C.D. Hersh's Blog, page 87
April 20, 2020
Tell Again Tuesday The Writing Experience
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Top Three Things I’ve Learned from Writing RomCom
By Melia Alexander
I love writing romantic comedy, especially those laugh-out-loud moments in a book that remind me how special this genre is. But in writing romcom, I’ve learned a few things about life, too. Patience, for one. Well, okay, that’s an on-going lesson. LOL. But read on for the top three things I’ve learned from writing romantic comedy.
Lesson #1 . . .
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April 16, 2020
Friday Feature Way to Success from Sharon Ledwith
Guest talks about
Spying on Your Competition is a Great Way to Success
by
Sharon Ledwith
Spying is a catchy way of saying “do your research and stay tuned in.” Regardless of what you call it, it’s a mandatory part of being successful. It’s also a great way to build connections. There’s an old saying that to be successful you have to stop obsessing about the competition. I agree with that to a certain degree, but to be unaware of what other authors in your genre are doing is never a smart idea.
Regardless of what you write you need to be dialed into the competitive landscape. Knowing what others in your target market are doing, writing about, and promoting can be key to your success as well. Not that I would ever encourage copying, but being in tune with your genre and market can be a fantastic idea generator, not to mention it gives you the ability to stay ahead of certain trends that haven’t even surfaced at the consumer level yet.
First rule of spying: study your target market, the books as well as other authors in the industry. It helps you to also differentiate yourself from them in products, services, and pricing. Again, you don’t want to copy, you just want to be aware. Another lesser known reason for doing this is that if you’re struggling with your social media (like me)—both from the aspect of what platform to be on to what to say to drive more engagement—keeping these authors on your radar will greatly increase your marketing ideas. Living in a vacuum never made anyone successful.
Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, you want to know who else is writing on your topic or in your genre. Google search is a great place to start. The results will not just turn up names and book titles but also show you the best ways to interact with your reader.
Google is packed with names of authors who write about your topic or genre. As you begin to compile your list, I want you to do one thing: ignore big brands because it’s likely that they can do anything they want and still be successful. If you’re a middle grade writer, names like Rick Riordan and Brandon Mull come to mind. These authors are big, powerful brands. You want the smaller names—the people you may not immediately recognize. Why? Because they have to try harder. If tomorrow Riordan or Mull decided to put out a book on poetry, while their fans might be surprised, they would likely still buy it. But if a lesser-known author did that they’d look like they have writer-ADD. Not good.
So start putting your list together, as you do sign up for their mailing lists, and follow them on Twitter and any other social media site they use. That’s what I do. Aside from the obvious reasons why you want to do this, I’m a big fan of supporting other authors in my market. Share their Facebook updates, retweet their great Twitter posts, and like their Instagram images.
One of the hidden gems of this research is it will also show you what social media sites to be on. If you’ve been struggling to figure out where your market resides, this strategy should really clear that up for you. Why? Because if you’re plucking names off of the first page of Google you know one thing: whatever they are doing to show up in search, they’re doing it right. Google has made so many changes to their search algorithms that you simply can’t “trick” the system anymore to get onto page one. Look at their updates. What are they sharing and why? How often do they blog? Are they on LinkedIn instead of Facebook? Is there much going on for them on Pinterest or Instagram? Really spend some time with this. Not only will it help you tune into your market but it will cut your learning curve by half, if not more.
Successful authors leave clues. Are you following their bread crumbs?
Here’s a glimpse into one of the books from Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls, my teen psychic mystery series.
The only witness left to testify against an unsolved crime in Fairy Falls isn’t a person…
City born and bred, Hart Stewart possesses the gift of psychometry—the psychic ability to discover facts about an event or person by touching inanimate objects associated with them. Since his mother’s death, seventeen-year-old Hart has endured homelessness, and has learned ways to keep his illiteracy under wraps. He eventually learns of a great-aunt living in Fairy Falls, and decides to leave the only life he’s ever known for an uncertain future.
Diana MacGregor lives in Fairy Falls. Her mother was a victim of a senseless murder. Only Diana’s unanswered questions and her grief keeps her going, until Hart finds her mother’s lost ring and becomes a witness to her murder.
