Margo Kelly's Blog, page 35
April 3, 2015
The Best #Bloggers = Cherie Colyer & Christi Corbett
... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @CherieColyer & @ChristiCorbett ...
Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.
To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"
C is for Cherie Colyer and Christi Corbett.
Cherie Colyer has written multiple young adult paranormal romantic thrillers, and she is an avid supporter of other writers. She advises writers, "The revising process is when I look at my work with a critical eye. I add sensory detail that I may have missed. I add in the necklace that is important to my character because it represents the memory of her mother or the brief encounter with a quirky neighbor that explain something that happens later on in the book. And I add the missing details needed to allow readers to draw a picture of each scene in their minds as they read."
Christi Corbett is an award-winning author of historical fiction. She regularly features other published authors on her blog, telling their "Path to Publication" stories. She also features great writing quotes and bits of inspiration to make you smile, like: "No one can read the words you haven't written (Shellie Rushing Tomlinson)."
Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!
Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.
To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"
C is for Cherie Colyer and Christi Corbett.
Cherie Colyer has written multiple young adult paranormal romantic thrillers, and she is an avid supporter of other writers. She advises writers, "The revising process is when I look at my work with a critical eye. I add sensory detail that I may have missed. I add in the necklace that is important to my character because it represents the memory of her mother or the brief encounter with a quirky neighbor that explain something that happens later on in the book. And I add the missing details needed to allow readers to draw a picture of each scene in their minds as they read."
Christi Corbett is an award-winning author of historical fiction. She regularly features other published authors on her blog, telling their "Path to Publication" stories. She also features great writing quotes and bits of inspiration to make you smile, like: "No one can read the words you haven't written (Shellie Rushing Tomlinson)."
Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!
April 2, 2015
YA Scavenger Hunt!
- Treasures abound for #YALIT #book lovers! But HURRY, the hunt only lasts from 4/2 to 4/5. #YASH -
Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! I'm Margo Kelly, your hostess for this leg of the hunt.
WHO R U REALLY? is my debut novel, a thriller for young adults, and somewhere along this scavenger hunt, I've hidden exclusive content related to my book. Find it, and let me know what you think of it. Frankly, I love to be scared. I love reading scary stories and watching scary movies. I hope my books will make the hair stand up on the back of your necks. If you have a favorite scary YA book - let me know in the comments so I can read it! Scroll on down for your chance to win tons of prizes and learn more about some wonderful YA authors. Happy hunting!
The YA Scavenger Hunt is a bi-annual event first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors ... and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for the prize -- one lucky winner will receive twenty books -- one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!
You can simply get started here and follow the instructions below, or you can go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are EIGHT contests going on simultaneously. I am a part of the
GOLD TEAM
-- but there are seven other teams. Check them out for a chance to win a whole different set of signed books! You can enter one or all!
If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page.
SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE
Directions: Below, you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the gold team , and then add them up (don't worry, you can use a calculator!). Plus, each gold team member has linked to the next author on the gold list. So simply click the link near the bottom of the post, and it will take you to the next golden author. :)
Entry Form: Once you've added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.
Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by 4/5/15 at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.
SCAVENGER HUNT POST
Today, I am hosting
Kimberly Sabatini
on my website for the YA Scavenger Hunt!
Kimberly Sabatini is a former Special Education Teacher who is now a stay-at-home mom and a part-time dance instructor for three year olds. After her dad passed away in 2005, she used writing as a way to make sense of the experience and discovered that she’s full of questions that need to be answered. She lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with her husband and three boys. Kimberly writes Young Adult fiction and is a member of the SCBWI (The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) She is represented by Michelle Wolfson of Wolfson Literary Agency and thrilled to be part of the “Wolf Pack.” TOUCHING THE SURFACE is her debut novel. (Simon Pulse – Simon & Schuster)
Find out more information:
Kimberly Sabatini's Website
Buy TOUCHING THE SURFACE
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
"Experience the afterlife in this lyrical, paranormal debut novel that will send your heart soaring. When Elliot finds herself dead for the third time, she knows she must have messed up, big-time. She doesn’t remember how she landed in the afterlife again, but she knows this is her last chance to get things right. Elliot just wants to move on, but first she will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed. As she pieces together the secrets and mistakes of her past, Elliot must find a way to earn the forgiveness of the person she’s hurt most, and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever."
