Claudette Melanson's Blog - Posts Tagged "claudette-melanson"
Illustrator Interview–20 Questions with Daniel Chon
Tell us a bit about yourself and your family
My family and I live in Monterey, California. I have a super charged five year old daughter named Olivia and an amazingly supportive wife named Annie. As for myself, I work as a freelance art director and illustrator with an overly active imagination and need for challenge.
Did you always want to be an artist?
Ever since my cousin taught me how to draw a swan out of a number two, I’ve always loved to draw. I can’t say that I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I wanted to be a superhero when I was a kid, but always settled for telling stories through pictures. I owe the discovery of being an artist to my high school art teacher, Mrs. Weigel. She encouraged me to focus my passion for drawing into making it a career.
What inspires you?
Music and seeing how other artists and movie directors think. There’s something about watching how creativity inspires others that can be contagious. Listening to music (mostly without lyrics) can transport you through your imagination to all sorts of cool and interesting destinations if you just let the tempo carry you like a current.
What are your favorite things to draw?
I’ve always played at drawing my own comic some day. Drawing my own characters, plotting out scenes on scraps of paper. It’s always been a pet project of mine that I’ve had on my bucket list of things to accomplish. Who knows, maybe someday?
What inspired your cover for Rising Tide: Dark Innocence?
I knew that I wanted it to look intriguing. I wanted it to fit the novel. Playing off the heroine’s innocence and the darkness that surrounds her. But most of all I wanted her to feel like an apparition that you could not easily dismiss once you looked at her.
How long did it take you to create the book’s cover?
That cover… oh boy. It went through a lot of rounds of play. I can’t remember how long to be honest, but I can tell you it was a really fun puzzle to figure out.
What projects are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m working on a freelance gig, doing commissions and also working out stray ideas for my own “pet” projects. It’s a lot but it keeps me out of trouble.
Will you be designing more covers for other authors?
Good question. Do you know any authors who are looking for an illustrator?
Do you have any ideas for the cover of Claudette Melanson’s next book, Undertow?
I’ve got a few ideas that I’m keeping close to the chest. We’ll both have to see the next book to see how it turns out. Haha!
What’s your favorite aspect of the cover you designed for Rising Tide?
Wow. That’s actually a tough question because there are elements I like for different reasons. Honestly, I think if I were truthful with myself…I would have to say that the visuals are not overly complicated. I think it says all that it needs to hopefully coax a reader into asking questions about what the book is about.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists reading this?
I’d say that for everyone (me most of all)…humility and a healthy fear are the two greatest tools any artist can have. Humility in that we’ve always got to a lot to learn. And a healthy fear, that if we’re not pushing our abilities enough, we won’t grow to be better. Talent only takes us part of the way. It’s the effort and willingness to put ourselves out there (win or lose) that officially tells us…you’ve started the journey.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not creating art?
I really enjoy watching speed drawing videos on YouTube (art nerd I know), watching movies and playing with my daughter. But truthfully, you’ll have a pretty hard time getting me without a pencil or stylus in my hand.
What’s your favorite drawing you’ve ever created?
I would have to say, a quick pencil sketch of my daughter Olivia. It might not mean that much to someone else. But it means the world to me.
How do you know Claudette?
Claudette and I have been friends for quite a while. We met over a website forum a few years ago and have been pen pals ever since.
What are some things you hope to accomplish from this novel’s cover design?
I think my intent was pretty basic. I hoped to demonstrate through visuals that the novel doesn’t mess around. That by treating the content with respect and attention to detail it represents the author’s heart and soul in this story.
How do you come up with the ideas for your artwork?
Drawing. Sketching. Note taking. Repeat.
Would you like to design more book covers for other authors in the future and if so, what kind of covers do you hope to illustrate?
If I had an opportunity presented again, absolutely. I’m a big fan of science fiction, so maybe having a go at that genre would be fun. I’ve received some really great feedback from people who’ve seen the “Rising Tide” cover and appreciated it. I can’t express how thankful I am to them for that. It’s definitely one of my top ten feelings.
What would your dream job be?
Ever since I was in high school I’ve always thought it would be cool to be a comic book illustrator but I’m also holding out for being a superhero too.
Do you read? If so, what are your favorite kinds of books?
I do! I read a lot of books on art, but I also really like super natural thrillers and science fiction.
What are you most passionate about?
Not to take a motto away from the army but being the best artist, dad and husband I can be.
Would you like to commission Daniel for your own project? You can find him here!
What a wonderful experience to work with Daniel! He's timely, creates beautiful work, listens to the ideas of those he works with and his one-of-a-kind designs are affordable with competitive pricing. I would recommend this talented illustrator to anyone! - Claudette Melanson, Author of Rising Tide
My family and I live in Monterey, California. I have a super charged five year old daughter named Olivia and an amazingly supportive wife named Annie. As for myself, I work as a freelance art director and illustrator with an overly active imagination and need for challenge.
Did you always want to be an artist?
Ever since my cousin taught me how to draw a swan out of a number two, I’ve always loved to draw. I can’t say that I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I wanted to be a superhero when I was a kid, but always settled for telling stories through pictures. I owe the discovery of being an artist to my high school art teacher, Mrs. Weigel. She encouraged me to focus my passion for drawing into making it a career.
What inspires you?
Music and seeing how other artists and movie directors think. There’s something about watching how creativity inspires others that can be contagious. Listening to music (mostly without lyrics) can transport you through your imagination to all sorts of cool and interesting destinations if you just let the tempo carry you like a current.
What are your favorite things to draw?
I’ve always played at drawing my own comic some day. Drawing my own characters, plotting out scenes on scraps of paper. It’s always been a pet project of mine that I’ve had on my bucket list of things to accomplish. Who knows, maybe someday?
What inspired your cover for Rising Tide: Dark Innocence?
I knew that I wanted it to look intriguing. I wanted it to fit the novel. Playing off the heroine’s innocence and the darkness that surrounds her. But most of all I wanted her to feel like an apparition that you could not easily dismiss once you looked at her.
How long did it take you to create the book’s cover?
That cover… oh boy. It went through a lot of rounds of play. I can’t remember how long to be honest, but I can tell you it was a really fun puzzle to figure out.
What projects are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m working on a freelance gig, doing commissions and also working out stray ideas for my own “pet” projects. It’s a lot but it keeps me out of trouble.
Will you be designing more covers for other authors?
Good question. Do you know any authors who are looking for an illustrator?
Do you have any ideas for the cover of Claudette Melanson’s next book, Undertow?
I’ve got a few ideas that I’m keeping close to the chest. We’ll both have to see the next book to see how it turns out. Haha!