Through Hart’s psychic power, Diana gains hope for justice. Their investigation leads them into the corrupt world threatening Fairy Falls. To secure the town’s future, Hart and Diana must join forces to uncover the shocking truth, or they risk losing the true essence of Fairy Falls forever.
AMAZON BUY LINK
Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/YA time travel series, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS, and the teen psychic mystery series, MYSTERIOUS TALES FROM FAIRY FALLS. When not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, exercising, anything arcane, and an occasional dram of scotch. Sharon lives a serene, yet busy life in a southern tourist region of Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, one spoiled yellow Labrador and a moody calico cat.
Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter, Google+, Goodreads, and Smashwords. Look up her Amazon Author page for a list of current books. Be sure to check out THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS TIME TRAVEL SERIES Facebook page.
April 14, 2020
Wednesday Special Spotlight Vegan #recipe Baked Beans from @AliciaJAuthor
Shines On
A vegan recipe from Alicia Joseph who says this recipe is also a fave for my meat-eating friends and family. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Vegan Baked Beans
1 cup brown lentils
½ cup red lentils
1 carrot, chopped fine
2 stalks celery, chopped fine
½ med. red onion, chopped fine
1 bell pepper, chopped fine, color doesn’t matter
3 cups water + 6 tbsp. water
3 tbsp. flaxseed meal (linseed), chia seeds work too
1½ cups oats
1 tbsp. dried chopped onion
½ tbsp. garlic powder
1 cup ketchup
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Mix both lentils, carrot, celery, onion, and pepper together in a saucepan. Stir in 3 cups water and boil until has evaporated. Be sure to stir often.
In a separate dish, mix flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water. Let it stand to thicken. This is your egg replacement.
When lentils and vegetables are cooked, slowly pour in oats. Break oats up as much as you can. Stir in lentils so it’s a nice thick consistency. Next add flax mixture, onion, and garlic. Mix well.
Pour contents evenly into a loaf pan. Bake 15 minutes. Pour ketchup over the top and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Here is a glimpse into one of my books. I hope you enjoy it.
“When a train runs over a penny, the penny changes form, but it can still be a penny if I want it to be. Or, I can make it be something else.”
Lyssa and her best friend Abbey discover a hideout near the train tracks and spend the summer before sixth grade hanging out and finding freedom from issues at home. Their childhood innocence shatters when the hideout becomes the scene of a tragic death.
As they’re about to graduate from high school, Abbey’s family life spirals out of control while Lyssa is feeling guilty for deceiving Abbey about her sexuality.
After another tragic loss, Lyssa finds out that a penny on the track is sometimes a huge price to pay for the truth.
AMAZON BUY LINKS
KINDLE – PAPERBACK
Alicia Joseph grew up in Westchester, Illinois. She has many works-in-progress that she hopes to finish soon. Life permitting.
When she is not writing, Alicia enjoys volunteering with animals, rooting for her favorite sports teams, and playing “awesome aunt” to her nine nieces and nephews.
Learn more about Alicia Joseph on her blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.
April 13, 2020
Tell Again Tuesday Process of completing a written novel
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
A peek beneath the surface
By Jaycee Jarvis
I love this image of a novel. The book that a reader holds in their hands is only the visible result, the majestic iceberg soaring out of the water. Underneath the surface is all the work and layers that support the story, out of view.
Since I’m currently in the heart of edits on Secret Courtship, I thought I’d give you a peek under the waves, and . . .
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April 9, 2020
Friday Feature Regency author Vonnie Hughes
Guest talks about
Why I Write Regencies
by
Vonnie Hughes
If you check the ‘historical background’ page of my website you’ll get a glimpse of my fascination with the Regency period.
It was such a short time in Britain’s history, but has given rise to many things such as the development of canals as trade with their partners hotted up after the imprisonment of Napoleon, freeing up trade routes, and resulting in large numbers of goods that needed to be transported all over England. The Royal Astronomical Society was founded, along with the early prototype of the bicycle, the development of the railway system, and the Act of Union with Ireland in 1801 etc. All this is from the British point of view. In the USA Whitney came up with the principle of manufacturing interchangeable parts as pertaining to firearms. The statue of the Venus de Milo was discovered in Greece (1820) and so it goes on.