Kimberly Sabatini’s TOUCHING THE SURFACE Exclusive Content for the YA Scavenger Hunt
I’m a very visual person, especially when my imagination is involved. One of the ways I feed my creativity is by using pictures to either jumpstart my imagination or to help me build a clearer picture of the seed that’s already been planted in my mind.
TOUCHING THE SURFACE takes place in the afterlife at the Obmil Center for Progression, also known as the Obmil. It’s sort of like a rehabilitation center for dead souls who aren’t making the progress they need to be. It’s a kind of limbO, coincidence intended.
When writing TOUCHING THE SURFACE, I had a very clear visual in my head about what I wanted my afterlife to look like. I even got to take a hike there and take pictures. The location that sparked my imagination was Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York.
Here’s what my Obmil looks like…
In TOUCHING THE SURFACE, this building is called the Haven. It’s the lodge where everyone stays during their visit to the Obmil.
This is the lakeside view of the Haven.
I embellished a bit in my mind, but this tower room in the green section of the building, is the room Elliot stays in while stuck in the afterlife.
This is one of the views of the Haven you might see if you were hiking the upper edge of the lake.
This is the dock where Elliot “arrives” at the Obmil.
And here is the pond where Elliot and Trevor have an interesting altercation.
And don’t forget the rocking chairs where Elliot and Mel have a chat.
And this one is a special bonus for faithful TOUCHING THE SURFACE readers. This is a two-year-old Oliver hanging out at the Obmil. Want to see more images that have inspired or played a roll in the writing of TOUCHING THE SURFACE? You can find them on my Pinterest TOUCHING THE SURFACE page…... Thank you for stopping by today. (Scroll down for an extra giveaway!) Remember to enter your scavenger hunt answer into the YASH contest for a chance to win a ton of signed books by wonderful authors! To enter, you need to know that my favorite number is 11. Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the
GOLD TEAM
and you'll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize!
CONTINUE THE HUNTTo keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author: Amy McNulty Tweet #YASH
And here's an extra giveaway - just for you! This contest is open internationally. Two winners will be chosen. One winner will receive a promotional code via email to redeem at Audible.com for a downloadable audio version of WHO R U REALLY?! A second winner will receive a signed hardback of WHO R U REALLY?!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
.jpg)
Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! I'm Margo Kelly, your hostess for this leg of the hunt.
WHO R U REALLY? is my debut novel, a thriller for young adults, and somewhere along this scavenger hunt, I've hidden exclusive content related to my book. Find it, and let me know what you think of it. Frankly, I love to be scared. I love reading scary stories and watching scary movies. I hope my books will make the hair stand up on the back of your necks. If you have a favorite scary YA book - let me know in the comments so I can read it! Scroll on down for your chance to win tons of prizes and learn more about some wonderful YA authors. Happy hunting! 
The YA Scavenger Hunt is a bi-annual event first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors ... and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for the prize -- one lucky winner will receive twenty books -- one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!
You can simply get started here and follow the instructions below, or you can go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are EIGHT contests going on simultaneously. I am a part of the
GOLD TEAM
-- but there are seven other teams. Check them out for a chance to win a whole different set of signed books! You can enter one or all!If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page.
SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE
Directions: Below, you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the gold team , and then add them up (don't worry, you can use a calculator!). Plus, each gold team member has linked to the next author on the gold list. So simply click the link near the bottom of the post, and it will take you to the next golden author. :)
Entry Form: Once you've added up all the numbers, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.
Rules: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by 4/5/15 at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.
