Chrys Fey's Blog, page 67

Author Interview with Vicki Batman

Today I have another fabulous rose from The Wild Rose Press. Vicki Batman is here to tell us all about her newest romantic-comedy Temporarily Employed, and to share an excerpt.

Please tell us about your current release, Vicki.
Thank you, Chrys, for hostessing me today. My latest book is a romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Employed. Here’s a bit about it:
New Job. New Love. And Murder. Hattie Cook's dream job is down the toilet and her new SUV violated. Desperate for cash to cover the basic necessities of rent and food, she takes a temporary job at Buy Rite Insurance Company where she uncovers an embezzling scam tied to the death of a former employee--the very one she replaced. 
Detective Allan Charles Wellborn has secretly adored Hattie all his life. When the police determine there's more to the death of a former Buy Rite employee, he steps in to lead the investigation. Overly dedicated, always perfect, he puts his job first, even if doing so ultimately hurts the one he loves.

Can the killer be found before Hattie's time is up?
Title: Temporarily EmployedAuthor: Vicki BatmanGenre: Romantic-Comedy (Mystery)Formats: Paperback and eBookPage Count: 314Published: The Wild Rose Press
Book Links:Amazon eBook / Amazon PaperbackThe Wild Rose Press eBookThe Wild Rose Press Paperback
1.    What books would you compare to Temporarily Employed?
Temporarily Employed is a funny mystery with some romance tossed it to heat it up. I’d say Janet E.
2.     I enjoy reading books by Janet Evanovich. Why did you choose the setting for Temporarily Employed ?
They say write what you know and I know my town. Many areas operate like a community of its own.
3.    Did you do special research for  Temporarily Employed ?
      Lots of police and detective research. My friend is a former deputy sheriff and she read it for details.
4. How lucky! What would women find irresistible about your hero?
      Detective Allan Charles Wellborn is a gentleman. Great manners. Nothing icky about him anymore. He improved greatly from high school. There’s that twinkle in his eye...
5.  Gotta love a twinkle in a man's eye. ;) Are any of your characters based on real people? 
      Yes, some resemble people I have known because life is strange and why not use it?
6.  Is the hero a bad boy or a gentleman?
      My hero is a gentleman; however, because he is so dedicated to his job, he hurts the one he loves.
7.    If you have a pen name, can you explain how you came up with it?
My name really is Vicki Batman. I married a superhero.
8.    I bet many people love your last name. How old were you when you read your first romance book? What was it?
I was nearly fourteen, bored to death and my mom didn’t have time to take us to the library. I whined a bit and she handed me an Emilie Loring romance. I love them so much, I have all in hardback.
9.    What’s on your bucket list?
I’d like to go to Machu Pichu, do more ziplining, raft down the Grand Canyon, go on a Rhine River Cruise.
10.  Share three random facts about you.
     I am the oldest of four girls and don’t resemble the other 3 at all. I love cats. My favorite writing tool is a Papermate #2 sharpwriter.
***Excerpt:
“Yuck.”
Pretty much covered the whole freakin’ day.
A blinding red-white, red-white strobe, reflected in my brand new Wrangler’s rearview mirror, seized my attention. The police. I tossed my hands skyward, ready to surrender. I shouldn’t have been too surprised. Like I'd commented this a.m. to my roommate, Jenny, “Today, anything’s possible.”
My Bad Day checklist included:
- Crappy job interview, one which might have provided desperately needed income.
- Wore gut-busting panty hose on a hot day which had now worked past my waist and strangled my diaphragm.
- A barely blowing air conditioner indicated something had malfunctioned in my new, fun car.
I stole another glance in the mirror, and with great reluctance, flipped the right turn indicator. My vehicle coasted to a stop on the shoulder of Boston Avenue in my hometown of Sommerville, a nice suburb located between two large cities. Four lanes of cars and trucks zipped by as I sat there where every single one of my family, friends, friends’ friends, and their friends—including Rat Fink Suzanne—would see a police vehicle positioned right behind mine. Gleefully, drivers would chant the “Ha-ha, got you, not me” ditty.
How embarrassing.
After killing the engine, I flopped back in the seat. Shooting the morons the finger was an idea. Nah. I'm too exhausted to care.
A litany of:  "No, not hiring." "Just filled the position." "You're over qualified." "You're under qualified…" tornadoed through my head. Coupled with the intense job search through various outlets like the internet and completing numerous online employment applications, no wonder my body had been depleted of all life force.
Not even a breeze blew to take the edge off the unbearable summertime heat. Tangled wild trees and dry scrubby bushes banked the roadside. The grass had taken on a scorched look. Rolling down the driver’s window, I surveyed my surroundings. Nothing great. Nothing new.
I stole a glance in the side mirror at the policeman who strode purposefully along the shoulder. The gravel crunched under his boots. He looked huge, probably because his uniform, which appeared to be bulked with a bullet-proof vest, made him resemble a buffed-up superhero in size. Exceedingly intimidating.
Sigh. When things went wrong, they were really wrong.

