L.A. Sartor's Blog, page 4
January 5, 2021
My 2021 To-Do List ~ It Works The Way You Do

My 2021 To-Do List ~ It WorksThis is an edited repost for 2021 of a prior post I did way back in 2018. So many of you emailed me about it and how successful it was for them, that it has become an evergreen post. (Edits in red)
In December of 2018, I had Sarra Cannon here as a guest blogger, talking about Tips For Success In 2019 As An Indie Author. Earlier in the year, I'd been to her site and learned about her modified Kanban system.
I've modified the system even more.
For any system to be successful, it needs to work for you so I'm showing you in a very personal way what works for me. Please feel free to use whatever you see here that might work for you.
Basically, a Kanban board is what you see below.

I don't have room in my office to place such a board, nor would I enjoy seeing such an in-my-face board, (I think it would be TOO much pressure
January 3, 2021
Laurie Schnebly Campbell ~ 9 Writing Classes Jan-April Schedule
online: PERFECT PITCH
(Jan. 4-15, 2021, only for members of Sisters In Crime Guppies)SinCGuppies
Are you pitching your work at a conference? In an email? By letter, by phone, by chance if you run into someone browsing for a good book? The techniques will be slightly different for each situation -- and while writers tend to feel more anxiety when pitching face-to-face, it’s useful to have a plan of action for every possible scenario. Whether you’re pitching an agent, editor, interviewer, publisher or regular reader, learn how to make it a good experience for you both!

online: NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
(Jan. 18-29, 2021)
https://rwasd.com/classes/ (scroll down on that page for class info)
Whether it’s the first rejection, the 50th-book slump, or just not getting the story you want, frustration is part of every writer’s life. For some, it’s a nuisance; for others, it’s the end of a career.. For anyone determined to make 2021 a Better Writing Year, this class offers both practical and psychological techniques for dealing with rejection, writer’s block, frustration, motivation, and other issues that keep writers from loving their craft.
online: HIS & HERS MYERS-BRIGGS
(Feb. 1-12, 2021)
hearts through history dot com
Just about everyone has taken the Myers-Briggs quiz identifying their own personality type. It works equally well for characters who, even with their own individual traits, still show aspects of those various personalities in your novel. Naturally, each type has intriguing and attractive elements that make readers want to see more, as well as some problematic issues that’ll keep their story conflict coming…and going…and coming…
Zoom retreat: WINTER GATHERING
(Feb. 20-21) Already filled with eight writers, but ask BookLaurie at Gmail about the wait-list.
blog: PLOTTER + PANTSER = PERFECTION
(Feb. 26) writers in the storm blog
How to combine the advantages of each method…plus a free-class-prize!
online: PLOTTING VIA MOTIVATION
(March 2-27)
writeruniv.wordpress.com/classes
Here’s what writers have said about the course in previous years: “I never thought I could plot my entire book from start to finish, but here it is. This is AWESOME.” / “This month has truly changed the way I think about writing. I wish I’d taken Plotting Via Motivation before giving up on my earlier novels.” / “Now that I look back in the notebook where I wrote all my homework, I realize I’ve got my book right here!”
Zoom: MAKING REJECTION WORK FOR YOU
(March 13, time tba) AgedToPerfection RWA
Zoom: REVISION HELL TO EDITING HEAVEN
(March 16, 7:30pm Central Time) Austin RWA
online: FROM PLOT TO FINISH
(April 5-16)
writeruniv.wordpress.com/classes
For anyone who’s taken Plotting Via Motivation online or in person at some point, this group gets you plotting a brand new or already-begun book (using your completed 14-point worksheet) from start to finish. No need to prepare a new story idea, character bios, goal charts or anything else, because you’ll see how to plot an entire book -- and actually have it ready to type -- by the end of this hands-on workshop.
Zoom retreat: SPRING GATHERING
(April 17-18) Already filled with eight writers, but ask BookLaurie at Gmail about the wait-list.

Laurie's Bio:
Laurie Schnebly Campbell published half a dozen romances with Harlequin, including one that beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year,” before discovering the only thing she loves more than writing is working with other writers. So she started giving workshops every month, online and in-person, and now has a special area on her bookshelf full of books with acknowledgments from authors who’ve loved her classes.

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January 1, 2021
Don't Forget This ~ The Big 3 Annual Reminder

I mention this every year because I think it's so important if you do any work on your computer.
You guys know my mantra about backup, right? It's the BIG 3.Local, external hard drive (EHD) or flash drive, and off-site.

