Disclaimer

DISCLAIMER:

I do not read every book/author I spotlight or book tour I host!
Readers, Please research and use wisdom before buying

Saturday, April 30, 2016

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Alicia Dean @Alicia_Dean_ with Two Minute Writing Tips!

Good Morning Friends,

Today's guest, Alicia Dean is no stranger to our blog but today she returns to share with us her brand new book, Two Minute Writing Tips (compiled from her weekly blog post of the same name) and her other writing book, Find the Magic (How to Plot a Story in 10 Easy Steps). So without much further ado....here's Alicia!

In today’s busy world—and writers are far busier than the average human being—there is little time for lengthy, detailed, intensive writing courses and writing manuals. 

Knowing how rare and fleeting a writer’s time is, Alicia Dean posts a weekly ‘Tuesday Two-Minute’ writing tip on her blog where she shares her knowledge, experience, and wisdom in tiny, bite-sized pieces so as not to squander more than 120-second increments of a writer’s precious time. 

Now, you can get those tips all in one convenient place. In simple, quick and easily digestible servings, this book shares loads of advice for writers. Tips such as… 

• Recognizing and eliminating filter words that distance your reader 
• Understanding Point of View – How to fix it and why 
• Writing Faster Drafts 
• Clearer, concise writing 
• Tips for more effective Tweeting 

No matter your level, from novice to experienced author, you will find something beneficial in Alicia’s handy, quick reminders. 


Excerpt: ‘Began’ and ‘Started to’ Make Your Writing Inactive

Phrases like 'began to' and 'started to' show up in manuscripts more frequently than you might expect. When you really think about it, though, they do not quite work for what you're trying to convey. Plus, they are weak and inactive.

Examples: 
·         He started running.
·         He began coughing.
·         He placed his hand on the door and began to open it.
·         Her legs started to tremble.
·         Her heart began to race.
·         She started to laugh.

When I see wording like this, I have to ask myself, these questions, and I'll admit, some strange images appear in my mind.

Did he start running but only take a few steps and pause mid-air? Did he hack out half a cough? How do you 'begin to open' a door? Did he turn the knob or pull on the door but not really open it? Did her legs give a few trembles, then go still? Did her heart speed up, then suddenly come to a halt? (OUCH!) Did she open her mouth, and laughter started to come out, then she sucked it back into her throat? 

See...kind of gives you some strange visuals. 

You can easily fix these to make them more active and stronger:
·         He started running. - He ran.
·         He began coughing. - He coughed.
·         He placed his hand on the door and began to open it. - He turned the knob. Or, He pulled the door halfway open.
·         Her legs started to tremble. Her legs trembled.
·         Her heart began to race. Her heart raced.
·         She started to laugh. She laughed.
·          
See how simple it is? It's a good idea to go through your MS and check for phrases like this and revise them. That way, your writing is move active, more immediate. PLUS, you can give your characters the satisfaction of actually completing that cough, tremble, run, or laughter.

Two Minute Writing Tips can be purchased at Amazon and it's on $ale for a limited time at only .99¢ !!

Now here's a little about Alicia's other writing book....Find the Magic...

Using specific examples from one of my own novels, Without Mercy, I share my method in this mini how to book. The first eight steps actually deal with plotting while the last two are designed to help expand your outline into a well-developed draft. There is no one, perfect way to create a story, but there will be a method, or methods that work for you. I’m not sure if this is the one, but it works for me. Only you can decide if it also works for you. Fingers crossed that it does! 

Find the Magic can be purchased at Amazon also.



Award-winning author, Alicia Dean, began writing stories as a child. At age 11, she wrote her first ever romance (featuring a hero who looked just like Elvis Presley, and who shared the name of Elvis’ character in the movie, Tickle Me), and she still has the tattered, pencil-written copy. Alicia is from Moore, Oklahoma and now lives in Edmond. She has three grown children and a huge network of supportive friends and family. She writes mostly contemporary suspense and paranormal, but has also written in other genres, including a few vintage historicals. She is a freelance editor in addition to being an editor for The Wild Rose Press.

Other than reading and writing, her passions are Elvis Presley, MLB, NFL (she usually works in a mention of one or all three into her stories) and watching (and rewatching) her favorite televisions shows like The Walking Dead, Dexter, Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Haven, Vampire Diaries, and The Originals. Some of her favorite authors are Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, Lee Child, Lisa Gardner, Sharon Sala, Jordan Dane, Ridley Pearson, Joseph Finder, and Jonathan Kellerman…to name a few.