Author Bio:
Like some of her characters, award-winning author, Vicki Batman has worked a wide variety of jobs including lifeguard, ride attendant at an amusement park; a hardware store, department store, book store, antique store clerk; administrative assistant in an international real estate firm; and a general “do anything gal” at a financial services firm--the list is endless, giving her plenty of crazy material for her writing.
Writing for several years, she has completed three manuscripts, written essays, and sold many short stories. She is a member of RWA and several writing groups and chapters. In 2004, she joined DARA and has served in many capacities, including 2009 President. DARA awarded her the Robin Teer Memorial Service Award in 2010. Most days begin with her hands set to the keyboard and thinking "What if??"
AUTHOR LINKS:Website / Facebook / Twitter / PinterestBlog / Goodreads / Google +

Thank you for stopping by Write with Fey, Vicki! I hope you’ll come here again! :)
Please show Vicki some comment love.

Writing About: Marriage Proposals

SIGN UP FOR THE NEW BLOG BLITZ HERE!
A message from the creator, DL Hammon: "Sign up on the linky list below, making sure to record your email address, and you’ll instantly become a member of the Blog Blitz Team.  Then from time to time, I will select a deserving blog (that must be part of the Blitz Team) and a specific date.  I will then email the team members that information and on that date we all will go out of our way to visit that blog and leave an encouraging comment on their most recent post.  I'm talking about hopefully 100+ comments appearing out of the blue in one day!"
NOTE: I was blitzed on Halloween and enjoyed seeing so many bloggers coming to my blog to leave a comment. However,  this is not a way for you to gain new followers, so if that's what you're hoping for, this isn't the blog hop for you. 


Now onto today's post:

I have written a few marriage proposals in my books.
30 Seconds Spoiler: The one in 30 Seconds is definitely not your traditional proposal, but it was perfect for my characters and their situation.
Marriage proposals make great scenes for romances or any kind of story with a bit of romance in it. Here are 8 things to keep in mind when you write your characters' proposal.
1.    Who is doing the asking?
You know, it is the 21stCentury. Men don’t have to be the only ones to propose marriage. Remember Monica on FRIENDS getting down on her knees to propose to Chandler? It was the sweetest and best moment of the show! Don’t be afraid to mix things up.
2.    Setting
Where does the proposal take place? Think about the plot of your story and your characters. Both will influence the setting of the proposal.
3.    How does the asker propose marriage?
Does the guy create a romantic dinner complete with a ring on top of a dessert? Does he get down on one knee? Does the woman get frustrated and ask her man over breakfast? Your characters’ personalities will influence this.
4.    Reaction
Reveal the woman’s (or man’s) reaction to the proposal. If you’re in the other character’s perspective, you can describe his/her face. Do his/her eyes widen? Does his/her jaw drop? Does all the color drain from his/her face?

