Kathy Cyr's Blog: Kathy Cyr- Author, page 101
June 27, 2015
Saturday Series
I just started reading the series by T.A. Barron: Merlin. The Lost Years.
I discovered it not that long ago and became hooked. There is so much detail in this series. It pulls you right in and you feel like you are apart of Merlin's world.
Here is a snippet from its Wikipedia page:
In the beginning, a young boy has just regained consciousness and finds he, along with a woman with long blond hair and a tattered blue tunic, are washed up on a beach. The boy encounters a boar as he is walking toward the woman, which tries to attack him and the woman. It stamps its foot on the ground, signaling that it is going to attack. With tusks like razor blades, it charges at the boy. He tries to drag the woman into a hollowed out tree trunk. He puts the woman in first, then tries to fit himself in but is too big. A beautiful stag leaps from the forest and stands between him and the boar. The stag and the boar fight. Angrily, the boar retreats. The stag looks at the boy with the deepest eyes the boy would ever see. The stag and the boar fade away, and soon the woman regains consciousness. The woman declares herself the boy's mother, and that her name is Branwen and his is Emrys. Years later, Emrys finds that he has magical powers and eventually uses them to defend Branwen against a terrorizing bully who is trying to burn her at the stake. Tragically, he accidentally sets a tree on fire which collapses on a boy whom Emrys tries to save and fails.
That is just a tiny piece of this series.
And guess what? It is being made into a movie!
You can read more about that here:
http://tabarron.com/merlin-the-movie/
I'm going to be keeping an eye for it.
You can learn more about T.A. Barron on his website and follow him on Twitter and Facebook
http://tabarron.com/
https://twitter.com/TABarronAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/TABarronFans
He also has a Youtube page:
https://www.youtube.com/user/tabarronweb
And the first book in Merlin, The Lost Years can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Lost-Years-Book-Merlin/dp/0142418897
Definitely worth having a look.
Have a great day everyone. Happy reading!
I discovered it not that long ago and became hooked. There is so much detail in this series. It pulls you right in and you feel like you are apart of Merlin's world.
Here is a snippet from its Wikipedia page:
In the beginning, a young boy has just regained consciousness and finds he, along with a woman with long blond hair and a tattered blue tunic, are washed up on a beach. The boy encounters a boar as he is walking toward the woman, which tries to attack him and the woman. It stamps its foot on the ground, signaling that it is going to attack. With tusks like razor blades, it charges at the boy. He tries to drag the woman into a hollowed out tree trunk. He puts the woman in first, then tries to fit himself in but is too big. A beautiful stag leaps from the forest and stands between him and the boar. The stag and the boar fight. Angrily, the boar retreats. The stag looks at the boy with the deepest eyes the boy would ever see. The stag and the boar fade away, and soon the woman regains consciousness. The woman declares herself the boy's mother, and that her name is Branwen and his is Emrys. Years later, Emrys finds that he has magical powers and eventually uses them to defend Branwen against a terrorizing bully who is trying to burn her at the stake. Tragically, he accidentally sets a tree on fire which collapses on a boy whom Emrys tries to save and fails.
That is just a tiny piece of this series.
And guess what? It is being made into a movie!
You can read more about that here:
http://tabarron.com/merlin-the-movie/
I'm going to be keeping an eye for it.
You can learn more about T.A. Barron on his website and follow him on Twitter and Facebook
http://tabarron.com/
https://twitter.com/TABarronAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/TABarronFans
He also has a Youtube page:
https://www.youtube.com/user/tabarronweb
And the first book in Merlin, The Lost Years can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Lost-Years-Book-Merlin/dp/0142418897
Definitely worth having a look.
Have a great day everyone. Happy reading!
June 26, 2015
Max Hamby Updates
Good morning, friends.
The weekend is almost upon on us and I hope it will be a great one for you.
I'll be deep in the third book in the Max Hamby series. I am almost finished and zip back to book 2 to start editing.
Book 3 was scheduled for 2016, but it looks like it might be out along side book 2. I will definitely keep you updated.
Thanks so much for reading and for your support.
Join me on Twitter or Facebook.
https://twitter.com/kathycyrwriter
https://www.facebook.com/authorkathycyr
You can help spread the word about the Max Hamby series by sharing any one of the following links. It's always appreciated.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id92...
Createspace: https://tsw.createspace.com/title/500...
Also available on B&N and other online retailers.
Have a wonderful day.
