How Do You Determine Your Title?

Since I started my women's fiction a couple of years ago, I've called it The Goose Parade of Old Dickeywood. Recently as I edited and rewrote portions of the book, I began to wonder if the title works. The book is about lessons learned from geese, but that's not the main thrust of the book. Lifelong friendship is. My two main characters are going through menopause, marital stife, and health issues. They're sick and tired of it. The book calls attention to all the frustrations in their lives and all the antics and misadventures they get caught up in, trying to enjoy themselves in spite of Life's obstacles and stumbling blocks. I have decided that a better title is Slightly Cracked. That title covers the goose egg issue in the book and also could be used to describe either of these sassy ladies. I am happy with my choice. It is officially Slightly Cracked now or until a publisher changes it to something even catchier.

The Goose Parade of Old Dickeywood or Slightly Cracked

What do you think?

Have you changed the name of a book, or wished a book had a different title?

How important is the title to you?

Please leave comments for a chance to win a free signed copy once it's published.

Hank Quense takes a gamble

Award-winning author Hank Quense lives in Bergenfield, NJ with his wife Pat.  They have two daughters and five grandchildren.  He writes humorous fantasy and scifi stories.  On occasion, he also writes an article on fiction writing or book marketing but says that writing nonfiction is like work while writing fiction is fun.  A member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, he refuses to write serious genre fiction saying there is enough of that on the front page of any daily newspaper and on the evening TV news.

Zaftan Entrepreneurs is the first book of a trilogy.  In it, an alien mining ship discovers a planet that holds promise to be a mining bonanza.  Unfortunately, it is inhabited by humans, dwarfs, elves and other races and they object to the mining expeditions.

Zaftan Miscreants is the second book in the trilogy.  It is awash with unusual characters and filled with bizarre plots

Hank’s previous works include Tales From Gundarland, a collection of fantasy stories.  Readers Favorite awarded the book a medal and EPIC designated it a finalist in its 2011 competition.  His Fool’s Gold is a retelling of the ancient Rhinegold myth and Tunnel Vision is a collection of twenty previously published short stories.  Build a Better Story is a book of advice for fiction writers.

Hank has initiated a series of lectures and workshops to share his expertise in creating fiction and publishing books.  Create A Short Story is a 4 session workshop in which the participants design their own short story. He also gives a two-part seminar on Self-publishing a book and Marketing and Selling the self-published book.

Hank, welcome back. Please  give us a short synopsis of your new book.

This novel is Shakespeare's Worst Nightmare.  It takes two of the Bard's most famous plays, Hamlet and Othello, and recasts them with fantasy characters in a place called Gundarland.  Hamlet is a dwarf and Othello is a dark elf. If that isn't bad enough, these two tragedies are now comedies with Falstaff, Shakespeare's most popular rogue, thrown in as a bonus.  Both Hamlet and Othello are plagued by the scheming Falstaff, a human.

Hamlet is the Prince of Denmarko and is striving to start a private business -- bee-keeping -- to demonstrate his competence and independence from the court.  He is shocked to learn, from a ghost, that Clodio murdered his father.  Indecisive, he tries to balance his love of bees with his mother’s demands to help Clodio and the ghost’s insistence that he avenge his father’s murder.

Othello, using a tarted-up resume, is named to the post of Minister of Homeland Security in the city of Dun Hythe.  Once he assumes the post of Minister of Homeland Security for the city of Dun Hythe, he realizes his responsibilities are much greater than he imagined they would be.  He soon discovers his appointment was engineered by his wife’s grandmother who heads the local crime syndicate and demands that Othello award her contracts to rebuild the Dun Hythe’s walls

Falstaff is a life-long schemer and scam artist. He calls himself Sir John Falstaff since he won the title ‘Sir’ in a card game with the knight who had earned it.  A deserter from the army, he travels around the country with his batman, Poulet, searching for opportunities.  During the story Falstaff sees Hamlet and Othello as easy marks and gulls both of them.

How did you come up with this bizarre story?

    I love rewriting legends and old stories.  As I see it, I'm bring them into the 21st century.  This novel was years in the making. I originally wanted to write a short story about Hamlet.  I also planned to write a spoof about Othello.  I tried for at least 3 years, but couldn't get the stories going, mostly because the plays are tragedies and to Shakespeare that meant the stage is filled with dead bodies in the last act, not exactly the stuff of humor.  About 18 months ago, I tried once again and failed to get either story going.  Desperate, I combined them to see if that gave me any ideas.  it didn't because there was nothing to connect the two main characters. Then I had another idea and added Falstaff to the mix.  Within seconds, everything clicked.  I knew the plot, I knew the ending, I knew the character interactions.  All I had to do was finish build the character sketches and write the first draft.

