Laura McNeill's Blog, page 6

The Story Behind “Sister Dear” (No Spoilers!)

It’s just six short weeks from the release of Sister Dear! I’m really excited to share Allie’s story with you. I hope that you find her journey compelling, challenging, and, ultimately, uplifting.

Though Sister Dear centers on a woman accused of a brutal crime she didn’t commit … the story behind the story is a bit different … but just as heart-wrenching.

Years ago, a close friend of mine shared an incident about her past, an experience which set her life on an entirely different trajectory than she ever expected. My friend grew up in a tight-knit community in the Deep South in a loving family. She was a good student, a star athlete, and had big dreams and goals. And just before she was able to spread her wings and start her life journey, she made a devastating mistake.

Caught with a small amount of illegal drugs in her car, she and her friend were brought in front of a local judge and asked to divulge the “supplier.” Believing she was doing the right thing, she and her friend refused. Angered, the judge decided to make an example of the two teenagers and sentenced them to six months in jail. To this day, my friend is haunted by that decision in every aspect of her life.

Sister Dear, at its core, center on how, despite the best laid plans, our lives can change in an instant. The story is about love and loss, jealousy and revenge, and right and wrong. It’s about betrayal from the people we love and trust, and the secrets that can save and destroy a family. And as you read the last few pages and close the book, I hope that you discover that the story is also very much about faith, hope, and forgiveness.

Please consider pre-ordering Sister Dear now, as this week I’ll be launching the first of several BIG giveaways, including a Kindle Fire, a Fit Bit, and signed copies of Sister Dear!

              

BTW, I’d love it if you added  Sister Dear  to your GOODREADS shelf:

Have a great day and stay tuned here and on social media for more details about the giveaways!

xo,
Laura

Review: The Feathered Bone by Julie Cantrell

Today, January 26th, is release day for The Feathered Bone, written by my lovely friend Julie Cantrell. I urge you to pick up a copy of The Feathered Bone as soon as you can, and not because Julie is New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, or the former editor-in-chief of the Southern Literary Review. It’s because the stories she writes are heartbreaking and beautiful.

As one Goodreads reviewer out it, “She takes pain, anguish, and unimaginable grief and spins it into pure light and love.” How true.

Set in New Orleans, The Feathered Bone tackles difficult issues — child abduction, sex trafficking, and suicide — but also promises hope, healing and second chances.

Here’s the summary:

In the pre-Katrina glow of New Orleans, Amanda Salassi is anxious about chaperoning her daughter’s sixth-grade field trip to the Big Easy during Halloween. And then her worst fears come true. Her daughter’s best friend, Sarah, disappears amid the magic and revelry—gone, without a trace. 

Unable to cope with her guilt, Amanda’s daughter sinks into depression. And Amanda’s husband turns destructive as he watches his family succumb to grief. Before long, Amanda’s whole world has collapsed. Amanda knows she has to save herself before it’s too late. As she continues to search for Sarah, she embarks on a personal journey, seeking hope and purpose in the wake of so much tragedy and loss.

Set amidst the murky parishes of rural Louisiana and told through the eyes of two women who confront the darkest corners of humanity with quiet and unbreakable faith, The Feathered Bone is Julie Cantrell’s master portrait of love in a fallen world.

I read this entire novel in two sittings – it’s a beautiful tribute to love, loss, and faith.

If you haven’t read her two previous novels, Into the Free and When Mountains Move, I highly recommend them, as well!

Happy Reading!

xo,

Laura 

Writer Wednesday: 4 Reasons Not to Rush Revisions

I’ll admit it. I’m an impatient writer.

When I’ve finished the first draft of a book, I can’t wait to get it out into the world. I want to share the story that’s moved me and kept me up at night, the characters who’ve made me cry, and the novel’s eclectic and wonderful setting (this time, New Orleans).

So, when I finally typed “The End” on the last page of my third domestic suspense manuscript in December, I was thrilled… but I also knew, in my heart, that it wasn’t ready for prime time.

Thanks to an amazing friend with fabulous connections, I was fortunate to connect with two powerhouses in the publishing industry, both of whom read the first draft.

They agreed. STOP. Do not pass Go. Revise. Revise. Revise.

Here’s what my advisors recommended. First, don’t rush the revisions. Then, carefully tackle these 4 manuscript challenges:

A few of my characters needed more depth.

Takeaway: I needed to fill in the character’s lives, pre-chaos. I needed to share more about their feelings, relationships, hope and dreams so that the reader really has an opportunity to connect with them.


Two characters were causing confusion.

