Virtual Wordsmith

Book Review - The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:37:00 +0000

The Castaways
Elin Hilderbrand
Little, Brown and Company
ISBN # 978-0316043892

"Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed."

No matter how well you think you know your friends, never assume they've told you everything. Elin Hilderbrand might as well have written a case study of human psychology/sociology, although I must say, The Castaways held my attention far longer than a thesis would have.

The webs woven among the four couples (self named The Castaways) begin to unravel when Greg and Tess McAvoy die in a boating accident. The mess they leave behind changes the way their friends view each other and themselves. Hilderbrand is masterful in her approach, interspersing flashbacks and real time to show how the friendships begin, grow and are stretched to their limits.
(July 2009, pp 368, $24.99)

Enter to Win EXCLUSIVE ElinHilderbrand.net Tote Bag, plus a copy of THE CASTAWAYS, BAREFOOT, and A SUMMER AFFAIR

Woah! I wrote that?!

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Have you ever written something, just to get it down on paper before it drove you insane? And then come upon it much later, only to have it take your breath away? That happened to me yesterday.

I won't share it here, mostly because it's very personal. But, I have been struggling with writing for the last 8 months or so, and it gave me hope that all is not lost. The words are still there, waiting for me to write them.

Write for free? I don't think so!

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:04:00 +0000

If you're a freelance writer, you know the work involved in findng writing gigs. First off, you must have original ideas that will interest an editor. Second, you have to present the ideas in such a way that grabs the editor from word one. Third, you have to make the time to write the piece as cleanly as you can.

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty tired of the writing leads that say "Please send a sample relevant to the topic." I've been published, I have two blogs, and I'm capable of writing an email. Shouldn't that be enough? I'm not inclined to write something fresh, email it off to an unknown person, never hear anything back and then see my work show up somewhere without any compensation for it.

Honestly, does it really have to be this frustrating (and insulting)?

Book Review - Summertime by Lynn McMonigal

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:57:00 +0000

Summertime
Lynn McMonigal
CreateSpace
ISBN # 978-1442102538

“Entertainment journalist Laura Bell has been a single mother for her daughter's entire life. She has not even seen her daughter's father, Joey, a member of a once hugely popular boy band, in almost 10 years. When his band, Zero Gravity, plans a reunion tour, Laura is asked to cover the event. She is suddenly forced to confront her past. Can she build a life for her daughter, one that includes Joey, without compromising her new-found Christian faith? Or will she have to choose between God and Joey?”

Summertime is the first book I've read entirely in digital format. I've been dreading doing this because I usually read curled up in my comfy recliner, or in bed just before I go to sleep. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read Lynn's book this way.

Lynn has written a terrific feel good story. It touches on some difficult issues, but remains hopeful and highly entertaining. It's a smooth read, the pacing is good - the perfect book to slip into your beach bag!
(June 2009, pp 306, $15.00)

Why I Love Twitter!

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:53:00 +0000

I am an information junkie. Infatuation with ideas is what keeps my heart beating. I also love humor. Make me laugh - deep down from the gut, side splitting, face cracking jocularity - and I'm yours forever (probably). Thanks to Twitter, I find myself constantly amused. Sort of like a 20 something male visiting a nude beach for the first time. Concurrently titillated, aroused, curious and mortified.

Some of the gems I've been exposed to, just today, follow...

I love Twitter because it's a never ending source of things that make me go "hmmmmmm". Once upon a time, I thought about starting a blog called Did You Ever Wonder? Twitter did this for me, in 140 characters or less. Now, that's MAGIC!

So, Twitter, heart it or hate it? And tell me why, please.

The Green Teen

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:56:00 +0000

Last week, I attended the online release party for The Green Teen by Jenn Savedge. It was held at The Green Teen's Facebook page. Just by contributing to the ongoing conversation there that day, I was entered to win some fabulous prizes. FANTASTIC marketing concept, not only for Jenn, but also for the companies donating the prizes.

The Green Teen website

I was lucky enough to win a t-shirt from revengeis.com. It's made from 50% cotton and 50% recycled bottles! I love how it fits and it's incredibly soft.

The release party was fun, and again, a brilliant way to promote a book.

Time flies (or passes by)

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:18:00 +0000

The last three months have been tough. I've been dealing with a family member's diagnosed mental illness, up close and personal. It hasn't left a lot of room in my head for any kind of creativity. And, my grandfather died a few weeks ago.

