Monday, 1 November 2010

New Author - Jill Schafer

Tell Me A Story - Dreams

For all of you out there who think it's never going to happen - take heart. Jill Schafer Godbersen had to put off serious writing until her kids were older. Now, it's partly because of her kids that her writing career has taken off.
Godbersen recently published her first three books – a novel and two books aimed at readers ages 6-10: “Dance With Me” and “My Dog is the Best.”
Godbersen initially wrote the children's books as personalized birthday presents for her own children. The books included their names and home in Ida Grove.
“After my family and friends read those books, they encouraged me to write them for everyone,” said Godbersen, who lives in Ida Grove with her husband and children.
So, she generalized them. The books now follow the fictitious Cooper family and are something that young readers living anywhere can read and enjoy.
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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Friday, 29 October 2010

Editing That Precious Book

Tell Me A Story - Advice

Okay, so the hard work is done. Your manuscript is hot off the word processor and you sit back to bathe in glory ---- Stop!

Your work is only part done, my friend. You now need to edit that beautiful manuscript and turn it into a thing of beauty.... How?

How To Edit A Book - 20 Ways To Edit A Book to Make It Better

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more articles from ajbarnett

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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Monday, 25 October 2010

Wellcome Book Prize

Tell Me A Story
Good news for Berkeley doctor.
A NEW book detailing the impact of small pox on society and the groundbreaking work of Berkeley doctor Edward Jenner has been shortlisted for a top literary award.
Angel of Death: the story of smallpox, written by Gareth Williams from Rockhampton, has been shortlisted in the Wellcome Trust Book Prize, the medical equivalent of the Booker Prize.
The book details previously unheard accounts of the disease, and its eventual eradication by Dr Jenner. The book also features John Fewster, a doctor living in Thornbury at the time and a friend of Jenner, who is reported to have experimented with smallpox vaccination before Jenner.
Local author Mr Williams, who is a professor of medicine at the University of Bristol, has penned more than 20 medical books and 200 scientific papers.
Well done, and good luck.
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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Tuesday, 19 October 2010

Author Belva Plain

Tell Me A Story

Sad news I'm afraid.

Author Belva Plain, who shot to prominence with the novel Evergreen in 1978 after decades of writing short stories for women's magazines, has died aged 95, according to a statement Monday from her daughter.

The novel, which was turned into a TV mini-series, was about a beautiful Jewish immigrant who falls in love with one man before marrying another.

The book was on the New York Times bestseller list for almost a year. More than 25 million copies of her books have been sold, and her last novel Crossroads was published in 2008.

"I got sick of reading the same old story, told by Jewish writers, of the same old stereotypes - the possessive mothers, the worn-out fathers, all the rest of the neurotic rebellious unhappy self-hating tribe," she told the Times about her motivations for writing Evergreen.

"I wanted to write a different novel about Jews - and a truer one."

Shortly before her death, Plain reportedly finished a sequel to Evergreen, which will be published next year.

Born in New York City in 1915, Plain was a third-generation American of German-Jewish descent. She died in her New Jersey home Oct 12.

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Thursday, 14 October 2010

Best Selling Author, Bill Bryson

Tell Me A Story
For all you lucky people out there who live in the right place.
MASON CITY — New York Times best selling writer Bill Bryson will be attending the North Iowa Community Auditorium at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, as part of the 2010-2011 NIACC Performing Arts and Leadership Series.
Tickets are $25 if you purchase them in advance, or $30 at the door.
His appearance is sponsored by Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Winnebago Industries, Principal Financial Group and the Globe Gazette Elizabeth Muse Norris Foundation.
Bryson, author of “A Walk in the Woods” and “A Short History of Nearly Everything,” was born in Des Moines, the son of William and Mary Bryson.
He was educated at Drake University but dropped out in 1972, deciding to backpack around Europe for four months where he found his calling as a writer.

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Monday, 11 October 2010

American Scandals

Tell Me A Story - Books

It is human nature to revel in scandal — as long as the scandal isn’t our own.

Laura Kipnis, professor in Northwestern University’s department of radio/TV/film, has examined four of the juiciest and most layered American scandals for her entertaining and erudite book How to Become a Scandal: Adventures in Bad Behavior.

It includes insightful examinations of lives that have gone publicly awry. Kipnis attempts to tell not only how and where, but also why infamous scandalizers put their well-being and reputations at risk.