5.    Thoughts
For whichever character’s perspective you’re in, highlight his/her thoughts. If this character is asking, is he/she nervous? If this character is answering, is he/she scared or happy? Create thoughts to go with their feelings.
6.    The Answer
Of course, you have to reveal the answer. It’s never good to leave your readers hanging. Is the answer a yes or a no?
7.    If the answer is yes . . .
How does the couple celebrate? Do they share a kiss? Do onlookers applaud? Create a scene so your readers can celebrate, too. And don’t forget to show the moment when the ring goes on the finger, as well as the asker’s relief. 
See: Writing About: Weddingsfor what you can write next.
8.    If the answer is no . . .
Are there tears, a fight, or a breakup? Delve into why the answer is a no. Is it because he/she is afraid or not ready for marriage? Are their deeper issues at play? Let your readers know, even if the other character finds out much later.

SHARE: Your marriage proposal story.

QUESTIONS: Have you written a proposal scene in one of your stories? If you could have the proposal of your dreams (or create one for someone special) what would it be like?

The Cat Who Chose Us and Other Stories

I had an author interview scheduled for today, but the author never got back to me, so I'm sharing the details about the anthology, The Cat Who Chose Us and Other Stories.

This collection was put together by Kyra Lennon. I contributed "The Great Kitty Rescue," a true-story about how I came to own my four cats. My mom, Elaine Kaye, also contributed a mystery titled "Here, Kitty, Kitty." Many other authors from our blogosphere also participated.

Here's a full list of authors:
Annalisa CrawfordKyra LennonM.J. FifieldLaura SheridanJennifer BirdLaura ClipsonChrys FeyElizabeth SeckmanNick WilfordSarah FosterElaine KayeD.R. CartwrightC. Lee McKenzieCarrie-Anne BrownianGwen ToliosClare DugmoreCrystal Collier

BLURB: 
The Cat Who Chose Us and other Cat Stories is a collection of short stories, true life stories, and poetry put together by a group of successful, cat-loving authors from all over the world. Slip between the pages and you'll find a variety of feline tales to amuse, entertain, and warm your heart. From grand rescues, to special surprises, there is a story for every kitty fan. All profits from the sale of The Cat Who Chose Us and other Cat Stories will be donated directly to your local branch of Cats Protection to help needy cats across the UK.
GET YOUR PAPERBACK COPY FOR $9.72!
BOOK LINKS:Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & NobleGoodreads
Help us help cats! Spread the word!
***
And for a little fun, here's a few pictures of my boys:
Cole makes every box into a bed. That's his blankie he's sleeping with. It used to be a lace curtain until hekept tearing it down. haha

Otis is so cute when he sleeps.

Milo likes to hide.

Clover looks like he passed out while reading.

Have a furry day! :D

Family and Friends Inspire Writers

Writers use what they know in their stories. If you grew up with a bunch of brothers, you might write a book with a cast of male characters, or a YA story about a girl living in a house full of boys. You could let your characters do similar things that your brothers did. If you experienced it, you’d be able to write it convincingly.
People inspire writers all the time, from strangers to loved ones, and even people we don’t like. We may borrow a personality trait from our best friend or give our mom’s cooking skills to our protagonist’s mother. We may let out heroine live out our sister’s nasty divorce, or give a minor character a friend’s cool tattoo. Doing this doesn’t mean our characters are based after people we know, though. Inspiration is different.

So if you’re a family member or friend of a writer, you can rest assured that the character in their book, who has a trait similar to you, is not actually you. The writer just thought that trait would be perfect for a character. That’s all. The only time you have to be worried about this is if he/she is writing a memoir, or if a fictional story sounds awfully reminiscent of their/your life.
A few of the characters in my unpublished series were originally inspired by my family and close friends. I gave one of my female characters my best friend’s caring, medical side of her personality, and another character her feisty, no BS side. But neither of them are my best friend, and while I wrote my books, the characters told me what kind of women they wanted to be, not the other way around.
So I’m curious . . .