The good news is said family member is being treated and is showing marked improvement. And, it's Spring! My front flower garden is beautiful, laden with tulips, irises and violets. Any time I need a lift I look out my bedroom window.

So, for those of you who have wondered, I'm still here.

Guest Post - Annette Fix, author of The Break-Up Diet, talks about Self Publishing

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:30:00 +0000

D.I.Y. (Do-It Yourself) Publishing – Is It an Option for You?
By Annette Fix

When I was a little girl and someone tried to tie my shoes for me, I always insisted, “I can do it myself!” Maybe that same stubbornness and strong belief in my own abilities foreshadowed that I’d choose the publishing path less traveled. It wasn’t my original direction, but it’s eventually where I ended up.

Thanks to the advances in printing technology, it’s now possible—more so than ever before—for every writer to see her words printed and bound in book form. The easy access to cover and interior book designers, digital printers, and even offset printers, makes the once mysterious publishing process available to any and every writer who takes the initiative to utilize the resources.

The traditional route—through an agent to an editor at an established publishing house—was the only option for writers for many years. Now, the field of options has grown exponentially.

For a detailed explanation of the available publishing models, take a minute and read this article: http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/11-FE-AnnetteFix.html There is too much information for me to explain in a single blog post.

Alternate publishing options I had to choose from:

Independent Publishing – Independent publishers function much like traditional publishers in their structure, but often take on fewer projects per year, and often do not pay royalties. They can range from micro presses with only one title to large indies like Wiley & Sons (the For Dummies publisher).

Joint Venture Publishing – A newer publishing model based on expense and profit sharing between the author and the publisher.

Subsidy/Vanity Publishers – AuthorHouse, iUniverse, Xlibris, et al. (Countless subsidy companies have cropped up online and often use the misleading terminology self-publishing company and/or POD publisher.*) This model is explained more in depth in the article linked above. *There is no such thing as a POD publisher. POD = Print On Demand—a digital printing technology, not a publishing model.

Self-Publishing – The author creates her own publishing company, purchases a block of ISBN, and moves her manuscript through the editing, design, and printing processes as well as securing distribution/fulfillment, and establishing wholesale accounts, including Amazon.com.
Of those options, I chose to self-publish.

My book, The Break-Up Diet: A Memoir, is the candid story of a 30-something single mother and aspiring writer who is working as an exotic dancer, searching for Prince Charming, and trying to find the perfect balance between her dreams and her day-to-day life as Supermom.

Of course, living my life (and then writing about it) was a wild ride, but I had no idea how much I would learn about the publishing industry during my self-publishing adventure. To give you an idea, I’ve created a list of pros and cons—based on my experiences:

Pros:
Complete creative freedom to choose your book cover image, interior design, launch date, and everything and anything associated with developing the product, fixing it in tangible form, promoting and selling it.

Cons:
Complete creative freedom to choose a lame cover image, horrible interior design, poorly-timed launch date, etc. (laughs) Seriously though, it’s often challenging and costly to find the right freelance editor and designers to work with you to create a product that can compete on the same level with traditionally published books. It’s not unusual for many self-published authors fail to create a competitive product.

Pros:
Receive the lion’s share of the financial return from book sales—which for a $16.95 retail paperback works out to be approx. $7.63 per unit for the author/publisher. Ok, so maybe it’s an emaciated lion. (Traditionally published authors make between $1.00 - $1.50 per unit—based on the number rumors I’ve heard.)

Cons:
Assume all the financial risks, have trouble getting wholesalers to actually pay your invoices, limited distribution, and more confusing accounting and inventory paperwork than any creative person should ever have to deal with. And don’t even attempt self-publishing if you can’t blow through more than $10K without developing a facial tic, or if you’re allergic to standing beside the freeway off ramp with a cardboard sign and giving your books away with a bag of oranges.

Tally It Up:
When it comes down to it, it’s not an easy road. And maybe after reading about my experiences, you’ll have a better idea of whether self-publishing is the right publishing model for you.

Find out about Annette’s publishing journey from the traditional road to her self-publishing detour:
http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/18-FE3-AnnetteFix.html

***
Annette Fix is a freelance editor, a publishing industry and single parenting speaker, Senior Editor of WOW! Women On Writing, and the author of The Break-Up Diet: A Memoir.

Visit her blog at Annette’s Paper Trail. She enjoys hearing from her readers. You can email her directly at annette[at]annettefix[dot]com.

For the length of her blog tour, Annette will be giving away free digital copies of her memoir. If you’d like a copy, send an email to promo[at]thebreak-updiet[dot]com, please put “Virtual Wordsmith” in the subject line.

