D.G. Kaye's Blog, page 89

Writer’s Tips – Writing Your About Page, Flexiclips, Contest Caveats

Welcome to this week’s edition of Writer’s Tips. Today’s helpful posts are helpful articles on how to keep readers interested in our books, how to make quick videos, how to make our ‘about pages’ interesting, and some caveats on entering writing contests.     Great article I found on what turns off readers from buying our books. Source: Why I won’t buy your self-published book – Build Book Buzz     Anne R. Allen has some great tips for us to beware of when entering Writing Contests Source: Beware Bogus Writing Contests: 8 Red Flags to Look For     How to make a quick video with Flexiclips from Nicholas Rossis http://nicholasrossis.me/2019/04/27/f...     Writing “about me” pages by Nicholas Rossis Writing a book is hard. Still, I’d rather write a 5-novel series than a book blurb. And when it comes to writing a couple of paragraphs about me, aka Author Bio, well, that’s when I rea… Source: How to Write the Best “About The Author” Page Possible | Nicholas C. Rossis   Another gem I found is editor Jeri Walker’s generous share of character style sheets, FREE download. Source: #Editor: Story Bible and Manuscript Style Sheet Templates – Word Bank Writing & Editing    

Streets Ahead Street Team Author #Promotion | Stevie Turner

Stevie Turner had originally created this promotional group for authors on Facebook. We had a nice group going where every week in alphabetical order, Stevie posts 2 authors in the group to share a link to one of their books then all the authors in the group share the link on their social media. Stevie also joined me on Mewe.com when I followed my friends Colleen and Sally there because they, like Stevie, were being restricted and unable to post anymore. I too had lots of FB problems and MeWe offered the next step in social media – mainly, privacy and no data stealing or sharing, with a similar site to Facebook. Then recently Stevie couldn’t post any of her blogs and she’d had enough and closed up FB. And so she re-opened Streets Ahead Team on MeWe. So if you’re an author interested in joining the group, please read Stevie’s post.   Streets Ahead Street Team Promotion Posted by Stevie Turner in Promotions, street team This is a promotion from my new Streets Ahead street team, which has now moved over to MeWe as I’ve deleted my Facebook account.  Authors can join using this link:   https://mewe.com/group/5cc86303c7ff68... At the moment we’re promoting Robbie Cheadle’s book ‘While the Bombs Fell’. . . please continue reading at Stevie’s blog         Source: Streets Ahead Street Team Promotion | Stevie Turner

Is The #Editor You Hired Actually Doing The Editing?