QUESTIONS: Has your family and/or friends inspired any of your characters? How much of yourself do you give your characters? Have your loved ones ever read your work and asked if they were this character or that character? If so, how did you deal with it?

Author Interview with Crystal Collier + Giveaway

Today I am featuring Crystal Collier for her Soullessblog tour. I was thrilled to be able to sign up, as I loved Moonless (which is FREE today, Nov. 7th!), and I am happy to bring her first author interview on Write with Fey to all of you. Welcome, Crystal!


Please tell us about your current release, Crystal.
The Soulless are coming.
Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she’s forced to unleash her true power.
And risk losing everything.
SOULLESS is book 2 in the Maiden of Time trilogy.
Title: SOULLESSAuthor: Crystal CollierPublisher: Raybourne PublishingSeries: Maiden of Time, #2Publication: October 13th, 2014Category: Young Adult (YA)Genre: Paranormal Historical
BOOK LINKS:Amazon  / Barnes & NobleGoodreads

1.    What books would you compare to SOULLESS ?
A Great and Terrible Beauty, A Season of Witches, The Clockwork Angel (series), Jane Eyre + Supernatural, The Faerie Ring. Think one part scary, one part romance, one part action, one part history, and one part fantasy.
2.    Those are ALL great books! How did you pick the title for your book?
During Pitch Wars 2012, I was blessed with the most wonderful writing coach (and marketing guru), Sharon Johnston, who caught the vision of where I’m going with my series. We tossed back and forth several potential titles, but when she threw out the progression of MOONLESS followed by two other titles ending in “less,” we knew we had gold. Soulless not only represents the moral dilemma Alexia faces, but is the name of the predators who threaten everything Alexia holds dear.
3.    I think the titles ending with "less" was a brilliant idea! If your book had a soundtrack, give us a list of a few songs that would be on it.
Have you ever heard of Two Step From Hell? Any author who is serious about writing action or fantasy should totally check them out. Their songs that influenced this book:
Little BenUndying LoveArchangelAlso:Imagine Dragons: Radioactive

4. What would women find irresistible about your hero?           Kiren is mysterious, brooding, hopelessly romantic and self-sacrificing. He’s tortured but compassionate and extremely moral. Oh, and let’s not forget those tantalizing blue eyes.
5.  I know I find Kiren irresistible! What would we find in your heroine’s purse if we went snooping?
      Alexia doesn’t carry a purse, but if she did you might find her favorite book hiding in there, along with a tattered calling card (once bestowed upon her father by Kiren), a hairpin that belonged to her long-dead mother, and a time-box (often mistaken for a puzzle box).
6.    How old were you when you read your fantasy book? What was it?
     The Windrose Chronicles (Aka The Dark Mage) series by Barbara Hambly… I’d actually read a TON before this, but in 7th grade this was my first 700+ page book, which was actually 3 books smashed together. (And my first adult novel.) It made a lasting impression and is a story I love to this day.
7.    Share three random facts about you.
I wrote a musical called IMMORTAL. My nickname in high school was Chicken, and it was totally cool.I’m more comfortable in front of an audience of thousands than one on one. 

❀ Unleashing the dream world, one book at a time ❀
Author Bio:
Crystal Collier is a young adult author who pens dark fantasy, historical, and romance hybrids. She can be found practicing her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, three littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog and Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.
AUTHOR LINKS:Website / Blog / TwitterGoodreads / Facebook

Thank you for telling us about your much-anticipated sequel to Moonless, Crystal. I hope to read Soulless soon!
Please leave Crystal a comment, and show your love for this awesome trilogy! Oh, and don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good News and a Confession / IWSG + FREE EBOOKS

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a safe place for insecure writers of all kinds.Sign up here: Alex J. Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group

GOOD NEWS: In June I asked for prayers for a big day, and last month I asked for more prayers for another big day. Well your prayers and wishes for good luck paid off! It may take months before I see any good changes to my life, but this is still a blessing. So thank you from the bottom of my heart!