I've got a brand new pair of roller skates...

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Remember when you were a kid, and life was all about right now? You walked out the door with no plan, no agenda - whatever happened next was completely unknown to you, and that was the fun of it.

I'd forgotten about that, until I started reading Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott. The book is about writing and life, but it's also about taking things small steps at a time, letting the characters show you what happens next. No-one sits down and pours out a full length novel in one shot.

The one thing that really jumped out at me is Anne's concept of the "one inch picture frame." As in, write only about what you can see through the frame. What a marvelous focus tool!

Bird By Bird has reminded me of the joy I once felt when I walked into my 7th grade English class and the teacher would say "Today, we write." She would give us a prompt, and then we'd scribble furiously for 20 minutes. The stories shared were what we saw through our respective tiny picture frames, but funnily enough, the views were panoramic.

Sometimes life can't help but take precedence...

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:44:00 +0000

I was really hoping to be blogging every weekday again, but a few things came up in the last two weeks that took precedence. However, today is a new day, beginning a new week, and a new month - so here I am.

I went to Barnes & Noble on Saturday looking for 2 specific books (and maybe a side of inspiration). Picked up Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott and The Writing Diet by Julia Cameron. I figured while I was there I'd grab The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, as well, since it just won the Newbery Medal.

One would think it would have its own spectacular display screaming "Here I am! Buy me!" But, no, not so much. I walked over to the information desk to ask about it. The had no copies in-store, but they had just placed an order for... 12.

Now, I know the award was a huge surprise, to the author himself, even. But, come on, the book has been hyped all over the 'net - and Neil went on a whirlwind tour, reading a chapter of the book at each stop. You'd think bookstores, and Target, and Walmart would have some copies on hand.

So, I'm rather dismayed to say that amazon.com will most likely profit from my book buying dollar. I really wonder if there will be any brick-and-mortar bookstores around by 2015.

Now, where did I put that... ?

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:57:00 +0000

I've been reading a lot of blog posts, Tweets and Plurks about getting organized. It is that time of year when people resolve to be better about keeping track of their stuff and where they put it.

There are many options for writers to keep backups of their writing. The one thing I always try to do is keep an actual hard copy of anything I write (well, anything I sink a lot of time into, anyway). I print it out and put it in a plastic sleeve, and then put it in a 2 inch binder. I haven't written enough pieces for this to be a space issue just yet.

As for virtual storage and organization, this is what I do...

I keep one copy on my desktop computer, as that's where I do most of my writing.
I have a designated SD card for my writing and I keep copies there as well. Jump Sticks work just as well.
I also upload my files to Google Documents, so that I can access them from anywhere I can acquire an internet connection.

There are online backup sites, such as www.4shared.com or www.mozy.com. Some are free, some are not.

If anyone has other ideas/ways they stay organized, please chime in. Now, where did I put that... ?

A world dusted in confectioner's sugar.

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:02:00 +0000

It began to snow at daybreak. At first a fine sifting, gradually increasing, until there were four inches of fresh powder by noon. Now, the flakes look like goose down. It lifts my spirit and makes me drowsy - simultaneously.

School was dismissed two hours early. My plans for the afternoon hit a hard stop, but I don't mind. I still remember the excitement of an early dismissal from school, and walking into my warm home and my mom hugging me. We'll make cookies and take care of homework without the pressure of dinner making, and bath taking and bedtime.

Snow like this slows things down. I do appreciate it - now and then.

It was only a matter of time...

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:11:00 +0000

Publisher Meredith to cut 250 jobs, take charge

Back in the game!

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:02:00 +0000

My New Year's resolution is to get focused and get back in the game of Freelance Writing. I veered off course as soon as the kids went on Summer Break last year and it was all downhill from there.

But...

I have submitted a gardening tip to a major mag and it's under consideration. I sent a query to a regional gardening magazine regarding a reprint. And, I've spent a lot of time the last couple of days jotting down ideas and researching publications to query.

I've also come to the realization that I've been much too isolated and I NEED to get out and socialize, and participate in life if I want to have a hope in hell of generating interesting ideas. So, one other goal for 2009 is to do things I've never done before. Nothing radical or bone breaking, but do some of the things I keep saying I'd like to do - like spend a weekend camping up North in Minnesota, visit the places in the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, and go hunting next Fall.

That's my plan for the year. What's yours?