What’s your favorite aspect of the cover you designed for Rising Tide?
Wow. That’s actually a tough question because there are elements I like for different reasons. Honestly, I think if I were truthful with myself…I would have to say that the visuals are not overly complicated. I think it says all that it needs to hopefully coax a reader into asking questions about what the book is about.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists reading this?
I’d say that for everyone (me most of all)…humility and a healthy fear are the two greatest tools any artist can have. Humility in that we’ve always got to a lot to learn. And a healthy fear, that if we’re not pushing our abilities enough, we won’t grow to be better. Talent only takes us part of the way. It’s the effort and willingness to put ourselves out there (win or lose) that officially tells us…you’ve started the journey.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you’re not creating art?
I really enjoy watching speed drawing videos on YouTube (art nerd I know), watching movies and playing with my daughter. But truthfully, you’ll have a pretty hard time getting me without a pencil or stylus in my hand.
What’s your favorite drawing you’ve ever created?
I would have to say, a quick pencil sketch of my daughter Olivia. It might not mean that much to someone else. But it means the world to me.
How do you know Claudette?
Claudette and I have been friends for quite a while. We met over a website forum a few years ago and have been pen pals ever since.
What are some things you hope to accomplish from this novel’s cover design?
I think my intent was pretty basic. I hoped to demonstrate through visuals that the novel doesn’t mess around. That by treating the content with respect and attention to detail it represents the author’s heart and soul in this story.
How do you come up with the ideas for your artwork?
Drawing. Sketching. Note taking. Repeat.
Would you like to design more book covers for other authors in the future and if so, what kind of covers do you hope to illustrate?
If I had an opportunity presented again, absolutely. I’m a big fan of science fiction, so maybe having a go at that genre would be fun. I’ve received some really great feedback from people who’ve seen the “Rising Tide” cover and appreciated it. I can’t express how thankful I am to them for that. It’s definitely one of my top ten feelings.
What would your dream job be?
Ever since I was in high school I’ve always thought it would be cool to be a comic book illustrator but I’m also holding out for being a superhero too.
Do you read? If so, what are your favorite kinds of books?
I do! I read a lot of books on art, but I also really like super natural thrillers and science fiction.
What are you most passionate about?
Not to take a motto away from the army but being the best artist, dad and husband I can be.
Would you like to commission Daniel for your own project? You can find him here!
What a wonderful experience to work with Daniel! He's timely, creates beautiful work, listens to the ideas of those he works with and his one-of-a-kind designs are affordable with competitive pricing. I would recommend this talented illustrator to anyone! - Claudette Melanson, Author of Rising Tide
Marie, Barb & the Buffalo: My Most Random Book Sell Ever
Marie, Barb & the Buffalo: My Most Random Book Sell Ever
Almost two months ago, my husband drove me down to Buffalo, New York for a book signing at a popular café. I’m kind of new at all this, given Rising Tide is my first novel and all, so I’m learning a lot about the world of publishing…and marketing. It turned out we were at the café during a very slow time for business. The book signing wasn’t a huge success—and I do count every, single sell as a success—but I was still happy we got to go on a road trip, listening to the blog of the phenomenal author Lindsay Buroker on the way and soaking up some awesome promo tips. We ate a really nice lunch out, which is something we don’t do a lot. I had a Huevos Rancheros brunchy-style dish that was simply to-die-for. And yes, of course I skipped the flour tortilla ;)!
Plus, we were in New York…and that meant a visit to Trader Joe’s! I love that place! So many healthy items to pick up, including two of my favorites, cashew flour and canned coconut cream! How I wish we had this chain in Canada. We have organic butter here, but not the Kerrygold grass-fed, and when you give grains to a cow it changes not only the meat, but the dairy, as well…but I digress!
Ron and I always take a picture with the huge buffalo that stands at the front of the store when you walk in. The last time we’d been there was at Christmas, and Mr. Buffalo had been decked out in full Santa attire—suit and all! Since the weather was warming considerably, he looked much more ready for a visit to Hawaii or The Bahamas, this time. Ron posed beside Tropical Buffalo (see picture), smiling at his straw hat, mammoth sunglasses and flowered-shirt—where does one find a buffalo-sized flowered-shirt anyway?
Behind us were some of the sweetest people I ever met in my life. They were visiting Buffalo like us, but from Michigan. Marie, a real darling with a mischievous sparkle to her eye, asked if I would take a picture of her and her sister with the buffalo. Ron and I grabbed a camera from each of them and snapped away, happy to oblige. We talked with Marie and sister, Barb, a little more, and the rest of the family with them—I believe it was Marie’s daughter, husband and kids. Whenever I meet someone with whom I have a real connection, I like to just let them know Rising Tide is out there. I try to never be pushy, so simply handed them my card and asked them to check out my author site online if they had a spare moment.
After the shopping was done, we were standing in line and Marie came up to me. I have a description of the book on the back of my card and she said, “Your book sounds so interesting! Where can I get a copy?”
I told her about Amazon, Smashwords and the usual online book stores, but she looked at me, disappointed and asked, “Oh. I can’t get a print copy in a store?”
I informed her I had some in my trunk, and she and Barb said they both wanted a signed copy. I was ecstatic! “You do?!!” I exclaimed. I still find it incredible that readers want to purchase my work, so every sale is so special to me. But this was just so unexpected and completely random—like fate. It was one of my most favorite sales to date, for sure! (But I feel that way every time, even every single day when I look at my sales online).
I got each of them a book and put well wishes into the dedications. Marie says to me, “Oh this is a trilogy? Well, you’d better hurry up and write the next one because I’m seventy!” She was quite the young seventy, I have to say! And Nee Cee…you know who you are…she seemed to share your impatience for the sequel (thank you both!).
I told her my grandmother lived to ninety-six, so she had lots of time. We talked a bit more, laughed and posed by the buffalo so Ron could snap pictures of us together. I’m still shell-shocked and massively humbled that people not only want my autograph, but pictures of lil old me with them. I only regret that Ron didn’t get a picture with our camera. I’d asked Marie & Barb to send me one for this blog, but I wanted to get it written up before too much time went by. If you gals read this, please send me a copy!
Wherever you two are, thank you so much for making this author’s day that Saturday at the end of May. I’ll remember you for all of forever, and if I ever did achieve Meyer fame, you’ll always be one of those moments that stands out from the beginning of my writing , living in my memory for all my days.