SCAVENGER HUNT POST
Today, I am hosting
Kimberly Sabatini
on my website for the YA Scavenger Hunt!Kimberly Sabatini is a former Special Education Teacher who is now a stay-at-home mom and a part-time dance instructor for three year olds. After her dad passed away in 2005, she used writing as a way to make sense of the experience and discovered that she’s full of questions that need to be answered. She lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with her husband and three boys. Kimberly writes Young Adult fiction and is a member of the SCBWI (The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) She is represented by Michelle Wolfson of Wolfson Literary Agency and thrilled to be part of the “Wolf Pack.” TOUCHING THE SURFACE is her debut novel. (Simon Pulse – Simon & Schuster)
Find out more information:
Kimberly Sabatini's Website
Buy TOUCHING THE SURFACE
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
"Experience the afterlife in this lyrical, paranormal debut novel that will send your heart soaring. When Elliot finds herself dead for the third time, she knows she must have messed up, big-time. She doesn’t remember how she landed in the afterlife again, but she knows this is her last chance to get things right. Elliot just wants to move on, but first she will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed. As she pieces together the secrets and mistakes of her past, Elliot must find a way to earn the forgiveness of the person she’s hurt most, and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever."
Kimberly Sabatini’s TOUCHING THE SURFACE Exclusive Content for the YA Scavenger Hunt
I’m a very visual person, especially when my imagination is involved. One of the ways I feed my creativity is by using pictures to either jumpstart my imagination or to help me build a clearer picture of the seed that’s already been planted in my mind.
TOUCHING THE SURFACE takes place in the afterlife at the Obmil Center for Progression, also known as the Obmil. It’s sort of like a rehabilitation center for dead souls who aren’t making the progress they need to be. It’s a kind of limbO, coincidence intended.
When writing TOUCHING THE SURFACE, I had a very clear visual in my head about what I wanted my afterlife to look like. I even got to take a hike there and take pictures. The location that sparked my imagination was Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York.
Here’s what my Obmil looks like…
In TOUCHING THE SURFACE, this building is called the Haven. It’s the lodge where everyone stays during their visit to the Obmil.
This is the lakeside view of the Haven.
I embellished a bit in my mind, but this tower room in the green section of the building, is the room Elliot stays in while stuck in the afterlife.
This is one of the views of the Haven you might see if you were hiking the upper edge of the lake.
This is the dock where Elliot “arrives” at the Obmil.
And here is the pond where Elliot and Trevor have an interesting altercation.
And don’t forget the rocking chairs where Elliot and Mel have a chat. 
And this one is a special bonus for faithful TOUCHING THE SURFACE readers. This is a two-year-old Oliver hanging out at the Obmil. Want to see more images that have inspired or played a roll in the writing of TOUCHING THE SURFACE? You can find them on my Pinterest TOUCHING THE SURFACE page…... Thank you for stopping by today. (Scroll down for an extra giveaway!) Remember to enter your scavenger hunt answer into the YASH contest for a chance to win a ton of signed books by wonderful authors! To enter, you need to know that my favorite number is 11. Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the
GOLD TEAM
and you'll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize!
CONTINUE THE HUNTTo keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author: Amy McNulty Tweet #YASH
And here's an extra giveaway - just for you! This contest is open internationally. Two winners will be chosen. One winner will receive a promotional code via email to redeem at Audible.com for a downloadable audio version of WHO R U REALLY?! A second winner will receive a signed hardback of WHO R U REALLY?!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Best #Bloggers = Kym Brunner & Holly B.
... Featured for today's #AtoZChallenge - @KymBrunner & @2kidsandtired ...
Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.
To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"
B is for Kym Brunner and Holly B.
Kym Brunner is a traditionally published young adult novelist who regularly features author interviews, giveaways, and writing tips on her blog. A recent blog post featured tips for writing great dialogue. "SWITCH INTO THE MINDS of all of your characters (even the minor ones) as you write to create words that only THEY would say."
