C.J. Petterson's Blog: Book launch scheduled, page 2
August 18, 2024
Readers' wants and expectations
cj Sez: I rediscovered one of my archived posts about mypath to creative writing, and I’ve excerpted it here. Hope you can find a usefulnugget in here:
Readers have different expectations/wants
My first drafts arecrappy and sparse, mainly for two reasons: First, first drafts are supposed tobe crappy, and second. before a screenwriter course turned me on to creativewriting, I was once a corporate journalist/editor tasked with relating the gistof a story in limited line space.
When I’m finished with the first draft, and the manuscripthas its usual dearth of details, I start work expanding details: The fivesenses…hear, see, taste, smell, feel… and the who, what, when, where, why, andhow of the plot.
I incorporate someaction descriptors, but I consider too many of them stage directions. Somewriters use them much like adverbs to “tell” their readers what to think or asa way to add words to a short manuscript. Action needs to havepurpose. If describing an action doesn't contribute to the reader's knowledgeof the character, scene conflict, or mood, then it’s stage direction. I writemostly suspense and thrillers and have a minimalist approach to action—usingfew words speeds up the pace and heightens the tension. On the other hand,readers of cozy mysteries or more narrative-based novels want, and expect, toknow every detail.
Adding or withholding detail is a good way tocontrol the pace of your novel. Even in suspense and thrillers, there areplaces where the reader needs a breather from the action. These would be thespots where I add more detail or beats. Places where I can reveal more of thecharacters’ growth, i.e., transformation, as the plot progresses.
Hint: Adding detailwords slows the pace; being stingy speeds it up.
When action isneeded to set some mood for the scene, then yes, I detail the action. SometimesI add details to slow the action and increase the tension. If I want acharacter to give the reader a sense of impending danger and fear, then I addmore description to the action. I tend to follow the lead of my favoriteauthors—Robert Parker and James Lee Burke. Their succinct style ofwriting is what I like to read, and it is their fans who are my target market.
§§
Author and Reader Notes
Be sure to stop by next week when Kathleen Kaska, author ofthe award-winning Sydney Lockhart Mystery Series shares her path to securing apublisher to reissue her books.
///
In a recent JaneFriedman blog post, SusanDeFreitas (@manzanitafire),an award-winning author, editor, and book coach, says writers can make theirprotagonist “too good.”
WhenIt Comes to Characters We Love, Vulnerability, Not Likeability, Is Key | JaneFriedman
///
Author quote: “All writing isdifficult. The most you can hope for is a day when it goes reasonably easily.Plumbers don’t get plumber’s block, and doctors don’t get doctor’s block; whyshould writers be the only profession that gives a special name to thedifficulty of working, and then expects sympathy for it?” —Philip Pullman
Congratulations to fellow Mobile Writers Guild member CarrieDalby on the upcoming release of LOYALTY, the third book in her meticulouslyresearched historical Washington Square Secrets series.
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:
THE DAWGSTAR andDEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer andbookstore. Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: My localindy book store, The Haunted Book Shop, has a few signed copies of my paperbackbooks in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
Readers have different expectations/wants
My first drafts arecrappy and sparse, mainly for two reasons: First, first drafts are supposed tobe crappy, and second. before a screenwriter course turned me on to creativewriting, I was once a corporate journalist/editor tasked with relating the gistof a story in limited line space.
When I’m finished with the first draft, and the manuscripthas its usual dearth of details, I start work expanding details: The fivesenses…hear, see, taste, smell, feel… and the who, what, when, where, why, andhow of the plot.
I incorporate someaction descriptors, but I consider too many of them stage directions. Somewriters use them much like adverbs to “tell” their readers what to think or asa way to add words to a short manuscript. Action needs to havepurpose. If describing an action doesn't contribute to the reader's knowledgeof the character, scene conflict, or mood, then it’s stage direction. I writemostly suspense and thrillers and have a minimalist approach to action—usingfew words speeds up the pace and heightens the tension. On the other hand,readers of cozy mysteries or more narrative-based novels want, and expect, toknow every detail.
Adding or withholding detail is a good way tocontrol the pace of your novel. Even in suspense and thrillers, there areplaces where the reader needs a breather from the action. These would be thespots where I add more detail or beats. Places where I can reveal more of thecharacters’ growth, i.e., transformation, as the plot progresses.
Hint: Adding detailwords slows the pace; being stingy speeds it up.
When action isneeded to set some mood for the scene, then yes, I detail the action. SometimesI add details to slow the action and increase the tension. If I want acharacter to give the reader a sense of impending danger and fear, then I addmore description to the action. I tend to follow the lead of my favoriteauthors—Robert Parker and James Lee Burke. Their succinct style ofwriting is what I like to read, and it is their fans who are my target market.
§§
Author and Reader Notes
Be sure to stop by next week when Kathleen Kaska, author ofthe award-winning Sydney Lockhart Mystery Series shares her path to securing apublisher to reissue her books.
///
In a recent JaneFriedman blog post, SusanDeFreitas (@manzanitafire),an award-winning author, editor, and book coach, says writers can make theirprotagonist “too good.”
WhenIt Comes to Characters We Love, Vulnerability, Not Likeability, Is Key | JaneFriedman
///
Author quote: “All writing isdifficult. The most you can hope for is a day when it goes reasonably easily.Plumbers don’t get plumber’s block, and doctors don’t get doctor’s block; whyshould writers be the only profession that gives a special name to thedifficulty of working, and then expects sympathy for it?” —Philip Pullman
///
Congratulations to fellow Mobile Writers Guild member CarrieDalby on the upcoming release of LOYALTY, the third book in her meticulouslyresearched historical Washington Square Secrets series. LOYALTY will launchAugust 27 and is currently available for preorder. BuyLoyalty Now
§§Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:
THE DAWGSTAR andDEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazon or through your favorite eTailer andbookstore. Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: My localindy book store, The Haunted Book Shop, has a few signed copies of my paperbackbooks in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
August 11, 2024
A fear of failure is not all that rare
cj Sez: I once saw a TV interview with James Patterson andlearned that his first novel was rejected thirty-one times before it waspublished. Even after publication, it didn’t do all that well. Fortunately forhis fans, failure didn’t discourage him. 
