James M. Jackson's Blog, page 18

Nancy Sweetland - Guest Author

Okay, so I'm on vacation. Nancy Sweetland sent me her material and then wrote back to say she had forgotten to send the answers to the questions--all in plenty of time. When I finally got around to posting the material, I realized she had skipped the "five word" questions about who she is and what her writing is, but she had included an interesting  blog on Writing Contests. Since the time was late, and that fault is mine, without further ado, I'm giving you both her answers and her thou...

Marilyn Meredith - Guest Author

Marilyn Meredith describes herself as Busy, Persevering, Friendly, Caring, and Fun. Her writing is Mysterious, Absorbing, Suspenseful, Unusual, and Quick. Quick got me thinking: should I be jealous because she writes quickly while I am sometimes ponderous or is her writing a quick read? You’ll have to decide for yourself.
Describe your most productive writing venue. What makes it best for you?
My home office. Everything I need is close at hand from my computer to any research books.
What is your...

Gloria Alden - Guest Author

Gloria Alden describes herself as curious, optimistic and with a sense of humor. Her writing is small town cozy with interesting characters. I know Gloria and her stories and she’s telling the truth. Let's learn more about Gloria.
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You have a table for four at your favorite restaurant and can invite any three people, living, dead or fictional. Who are your guests (and why) and where are you eating (and why)?
I would invite Abraham Lincol...

Drawing the Reader In

Think of a book you really loved. I mean really loved. Was it because of its perfect plot? A twist ending so surprising it astounded you? Because every word was exactly the right word?
I will go out on a limb and suggest that while those elements may have been present, you loved the book because you became deeply invested in at least one character. You cared about what happened to that individual, in how they would fare in the world they inhabited, which may be very different from any world yo...

Kathleen Kaska - Guest Author

Kathleen Kaska describes herself as curious, obsessive, impatient, creative, and nice. Her writing is funny, lighthearted, serious, personal, and unpredictable. Intriguing answers, don't you think? Here are her choice questions and responses.
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You have a table for four at your favorite restaurant and can invite any three people, living, dead or fictional. Who are your guests (and why) and where are you eating (and why)?

That’s a toug...

Karen McCullough - Guest Author

Karen McCullough describes herself as a friendly, smart introvert who is thoughtful and organized. Her writing is intelligent and grounded and covers Mystery, Romance, and Fantasy.
Describe your most productive writing venue. What makes it best for you?
The reclining chair in the corner of my office. It’s quiet and isolated from the chaos in the rest of the house. I can relax with the laptop and let the story flow.
What is your most productive time of the day (and do you need caffeine)?
I actuall...

Nancy Lynn Jarvis - Guest Author

Nancy Lynn Jarvis describes herself as observant, political, opinionated, droll, and resilient. Her writing is fun, light, clever, and involves cozy mysteries.
You have a table for four at your favorite restaurant and can invite any three people, living, dead or fictional. Who are your guests (and why) and where are you eating (and why)?
My guests are Agatha Christie because she introduced me to mysteries and wrote honestly, giving readers all the clues they need to solve the crime which I do a...

Alina Adams - Guest Author

Alina Adams describes herself as funny, brave, workaholic, busy, and (not surprisingly) tired. Her writing is Plot, plot-twist, plot-point, plotted, plotting (which seems like nirvana to this pantser until I try it!) Without further comments from the host, here are Alina’s answers.
Describe your most productive writing venue. What makes it best for you?
My work commute is about two feet. The table on which my computer sits stands flush against the bottom of my bed (I live in New York City, it’s...

Kindle Scout – a Winner’s Report

As I write this blog, I do not know if Amazon will accept Ant Farm for the Kindle Scout program. Its nomination period ended Thursday, February 26. I’ve noticed that those selected typically show up on the approved list two or three business days after the nomination period closed.
If that guess is correct, Kindle Press will inform me on Monday or maybe Tuesday.
Kindle Press released the first ten books of the program on March 3, 2015, following traditional publishers in picking a Tuesday publi...

Judy Alter - Guest Author

Judy Alter says of herself that she is a mother, author, hostess, alternative, and creative. Her writing she describes as varied, cozy, storytelling, lifelong, and a calling. [JMJ note: I am really struck by the adjective alternative -- so evocative]. Without further intrusion from me, here is more about Judy in her words.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You have a table for four at your favorite restaurant and can invite any...