While visiting a friend’s blog recently, I was intrigued at something Amy Reade’s guest, an author and freelance editor, mentioned in her interview – “English teachers are not editors.” Her comment took me back to a terrible experience I once encountered with an editor I hired after being referred to her by a highly successful author friend. At the time, I was just completing my final draft for my 3rd book – Menowhat? A Memoir  and was already quite happy and comfortable with my previous editor but somehow got caught up in the hoopla of this highly recommended editor who my friend claimed had brought his book to a new level.   I carefully vetted the editor, looked at testimonials and checked out her work, and even had a free chapter edited by her for her to demonstrate how she works. And for some unexplained reason I decided to try her out for a change of pace. I emailed her and even followed up by calling her because I wanted to get a good feel for her and her work. . . and the nightmare began. I submitted my manuscript and anxiously awaited it to return to me with the edits, and what I got back was a holy mess. The manuscript I was reading didn’t read like it was my voice anymore. All of who I am as a writer was stripped away from my story. My story had no emotion left in it, it read boring and almost clinical. As I continued to scroll through the initial first pass of the edits, I literally shed tears and felt like shredding the whole manuscript. Nothing was jiving. Everything I’d read about this editor wasn’t adding up to the praise she had been given by many. And after I did a first scroll through I turned on the track changes in the review section of the Word document to read further – the explanations in the viewing panel from the editor, the panel that not only displays comments and suggested changes, but is stamped with the editor’s initials, or full name. THE NAME I SAW WAS NOT THE NAME OF THE EDITOR I HIRED!! I was livid. I immediately drafted a letter and sent it off to ‘the editor I hired’. I let her know how I felt about the shoddy work done on my MS, and that I discovered that she did not edit my book! She replied to me with a bunch of malarkey to soften the blows and proceeded to explain to me that she was behind in her work and subbed out my MS to an English school teacher friend of hers. She did not inform me of that when I hired her, or when she sent me back the MS, hoping I wouldn’t notice! I chewed her out and told her I would not be paying the balance owed and if she had a problem with that I’d have no problem exploiting her on social media. Then I put my tail between my legs and emailed my original editor of my other books, explained how I betrayed her and apologized, told her about the mess my book was in and asked if she’d take it on and start from scratch with the original manuscript before it was hacked to death. And of course, the good person she is, she consoled me and told me it’s not unusual for writers to want to explore other editors and that she was happy I came back to her. I wanted to hug her. I’ve read many times how we as writers aren’t effective enough being our own editors and I know this first hand. I’ve read many a tale of woe where writers cried in protest their editors had stripped their voice from their manuscripts. And I’ve also read several times that English teachers don’t qualify as editors. Then I learned why. I recently visited Amy’s blog where she was featuring author/editor Cindy Davis, talking about one of her books and touching on several insights about writing. Her statement and explanation below is what reminded me about the importance of hiring a real editor: Amy asked: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?   Two things. Never think you’re done learning. Keep striving to improve your writing skills. And second, get your book edited. Not by an English teacher. I know I’ll take some flack for this and I agree that teachers are awesome for punctuation and grammar, but they aren’t trained in story development or the fine-tuning it takes to bring your story to the next level—things like filter words, head hopping, and show don’t tell.   And I will add to that the importance of maintaining voice. Voice is how we project our words, how they are received by a reader with a distinct and familiar narration just as we all have our own unique sound of our actual voices, our voice should carry into our writing. We are the storytellers of our books. The editor’s voice is not the one that should emit through the story. Remember, not every editor is suited for every book. We have to do our diligence and vet the editor. In my situation, I did my diligence vetting and when I had my MS returned to me, nothing about it gave me a wow factor as I’d expected and my suspicions proved correct because the person I hired wasn’t the person who edited my MS. Have any of you here ever been duped or unsatisfied with a hired editor? Please share your experience with us.        

Sunday Book Review – More Glimpses by Hugh Roberts

Today’s Sunday Book Review is for Hugh Roberts’ newest short story book – More Glimpses. If you’re familiar with Hugh’s first book – Glimpses, this new book of stories that keeps you gripped till the end will continue to do so. For those who have yet to enter Hugh’s world of oddities, time travel and twisted endings, you’re in for a treat.     Blurb: Do you believe in fairies at the bottom of the garden? Or know the real truth about what lurks inside every mobile phone? Would you steal items from a blind person, or send your neighbours on a time travelling adventure fraught with danger and menace to save the human race from a bug? How about staying in a sleepy village where many murders have taken place or coming to the aid of royalty while out shopping? These are just some of the subjects covered in the second collection of short stories and flash fiction from author and writer, Hugh W. Roberts. ‘More Glimpses’ gives the reader an opportunity to take a peek into the lives of normal, everyday people whose lives are all on a path full of twists, turns and unexpected endings. However, it’s not only about the humans; nothing escapes the extraordinary journeys Hugh has planned for you. If you are a lover of shows such as ‘Black Mirror’ or ‘The Twilight Zone’ then you’re in for another exciting trip in this second collection from Hugh. Come and meet the characters who had no idea their lives were about to be turned upside-down. Enjoy the ride!   My 5 Star Review: Hugh Roberts never disappoints with his uncanny ability to take a simple life event and twist it into a life-altering situation, keeping us glued till the very end. It’s always a struggle to figure out where this author will lead us with his often dark trysts into another dimension. Like in true Roberts fashion, More Glimpses takes us into the lives of some interesting characters – many of whom don’t always have good intentions. A few stories which stick in my mind: The Whistle – when love succumbs to war, what happens when time travelers’ plans get bungled up in The Bag Lady, Murder in Evershot brings us the life-like game of Clue mixed with a bit of Miss Marple and a good warning about letting strangers know where you live, you may never look at carrot cake the same way again after reading Easter Bunny Cake. And one of my favorites – The Jump – burning love at both ends of the candle can be a biatch and Karma comes in for just desserts. This book of short stories offers a wide array of genres to entertain, sometimes frighten, and make you think. You may need to leave the lights on when reading!  

