Wednesday, September 30, 2009

The Business of Writing (http://ping.fm/ykOJY)

The Business of Writing

“It’s way harder to establish a career as a working writer than to get published by a traditional New York publishing house.”

–Lisa Unger on the Business of Writing

Whether the author achieves publication of their work through traditional means, or chooses to self-publish, she or he must play an active role in the promoting, and marketing of her or his work.

In that Lisa Unger had worked in publishing for over a decade before gaining publication of her first novel, she held no preconceived notions of glory or fame on becoming a published author. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/3yj0i

The Business of Writing

“It’s way harder to establish a career as a working writer than to get published by a traditional New York publishing house.”

–Lisa Unger on the Business of Writing

Whether the author achieves publication of their work through traditional means, or chooses to self-publish, she or he must play an active role in the promoting, and marketing of her or his work.

In that Lisa Unger had worked in publishing for over a decade before gaining publication of her first novel, she held no preconceived notions of glory or fame on becoming a published author. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/7dW1k

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

On Writing, and Exploring the Human Heart (http://ping.fm/Ax5mc)

On Writing, and Exploring the Human Heart

“I didn’t pick my area of writing anymore than I chose to become a writer. …I love classic literature. And I’ve always had this dark imagination. I was the weird kid who was interested in that form in the window, or what lay under the stairs. I also have this ferocious curiosity about the human [...]

From: http://ping.fm/OHytN

On Writing, and Exploring the Human Heart

“I didn’t pick my area of writing anymore than I chose to become a writer. …I love classic literature. And I’ve always had this dark imagination. I was the weird kid who was interested in that form in the window, or what lay under the stairs. I also have this ferocious curiosity about the human [...]

From: http://ping.fm/vd8Du

Monday, September 28, 2009

Magic and Craft

Author of literary thrillers,” Lisa Unger, was my guest on Saturday’s broadcast (September 26, 2009) of Book Talk, Creativity and Family Matters.

“Die for You,” her latest release, and the other books she has penned (8 total), were among the many things we discussed, along with working to find balance between her work as a career author, mother and wife. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/krCTD
Magic and Craft (http://ping.fm/SEi5t)

Magic and Craft

Author of literary thrillers,” Lisa Unger, was my guest on Saturday’s broadcast (September 26, 2009) of Book Talk, Creativity and Family Matters.

“Die for You,” her latest release, and the other books she has penned (8 total), were among the many things we discussed, along with working to find balance between her work as a career author, mother and wife. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/mgfUN

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Radio Show | Author, Lisa Unger, and Writing the Literary Thriller (http://ping.fm/Pfwzx)

Radio Show | Author, Lisa Unger, and Writing the Literary Thriller

Author, Lisa Unger, discusses her new release, “Die for You,” and the complexities of writing the literary thriller. Lisa is the author of “Sliver of Truth,” Black Out,” and “Beautiful Lies“.

So tune in.

From: http://ping.fm/rGnfY

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Radio Show | Author, Adrienna Turner

Adrienna Turner discusses her latest book, “The Day Begins with Christ“. Adrienna is the author of “Half of the Battle is to Surrender All I Have,” “From the Depths of My Soul: Collection of Poetry and Songs,” and “The Mystery Lies Within“. Adrienna reviews books for the African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC), and Dream 4 More Book Reviews. She is also writes a column for Heavenly Magazine .

From: http://ping.fm/7e7m3
Radio Show | Author, Adrienna Turner (http://ping.fm/xFErL)

Radio Show | Author, Adrienna Turner

Adrienna Turner discusses her latest book, “The Day Begins with Christ“. Adrienna is the author of “Half of the Battle is to Surrender All I Have,” “From the Depths of My Soul: Collection of Poetry and Songs,” and “The Mystery Lies Within“. Adrienna reviews books for the African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC), and Dream 4 More Book Reviews. She is also writes a column for Heavenly Magazine .

