can people find you on the web or on social media?


Website: https://loonachicklit.wordpress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chick_Lit_Cafe

Thank you Jessica, for taking time out of your busy schedule to take part in my Reader Spotlight!  xo

Have a great week, everyone!

~ Laura

Writer Wednesday: 6 Ways Reading Makes You a Better Writer

“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” – Stephen King

It’s hard to ignore the words of this famous author, who’s penned more than 50 novels and 200 short stories, as well as one of my favorite books on the craft of writing … appropriately titled, On Writing. He’s also an author who endured a slew of rejections before publishing Carrie. King says that he makes time to read every day.

I realize that the rest of us — mere mortals in the author arena — are likely not going to be as prolific as King, but it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t take his advice. Here’s why: What we learn as readers, we use as writers.

Though you may have graduated with a degree in English, completed a MFA in creative writing, and memorized all of the grammar rules in Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style, your education doesn’t–or shouldn’t stop there. Reading is essential to an author’s growth and development.

 6 Ways Reading Makes You a Better Writer

Reading helps block writer’s block – I often find that new ideas for stories or chapters flow more freely after I’ve read a great book. Reading a fabulous novel may also help you get un-stuck from a difficult plot point or a challenging character arc. Keep a pad of paper handy while you read and jot down ideas that fascinate you. A particular phrase, setting, or character in a novel may fan your curiosity about new story ideas to explore. 
Reading helps you explore writing styles – From short chapters and staccato sentences to long, flowing descriptions – every writer has his or her own style. By paying close attention to a skilled author’s descriptions, metaphors, similes, etc. you’ll add depth and breadth to your own writing.
Reading gives you a better vocabulary – Read novels by the masters of writing (Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens), but also current bestselling authors like Jodi Picoult, Greg Iles, and Pat Conroy. You’ll often encounter a word (or several) that you might not be familiar with, like harangue, cacophony, fastidious, and egregious. Look up the definitions and try them out for size in your own work!
Reading helps you understand story structure – Pull out that laptop and type up a few paragraphs about how your favorite authors craft a novel from start to finish. What hooked you into the story? When did the protagonist’s world change forever? Did the author pace the book well? How did the author use tension and theme? How was the climax crafted?
Reading gives you insight into character development – Looking for ways to get to know your own characters better? Pull out a few of your favorite novels and examine how the author introduces his or her characters. How do they grow and change over the course of the story? How do they interact with others?  What does that show you about personality and motivation? How is back story used?
Reading expands your world – Read books set in Alaska, Australia, or India. Check out books that explore Mao’s China or World War I. Read books by authors outside the United States, like Jhumpa Lahiri or Gabriel Garcia Marquez. If the author’s done his or her job well, you’ll be swept away into another world. It’s amazing what books can teach us about culture, people, and place.

In addition, I highly recommend reading outside of your preferred genre. If you write historical romance, read Dystopian YA. If you write horror or suspense, try Steampunk. Like Chick Lit? Pick up a fantasy novel. You get the idea. It’s a wonderful way to stretch your brain in new directions.

But what if you’re really pressed for time? How do you work in an extra book or two a month? It’s all about priorities. Turn on the TV. Consider listening to an audiobook. Read for 15 minutes before you go to sleep. Can’t decide what to read next? Join a book club or check out Goodreads.

Finally, enjoy reading. Find books that resonate with you. Read to your kids. Swap books with friends. Lose yourself in the stories. Laugh out loud. And use what you learn.

Your readers will thank you for it.

~ Laura

Center of Gravity … Coming to Your City!

I’m really excited about all of the book signings and events being planned before and around the Tuesday, July 14th release of Center of Gravity!

RT Book Lovers Convention

May 13-15th, I’ll be in Dallas for the RT Book Lovers Convention, where readers can hang out with their favorite authors, attend fun events, and get loads of books and prizes!