So, where did his worldwide success come from, besideshaving some natural talent for story telling? What he did was set aboutlearning and analyzing the genre he wanted to write, so he could become thebest writer he could be. Like most authors (I think the generalization is true),he started out writing part-time because he had a day job. Now, he writesfull-time, every day but Sunday. His books have sold millions of copiesworldwide.
From bios I’ve read, many, if not all, successful writers havesome fear of failure, especially at the beginning of their careers. Perhaps theyget an idea they’re excited to develop. The words flow like magic onto thepage, but the farther they get into the writing, the more they start tosecond-guess their story-telling abilities. Doubts creep in: Someone’s already told this story, better.No one is going to read this drivel. It’ll never sell. If you want to reduce your chances of failure, study thecraft: workshops, conferences, writers’ groups, read-read-read,analyze-analyze-analyze, and publish a professional, well-edited book.
I also suggest that you write for yourself first. When you’rethe only one you have to please, it reduces the writer’s block stress of arrangingcoherent sentences into a story arc on a blank page.
What was the first thing you wrote? A poem? A memoir? Alittle piece of fiction? If you’re like me, you kept it and every once in awhile, you resurrect it and wonder, “Not so bad." or "What was I thinking?”
§§
Author and Reader Notes
///
4Questions to Strengthen Lean Manuscripts | Jane Friedman This recent guestpost on Jane Friedman’s blog is by LisaFellinger, an author, book coach, and editor. She says: “I have a smallconfession to make: I’ve never been told I need to cut words from mymanuscripts. In fact, I’m the author envious of anyone who needs to do sobecause I’m the one struggling to get my manuscript up to my target word count.”
(cj sez: This is so me, and I thought theremight be some of my readers also struggling with what I call “tight writing.”)
///
“Every sentence must do one of two things—reveal characteror advance the action.” KurtVonnegut
///
Since authors are also readers, this applies to everyone: Thereare three simple ways to encourage and support authors without spending anextra dime.
Like, comment, and share authors' Facebook posts. Facebook'salgorithms show only posts that FB thinks other members would like to see. Thatmeans the more likes and comments a post gets, the more people will seeit. (Psst: The same process works for Amazon.)
Take a few moments to give the book you just read a fair review.If all you can manage is one or two sentences, no matter because it will bedeeply appreciated.
Go to book signings. in-person or virtual, even if you can’tafford to buy the book at that time. Your attendance is encouraging.
§§
School started in Mobile this past week. Don’t know aboutthe students, but the teachers were fully involved.
§§
Now some words from my sponsors: Summer is windingdown and having a book to read is the perfect entertainment for those downtimemoments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazon or throughyour favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You can read theebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
So, where did his worldwide success come from, besideshaving some natural talent for story telling? What he did was set aboutlearning and analyzing the genre he wanted to write, so he could become thebest writer he could be. Like most authors (I think the generalization is true),he started out writing part-time because he had a day job. Now, he writesfull-time, every day but Sunday. His books have sold millions of copiesworldwide.
From bios I’ve read, many, if not all, successful writers havesome fear of failure, especially at the beginning of their careers. Perhaps theyget an idea they’re excited to develop. The words flow like magic onto thepage, but the farther they get into the writing, the more they start tosecond-guess their story-telling abilities. Doubts creep in: Someone’s already told this story, better.No one is going to read this drivel. It’ll never sell. If you want to reduce your chances of failure, study thecraft: workshops, conferences, writers’ groups, read-read-read,analyze-analyze-analyze, and publish a professional, well-edited book.
I also suggest that you write for yourself first. When you’rethe only one you have to please, it reduces the writer’s block stress of arrangingcoherent sentences into a story arc on a blank page.
What was the first thing you wrote? A poem? A memoir? Alittle piece of fiction? If you’re like me, you kept it and every once in awhile, you resurrect it and wonder, “Not so bad." or "What was I thinking?”
§§
Author and Reader Notes
///
4Questions to Strengthen Lean Manuscripts | Jane Friedman This recent guestpost on Jane Friedman’s blog is by LisaFellinger, an author, book coach, and editor. She says: “I have a smallconfession to make: I’ve never been told I need to cut words from mymanuscripts. In fact, I’m the author envious of anyone who needs to do sobecause I’m the one struggling to get my manuscript up to my target word count.”
(cj sez: This is so me, and I thought theremight be some of my readers also struggling with what I call “tight writing.”)
///
“Every sentence must do one of two things—reveal characteror advance the action.” KurtVonnegut
///
Since authors are also readers, this applies to everyone: Thereare three simple ways to encourage and support authors without spending anextra dime.
Like, comment, and share authors' Facebook posts. Facebook'salgorithms show only posts that FB thinks other members would like to see. Thatmeans the more likes and comments a post gets, the more people will seeit. (Psst: The same process works for Amazon.)
Take a few moments to give the book you just read a fair review.If all you can manage is one or two sentences, no matter because it will bedeeply appreciated.
Go to book signings. in-person or virtual, even if you can’tafford to buy the book at that time. Your attendance is encouraging.
§§
School started in Mobile this past week. Don’t know aboutthe students, but the teachers were fully involved.
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cjNow some words from my sponsors: Summer is windingdown and having a book to read is the perfect entertainment for those downtimemoments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazon or throughyour favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You can read theebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
August 4, 2024
Protag interview and some upcoming events
cj Sez: Today, I’m interviewing Dr. Mirabel Campbell, the protagonistin the novel, THE DAWGSTAR.
Lyrical Pens: Dr. Campbell, tell us a little bit aboutyourself. What do you do for a living? Any hobbies?
LP: So, you traded a microscope for a telescope.
MC: When you say it that way, my life sounds pretty boring.Neither activity by itself is exciting by any stretch of the imagination, but letme tell you, the two of them together? You know how people say, ‘What you don’tknow can’t hurt you?’ I found out what I didn’t know could kill me.