PUBLISHING: I am writing a prequel to 30 Seconds called “30 Seconds Before," which follows Blake when he goes undercover in the Mob. I am hoping for a 2016 release. In the meantime I have other publishing plans...such as the sequel to Hurricane Crimes!

FACEBOOK: I reached 300 likes! I know many of you have 1,000+ likes, but 300 is great for little ole me. Thank you to everyone who has liked my page.
THANKFUL: I am thankful for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group and the Blogging from A to Z Challenge where I met countless wonderful people.

CONFESSION:  My ultimate insecurity is . . . my family.
After I left school and got my GED, I couldn’t find work due to medical limitations from spine surgery, so I put my energy into writing. I was completely happy with this, but I don’t think anyone else in my family (other than my mom) liked my plan. 
Last summer, my father came down to Florida for my sister’s college graduation. They took me out to lunch and the first question my father asked me was, “Are you still being a bump-on-the-log?” Meaning: Do you have a realjob?
Two months after his visit, I got my first publishing contract. I was thrilled! But not everyone shared my enthusiasm. My sister congratulated me by adding this at the end of a Facebook message: “btw congrats on your book.” That “btw” made her words feel half-hearted. She didn’t buy Hurricane Crimes for $1.99, or even get it when it was free. During all of that I waited for my father to say he was proud of me, but that never happened. To this day, hardly anyone in my family has shown support or interest in my writing.  
So yes, more than reviews, and rejections, my biggest insecurity is my family.

QUESTIONS: Does your family support your writing dream? What are you thankful for?



GREAT FREE STORIES:
Campus Crush by Ashelyn Drake (Romance novellas collection 1-4 ) 5 Stars
Two Tales of Terror by Kelly Hashway (YA flash fiction) 5 Stars
Curse of Death by Kelly Hashway (PDF short story) 5 Stars
Kiss of Death by Kelly Hashway (PDF short story prequel) 5 Stars
The Imaginary Friend by Kelly Hashway (Children's short story) 5 Stars
Small Graces by M. Pax (flash fiction) 5 Stars
Plantgirl by M. Pax (flash fiction) 4 Stars
Translations by M. Pax (flash fiction) 4 Stars
*Don't forget to post reviews on Goodreads and Smashwords/Amazon!

Writing About: A Character's Dream + Contest Winner

Last week, I opened a fun contest, challenging all of you to re-imagine the sentence: "It was a dark and stormy night." The winner would get a free PDF copy of one of my eBooks (Hurricane Crimes or 30 Seconds). I got so many wonderful responses, making it hard to choose. Now I know I'd never be a good short story or essay judge because I'd want to give everyone the prize. Haha! But I had to choose and the winner is....
MICHELLE WALLACE!
Her sentence just made all of my senses tingle and I loved her word choices. 

Here is her entry:
“A jarring thunderclap followed by fierce lightning bolts split the night, and the dry land succumbed to the deluge that followed.”
Congratulations, Michelle! I'll be emailing you soon. :)

And thank you to everyone who participated!!
***
I once blogged about a "rule" that said to never write about a character's dream. Well, I have included my characters’ dreams in my stories. In 30 Seconds, I actually wrote in two short dream sequences. The first dream is a replay of something that happens in the story and my heroine, Dani Hart, has a nightmare about what could’ve happened instead. The second dream is a flashback on a pivotal moment from her past that comes into play in the story. I don’t regret adding them.

If you’re considering adding a character’s dream to your story:
1.    Make sure there is a purpose for it. You can’t just add a nightmare to spice things up. And although we make our stories as real as possible, random dreams, like the ones we can have at night, have no place in our stories.
2.    Write the dream as you would write any other scene. You may not be able to use all the senses, but you can still make it descriptive and exciting.
3.    If the dream is a nightmare, utilize horror and suspense. And tie it into the plot. For example: if your character is being stalked by someone, he/she can have a frightening dream about that person.