From: http://ping.fm/NlvEM
Questions (http://ping.fm/n0y5l)

Questions

Every novel seeks to answer a question. The question could arise from the premise, What if______meets_____, to which the plot of your story delivers the answer in showing what ensues when X meets Y. On another level your novel could raise a question that plumbs the depths of human personality and consciousness. Why is it that [...]

From: http://ping.fm/Eg7vc

Questions

Every novel seeks to answer a question. The question could arise from the premise, What if______meets_____, to which the plot of your story delivers the answer in showing what ensues when X meets Y. On another level your novel could raise a question that plumbs the depths of human personality and consciousness. Why is it that [...]

From: http://ping.fm/Hd9iy

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Writing and Cyberspace (http://ping.fm/rbYJH)

Writing and Cyberspace

As the economy languishes in limbo and many of us wonder what comes next, I have made several observations as an author, one of which is that the Internet has become an important meeting ground for both industry and consumers.

That I am an author makes me part of the publishing industry. The Internet offers a matrix wherein for me to connect with readers. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/Qhc0h

Writing and Cyberspace

As the economy languishes in limbo and many of us wonder what comes next, I have made several observations as an author, one of which is that the Internet has become an important meeting ground for both industry and consumers.

That I am an author makes me part of the publishing industry. The Internet offers a matrix wherein for me to connect with readers. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/vsUv8

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

A Writer�s Voice (http://ping.fm/eCoLW)

A Writer�s Voice

Hearing the words you’ve written and read in your own voice develops voice. It also awakens you, the writer, to your style of putting words together.

You hear when your words fall away from that established cadence and rhythm, and when they come together. You come to see the endless possibilities of music your words can and in so doing are made able to recognize when due to awkward phrasing the sounds clash from dissonance.

Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/Wt5Hv

A Writer�s Voice

Hearing the words you’ve written and read in your own voice develops voice. It also awakens you, the writer, to your style of putting words together.

You hear when your words fall away from that established cadence and rhythm, and when they come together. You come to see the endless possibilities of music your words can and in so doing are made able to recognize when due to awkward phrasing the sounds clash from dissonance.

Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/O7j6y

Monday, September 21, 2009

Loving Our Characters (http://ping.fm/BKSGO)

Loving Our Characters

American Buddhist nun, Pema Chödrön, writes in “Comfortable with Uncertainty” that, “…When we start to meditate or work with any kind of spiritual discipline, we often think that somehow we’re going to improve [ourselves], which is a subtle kind of aggression against who we are…Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It’s about trying to befriend who we are.”

Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/2r0MG

Loving Our Characters

American Buddhist nun, Pema Chödrön, writes in “Comfortable with Uncertainty” that, “…When we start to meditate or work with any kind of spiritual discipline, we often think that somehow we’re going to improve [ourselves], which is a subtle kind of aggression against who we are…Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It’s about trying to befriend who we are.”

Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/3u3GC

Saturday, September 19, 2009

The Unsung Voices of Women and Mothers (http://ping.fm/P3PAf)

The Unsung Voices of Women and Mothers

Authors, Kathy Briccetti, Jasmine Dawson, and Meilan Carter, discuss their contributions to the anthology, “Who’s Your Mama?: The Unsung Voices of Women and Mothers“.

Kathy, Jasmine and Meilan will be reading from their contributions to the anthology at 3pm, Sunday, September 20, 2009, at Diesel Book Story, Oakland, CA.

So tune in.

From: http://ping.fm/FIWMf

The Unsung Voices of Women and Mothers

Authors, Kathy Briccetti, Jasmine Dawson, and Meilan Carter, discuss their contributions to the anthology, “Who’s Your Mama?: The Unsung Voices of Women and Mothers“.

Kathy, Jasmine and Meilan will be reading from their contributions to the anthology at 3pm, Sunday, September 20, 2009, at Diesel Book Story, Oakland, CA.