#Books #Ebooks #SelfPub #Publishing #Novel #AmWriting #Writers #Readers #kidlit #middlegrade #bookseries #maxhamby #childrensauthor #MGlit
The weekend is almost upon on us and I hope it will be a great one for you.
I'll be deep in the third book in the Max Hamby series. I am almost finished and zip back to book 2 to start editing.
Book 3 was scheduled for 2016, but it looks like it might be out along side book 2. I will definitely keep you updated.
Thanks so much for reading and for your support.
Join me on Twitter or Facebook.
https://twitter.com/kathycyrwriter
https://www.facebook.com/authorkathycyr
You can help spread the word about the Max Hamby series by sharing any one of the following links. It's always appreciated.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id92...
Createspace: https://tsw.createspace.com/title/500...
Also available on B&N and other online retailers.
Have a wonderful day.
#Books #Ebooks #SelfPub #Publishing #Novel #AmWriting #Writers #Readers #kidlit #middlegrade #bookseries #maxhamby #childrensauthor #MGlit
June 25, 2015
Thursday Three
Good Morning!
It's Thursday Three. Are you ready to start #amwriting? I've got three writing prompts for you.
Have a wonderful Thursday everyone. May it be good to you. :)
It was the first snowfall of the year.
Stars blazed in the night sky.
His feet were already numb. He should have listened.
You can find more here: http://www.dailywritingtips.com/writing-prompts-101/
#Books #Ebooks #SelfPub #Publishing #Novel #AmWriting #Writers #Readers #kidlit #middlegrade #bookseries #maxhamby #childrensauthor #MGlit
It's Thursday Three. Are you ready to start #amwriting? I've got three writing prompts for you.
Have a wonderful Thursday everyone. May it be good to you. :)
It was the first snowfall of the year.
Stars blazed in the night sky.
His feet were already numb. He should have listened.
You can find more here: http://www.dailywritingtips.com/writing-prompts-101/
#Books #Ebooks #SelfPub #Publishing #Novel #AmWriting #Writers #Readers #kidlit #middlegrade #bookseries #maxhamby #childrensauthor #MGlit
June 24, 2015
10 Elementary Tips For Writers From Sherlock Holmes
I just discovered Sherlock Holmes on BBCA via my husband and have become quite hooked.
For those of you just starting out (& enjoy SH), I think you'll find this article interesting. I have yet to fully accomplish the following tips, but am having a good time on the journey. I try to pay attention to as much detail as possible, but I haven't reached the obsessed level yet.
Have a look.
Since Sherlock Holmes first appeared in 1887, the four novels and 56 stories featuring him have never been out of print. He has become the most-played movie character in history, with 200 actors having played the role.
Other writers have created memorable characters who solve mysteries with reason. But Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes is the detective who has truly captured the world's imagination.
To celebrate the anniversary of Arthur Conan Doyle's birthday, I thought I would put together 10 things writers can learn from the world's most famous detective.
1. Master your craft: Writers have to learn the rules before they break them. Sherlock Holmes is a master of deduction, but this did not happen overnight. Although he is intelligent and talented, he constantly works on improving his skills. He is a big believer in learning the basics before you rush into something complex. Holmes says, 'Before turning to those moral and mental aspects of the matter which present the greatest difficulties, let the enquirer begin by mastering more elementary problems.'
2. Pay attention to details: Great writers are observers. They watch and they listen, they notice things that others miss. When Holmes first meets Watson, he says, ‘You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.’ He is not a psychic. As he goes on to explain to Watson, he sees that the doctor has been ill, that he has suffered an injury, and that his face and hands are tanned. He fits them together and deduces his history from his appearance. Holmes focuses his faculties. He listens and he will not allow himself to be distracted.
3. Obsession works: Most writers who succeed do so because they want it more than anything else. They try harder. They are prepared to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. They love writing for the sake of writing. Holmes is equally obsessed with solving puzzles. In fact, he is prepared to do it without a fee. The thrill of solving a crime is enough for him. 'They say that genius is an infinite capacity for taking pains. It's a very bad definition, but it does apply to detective work.'
You can read the full article here:
http://writerswrite.co.za/10-elementary-tips-for-writers-from-sherlock-holmes
For those of you just starting out (& enjoy SH), I think you'll find this article interesting. I have yet to fully accomplish the following tips, but am having a good time on the journey. I try to pay attention to as much detail as possible, but I haven't reached the obsessed level yet.
Have a look.
Since Sherlock Holmes first appeared in 1887, the four novels and 56 stories featuring him have never been out of print. He has become the most-played movie character in history, with 200 actors having played the role.