What’s the status of the book?

I originally planned to publish the ebook in April of this year, but the advanced reviews are so good that I decided to postpone publishing it while I try to get an agent.  If nothing happens by the end of the summer, I’ll publish it.

When do you accomplish your best writing?

In the morning.  I generally start writing around 7:00 AM after checking email and various web sites

Is there another book on the horizon? 

I have five I want to write.  Two of them are ready to start the first draft, the others need more design work.  One of them, Zaftan Combatants, is the third book in the Zaftan Trilogy.  It's number two on the list.

After hours of intense writing, how do you unwind?

Red wine works great. So does reading other authors’ books.

Ahh, that explains it then. LOL.

Are your books available in print, ebook, and Kindle?

All of the above.

Where can we purchase these books and get more information about you?

I have buy links for each book on the Strange Worlds Online website: http://strangeworldsonline.com

Okay, Hank, keep those unique books coming.

Jacqueline Seewald returns

Multiple award-winning author Jacqueline Seewald has taught creative, expository and technical writing at the university level as well as high school English. She also worked as an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Eleven of her books of fiction have been published. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications. She enjoys spending time with family and friends when she isn’t writing. In addition, she is a playwright, a landscape artist and loves many types of music. 

Welcome back, Jacquie. Congrats on the new book.

Thanks so much, Susan.

Where do you live, and how has your environment affected your writing?

Three years ago we moved from suburban Central NJ to urban North Jersey. The environments are very different. I now live in a co-op apartment overlooking the Hudson with a view of Manhattan rather than a house with woods and a stream in the backyard. I had to give up my large personal library because of lack of space. This was painful. However, I actually have more time to write because there are less household responsibilities. Maintaining a large house and yard with thirty trees was time-consuming.

How many books have you written?

I’ve written sixteen books, eleven of which have been published so far.

Give a short synop of Death Legacy.

DEATH LEGACY is a fast-paced romantic suspense mystery/thriller featuring Michelle Hallam who heads a unique consulting firm she inherited from her deceased uncle, a former intelligence agent. Called to the French Riviera for business under mysterious circumstances, Michelle meets Dr. Daniel Reiner, a handsome young psychiatrist. They have a strong physical attraction but Michelle remains wary of being involved with him. Daniel’s friendly, warm personality and urban wit stands in contrast to Michelle’s outward facade of cool cynicism. In New York, Michelle reconnects with Dr. Reiner when she sends him a referral, her client, Nora Parker, who has asked Michelle to look into the suspicious disappearance and possible death of her husband, a CIA agent. The complex case involves both Michelle and Daniel in espionage, international intrigue, and murder, placing their lives in jeopardy. The novel combines elements of suspense, mystery, and sensual romance.

How much of yourself is hidden in the characters in the book?

Not that much. The book isn’t autobiographical. But some of my husband’s personality traits are imbedded in the hero, like a sense of humor. Also, the hero’s grandparents are based on those of my husband.

Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?

At this time, DEATH LEGACY is only available in hardcover. It is available from many booksellers including Amazon and B&N Online. However, I encourage readers to request the novel at their local library. I consider libraries the greatest bargain. Since DEATH LEGACY had a very good review from BOOKLIST ONLINE among others, I believe librarians will be glad to order the novel if readers ask for it.

What challenges did you face while writing this book?

Not being a professional spy myself, I had to do considerable research. I also looked into weaponry. Michelle, my heroine, is an expert in martial arts. So research in that area had to be done as well. In addition, I had to make certain my setting descriptions were accurate. That too took research.

What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? What advice can you give other writers?

Writing is hard work. It’s a craft. To be a good writer, it’s necessary to be willing to do revisions. If you want to be a writer, you have to discipline yourself. You can’t be sloppy. It’s important to know the rules before you can break them.  Also, you need to find the time to write consistently, each day if possible.

Where do you store ideas for later use: in your head, in a notebook, or on a spreadsheet?

When I get an idea I write it down by hand in a notebook.

We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out both off and online?

I’m not that great at promotion. I’m still basically an unknown writer. But in this day and age, you really can’t wait to be discovered. I’m on a number of writer’s loops. I enjoy being in contact with other authors. I’m on Goodreads, Facebook and even Twitter—but not to a large extent. I do guest blog as time permits.