The Historical Role of Writers and Authors in Society – K. DeMers Dowdall

In our new world of fake news and certain attempts to block a free press, I felt compelled to share this amazing article by Karen Dowdall on a writer’s right to write, democracy, and the critical importance for writers to spread their written words.   I believe our global world is teetering on a precipice or an abyss. However we wish to view our global situation, because there are too many dictators that have now gained power. The supposed purpose of our American Democratic Republic was, and hopefully will be again someday, for religious freedom and economic prosperity. Democracy, however, is losing. Therefore, in my opinion, writers can and should share their views.  The governmental policies are everyone’s business, because our lives, how we live our lives, are dependent upon on our written and verbal voices.  Writers have a voice, an audience, a vibrant and often collective voice. Fiction, especially, is a vehicle to express societal needs and wants for a better life. Consider A Tale of Two Cities, To Kill a Mocking Bird, The Scarlet Letter, Jane Eyre, Oliver Twist, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Roots, and so many others.  All of these written works represent writers speaking out about the horrors of tyranny placed on people of poverty, of color, of sex, and of faith. Furthermore, all of the above classic literature, speaks to the appalling human conditions forced onto society by tyranny, greed, hate groups, ignorance, and loathe. The cruelty of mankind is a poison without a cure…unless humankind speaks loudly, writes loudly about injustice, poverty, bullying, hate, fear, racism, greed, and tyranny. Please continue reading at Karen’s blog     Source: The Historical Role of Writers and Authors in Society – K. DeMers Dowdall

Writer’s Tips – Gutenberg How To, 89 Instagram Secrets You Need to Know, Free Logos

I’ve picked a few articles to share for today’s edition of Writer’s Tips after visiting fellow blogger’s pages. Nicholas Rossis shares some great info on where to pick up some free fonts and a site for 3D mockups for our books. I have to great informational  articles from blogging guru Hugh Roberts on how to add images and slideshows to our blogs. A complete step by step guide to using Gutenberg editor by Natalie Ducey. And some useful information for authors on using Instagram and social media by Anne R. Allen. Something for everyone!   I recently posted about free fonts and free 3D mockups. This latest resource rounds up nicely these two design-related posts by throwing some great images into the mix. PNGkey has a stunning number… Free Transparent Logos and Images     Hugh Roberts with some helpful information for bloggers on embedding slideshows on your blogs. How To Add A Slideshow To Your WordPress Blog Post Using Gutenberg     More helpful hints from Hugh Roberts on how to add images in the comment section of a blog – make sure you have permission first! How To Add An Image To A Comment On A WordPress Blog     Block by block – A step by step guide to using Gutenberg editor by Natalie Ducey Getting Started with Gutenberg – A How-To Guide for Creating Engaging Blog Posts with Gutenberg.       89 Helpful tips to use Instagram as an author’s tool Source: Instagram Online: 89 Instagram Secrets You Need to Know         And another informative post from Anne R. Allen – How to use social media effectively for authors Authors, Don’t Run From Social Media: 10 Tips to use it Efficiently and Avoid the “Cesspool.”          