And this is one of the prime reasons I enjoy writing Regencies. In spite of many Regencies persuading you that it was all about Almacks and dukes, the Regency era was actually a time on the cusp of great changes, not just in Britain but all over the world. Minds were opening up, no longer relying on the dogma of the past.
In 1814 The Times adopted steam printing. By this method it could print 1,100 sheets every hour, not 200 as before—a fivefold increase in production capability and demand. This development brought about the rise of the wildly popular fashionable novels.
I appreciate how the Regency era is also noted for its achievements in the fine arts and architecture (Nash springs to mind), and remember the striped wallpaper still known as ‘Regency?’ Those years encompassed a time of great social, political, and economic changes that shaped and altered the societal structure of Britain. Remember that in London alone, the population increased from just under one million in 1801 to 1.25 million by 1820.
One of the reasons that the arts flourished during this era was because of the patronage of ‘Prinny,’ the fact and at times ridiculous Prince of Wales. We might laugh at him, but it’s thanks to him that the development of British architecture flourished, even if his schemes often left the common people paying for his overblown designs.
The Regency era opened up the market for many authors including Sir Walter Scott, Maria Edgeworth, Mary Shelley (who incorporated the general mistrust of science during the earlier part of the Regency era), John Keats, and William Blake. Then there were the playwrights and artists…the list goes on and on to confirm how minds began to open to new possibilities during that time.
And that, friends, is why I love to set some of my books during the Regencies. There are so many possibilities! Oh yes, there was a lot more to the Regency period than those autocratic dukes and the patronesses at Almacks.
Here’s a brief look at my Regency novella. I hope you enjoy it.
When Alexandra Tallis discovers that her witless sister has imprisoned their father’s nemesis, Theo Crombie, in their attic, she quickly frees him, fighting an unladylike impulse to keep him as her own special captive. Despite the brutal beating she receives from her father for her actions, Alexandra continues to yearn for the delicious Mr. Crombie even though she knows that nothing will ever come of her dreams.
Injured and shackled in a stranger’s attic, Theo unexpectedly discovers the woman of his dreams. But how can he pursue those dreams when her bizarre family’s complex relationships threaten the very foundation of his existence? Somehow Theo must find a way through this maze to claim his lady.
BUY LINKS
Amazon – Smashwords
Vonnie Hughes is a multi-published author in both Regency books and contemporary suspense. She loves the intricacies of the social rules of the Regency period and the far-ranging consequences of the Napoleonic Code. And with suspense she has free rein to explore forensic matters and the strong convolutions of the human mind. Like many writers, some days she hates the whole process, but somehow she just cannot let it go.
Vonnie was born in New Zealand, but she and her husband now live happily in Australia. If you visit Hamilton Gardens in New Zealand be sure to stroll through the Japanese Garden. These is a bronze plaque engraved with a haiku describing the peacefulness of that environment. The poem was written by Vonnie.
All of Vonnie’s books are available on The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.
Learn more about Vonnie Hughes on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Goodreads.
April 7, 2020
Wednesday Special Spotlight Cookbook #free
Highlights
A cookbook that is FREE as a gift from us to you for use during this time. Be sure to get your copy today!
While we’re staying home and looking for things to do how about cooking?
How about some relief from the stress and pressure of figuring out what to serve your hungry family at home with you?
Cue a holiday-inspired cookbook written by the following thirteen busy authors, of various ages and genres:
Carol Browne
HL Carpenter
Sara Daniel
Dominique Eastwick
Leigh Goff
C.D. Hersh
Vonnie Hughes
Alicia Joseph
Emma Lane
Sharon Ledwith
Anne Montgomery
Chris Pavesic
Sloane Taylor
These wonderful writers have created recipes that will make your life easy and simple when it comes time to prepare tantalizing appetizers, tasty beverages, mouth-watering cookies, and decadent desserts.