§§
More Author and Reader Notes
Congratulations to P.M. Raymond, the winner of the Sistersin Crime 2024 Eleanor Taylor Bland Award for Crime Writers of Color!
From the SinC announcement: “Raymond’s winning submission, ‘ANasty Business’ is set on a Louisiana farm where a family tradition forces theheirs to compete in a series of grueling tasks.”
///
This year’s annual Alabama Writers Cooperative (AWC)conference for writers, readers, and literary community.is happening September6-8, 2024, in Orange Beach, AL.
For more info, click on the followinglink: 2024 Conference —Alabama Writers Cooperative
///
CALLAHAN IN ACTION, Book 6 in the CatCallahan Mystery Series, is scheduled to launch August 8, and it's availablefor preorder. Click on the link below so you can put your name on a copy now: https://books2read.com/CatCallahan6 I got mine ordered.
///
LOYALTY, book 3 in author Carrie Dalby’s WashingtonSquare Secrets series, releases August 27, 2024. And it’s available forpre-order now!
“In the autumn of 1920, a murder-suicide shakes theresidents of Washington Square. Officer Jim Abbott doesn’t realize the returnof his shellshock is only the beginning of his concerns.”
Original watercolor featured on the cover is by Mobile Bayarea artist Amanda Manley.
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours. (P.S.A.: Counting August, there arefive monthly paydays until Christmas.)
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:
Summer is winding down, but having a book toread is the perfect entertainment for summer vacationdowntime moments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazonor through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You canread the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page
➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor
➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson
➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
Lyrical Pens: Dr. Campbell, tell us a little bit aboutyourself. What do you do for a living? Any hobbies?
LP: So, you traded a microscope for a telescope. MC: When you say it that way, my life sounds pretty boring.Neither activity by itself is exciting by any stretch of the imagination, but letme tell you, the two of them together? You know how people say, ‘What you don’tknow can’t hurt you?’ I found out what I didn’t know could kill me.
§§
More Author and Reader Notes
Congratulations to P.M. Raymond, the winner of the Sistersin Crime 2024 Eleanor Taylor Bland Award for Crime Writers of Color!
From the SinC announcement: “Raymond’s winning submission, ‘ANasty Business’ is set on a Louisiana farm where a family tradition forces theheirs to compete in a series of grueling tasks.”
///
This year’s annual Alabama Writers Cooperative (AWC)conference for writers, readers, and literary community.is happening September6-8, 2024, in Orange Beach, AL.
For more info, click on the followinglink: 2024 Conference —Alabama Writers Cooperative
///
CALLAHAN IN ACTION, Book 6 in the CatCallahan Mystery Series, is scheduled to launch August 8, and it's availablefor preorder. Click on the link below so you can put your name on a copy now: https://books2read.com/CatCallahan6 I got mine ordered.
///
LOYALTY, book 3 in author Carrie Dalby’s WashingtonSquare Secrets series, releases August 27, 2024. And it’s available forpre-order now!“In the autumn of 1920, a murder-suicide shakes theresidents of Washington Square. Officer Jim Abbott doesn’t realize the returnof his shellshock is only the beginning of his concerns.”
Original watercolor featured on the cover is by Mobile Bayarea artist Amanda Manley.
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours. (P.S.A.: Counting August, there arefive monthly paydays until Christmas.)
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:
Summer is winding down, but having a book toread is the perfect entertainment for summer vacationdowntime moments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazonor through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You canread the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page
➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor
➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson
➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
July 28, 2024
A few elements of romance novels
cj Sez: The following list of elements in a romance novel isa composite of information I’ve gleaned from various sources over the years,and I plan to keep it in front of me when I begin writing my next romanticsuspense.
A likable heroine This character can’tbe weak or dumb and must be actively involved in the plot. There will, andshould, be some moments of angst in the story, but they should be fleeting. Youwant your reader to root for this character rather than think she deserves whatshe gets because she’s too dumb to win.
A likable hero This charactershould be strong (even if only emotionally), irresistible, smart, and activelyinvolved. He does not have to be stereotypically attractive to be appealing. Awell-developed personality can carry this character right into your readers’hearts.
Emotional tension What’s keeping yourheroine/hero apart? What threatens her/him? Making these decisions early onhelps keep the story plot on track.
A believable plot A believable plot isa must but no worries. A twist on an oldie will work. According to somestudies, there are only six (or maybe eight) possible plots in all ofliterature. Ergo every “new” story might today be called a trope.
For instance, Cinderella can be construed as a variation of the Biblical story of Esther, whowas an orphan being raised by her uncle and who so charmed a king that he crownedher his queen. Julia Roberts was Cinderella in “Pretty Woman” as was MelanieGriffith in “Working Girl.” Star-crossed lovers, ala Romeo and Juliet, abound. It’syour unique writer’s “voice” that’s important in relating your take (spin,twist) on a familiar story.
A Happily Ever After ending
A HEA is an absolutefor a romance novel. Love stories do not have to end happily, but for the avidfans of the romance genre, and all its subgenres, a romance novel must have ahappily ever after or at least the promise of one.
Threeof the points above are romance-novel specific, but atleast two of them—emotional tension and believable plot—can be broadly appliedto all genres. Even a memoir needs a bit of tension and a plot to make it anappealing read. You can help me out here. As a reader and/or a writer, can youthink of a genre that wouldn’t use those two points.
By the way, thereis no “magic formula” for writing a novel in any genre, but with a lot ofreading, analysis, study, and/or luck you might find some suggestions that youcan adapt to your writing style.
§§
Author and Reader Notes: I’m a member of the Facebookgroup “POSSESSED: Timeless Gothic Reads,” and as part of our latest seasonal read-and-discussassignment, I did a deep dive into THE HOUSE OF SEVEN GABLES, a truly Gothicnovel by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
It is superbly rich in setting and description (whichI need more of in my writing) and wordy to the nth degree. Those long, complexsentences made the read interesting but a real struggle for this fast-pacedsuspense writer with tired eyes.
///
///
CALLAHAN IN ACTION, Book 6 in the CatCallahan Mystery Series, is scheduled to launch August 8, and it's availablefor preorder. Click on the link below so you can put your name on a copy now: https://books2read.com/CatCallahan6 I preordered mine.