2) EHD's give you the security of having another source of your backup, and make sure you store them safely. However, EHD's and flash drives can fail, or you can mistakenly erase them. Gulp.
And while the above two practices are important, they are USELESS if you have a fire or other catastrophe or they fail on you.
Am I trying to scare you. Yep, a bit.
Yes, you can store your EHD in a safety deposit box or a fireproof safe, rated with a high burn time. And that's not a bad idea, but what if you have to drive to the bank as off site storage ... will you do it all the time?
Some folks will, but I'm not one of them, especially now.
SO...
3) The third prong in my backup attack is to use off-site backup.
I use two, because I'm a bit redundant, if you haven't noticed. I use Dropbox for all my writing, so I can access and keep a backup as I work, offsite.
My other choice for offsite backup is BackBlaze . I've used them for years and trust them. If you need a single file or your entire system, it's there for you.

I don't think $6/month is too much to pay to have my photographs, work...basically life backed up continuously. YES, continuously.
They will back up each HD on your computer and each EHD that you have attached continuously. Yes, all that for $6/month.
If you have more than one computer to back up, it's another $6/month.
(Yes, I'm an affiliate and may earn a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.)

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December 29, 2020
Kiss 2020 Goodbye ~ With The Chance For A $100 Amazon Gift Card

Thank you for joining us on our Kiss 2020 Goodbye Hop! Just follow these simple directions to be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Before you go to the next author on the hop, be sure you download your free copy of
Stone of Heaven here!!

Then go HERE and enter for three chances to win by entering the name of my book, following me on Book Bub and signing up for my newsletter
Come on back and Hop to each romance author’s link and find the name of the book they are giving away and enter their titles here. While you’re there make sure to sign up for their newsletters and follow them on Goodreads and BookBub for extra chances to win.

But don’t dawdle, the contest ends on 1/3/2021 and the winner will be randomly chosen and contacted on 1/4/2021. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize.
All set to hop to the next author? You can find them here:

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November 11, 2020
Prism Book Tour and Excerpt ~ Holidays Inc.


Former child actress, Danielle "Dani" Winter, left Hollywood to transform an old cinema into a dinner theater, seeing the project as her chance to take control of her future. The middle-of-nowhere location in Wisconsin is a perfect escape from backstabbing celebrity friends. The small town welcomes her help with open arms, but one man questions her plan.
After unsuccessful writing stints on both coasts, Paul Howell returns home to New Hope. He's shocked to discover that his sister has sold the family business to a beautiful woman. With the encouragement of his neighbors, he reluctantly agrees to write Dani's next musical.
Working together, they discover more similarities than differences and grow close. When Dani's former best friend and America's sweetheart, Kara Kensington arrives, their blossoming relationship is threatened in more ways than one.
(Affiliate links included.)Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Excerpt
Andy whistled. “We’re ready, boss.”
She withdrew her hand and straightened.
Paul’s throat was too tight to offer a verbal reply. Turning, he flashed Andy a thumbs-up.
Andy led an elderly couple to the microphone.
The man wore a seersucker suit and held the hand of a woman dressed in a floor-length, pastel gown. Under the stage lights, the couple’s white hair and pale skin glimmered. “Hello.” The man bobbed his head. “Thank you for having us. We are Margaret and Sherman. We will sing a duet.” Sherman waved to Andy and held out the other hand.
Margaret stepped forward and stood on the opposite side, interlacing her fingers with her partner.
Focused on each other, Sherman and Margaret belted a pitch-perfect standard.
Paul straightened. The performers commanded attention, and the sweetness of their interaction enraptured him. I’d like to have that someday . He slipped a finger under his crew neck collar. With only inches of separation, he heightened his awareness of her so close to his right side. He hadn’t felt anything either professionally or personally for a long time. At the theater, he couldn’t deny the rush of excitement for both. If he made a move, he risked his career. Would holding back shutter his heart?
Dani leaned toward him. “Now, they have a spark,” she murmured. “I can’t believe your family isn’t the most talented in town.”
About the Author

Rachelle Paige Campbell writes contemporary romance filled with heart and hope. No matter the location—big city, small town, or European kingdom—her feel-good stories always end with a happily ever after. She’s grateful for the support of her family, her robot floor cleaner, and her reluctant writing partner (her dog).
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Ends November 19, 2020
ENTER HERE

October 3, 2020
Plottr & Book Brush’s New Features I Love

You guys have probably seen in prior posts that....
1) I use both Plottr and Book Brush
2) I really, really like them.
So I thought I'd give you an idea of how much they've added in the past few months to what they offer you, the author, who always has way too much on their plate.
These two companies have simply grown and grown by listening to their users and creating amazing new tools for us to use.