Other writers have created memorable characters who solve mysteries with reason. But Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes is the detective who has truly captured the world's imagination.
To celebrate the anniversary of Arthur Conan Doyle's birthday, I thought I would put together 10 things writers can learn from the world's most famous detective.
1. Master your craft: Writers have to learn the rules before they break them. Sherlock Holmes is a master of deduction, but this did not happen overnight. Although he is intelligent and talented, he constantly works on improving his skills. He is a big believer in learning the basics before you rush into something complex. Holmes says, 'Before turning to those moral and mental aspects of the matter which present the greatest difficulties, let the enquirer begin by mastering more elementary problems.'
2. Pay attention to details: Great writers are observers. They watch and they listen, they notice things that others miss. When Holmes first meets Watson, he says, ‘You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.’ He is not a psychic. As he goes on to explain to Watson, he sees that the doctor has been ill, that he has suffered an injury, and that his face and hands are tanned. He fits them together and deduces his history from his appearance. Holmes focuses his faculties. He listens and he will not allow himself to be distracted.
3. Obsession works: Most writers who succeed do so because they want it more than anything else. They try harder. They are prepared to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. They love writing for the sake of writing. Holmes is equally obsessed with solving puzzles. In fact, he is prepared to do it without a fee. The thrill of solving a crime is enough for him. 'They say that genius is an infinite capacity for taking pains. It's a very bad definition, but it does apply to detective work.'
You can read the full article here:
http://writerswrite.co.za/10-elementary-tips-for-writers-from-sherlock-holmes
Wednesday Wisdom
Good Morning, my friends.
I hope the week has been good to you so far.
It's Wednesday Wisdom. Quotes & sayings for #writers & #readers.
For #Writers
“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”― Ernest Hemingway
“As a writer, you should not judge, you should understand.”― Ernest Hemingway
“Don't say it was delightful; make us say delightful when we've read the description. You see, all those words (horrifying, wonderful, hideous, exquisite) are only like saying to your readers Please will you do the job for me.”― C.S. Lewis
For #Readers
"Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new after all.” -Abraham Lincoln
"All good books have one thing in common – they are truer than if they had really happened.” -Ernest Hemingway
"A book is a version of the world. If you do not like it, ignore it; or offer your own version in return.” –Salman Rushdie
You can find more quotes here: http://www.skipprichard.com/best-quotes-and-sayings-about-books/
#Books #Ebooks #SelfPub #Publishing #Novel #AmWriting #Writers #Readers #kidlit #middlegrade #bookseries #maxhamby #childrensauthor #MGlit
I hope the week has been good to you so far.
It's Wednesday Wisdom. Quotes & sayings for #writers & #readers.
For #Writers
“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”― Ernest Hemingway
“As a writer, you should not judge, you should understand.”― Ernest Hemingway
“Don't say it was delightful; make us say delightful when we've read the description. You see, all those words (horrifying, wonderful, hideous, exquisite) are only like saying to your readers Please will you do the job for me.”― C.S. Lewis
For #Readers
"Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new after all.” -Abraham Lincoln
"All good books have one thing in common – they are truer than if they had really happened.” -Ernest Hemingway
"A book is a version of the world. If you do not like it, ignore it; or offer your own version in return.” –Salman Rushdie
You can find more quotes here: http://www.skipprichard.com/best-quotes-and-sayings-about-books/
#Books #Ebooks #SelfPub #Publishing #Novel #AmWriting #Writers #Readers #kidlit #middlegrade #bookseries #maxhamby #childrensauthor #MGlit
June 23, 2015
10 Lessons I Learned While Writing My First Novel
Interesting article and I have discovered, one that rings true.
I learned quite a few of these lessons while writing book one of the Max Hamby series.
10 Lessons I Learned While Writing My First Novel
by Emily Wenstrom
1. Everything will take longer than you expect.
And that means everything. Think you can whip through that revision in a few weeks? Try a few months. Plan on querying agents by the new year? Maybe by the end of next year.
Art simply doesn’t play nicely with timelines. So instead of expecting it to cater to yours, plan on needing more time than you think you need.
2. If you love an idea, trust it.
You know what I’m talking about, right? That totally-in-love feeling you get about an idea every once in a while.
Not the kind where it sparks and then deflates seconds later. The kind where you think about it all day and it keeps you up at night and maybe even enters your dreams. When you love a story idea that much, that’s an idea to run with.