Find Alicia here:

 *** Sign up for our Novel Notes Newsletter, a multi-author newsletter where we give away a $25 gift card each month: https://www.facebook.com/NovelNotesAuthors

her website: AliciaDean.com, or feel free to drop her a line at: AliciaMDean@aol.com


Well friends, I hope you enjoyed today's spotlight. 

Remember, once you've written a book and had it published, you'll have to promote it! Need help? Check out the book, Simple Promotional Tools for Authors which I wrote with my friend Penny Carlton and is available on Kindle, Nook and Smashwords

ALSO if you're interested in learning how to write, don't forget I'm hosting a beginning writers' workshop at the Silver Spur guest ranch in Bandera, TX July 8th - 10th and I'd LOVE to see you there!

Until next time...take care and God Bless.
PamT



Thursday, April 28, 2016

#ThursdayThoughts: Special Guest Post by Colleen Coble @colleencoble

Good Morning Friends,

You might be wondering at the change of photo on my header here, on Face Book and my website. No real reason....just in the mood for something different.

Also, if you haven't heard yet, I am ever so happy to inform you that my novella, Keri's Christmas Wish is finished and has been submitted to a publisher!

I'll keep you posted on the details.

Meanwhile, please welcome Colleen Coble back to our blog with something she thinks about....

Forgiveness is a real hot button for me. I’ve seen so many lives changed when a person chooses to forgive the unforgiveable. But there’s one area I feel is harder than any other—forgiving yourself.

We all mess up and fall short of the goal we set for ourselves. Sometimes that failure can hurt other people even more than it hurts us, and we wrestle with letting go of the shame we take on in those moments. Forgiving ourselves is crucial if we want to move past our failures and reach our full potential. How do you do that? This is what works for me:

1.       Identify the fact that you have shame about something.

You can’t deal with something if you keep it buried.

2.       Remind yourself that everyone fails.

As a Christian, I look at examples in the Bible of people who failed but were still forgiven and used of God. David is a prime example.

3.       Take responsibility for your actions.

Too much of the time we make excuses for ourselves. You can never get past the way you feel if you don’t face the facts. You disappointed or hurt something. That’s a fact.

4.       If you can make amends, do so.

Apologize or do anything else that comes to mind to show genuine remorse.

5.       Talk it out with a friend.

There’s something about sharing your burden that makes it lighten. Another perspective helps us see things more clearly.

6.    Actually forgive yourself.

When that shame rises up, speak aloud to yourself and say, “That’s over and God has forgiven me. I forgive myself as well.” After a while you actually start to believe it.


In Mermaid Moon Mallory was still dealing with shame from something she’d done ten years earlier. Ten years is a long time to carry that weight around, but some people carry it all their lives. You don’t have to!

Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice and the Booksellers Best.

She has more than three million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Coble is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana.

To keep up with Colleen Coble, visit www.colleencoble.com, become a fan on Facebook (colleencoblebooks) or follow her on Twitter (@colleencoble).

Mermaid Moon can be purchased at Amazon.


You are so right, Colleen! Forgiveness is definitely Something to think about!

Hope you all enjoyed today's post. Check back each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight!

Until later....take care and God Bless.
PamT
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™





Tuesday, April 26, 2016

#TuesdayTreasures: Libraries

Good Morning!

If you read this week's Saturday Spotlight, you'll have noticed that I was at a book signing at the DeSoto Parish Library in Logan's Port, LA.



I'd never been to Logan's Port nor had I ever been to my friend, Rosie Deskin's (AKA: Annabelle Blythe) home. Well I was able to do both this past weekend!

I made the trip up to Rosie's house in Joaquin, TX through SE Texas and took a different route home and both were absolutely beautiful. Clear skies, green grass, hilly roads (yes there are hills in North LA / SE TX)

Rosie's book is set during the Battle of Mansfield, another city I'd never been to so passing through there was another delight.

If you ever get an opportunity to visit NW LA hop on across the border and check out SE TX too. I can promise you won't be sorry you did.

Here are a couple of photos from the signing....


 




Put on by the Friends of the Library group, these ladies went all out to make us feel welcome. There were snacks, finger sandwiches and drinks for us as well as the visitors.

I appreciate the opportunity Libraries present to authors. Each one is truly something to treasure.

Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™


Saturday, April 23, 2016

#SaturdaySpotlight: Christine Lindsay with Sofi's Bridge!

Good Morning Friends!

Today I am traveling to Logansport, Louisiana for a book signing at the DeSoto Parish Library. If you're in the area, please feel free to drop by between 10 am and 1 pm.