So tune in.

From: http://ping.fm/Biv36

Friday, September 18, 2009

An Idea for a Story� (http://ping.fm/UHO1H)

An Idea for a Story�

I have the idea for a story. It may turn into a novel.

For now it opens with, “...The great god Maui, it is said, created the island Maui, by tricking his brothers into thinking he had caught a huge fish. He told them to paddle faster so that he could pull the fish to the surface. As his brothers obeyed the command, the Hawaiian island, Maui, surfaced.” Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/vST4w

An Idea for a Story�

I have the idea for a story. It may turn into a novel.

For now it opens with, “...The great god Maui, it is said, created the island Maui, by tricking his brothers into thinking he had caught a huge fish. He told them to paddle faster so that he could pull the fish to the surface. As his brothers obeyed the command, the Hawaiian island, Maui, surfaced.” Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/fm5D0

Thursday, September 17, 2009

An Idea for a Story… (http://ping.fm/6pmRw)

An Idea for a Story…

I have the idea for a story. It may turn into a novel.

For now it opens with, “...The great god Maui, it is said, created the island Maui, by tricking his brothers into thinking he had caught a huge fish. He told them to paddle faster so that he could pull the fish to the surface. As his brothers obeyed the command, the Hawaiian island, Maui, surfaced.” Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/suHOy

An Idea for a Story…

I have the idea for a story. It may turn into a novel.

For now it opens with, “...The great god Maui, it is said, created the island Maui, by tricking his brothers into thinking he had caught a huge fish. He told them to paddle faster so that he could pull the fish to the surface. As his brothers obeyed the command, the Hawaiian island, Maui, surfaced.” Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/NBpVX

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Families OnLine Magazine| My New Monthly Column

Check out the first in article in my new monthly column at Families OnLine Magazine Take Your Time Tillie .

From: http://ping.fm/6FMaS
Families OnLine Magazine| My New Monthly Column (http://ping.fm/tgHwM)

Families OnLine Magazine| My New Monthly Column

Check out the first in article in my new monthly column at Families OnLine Magazine Take Your Time Tillie .

From: http://ping.fm/qWjER
Loosening Up (http://ping.fm/WmwE9)

Loosening Up

I tried many exercises in the various writing groups in which I participated before entering graduate school, and working towards earning my MFA. None left an impression, or stuck with me.

This is not to say the exercises held no merit.

Instead my focus lay severely on learning to write, as in craft a decent scene filled with round and interesting characters. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/3Zp23

Loosening Up

I tried many exercises in the various writing groups in which I participated before entering graduate school, and working towards earning my MFA. None left an impression, or stuck with me.

This is not to say the exercises held no merit.

Instead my focus lay severely on learning to write, as in craft a decent scene filled with round and interesting characters. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/88dBs

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Twists (http://ping.fm/oM4CK)

Twists

The best stories often have a twist at the end. But what is a twist? Is it the result of having led the reader in one direction, only to surprise them with action rising from another? Not quite. The best way to understand twists in literature is to envision every story or novel as a mystery, or that

From: http://ping.fm/GBAje

Twists

The best stories often have a twist at the end. But what is a twist? Is it the result of having led the reader in one direction, only to surprise them with action rising from another? Not quite. The best way to understand twists in literature is to envision every story or novel as a mystery, or that

From: http://ping.fm/qzJQz
Writing Challenges? | Questions About Your Story? (http://ping.fm/xVCzd)

Writing Challenges? | Questions About Your Story?

Do you have any questions about writing?

Are you stuck with a story?

Don’t know where your novel is headed?

Or simply need a boost to get writing?

Send me your questions and I’ll address it it in a blog, with picture and everything.

Just for you.

From: http://ping.fm/6mwzb

Writing Challenges? | Questions About Your Story?

Do you have any questions about writing?

Are you stuck with a story?

Don’t know where your novel is headed?

Or simply need a boost to get writing?