Takeaway: I’d created two male father figures and did not draw enough distinction between them. Anything, I repeat, anything that causes a reader to stop reading needs to be fixed or tossed out!


The story’s middle needed more consistent danger and tension.

Takeaway: Readers need a reason to turn pages… so deliver the suspense!


The big reveal at the end needed more foreshadowing.

Takeaway: Weave clues early and often into the manuscript, giving readers a satisfying a-ha moment–and much to think about–when they finish the last page.

As I dove into the revisions, I also put the manuscript away for three weeks. I didn’t touch a page. I did the following instead:

Created a character chart, outlining important qualities and traits. This is something I usually put together during the outlining process for every book I’ve written, but skipped this time. Lesson: Do the chart!

Consulted writing reference books  – During the holiday break, I reread The Moral Premise, Write Your Novel from the Middle, and Story Fix. All excellent resources on story structure, theme, tension, and getting to the heart of your novel.

Researched – To go deeper with my novel, I needed to know more about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and clinical trials being run to treat PTSD symptoms. Fascinating stuff!
Perfected my elevator pitch – I spent oodles of time writing and rewriting (by hand) the 30-second version of my story (the time it takes to ride up an elevator while explaining your book to a total stranger). Highly recommended. If you can’t explain it, no one else will be able to either!

All said and done, the two-week break, the reading, research, writing, and charting made all of the difference in the world. I’m recharged, refreshed, and happily making significant progress revising the manuscript.

Have any revising tips and tricks? I’d love for you to share them!

xo, 
Laura

Writer Wednesday: Five Best Title Tips

One of the many questions that I’ve been asked lately is how I come up with titles for my books. This is a part of the creative process that I really love and I’m so happy to share my thoughts on the ways I’ve approached it.

Traditional Publishing

Luckily, for my first domestic suspense novel, I was able to come up with Center of Gravity myself, and the HarperCollins team loved it right away. It really seemed to capture the essence of a family on the edge; a mother and her children in peril.

For my second domestic suspense novel, though, a story involving a woman who goes to jail for a crime she doesn’t commit, none of the titles I’d brainstormed completely resonated with the team. The choices were almost there…but not quite. So, the HarperCollins team took a shot at coming up with a title, and I believe they nailed it with Sister Dear.

Was taking the extra effort and worry worth it? Absolutely, yes. Was it fair that the publishing house had the final say? Again, yes. In traditional publishing, top decision-makers generally consider that their marketing departments know how to choose titles that sell. And selling is important. Selling well means getting a contract for your next book, and the next.

Bottom line, a title gives a reader a first impression of your book. If it’s a striking and accurate title, it’s like a window into the soul of a novel.

Independent Publishing

If you are independently publishing your books, the sky’s the limit. You can be as creative as you like! After all, you are the CEO of your career. But remember, the title of your book matters a lot. Don’t rush the process. Choose carefully.

Whether you traditionally or independently publish, your title needs to be the best it can be.

Here are a few tips to nail your title:

1. Brainstorm

Sometimes, a title pops into your brain fully formed. It happened to me with some of my Lauren Clark novels (Stay Tuned, Dancing Naked in Dixie, Pie Girls), but coming up with Stardust Summer took some work. Consider keeping a running list, playing with word order, and brainstorming.

Remember, though, if a title has nothing to do with the storyline, the reader feels cheated. If it’s a confusing or vague title, it’s possible the book won’t sell well. Put in the time to come up with the very best title for your novel.

2. Be Brief

In the publishing world, less is usually more when it comes to titles. Look at the top ten books on the New York Times best seller list. Check out the most popular books on Amazon. My guess is that most of them will five words or less. Long and complicated titles are difficult to remember. Keep it short and sweet. Make it easy for readers to remember your book!

3. Run it by Others

When you’ve done all the brainstorming you can do, see what others think. Bounce the top choices off your writing group or author friends. Belong to a book club? Run them by the group. Or, hold a contest and allowing your friends or social media followers to send suggestions. Give away a few copies of your new novel as a thank you, or send the winner a gift card.

4. Check Amazon

When you think you have a title that’s a winner, search for it on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Google. If twelve identical titles pop up, move on. Pick the next best choice on your list or start over. After all, you want your book to stand out, not blend in, right?

5. Think about Songs and Poems

Popular songs and poems have often inspired book titles, such as J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye (“Comin’ Thro the Rye” poem by Robert Burns) and Love the One You’re With by Emily Giffin (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song). This Goodreads list has fifty book titles based on popular songs. Here’s another list with more than 200 book titles based on lyrics or songs.

Other ideas include choosing a phrase from your book, playing on the theme of your novel, or use a character’s name.