Holly B. is an avid book blogger who states bluntly on her blog, "I’m fairly opinionated and if you agree or disagree with a review, go ahead and comment. I won’t argue and I won’t bash, but I love a good discussion. And, if you dissent, I’m curious as to why…" I love reading Holly's reviews, and I appreciate what she contributes to the publishing community.
Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!
Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great bloggers! As a result, I'm recognizing some of the best bloggers for this year's A to Z Challenge. These bloggers have shared knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more. Scroll on down to meet the next set of bloggers.
To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"
B is for Kym Brunner and Holly B.
Kym Brunner is a traditionally published young adult novelist who regularly features author interviews, giveaways, and writing tips on her blog. A recent blog post featured tips for writing great dialogue. "SWITCH INTO THE MINDS of all of your characters (even the minor ones) as you write to create words that only THEY would say."
Holly B. is an avid book blogger who states bluntly on her blog, "I’m fairly opinionated and if you agree or disagree with a review, go ahead and comment. I won’t argue and I won’t bash, but I love a good discussion. And, if you dissent, I’m curious as to why…" I love reading Holly's reviews, and I appreciate what she contributes to the publishing community.
Please take two minutes to stop by these two awesome blogs and thank them for all they contribute to the blogosphere!
April 1, 2015
Thank You - to the BEST BLOGGERS - #AtoZChallenge
As I've hopped around the blogosphere, I've noticed a new trend: bloggers are closing up shop and calling it quits. Messages read, "I've decided it's too much work to keep blogging, and it's just not worth my time."
Well ... I owe a ton to the bloggers who've stuck with it. Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great posts! As a result, I've decided to recognize some of the best bloggers out there for this year's A to Z Challenge. These awesome bloggers have helped me along my way (by sharing knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more). Each day (Monday through Saturday) this month, I'll feature multiple bloggers. Scroll on down to meet the first three.
To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"
A is for Artemis Gray , Alison Miller , and Alex Cavanaugh .
Artemis Gray's blog often features personal stories and opinions. She's vibrant and always willing to help another author. She's simply one of my favorites. Her blog profile states, "I am currently in the process of trying to secure a literary agent. In the meantime, I'm writing like crazy and trying to learn something from every experience, the good and the bad."
I met Alison Miller years ago at a writers' conference, and from moment one, I admired her dynamic personality. Her blog always has a post that inspires me to reach a little more for my goals. Her profile reads, "Stay-at-Home-Mom, YA Writer, Coach's Wife, Math Tutor, Soccer Enthusiast, Tap Dancer, Fair-Weathered Philadelphia Eagles Fan...Wonder Woman Wannabe."
And in honor of the first Wednesday of the month, which is the posting day for the Insecure Writer's Support Group ...
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
Let me introduce you to Alex Cavanaugh! I don't know how he manages to keep so much going ... all the time. If you are looking for a ton of information and a ton of resources, check out his blog! He's always got something going on over there! His profile says, "I'm a sci-fi writer on a journey of discovery - books, movies, music, games, and TV shows."
Please take three minutes to stop by these awesome blogs and thank Artemis, Alison, and Alex for all that they contribute to the blogosphere!
Well ... I owe a ton to the bloggers who've stuck with it. Over the years I've learned so much, made so many friends, and been uplifted by so many great posts! As a result, I've decided to recognize some of the best bloggers out there for this year's A to Z Challenge. These awesome bloggers have helped me along my way (by sharing knowledge, promotions, jokes, guidance, support, and more). Each day (Monday through Saturday) this month, I'll feature multiple bloggers. Scroll on down to meet the first three.
To the BEST BLOGGERS in the world - I say, "Thank you!"
A is for Artemis Gray , Alison Miller , and Alex Cavanaugh .
Artemis Gray's blog often features personal stories and opinions. She's vibrant and always willing to help another author. She's simply one of my favorites. Her blog profile states, "I am currently in the process of trying to secure a literary agent. In the meantime, I'm writing like crazy and trying to learn something from every experience, the good and the bad."