Send me your questions and I’ll address it it in a blog, with picture and everything.

Just for you.

From: http://ping.fm/i2gJW
Premise (http://ping.fm/soXUh)

Premise

What’s the premise of your novel? Do you need one? Why would you not?

Premise is the combination of character and situation.

What if Person A is forced to confront Situation F? Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/4glLh

Premise

What’s the premise of your novel? Do you need one? Why would you not?

Premise is the combination of character and situation.

What if Person A is forced to confront Situation F? Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/MyUTa

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Guest Blog | Mother as Writer

Check out my guest blog, Mother as Writer @ The Write at Home Mom.

From: http://ping.fm/5b6dB

Guest Blog | Mother as Writer

Check out my guest blog, Mother as Writer @ The Write at Home Mom.

From: http://ping.fm/fzjW4
Guest Blog | Mother as Writer (http://ping.fm/IeNLZ)

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Our Words Are But Children at Play (http://ping.fm/f5mMd)

Our Words Are But Children at Play

Like an old man watching children at play, we need to see through our own seriousness. No matter how seriously the children go about their games, the old man is amused and never for a moment takes them to be real. We can watch our own thoughts and emotions in the same way. Without taking them so seriously, we can see them as children at play and give them lots of space.

–Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

(excerpted from–Wisdom for Difficult, Times, Shambhala Sun Magazine/May 2009, p. 41) Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/c9Qjg

Our Words Are But Children at Play

Like an old man watching children at play, we need to see through our own seriousness. No matter how seriously the children go about their games, the old man is amused and never for a moment takes them to be real. We can watch our own thoughts and emotions in the same way. Without taking them so seriously, we can see them as children at play and give them lots of space.

–Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche

(excerpted from–Wisdom for Difficult, Times, Shambhala Sun Magazine/May 2009, p. 41) Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/Ei1ny

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Change, Suffering and Digging Deeper (http://ping.fm/Y0ZE1)

Change, Suffering and Digging Deeper

Buddhism teaches that all things change, and that suffering is inherent to life.

As humans we add to this suffering, or rather amplify it, by trying to hold onto the narrative line that we have fed ourselves.

We resist the reality of change the various truths evidenced by its existence. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/2UH3D

Change, Suffering and Digging Deeper

Buddhism teaches that all things change, and that suffering is inherent to life.

As humans we add to this suffering, or rather amplify it, by trying to hold onto the narrative line that we have fed ourselves.

We resist the reality of change the various truths evidenced by its existence. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/eXw2j
The High Cost of Agents (http://ping.fm/OYoaC)

The High Cost of Agents

I have read many articles this year stating that one of the major economic struggles of the publishing world are rooted in the high cost of publishers garnering books.

And who determines the cost of an author’s publishing or book contract? Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/DG97O

The High Cost of Agents

I have read many articles this year stating that one of the major economic struggles of the publishing world are rooted in the high cost of publishers garnering books.

And who determines the cost of an author’s publishing or book contract? Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/7ZcGG

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

My Love for Things Victorian and Historical (http://ping.fm/CFQga)

My Love for Things Victorian and Historical

As an author of modern-day Women’s Fiction, I find that reading Historical Fiction and of the Victorian era gives me room to breathe and imagine, or re-imagine, if you will, new twists on possibilities for plots in the modern era.

The modern era in wiping away the constrictions and hesitancies of the individual, and family have left little with which to struggle. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/0QXek

My Love for Things Victorian and Historical

As an author of modern-day Women’s Fiction, I find that reading Historical Fiction and of the Victorian era gives me room to breathe and imagine, or re-imagine, if you will, new twists on possibilities for plots in the modern era.

The modern era in wiping away the constrictions and hesitancies of the individual, and family have left little with which to struggle. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/3cTEn

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Radio Show | Sigrid Williams (http://ping.fm/HMqdr)

Radio Show | Sigrid Williams

Sigrid Williams discusses the 1st California Book Summit that will take place in San Ramon, CA , September 10-13, 2009.