Almost two months ago, my husband drove me down to Buffalo, New York for a book signing at a popular café. I’m kind of new at all this, given Rising Tide is my first novel and all, so I’m learning a lot about the world of publishing…and marketing. It turned out we were at the café during a very slow time for business. The book signing wasn’t a huge success—and I do count every, single sell as a success—but I was still happy we got to go on a road trip, listening to the blog of the phenomenal author Lindsay Buroker on the way and soaking up some awesome promo tips. We ate a really nice lunch out, which is something we don’t do a lot. I had a Huevos Rancheros brunchy-style dish that was simply to-die-for. And yes, of course I skipped the flour tortilla ;)!
Plus, we were in New York…and that meant a visit to Trader Joe’s! I love that place! So many healthy items to pick up, including two of my favorites, cashew flour and canned coconut cream! How I wish we had this chain in Canada. We have organic butter here, but not the Kerrygold grass-fed, and when you give grains to a cow it changes not only the meat, but the dairy, as well…but I digress!
Ron and I always take a picture with the huge buffalo that stands at the front of the store when you walk in. The last time we’d been there was at Christmas, and Mr. Buffalo had been decked out in full Santa attire—suit and all! Since the weather was warming considerably, he looked much more ready for a visit to Hawaii or The Bahamas, this time. Ron posed beside Tropical Buffalo (see picture), smiling at his straw hat, mammoth sunglasses and flowered-shirt—where does one find a buffalo-sized flowered-shirt anyway?
Behind us were some of the sweetest people I ever met in my life. They were visiting Buffalo like us, but from Michigan. Marie, a real darling with a mischievous sparkle to her eye, asked if I would take a picture of her and her sister with the buffalo. Ron and I grabbed a camera from each of them and snapped away, happy to oblige. We talked with Marie and sister, Barb, a little more, and the rest of the family with them—I believe it was Marie’s daughter, husband and kids. Whenever I meet someone with whom I have a real connection, I like to just let them know Rising Tide is out there. I try to never be pushy, so simply handed them my card and asked them to check out my author site online if they had a spare moment.
After the shopping was done, we were standing in line and Marie came up to me. I have a description of the book on the back of my card and she said, “Your book sounds so interesting! Where can I get a copy?”
I told her about Amazon, Smashwords and the usual online book stores, but she looked at me, disappointed and asked, “Oh. I can’t get a print copy in a store?”
I informed her I had some in my trunk, and she and Barb said they both wanted a signed copy. I was ecstatic! “You do?!!” I exclaimed. I still find it incredible that readers want to purchase my work, so every sale is so special to me. But this was just so unexpected and completely random—like fate. It was one of my most favorite sales to date, for sure! (But I feel that way every time, even every single day when I look at my sales online).
I got each of them a book and put well wishes into the dedications. Marie says to me, “Oh this is a trilogy? Well, you’d better hurry up and write the next one because I’m seventy!” She was quite the young seventy, I have to say! And Nee Cee…you know who you are…she seemed to share your impatience for the sequel (thank you both!).
I told her my grandmother lived to ninety-six, so she had lots of time. We talked a bit more, laughed and posed by the buffalo so Ron could snap pictures of us together. I’m still shell-shocked and massively humbled that people not only want my autograph, but pictures of lil old me with them. I only regret that Ron didn’t get a picture with our camera. I’d asked Marie & Barb to send me one for this blog, but I wanted to get it written up before too much time went by. If you gals read this, please send me a copy!
Wherever you two are, thank you so much for making this author’s day that Saturday at the end of May. I’ll remember you for all of forever, and if I ever did achieve Meyer fame, you’ll always be one of those moments that stands out from the beginning of my writing , living in my memory for all my days.
Merry Christmas to All!
I wish all my readers, fellow authors...everyone who has supported me & my 2 novels this year. Merry Christmas ❤
Take some time to relax and enjoy with family!
Take some time to relax and enjoy with family!
Getting to Know Rachel Montreuil - Undertow's Cover Creator
Meet Rachel Montreuil - Cover Designer Extroidinaire!
Interview Questions Rachel Montreuil
1. What would you like to do when you ‘grow up?’
There are many artistic positions that interest me (3d, texture, animation, illustration, concept art, comic book art...). My current "actual" job is in 3d art, which I enjoy a lot, so I just hope to keep going this route, potentially specializing in character modeling.
2. What was your inspiration for the cover of Undertow?
I had some nice reference pictures sent to me by the author so it was easy to grasp what kind of scene Claudette was looking for. I can't think of any thing that was particularly inspirational... I just tried my best to convey a dark, emotional mood through light and color.
3. What do you like best about the Undertow cover?
Even though people say "don't judge a book by its cover", a cover is almost always the a potential reader sees, so it must be designed to attract and pique its target audience's curiosity. I like to think that I have successfully painted a cover image that is readable and interesting to look at, so that people will choose to go in and experience the book and all the work that was put into its pages!
On a side note, for the image itself, I think the "best part" is the highlight on the neck and chin (lol).
4. Have you always had an interest in art and when did you start creating your own?
Yes, I've been drawing pretty much ever since I was able to hold a pencil/crayon in my hand. As a kid, I would design my own characters and draw short comics. I also got very into digital art at a young age (going from MS Paint to oekaki and then to Photoshop).
5. What are your biggest sources of inspiration?
Inspiration can seriously come from anywhere, from any media or from everyday life. It's generally good to keep an eye out for interesting images online, be it pictures, drawings, paintings, etc. since it's so easy to save a bunch of them and browse through them when needed.
6. What kind of projects do you hope to be working on in the future?
The more variety the better. I definitely want to keep working on games, and also illustration-related side projects like this one. I want to become a better, more versatile artist, and touching all sorts of types of projects is simply the best thing!
7. Would you like to design other book covers? If so, what would be some of your favorite genres to work in?
Yes, I love all illustration work. I love painting scenes and characters. I guess I have a preference for dark fantasy or modern settings, but I don't dislike sci-fi, western, nor cartoon.
8. Who is your favorite artist and why?
It's very tough to choose just one. There are tons of great character designers, painters, directors, and I don't think I have just one favorite... As a manga fan, Yana Toboso (author of Kuroshitsuji) comes to mind, with her art style filled with highly detailed clothing and gorgeous characters. I also adore Shinbou Akiyuki's work as a director on his various anime projects at Shaft Studio (very artsy and experimental). Lastly, I must say I very much enjoy Tim Burton's gothic yet cartoonish style he uses in most of his movies.
9. Who is your favorite author and what kind of books do you enjoy reading?
I tend to read a whole lot of manga and Japanese light novels, from horror psychological thrillers to shoujo manga. Some of my favorites include Ono Fuyumi's Shiki, Julietta Suzuki's Kamisama Hajimemashita, Obata/Ohba's Death Note (of course) and NisiOisin's Monogatari series. I also like classic English and French literature, but I don't read them regularly.
