Terry Odell's Blog, page 68

Beta Readers Wanted

Beta Readers Wanted

I’m in the editing phase of Heather’s Chase, and I’m looking for feedback. This is half a step outside my usual genre. (Part mystery, part romance, but not completely ‘traditional’ for either genre.) It’s not part of any of my series.

The book is about 82,000 words long, and I’d like feedback within two weeks of downloading.

You’ll get a link to a BookFunnel download, and you can choose epub, mobi, or PDF format.

A hint as to what the book is about:

Caregiver Heather Donnegal...

Reader Bias

Reader Bias

When we read, we bring our own reader biases and preferences into the story. You know why so many romance covers cut off most of the hero’s head? Because readers want to superimpose their own visions of a “handsome” man when they read. Many authors, myself included, paint their character descriptions with a very broad brush so readers can decide what the characters look like.

But there’s also characterization. Here, I try to be more detailed, by showing a character’s thoughts and act...

Best Laid Plans

Best Laid Plans

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

My Thursday started out with A Plan. The Husbster would be at a doctor’s appointment, Feebie would be at Doggie Day Camp, and I was going to be able to concentrate on continuity. I would have the housekeeper clean the downstairs first, and when she was finished, I’d take my editing printout of Heather’s Chase down there with me, and delve into the first full read.

I took care of all things social media/email related. Provided feedback on chapters from...

Ask Yourself WHY

Ask Yourself Why

It’s my day at The Kill Zone Blog, and I’m talking about one technique I use to help keep my story moving–and believable.

Image by Anand Kumar from Pixabay

Everyone, I’m sure, has heard of using the “What if?” question to start a story, and to help move things along throughout. But for me, there’s an even more helpful question for me while I’m writing. WHY?

Disclaimer. I’m not a Plotter. Not a true Pantser. More of a Planster.

In one of his workshops, James Scott Bell has an exe...

It’s Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day, where we remember and honor those who have given their lives in war.
Image by Carol Colman from Pixabay

(Not to be confused with Veteran’s Day, where we honor everyone who served.)

(And there’s still time to win a Proof Copy of Remaking Morgan. See Friday’s post.)

 

 

The post It’s Memorial Day appeared first on Terry Odell.

It’s Giveaway Time

It’s a holiday weekend, and time for another giveaway. I have an extra Proof Copy of Remaking Morgan that I will give to one lucky winner. (Note the fine print, please).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway runs through May 27th.

The fine print:

No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years of age or older. Physical prizes to US residents only. Out of the US will receive a download code for the eBook. Winners will be chosen by Rafflecopter from all entrants for the prize. Winners will be notified by ...

Search Images

Find the microphone

Have you ever noticed what triggers you use to help you find something? The Hubster, a biologist by (former) trade, was always looking for specimens of—you name it. Actually, he still loves to locate and identify just about anything. But he needs to have an idea of what he’s looking for. He refers to these as “search images.” You need a picture in your brain so you know when  you find what you’re looking for. When he was doing his research on the Channel Islands, he’d spend f...

Genre, Reader Expectations, and the Outside World.

Genre, Reader Expectations, and the Outside World.

Ive been working on Heathers Chase, my International Mystery Romance, which doesnt seem to be falling into a specific genre, and I wonder how much reader expect, and how much theyll accept.

Maybe its because the outside world is creating so much uncertainty, and theres so much negativity out there, but I seem to be veering from the rules. (We all know there are no rules, but there are expectations.)

Does a mystery require a dead body?

Does a...

Playing With Cover Design

Playing with Cover Design

Normally, I hire out my cover designs, because I know I dont have all the requisite skills. A cover design that looks homemade doesnt encourage book sales.

However, my current WIP isnt part of any of my other series, and Id taken lots of pictures on my trip that would work as the background. Plus, working on something different was a pleasant diversion.

One pivotal scene in the book is set at the Cliffs of Moher, so I decided to use that.

Then, I started playing...

Banished Words 2020

Banished Words 2020

Its my turn over at The Kill Zone again. Im talking about overused words and the suggested words that should be banished in 2020.

We all have words and phrases we like to use, often to the point of overuse. Maybe were not even aware were using them. When were writing, they seem to sneak into our manuscripts via our fingers, and sometimes its as if the brain isnt involved at all.

Little words, like just and really and well are commonly listed among words that dont add any...