Tune in.

From: http://ping.fm/bJbmD

Radio Show | Sigrid Williams

Sigrid Williams discusses the 1st California Book Summit that will take place in San Ramon, CA , September 10-13, 2009.

Tune in.

From: http://ping.fm/x1uCO

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Radio Show | Musician, Donovan Crown aka ViceGripp (http://ping.fm/TBA2N)
Radio Show | Musician, Donovan Crown aka ViceGripp (http://ping.fm/qfWUU)

Radio Show | Musician, Donovan Crown aka ViceGripp

When Sigrid Williams was unable to call in and tell about the upcoming California Book Summit, musician and peace activist, Donovan Crown aka ViceGripp called in discussed the need for individuals around the world to come together and create harmony and justice.

Tune in.

From: http://ping.fm/ZHxzp

Radio Show | Musician, Donovan Crown aka ViceGripp

When Sigrid Williams was unable to call in and tell about the upcoming California Book Summit, musician and peace activist, Donovan Crown aka ViceGripp called in discussed the need for individuals around the world to come together and create harmony and justice.

Tune in.

From: http://ping.fm/vxE1X

Friday, September 4, 2009

Radio Show | Author, Vincent Alexandria (http://ping.fm/mnFcc)

Radio Show | Author, Vincent Alexandria

Author Vincent Alexandria discusses his mystery novels, “Postal Blues,” “If Walls Could Talk,” and “Black Rain,” and his upcoming children’s book, “Marvelous Marvin. He will also share his plans for participating in the California Book Summit, September 10-13, 2009 in San Ramon California.

So tune in.

From: http://ping.fm/jQK4z

Radio Show | Author, Vincent Alexandria

Author Vincent Alexandria discusses his mystery novels, “Postal Blues,” “If Walls Could Talk,” and “Black Rain,” and his upcoming children’s book, “Marvelous Marvin. He will also share his plans for participating in the California Book Summit, September 10-13, 2009 in San Ramon California.

So tune in.

From: http://ping.fm/Qgfbu

Radio Show | Author, Vincent Alexandria

Author Vincent Alexandria discusses his mystery novels, “Postal Blues,” “If Walls Could Talk,” and “Black Rain,” and his upcoming children’s book, “Marvelous Marvin. He will also share his plans for participating in the California Book Summit, September 10-13, 2009 in San Ramon California.

So tune in.

From: http://ping.fm/JtB7M

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Déjà Vu: Writing Exercise # 97 (http://ping.fm/ZNcS0)

Déjà Vu: Writing Exercise # 97

The self-doubt of our internal pacman says, “You can’t,” when it comes to achieving our goals, and certainly not in the way, and at the quality that we hope.

Mixed with our general fears about life, and living pacman overpowers us, and our ideas, and ostensibly contaminates our process of creativity. Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/CXdNb

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Structure and Delivery

The artist must grasp the importance of structure as it pertains to the art form she or he seeks to create.

Along with an appreciation of structure, crafting entertaining and engaging stories also involves a deep understanding of psychology.

Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/f9aPb

Structure and Delivery

The artist must grasp the importance of structure as it pertains to the art form she or he seeks to create.

Along with an appreciation of structure, crafting entertaining and engaging stories also involves a deep understanding of psychology.

Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/Gw7jT

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Dramatist and Dramaturge (http://ping.fm/wPqss)

Dramatist and Dramaturge

Much has been written and said about point-of-view, the perspective and way in which a story or novel is depicted.

This leads to two other questions.

Whose story is the narrative?

And who best to tell it? Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/TMj47

Dramatist and Dramaturge

Much has been written and said about point-of-view, the perspective and way in which a story or novel is depicted.

This leads to two other questions.

Whose story is the narrative?

And who best to tell it? Read the rest of this entry…

From: http://ping.fm/ZlN3n