How to Create HorrorHow to Build Suspense
4.    If the dream is a sex dream, make it as steamy as a real sex scene. This could be something fun to add to a romance or erotica book before your characters do the deed.
Writing About: Intimacy
5.    Clearly state that the dream is a dream. You don’t want to confuse your readers, so just before you begin the dream scene, you can make it obvious by showing your character in bed, tossing and turning. It’s also best to italicize the whole dream sequence to make it stand out.

TIP: The only thing I would advise against is making the whole story a dream. That is usually frowned upon.

QUESTIONS: 

Readers: Do you like books that include characters’ dreams?
Writers: Have you written a dream into one of your stories? 

Author Interview with Quanie Miller

When I read the first comment about being Blitzed I was surprised! Me, really?! WOOT! WOOT! :D

Today I have the wonderful Quanie Miller on Write with Fey. She recently came out with her new paranormal novel, The New Mrs. Collins. And on top of that she's a new mommy! Congratulations, Quanie, on your bundle of joy and your book! 
Now let's get started.

Please tell us about your current release, Quanie.
My novel is called The New Mrs. Collins. It’s a paranormal novel set in Louisiana about this woman who suspects that there’s something otherworldly about her son’s new stepmother. She goes digging for answers and discovers too late that some secrets are better left buried. 
Book Blurb:
In the small town of Carolville, Louisiana, no one knows that Adira Collins inherited mystic powers from her great grandmother. All they know is that she’s beautiful, poised, graceful, and ruthless—especially when it comes to love. And no one knows that more than Leena Williams, who was all set to marry the man of her dreams until Adira swooped into town and stole the man’s heart.
Being left at the altar is bad enough, but Leena and her ex share custody of their son, so she has to see the new Mrs. Collins on a regular basis. And it burns every time she does. But soon, Leena starts to suspect that there is more to Adira Collins than meets the eye. And it’s not because she owns some kinky lingerie shop or allegedly insulted the pastor’s wife—it’s the strange way she can make a door close without touching it, or take one look at something and make it drop dead at her feet.
Leena starts digging for answers and soon discovers that, unlike her public persona, Adira’s true nature is somewhere on the other side of grace. She also learns, a little too late, that some secrets are better left buried. 
Title:The New Mrs. Collins
Author: Quanie Miller
Genre: Paranormal
Release Date: October 13, 2014
BOOK LINKS:Amazon US / Amazon UK / Smashwords

1.    What inspired you to write this book?
I got this image in my head of a woman standing next to a lake ringing out a towel. There was just something about her that screamed mystery, so I put her on the page to find out!
2. And it's a good thing you did! Why did you choose the setting for The New Mrs. Collins?
     I'm from a small Louisiana town so it was natural for me to set The New Mrs. Collins in a similar setting. 
3. I love small towns as book settings! What would men find irresistible about your heroine?
     I think men would find Leena beautiful but not only that, she is very matter of fact. She doesn’t play coy and lets you know exactly how she feels. Plus, she can bake a sweet potato pie that’ll bring you to your knees! And who can resist a good pie?.  
4. Not I! Which actors would play your heroine in a movie?
     I get this question a lot and I’d have to say Taraji Henson or Jill Scott. Two of my absolute faves!
5. What would we find in your heroine’s purse if we went snooping?
    You’d most likely find a picture of her over active six year old son, Corie.
6.    What are a few things we would find in or on your desk?
I’m writing this as I look at my desk: a pacifier, a gift bag, a wine glass, an exercise DVD, a flash drive, a pen, a Chick Filet coupon for free coffee, an old library card, and a penny.
7.     A pacifier. I love that! How old were you when you read your first paranormal book? What was it?
Oh, Goodness! I was probably around ten or eleven (can’t say for certain), and it was probably something by R.L. Stine.
8.     Share three random facts about you.
1. I’m a reality TV show junky.2. I just got a smart phone two weeks ago. Before that, when I’d pull out my old dinosaur of a phone, people would go, “Wow!” and stare at it in amazement. 3. I’m probably the only person on the planet who trips getting inside of her own car!
9.     I still have a dinosaur phone! What lessons did you learn early in your writing career?
I learned that you should get as much feedback on your work as possible so that you can learn what you do well and hone that.
10.  Share your advice to new writers.
Hone your craft, find your voice, and believe in yourself.