Publish15

June 13-14, I’ll be speaking about social media and self-publishing versus traditional publishing at the Publish 15 Convention in Cumming, Georgia near Atlanta. If you’ve ever thought about writing a book or you are already a published author, this convention is a bargain at $99 for two days!

Here’s the website if you’d like to check out the schedule and register!  http://www.publish15.com/

2015 Book Signings

As soon as they are scheduled, I’ll be adding more dates to this list of book signings!

You can find the most updated information on this page: Book Signings & Events

Sunday, July 19, 2015 – Center of Gravity Signing, Park Road Books, Charlotte, North Carolina,  1 pm – 3 pm   http://www.parkroadbooks.com/

Thurs. July 23, 2015 – Center of Gravity Wine & Sign, Page & Palette, Fairhope, Ala. 6 pm  http://www.pageandpalette.com/

Fri. July 24, 2015 – Center of Gravity Signing, SunDog Books, Seaside, Florida, 6 – 8 pm  www.sundogbooks.com

Sat. July 25, 2015 – Center of Gravity Signing, Foxtale Book Shoppe, Woodstock, Ga. 1 pm – 3 pm  www.foxtalebookshoppe.com

Sat. July 25, 2015 – Center of Gravity Signing, A Cappella Books, Atlanta, Ga. (5 Points) 4 pm – 6 pm  www.acappellabooks.com

Sat. August 1, 2015 – Center of Gravity Signing, Turning Pages Books, Natchez, Miss. 1 pm – 3 pm   http://turningpagesbooks.com/

Saturday, August 8, 2015 – Center of Gravity Signing, Bay Books, Bay St. Louis, Miss.  5-7 pm  www.mybaybooks.com

July – August, 2015 – Stay Tuned for More Details on these Signings!

Garden District Books, New Orleans, La. 
Book Exchange, Marietta, Ga.

September 5 & 6, 2015 – Decatur Book Festival, Decatur, Ga.  https://www.decaturbookfestival.com/

Again, stay tuned for more dates here:  Book Signings & Events

Have a bookstore you’d like me to visit? Would you like me to come to your book club?  I’d love to! Just shoot me an email at laura@lauramcneill.com!

~  Laura

Pre-Order Center of Gravity on Amazon today!

Meeting Greg Iles, Make-A-Wish & Fairhope Fun

It’s been a whirlwind week!

It began Tuesday evening with a fun and (always) informative book club night @ Page & Palette in Fairhope, where the fantastic book store employees there talk about hot new novels and give away ARCs (Advance Reader Copies). 

Here are my winnings ~ I can’t wait to read them, especially The Truth and Other Lies, which is supposed to have a deliciously evil main character!

Later in the week, I spent part of Thursday at the Fairhope Yacht Club signing Lauren Clark books.

It was a great crowd of more than 100 women. I donated $1 from every Lauren Clark book sold to the Make-A-Wish foundation! At last count, the event raised more than $10,000 from one lunch. Not bad for a few hours!

Thursday evening was also Ladies Night in Fairhope, where I shopped with four of my friends. We were given special tote bags, treats, and refreshments at many of the cute shops.

Friday evening was the best treat of all, when two of my friends and I travelled back to Page & Palette in Fairhope, Ala. to hear Greg Isles speak. He is a Natchez, Mississippi author who has written many bestselling books, including his latest, The Bone Tree, and Natchez Burning. He spoke about the accident which took his leg and changed his life, the band he’s in with Stephen King, and his writing and publishing life. He was funny, entertaining, and spoke to a full house of enthusiastic fans.

Next week, I’ll be in Dallas, Texas for the RT Conference (Romantic Times Conference) and will be reporting in from there!

Have a fantastic week!  ~ Laura

Fairhope Fun: Ladies’ Night & Make a Wish Fundraiser

May 7, 2015,  – Make a Wish Foundation Fundraiser – Fairhope Yacht Club, Fairhope, Ala.

Featured Author – “Fashion with a Passion” Mother’s Day Brunch