Clearing with Selenite – The Sisters of the Fey

Today I’m sharing my latest post at our Sisters of the Fey blog, where we share articles about all things spiritual and magical. I wrote this article on how to use the stone Selenite to help with clearing bad energy as a follow up post to my earlier post on how to do Empathic Clearing.   Clearing with Selenite   TODAY I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE CRYSTAL – SELENITE. YOU MAY REMEMBER I MENTIONED THIS STONE IN MY LAST POST ON ENERGY CLEARING. SO TODAY I THOUGHT I’D FOLLOW UP THAT POST WITH GETTING MORE INTO THIS WONDERFUL TOOL FOR CLEARING.   WHAT IS SELENITE? Selenite is part of the quartz family, a crystalized form of gypsum, often referred to as ‘liquid light’. Selenite has the ability to open our crown, third eye and higher chakras, making it an excellent tool to use with any spiritual cleansing. Selenite is found in quite a few countries such as: Greece, Mexico. and the U.S.A.. It is associated with the moon’s lunar cycles, originally named for the Greek Goddess Selene.   HEALING PROPERTIES Selenite is known for its connection with our third eye chakra. Light energy radiates through this stone, promoting honesty and purity, forcing the holder of the stone to become open and receiving, thus helping with clearing energy blocks by allowing energy fluidity to promote raised awareness. Selenite is a wonderful divination tool for connecting with spirit guides and guardian angels. Wearing Selenite jewelry is helpful to ward off receiving negative energies and keeps the energy sucking vampires from stealing our energy.   HOW TO USE A good piece of Selenite to use for clearing is in the form of a wand. Wands typically are about 6 to 8 inches long. The wand has more than one use. You can create a space for yourself where you like to spend time and place the wand along side any other tumbled crystals you have that you feel empowers you in a dish or a bowl and keep them near to keep good energy in the room. The wand will keep your other stones charged at the same time because Selenite is a self-cleansing stone and has the energy to cleanse other stones. Therefore, you wouldn’t have to keep cleansing your stones after taking in negative energies if the Selenite were on top of the other stones. You can use the wand to help with meditation. Make sure one end points toward your crown chakra and the other to the root chakra (vertically), then begin your chosen mantra. One of the best uses for this wand is for removing negative energies on your person by holding the wand . . .continue reading at the Fey   Source: Clearing with Selenite – The Sisters of the Fey  

Sunday Book Review – Not Just Quotes by Dorothy Sander

Today’s Sunday Book Review is for Dorothy Sander’s beautiful book – Not Just Quotes. This book was a beautiful read, written from the author’s perspective on life through her aging and wisdom experiences. Besides the author’s perspective, there are also pages added after each short chapter with questions we can answer for ourselves, along with various quotes on each topic from some of the greats in literature.   I was delighted to receive a paperback copy from the author after she emailed me and asked my permission if she could add my review of her earlier book to the editorial page of this book.     Blurb: Quotes, essays and reflection questions entice readers to explore the fundamental principles that guide their lives. Essays from the author on topics that include Change, Courage, Beauty, Friendship and Wisdom are paired with quotes from well-known teachers, writers and spiritual guides and reflection questions. A perfect companion for exploring personal beliefs, especially during times of transition and change. Use as a practice for those who wish to align their external life with their internal beliefs and values.   My 5 Star Review: This is a most beautiful book – from cover to words. Sander takes us with her on these short. yet, powerful self-reflections on the various elements of life through aging and wisdom. Some of the many topics covered are about love, joy, friendship, fear, forgiveness, and many more. Each chapter is written from the author’s perspective on the aforementioned topics, accompanied by questions she leaves with us to fill out on our own with lined spaces for us to express our thoughts in answer. To end each chapter there are beautiful quotes the author has compiled from some of the literary greats of our time, which relate to the topic of each chapter. Two quotes that stuck out to me from Sander’s writing are on forgiveness and happiness. Forgiveness – “The first step in finding forgiveness is to turn away from the other and turn toward ourselves.” Happiness – “You cannot become unstuck by focusing on something outside of yourself, because the stuck-ness lives within you.” This book is timeless and one I now keep by my bedside for a daily dose of inspiration.