3. The most important question is “What if … “
This simple question got me over every hump of writers block while writing my novel. What if the hero is too desperate to listen? What if the villain is right? What if I finish this whole bottle of vodka?*
*NOT REALLY OKAY.
You can read the full article here:
http://thewritepractice.com/first-novel/
I learned quite a few of these lessons while writing book one of the Max Hamby series.
10 Lessons I Learned While Writing My First Novel
by Emily Wenstrom
1. Everything will take longer than you expect.
And that means everything. Think you can whip through that revision in a few weeks? Try a few months. Plan on querying agents by the new year? Maybe by the end of next year.
Art simply doesn’t play nicely with timelines. So instead of expecting it to cater to yours, plan on needing more time than you think you need.
2. If you love an idea, trust it.
You know what I’m talking about, right? That totally-in-love feeling you get about an idea every once in a while.
Not the kind where it sparks and then deflates seconds later. The kind where you think about it all day and it keeps you up at night and maybe even enters your dreams. When you love a story idea that much, that’s an idea to run with.
3. The most important question is “What if … “
This simple question got me over every hump of writers block while writing my novel. What if the hero is too desperate to listen? What if the villain is right? What if I finish this whole bottle of vodka?*
*NOT REALLY OKAY.
You can read the full article here:
http://thewritepractice.com/first-novel/
TRaveling Tuesday
Good Morning & #Amwriting everyone.
I hope the coffee (or tea) is brewed, because we're off to Galloway Forest park in Scotland.
A beautiful setting for your characters. The last two photos are quite mysterious in appearance and hold so many possibilities for a story or two.
Links for reference and info:
http://www.gallowayforestpark.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galloway_Forest_Park
http://www.lovetoescape.com/business/... 
http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2... 
http://www.tompitmanphotography.co.uk/
I hope the coffee (or tea) is brewed, because we're off to Galloway Forest park in Scotland.
A beautiful setting for your characters. The last two photos are quite mysterious in appearance and hold so many possibilities for a story or two.
Links for reference and info:
http://www.gallowayforestpark.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galloway_Forest_Park
http://www.lovetoescape.com/business/... http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2... http://www.tompitmanphotography.co.uk/
June 22, 2015
Monday Mentionables
Hi everyone,
I hope your weekend was a good one and a Happy (late) Father's Day to those that celebrated it.
It's Monday Mentionables time; links for #writers & #readers.
Today it's all about the author website. There's some fine links below on how to build one, what to include and mistakes you might want to stay away from.
How to build the ultimate author website (in 1 hour)
http://timgrahl.com/how-to-build-the-ultimate-author-website-in-1-hour/
Build a More Effective Author Website
http://janefriedman.com/2012/02/27/effective-author-website/
The Big Mistake of Author Websites and Blogs
http://janefriedman.com/2011/12/09/big-mistake-author-blog/
#Books #Ebooks #SelfPub #Publishing #Novel #AmWriting #Writers #Readers #kidlit #middlegrade #bookseries #maxhamby #childrensauthor #MGlit
I hope your weekend was a good one and a Happy (late) Father's Day to those that celebrated it.
It's Monday Mentionables time; links for #writers & #readers.
Today it's all about the author website. There's some fine links below on how to build one, what to include and mistakes you might want to stay away from.
How to build the ultimate author website (in 1 hour)
http://timgrahl.com/how-to-build-the-ultimate-author-website-in-1-hour/
Build a More Effective Author Website
http://janefriedman.com/2012/02/27/effective-author-website/
The Big Mistake of Author Websites and Blogs
http://janefriedman.com/2011/12/09/big-mistake-author-blog/
#Books #Ebooks #SelfPub #Publishing #Novel #AmWriting #Writers #Readers #kidlit #middlegrade #bookseries #maxhamby #childrensauthor #MGlit
June 15, 2015
Update
Good afternoon,
I hope you all are doing well and feeling fine.
There is a bit of delay for Monday Mentionables this week, but will return next week with more links for #writers & #readers.
Progress on book 3 is moving along nicely. I'm a little over half way through and hope to finish in the next couple of weeks. After that? Book 2 and 3 will be edited (one right after the other), the covers will be revealed and I'll let you know what the release dates will be.
I am really excited to share Max Hamby's story with you all. :)
Have a great afternoon & night.
#Books #Ebooks #SelfPub #Publishing #Novel #AmWriting #Writers #Readers #kidlit #middlegrade #bookseries #maxhamby #childrensauthor #MGlit
I hope you all are doing well and feeling fine.