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours. (P.S.A.: There are five monthsuntil Christmas.)
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
A likable heroine This character can’tbe weak or dumb and must be actively involved in the plot. There will, andshould, be some moments of angst in the story, but they should be fleeting. Youwant your reader to root for this character rather than think she deserves whatshe gets because she’s too dumb to win.
A likable hero This charactershould be strong (even if only emotionally), irresistible, smart, and activelyinvolved. He does not have to be stereotypically attractive to be appealing. Awell-developed personality can carry this character right into your readers’hearts.
Emotional tension What’s keeping yourheroine/hero apart? What threatens her/him? Making these decisions early onhelps keep the story plot on track.
A believable plot A believable plot isa must but no worries. A twist on an oldie will work. According to somestudies, there are only six (or maybe eight) possible plots in all ofliterature. Ergo every “new” story might today be called a trope.
For instance, Cinderella can be construed as a variation of the Biblical story of Esther, whowas an orphan being raised by her uncle and who so charmed a king that he crownedher his queen. Julia Roberts was Cinderella in “Pretty Woman” as was MelanieGriffith in “Working Girl.” Star-crossed lovers, ala Romeo and Juliet, abound. It’syour unique writer’s “voice” that’s important in relating your take (spin,twist) on a familiar story.
A Happily Ever After ending
A HEA is an absolutefor a romance novel. Love stories do not have to end happily, but for the avidfans of the romance genre, and all its subgenres, a romance novel must have ahappily ever after or at least the promise of one.
Threeof the points above are romance-novel specific, but atleast two of them—emotional tension and believable plot—can be broadly appliedto all genres. Even a memoir needs a bit of tension and a plot to make it anappealing read. You can help me out here. As a reader and/or a writer, can youthink of a genre that wouldn’t use those two points.
By the way, thereis no “magic formula” for writing a novel in any genre, but with a lot ofreading, analysis, study, and/or luck you might find some suggestions that youcan adapt to your writing style.
§§
Author and Reader Notes: I’m a member of the Facebookgroup “POSSESSED: Timeless Gothic Reads,” and as part of our latest seasonal read-and-discussassignment, I did a deep dive into THE HOUSE OF SEVEN GABLES, a truly Gothicnovel by Nathaniel Hawthorne.
It is superbly rich in setting and description (whichI need more of in my writing) and wordy to the nth degree. Those long, complexsentences made the read interesting but a real struggle for this fast-pacedsuspense writer with tired eyes.
///
Expert advice: Deciphering good from bad. The following linkis to a Jane Friedman blog post by writer, editor, and book coach LaurenReynolds.
The Pitfalls ofExpert Advice | Jane Friedman///
CALLAHAN IN ACTION, Book 6 in the CatCallahan Mystery Series, is scheduled to launch August 8, and it's availablefor preorder. Click on the link below so you can put your name on a copy now: https://books2read.com/CatCallahan6 I preordered mine.
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours. (P.S.A.: There are five monthsuntil Christmas.)
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:
Having a book toread is the perfect entertainment for those holiday and summer vacationdowntime moments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazonor through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You canread the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
July 21, 2024
In the "Did You Know" department
cj Sez: When author/editor Joyce Sterling Scarbrough gave awonderful presentation on self-editing to the Mobile Writers Guild a while back,she left us with a slew of important tips. For instance: Did you know that adjectivesand adverbs have a “royal order?”
Did you know that when you use an adverb before the noun, itdoes not require a comma? I took notes, so I know. The charts Joyce used have beenupdated and changed, but the structures remain the same. Here are two RoyalOrder charts for you to copy out.
A past president of the Mobile Writers Guild, Joyce is also the editor of every one of the organization’s perfectly enjoyable PIECES anthologies. Follow author/editor Joyce Scarbrough on Facebook and her webpage HOME | Joyce Scarbrough
§§ Author and Reader Notes:
The Sisters in Crime 2024 Pride Award is now open for submissionsfrom emerging LGBTQIA+ Crime Writers! Sisters in Crime membership NOT required- open to all!
Who: LGBTQIA+ Crime WritersWhy: Win $2,000What: Submit an UNPUBLISHED work in the Crime Writing genre (i.e. short story,novella, chapter(s) of a novel in progress), your resume and a cover letterWhen: Submissions open through July 31stHow: For complete details and entry form, go to: https://www.sistersincrime.org/page/Pride///
CALLAHAN IN ACTION, Book 6 in the Cat Callahan Mystery Series, isscheduled to launch August 8 and it's available for preorder. Click on the linkbelow so you can grab a copy now: https://books2read.com/CatCallahan6
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:
Having a book toread is the perfect entertainment for those holiday and summer vacationdowntime moments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazonor through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You canread the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
Did you know that when you use an adverb before the noun, itdoes not require a comma? I took notes, so I know. The charts Joyce used have beenupdated and changed, but the structures remain the same. Here are two RoyalOrder charts for you to copy out.
A past president of the Mobile Writers Guild, Joyce is also the editor of every one of the organization’s perfectly enjoyable PIECES anthologies. Follow author/editor Joyce Scarbrough on Facebook and her webpage HOME | Joyce Scarbrough
§§ Author and Reader Notes:
The Sisters in Crime 2024 Pride Award is now open for submissionsfrom emerging LGBTQIA+ Crime Writers! Sisters in Crime membership NOT required- open to all!
Who: LGBTQIA+ Crime WritersWhy: Win $2,000What: Submit an UNPUBLISHED work in the Crime Writing genre (i.e. short story,novella, chapter(s) of a novel in progress), your resume and a cover letterWhen: Submissions open through July 31stHow: For complete details and entry form, go to: https://www.sistersincrime.org/page/Pride///
CALLAHAN IN ACTION, Book 6 in the Cat Callahan Mystery Series, isscheduled to launch August 8 and it's available for preorder. Click on the linkbelow so you can grab a copy now: https://books2read.com/CatCallahan6
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:
Having a book toread is the perfect entertainment for those holiday and summer vacationdowntime moments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazonor through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You canread the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
July 14, 2024
Still working on my mystery WiP
cj Sez: I’m now back at the keyboard, thinking up anotheradversity for the protagonist/sleuth in the WIP I’ve been working on foryears. It’s a mystery, and writing a mystery is a learning process for me.