I met Alison Miller years ago at a writers' conference, and from moment one, I admired her dynamic personality. Her blog always has a post that inspires me to reach a little more for my goals. Her profile reads, "Stay-at-Home-Mom, YA Writer, Coach's Wife, Math Tutor, Soccer Enthusiast, Tap Dancer, Fair-Weathered Philadelphia Eagles Fan...Wonder Woman Wannabe."
And in honor of the first Wednesday of the month, which is the posting day for the Insecure Writer's Support Group ...
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html Let me introduce you to Alex Cavanaugh! I don't know how he manages to keep so much going ... all the time. If you are looking for a ton of information and a ton of resources, check out his blog! He's always got something going on over there! His profile says, "I'm a sci-fi writer on a journey of discovery - books, movies, music, games, and TV shows."
Please take three minutes to stop by these awesome blogs and thank Artemis, Alison, and Alex for all that they contribute to the blogosphere!
March 31, 2015
Are You Ready for the #AtoZChallenge?
On your mark ... get set ... because tomorrow we GO!
The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at Tossing it Out, the A to Z Challenge is posting every day in April except Sundays (we get those off for good behavior.) And since there are 26 days, that matches the 26 letters of the alphabet. On April 1, blog about something that begins with the letter “A.” April 2 is “B,” April 3 is “C,” and so on. You can use a theme for the month or go random – just as long as it matches the letter of the alphabet for the day.
The A to Z Challenge is a great way to get into the blogging habit and make new friends. For more details and its history, go HERE
We recommend short posts, turn off Word Verification, and visit five blogs (or more) a day beginning with the one after yours on the list.
Blogs must be on an open platform – no Tumblr, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. – and comments enabled.
I've participated for the last FOUR (!) years in a row. It's a great challenge! So head on over and join the fun at: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/a-to-z-challenge-sign-uplist-2015.html And tell me in the comments below if you're planning to participate, because I'd love to visit your blog during the challenge! :)
The brainchild of Arlee Bird, at Tossing it Out, the A to Z Challenge is posting every day in April except Sundays (we get those off for good behavior.) And since there are 26 days, that matches the 26 letters of the alphabet. On April 1, blog about something that begins with the letter “A.” April 2 is “B,” April 3 is “C,” and so on. You can use a theme for the month or go random – just as long as it matches the letter of the alphabet for the day.
The A to Z Challenge is a great way to get into the blogging habit and make new friends. For more details and its history, go HERE
We recommend short posts, turn off Word Verification, and visit five blogs (or more) a day beginning with the one after yours on the list.
Blogs must be on an open platform – no Tumblr, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. – and comments enabled.
I've participated for the last FOUR (!) years in a row. It's a great challenge! So head on over and join the fun at: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/a-to-z-challenge-sign-uplist-2015.html And tell me in the comments below if you're planning to participate, because I'd love to visit your blog during the challenge! :)
March 30, 2015
This is Why I #Write
Staying up because of Who RU Really? By @MargoWKelly. 9 chapters in and I'm LOVING it!!! pic.twitter.com/HFYPaOTOOW
— Carmel La (@oo_carmel_oo) March 30, 2015
March 23, 2015
Announcing the Spring 2015 YA Scavenger Hunt Authors!
It's almost time for #YASH - and I'm #TeamGold! The Scavenger Hunt runs from April 2nd through April 5th beginning and ending at noon Pacific time on those days.
We have eight outstanding teams this season, and I'm so happy to introduce to you the Spring 2015 YA Scavenger Hunt Authors!
If you've never been a part of the hunt before you should give it a try. It runs like a giant blog hop, introducing you to new YA authors and books along the way. There are tons of prizes including a grand prize for each team. If you win one of the grand prizes you will get a book from each author on that team! For more information and to make sure you get hunt updates, sign up for news on the #YASH website.
On my website, I'll be hosting an extra giveaway for an audiobook version AND a hardback version of WHO R U REALLY?! You don't want to miss out on this fabulous and fun event, but play fast because the hunt and extra giveaway is only live for three days.
And now, here are the teams!