Book Review - The Writer's Planner by Gayle Trent

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:42:00 +0000

If you're a writer, you probably have a system for keeping track of your works in progress. But, if you're a new writer, you may have found yourself lost as to how to organize your work. Gayle Trent has provided an excellent tool with The Writer's Planner.

"At last, writers have a planner all their own. This printable, editable planner includes articles, URLs of interest to writers, quotes from writers and a submission tracker. You can even list your TBR list and your favorite sites with passwords. Best of all, the planner can be used year after year as long as you save a copy of the original."

The Writer's Planner is available at the Amazon Web Store.

Book Review - The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:48:00 +0000

The School of Essential Ingredients
Erica Bauermeister
Putnam Adult
ISBN # 978-0399155437

I'm finding it hard to do this book justice. It's intoxicating, intriguing and moving. It educates and entertains. It will make you giggle, sigh, yearn for romance and grieve for loss. Everything about it is beautiful, including the cover.

The main story revolves around a cooking class - the teacher and her eight students. But the stories of the characters are interwoven elegantly throughout, each dish triggering a memory vignette specific to each student.

I loved The School of Essential Ingredients, but then again, I love to cook and I love psychology. And I especially love words that make me see the story and feel the emotions of the characters. Erican Bauermeister is a talented writer and I can't wait to see what she does next!
(January 2009, pp 256, $24.95)

Book Review - What Happy Parents Do: Ninety-Three Cents and a Little Humpty Dumpty--The Loving Little Rituals of a Child-Proof Marriage

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:37:00 +0000

by Carol J. Bruess and Anna D.H. Kudak

There is an old saying "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." The truth is if Mama AND Papa ain't happy, they're probably not doing their children any favors, either. Protecting and nurturing the parents' relationship is the most important thing in raising healthy, happy children.

What Happy Parents Do provides suggestions on how to take care of each other, and gives anecdotes from real couples on how they've done just that. Loving and supporting each other isn't always about grand gestures. Sometimes the little things we do mean much more.

What Happy Parents Do is an excellent little book to give to new parents!
(Fairview Press, pp 112, $14.95)

Be a Shutterbug!

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:15:00 +0000

Last Christmas, one of my gifts was a very nice digital camera. It was a discontinued model and cost less than $100.00. The photos are crisp and clean, and the camera is easy to use.

I have made it a habit to have it close at hand. I take it with me wherever I go. I took some gorgeous photos this Fall when I was out hiking in the nearby woods.

If you are a freelance writer, photos make your stories that much more desirable to editors. And some publications pay you for your photos, as well as your words. So, get to clicking that shutter, you never know when a photo might complement one of your articles.

Giving the bird

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:30:00 +0000

Well, maybe not so much the bird, as the means by which to cook it.

The husband and I bought an Electric Roaster five years ago. I was tired of tying up the stove when I wanted to roast a turkey, and it was an affordable solution at $30.00. Then, friends of ours bought a new house, so we gave them a roaster as a housewarming present. And then, we bought hubby's sister and brother-in-law one for Christmas.

A roaster is the type of present that the recipient either loves, or sticks in a cabinet somewhere to grow multiple layers of dust. In both cases of our giving, the roasters were big hits. As I was basting our Thanksgiving bird today, I had to smile, knowing our friends and family were making use of our gifts to them.

No matter what you had for dinner today, or how you cooked it, I hope you made lifelong memories and experienced heartwarming moments. Happy Thanksgiving!

Books, games and holiday travel.

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:48:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is two days away and those who are heading out to see family are more likely to be traveling by ground this year. If you, and your kids, are roadtripping on Thursday, why not unplug the gadgets and enjoy some old-fashioned travel games. And when you need some quiet, have the older kids read to themselves, or read aloud to the littler ones.

The Licence Plate (or Roadside Sign) Game - Starting with the letter "A", have your kids find all the letters of the alphabet, in order, by searching license plates or signs.

The All 50 States Game - Look for license plates from all 50 United States. Ask if anyone knows anything interesting about the States you see.

The Progressive Story Game - One person begins to tell a story, and then each person gets to add a sentence. You never know how the story will end.

The Word Association Game - We do this all the time. Someone says a word, and then everyone else says a word the word before reminds them of - this can get pretty silly.

I'm sure there are other games to play, but these are the ones we've used over the years. Please feel free to share your ideas in the comments.