The ABCDs of Cooking with Writers is your go-to recipe book for something special time and then when we get back to entertaining over the holiday seasons, hosting events, or celebrating that special day. Compiled by Sloane Taylor—a gourmet cook in her own right—and designed by mother-daughter duo HL Carpenter, the included recipes have been tested and approved of by the most finicky family members. Oh, and did I mention that it is FREE?
So why not have your cake and eat it too? Yes, pun intended. You’ve got nothing to lose, and time to gain when you download The ABCDs of Cooking with Writers. There’s a recipe for every holiday, celebration, or event in your life. Give yourself a gift with a cookbook from thirteen writers who share their favorite recipes and tips to help relieve the stress in your life.
Download your FREE E-Pub cookbook at Smashwords.
April 6, 2020
Tell Again Tuesday How do you name your characters?
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Naming Characters – Things to Consider
By Lucy Mitchell
Naming fictional characters is one of those writing activities a non-writer might view as…simple to do. *Sigh* They probably think we pluck a random name out of thin air, sit down to write and bring that newly named fictional person to life.
Ha! If only naming a fictional character was that simple.
This activity is not simple to do. It can take ages to come up with a name that fits your character, their era and the story.
Also, there’s no guarantee you . . .
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April 2, 2020
Friday Feature @Leigh_Goff #Recipes healthy Water drinks
Guest talks about
Water Recipes for health
by
Leigh Goff
These 4 Lemon Detox Water Recipes make it easy to increase your water intake, lose weight, and support your immune system. They take only minutes to make and taste amazing! Look and feel great by adding detox water to your routine. The recipes come from Joyful Healthy Eats. Be sure to go to the website. Enjoy!
Lemon Mint Water
• 3–4 slices of lemon
• 3 sprigs of mint
• 8 oz. of purified water
Add fresh lemons slices, mint, and water to a large glass. Muddle the mint a little if you’d like to really taste the flavor. Chill and drink.
Image courtesy of Distillata Healthy LivingGoodreads.
March 31, 2020
Wednesday Special Spotlight Mermaids #sale #99¢
Shines On
The ever-engaging Joanne Guidoccio who brings us her latest books on sale. Be sure to get your copies today!
People want to believe in the magic of mermaids.
When the television channel Animal Planet aired Mermaids: The Body Found in 2012, over 3.5 million viewers watched as scientists discussed the existence of these aquatic creatures. The interviews and phone-camera footage were so convincing that many of the viewers were disappointed when a brief disclaimer flashed in the end credits noting that the “documentary” was a work of fiction. Later, producer Charlie Foley revealed the “scientists” were really paid actors. He did, however, admit to believing in possibilities and the power of the imagination, concluding that we haven’t found everything out there yet.
So, it is not surprising that young girls (and older ones) are fascinated by the original Hans Christian Andersen mermaid tale and the Disney version. Often dismissed as fluff, the fairy tale and the movie contain valuable life lessons.
Prepare to Take Action
While Ariel enjoyed many privileges in her father’s kingdom, she craved more excitement and adventure. Whenever she had any free time, she would swim up to the surface and collect human artefacts. She would often dream about living among the “barbaric humans” her father detested. When she finally met Eric, she was ready to leave the kingdom.
We don’t have to wait for a prince or the right circumstances. If we feel any stirrings or restlessness, we need to take action, any action, however small that will move us closer to what we truly desire. And it doesn’t have to be dramatic or life changing. We can start by reading and journaling about the life we desire, taking courses, or approaching possible mentors.
Guard Your Voice
Ariel had to learn this lesson the hard way. From the start, we know that she has the most beautiful voice in the kingdom. When she rescued Eric from drowning, her voice is what he heard first, even before opening his eyes. But Ariel takes that wonderful gift for granted and does not hesitate to exchange it for human legs.
This lesson can be interpreted on several levels. We need to use our voices to express our emotions and our desires, and sometimes, we may need to raise our voices to be heard. Also, we should not ignore or dismiss inner beauty and focus entirely on outer looks.
Swim in the Deep End
In the opening scenes, Ariel is fearless as she skilfully navigates the deep waters of the kingdom. Intent on surfacing and interacting with humans, she swims boldly and effortlessly while avoiding encounters with sharks.