I hope you are all as excited as I am! THE HUNT BEGINS 4/2/15!
We have eight outstanding teams this season, and I'm so happy to introduce to you the Spring 2015 YA Scavenger Hunt Authors!
If you've never been a part of the hunt before you should give it a try. It runs like a giant blog hop, introducing you to new YA authors and books along the way. There are tons of prizes including a grand prize for each team. If you win one of the grand prizes you will get a book from each author on that team! For more information and to make sure you get hunt updates, sign up for news on the #YASH website.
On my website, I'll be hosting an extra giveaway for an audiobook version AND a hardback version of WHO R U REALLY?! You don't want to miss out on this fabulous and fun event, but play fast because the hunt and extra giveaway is only live for three days.
And now, here are the teams!
I hope you are all as excited as I am! THE HUNT BEGINS 4/2/15!
March 19, 2015
It's an #Audiobook #Giveaway
Yes ... that's right! WHO R U REALLY? is now available in audio format! So, let's celebrate by giving away THREE downloads of the book from Audible.com (valued at $19.95 each)!
Listen to a sample: http://ow.ly/Kygd0
Simply click on the "EASY ENTRY" in the Rafflecopter below and enter for your chance to win. The winners will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter. And if you REALLY want to win ... there are multiple ways below to enter. Go crazy. And tell a friend while you're at it!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What? You don't like entering contests? You just want me to give you a promotional code to download the book? Well ... if that's the case do the following:
1. Email me at margokelly1 @ outlook . com (without the extra spaces in there) and tell me why I should give you an audiobook promotional code.
2. Tell me in that same email where you will posts reviews of that audiobook.
Then ... I will select (not at random) three people (in addition to the Rafflecopter winners above) to receive an audiobook download for reviewing purposes. Deadline: March 31, 2015. I will email the winners, and I will announce them here as well.
...
Oh! And in case you want to buy the audiobook (instead of just trying at a chance to win it), you can buy it from these locations:
Audible
Amazon
Listen to a sample: http://ow.ly/Kygd0 Simply click on the "EASY ENTRY" in the Rafflecopter below and enter for your chance to win. The winners will be chosen at random by Rafflecopter. And if you REALLY want to win ... there are multiple ways below to enter. Go crazy. And tell a friend while you're at it!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What? You don't like entering contests? You just want me to give you a promotional code to download the book? Well ... if that's the case do the following:
1. Email me at margokelly1 @ outlook . com (without the extra spaces in there) and tell me why I should give you an audiobook promotional code.
2. Tell me in that same email where you will posts reviews of that audiobook.
Then ... I will select (not at random) three people (in addition to the Rafflecopter winners above) to receive an audiobook download for reviewing purposes. Deadline: March 31, 2015. I will email the winners, and I will announce them here as well.
...
Oh! And in case you want to buy the audiobook (instead of just trying at a chance to win it), you can buy it from these locations:
Audible
Amazon
March 18, 2015
Why #Writing is Telepathy
Whether we're talking about a #novel, a short #story, or even narrative non-fiction, I agree with Stephen King when he defines writing as telepathy ... because writing is the art of transferring ideas from one brain to another.
Much of material for this post is paraphrased from pages 95-99 in Stephen King’s book ON WRITING: A MEMOIR OF THE CRAFT.
Writing is telepathy!
The writer does not even have to be in the same room as the reader for the telepathy to occur.
I could write a story while sitting at my antique desk, next to the window overlooking my garden, at my home in Nampa. Then I could then mail those written words to you. At which point, you could recline in your favorite chair at your house and read those written words. That’s when you would receive my transmitted message.
Telepathy.
If I’ve mastered the craft of writing, I can transfer images from my mind to your mind.
We don’t have to be in the same place or even the same time period. I could have written those words years ago. You could read them today. And the telepathy would still happen.
Let’s give it a try. Right here. Right now.