Book Review - The Mighty Queens of Freeville by Amy Dickinson

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:00:00 +0000

The Mighty Queens of Freeville
Amy Dickinson
Hyperion
ISBN # 978-1401322854

I received this book in the mail last week. I started reading it and put it down two hours later. Amy Dickinson writes so fluidly that I had no sense of time passing. The Mighty Queens of Freeville is a memoir, full of astute observations about life, love and family. I teared up in more than a couple of places, and some of the passages will stick with me forever.

This book would be an excellent Christmas gift, but it won't be available to purchase until early February. Perhaps a gift card with the express purpose to purchase The Mighty Queens of Freeville?
(February 2009, pp 240, $22.99)

Just Write Blog Carnival

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:53:00 +0000

I am part of the Just Write Blog Carnival going on now. Please visit to see the other great blogs participating!

Mind your mouth, as well as your manners.

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:23:00 +0000

Saturday evening, my husband and I, along with a friend of ours, decided to grab dinner at a local restaurant. We thought it would be a nice way to end the day, as they had been out deer hunting for most of it. We don't typically eat out, mostly because we both love to cook. We like this restaurant, though - good food, laid back atmosphere and affordable.

I ordered a Julienne salad, and our waitress said "Oh, the cook is gonna love you." I said "Because it's easy to make?" and that's when everything started to slide downhill.

Apparently she was being facetious. When she brought our food, she went on a rant, directed at me, about how it took time to slice the ingredients for the salad, thereby pulling the cook away from all the other orders waiting to be made(there was only one other customer present at the time, and the food I ordered was offered on the menu). Well, I guess I've been disavowed of the notion that a salad is easy to make.

I had a really hard time eating. Suddenly, I lost my appetite, and any desire to stay. My husband and friend looked at each other, and then at me, with confused expressions on their faces. They asked if I wanted to go home. I told them to eat their food.

I've been thinking about this since it happened. I was embarrassed to be berated that way in public. It was incredibly rude and unprofessional. And we won't be spending our hard earned money there again.

It did teach me something, though. No matter what your job is, how you conduct yourself, moment to moment, day to day, will ultimately impact your bottom line.

Book Review - The Trouble With Boys by Peg Tyre

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:13:00 +0000

The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do
Peg Tyre
Crown
ISBN # 978-0307381286

"Is your smart, capable son starting to struggle in school? When he talks about his lessons does he seem bored, disengaged or fearful? Or do you just have an uneasy sense that he's falling out of love with learning? A great many parents from all walks of life are noticing the same thing. They're wondering exactly what is going on. Has something changed about our boys, their schools or our culture that is making it hard for young males to succeed? I've spent the last 18 months asking educators, psychologists, historians, social scientists, doctors, boys and their parents those exact questions. And the answers I've come up with might surprise you. If you have a son who is not thriving in school and you care deeply about his education and his future, I've written this book for you."
- Peg Tyre

I am raising three healthy, vibrant, active, boisterous bright sons - ages 17, 11 and 6. Without exception, they have all experienced ongoing issues with school. Not one of them enjoys homework. Each of them struggles with spelling. They have a hard time with organization and getting their assignments in on time.

We (my husband and I) read to them and with them. Our house is full of books. We all love music and words. Each boy has a vocabulary well beyond their grade level. We don't watch a lot of television, we limit their time playing video games, and we spend as much time as possible doing outdoor things - gardening, hiking, playing ball, fishing.

I've thought for years that boys have a more difficult time in a structured school setting than girls. My only daughter (19) was an excellent student. She learned quickly, enjoyed school, participated in extra-curricular activities and graduated High School with a solid B average.

Peg Tyre, through her thorough and comprehensive research, has written a book that explains some of the whys and hows of boys' current struggles to attain a solid education. In reading it, I found myself nodding and saying "Ah hah!" If your son(s) are falling behind or seem lackluster about attending school, this is the book you need to read!
(September 2008, pp 320, $24.95)

If you'd like to see a video of Peg Tyre talking about her book, please click here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gEqI86KRAA

High turnover in the print world

noreply@blogger.com (VirtualWordsmith) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:21:00 +0000

According to many Tweets and blog posts I've been reading lately, more than the usual number of print magazines are folding and editors are either losing their jobs, or moving on to other publications. As a freelance writer, this is rather worrisome. Luckily, I also know how to write for the Web, so there are other options open to me. And, I'm not afraid to stretch out to write for Regionals and/or Trade magazines.

I've never aspired to be a "niche" writer. Being a "generalist" keeps many doors partially open, as long as I am willing to reach wider and higher. How will you adjust to fewer print publications being produced?