It is advisable to take baby steps when trying out a new venture, but it is important not to stay small for too long. At some point, it is necessary to take risks and go beyond our comfort zones. Avoiding challenging situations will not ensure our safety. Annoying and troublesome creatures can be found at all water levels.
Don’t Be Afraid to Change the Script
In the original fairy tale, the mute ex-mermaid could only smile when the handsome prince married someone else. Knowing that the prince’s wedding would only bring heartache and seal her fate as “foam on the crest of waves” saddened many readers who wanted a happily-ever-after ending for the little mermaid and the prince.
When Walt Disney Productions decided to produce an animated film based on The Little Mermaid, they also decided to change the ending. There was some backlash but the executives were not deterred. The worldwide response was an overwhelming one. Since 1989, the film has grossed over $200 million worldwide and has been credited with beginning the Disney Renaissance, an era that breathed life back into the animated feature film genre.
Blurb – Between Land and Sea[image error]
After giving up her tail for an international banker, Isabella of the Mediterranean kingdom is aged, weathered, and abandoned on the fog-drenched shores of southwest England. She faces her human journey as a plain and practically destitute fifty-three-year-old woman.
With the help of a magic tablet and online mermaid support, she reinvents herself as a career counselor, motivational speaker, and writer of self-help books. Along the way, she encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, among them former mermaids, supportive and not-so-supportive women, deserving and undeserving men, and several New Agers. As Isabella evolves into Barbara Davies, she embraces her middle-aged body, heals her bruised heart, and learns to love again.
This contemporary version of The Little Mermaid offers hope and inspiration to anyone who has been dumped, deceived, or demoted. It will also appeal to mermaid enthusiasts.
On sale for 99 cents
Amazon (US) – https://www.amazon.com/Between-Land-Sea-Joanne-Guidoccio-ebook/dp/B00F9U5Q50
Amazon (UK) – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Between-Land-Sea-Joanne-Guidoccio-ebook/dp/B00F9U5Q50
Blurb – The Coming of Arabella[image error]
On the day of her engagement party, an ex-mermaid’s life is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of another mermaid—a sister she has never known. Under normal circumstances, Barbara Davies would be overjoyed, but her special day is already wrought with tension. While Barbara is not the first mermaid from the Mediterranean kingdom to settle in small town Ontario, she has yet to reveal her origins to her fiancé. So, when Arabella, the gorgeous sister whose disturbing black eyes banished her to the island of Crete, saunters into her life, clutching the arm of Barbara’s discarded lover, a powder keg of emotion is released.
Relationships falter and careers stall as envy stirs in the hearts of the sisters. On the verge of meltdown after her fiancé leaves Canada for a teaching job in Vermont, Barbara flees to Arizona hoping for a reprieve. There, she finds solace at a retreat for ex-mermaids and a second chance at love with a charismatic preacher. As she contemplates a new life in the desert paradise of Sedona, shocking secrets emerge and tragedy strikes. A stronger and wiser Barbara rises up to face these new challenges and embrace the best parts of her mermaid heritage.
On sale for 99 cents
Amazon (US) – https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Arabella-Mediterrean-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B0147VXEPU
Amazon (UK) – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coming-Arabella-Mediterranean-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B0147VXEPU/
Bio[image error]
A member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime, Joanne Guidoccio writes paranormal romance, cozy mysteries, and inspirational literature from her home base of Guelph, Ontario.
Website – https://joanneguidoccio.com
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Joanne-Guidoccio/e/B00FAWJGCG/
March 30, 2020
Tell Again Tuesday Writing is a real hazard for a writer who likes their own characters
A blog series where we shamelessly share posts from others that we have enjoyed.
Fun With Old Friends
By M. L. Buchman
Okay, I have a real problem with old friends…they cost me an immense amount of time.
Maybe not as much as new friends.
But…sheesh!
Let me give you an example from yesterday.
There I was, happily working along, building a new collection of short stories. Actually, three of them but two aren’t out yet.
So, there I was looking over fifteen different stories . . .
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