10. Give us a top ten list of your very favorite things
1. Drawing/painting
2. Anime & manga
3. Animals (My top 5: cats, jellyfish, crabs, goats, pigeons)
4. Gothic Lolita and cyber goth fashion
5. Visual Kei/J-Rock music ( and are my favorite bands!)
6. 3d art/video game art
7. Pirates
8. Green tea & jasmine tea
9. Foreign languages/cultures
10. Swimming
11. Tell us a bit about your background.
After high school, I got into a general arts program (mostly centered on traditional drawing and painting). I learned a lot of very useful things there, but my passion lies closer to entertainment art, like video games, TV shows, movies, books, etc. I switched programs after a year and tried my hand at 3d animation instead, which turned out to be a very fun - and challenging - medium to work with. Since graduation, I've had the pleasure of working for TV as well as games companies, and do some freelance both as a 3d artist and as an illustrator.
12. What is your professional statement, or philosophy, about the projects you work on?
I want to be fair and honest about work-related projects. I hope to always deliver quality work and respect the pre-established deadlines.
13. Where can others find you to commission you for projects like book covers or other artistic projects?
People can browse some of my work on my blog http://rachelmontreuil.blogspot.ca/ and simply email me for freelance/commissions at rachel.montreuil01@gmail.com
Interview Questions Rachel Montreuil
1. What would you like to do when you ‘grow up?’
There are many artistic positions that interest me (3d, texture, animation, illustration, concept art, comic book art...). My current "actual" job is in 3d art, which I enjoy a lot, so I just hope to keep going this route, potentially specializing in character modeling.
2. What was your inspiration for the cover of Undertow?
I had some nice reference pictures sent to me by the author so it was easy to grasp what kind of scene Claudette was looking for. I can't think of any thing that was particularly inspirational... I just tried my best to convey a dark, emotional mood through light and color.
3. What do you like best about the Undertow cover?
Even though people say "don't judge a book by its cover", a cover is almost always the a potential reader sees, so it must be designed to attract and pique its target audience's curiosity. I like to think that I have successfully painted a cover image that is readable and interesting to look at, so that people will choose to go in and experience the book and all the work that was put into its pages!
On a side note, for the image itself, I think the "best part" is the highlight on the neck and chin (lol).
4. Have you always had an interest in art and when did you start creating your own?
Yes, I've been drawing pretty much ever since I was able to hold a pencil/crayon in my hand. As a kid, I would design my own characters and draw short comics. I also got very into digital art at a young age (going from MS Paint to oekaki and then to Photoshop).
5. What are your biggest sources of inspiration?
Inspiration can seriously come from anywhere, from any media or from everyday life. It's generally good to keep an eye out for interesting images online, be it pictures, drawings, paintings, etc. since it's so easy to save a bunch of them and browse through them when needed.
6. What kind of projects do you hope to be working on in the future?
The more variety the better. I definitely want to keep working on games, and also illustration-related side projects like this one. I want to become a better, more versatile artist, and touching all sorts of types of projects is simply the best thing!
7. Would you like to design other book covers? If so, what would be some of your favorite genres to work in?
Yes, I love all illustration work. I love painting scenes and characters. I guess I have a preference for dark fantasy or modern settings, but I don't dislike sci-fi, western, nor cartoon.
8. Who is your favorite artist and why?
It's very tough to choose just one. There are tons of great character designers, painters, directors, and I don't think I have just one favorite... As a manga fan, Yana Toboso (author of Kuroshitsuji) comes to mind, with her art style filled with highly detailed clothing and gorgeous characters. I also adore Shinbou Akiyuki's work as a director on his various anime projects at Shaft Studio (very artsy and experimental). Lastly, I must say I very much enjoy Tim Burton's gothic yet cartoonish style he uses in most of his movies.
9. Who is your favorite author and what kind of books do you enjoy reading?
I tend to read a whole lot of manga and Japanese light novels, from horror psychological thrillers to shoujo manga. Some of my favorites include Ono Fuyumi's Shiki, Julietta Suzuki's Kamisama Hajimemashita, Obata/Ohba's Death Note (of course) and NisiOisin's Monogatari series. I also like classic English and French literature, but I don't read them regularly.
10. Give us a top ten list of your very favorite things
1. Drawing/painting
2. Anime & manga
3. Animals (My top 5: cats, jellyfish, crabs, goats, pigeons)
4. Gothic Lolita and cyber goth fashion
5. Visual Kei/J-Rock music ( and are my favorite bands!)
6. 3d art/video game art
7. Pirates
8. Green tea & jasmine tea
9. Foreign languages/cultures
10. Swimming
11. Tell us a bit about your background.
After high school, I got into a general arts program (mostly centered on traditional drawing and painting). I learned a lot of very useful things there, but my passion lies closer to entertainment art, like video games, TV shows, movies, books, etc. I switched programs after a year and tried my hand at 3d animation instead, which turned out to be a very fun - and challenging - medium to work with. Since graduation, I've had the pleasure of working for TV as well as games companies, and do some freelance both as a 3d artist and as an illustrator.
12. What is your professional statement, or philosophy, about the projects you work on?
I want to be fair and honest about work-related projects. I hope to always deliver quality work and respect the pre-established deadlines.
