Joanie Chevalier's Blog, page 4
August 21, 2015
FREE Kindle Version of Lunchtime Eavesdropper!
Hi Everyone!
I am offering my novella, Lunchtime Eavesdropper, as a FREE kindle download (via gift certificate) through August.
Do you have a hair or dentist appointment? A pedicure? Do you love reading at stoplights (as I do!)? Then this short story is for you!
Here is the blurb:
Meet Marlee, a woman who lives a comfortable but simple life with her loving partner, the adorable Larry. She discovers that covertly listening in on other people’s conversations during lunch hour excites her and adds to her otherwise humble life. When she overhears unpleasant gossip about herself, she becomes obsessed with changing her personality and makes the bad decision to become someone she’s not. After her total makeover, Marlee suddenly finds herself basking in the attention of her co-workers and is ecstatic when she’s finally invited to sit at the “popular” table at work. But is a personality change really worth the price? Is being popular worth losing herself, possibly the love of her life and/or redefining her own definition of happiness?
Come and take part in Marlee’s life, even though it’s only for a short time, and experience her yearning to belong and be accepted for who she is. You may be surprised by the unexpected twist in her story.
Here are a few reviews so far:
The story was a delightful experience for me and by the time I reached the back cover, I was amazed. It talks about something very profound but it does that in a humorous way. The author’s style of writing is indeed very commendable because it makes the story feel very real, as if it was happening right in front of your eyes.
Lunchtime Eavesdropper is true to itself as a journey of self discovery. A quick read with flashes of funny.
Lunchtime Eavesdropper
It would be fantastic if you would leave a review, but not necessary. Just spread the word, that would be appreciated (and more importantly, enjoy the story)!
Thank you all so much.
Best regards,
Joanie
I am offering my novella, Lunchtime Eavesdropper, as a FREE kindle download (via gift certificate) through August.
Do you have a hair or dentist appointment? A pedicure? Do you love reading at stoplights (as I do!)? Then this short story is for you!
Here is the blurb:
Meet Marlee, a woman who lives a comfortable but simple life with her loving partner, the adorable Larry. She discovers that covertly listening in on other people’s conversations during lunch hour excites her and adds to her otherwise humble life. When she overhears unpleasant gossip about herself, she becomes obsessed with changing her personality and makes the bad decision to become someone she’s not. After her total makeover, Marlee suddenly finds herself basking in the attention of her co-workers and is ecstatic when she’s finally invited to sit at the “popular” table at work. But is a personality change really worth the price? Is being popular worth losing herself, possibly the love of her life and/or redefining her own definition of happiness?
Come and take part in Marlee’s life, even though it’s only for a short time, and experience her yearning to belong and be accepted for who she is. You may be surprised by the unexpected twist in her story.
Here are a few reviews so far:
The story was a delightful experience for me and by the time I reached the back cover, I was amazed. It talks about something very profound but it does that in a humorous way. The author’s style of writing is indeed very commendable because it makes the story feel very real, as if it was happening right in front of your eyes.
Lunchtime Eavesdropper is true to itself as a journey of self discovery. A quick read with flashes of funny.
Lunchtime Eavesdropper
It would be fantastic if you would leave a review, but not necessary. Just spread the word, that would be appreciated (and more importantly, enjoy the story)!
Thank you all so much.
Best regards,
Joanie
July 22, 2015
Lunchtime Eavesdropper
I have a new short story out titled Lunchtime Eavesdropper. Marlee's life turns upside down when she overhears gossip about herself and she decides to try to change her personality. What she didn't expect was that she almost lost what she loved the most, and learns almost too late that her somewhat humdrum simple life was actually making her happy.
I wanted to convey in this short story that our happiness and contentment in life shouldn't be based on someone else's definition of happiness and contentment. But that is hard, isn't it? For years, I have always thought that the "grass was greener" on the other side, but learned, through some hard life lessons, that that is not always the case.