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The Jalón Valley, Costa Blanca
How to Increase Traffic to Your Article
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Friday, 17 September 2010

Ending A Story - Climax And Endings In Creative Writing

Tell Me a Story

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The Jalón Valley, Costa Blanca
How to Increase Traffic to Your Article
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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Getting the end of a story right is extremely important. Make a mess and you might never have a reader again. Make it right and you could have readers waiting with bated breat for your next book.

For more read my new article: Ending A Story - Climax And Endings In Creative Writing

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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Friday, 10 September 2010

Finding Author Appeal

Publishing a Novel - Finding Author Appeal
If you’re endeavouring to find a publisher for your first novel, it’s reasonable to assume you’re not already a best-selling author. That is unfortunate. Mostly, publishers prefer best-selling authors.
Much as they’d like to, publishers can’t solely publish best-selling authors, so second choice for them is an author who has the makings of a bestseller.

For more read Publishing a Novel - Author Appeal

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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Tuesday, 7 September 2010

Part Time Writer, Full Time Writer

Tell Me a Story

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The Jalón Valley, Costa Blanca
How to Increase Traffic to Your Bukisa Article
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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Are You A Part Time Writer?

"There are no dull subjects. There are only dull writers." - H.L. Mencken

Being a part time writer has a lot going for it - yet at some time you might consider going full time. Take care. Writing full time isn't necessarily as glamorous as it might seem...

Read more:

Part Time Writer, Full Time Writer - That Is The Question....

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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Improving Self Confidence

I've just published an article on Bukisa about confidence and how to increase it. I'd love you to take a look and let me know what you think about it.

Improving Confidence

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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Tuesday, 17 August 2010

The Damage Done By Free Radicals

I've just posted a new article on Bukisa called Reduce Free Radical Damage - Free Radicals And Antioxidants.

Hope you can take a look - tell me what you think if you do.

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Saturday, 14 August 2010

Ten Ways To Stay Happy

"How to stay happy,

Tell me how to stay happy,

How to stay happy when life is so crappy"

How to stay happy when the going is rough? One of the most difficult things to do is stay optimistic when life is bumpy.

Nevertheless, maintaining a buoyant outlook is essential for every facet of our lives. A positive stance enhances our attitude towards jobs, family, and life. Yet what can be when things become difficult.

Read more: How to Stay Happy - 10 Cool Ways to Stay Happy

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Thursday, 12 August 2010

The Herb, Sage

Tell Me a Story

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The Jalón Valley, Costa Blanca
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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Okay, so I've just published a new article on Bukisa - Sage Herb Uses - Sage Supplements

I didn't even realise the damn thing was in my garden. I thought it was just another a pretty plant. If you've ever wondered just what all this herb Malarkey is about, try reading further.

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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Wednesday, 11 August 2010

Heartwarming stories - Short Moments

Tell Me a Story

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The Jalón Valley, Costa Blanca
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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I've just published a new HubPage called Heartwarming Stories - Short Moments if you'd like to take a peep. It's a run-down on all the stories included in the Amazon Kindle edition of 'SHORT MOMENTS'.

All ten stories are award winners that have either been published in glossy magazines or been placed and published in international competitions, so 'they've passed the test'. They're also tear-jerkers in one way or another, so be prepared....

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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Monday, 9 August 2010

The Great E-Book Debate

Tell Me a Story

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Moraira, Costa Blanca, Spain - My Local Resort
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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The great ebook debate continues, I suppose it will go on forever now. It's nice to see the perspective from another author though. I have my own ideas, I've already committed some of my work to ebook format on Kindle and have already had a few sales.

Mid-list author, Simon Wood has written an article voicing his opinions on the matter.

Simon Wood has had over 150 stories and articles published. Read his article now Ebooks From An Author's Point of View

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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Wednesday, 4 August 2010

Moraira, Costa Blanca, Spain.wmv

Tuesday, 27 July 2010

Which author do you write like?

Tell Me a Story

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Moraira, Costa Blanca, Spain - My Local Resort
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
Eating Garlic is Good For Sex
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Just been to a site that has a new gizmo.

The site claims to detect which author, your style of writing is most similar to.

Apparently the first chapter of my novel, WITHOUT REPROACH, follows the style of William Gibson (author of Pattern Recognition, Neuromancer, Zero History, and Mona Lisa Overdrive)

Okay, I wish I had his fame and fortune as well - still, you never know.....