13. Where can others find you to commission you for projects like book covers or other artistic projects?
People can browse some of my work on my blog http://rachelmontreuil.blogspot.ca/ and simply email me for freelance/commissions at rachel.montreuil01@gmail.com
Behind Every Great Writer Should Be Four Insanely Cute Bunnies: Meet the Furry Melansons
Tegan –
Age: 5 years
Birthday: February 16
Color: Grey & White
Breed: English Spot Unknown Mix
Favorite Food: Banana
Favorite Activity: Getting Dad pets on the bed in the morning
Dislike: Doing Teggie Airlines (being carried), The baby crawling all over me, Getting my nails clipped
Favorite Toy: Stuffed Hippo
Nicknames: Teggie Feet, Teggie of Great North, Tee-gan, Buddy, Suckater
Signature Move: Shark Mouth (rolling over on my blankie in front of the fireplace and sticking out my chin—looks like a shark’s mouth)
Teggie’s Story in his own words:
I can’t remember my first home, because it was too traumatic! I just remember the day my mom came to get me at the shelter. I crawled all over her because I was desperate for her to take me home. I had a torn ear and when my dad would talk, I’d run into the corner and cower and shake. I was afraid for a long while. I did get to meet Cuddles and we loved each other at first sight…well, probably I was more in love than she. Over the months I learned that jumping on the bed earned me treats and pets and now it’s my favorite place to be. I’m the most affectionate of my foursome. I’ll take pets whenever I can get them and love to be brushed by Mom. I’m now very social and prefer Dad’s pets to Mom’s, and whenever we go to Bunfest every year, I like to jump out of the stroller onto the tables and see everyone. I’m very mellow and love relaxing in front of the fireplace or under my pine tree when in the backyard. I’m a sensitive guy and will run into our house and pout if someone hurts my feelings
Shark Mouth 
Dad Pets on the couch
Teggie Feets
Pepper –
Age: 4 years (estimated)
Birthday: March 2
Color: Brown & White
Breed: English Spot Unknown Mix
Favorite Food: Banana
Favorite Activity: Getting into trouble, chasing the two smaller bunnies
Dislike: Mom kisses, staying in one spot for too long when full of vinegar
Favorite Toy: The wicker, basket playhouse I decimated—which is sadly discontinued
Nicknames: Peppa-Noni, Noner, Pepsi, Trouble
Signature Move: The big hop—jumping up onto anything wide enough to stand on
Pepper’s Story in her own words:
My story was very nearly one of tragedy. Two years ago in December, I was dumped outside by whatever cruel owners I had at the time. I’m a frisky, adventurous girl who loves to test limits and get into trouble. This probably signed my death warrant for them. I very nearly froze/starved to death, but luckily, Rabbit Rescue in Canada found me in time. My mom still says how thankful she is I didn’t die out there with no food or shelter from the very cold winter. I was in a foster home when my new family came to see me. They had just lost their little girl of seven years and Teggie was depressed. Mom knew she had to do something to cheer him up. We all got along when we were introduced, but once I arrived at my new home, I got very stressed out. I cried and thumped as I ran around in confusion wondering where I had ended up now. Tegan didn’t like this and jumped away from Dad and attacked me. We fought bitterly for the next couple of weeks during bonding sessions, even drawing blood! But you wouldn’t know it now. We became the best of friends, and I learned that humans mean love, pets, good food and cozy shelter—complete with warm blankies and all the toys I can chew! Before I realized I had a forever home, I used to try to eat all the food at once, eating like I would never have food again. My mom thinks this is because I nearly starved to death. I have an explosive personality and like to chase my two smaller siblings, but I finally have a family who understands my need to just be an energetic bunny…and I’m very happy in my forever home.
Sticking Feets thru
Relaxin
Waiting for pets on the bun bed
Butters –
Age: 3 years
Birthday: January 11
Color: Brown, Black & White
Breed: Holland Lop
Favorite Food: Banana
Favorite Activity: Rooting through the new hay to find the best pieces
Dislike: Being told no, being brushed, not getting to do what I want
Favorite Toy: Plastic Stackie Cups
Nicknames: Bean, Beenie-Weenie, Butter Bean, Navy Bean, Buttery Butt, Peanut
Signature Move: Sideways Binky down the hallway
Butters’ Story in his own words:
Both me and my sister, Beckett, were very lucky. We never knew much human cruelty. My mom doesn’t like getting rabbits from a breeder, but she saw my picture online when searching for unwanted rabbits on Kijiji, and came to check it out. Believe me…we were both rescued from that place. Mom wanted a female, hoping it would be a good grooming companion for Cuddles, who was getting older. She also thought another baby might ease the pain of Cuddles’ inevitable passing. The breeder was trying to get rid of me, because I was 3 months old and less likely to be adopted than the new babies he had. When he took me out and handed me to Mom and Dad, I cuddled in as close as I could. Dad fell in love with me immediately and Mom agreed I should go home with them, even though I was a boy. Turned out Cuddles wasn’t happy anyway, and I spent our bonding time crying from bites to my bum and running to Dad so I could hide in his lap. Eventually, I was accepted—by Tegan it was immediate—and grew into the stubborn little guy I am today. I’m quieter than the rest and love my alone time, although I do have my cuddly moments too. I get very excited over new hay in the litterbox and when we get sunflower seeds. Just this year, I started enjoying human hugs more and though stoic, love to throw my stackie cups and binky (jumping and twisting in joy) around the house to show my parents I love my life—away from the cold breeder shed with its cruel wire-bottom cage.
In the witterbox
Hugs
Snugglin
Beckett –
Age: 1 year
Birthday: November 11
Color: Brown, Black & White
Breed: Holland Lop & Lionhead Mix
Favorite Food: Banana
Favorite Activity: Being Teggie’s sidekick
Dislike: Being handled, being chased by Pepper
Favorite Toy: Froggy Pillow
Nicknames: Beckster, Beckakeet, Beckstolian, Baby Girl, Tweak
Signature Move: Chinning everything & spazzing out and running from anyone who gets too close (except Tegan)
Beckett’s Story in her own words:
Me and brother, Butters, actually have the same mom. Mom was concerned that Butters wasn’t spending much time with the two bigger bunnies and would go lie by himself a lot. She thought if she got him a little friend his own size, he might be more social. Mom & Dad actually came to get me on Butters’ birthday, so I was an extra present for him. He and I got along great at first, but then he followed Pepper’s lead and started bullying me. I ended up being a little shadow for Teggie. Mom & Dad got to me just in time. The breeder didn’t feed us any hay, which is essential for a rabbit’s digestive system—Mom educated him about that—and so when he took me out of the cage, I had runny poo and urine all over my legs. My fur is longer in places what with my Lionhead genes, so I had scald on my legs which had been neglected to be cleaned from my tummy troubles. Mom knew she had to get me home. In my new home I was amazed! It was warm and clean and Mom cuddled with me all night long, for weeks, in a blankie on the couch. I found there was wondrous hay to eat and it cleared up my tummy immediately. Mom trimmed my fur and kept me clean and I was all better in no time. Unfortunately, my bonding with Pepper was rough. Mom intervened and I never got more than a chomp on the bum, but Pepper continues to bully, and so I became a very skittish rabbit. If Mom is very still, I’ll come over and give her kisses and every once in a while I get held, but Mom hopes I’ll grow out of that. I am a very sweet, loving and intelligent bunny. Teggie became my best friend and I follow him everywhere. When we get treats, if he doesn’t want to get up, I’ll bring treats to him. I am the nursemaid of the group and clean everyone’s eyes and groom them with my little tongue. Even though Pepper likes to chase me at times, I love my new home and my friends and am glad my mom and dad saved me.