What are your thoughts? What makes a great title? Please share some of your favorites.

xo,
Laura

2016 Calendar & Paperback Winners

Dear Friends ~ I hope that everyone’s enjoying a wonderful holiday season! This year, I’m keeping the season merry and bright by giving away MORE gifts before January 1st arrives!

In conjunction with Page Curl Publishing’s annual Holiday Book Hop, a 2016 Book Lover’s Calendar and a signed copy of Center of Gravity are being awarded to two winners. The names were drawn this morning through Rafflecopter ….

The lucky winners are:

Linda Romer – 2016 Calendar




Dee Foster – Signed Paperback



Thank you so much to everyone who entered the contest. Look for news coming soon on a new contest for February and more on the release of my domestic suspense novel,  Sister Dear , on April 19, 2016!

xox0,
Laura

Writer Wednesday: Divergent & The Case for the Semi-Happy Ending

I’ve just finished the first draft of my latest domestic suspense manuscript, and I’ll confess that getting to the end of those final few chapters was a daunting task!

Months earlier, I’d brainstormed, outlined, and planned each chapter … only to completely change my mind about the ending 90% through the manuscript.

The result, despite too little sleep, too much coffee, and a bit of panic, was a much improved ending—an ending that I hope readers will agree is a compelling, tense, and satisfying.

To clarify, my definition of satisfying does not mean perfect, with every storyline tied up neatly, and every character riding off into the sunset toward his or her happily ever after. For me, there is much to be said for a semi-happy ending. One that makes a reader wonder a bit, speculate, and imagine what might happen next if the novel was to continue.

Without a satisfying ending, authors run the risk of readers closing the book and walking away disappointed. Those same readers might not pick up your next novel. And, in my opinion, if we, as authors, don’t please our wonderful readers, we might as well quit the writing business for good!

An example that immediately comes to mind is Veronica Roth’s Divergent series. Both my son and I devoured the first two books, and anxiously awaited the release of the third.

Shortly thereafter, I began hearing rumors. At first, I didn’t want to believe them. Then, I noticed mentions on Twitter and Facebook, which led to me checking Goodreads and Amazon. Sure enough, many readers were unhappy about the trilogy’s ending.

So, when my son asked me to order Allegiant, I said yes, and hid my reluctance. While I wanted to protect him from disappointment, I would never dissuade him from reading. And maybe, just maybe, I was overreacting about the ending.

I picked up the hardcover from our local bookstore, brought it home, read the book in one sitting, and set it on the dining room table. After school, my sixteen-year claimed his new novel.

Grinning, he asked if I’d already finished it.

“Sure did,” I’d replied.

“What did you think?” he asked.

“Umm,” I said, wracking my brain. “Can’t tell you,” I said. “Spoiler alert.” I hesitated, but then offered him a tiny hint just to soften the blow. “Be prepared. You might not like how it wraps up.”

Perplexed, he disappeared into his bedroom, book in hand. Three hours later, I heard a yell, something that sounded like he dropped a brick on his bare foot.

My son reappeared, red-faced.

“What?”

He shook the book in one hand and pressed his palm to his forehead. “I can’t believe it.” He hung his head and paced the floor. “This is awful. What was she thinking?”

Now, let me be clear. My son wasn’t looking for a Cinderella ending. Or a Sleeping Beauty finale. I don’t think that any reader needed, or expected, a white wedding with Tris and Four. This is dystopian fiction, after all.

What my son wanted, along with so many other fans, was simple. A semi-happy ending.

Tris’ unexpected demise took me back to Jenny’s death in Forrest Gump, Ned Stark’s beheading in Game of Thrones, John Proctor’s hanging in ­The Crucible, and just about everyone killed off in the Harry Potter series. Don’t even get me started on Marley & Me or Bambi’s mother. Heartbreaking. Awful. Devastating. The stuff that makes otherwise totally reasonable, rational people cry.

Let me give credit where credit is due, though. Roth, Rowling, and Martin are brilliant writers. When throngs of fans mourn the loss of a character so deeply, when they protest a writer’s decision on social media and in reviews, that author has touched a gigantic fan-based nerve.

It all comes down to connection. It’s proof that we, as readers, resonate with a character–her or his story and struggle. We buy into the plight. We want to know what happens next. We pray when they battle adversity, we grieve their losses, and we cheer when they fall in love. We care. Deeply.

So, if she’s reading this, I have a simple request for Veronica Roth (and all of my other favorite authors). Go easy on us next time. We readers are a sensitive bunch. When you can, give us a semi-happy ending.

xo,
Laura

October 31st Giveaway Winner Announced

Happy Wednesday!