Part of my main character's personality is based on my adopted son (and various foster kids as well), who has ADHD, bi-polar with certain learning disabilities. If you've ever lived with someone with a mental illness you'll understand when I say that they have many unusual strengths and funny personality traits ("Funny" meaning quirky as well as humorous-my son makes me laugh sometimes unexpectedly). As I mentioned, my son has learning disabilities, yet he has a memory of an elephant. Just like in this short story in the scene where Marlee recites a conversation word for word, including facial expressions and impressions, that is so familiar in talking with my son and some of his recitations, and his perception of what happened. And just like Marlee thinking that no one likes her, that is so true of my son, who doesn't like many people and once they get blacklisted, watch out, they'll never be forgiven!
There are so many frustrations living with a mentally ill person and yet, like Marlee and her mom, there are tender moments as well. As a parent, I treasure these tender moments whenever they come because they are indeed few and far between, but I treasure them nonetheless.
Lunchtime Eavesdropper
I wanted to convey in this short story that our happiness and contentment in life shouldn't be based on someone else's definition of happiness and contentment. But that is hard, isn't it? For years, I have always thought that the "grass was greener" on the other side, but learned, through some hard life lessons, that that is not always the case.
Part of my main character's personality is based on my adopted son (and various foster kids as well), who has ADHD, bi-polar with certain learning disabilities. If you've ever lived with someone with a mental illness you'll understand when I say that they have many unusual strengths and funny personality traits ("Funny" meaning quirky as well as humorous-my son makes me laugh sometimes unexpectedly). As I mentioned, my son has learning disabilities, yet he has a memory of an elephant. Just like in this short story in the scene where Marlee recites a conversation word for word, including facial expressions and impressions, that is so familiar in talking with my son and some of his recitations, and his perception of what happened. And just like Marlee thinking that no one likes her, that is so true of my son, who doesn't like many people and once they get blacklisted, watch out, they'll never be forgiven!
There are so many frustrations living with a mentally ill person and yet, like Marlee and her mom, there are tender moments as well. As a parent, I treasure these tender moments whenever they come because they are indeed few and far between, but I treasure them nonetheless.
Lunchtime Eavesdropper
April 6, 2015
Congratulations to the Winners!
Congratulations to the three winners who will soon receive a paperback copy of my book, Deadly Dating Games. There were 800 entries for the free book giveaway. Thank you for your support and Happy Reading! Joanie
March 10, 2015
Indie Authors
I recently read a progress review on Goodreads of my book Deadly Dating Games. The reader wrote: "The author must be an indie author because . . .," and proceeded with her thoughts that the print was too small to read and she was having a difficult time concentrating on the story. My first thought was, "Gee, why didn't she tell me?" Actually, the issue was fixed before she commented (I had printed some copies on CreateSpace and realized that the print was too small so I fixed it promptly), but the few people who already had the book hadn’t told me that it was an issue, but it would have been nice to know. Since then, the reader and I have communicated and she is willing to let me know what else may need fixing and/or anything else that may need improvement. I appreciate her time and effort! Buying and spending valuable time reading an indie author's story is sometimes a gamble, I must admit. It is not our job as a reader, however, to proofread for the author. It should be in the best form possible and it’s especially important for indie authors to do the right thing and hire proofreaders and/or editors before publication. I have read some great self-published books lately, and I know I am only “seeing the tip of the iceberg”; there are so many great (and unfortunately not so great) choices out there.
I am still insecure about my work, and sometimes even shy about admitting that I’m an author. What complicates matters is that after spending the time writing a book, we must then market the book. It’s not easy to market with thousands of new books coming out each week. It’s not easy to even get your book seen, let alone sell a few copies. Marketing includes luck, Amazon's wacky algorithms, word of mouth, social media and of course, a well-formatted and interesting story. Although I am sometimes shy about my work, I do like feedback. If a reader finds something awkward or out of place in my book, I would want to know about it! I am humbled when I hear from a reader and I can only hope to be as approachable as some well-known authors. Recently I’ve been brave and reached out to some of the authors who I admire. So far, they have been truly appreciative and are very friendly. So go ahead and made an Indie Author's day! Contact them and say "Hi," "Page 3 has a typo," "I loved it but..." I truly appreciate the reader’s time and efforts, and I’m sure other indie authors would as well. Happy Reading!