Feets on froggy pillow
First pic ever
Tube-in
Step out from Behind the Book!: The Importance of InD’Scribe and Face-to-Face
As most of you know, on September 17th I made the journey from Ontario to Palm Springs, California to attend the InD’Scribe author and reader conference. This was my first conference ever, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the authors in attendance. What was especially nice was getting to meet my author friend, for whom I edit, JC Brennan. She is such a nice person—and so is her hubby—and was too much fun to hang out with. I didn’t quite know what to expect from my weekend away, but must say I feel a strong book-conference addiction has taken root deep inside of me. I already plan to attend Sinfully Yours in Manchester, New Hamsphire (along with Janet again) in July, 2016 and will be travelling to Atlanta for Novel Experience in April.
I’m a very shy person by nature, until I get to know someone, and have a near phobia of large crowds. But knowing how wonderful it is to network with my author buddies on social media and harboring a fierce desire to meet my readers in person, I did as I always do and stretched past that fear. I also struggle with an extreme fear of flying, but have vowed a personal oath that these fears would never stop me. So I braved the unnatural human heights of 35,000 feet and faced those crowded rooms with as much courage as I could muster.
And met some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever had the joy to encounter.
Going to an event like this is invaluable, and if you’re an author, I highly recommend you go whenever possible. Everyone there was so nice, so it was easy for me to get over my fear—once the signing room was open. At the opening night party, Janet and I could be observed spooning the far wall. Our table neighbors, Susan Griscom, author of paranormal and contemporary romance, and D'Elen McClain, author of paranormal romance, kept us in stitches. Both were so personable and friendly that I found myself coming out of my shell in no time. All of the authors at the conference were the same way. They were happy to let me broadcast them on Periscope and talk to us about their books and strategies which have worked for them. Unfortunately, there just usually isn’t time for that kind of chit chat on Facebook or LinkedIn…and not enough characters for it on Twitter!
You just can’t get the same level of interaction that comes from face-to-face. Janet and I had no idea how to set up our table. With some glances around and suggestions from other authors, Janet’s hubby, Scott, returned with decorative items in no time—and Janet sweet-talked someone working there out of a sparkly, black tablecloth. Authors shared marketing ideas with one another at lunch—I personally revealed some of my best Twitter strategies. As we walked around, the others readily offered up swag ideas and told us where they had scored some of the cutest items like dragon jewelry and—my favorite—the bitty cowboy hats the bunnies love to wear (NOT!).
We collected business cards from everyone, and when I returned home, I added everyone on Facebook and Twitter. I love having those connections. Other authors are so generous in their willingness to share posts and offer advice…or comfort in moments of need. I also had another twenty-five authors join our Christmas Giveaway, which will be starting November 1st, making this our biggest and best group giveaway yet! And also offering even more prize options for our readers, whom we desperately want to keep happy!
But seeing all these wonderful people in person further ingrained them in my mind. When they put up a post, I think of their smiles, the sound of their voices, their generous and helpful natures, and that sticks with you in a way that online simply cannot deliver. Unplugging—and I’m on my laptop nearly nonstop, networking, at home—and seeing these authors in the flesh made me feel more like a writer. I was hanging out with people just like me! Joining the ranks of those who live part of our days in other worlds. They shared my struggles and all those eccentricities only writers have. At InD’Scribe ,I felt I could completely be myself, which is something I don’t usually experience in my normal day-to-day. It’s good for writers to be with other writers. It’s sometimes good to step out from behind the book (or laptop)!
Check out my InD’Scribe page at http://bit.ly/1RkIgsw to see tons of pictures from the conference, featuring many, very-talented authors, shots from the RONE awards and a few of my personal vacation pictures—including one newly released shot of my terror-filled ride on the X2 coaster at Magic Mountain. It was simply too hilarious not to purchase!
Mix Your Cocktails…Not Your Metaphors
As a freelance editor, and avid reader, I wanted to write a series of articles to help writers hone their craft more effectively. This will be one such post.
At university, one writing mistake I made a few times before learning my lesson—doled out by brilliant red ink—was the mixing of metaphors. I’m not saying there’s never a time when it might be effective to do this, but for the most part, mixed metaphors come across as two unlike ideas which clunk against each other clumsily instead of flowing together into one smooth, cohesive picture inside the reader’s mind.
A metaphor can be a great tool for bringing an image to life inside the mind of your reader. Basically, a metaphor is a comparison of two unlike things to more vividly drive home the point an author is trying to make. It should be said a metaphor differs from a simile in that, while making a similar comparison, a simile will contain the word ‘like,’ while a metaphor will not. An example of a metaphor would be:
My life had become a rollercoaster of peril, my illness rust which ate away at the tracks, causing every day to derail and crash from great height into the depths of utter misery.
Now, if I mixed that metaphor, say by trying to combine the imagery of the rollercoaster with the ocean, the line would become less effective and create a picture that would appear illogical in the reader’s mind:
My life had become a rollercoaster of peril, my illness a wave which drug me down into depths void of light and sea life.
Imagine a reader pausing to picture a rollercoaster rising from the ocean and scratching his head. This is an example of a mix which simply doesn’t work.
If you want to employ metaphor, it’s best to stick with cohesive imagery, whether it be a rodeo, a circus, the desert, a starry sky, the moon, etc. for the entire section or paragraph. Some writers carry a metaphor throughout an entire book. If you plan to embark on such an arduous task, just remember to keep it consistent or it may ruin the effect.
This isn’t to say there aren’t instances where a mixed metaphor wouldn’t work. For instance, I really love this one posted by Pig in a Jacket on http://dailymixedmetaphor.blogspot.ca/ : Don't judge a book until you've walked a mile in its dust jacket. Clever mixes of metaphors can work too, just watch doing it in such a way as described above. I’ll give you another example of something that doesn’t work, using the ocean and a dragon:
My temper rose like a tsunami with the force of the entire ocean behind it, fiery and hot like dragon’s breath, I unleashed it without mercy on the first person to cross my path.
That simply creates a confusing image inside one’s head. Try to do this when writing: play the entirety of your metaphor out inside your head like a movie (simile!). Does the picture make sense? If it seems silly to you, most likely it will to your reader too ;).
Give a Hoot! Hootsuite—It’s Not Just for Posting!
Being an indie author is work. Hard work. It takes more time, effort and dedication than I would have ever imagined before I got started. But I love it. Not more than my little furbaby bunnies, but I love it a lot.
Forget the mere hours spent writing…and add to that the massive effort required to keep up with social media. For me, that is equally important too. Social media is where my readers ‘live,’ and if you are one of them, you know just how very significant you are to me and my writing.
I try harder than you might imagine to see every post, respond to the avalanche of messages and emails—and fail miserably most of the time.