You pretend that you’re in your favorite receiving location – your recliner, your bed, or your hammock; and I’ll type from my favorite transmitting location – my desk next to my window. Here we go …
This is what I see in my mind:
I walk down a narrow hallway to a kitchen at the back of the house. Sunshine streams through the sliding glass doors, brightening the entire room. A crimson cotton tablecloth drapes over a round kitchen table, and on top of that table sits a tall, wire bird cage. At the bottom of the cage is a fluffy, white rabbit. Its pink nose twitches as it munches away on a stub of a carrot. On the rabbit’s back, clearly marked in blue ink, is the number 8. The rabbit pauses for a moment, completely motionless, but then just as suddenly, he begins chomping on his carrot again.
Transmission complete.
Did we see the same thing? Of course there will be variations. Color blind receivers probably saw a dark gray tablecloth instead of a red one. Some decorative souls may have added a scalloped edge along the tablecloth. When it comes to the bird cage, I’m certain there were more variations, because I only gave you a rough description of the cage. The alternative would have been to give you exact measurements such as 41 inches tall with a circumference of 26 inches. And that would have been more like an instruction manual than a narrative.
So while some of you may have seen a three foot tall cage and others saw a five foot tall cage, the point is, you saw a cage with a rabbit at the bottom of it.
Which brings us to the important part of this telepathy exercise ... while there may have been variations with the details of the transmission … one thing should have been perfectly clear in your mind: the blue number 8 on the back of the rabbit. And even more important than the blue 8 is the question that I transmitted to your mind without using any words at all. The question I planted was: Why is there a blue number 8 on the back of that carrot munching rabbit? If that question did not cross your mind, either I’ve not mastered the art of transmitting or you’ve not mastered the art of receiving. In which case, one of us did not take this seriously.
In order for writing to work like telepathy, the writer must master the art. Stephen King says regarding writing, “If you can take it seriously, we can do business. If you can’t or won’t, it’s time for you to … do something else.” (page 98)
A writer must transmit a clear picture to the mind of the reader. These two people do not have to be in the same room or even the same time period for this to work. It is not magic or accidental. Writing is a form of telepathy, but only if the writer takes the craft seriously and masters it.
Much of material for this post is paraphrased from pages 95-99 in Stephen King’s book ON WRITING: A MEMOIR OF THE CRAFT.
Writing is telepathy!
The writer does not even have to be in the same room as the reader for the telepathy to occur.
I could write a story while sitting at my antique desk, next to the window overlooking my garden, at my home in Nampa. Then I could then mail those written words to you. At which point, you could recline in your favorite chair at your house and read those written words. That’s when you would receive my transmitted message.
Telepathy.
If I’ve mastered the craft of writing, I can transfer images from my mind to your mind.
We don’t have to be in the same place or even the same time period. I could have written those words years ago. You could read them today. And the telepathy would still happen.
Let’s give it a try. Right here. Right now.
You pretend that you’re in your favorite receiving location – your recliner, your bed, or your hammock; and I’ll type from my favorite transmitting location – my desk next to my window. Here we go …
This is what I see in my mind:
I walk down a narrow hallway to a kitchen at the back of the house. Sunshine streams through the sliding glass doors, brightening the entire room. A crimson cotton tablecloth drapes over a round kitchen table, and on top of that table sits a tall, wire bird cage. At the bottom of the cage is a fluffy, white rabbit. Its pink nose twitches as it munches away on a stub of a carrot. On the rabbit’s back, clearly marked in blue ink, is the number 8. The rabbit pauses for a moment, completely motionless, but then just as suddenly, he begins chomping on his carrot again.
Transmission complete.
Did we see the same thing? Of course there will be variations. Color blind receivers probably saw a dark gray tablecloth instead of a red one. Some decorative souls may have added a scalloped edge along the tablecloth. When it comes to the bird cage, I’m certain there were more variations, because I only gave you a rough description of the cage. The alternative would have been to give you exact measurements such as 41 inches tall with a circumference of 26 inches. And that would have been more like an instruction manual than a narrative.