Can you tell us your writing goals/projects for 2012 or beyond?

I’ve written a paranormal mystery novel with my older son entitled THE THIRD EYE. I’m in the midst of contract negotiations for the book. I also have two historical romances that need to find a home plus a paranormal contemporary. The fourth Kim Reynolds novel is also complete and ready for submission.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

As to where you can learn more about my latest novel, Amazon and B&N online are making that information available. Check out: http://www.amazon.com/Death-Legacy-Five-Star-Mystery/dp/1432825739

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/jacqueline-seewald?keyword=jacqueline+seewald&store=book

 Goodreads offers reviews and information. The novel also has a Booklist review at: http://www.booklistonline.com/Death-Legacy-Jacqueline-Seewald/pid=5273579

You can check out more of my books online at the L&L Dreamspell site:

http://www.lldreamspell.com/JacquelineSeewald.htm

Susan, I want to say thanks for inviting me to your blog. I really appreciate the exposure.
Glad to have you back over. Continued success!

Patricia Gligor's Mixed Messages

Susan, I’m happy to be here today.

It's nice to have you over, Patricia. Please give us a brief bio, and include something about yourself that readers might be surprised to learn.

Well, let’s see. I write mystery novels but I’ve worked as an administrative assistant, the sole proprietor of a résumé writing service and the manager of a sporting goods department. (A girl has to have money to buy chocolate. J)

Those who don’t know me might be surprised to learn that I love guns and target shooting. (Those who do know me will tell you that I’ll probably never be sharpshooter of the month.) My father introduced me to guns when I was young. He took me to turkey shoots, which I thought were the greatest things. Of course, the first time I went, I was worried that we would be shooting at real turkeys! When I saw the paper targets and he explained the process, I breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Where do you live, and how has your environment affected your writing?

I grew up and still live on the west side of Cincinnati. When I was a young girl, I read Judy Bolton and Nancy Drew mysteries constantly and I developed quite an imagination. We lived in an old house with a big woods behind it, the perfect setting for mystery. I was naturally curious and I loved to explore. I would make up stories about our house, the imaginary people who used to live there, the woods and the neighborhood.

Give a short synop of your book.

Mixed Messages:

There’s a serial killer attacking women in their homes on the west side of Cincinnati. It’s the week of Halloween and Ann Kern is struggling with several issues. Her primary concern is her marriage which, like her west side neighborhood, is in jeopardy.

When she receives a series of ominous biblical quotes, she grows nervous and suspicious of everyone, including her own husband. Several bizarre and frightening events take place, including Ann’s discovery of a handmade tombstone marked with her name, which pushes her close to the edge. Will she be the Westwood Strangler’s next victim?

Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?

Yes. Mixed Messages will be available April 17^th at Amazon.com and Postmortem-press.com/.

What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? What advice can you give other writers?

The greatest lesson I’ve learned about writing (and it cost me a lot in time and frustration) is that, when you send a manuscript out to an agent or publisher, the first thing they’ll do is Google your name. If you haven’t worked hard to create an online presence, in all likelihood, your work will be rejected. I have a feeling that, if Margaret Mitchell lived in these times and hadn’t marketed herself, Gone With the Wind probably would not have been published!

As to advice to new writers, I would caution them to be absolutely 100% sure their book is the best they can make it before they send it out to an agent or a publisher. It’s crucial to have other writers read your work first. If at all possible, join a critique group and pay close attention to the suggestions of the other writers. If you’re truly open-minded when they give you constructive criticisms but remember to trust your own instincts, you’ll make the right decisions in your writing.

We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out both off and online?

Fortunately, no one would ever accuse me of being shy so getting the word out offline comes easily and naturally to me; I tell everyone! Online is another story. Truthfully, I had no idea where to start until I submitted a query last year to Sunny Frazier, the Acquisitions Editor for Oak Tree Press. When she Googled my name and came up with a big, fat zero, Sunny was kind enough to invite me to join her Posse, an online writing/marketing group composed of other mystery writers. She has guided me through the whole process and, thanks to her and the other members, I now have an established online presence.

Can you tell us your writing goals/projects for 2012 or beyond?

April 15th, the book launch event will take place for Mixed Messages so there’s a lot of work to do for that and, of course, I’ll be working diligently to promote my book. I also plan to finish the rewriting and proofing of Unfinished Business, the second novel in my Malone Mystery Series. Then, I’ll work on plotting and outlining the third book and, time permitting, start writing the first draft by the end of the year.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

I belong to several sites including Face Book and I have a website where I post every week. I hope your readers will stop by. http://pat-writersforum.blogspot.com/

Thank you for inviting me to be here today, Susan. It’s been a lot of fun!