There is a bit of delay for Monday Mentionables this week, but will return next week with more links for #writers & #readers.
Progress on book 3 is moving along nicely. I'm a little over half way through and hope to finish in the next couple of weeks. After that? Book 2 and 3 will be edited (one right after the other), the covers will be revealed and I'll let you know what the release dates will be.
I am really excited to share Max Hamby's story with you all. :)
Have a great afternoon & night.
#Books #Ebooks #SelfPub #Publishing #Novel #AmWriting #Writers #Readers #kidlit #middlegrade #bookseries #maxhamby #childrensauthor #MGlit
June 12, 2015
Friday Fun
Good Morning, lovely people!
The eyes are open, the butt in is in the seat and we're fully caffeinated, right?
Uh, me neither.
But, before your (& my) #amwriting begins, I've got a few sites for a couple of laughs and possibly some story ideas, keyword fight and a meme or two. All so you can join me in the sea of procrastination. ;)
No, seriously. It's Friday. You deserve, at least, a five minute break. Before you don't get sucked in. I spent a bit too long on two of the sites below.
For your reading pleasure, we have the Overheard websites.
People are quirky. Here's a few examples from the website:
1. Chick: Oh my God! I forgot I was in New York!
2. Dad to post-tantrum kid: So, did you get a lot of crying done today?
Little boy: Yeah…
3. (excited dog jumps onto lady)
Lady: Oh, why are you so frisky?
Dog walker: He's a puppy.
Lady: Oh, so he's new to New York? Soon he'll be just as jaded and angry as the rest of us.
http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/
http://www.overheardintheoffice.com/
http://www.overheardatthebeach.com/
Next up is the website FOUND.
About: We collect found stuff: love letters, birthday cards, kids’ homework, to-do lists, ticket stubs, poetry on napkins, doodles– anything that gives a glimpse into someone else's life. Anything goes.
Personally? There's a couple of jewels within these found notes that would make for an interesting story. Example:
Check it out and see for yourself.
http://foundmagazine.com/
Next, I discovered Google Fights.
2 keywords go in. One comes out.
http://www.googlefight.com/
And finally, before #amwriting, I shall meme you......
Not really funny, but true.
Have an awesomely creative day!
#Books #Ebooks #SelfPub #Publishing #Novel #WritingPrompt #AmWriting #Writers #Readers
The eyes are open, the butt in is in the seat and we're fully caffeinated, right?
Uh, me neither.
But, before your (& my) #amwriting begins, I've got a few sites for a couple of laughs and possibly some story ideas, keyword fight and a meme or two. All so you can join me in the sea of procrastination. ;)
No, seriously. It's Friday. You deserve, at least, a five minute break. Before you don't get sucked in. I spent a bit too long on two of the sites below.
For your reading pleasure, we have the Overheard websites.
People are quirky. Here's a few examples from the website:
1. Chick: Oh my God! I forgot I was in New York!
2. Dad to post-tantrum kid: So, did you get a lot of crying done today?
Little boy: Yeah…
3. (excited dog jumps onto lady)
Lady: Oh, why are you so frisky?
Dog walker: He's a puppy.
Lady: Oh, so he's new to New York? Soon he'll be just as jaded and angry as the rest of us.
http://www.overheardinnewyork.com/
http://www.overheardintheoffice.com/
http://www.overheardatthebeach.com/
Next up is the website FOUND.
About: We collect found stuff: love letters, birthday cards, kids’ homework, to-do lists, ticket stubs, poetry on napkins, doodles– anything that gives a glimpse into someone else's life. Anything goes.
Personally? There's a couple of jewels within these found notes that would make for an interesting story. Example:
Check it out and see for yourself.http://foundmagazine.com/
Next, I discovered Google Fights.
2 keywords go in. One comes out.
http://www.googlefight.com/
And finally, before #amwriting, I shall meme you......
Not really funny, but true.Have an awesomely creative day!
#Books #Ebooks #SelfPub #Publishing #Novel #WritingPrompt #AmWriting #Writers #Readers
Kathy Cyr- Author
Kathy Cyr writes in an underground cave, but has her eye on a wizard's castle.
On an average day, she's usually surrounded by a dwarf with a curious addiction to coffee, a moody dragon and a pink pixie ...more
On an average day, she's usually surrounded by a dwarf with a curious addiction to coffee, a moody dragon and a pink pixie ...more
- Kathy Cyr's profile
- 15 followers