So while some of you may have seen a three foot tall cage and others saw a five foot tall cage, the point is, you saw a cage with a rabbit at the bottom of it.
Which brings us to the important part of this telepathy exercise ... while there may have been variations with the details of the transmission … one thing should have been perfectly clear in your mind: the blue number 8 on the back of the rabbit. And even more important than the blue 8 is the question that I transmitted to your mind without using any words at all. The question I planted was: Why is there a blue number 8 on the back of that carrot munching rabbit? If that question did not cross your mind, either I’ve not mastered the art of transmitting or you’ve not mastered the art of receiving. In which case, one of us did not take this seriously.
In order for writing to work like telepathy, the writer must master the art. Stephen King says regarding writing, “If you can take it seriously, we can do business. If you can’t or won’t, it’s time for you to … do something else.” (page 98)
A writer must transmit a clear picture to the mind of the reader. These two people do not have to be in the same room or even the same time period for this to work. It is not magic or accidental. Writing is a form of telepathy, but only if the writer takes the craft seriously and masters it.
March 14, 2015
#Book Review: A SMALL INDISCRETION
A Small Indiscretion by Jan EllisonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an excellent debut by Jan Ellison. Her writing is engaging, the plot is dynamic, and the characters are well developed.
With that in mind, I really struggled to fully sink into the world of the story at first because it is not written in a traditional linear fashion or from any traditional point of view.
Instead of telling the story in chronological order, even with occasional flashbacks, Ellison jumps back and forth - not just between two main time periods but all over the place. A perfect description of her style can be taken from her own words on page 265: "It was not the predictable, linear sort of effect one gets with actual dominoes. It was more like the elaborate constructions you used to make out of blocks and marbles and plastic tubes and pulleys and levers and ramps when you were young. Rube Goldberg machines, I think they're called. Architectural masterpieces that required every single curved and straight block, every groove, every angle and turn to be placed so precisely, the ball would roll smoothly on its intricate journey each time, finally coming to rest with a satisfied thud."
Ellison constructed the story in the first person POV of the main character, but wrote it as though she's telling the story to her son - often referred to as "you" in the writing. Since I'm obviously not the main character's son, I found that reading "you" was quite jarring and kept me at a distance from the meat of the story. However, as I got further into the story, I fell into the rhythm of the writing and really enjoyed turning each page to find out what was going to be revealed next.
While Ellison did an excellent job of developing each character, I really could never connect to the main character, or like her, or feel sympathy for her. She rarely acted for herself. Instead she merely REACTED to the choices others made around her. And she was so starved for love. Obviously, that was the basis for the story. She wanted to be loved. "I was muddled and unhappy. I had lost track of my place in the world, and the only way to get it back was to have Jonathan put it back for me. I told him because I wanted what everybody wants--to be known. To know oneself, and to tell the whole story of that self, and to be loved anyway" (page 256). I agree that we all want to be loved for our true selves, but that source of love needs to start from within.
There are sex scenes in the book. Nothing terribly detailed. And to quote the author again, this is how I felt about the sex in the book, "it seemed vaguely theatrical" (page 253).
There are occasional foul words. I could probably count them all with just my fingers. So not too many.
There's no violence in the book, unless you count the self-hatred by a few of the characters.
Ellison's writing is wonderful. "...my lips were loosened by wine, and Emme's temper was loosened by my words, and the memory of that dinner clings to me like a hangover that won't end" (page 224). "It was one in a series of towns strung together in the foothills, bounded by the western edge of the San Gabriel Mountains and linked by an unbroken thoroughfare of biker bars and auto shops and liquor stores" (page 44).
My favorite line from the book: "He walked toward me, his wing tips making the sound they always did on the hardwood floor--the contented thud of another workday ending, and another evening in the life of our family beginning" (page 194).
If you enjoy literary fiction, this book is for you. If you're in a book club, this would be a great selection. But if you prefer linear storytelling told from a simple point of view, this might not be the best book to pick up ... unless of course you want to exercise your brain a bit. ;)
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