Follow That Author

The number of groups for authors on facebook is alarming. These are a few that actively encourage, promote, and build relationships within the group. We all have our favorites, and you'll find where you fit. Journey through the groups, read what they're about, and join a few. Feel free to add more in the comment section if you have a favorite author or writing group that isn't listed. A lot of these groups are for readers also, so you'll find some great deals on some great works. It's all about putting yourself out there, so writers... get to work. Marketing takes time, but..... it's time well spent when you make a few friends along the way. 

Writers of the South (USA)

Christian Authors Book Marketing Strategies

Supporting Authors One Read At A Time Magazine's Network

Encouragement for Authors

Renaissance Romance Publishing

Adopt an Indie Page

Fellow Writers

Authors with a Purpose

Crazy for books (readers and authors)

Authors, Agents, and Aspiring Writers

Author Friends

Novel Publicity Network

Author Karma by Novel Publicity 

WRITERS AND ARTISTS SHARE!

GMTA LITERARY COMMUNITY

Authors and Book Lovers Discussion Group

Successful Freelance Writer

Author Exchange

Authors, Books and so much more!

Book Marketing Made Easy

Authors Critique Group

Children's Authors and Illustrators on Facebook

CHRISTIAN AUTHORS AND WRITERS

Author Central 

Author & Their Editors

Are You a Wordaholic?

I finally remembered to post as a part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. So, here I sit, it's midnight when I'm writing this but I won't post it until around 4 am when I wake up from some crazy dream that I think... wouldn't that be a great story?

I have finished the first draft of  the manuscript for my second novel, and I'm finally editing.  Does anyone out there actually enjoy THIS part of the process? I'm not talking about the editing that goes along with finalizing the entire work. I mean, the first read through and making sure your book doesn't sound like the ramblings of a psychotic wordaholic.

Don't you like that... wordaholic. I am so guilty of overstating and overusing words. Here's the perfect example... my first novel, FRIDAY LUNCH is 368 pages. Well, the original manuscript is almost 500 pages with a completely different ending, and there are characters that you'll never meet.

I'm a work in progress, and in my second novel I have tried to create more story in less pages. I like the element of finishing strong and my manuscript not looking like I just purchased refill paper for the copier. I like to have it printed from the computer and in my hand for the final read, because there's just something about turning that last page and closing that notebook that gives me such finality that I instantly want to start creating again.

Are you a wordaholic? My mom reads through my book first before anyone and she has taken her red pen and marked out entire pages. Some would cringe, but not me. I'm all about the strength of the work, so when it's in your hands, it has the ability to hold you until the end.

Can I ever recover from my addiction to words? Not likely. But, what author do you know that can say anything without being a little flamboyant in their descriptions?

Are You Celebrating National Doughnut Day?

Some days shake you for all you're worth. Some days you can ignore and you simply exist. Some days you are the point man taking life by the throat. Some days... it's just all about the doughnuts.

Today, June 1st, is National Doughnut Day. I was reminded of this when Krispy Kreme followed me on twitter. I'm thinking that's a good thing. Everyone needs to be reminded there are free doughnuts out there.

The Kripsy Kreme Cruiser is on their Glaze The Nation Tour. Check it out and see if it's coming to a location near you. June 1st it will be enjoying the streets of NYC, so all you guys up there enjoy! 

We've all been tempted by the HOT NOW sign.

And, there are those moments that simple is best.

So, no matter what your choice... it's always right.

But, just so you know... THIS is my favorite. 

Writing comes easier, and children are happier when a day is filled with doughnuts, don't you think? Perhaps I'll include Krispy Kreme in book #3.... and ask to hold a book signing there. 

The question, however, remains.. which do you prefer... custard or cream filled?

Happy Star Wars Day

May the 4th be with you.... that's the theme of the day. Don't you just love a day when everyone plays along online and has some fun?

Am I a Star Wars geek? Perhaps, but I don't know every amazing detail about the movies. I don't know the names of everyone. I don't know details of all epic battles. However... one thing rings true... I'm of the generation that grew up seeing the very first movies, and yes I was Princess Leah when I was younger. 