#WATWB – We are theWorld Blogfest – Wrapped in Courage

For this month’s We are the World Blogfest contribution, I wanted to share a wonderful project called ‘Wrapped in Courage’. This campaign runs all year round but it’s particularly highlighted in the month of November for Women’s Abuse Prevention Month.   Wrapped in Courage campaign is organized by the Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses.  It was created in 2013. Every year throughout the month of November, supporters call on all Ontarian’s to show support for survivors of women abuse by purchasing a purple scarf from the local women’s shelters. A campaign to end violence against women The Courage of a Woman is NOT Enough ​ Now in its sixth year, shelters across the province are engaging the community to become more aware of the often overlooked issue of woman abuse in Ontario. November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month. The purple scarf is a symbol of the courage it takes woman leave her abuser. However, the courage of the woman is not enough. It takes the strength of an entire community to end violence against women.   It is estimated that 20-30 women are murdered annually in Ontario by a male partner – current or previous, and is the number 2 reason for emergency police calls.   About Wrapped in Courage http://wrappedincourage.wixsite.com/w...   Wrapped in Courage Campaign Source: Wrapped in Courage   Every month a growing number of bloggers take part on the last Friday of each month to share some of the good things going on in the world. If you’d like to take part in sharing a post for #WATWB, you can add your link to your post HERE.   This month’s hosts for the WATWB are:    Shilpa Garg, Inderpreet Uppal, Peter Nena, Lizbeth Hartz, Eric Lahti.

School Days, Reminiscences of Debby Gies (D.G. Kaye) | Norah Colvin

Norah  Colvin is running a wonderful author interview series on her blog where she interviews writers, asking them questions about their ‘schooldays’. I was thrilled to be invited over to Norah’s to share some of my own young school days stories.   School Days, Reminiscences of Debby Gies (D.G. Kaye)   Welcome to the School Days, Reminiscences series in which my champion bloggers and authors share reminiscences of their school days. It’s my small way of thanking them for their support and of letting you know about their services and publications. This week, I am pleased to introduce Debby Gies (D.G. Kaye), author and blogger extraordinaire. I can’t remember when or how I met Debby, but I do know that very early on I read and thoroughly enjoyed her travel memoir Have Bags, Will Travel. While Debby has done far more travel than I, there was much in her book with which I could identify. I remember laughing out loud in places, surprised to find there was someone else who shared similar obsessive behaviour. Debby is a prolific writer, mainly of memoir. I have read others of her books and never been disappointed. Her style is open, from the heart, and conversational. You could be having a chat with a best friend over coffee, sharing love, life and laughter. In fact, those are things we both have in our blog taglines. How could we not be friends? Since our first encounter, Debby has been a constant supporter of both my blogs, always dropping by to share some words of wisdom or encouragement — a true champion.   What did you like best about school? My teachers. I had developed several rapports with teachers in many grades. When I look back on those days, I know it had to do with the compassion and extra attention they gave me that I didn’t receive at home.   What did you like least about school? I hated gym class. I was not an active child, more of a thinker than a doer. I didn’t like the ugly uniforms we wore that weren’t the least flattering, especially for girls carrying extra weight, and I didn’t enjoy sports. I was the proverbial girl chosen last when picking teams. Here’s the girl who always kept a high 80s average throughout high school until the year I actually failed gym, which cut into my good grade average. Seriously, who fails gym?   What work or profession did you choose after school and was there anything in school that influenced this choice? While in school I couldn’t make up my mind what I wanted to do. My initial goals were to become a journalist or a lawyer. I had the grades to do so but not the inspiration nor the encouragement to follow through. I worked in the clothing industry for a few years in my early twenties, started as a salesgirl, working my way up to managerial positions and buyer. The fashion bug hit me early. I then became an executive secretary for a general manager of the Carlton Inn Hotel – best job ever! And then I moved on to run an office for a construction company for a friend and later did the same work for an architectural firm. After ‘those days’ I went to ‘dealer’ school where I became a licensed blackjack and poker dealer and worked in the casino business until I met my husband. . . Please continue reading at Norah’s blog.     Source: School Days, Reminiscences of Debby Gies (D.G. Kaye) | Norah Colvin