My pleasure, Patricia. Here's a link, folks: http://www.postmortem-press.com/mixed.php

Kathleen Ball: Callie's Heart

A voracious reader, Kathleen Ball quickly discovered the world of romance novels and she knew she was home. Kathleen wrote her first book two years ago. She was shocked to find out that people loved what she wrote. All of Kathleen's novels are award winners. Callie's Heart is her first published novel. It is the first book in The Lasso Springs Series. Kathleen lives in Texas. She moved there from Rochester, New York and is having the time of her life exploring Texas culture. Kathleen is married to her wonderful husband Bruce and they have one son, Steven. They just welcomed new additions to their family, a new daughter in law, Brittany and her cute as a button son, Colt.

She feels blessed to be supported in her writing by her family and friends.

Welcome, Kathleen. 

Where do you live, and how has your environment affected your writing?

I live in Fort Worth, Texas. I moved here from New York six years ago. I never thought I'd ride a horse and hand out in stables but I do.

How many books have you written?

I have written five novels.

Give a short synop of your most recently published book.

Callie Daniels' mother has one dying wish. She wants neighboring rancher, Garrett O'Neill, to marry her seventeen year old daughter. It's not supposed to be a conventional marriage. Garrett O'Neill would keep Callie's ranch safe and Callie would go away to college.                                                      

Four years later, Callie comes home with stars in her eyes and happily ever after in her heart. She plans to make their marriage real until finds the new housekeeper, Sylvie in Garrett's arms.

Heartbroken, Callie takes off to her own house, which they closed up four years ago. She stays there with Old Henry, a longtime friend and ranch hand, until her new horse injures her. Garrett forces Callie to move back in to his house.

Callie finally gets her heart's desire. Alone in a line shack, they make sweet love for the first time. Unfortunately the love light is gone from Garret's eyes the next morning.

Is it available in print, ebook, and Kindle formats?

Callie's Heart will be available April 1st as an ebook.

What do you think is the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? What advice can you give other writers?

Join writing groups online, writers are the nicest people I've met. Believe in yourself, give yourself a pat on the back when you meet a goal, whether it's a certain word count or finishing your novel. We don't get raises or Atta boys from bosses. We have to congratulate ourselves.

We all know how important promoting our work has become. How do you get the word out both off and online?

While I was writing, I made friends and I watched. An online presence is a must. A website, facebook, booktown, twitter. There are more. Share other's work on your sites. Buy their books and review them. Learn how to use twitter and build up a following. Retweet other's tweets. I'm hoping that all the time I took networking will pay off. 

Can you tell us your writing goals/projects for 2012 or beyond?

Callie's Heart is available in April. Texas Haven in June. Ryelee's Cowboy in August. Lone Star Joy in September and Stetson's Storm in February 2013.

Where can folks learn more about your books and events?

www.kathleenballromance.com

http://www.facebook.com/kathleen.ball1?ref=tn_tnmn

The long or short of it?

As I edit and rewrite portions of my latest project, The Goose Parade of Old Dickeywood, I made the decision to shorten chapters, some of the longer ones now divided into four or five chapters. Long chapters bug me, and make me tired, both in my own writing and when I'm reading other books. Shorter chapters give me a chance to grab another cup of hot tea, take a walk, and perhaps do a household chore while I mull over what I've just read. I like that.

Instead of having long chapters with endless scenes separated by some sort of spacer, I whacked away at my own pages and made new chapters where it seemed obvious to do so.

I wonder how you feel about it as a reader. As a writer. As an editor. As a publisher. Does it matter?  Please give feedback in the comments section.

Carolina Girls

Marni Graff, affectionately known as Auntie M, honored some other Carolina gals on her blog. Hope you enjoy, and thanks, Marni. The Blue Virgin was eloquently written.

Auntiemwrites's Weblog

Carolina Girls Sunday, Mar 25 2012

great read and writerslow country, murder, romance, suspense, Williamsburg murdersauntiemwrites12:03 am

Auntie M had the good fortune to meet a lively bunch of “low country” North and South Carolina authors a few weeks ago at the Cape Fear Crime Festival. She came home loaded down with new books to interest readers. Here are a few you might want to check out:

Sin Creek is Susan Whitfi eld’s fourth mystery featuring North Carolina SBI agent Logan Hunter.