Thriller andsuspense genres I have managed to some small degree, but how to write a real mysteryis a mystery to me.
What remains thesame among genres I write is that my protagonist (i.e., sleuth) must belikeable, have some personality quirks, and a bit of backstory baggage to be droppedintermittently into the story (no info dumps, please). My sleuth in thismystery has a confidant, which is a recommended device. There is a uniquesetting and a love interest to add a little jazz. Each of the major characters,including the bad guy, has a secret that I hope will generate some degree ofsympathy.
Mysteries do need atheme, and I have a theme that will, I believe, hit a universal nerve with myreaders. Where I’m struggling is with the clues and red herrings. Where and howto place them so they invite the readers to try to solve the mystery but don’treveal so much that they really can.
As a writer, Iam a pantser or, more accurately, a pathfinder. I find my way through my storiesby building roadblocks for my protagonist then figuring out how she/he canescape. Because my WIP is a mystery, I have to do a bit of {gasp} plotting which is not my forté. How else would I knowwhere to hide the clues and weave in red herrings?
Like allmanuscripts, I understand my mystery will change with each future edit cycle,and it has—that’s, the reason it’s taken me so long to finish it. Mycharacters, clues, and red herrings change and must be rearranged. For example:I know the victim is murdered (off-page), but the description of one of my currentred herrings may force me to change the “how” somewhat, again. Changing thatscene will most certainly waterfall, again, into other changes throughout themanuscript.
On the very slimplus side, what I really like about all this frustration is that I’m learningnew things. My personal goal has always been to learn something new every day,and this never-ending project is certainly helping me reach my goal. How aboutyou? Have you reached a personal goal this year?
///
CALLAHAN IN ACTION, Book 6 in the CatCallahan Mystery Series, is scheduled to launch August 8 and it's available forpreorder so you can grab it now at https://books2read.com/CatCallahan6
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
Having a book toread is the perfect entertainment for those holiday and summer vacationdowntime moments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazonor through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You canread the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
Thriller andsuspense genres I have managed to some small degree, but how to write a real mysteryis a mystery to me.
What remains thesame among genres I write is that my protagonist (i.e., sleuth) must belikeable, have some personality quirks, and a bit of backstory baggage to be droppedintermittently into the story (no info dumps, please). My sleuth in thismystery has a confidant, which is a recommended device. There is a uniquesetting and a love interest to add a little jazz. Each of the major characters,including the bad guy, has a secret that I hope will generate some degree ofsympathy.
Mysteries do need atheme, and I have a theme that will, I believe, hit a universal nerve with myreaders. Where I’m struggling is with the clues and red herrings. Where and howto place them so they invite the readers to try to solve the mystery but don’treveal so much that they really can.
As a writer, Iam a pantser or, more accurately, a pathfinder. I find my way through my storiesby building roadblocks for my protagonist then figuring out how she/he canescape. Because my WIP is a mystery, I have to do a bit of {gasp} plotting which is not my forté. How else would I knowwhere to hide the clues and weave in red herrings?
Like allmanuscripts, I understand my mystery will change with each future edit cycle,and it has—that’s, the reason it’s taken me so long to finish it. Mycharacters, clues, and red herrings change and must be rearranged. For example:I know the victim is murdered (off-page), but the description of one of my currentred herrings may force me to change the “how” somewhat, again. Changing thatscene will most certainly waterfall, again, into other changes throughout themanuscript.
On the very slimplus side, what I really like about all this frustration is that I’m learningnew things. My personal goal has always been to learn something new every day,and this never-ending project is certainly helping me reach my goal. How aboutyou? Have you reached a personal goal this year?
§§
Author and Reader Notes:Jane
Friedman’s blogrecently featured a post by writer and book coach Monica Cox. who saysFind out what she means by that by clicking on the followinglink: WhyYour Revision Shouldn’t Start on Page One | Jane Friedman
“There is something invigorating abouttyping the words THE END on a rough draft. The story has unspooled from yourfingers for weeks, months, maybe even years and, finally, you have reached theresolution. You may feel relief,excitement, or even a renewed dedication to the story. You may even bemotivated to dive right into revisions so you can share it with the world assoon as possible. But rushing to edit can be the biggest mistake a writermakes.”
///
CALLAHAN IN ACTION, Book 6 in the CatCallahan Mystery Series, is scheduled to launch August 8 and it's available forpreorder so you can grab it now at https://books2read.com/CatCallahan6
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:Having a book toread is the perfect entertainment for those holiday and summer vacationdowntime moments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazonor through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You canread the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
July 7, 2024
Dog Days and Sisters in Crime contest
cj Sez: The “Dog Days of Summer” are officially upon us, asis Hurricane Season along the Gulf coast.
To say the weather is sweltering would be an understatement.Today’s heat index where I live reached triple digits—something like 110°. Needless to say, I’m sucking down water and planningmy days to be indoors between ten a.m. and five p.m.
The dog days ofsummer are historically the period following the heliacal (sunrise) of thestar Dog Star, Sirius. Sirius is one star in a group of stars that formthe constellation Canis Major, meaning “Greater Dog.”
Greek and Romanastrology connected Sirius to heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy,fever, mad dogs, and bad luck.
The Farmer’s Almanacsays, “the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11” are the traditionaltiming of the Dog Days. It also says that “some of our hottest and most humiddays happen after August 11.” Seems there’s a lot more hellacious heat andhumidity to come, so we have that going for us.
The 2024 hurricaneseason has already spun up two storms. The first, tropical storm Alberto, dousedthe coast of Texas and now the first hurricane, Beryl, is also barreling towardthe Texas Gulf Coast.
Do what you have todo to stay safe out there, friends.