At any rate, give it a try and see what you turn out like, but treat it as a bit of fun rather than a serious project. Who Do I Write Like?

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Without Reproach -a romantic mystery - try it.
Short Moments - 'Feel good' short stories

Monday, 26 July 2010

Describing Texture

Sunday, 25 July 2010

Starchild

Tell Me A Story - Articles
.
You gaze at the stars on a warm balmy evening.
There is silence, not a thing to be heard. You fill with wonder. Astronomy, stars, double stars, universe, what's it all about?
It’s so huge up there. You feel insignificant, a speck, nothing. Astronomy makes us small. Surely we're not alone, there must be life out there?
.

Read more: You Are Starchild

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Friday, 16 July 2010

Knopf Doubleday say ebooks are here to stay

I've just returned from two weeks in the UK, to attend my daughter's wedding. All went fine - hated making the speach though, but there again that's just me. I just don't like being the centre of attention.

I've been checking through the web and found a little snippet some of you might be interested in.

Apparently the book publisher Knopf Doubleday recently made a comment regarding their latest venture into eBooks:

“The ebook is here to stay. Publishers everywhere are in the process of expanding the number of new titles they plan to make available electronically, and in addition, are making available for the first time older titles that have previously existed only in traditional formats.”

I think it's another brilliant endorsement to ebooks - especially when you consider that not too long ago most of the publishing industry were knocking ebooks as just a 'fad'. Ah well, I'm on the bandwagon myself now, so I've made the committment.

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Friday, 25 June 2010

Pitching to a publisher

A really useful post here - definitely worth a look. We all need a hand in getting our pitch right, so who better than an insider.

Practical Hints and Tips on Pitching to Publishers from an Insider - http://bit.ly/9dtW8x

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Good news for eBook writers

“E-book sales jumped up 127.4 percent for the month ($27.4 million), reflecting an increase of 217.3 percent for the year-to-date.” (Statistics courtesy of www.publishers.org Press Center)

.

The figures back-up the March 2010 eBooks stats, which jumped up 184.8 percent ($28.5 million). Idpf.org delivers a useful U.S. eBook Sales Chart every quarter, which displays the digital book increase in popularity:
.

So it could finally be a glimmer of good news for the publishing industry - but too late for my publisher.......

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Thursday, 24 June 2010

All Rights Reverted

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Short Moments: Heartwarming Short Stories
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
All About Write - 10 Top Writing tips
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Tell Me a Story

Well, it's finally happened.

The financial problems facing the Western World have crippled a lot of publishers. Book sales are down, bricks and mortar stores are closing, publishing houses are in trouble, my own publishers being no exception - they have had to shut operations for six months and to be quite honest with little hope of recovering.

I hate kicking anyone when they're down, but you really have to cover your own backside.... so after a lot of deliberation, I sent a polite request to the publisher asking for full rights to revert to me - and the CEO has agreed.

It's a shame when any business goes under, but when it's one that you're connected to, you really feel for them

At any rate - the upshot is that I shall do a small rewrite of WITHOUT REPROACH then perhaps release it on Kindle... unless that is, some enterprising traditional publishing house jumps in with an offer...

I suppose I can take some small comfort in the knowledge that the novel was professionally edited and accepted by a publishing house - so it is up to commercial standard.

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Thursday, 17 June 2010

Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets For Writing Better Story Dialogue

Tell Me a Story

If you want to improve or understand dialogue in a story then look no further. This is the article for you.

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Saturday, 12 June 2010

Taking the plunge

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Short Moments: Heartwarming Short Stories
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
All About Write - 10 Top Writing tips
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Tell Me a Story

Okay guys. I'm about to take the plunge. After the response to my 'Bukisa' articles on writing, and from my blog posts offering writing advice, I've decided to take someone else's advice for a change.

I have several contacts on LinkedIn and a some of them have urged me to gather my writing experience and produce an ebook about it.

Well.... I've almost finished. I've been beavering away merrily now for quite a while - which is why there haven't been too many blog posts of late. I'm at the point where I'm re-reading and checking for typos and mistakes. I haven't settled on a title yet... But I'm hoping to have the ebook on offer in about a week.

So.... For those of you who like to absorb a little writing experience and know-how, I shall shortly have a book on offer.... so save your pennies and bide your time if you've been thinking of purchasing.

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Tuesday, 8 June 2010

Promoting your book

Promoting Your Book

The main problem facing new authors, more especial self-published authors, is coming to terms with the level of marketing required to promote their book.