It's not about knowing the movies in detail that makes us all Star Wars geeks. It's the feeling you get when you finish such an epic journey from the imagination of others. Lucas, Tolkien, Lewis... we've enjoyed the ride through every twist and turn in the recesses of  their minds. The books we read, the movies we see... they all become a part of our language, a part of our thoughts, a part of our writing. 

So, if it's been a while, make it a Star Wars Weekend! Pop enough popcorn to last, and enjoy! 

Now I like Pinterest, and the people on there are fabulously creative... so would you if you could? 

One last thing.... in the comment section, tell me your favorite Star Wars quote. I have so many, but this one is a favorite:

C3PO: Sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately 3,720 to 1. 

Han Solo: Never tell me the odds.

I Am Defined By Chocolate

So, I didn't make it through the A-Z challenge which was really a giant disappointment. I have tons of chocolate I had collected to share, beautiful places to show, and that flash fiction I was writing would have been an epic adventure after 26 posts. I did write an A post, a B post, and a C post. :)

Well, April has come and gone, but the chocolate continues. In my search for the perfect recipes that would fit into an A-Z category I did come across a fabulous creation....

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Oreo Brownie Bars. 

I intend to walk you through this process and for those on facebook, this is from the picture I posted. Oh, yes... it's just as fantastic as it looks. It will make your coffee stand at attention!

Chocolate chip cookie dough mix..... 

A single layer of oreos.....

One box of brownie mix....

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes....

Add chocolate icing while it's still warm....

Icing becomes fudge-like.....

Be sure to cut a giant piece!

Don't Miss It!

Remember when vampires were scary and didn't have girlfriends? Remember when you wondered if the phone would ring from a guy, and you didn't go check his facebook page? Remember when time together meant more than everyone being in the same room on their laptops? Remember when you could sit around talking with friends without all their iPhones on the table? Remember talking to someone without the interruption of text messages? Remember playing outside so late that even the lightening bugs seemed tired?

Life seems thick with stuff and no time to relax.

I've had some time lately to think about what's really important in my life and the lives of the fabulous four. I sat outside playing  my guitar and my son, covered in mud brought me the mud pie creation made by all. Proud he was, and so was I because we took advantage of a beautiful day and made it ours.

My son filled a cup with rose petals and came to pour it on my head saying he loved me. Sweet gesture, yes, except that the bottom of that cup had dirt in it. I didn't dare shake my hair out until he had walked away. His sentiment was appreciated and he was proud, so a little dirt never hurt.

I had a grand escape for just a short time down by the river. After grocery shopping, I bought a giant piece of chocolate cake, took my coffee and my writing, found a great table (without any sign of ducks) and wrote. Words came so fast that I can barely read what's on that paper. There was great freedom out there.

Wonderful weather has arrived! Make an effort to go outside and enjoy the laughter of your children, savor the splendid moments you can find alone, and take the time to enjoy those nights. There's beauty out there. Life is out there. Don't miss it!

The A-Z of The Hopeless Romantic Me: Letter C

For my A-Z Challenge I'll be sharing the ABC's of the hopeless romantic me. There will be an A-Z Bucket List of romantic places to visit I like to call Just Over the Rainbow, and you all know I can't let a month of blogging go by without chocolate, and chocolate is part of romance, don't you think? Plus, a list of fabulous songs. That's right, sappy love songs... I can't ever get enough of those!

Just over the rainbow letter C

the Colosseum in Rome

My romantic indulgence for the day. Chocolate Cookie Dough Cake.

What man wouldn't want to be stunned by this? Of course I will share the recipe!

My fantastic love song for the letter C... Come What May from the movie Moulin Rouge. There's always that one song that can make you dream about the kind of love you want. This song will take you there.


My continuing flash fiction A-Z challenge from Rach Writes. The picture prompt and my letter C challenge follows.

“Come back to me.” My only thought as I watch the water lap onto the rock where I sit. Jonathan was strong. He would find his way here, and perhaps he would bring others. He would never leave anyone behind.

Her thoughts went back to a time when anger separated them. He had changed. She saw it in his eyes. She heard it in his voice when he promised her forever. His love for her had carried him through years of torment. He never let go of the thought of her, and now, she had to believe he would find his way to her one last time. The warriors Jonathan led, five of their strongest, were going to destroy what they could and free as many as possible. Others were scattered and waiting.

The air seemed to sour. She was right. Something had gone wrong. They were coming.