Today, I’m happy to announce the winner of my PageCurl Publishing’s Halloween BOOK Hop Giveaway!

I’m giving away one BIG prize pack – a $10 Amazon gift card, a signed Center of Gravity paperback, and a set of elegant book plates.

 

I am so pleased to announce that Lynn Suggs from Alabama is my giveaway winner! I’ve already sent her Amazon gift card and will be mailing her signed Center of Gravity paperback and her box of book plates today! Congratulations Lynn!

xo, Laura

 

WYAM TV Interview: Writing, the Deep South, & Center of Gravity

I recently had the opportunity to talk with television personality Suzie Wiley at WYAM-TV on her show, Valley Happenings. The station broadcasts out of Decatur, Ala. and airs statewide.

Wiley is quite a vivacious and enthusiastic host! She asked all sorts of questions about writing, the Deep South, Center of Gravity, and my new novel, Sister Dear (being published by HarperCollins/Thomas Nelson on April 19th, 2016).

Here’s the first part of the interview, which runs just over 8 minutes long.

Here’s the second half of Suzie’s interview with me. This part runs about 7 minutes!

I hope that you find the interview (and Suzi’s personality and questions) lots of fun!

xo,
Laura

Writer Wednesday – Do’s and Don’ts ~ Part 3 (Networking)

This is the third part of three in my series of Do’s and Don’ts for New Authors. I’ve covered Work-Life Balance (Part 1) and Marketing (Part 2), and as promised, will talk about Networking this week!

So, as a new author in the publishing business it is important to connect well with many groups of people, but primarily these three:

Readers
Other authors
Bloggers

Why are these three groups so important?

READERS

It may seem obvious, but without readers, we as authors couldn’t do what we do! If readers didn’t buy books, borrow books, or talk about books, we all would be out of a job!

So, if a reader writes to you, write back! If a reader connects with you on Goodreads, talk to them! If someone wants to connect on Twitter, go ahead – and be sure and say thank you!

It’s also fun (and so valuable) to ask readers:

What they liked about your book
What they might change about your book
Which character they liked best
If they would change the ending (and so on …)

AUTHORS

This can seem daunting, but don’t be afraid to reach out to other authors. If you have something in common (same hometown, you write in the same genre, you attended the same college) be sure and mention it!

Ways to connect include:

Website – authors often list a contact email
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, etc.
YouTube
Goodreads

Leave comments on blog posts you find interesting, ask questions about the publishing business, or ask about the next book he or she is working on. Many authors, especially indie authors, are very friendly and willing to share their stories about their writing experience.

NOTE: Some authors belong to Facebook groups, are active in Goodreads groups, or attend Twitter Chats. Ask about that. If the group is open to new members, join! You’ll make a lot of new friends.

BLOGGERS

Bloggers, especially popular ones, are very busy people. Most blog because they love books, they provide good reviews, and have worked hard to build a strong following of readers.

If you decide to approach a blogger and ask for a guest post, review, interview, that’s great! Just know that you must:

Check the blogger’s book policy – If she or he is not accepting new books, respect that!
If the blogger is accepting new books to review, make sure your genre fits her or his taste.
Read the blogger’s bio. Do you have anything in common? Get to know them as a person.
Write a polite, respectful email with your book title, genre, blurb, and what you are seeking.
Wait for the blogger to respond.
If your book is accepted, say thank you, and send it right away!

OVERALL TIPS

Do: Be respectful, friendly, and honoring.
Do: Be genuine.
Do: Ask questions.
Do: Be patient – you are building relationships and friendships and colleagues – not numbers.
Do: Say thank you.
Do: Pay it forward.

What else might you suggest? I’d love to hear about what worked for you!

xo,
Laura

Halloween BOOK Hop – 130+ Giveaways to Win!

Happy Monday!

This month, I’m taking part of PageCurl Publishing’s Halloween BOOK Hop – which means that there are 130+ prizes up for grabs from now until Halloween!

I’m giving away one BIG prize pack – a $10 Amazon gift card, a signed Center of Gravity paperback, and a set of elegant book plates – to one lucky winner. Other authors are also offering gift cards, eBooks, signed paperbacks, swag, and more!

All you have to do to enter to win MY prize pack is LIKE my Facebook page and subscribe to my NEWSLETTER). The drawing for my prize will be held on Halloween!

*** Once you like and subscribe, please post in the below comment section indicating the ‘like’ number and that you subscribed to my newsletter***

Thanks again for visiting me, and please check out this Facebook post all of the 130 authors giving out treats and tricks. Happy Halloween!

xo, Laura