Terry Odell's Blog, page 95

Taking a Break for the Fourth

First – a huge thank you to everyone who purchased a copy of Falcon’s Prey in June. I’ll be writing a generous check to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Next, since the 4th of July is on Wednesday, right smack dab in the middle of the week, I decided to take a break. I’m almost finished with my first editing pass of my next project, tentatively titled Deadly Assumptions, and still have some time before it’s due to my editor.

Since we’re under severe weather conditions with fires throu...

Author Branding. How Do You Create Your Brand?

What is author branding? When I attended a SleuthFest conference, one of the invited guests was Neil Nyren, a top gun at Penguin Putnam. I did a workshop on Point of View, and served on several panels. My latest releases that year were my three Triple-D Ranch books, and when I was “working” I wore my boots and cowboy hat. (I live in Colorado: the boots are my dress shoes, and the hats are common attire.)

The next day, I wasn’t on any panels, and I’d left my hat in the room. I strolled across...

WCW – Strawberry Tomato Salad

Our book club had a pot luck summer picnic, and one of our members, Maureen Hatch,  brought this strawberry tomato salad and was kind enough to share the recipe.

Strawberry Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

Salad:
1 lb. fresh strawberries, quartered
1 pint grape or heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
c chopped fresh basil
Zest of 1 lemon
t salt
t fresh ground black pepper
small red onion, julienned (or to taste)

Dressing:
Juice of 1 large lemon
c honey
c extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:
Combi...

Handling Repetition in Your Novel

Repetition is something to watch out for in our writing. One lesson learned early on was, “Don’t tell readers something they already know.” As writers, we often want to make sure our readers understand a point we’re making, and we repeat it. But when is it too much? We don’t want to sound like a recording on replay. What’s the best way to handle it?

An extreme example of repetition: In one of my first critique groups, one author’s character was an activist, giving speeches all over the countr...

Who Are Your Characters?

Who Are Your Characters?

Once again, I’m pulling a reader question as today’s blog topic. The question: How do you choose your characters? Are they from real life people you know?

The simple answer is Yes and No.

For Deadly Secrets, I drew on my family. Rose is a blend of one of my grandmothers and a bunch of cousins, and I did draw on some of Nana’s behaviors. My favorite was the way Rose, like my grandmother, would ask if you’d eaten before even saying hello. But her physical appearance is...

WCW – Scallop Ceviche with Mango and Avocado

The Hubster likes trying new ceviche recipes. This one came from our supermarket’s flyer.

Scallop Ceviche with Mango and Avocado

Ingredients:
1 lbs uncooked sea scallops, thawed if frozen
1 c lime juice
finely diced red onion
2 t salt, plus more for seasoning
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
2 T olive oil
1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
1 ripe avocado, pitted and diced.
Salad greens

Instructions:
Rinse scallops; pat dry. Cut into inch size pieces. Place in a large bowl.
Add lime juice,...

Going Wide or Exclusive – Thoughts on Each

Going Wide or Exclusive

If you’re indie publishing, should you go wide or exclusive? That’s a question each author has to consider, and there are many reasons for each. I’ve always been a proponent of going wide, so here’s my take.

Now, I have nothing against those who choose to sell their books at only one outlet. For some, the money is the deciding factor, and I certainly don’t want to tell someone that meeting mortgage payments or putting food on the table isn’t an important consideration....

Get Lost in a Story

I’m a guest over at the Get Lost in a Story blog today. Get the scoop behind the name of the hero of Falcon’s Prey. I hope you’ll pop over and say hello.

And don’t forget. I’m sharing my June royalties for Falcon’s Prey with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Read a good book; help a good cause. Click the image for buy links.

I’ll be back next week with my regular WCW recipe post.

 

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How Do Authors Stay Motivated?

How do authors stay motivated?

Today’s topic is how authors stay motivated, but, first, let me thank everyone who’s purchased a copy of Falcon’s Prey. It’s been hanging around the top 50 new releases in three different categories, and for that, I’m excited and grateful. But what’s more important to me is that every book purchased means I’m donating that much more money to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, making a cure that much closer. Can it happen in my daughter’s lifetime? I certai...

Falcon’s Prey is at Booklover’s Bench

I’m talking about my new release, Falcon’s Prey, at Booklover’s Bench today. Pop on over.

Remember, I’m sharing all June royalties with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Already have your copy? You can give it as a gift. Buy links here.

Click here to be transported to the bench.

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