Plottr is barely 7 months old, and as a “founding member” I’m amazed at the functionality they’ve added.
Stellar customer service and they listen to their FB group. Did I mention that?
A full list of video tutorials that walk you through each step to create the time line YOU need, not some canned version that doesn't really work for you.
Scrivener Integration: To start, this will include the ability to export your Plottr file directly as a Scrivener file, and import Scrivener files into Plottr.Act Structure: The ability to create an overarching Act structure above the Chapter level.iPad app: The release of a dedicated Plottr iPad app, along with significant functionality improvements to the smartphone app.Adding sorting by way of Priorities
1) Create a Priority custom attribute2) For the characters you want together, assign them the same Priority value (e.g. a number value like 1)3) Sort Characters by PriorityIn this image, you can see Dave and Fred are next to each other because they have the same Priority value of 1 -- normally Dave would be first because the default sorting is by Name value.
Scene Stacks
Adding scene lists to chaptersColor They've added the functionality to add color to your text. Want to know if you've added the Romance thread? Color your text whichever Romance color you choose. I love this because Plottr is visual already and this enables me to check with one glance. BlogsWant to find out the latest helpful tips and what's new, go here.How about a coupon code? Yes please.for $5 off your initial subscription!

Book Brush is focused on the customer as well. They listen and react.
Where do I start listing all the new things Book Brush can do for an author.
More video backgrounds than everNew grid for centeringNew tool bars on the upper task bar, something we’re used toNew Mockups, Overlays and Stamps added monthly!Animation is beta trial in the Platinum Plan.Background remover tools. Cover creator for Print, ebooks and audio! Blogs that help solve problems and show you new ideas.Here's a cool ad I made using their transparency mode. I'll have a blog up on their site next Friday (Oct. 9th) about how to use transparency in your ads and book covers.

How about a coupon code? Yes, please.
SARTOR15(coupon redemption code)For 15% off the plan of your choice. Lifetime discount.
These two companies are people driven and people centric. Wow, how about that!

Plottr & Book Brush’s New Features I love

You guys have probably seen in prior posts that....
1) I use both Plottr and Book Brush
2) I really, really like them.
So I thought I'd give you an idea of how much they've added in the past few months to what they offer you, the author, who always has way too much on their plate.
These two companies have simply grown and grown by listening to their users and creating amazing new tools for us to use.

Plottr is barely 7 months old, and as a “founding member” I’m amazed at the functionality they’ve added.
Stellar customer service and they listen to their FB group. Did I mention that?
A full list of video tutorials that walk you through each step to create the time line YOU need, not some canned version that doesn't really work for you.
Scrivener Integration: To start, this will include the ability to export your Plottr file directly as a Scrivener file, and import Scrivener files into Plottr.Act Structure: The ability to create an overarching Act structure above the Chapter level.iPad app: The release of a dedicated Plottr iPad app, along with significant functionality improvements to the smartphone app.Adding sorting by way of Priorities
1) Create a Priority custom attribute2) For the characters you want together, assign them the same Priority value (e.g. a number value like 1)3) Sort Characters by PriorityIn this image, you can see Dave and Fred are next to each other because they have the same Priority value of 1 -- normally Dave would be first because the default sorting is by Name value.
Scene Stacks
Adding scene lists to chaptersColor They've added the functionality to add color to your text. Want to know if you've added the Romance thread? Color your text whichever Romance color you choose. I love this because Plottr is visual already and this enables me to check with one glance. BlogsWant to find out the latest helpful tips and what's new, go here.How about a coupon code? Yes please.for $5 off your initial subscription!

Book Brush is focused on the customer as well. They listen and react.
Where do I start listing all the new things Book Brush can do for an author.
More video backgrounds than everNew grid for centeringNew tool bars on the upper task bar, something we’re used toNew Mockups, Overlays and Stamps added monthly!Animation is beta trial in the Platinum Plan.Background remover tools. Cover creator for Print, ebooks and audio! Blogs that help solve problems and show you new ideas.Here's a cool ad I made using their transparency mode. I'll have a blog up on their site next Friday (Oct. 9th) about how to use transparency in your ads and book covers.

How about a coupon code? Yes, please.
SARTOR15(coupon redemption code)For 15% off the plan of your choice. Lifetime discount.
These two companies are people driven and people centric. Wow, how about that!