§§
“Sisters in CrimePRIDE award submissions are open through July 31. This $2000 award was thelegacy project of past-president Sherry Harris. It is designed to support anemerging LGBTQIA+ crime writer. Folks do not need to be a SinC member to apply.”
Click this link toread more about submission requirements:
Pride Award for EmergingLGBTQIA+ Crime Writers - Sisters in Crime
///
Award-winning authorConnie Berry asks: “Are you a rule follower or a rule breaker?” My fellow Sisters in Crime member talks about weasel words andshares how writers can break writing rules and get away with it. Breakingthe Writing Rules (And Getting Away With It) - Writer's Digest(writersdigest.com)
(cj Sez: Do you know what “weasel words” are?)
///
CALLAHAN IN ACTION, Book 6 in the CatCallahan Mystery Series, is scheduled to launch August 8 and it's available forpreorder now at https://books2read.com/CatCallahan6
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:
Having a book toread is the perfect entertainment for those holiday and summer vacationdowntime moments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazonor through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You canread the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
To say the weather is sweltering would be an understatement.Today’s heat index where I live reached triple digits—something like 110°. Needless to say, I’m sucking down water and planningmy days to be indoors between ten a.m. and five p.m.
The dog days ofsummer are historically the period following the heliacal (sunrise) of thestar Dog Star, Sirius. Sirius is one star in a group of stars that formthe constellation Canis Major, meaning “Greater Dog.”
Greek and Romanastrology connected Sirius to heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy,fever, mad dogs, and bad luck.
The Farmer’s Almanacsays, “the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11” are the traditionaltiming of the Dog Days. It also says that “some of our hottest and most humiddays happen after August 11.” Seems there’s a lot more hellacious heat andhumidity to come, so we have that going for us.
The 2024 hurricaneseason has already spun up two storms. The first, tropical storm Alberto, dousedthe coast of Texas and now the first hurricane, Beryl, is also barreling towardthe Texas Gulf Coast.
Do what you have todo to stay safe out there, friends.
§§
Author and Reader Notes:
“Sisters in CrimePRIDE award submissions are open through July 31. This $2000 award was thelegacy project of past-president Sherry Harris. It is designed to support anemerging LGBTQIA+ crime writer. Folks do not need to be a SinC member to apply.”
Click this link toread more about submission requirements:
Pride Award for EmergingLGBTQIA+ Crime Writers - Sisters in Crime
///
Award-winning authorConnie Berry asks: “Are you a rule follower or a rule breaker?” My fellow Sisters in Crime member talks about weasel words andshares how writers can break writing rules and get away with it. Breakingthe Writing Rules (And Getting Away With It) - Writer's Digest(writersdigest.com)
(cj Sez: Do you know what “weasel words” are?)
///
CALLAHAN IN ACTION, Book 6 in the CatCallahan Mystery Series, is scheduled to launch August 8 and it's available forpreorder now at https://books2read.com/CatCallahan6
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:
Having a book toread is the perfect entertainment for those holiday and summer vacationdowntime moments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazonor through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You canread the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
June 30, 2024
Marketing your novel, Dreamers and Doers
cj Sez: This on Jane Friedman’s blog by author brandexpert Andrea Guevara.“Writing a book and then promoting it can make authors feel a lot like thatdorky kid in high school trying to get a seat at the cool kids’ table.” 
(This from cj: Marketing is one of the hardest things for meto do. That necessary chore takes me way out of my comfort zone.)
BeYourself So Your Readers Can Find You | Jane Friedman
§§
I was feeling maudlin todayand found myself thinking of my childhood and how far away yet near to my heartthat special time was and is. What follows is a poem I wrote years ago that wasePublished by The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature in 2012.
DREAMERS AND DOERS In quiet times when past and present flow into one Moment and melancholy dulls the senses and time ceases, Memories steal me away to a place of tiny towns and meagerfarms Worked by a few determined immigrants coaxing bounty from adowry of hope.
A bundle of dreams wrapped in desert tan, banded by ribbonsof White caliche roads and faded asphalt highways, Dotted with corn stalks, Grain shocks And monoliths to crude fortunes That spill upon the land in clear pools Or spout in unctuous streams. I roam prairies where The West begins; Where dust devils haunt wide-open spaces; Where shimmering heat mirages join in gay dance, Dodging prickly cactus and gnarly mesquite.
I wander pastures, skirting clods of Angus,
Me, age 3
Shielding my eyes from the livid sun
Punctuating a sky swept by mares’ tails
And little funnel clouds that spin around
The heavens but never touch down
Like the big ones do.
Awash in twilight stands a child,
Barefoot in the hard-scrabble dirt At the edge of a cotton field, Wearing a sun-faded dress Handstitched from a cotton feedsack. An ethereal landscape on a sepia canvas; Where dusk brushes the sunset in smears Of gold and purple and pink and mauve; Where color drains into the horizon With the sinking sun, applauded By the throaty rumble of thunder Chasing lightning through distant clouds That only sometimes rain But send breezes to winnow the dust From the cool night air, Where I shall sleep . . . Under a canopy of stars.
§§ As themasthead of Lyrical Pens says, if you have a book you want to promote, old ornew, let me know. We can arrange a blog date for your book tour. The onlycaveat is that this site is PG 13.
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words from my sponsors: Having a book toread is the perfect entertainment for those holiday and summer vacationdowntime moments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazonor through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You canread the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
(This from cj: Marketing is one of the hardest things for meto do. That necessary chore takes me way out of my comfort zone.)
BeYourself So Your Readers Can Find You | Jane Friedman
§§
I was feeling maudlin todayand found myself thinking of my childhood and how far away yet near to my heartthat special time was and is. What follows is a poem I wrote years ago that wasePublished by The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature in 2012.
DREAMERS AND DOERS In quiet times when past and present flow into one Moment and melancholy dulls the senses and time ceases, Memories steal me away to a place of tiny towns and meagerfarms Worked by a few determined immigrants coaxing bounty from adowry of hope.
A bundle of dreams wrapped in desert tan, banded by ribbonsof White caliche roads and faded asphalt highways, Dotted with corn stalks, Grain shocks And monoliths to crude fortunes That spill upon the land in clear pools Or spout in unctuous streams. I roam prairies where The West begins; Where dust devils haunt wide-open spaces; Where shimmering heat mirages join in gay dance, Dodging prickly cactus and gnarly mesquite.