Author Bio:
Quanie Miller grew up in New Iberia, Louisiana. She fell in love with reading at an early age and spent most of her time at the Iberia Parish Library discovering authors like R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike (she was often found walking back home from the library with a stack of books that went up to her chin). She holds degrees from Louisiana State University and San Jose State University. She has been the recipient of the James Phelan Literary Award, the Louis King Thore Scholarship, the BEA Student Scriptwriting Award, and the Vicki Hudson Emerging Writing Prize. She is the author of The New Mrs. Collins, a southern paranormal novel, and It Ain't Easy Being Jazzy, a romantic comedy. She lives in South Carolina with her husband and is currently, as always, working on another novel. To find out more about Quanie and her works in progress visit quanietalkswriting.com.
AUTHOR LINKS:Twitter: @quaniemillerFacebook / BlogGoodreads / WebsiteEmail: quanie@quanietalkswriting.com

Thank you for telling us all about your fabulous new book, Quanie! I for one can't wait to read it!
Please leave Quanie (and her baby girl) some love! :)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Be Specific in Your Writing

Being specific is important to help your readers understand what is going on and what you’re trying to tell them.
You can be more specific by cutting out these phrases at the beginning of sentences:
·         There was/were (For past tense.)·         There is/are (For present tense.)·         It was
Example: There was a loud bang at her front door that made her jump.Better: A loud bang at her front door made her jump.
Example: There is nothing better than a cold coke on a hot summer day.Better: Nothing is better than a cold coke on a hot summer day.

To rewrite a sentence that starts with “it,” you need to figure out what “it” refers to. Whatever that is needs to be replaced by “it.”
Example: “It was a dark and stormy night.”Better: The night was dark and stormy.
I sometimes start sentences with “it was” if the previous sentence states what I’m referring to by “it.” But I try not to do this very often.

Also see: Words to Cut out of Your Writing and Eliminate Redundancies 


SHARE: Your tips for being more specific.

CONTEST: Re-imagine the sentence, “It was a dark and stormy night.” Put what you come up with in the comment section. I’ll pick my favorite one and share it on next week’s blog post 11/4. I’ll also award the winner with a PDF copy of one of my eBooks. (Choice between Hurricane Crimes and 30 Seconds.) CLOSED!

Be Specific in Your Writing + CONTEST

Being specific is important to help your readers understand what is going on and what you’re trying to tell them.
You can be more specific by cutting out these phrases at the beginning of sentences:
·         There was/were (For past tense.)·         There is/are (For present tense.)·         It was
Example: There was a loud bang at her front door that made her jump.Better: A loud bang at her front door made her jump.
Example: There is nothing better than a cold coke on a hot summer day.Better: Nothing is better than a cold coke on a hot summer day.

To rewrite a sentence that starts with “it,” you need to figure out what “it” refers to. Whatever that is needs to be replaced by “it.”
Example: “It was a dark and stormy night.”Better: The night was dark and stormy.
I sometimes start sentences with “it was” if the previous sentence states what I’m referring to by “it.” But I try not to do this very often.

Also see: Words to Cut out of Your Writing and Eliminate Redundancies 


SHARE: Your tips for being more specific.

CONTEST: Re-imagine the sentence, “It was a dark and stormy night.” Put what you come up with in the comment section. I’ll pick my favorite one and share it on next week’s blog post 11/4. I’ll also award the winner with a PDF copy of one of my eBooks. (Choice between Hurricane Crimes and 30 Seconds.)