September 30, 2020
Laurie Campbell Schnebly's Writing Craft Classes for 4th Quarter
Now is the time to look at Laurie's classes which will pump up your writing.
As always no classes in December, BUT there are a couple of classes posted for 2021 already.Zoom: YOUR PLOT-CHARACTER-STORY BRAID
(Oct. 3, 1pm Mountain Time) Coeur du Boise RWA, CBCrwa.comA distillation of next September’s class, condensed into an hour...type fast!
Zoom: “PREMIER” VIRTUAL RETREAT WEEKEND
(Oct. 10-11, 9-6 Pacific Time) email BookLaurie@yahoo.com
Plot & character workshops, timed group brainstorming, and four one-on-one sessions with Laurie about whatever you’re writing, planning or targeting.
online: GROWING YOUR HEROINE
(Oct. 12-23 -- sold out, ask about waitlist)
writeruniv.wordpress.com/classes/growing-your-heroine
This limited-enrollment master class picks up where September’s ended, focusing on the heroine’s journey through everything she needs to overcome from beginning to end. Starting with a “stick figure” and moving to your work in progress, chart the route she’ll use for transcending her weak points -- as well as those of people she cares about -- while avoiding both the false triumph and false disaster of her own story.
Zoom: PUTTING THE JOY BACK IN WRITING
(Oct. 17, 11am Central Time) North Texas RWA, NTrwa.org
Zoom: BRAIDING YOUR BOOK
(Oct. 17, 10:30am Pacific Time) Sisters in Crime, SinC-CoastalCruisers
Zoom: “NEW & IMPROVED” VIRTUAL RETREAT WEEKEND
(Oct. 24-25, 9-6 Pacific Time) email BookLaurie@yahoo.com
See the Oct. 10-11 description and holler if you’re interested.
online: THE ALPHA MALE, FROM ABE TO ZEUS
(Nov. 2-12)
heartsthroughhistory.com/workshops/alpha-males
Readers love alpha males. (Maybe not for a real-life marriage, but for a book of romantic adventure there’s nothing better.) Yet writers sometimes find it tricky to create an alpha male without falling into stereotypes. What makes an alpha male? (It’s more than just power.) What challenges does he face? (The answers will surprise you.) How can your hero take on solely the alpha-male traits you want? Get ready to find out…and maybe to fall in love.
Zoom: YOUR PLOT-CHARACTER-STORY BRAID
(Nov. 21, 11am Eastern Time, only for members of New Jersey RWA)
Zoom: PSYCHOLOGY FOR CREATING CHARACTERS
(Dec. 6, 2pm Central Time, only for members of Houston Sisters in Crime)
Zoom: BLOCK-BUSTING: MOVING PAST WRITER’S BLOCK
(Dec. 12, 1pm Pacific Time) Rose City RWA
And, yep, December is always a no-classes holiday. Which seems contradictory.
online: PERFECT PITCH
(Jan. 4-15, 2021, only for members of Sisters In Crime Guppies)
SinCGuppies
Are you pitching your work at a conference? In an email? By letter, by phone, by chance if you run into someone browsing for a good book? The techniques will be slightly different for each situation -- and while writers tend to feel more anxiety when pitching face-to-face, it’s useful to have a plan of action for every possible scenario. Whether you’re pitching an agent, editor, interviewer, publisher or regular reader, learn how to make it a good experience for you both!
online: NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
(Jan. 18-29, 2021)
https://rwasd.com/classes/ (scroll down on page for class info)
Whether it’s the first rejection, the 50th-book slump, or just not getting the story you want, frustration is part of every writer’s life. For some, it’s a nuisance; for others, it’s the end of a career. For anyone determined to make 2021 a Better Writing Year, this class offers both practical and psychological techniques for dealing with rejection, writer’s block, frustration, motivation, and other issues that keep writers from loving their craft.

Laurie Schnebly Campbell published half a dozen romances with Harlequin, including one that beat out Nora Roberts for “Best Special Edition of the Year,” before discovering the only thing she loves more than writing is working with other writers. So she started giving workshops every month, online and in-person, and now has a special area on her bookshelf full of books with acknowledgments from authors who’ve loved her classes.

September 19, 2020
Design Cuts New Bundle ~ The Vibrant Creative Designer's Collection
Wow, I almost missed the deadline to bring this amazing bundle to your attention. I'm buying this one!!

Here are some of my favorites that I can't wait to start to play with.
There are so many extras with each designer in this bundle, it's amazing.

Expires Sept 27th, so don't wait. Click here.
BUY BUNDLE

Expires Sept 27th, so don't wait.

BUY NOW


I hope you enjoy this bundle as much as I will.

September 1, 2020
BIG 45% OFF CLASSES AT DIGITAL SCRAPPER

I'm happy to bring you Digital Scrapper's BIG sale. 45% off until Sept 7th, midnight EDT. There are two sales a year, but this the BIGGIE.
(This sale includes all their classes with the exception of The Pointillize Effect and Easy As Pie)Remember, these techniques are NOT ONLY FOR SCRAPBOOKERS, but are the foundations for working digitally with images. Learn then soar.

If you're brand new to this, get the foundations with Linda Sattgast's Core Lessons


And then scroll through the courses and look for something fun to tease your inner artist in the 28 different classes that Digital Scrapper has on sale!!

Remember this sale is only from today to Sept. 7th midnight EDT.