I wander pastures, skirting clods of Angus,
Me, age 3
Shielding my eyes from the livid sun
Punctuating a sky swept by mares’ tails
And little funnel clouds that spin around
The heavens but never touch down
Like the big ones do.
Awash in twilight stands a child,
Barefoot in the hard-scrabble dirt At the edge of a cotton field, Wearing a sun-faded dress Handstitched from a cotton feedsack. An ethereal landscape on a sepia canvas; Where dusk brushes the sunset in smears Of gold and purple and pink and mauve; Where color drains into the horizon With the sinking sun, applauded By the throaty rumble of thunder Chasing lightning through distant clouds That only sometimes rain But send breezes to winnow the dust From the cool night air, Where I shall sleep . . . Under a canopy of stars.
§§ As themasthead of Lyrical Pens says, if you have a book you want to promote, old ornew, let me know. We can arrange a blog date for your book tour. The onlycaveat is that this site is PG 13.
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words from my sponsors: Having a book toread is the perfect entertainment for those holiday and summer vacationdowntime moments. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazonor through your favorite eTailer and bookstore. Got a library card? You canread the ebooks free from Hoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
June 23, 2024
“Write what you know” means “write the truth”
cj Sez: Writers are always looking for the magic formulas and rules to maketheir writing struggles easier. Eight rules on this, ten tips on that, three onthe other. There are two rules that top them all:
My take is, themore I familiarize myself with the different philosophies and “rules” of the variouswriting worlds (journalism, creative, non-fiction, et al.), the better I amable to write the truth about my characters, their personalities, and theirworlds to make them authentic.
The followingexcerpt is from regional writer Judy Alter who specializes in her familiaritywith Texas.
. . . “setting a bookin a particular region (doesn’t) make a writer regional. It’s essential thatthe author absorb the setting so that rather than obviously telling, suchthings as geography, culture, food, and manners flow naturally. Otherwise, thebackground looks like those fake sets in so many grade B westerns.”
I could neverconsider myself a regional writer, though not by choice, but by happenstance. Bornin Texas and raised in Michigan, I currently live on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. (Iguess I could do a decent job of characterizations and syntax of Detroiters.) Asa native Texan, I do populate almost every story with a character from Texas,and now that I live in Mobile, Alabama, I people-watch intently. I want my newcharacters to have some authentic Southern attributes.
I know a slew of excellentauthentic South-regional writers; I also know I’ll never be that good. Writingthings Southern is its own genre. There’s a humor and a dialogue cadence that arepeculiar (and I mean that in the nicest way) to the South.
§§
Did you ever watch amovie or read a novel with so many visuals or words tumbling out at arapid-fire pace that they left you breathless?
By the by, as themasthead of Lyrical Pens says, if you have a book you want to promote, old ornew, let me know. We can arrange a blog date for your book tour. The onlycaveat is that this site is PG 13.
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words frommy sponsors:
Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free fromHoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on
➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page
➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor
➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson
➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
My take is, themore I familiarize myself with the different philosophies and “rules” of the variouswriting worlds (journalism, creative, non-fiction, et al.), the better I amable to write the truth about my characters, their personalities, and theirworlds to make them authentic.
The followingexcerpt is from regional writer Judy Alter who specializes in her familiaritywith Texas.
. . . “setting a bookin a particular region (doesn’t) make a writer regional. It’s essential thatthe author absorb the setting so that rather than obviously telling, suchthings as geography, culture, food, and manners flow naturally. Otherwise, thebackground looks like those fake sets in so many grade B westerns.”
I could neverconsider myself a regional writer, though not by choice, but by happenstance. Bornin Texas and raised in Michigan, I currently live on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. (Iguess I could do a decent job of characterizations and syntax of Detroiters.) Asa native Texan, I do populate almost every story with a character from Texas,and now that I live in Mobile, Alabama, I people-watch intently. I want my newcharacters to have some authentic Southern attributes.
I know a slew of excellentauthentic South-regional writers; I also know I’ll never be that good. Writingthings Southern is its own genre. There’s a humor and a dialogue cadence that arepeculiar (and I mean that in the nicest way) to the South.
§§
Did you ever watch amovie or read a novel with so many visuals or words tumbling out at arapid-fire pace that they left you breathless?
§§
By the by, as themasthead of Lyrical Pens says, if you have a book you want to promote, old ornew, let me know. We can arrange a blog date for your book tour. The onlycaveat is that this site is PG 13.
§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words frommy sponsors:
Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free fromHoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on
➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page
➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor
➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson
➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
June 16, 2024
On-line troll reviews abound
cj Sez: Happy Father’sDay to all fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, and adoptive fathers. And toall the fathers in heaven: You are dearly missed, every day.
§§
From the Lyrical Pens Archives:
A fellow writer was grieving and questioning what to doabout a one-star review on Amazon that complained about something that wasn’tin her novel. Obviously, the reviewer hadn’t even read the book.
One- and two-star reviews can be devastating, for futuresales and for the author. Wherever there’s an opportunity to post a review,there will be trolls ready and waiting with low ratings—whether they’rewarranted or not. I’ve seen reviews by people who purchased an item on Amazonthen rated the product one star because they thought delivery took too long.Had nothing to do with the quality of the product.
So where am I going with all this? It’s to reinforce whycomments and reviews need to be put in perspective. Don’t let the naysayerspersuade you that your work isn’t good. Hiding behind the computer keyboards ofthe Internet are nameless, faceless, and wretched on-line trolls. (Whew! I feelbetter now.)
We can’t realistically expect all reviews to be five-stars(okay, we do, but that’s beside the point). I admit to having desperate pangswhen someone dings a story. Yes, it skews the “average,” but then I re-read thegood reviews that I do have (some posted, some not) and calm down a bit.
Iremind myself that I cannot please every reader out there. There will always besomeone who dislikes some characterization, challenges some datum, or isoffended by piece of history. Always. Duh. That’s the reason there are agazillion different stories in multiple genres for the gazillion differentreaders.