Logan is called from her bridal shower to attend the crime scene of a murdered woman, found on the nature preserve on the campus of UNC-Wilmington. Maeve Smoltz’s badly beaten, naked body has been shredded... with a razor-sharp Sawzall....

Contrary to her parents impression, the preliminary examination by the coroner shows Maeve to have been highly sexually active. A search of her room reveals pricey boots, a Prada bag and Jimmy Choo shoes she couldn’t possibly have afforded on her meager salary from the college canteen.

Maeve’s roommate, Antonella Beaujue-Dufour, sets Logan’s instincts on edge, and the girl’s evasiveness coupled with the people she hangs out with soon plunge Logan into the heart of an investigation that reveals a pornography business built on deceit and coercion. Logan manages to squeeze in her beach wedding to the love of her life, Chase Railey, also an SBI agent, with the help of her two best friends. But that doesn’t stop her from tracking down an unstable killer as the deaths mount up.

Whitfield captures coastal NC area details just right. The storyline will capture your attention, but nothing will prepare you for the dramatic ending that will irrevocably change Logan’s life.

Whitfield has done a ton of research into the chilling aspects of the porn business and how it endangers the lives of young women on college campuses. A former high school administrator, the story was one that has lingered in her mind since hearing from one of her students how her older sister coped with college life by her lucrative sideline. Whitfield, a lifelong NC resident, also compiled recipes from mystery writers for the cookbook Killer Recipes. Its proceeds go to cancer research. Learn more about Susan and her book on www.susanwhitfieldonline.com.

In Dear Killer, Linda Lovely has given us a protagonist who has been sorely lacking from today’s mystery world: an attractive 52 year-old, woman who wants a relationship and all that entails. After retiring from military intelligence, widow Marley Clark has chosen to security on South Carolina’s low country Dear Island to keep busy.

On night patrol, she notices the pool gates have been left open at the Dolphin Club and sees a pile of clothing on a chair beside the Jacuzzi. The naked man floating in the spa has apparently drowned, but Marley still tries to resuscitate him, even as she realizes the dead man is a friend, Stew Hartwell.

It’s only when she’s waiting for help to arrive that she notices carrots, celery and whole onions bobbing in the water with him. Trying to take in the confusing scene, she sees a trail of folded towels, pointing to a message scrawled in the sand: “STEWED.”

This is only the first grizzly pun a sadistic killer will use as the killings continue. Marley soon becomes the liasion on the case with the lead investigator on the case, Deputy Braden Mann. It doesn’t hurt matters that romance sizzles between the two as the investigation ratchets up.

Marley’s independent streak but soft heart soon lead her deeper into the web of suspects on this small island. Her courage and skills will be put to the test as she and Braden are both put in jeopardy in their race to find a killer.

Sprinkled with a lively sense of humor and characters, Marley is a delightful creation and one to watch for in future offerings. Iowa native Lovely has been in the south for over thirty years and brings her readers a dose of Gullah history and a firm sense of place. You can read about Linda on her website: www.lindalovely.com.

Ellis Vidler’s romantic suspense Cold Comfort starts off with a bang. She takes us to Virginia, where Claire Spencer runs her aptly-named Williamsburg Christmas shop, Mistletoe. The charming shop has been written up in Southern Living, which proves to be an important plot point down the road.

Still recovering from a broken engagement and the death of her mother, Claire’s entire world is hit with a heavy dose of violence when she’s mugged in her own driveway.

Her house and the shop are burglarized shortly after, and still sporting the stitches in her scalp from her mugger, Claire agrees to contact her assistant’s brother, Ray, who offers up the help of his own friend, Ben Riley.

Riley clearly isn’t happy to be involved, but he owes Ray a favor and reluctantly agrees to meet with Claire. When he has to keep Claire from being run over in the alley behind her shop, he starts to take the menace in her life seriously.

It soon becomes obvious that hired goons are trying to murder Claire, but neither she nor Riley can find a motive or a reason for someone to want her dead. As they try to search her history and follow clues, they also try to ignore the chemistry between them, complicating matters as they track down her killer who seems to know their movements before they make them.

Vidler moves the action around and never lets up on the chase, with characters who are vivid and well-rounded. This is an action-packed romance with a fast pace that doesn’t let up.

Even when the reader thinks they know what’s happening, Vidler manages to throw in one more twist. And when we think it’s over, it’s really not.

You can read more about Ellis and her two other novels at: www.ellisvidler.com.

For all the details and more about Marni (Auntie M), please visit her at AuntieMWrites.