So, let me tell you just how much I love discovering a tool which allows me to interact faster and with greater visibility. One of my greatest challenges has always been responding to mentions on Twitter. The “Notifications” page falls down on the job when it comes to notifying the user about both retweets and mentions. Believe me; I understand. There is a lot going on with that website, especially when it has to keep up with more than sixty-six thousand followers! I realize there is only so much it can show me. But the scattered and limited format with its mishmash of retweets, follows and mentions—which it cuts off at a certain number for retweets—does not help me keep up with the massive flow of my Twitter communication. There were always several mentions, some with important personal messages, I missed.
Surprisingly, it was a tool heralded for its ease of social media posting which aided me in more effective Twitter communication with my followers—Hootsuite. I’ve used Hootsuite since nearly the beginning of my indie author career. I love the features allowing for the scheduling of future posts, and for sending said posts out to more than one social media site. One day, though, I happened to take a closer look around and discovered a couple of other tools which offered me the ability to pin down communiqué control over my growing-by-leaps-and-bounds Twitter account. Check this out:
Mentions-
See that graphic? That is what I see in the My First Tab section found above the streams on the Hootsuite dashboard. Essentially, Hootsuite sucked my Twitter account into its brain, transforming it into a one-stop shop. All of my mentions are collected here in one convenient spot. I can easily scroll down through the stream and thank people, retweet posts or reply to any questions or comments. I do this using the little menu at the top of each mention, which I have pointed out in the graphic with an arrow. If I do this once every twenty-four hours—and I do try—I can easily respond to my very important Twitter mentions for each day. As you can see, one of my big-hearted followers has tweeted about a school contest I have going. It is very important to me to thank her and follow her if I didn’t already. Another of my author friends has created a graphic to tweet which mentions my book. He definitely deserves gratitude, and, once I find a spare moment, I will make a special tweet to feature his book and return the favor.
Retweets-
One thing that always bugged me about Twitter was that it only showed you a certain number of the people who’d retweeted one of your tweets. I wanted to see them all so I could add my supporters to my retweet lists. Hootsuite allows you to see them all and in one convenient place. If you click on the number of retweets in the window, which I’ve drawn the arrow to, you can click on the account from the window pop-up and ensure you have your retweeters on your list or retweet them from their page immediately. I try very hard to keep up with this, so if you retweeted me and I didn’t do so in kind, please let me know. If you do it in a mention, I’ll be sure to see it! ;)
So, as you see, apps can be a strong source of aid to keep you connected to the readers or clients you hold so dear. And, as shown here, sometimes they offer help in areas for which you didn’t even realize they were designed.
Reader Rally Cry! 4 Things You Can Do to Help the Authors You Love
Many of us love to read. I know I do! But what keeps that writer glued to their keyboard, oftentimes missing out on social outings or even getting to see the outside of the house—this is my life at most times—so that they keep producing the stories we most enjoy reading? Money? That isn’t what does it for me. Between my giveaways and the few trips I take to events, I make about six times less than I earn from my books. I believe most of us do it simply because we love the craft. I can’t imagine going for a terribly long span without creating my fictional worlds for my readers. I took a year off to try and build my editing business, but with the loss of my greatest passion, I found myself depressed and feeling much like a failure. That isn’t to say I don’t love helping my fellow authors to put their works out into the world; I’m just saying I was throwing myself waaaay out of balance. I’ve taken the last five months of my life and written in every spare moment available to me so that I could publish Riptide, the third book in my Maura DeLuca YA vampire trilogy. It did so much for my mental well-being, and I love writing for myself…but I still need the help of my readers, much in the same way I need to breathe or eat!
So, what can you do to help ensure your favorite authors keep writing? Here are just a few things:
1. Buy Their Books!
An article on The Guardian’s website states that the median income for any author is $5,000. Wow. How is anyone supposed to survive on that? I know mine is much less than that number, hence my need to keep my day job. You can help by supporting the author and buying their book. Don’t download from pirating websites…you’re taking food out of an author’s mouth, essentially. It’s really no different than walking into a bookstore and putting a book under your coat before walking out without paying for it. Think $4.99 or even $5.99 is too much for an Ebook? Consider that five months I put into Riptide, and the span was nine months for Undertow. What would you expect to be paid for working eight to ten hours four days out of seven for five months? Additionally, many would gladly hand over $5 to Starbucks—sometimes even daily—for a latte that takes three minutes to make. (I know I have!) That Ebook, which costs roughly the same, will provide you with enjoyment multiplied by several more of the minutes you spent downing that coffee! And the author put so much more time and money for things like a cover and editing into creating the book.
2. Leave a Review
For God’s sake, leave a review! Okay, I’ll stop being so heavy-handed, but a review is the best way to thank an author. It doesn’t have to be long-winded, either. A couple of sentences about what you enjoyed about the book, or even what you didn’t enjoy, will definitely suffice. I never realized myself how important reviews were to an author, but now that I do, I try to leave a review for every book I read. Most authors know about the magic number. In an article on The Huffington Post, point number three discusses the importance of fifty reviews on Amazon. Once a book hits fifty reviews, Amazon takes notice and will start making the book more visible on their site. Believe me when I say they are our lifeblood!
And just a note about book blogger reviews. Book bloggers, please, please, please stop excluding Indie Authors from your reviews, if you are one of the bloggers who do so. You are missing out on an avalanche of great books when you employ this rule. If you want the book to have a certain number of reviews on Amazon, so be it. But to refuse Indies entirely is blatantly unfair.
3. Buy Print Books on Createspace instead of Amazon
Createspace is basically Amazon. They provide the print copies of Indie Authors’ books to both the authors and to Amazon for distribution. If you buy the book on Amazon, the author makes about half the royalties they would had you bought the book from the Createspace store. Either way, you’re getting the same book at the same price, but you’re helping the author make more money. Click here: https://www.createspace.com/pub/simpl... to visit the store where you can search for the title or author you’re looking for. See the snapshot below. That is a comparison of what I make in royalties on Createspace vs. Amazon:
4. Help Authors Spread the Word and Engage
You may have seen authors posting about their books on Facebook and Twitter. You can help them out by engaging with them on social media too. Facebook will make posts more visible according to the likes, comments and shares a particular post gets. So, take that second as you’re scrolling down to like their picture, or even better, share it on your wall. Believe me, we appreciate it. Retweet their tweets on Twitter. Share posts on LinkedIn and plus one them on Google Plus. Like their Facebook pages and follow them on Twitter. Sign up for their newsletters so that you can help support them when they put out a new release or need a contest vote. So many of my readers have done this and I appreciate it so much!! Follow their Amazon Author Page. You can do this by clicking on their name at the top of any book’s page on Amazon. There is a rumor that Amazon offers you more visibility once you hit a certain number of follows, but I’m unsure as to whether that is true. And do you know about Goodreads? It is a site made for authors and readers. And one last mention—Facebook events. Make sure you attend the authors’ launches, cover reveals and parties. It’s all online, so can come in your jammies. They always give away awesome prizes, and I can promise you, the games are so much fun!
