By Derek Haines 
on Just Publishing Advice:
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10 Things No One Tells You About Publishing
A new venue for authors
As authors, we are always looking for new ways to reach our readers. I was contacted by these two lovely ladies, through friends made on Lisa Burton Radio, to promote their startup on YouTube. Check out what they have to offer, and there are some pretty decent prizes available here too.
CraftQuest 2018 Launch
Co-Founders: Maria Tureaud & Ari Augustine
Motto: We are warriors of the written word.
This month, Maria Tureaud and I are launching CraftQuest, a LIVE YouTube webinar series for serious writers. We wanted to create the equivalent of The View for seriously determined writers willing to transform their failures into successes and want to “get shit done”.
Each month, CraftQuest will host between five to ten writers to chat about their unique writing lives, creative processes, and lessons learn from rejections. We will share tips, perform open critiques, and collaborate with other humans who want…
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How to produce a beautiful cover for your book
After writing, editing and formatting, what’s next?
Picking the perfect cover.
While no easy task, it doesn’t have to break the bank. So in case you missed this great post from Fiction University, I’m attaching a link below.
J. Kathleen Cheney gives sound advice on when and where you can design your own cover. And more important when you might want to bite the bullet and pay for a professional.
In her article, Ms. Cheney also provides links and suggestions on how you can produce a great book cover for your next project.
- Love Canva. It’s one of my favorite programs. Very user-friendly and short learning curve. And best of all you can art for FREE or only $1.00.
- Her idea of checking out the competition is great. That is definitely going on my to-do list for next book.
- Get a critique on the cover from your friends, family and writing…
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When are you a bestselling author? #WriterWednesday #AmWriting
Genre-Neutralizing Your Writing
What is the best secret to writing something original?
Use a formula.
Yep, you heard me right. Sounds contradictory I know. Why? Because we are creatures of comfort and formulas work.
I mean, who doesn’t have a favorite comfort food, favorite chair, a feel-good movie, or book? We enjoy the familiar.
A genre formula is a writer’s best friend.
Sticking to a genre formula lets the reader know what to expect. You know what to expect when you pick up a book by Stephen King, Patricia Cornwell, James Pattersonor Danielle Steel.
Putting yourown unique spin, touch or style is what makes a reader recognize your uniqueness.
Sort of like spaghetti sauce. Everyone knows it’s made with tomatoes, meat, and spices. But how the cook puts it all together will determine the flavor.
Remember, how you execute a story is what makes it unique.
- You (the cook) make the difference.
- Different isn’t always a good thing.
- Readers want genre…
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WordPress Reblog Button disappearance – cause and update…
From the blog of Sally G Cronin:
I know that whilst I was away that the reblog button has disappeared from out blogs which is a real pain..
I checked the forums and this was a response from one of the Happiness Engineers I assume.
kokkieh on “Reblog button has disappeared from blogs”
21 February 2018 10:41
“Hi all. Just an update. It appears this happened because we removed some deprecated code, i.e. code for a feature that no longer exists, but it seems the reblog button was also using some of that code.
Adding back the deprecated code is not an option, so our developers are working on replacing it with updated code that will allow the button to work again. We’re already testing potential fixes, so hopefully it won’t be too much longer.”
In the meantime you can share blogs who have the Press This button.. you can…
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The Trees Have Hearts by Mrs. D.
My review follows the book blurb found on Amazon.
“Honored for Excellence by the Mom’s Choice Awards in 2013
2014 Readers’ Favorite International Award Winner
2014 Children’s Literature Independently Published Principals’ Award Finalist
2016 4th Annual Beverly Hills International Book Award Winner
Age 6-8
The story of a young girl, left friendless because she could not speak a new language, will touch your heart. It will take your child into the imaginary world of a little girl who moved to America from a different country. Unable to speak English, the lonely girl could not find friends. She lived in an old house with a small garden, where three blooming trees and the mysterious wind became her first imaginary friends. The garden friends developed a wonderful friendship with the lonely girl, and helped her overcome her fears and worries. Through the story, they taught her how to make real friends and helped her cope with difficult moments while adapting to new surroundings. Unforgettable characters will open a beautiful imaginary world to young readers, inviting them to share the fears, tears and joys of a little girl. The story will teach the true meaning of friendship while showing readers the beauty of nature. This book will open an unknown imaginary world through the eyes of a child…”
I found “The Trees Have Hearts” by Mrs. D. a wonderful story filled with gorgeous illustrations. The imagination of children will be captured easily, just as easily at it did my imagination. A young girl is lonely after she and her mother moved from a European country to America. This little girl was lonely and could not speak the language the other kids used. Three trees in her yard become her friends in a completely mesmerizing way. The girl did start her new school, and she did learn the language. She made many friends, and even invited some friends to see her favorite three trees, after a summer camp adventure.
Later, she finds out that her mom has a new job, and that they are going to move again. This would be upsetting for a child, no matter the age. This situation never happened with my own children, but it did happen to me between my sophomore and junior years of high school (make sure to read the preface of this book). I could empathize with how the little girl felt. Many lessons are learned in this story, from how and why the trees have flowers, their purpose, the thoughts and feelings are normal, and the positive story outline. Parents should read this story to their child, unless said child is age eight or nine, as younger children won’t grasp some of the wordage. Five Stars!!
Fairy Writing Prompts by WJ Scott
Fairy Writing Prompts by WJ Scott
My review follows the book blurb found on Amazon.
“31 Fairy Writing Prompts to ignite your imagination.
Have fun creating fairy stories to share with your family and friends.”
This is a fun activity book for kids, most for girls but some boy activities found. Scott writes out fantasy paragraphs which are followed by pages of line so that kids can write in their thoughts, make it “their story”. The eBook I read, showed black and white drawings. I have no idea what the paperback has as far as black and white or color. Color drawings create more imagination in child, though. Four stars!
When Angels Fly 