Creating an effective author platform, the use of various social media, and the supply preference for your book will all come into play. Here are some great articles to help you on your way.
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Promoting Your Book

How To Market Your Self-Published Book
How Nonfiction Self-Publishers Can Become Keyword Naturals
Why Self-Publishing is a Long-Tail Business
Author Platform: What Are You Waiting For?
The New Marketing: Carol White at BAIPA
10 Ways Authors Can Find More Blog Read
How I Sold 10,000 Copies of My Self-Published Book
Is It Time to Kill “Jerry”?
Self-Publishing Basics: Book Review Sources
Self-Publishing Basics: How to Create Your ARC Cover

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Tomboy: heartwarming story on Kindle - $0.99

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Thursday, 3 June 2010

Publishing on Amazon Kindle is TOO simple.

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Short Moments: Heartwarming Short Stories
Writing Dialogue In A Story - 12 Cool Secrets
All About Write - 10 Top Writing tips
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Tell Me a Story - advice

Prospects for new writers to be taken on board by traditional publishing houses seem to be getting fewer. The number of publishers is getting less, and those that remain are becoming more discerning, and have reduced catalogue lists. The remaining publishers often select celebrity writers over unfamiliar, but accomplished writers... yet who can condemn them. Most are desperate to maximise their decreasing profits. Many publishing houses have permanently closed; my own publisher is having financial problems. The future seems depressing – yet does it have to be?

A lot of new authors are turning to self-publication and to e-books, seeing them as their saviour, and who can blame them. Amazon Kindle is rapidly becoming the author’s favourite choice, and has made the publishing procedure very simple.

The trouble when this happens is a vital editing link becomes missing. The numerous and rigorous checks that take place within the publishing house will not be there. The author MUST perform these checks or the quality of the finished product will be low.

Read more: - How to Prepare And Publish a Book on Kindle

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Monday, 31 May 2010

Mastering Descriptive Writing

For some reason, a lot of wannerbe writers go over the top with their descriptive writing. In general, you should curb your enthusiasm for 'purple prose'.

Cut out those flowing passages and get back to nitty gritty words. Never use three words when one will do.

Don't waste time searching for obscure words, use plain English.

Get rid of those cute adverbs and adjectives - they kill your story.

For more, read How To Master Descriptive Writing

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Saturday, 29 May 2010

Short Moments - on Kindle

Tell Me a Story - Kindle

Okay guys, I simply have to share it with you. I have gone KINDLE.

I have written and published a collection of Heartwarming short stories called SHORT MOMENTS.

All the stories have been previously accepted by various publishers, so I know they pass the test..... they've been professionally edited for magazines.

My book publisher went belly-up during the economic situation so I took the decision to go down the route of KINDLE... After alI I get 35% royalties instead of the meagre amount from a paperback.

It's so easy to put your book out there, it's unbelievable. I think the problem with KINDLE is that too many writers might be tempted to submit below-par stories. If you want to publish, make sure your book is properly edited first.

If you've been considering it, consider no longer.

The biggest problem as far as I can see, is book promotion. It's all down to the author.... there again, I don't suppose it's a lot different after all..... most publishers don't do a lot for their authors....

So, if any of you pass this info around, I'll be dead chuffed. ANY promotion will be gratefully accepted.

Friday, 28 May 2010

If You Can

Tell Me a Story

Inner Peace: This is so true

If you can start the day without caffeine,

If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and

pains,

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,

If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,

If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,

If you can conquer tension without medical help,

If you can relax without liquor,

If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,

Then You Are Probably The Family Dog!

..

And you thought I was going to get all spiritual!! You should have known better!

Thursday, 13 May 2010

Story Ideas

Tell Me a Story

If you struggle to get ideas for plots in your story try this gizmo. It might not be the best thing since sliced bread, but there again I like crusty bread torn off in chunks....

Plot Generator

Even if you don't need it, it's a bit of fun.

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Monday, 19 April 2010

Writing Novel Tips

10 Top Writing Tips, For Writing that novel

Before starting to write that novel, you should make loads of notes. You should scribble down all the associated ideas you can think of, and then sit back in that comfy seat and take time to analyse just what your brilliant story idea is all about. How much do you actually know about the background for your story? How much do you know about your characters? What about their jobs, their likes and dislikes, their friends, their taste in food?

What else should you be doing? Take a look at this article to see just what you should be up to…. 10 Top Writing Tips

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