I am still insecure about my work, and sometimes even shy about admitting that I’m an author. What complicates matters is that after spending the time writing a book, we must then market the book. It’s not easy to market with thousands of new books coming out each week. It’s not easy to even get your book seen, let alone sell a few copies. Marketing includes luck, Amazon's wacky algorithms, word of mouth, social media and of course, a well-formatted and interesting story. Although I am sometimes shy about my work, I do like feedback. If a reader finds something awkward or out of place in my book, I would want to know about it! I am humbled when I hear from a reader and I can only hope to be as approachable as some well-known authors. Recently I’ve been brave and reached out to some of the authors who I admire. So far, they have been truly appreciative and are very friendly. So go ahead and made an Indie Author's day! Contact them and say "Hi," "Page 3 has a typo," "I loved it but..." I truly appreciate the reader’s time and efforts, and I’m sure other indie authors would as well. Happy Reading!
December 2, 2014
Just Write!
A friend of mine wants to write a book. She has a story in mind and the story sounds good to me but in the last six months, she has written one page. I ask her how it's going and she re-sends me the one page.
"Wow, how do you do it," people ask. I often wonder myself. I work full-time and sometimes it's hard to find the time to write, but I’ve learned to "free write." It's simple really: I write whatever I want; there are no rules. There will be no grades or ratings. No one will see it. I write what I want to write, no matter how silly or disjointed it sounds. Of course, I will proof and edit later, but for now, I just write.
I have a 40-minute commute to and from work and why waste that time? Often I write long-hand and then type it later. I always carry a print-out of my latest draft and a red pen for editing. It does sound simple, and it is. Why make it hard on myself? During lunch hour, I can do the same. Then, when I want to think about the plot line or character development, I take a break for a few days. It's not very scientific, I know, but it seems to work for me.
I was a beta-reader for a writer who would send me sequential chapters to read. I was in awe of her dedication to write chapter after chapter, and always in order. I would receive chapters 1-4, then chapters 5 and 6, then chapters 7-10. I don't write that way; I don't think I could. I write the action scenes first and maybe a conversation and then write around the conversation-where the characters were, what their bodies were doing, etc.
Everyone is unique in their writing style. I say write how you like to write. Don't stare at the blank page, wanting to do it like someone else. The "professionals" can try to tell you how you should write until the cows come home-but that won't get words-your unique words-on a page.
I say keep it simple: Feel it...do it...Just Write!
Joanie Chevalier
Author of Deadly Dating Games
"Wow, how do you do it," people ask. I often wonder myself. I work full-time and sometimes it's hard to find the time to write, but I’ve learned to "free write." It's simple really: I write whatever I want; there are no rules. There will be no grades or ratings. No one will see it. I write what I want to write, no matter how silly or disjointed it sounds. Of course, I will proof and edit later, but for now, I just write.
I have a 40-minute commute to and from work and why waste that time? Often I write long-hand and then type it later. I always carry a print-out of my latest draft and a red pen for editing. It does sound simple, and it is. Why make it hard on myself? During lunch hour, I can do the same. Then, when I want to think about the plot line or character development, I take a break for a few days. It's not very scientific, I know, but it seems to work for me.
I was a beta-reader for a writer who would send me sequential chapters to read. I was in awe of her dedication to write chapter after chapter, and always in order. I would receive chapters 1-4, then chapters 5 and 6, then chapters 7-10. I don't write that way; I don't think I could. I write the action scenes first and maybe a conversation and then write around the conversation-where the characters were, what their bodies were doing, etc.
Everyone is unique in their writing style. I say write how you like to write. Don't stare at the blank page, wanting to do it like someone else. The "professionals" can try to tell you how you should write until the cows come home-but that won't get words-your unique words-on a page.
I say keep it simple: Feel it...do it...Just Write!
Joanie Chevalier
Author of Deadly Dating Games