If you receive a poor review from an on-line troll, considerthe source, and please do not respond to the reviewer. That could dig a deeper,darker hole than you want to dive into. In the meantime, if you’re like me,you’ll console yourself with a treat.
My favorite dessert: A hot fudge creampuff, with caramel pecan ice cream, and I have therecipe for those big, delicious creampuffs!
Speaking of reviews: Have you taken a few minutes to give aone-line, on-line review for the latest book you read? You might be able torefute some troll.
§§
On a personal note: My minivan finally gave up the ghost,and I had to get a new vehicle. Can’t imagine why it quit. It’s only 16 yearsold. I was hoping and praying it would last a few more years. My mechanicdiagnosed the engine of the Town and Country as terminal in April, and I placedan order to lease a 2024 Chrysler Pacifica minivan in a deep blue color called“Fathom Blue Pearl.”
Thanks to son, Jeff, for the glamor shot. I picked it up Friday. It’s beautiful, and it's loaded—and Imean, really loaded—with all kinds of 21st-century electronic buttons and knobson the instrument panel that I have no clue how to operate.
The first thing Ineeded to do was change the time on the clock—yet to be accomplished. I’vealways claimed to love learning new things (NOT computer things), so we’ll seeif this vehicle beats me. (Ain’t gonna happen.)
§§
By the by, as the invitation on the masthead of Lyrical Pens says, if you havea book you want to promote, old or new, let me know. We can arrange a blog datefor your book tour…the only caveat is that this site is PG 13.§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:
Father’s Day Gifts—Lyrical Pens suggests books, the giftsthat keep on giving, and there are thousands to choose from in all theirfavorite genres.
Beach? Mountains? StayCay? It’s time to plan for thoseholiday and summer vacation downtime moments when you can lose yourself in abook. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazon or throughyour favorite eTailer and bookstore.
Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free fromHoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
§§
From the Lyrical Pens Archives:
A fellow writer was grieving and questioning what to doabout a one-star review on Amazon that complained about something that wasn’tin her novel. Obviously, the reviewer hadn’t even read the book.
One- and two-star reviews can be devastating, for futuresales and for the author. Wherever there’s an opportunity to post a review,there will be trolls ready and waiting with low ratings—whether they’rewarranted or not. I’ve seen reviews by people who purchased an item on Amazonthen rated the product one star because they thought delivery took too long.Had nothing to do with the quality of the product.
So where am I going with all this? It’s to reinforce whycomments and reviews need to be put in perspective. Don’t let the naysayerspersuade you that your work isn’t good. Hiding behind the computer keyboards ofthe Internet are nameless, faceless, and wretched on-line trolls. (Whew! I feelbetter now.)
We can’t realistically expect all reviews to be five-stars(okay, we do, but that’s beside the point). I admit to having desperate pangswhen someone dings a story. Yes, it skews the “average,” but then I re-read thegood reviews that I do have (some posted, some not) and calm down a bit.
Iremind myself that I cannot please every reader out there. There will always besomeone who dislikes some characterization, challenges some datum, or isoffended by piece of history. Always. Duh. That’s the reason there are agazillion different stories in multiple genres for the gazillion differentreaders.
If you receive a poor review from an on-line troll, considerthe source, and please do not respond to the reviewer. That could dig a deeper,darker hole than you want to dive into. In the meantime, if you’re like me,you’ll console yourself with a treat.
My favorite dessert: A hot fudge creampuff, with caramel pecan ice cream, and I have therecipe for those big, delicious creampuffs!
Speaking of reviews: Have you taken a few minutes to give aone-line, on-line review for the latest book you read? You might be able torefute some troll.
§§
On a personal note: My minivan finally gave up the ghost,and I had to get a new vehicle. Can’t imagine why it quit. It’s only 16 yearsold. I was hoping and praying it would last a few more years. My mechanicdiagnosed the engine of the Town and Country as terminal in April, and I placedan order to lease a 2024 Chrysler Pacifica minivan in a deep blue color called“Fathom Blue Pearl.”
Thanks to son, Jeff, for the glamor shot. I picked it up Friday. It’s beautiful, and it's loaded—and Imean, really loaded—with all kinds of 21st-century electronic buttons and knobson the instrument panel that I have no clue how to operate.
The first thing Ineeded to do was change the time on the clock—yet to be accomplished. I’vealways claimed to love learning new things (NOT computer things), so we’ll seeif this vehicle beats me. (Ain’t gonna happen.)
§§
By the by, as the invitation on the masthead of Lyrical Pens says, if you havea book you want to promote, old or new, let me know. We can arrange a blog datefor your book tour…the only caveat is that this site is PG 13.§§
Okay, that’s it fortoday. You-all guys keep on keeping on, and I’ll try to do the same. Raisingprayers for a happy and safe you and yours.
cj
Now some words from my sponsors:
Father’s Day Gifts—Lyrical Pens suggests books, the giftsthat keep on giving, and there are thousands to choose from in all theirfavorite genres.
Beach? Mountains? StayCay? It’s time to plan for thoseholiday and summer vacation downtime moments when you can lose yourself in abook. THE DAWGSTAR and DEATH ON THE YAMPA are available on Amazon or throughyour favorite eTailer and bookstore.
Got a library card? You can read the ebooks free fromHoopla.
Nota bene: AngelaTrigg, the RITA Award-winning author and owner of The Haunted Book Shop has afew signed copies of my paperback books in stock. TO ORDER, contact: https://www.thehauntedbookshopmobile.com/contact-us
➜ Follow me on ➜ Amazon: AmazonCentral Author Page➜ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CjPettersonAuthor➜ BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cj-petterson➜ Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3fcN3h6
Book launch scheduled
DEADLY STAR is scheduled to launch on Feb. 18. You can't tell from this type font, but I'm excited!
DEADLY STAR is about a vaguely dysfunctional couple who, when sharing an imminent danger, find common ...more
DEADLY STAR is about a vaguely dysfunctional couple who, when sharing an imminent danger, find common ...more
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