Thank you for reading and for supporting your favorite authors!
Website Resources:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brooke-...
Escaping the Depths of Tell: Showing VS Telling for More Effective Writing
“Show me; don’t tell me,” my English professor quipped as she handed back my latest creative work, a flourish of bright red ink gracing the top of the page with a grade I found much less than desirable.
Learning to differentiate between showing and telling in my writing was a hard lesson to grasp during my early years as a writer. Luckily, I kept reading my weight in books over and over again as I practiced my craft. If Stephen King doesn’t provide a fine example of this technique over and over again, I don’t know who does. And I was lucky enough to find myself inside the classrooms of diligent and knowledgeable instructors, who were quite adept at teaching me the ins-and-outs of crafting a darned fine story. As an author today, I try my hardest to hold those lessons close, always endeavoring to hone and perfect my craft—and I will never stop trying to improve. As an editor, I strive to share anything I learn with my fellow authors. I’ve found that many struggle with the subject of this blog post and so hoped it might be useful to write up a post providing a couple of examples put into practice.
Showing in scenes of past action
I’ve read many scenes in which the author attempts to sum up actions occurring in the past, instead of flashing back to that point in time, giving the reader the opportunity to look through a magic window and watch the scene play out. It all comes down to adding adequate detail and expanding on one’s writing expertise so that the event is easily pictured in the reader’s mind. I’ll show you an example. The first scene will employ telling vs the second, which shows.
Telling-
When I was a little girl, Timmy bullied me horribly. He pulled pranks on me even his own friends found to be harsh and unnecessary. He tortured me with words as well as deeds, cutting me to the bone with his taunts. I couldn’t get him to stop, no matter how much I cried or pleaded. One day he did something horrible, and I found myself forced to stand up to him. I defended myself against his cruelty by fighting back, which actually brought the bullying to an end.
Showing-
During second grade, I attended school with a little boy, Timmy, who’d become my worst nightmare. He’d stood nearly one and a half times my size and doubled me in girth as well. His beady little green eyes had always found me the moment I’d stepped onto the playground at recess every day. With the shock of greasy black hair falling over one of his evil orbs, one might’ve wondered how his aim was so accurate when he landed punches against my jaw and square in the middle of my solar plexus. The hard-earned love of my teachers had become a handicap when Timmy had used it as a weapon against me. He’d taken great joy in dubbing me, “Lil Ass Kisser,” replacing my name with the term every time he’d caught sight of me. This had lead him to come up with taunts like, “Hey, Lil Ass Kisser, what’s that on your nose?” after which I’d found my appendage being shoved into the sticky mud. He’d forbidden me from washing the dirt away before we’d all returned to the classroom, causing my teachers to roll their eyes in exasperation and disbelief as they’d banished me to the boys’ washroom to make myself presentable…again. My mother had advised me to tell him how hurtful his actions were, but when I’d told Timmy his words and actions, “…really hurt my feelings,” he and his cronies had broken into fevered laughter before he’d told me, “I’ll show you what real hurt is, you slug.” That had been the day he’d dislocated my shoulder as he’d shoved my face into the earth. My tears hadn’t moved him to mercy in the least, as he’d left me wailing on the ground, so racked with pain I couldn’t move until the teacher had found me under the jungle gym outside, my face streaked by muddy tears and snot.
One day, I’d caught a caterpillar who’d been making his way along the rough bark of the massive oak tree at the edge of the playground. As he’d innocently inched along my finger, Timmy had snuck up behind me, slapping his hand down over mine and smashing my new friend into goo in the process. When I saw the green splatter of wasted innocent life dripping from my hand, something in me had snapped. I’d whirled in fury, crashing into Timmy so hard, he’d fallen instantly to the dirt. My eyes red with rage, I’d straddled him, beating his face with my tiny but effective fists until it had been transformed into a mess of bright blood sullied by caterpillar guts. Every time Timmy had focused those dull eyes on me in the future…he’d run in the opposite direction.
Which retelling would you whether read? Adding a few dry facts about a flashback is no match for providing vivid details which take the readers to the place where they can picture the events unfold inside their imagination.
Showing with dialogue
As a reader, and an editor, there’s nothing worse than when I see something like this when reading a text I’m deeply engrossed in:
Telling-
We told each other stories about all the Christmases we’d enjoyed the most. I told him about all my favorite presents and he described his most treasured to me. We told each other which carols we’d sung and about our most beloved foods at Christmas dinner. He described to me his most beloved memory of Christmas: the tree with all its ornaments passed down through the years, coupled with the enchanting colors of the strung lights, the same treasured memory as my own.
While endearing…this can be much improved upon.
Showing-
“What was your favorite Christmas?” I asked him, staring up into the light that was his eyes.
“The year I was six,” he answered, his eyes growing misty at the memory. “I’d asked Santa for a train set. One that would run upon its tracks when I pushed a button.”
“And you got one that year?”
“Yes,” he answered. “All I had to do was pop in a new set of batteries to see it race over the track whenever I desired.” He paused before gazing down at me with curiosity in his eyes. “How about you? What present did you love the most? What brought you the most excitement of any Christmas morning you can remember?”
“I was four.”
“Can you really remember back so far?” he asked, laughing.
“I can,” I assured him. “That was the year I found my first drum kit under the tree. I really can still remember the way my parents stuffed foam earplugs into their ears, still smiling to make me believe they loved the noise I made.”
“Now, those are good parents,” he told me, after his laugher had died away.
“Oh, they were,” I assented. “We used to sing “Jingle Bells,” the three of us, when they tucked me in on Christmas Eve.”
“It was always “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” in my family,” he said, a saddened smile playing across his face.
I wanted to erase the parts that weren’t happy in that expression of his. “Did you eat turkey and mincemeat pies?” I asked him.
“My family always ate ham. But my mother made the best pecan pies. Did yours?”
“The best sugar cookies,” I told him. I could feel the differences creeping in to separate us further. “I did love our tree,” I said, failing to see how anyone could refuse to cherish their own Christmas tree.
“That was always my favorite part of the holiday,” he revealed. “I used to lie beneath it and let the twinkle of all the colors carry me into sleep.”
“We have that in common,” I whispered. “I always did the same.”
See the difference again? Showing is always better than telling. Any writer can state facts… Can you make the details come alive with a flair that makes the reader forget their surroundings? Practice your own art of showing and work to perfect your skills as a writer.