Meanwhile, please welcome Christine Lindsay back to our blog with her newest release, Sofi's Bridge!

Seattle Debutant Sofi Andersson will do everything in her power to protect her sister who is suffering from shock over their father’s death. Charles, the family busy-body, threatens to lock Trina in a sanatorium—a whitewashed term for an insane asylum—so Sofi will rescue her little sister, even if it means running away to the Cascade Mountains with only the new gardener Neil Macpherson to protect them. 

But in a cabin high in the Cascades, Sofi begins to recognize that the handsome immigrant from Ireland harbors secrets of his own. Can she trust this man whose gentle manner brings such peace to her traumatized sister and such tumult to her own emotions? 

And can Neil, the gardener continue to hide from Sofi that he is really Dr. Neil Galloway, a man wanted for murder by the British police? Only an act of faith and love will bridge the distance that separates lies from truth and safety.

Excerpt: Cascade Mountains, Washington State 1913

“Sometimes I think it would be easier,” she said, “if I didn’t feel the urge to use these natural abilities—I think God-given abilities—but to do the more expected tasks of a woman in my social position. Strangely, my father considered it more socially acceptable for my sister to enter yacht races than for me to consider a career.”

Sofi raised her gaze. “But what about you, Neil? With all this talk about life’s purposes and the toil of one’s brow, what are you doing with your life?” The sun nestled between two peaks as she tensed her weight against the sun-warmed granite.

Her natural perfume intoxicated him—not the overpowering colognes of society, but the scent of soap, apples she been paring earlier—stirring the desire to touch her cheek, her hands, her arms. What if he closed the gap between them? How would the softness of her cheek feel against the roughness of his? What would her lips taste like?

His breath quickened.

Sofi’s eyes widened.

He couldn’t tear his gaze from her softly parting mouth. A muscle tapped at the base of her throat.
Had one of them moved closer?

He pulled in a breath. When a man and a woman cared for each other, they should speak the truth. He wanted to tell her about the thrift clinic he’d partnered in for the poor back home. Tell her of the work he’d done in the hospital. If he shared his pride in those accomplishments, he knew her eyes would shine in understanding.

Aye, right, ye fool. Then tell her you left the clinic and your position in Belfast City Hospital, as well as all your patients, to run to Washington State to be a gardener. How could he possibly tell her about the night that stole his life from him, and all with one slash of a knife? He rubbed the pressure between his brows. “Time we were getting back to the cabin.”

“Right. Of course.” In a fluster, she smoothed her shirtwaist. Her eyes that moments ago were shining turned a dull slate. She set her profile to him. “Yes, how foolish for the two of us to stand here any longer.”

Read the first chapter of Sofi’s Bridge for Free on Christine’s Books HERE

Purchase Sofi's Bridge at AMAZON.com and Pelican Book Group
Also coming to Barnes & Noble and Christian Books.com

Christine Lindsay is the author of multi-award-winning Christian fiction. Tales of her Irish ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in Colonial India inspired her multi-award-winning series Twilight of the British Raj, Book 1 Shadowed in Silk, Book 2 Captured by Moonlight, and the explosive finale Veiled at Midnight.

Christine’s Irish wit and her use of setting as a character is evident in her contemporary romance Londonderry Dreaming. Her newest release Sofi’s Bridge also features a dashing Irish hero.

Aside from being a busy writer and speaker, Christine and her husband live on the west coast of Canada. Coming August 2016 is the release of Christine’s non-fiction book Finding Sarah—Finding Me: A Birthmother’s Story.

Please drop by Christine’s website www.ChristineLindsay.org or follow her on Amazon on Twitter. Subscribe to her quarterly newsletter, and be her friend on Pinterest, Facebook, and  Goodreads

Read the first chapters Free of all Christine Lindsay’s novels on her website in section Christine’s Books. www.christinelindsay.org

Congratulations Christine on your brand new book! Here's wishing you the best of God's Blessings with it.

Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight friends. Check back every week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and more Saturday Spotlights.

Until next time...take care and God bless.
PamT

Thursday, April 21, 2016

ThursdayThoughts: Writers' Workshop Scheduled!

Good Morning!

My mind is whirling with so much excitement I can hardly contain it!!

I've scheduled my first (of hopefully many) beginning writers' workshops hosted at the beautiful Silver Spur Guest Ranch July 8 - 10th!



Here are the details.....
Calling All Writers!! 
Learn basic writing/editing/formatting/promoting


Gather your writing buddy for fun-filled, informative weekend!

Who: Pamela S Thibodeaux; Multi-published, Award-winning author

What: “So You Want to Write” Authors’/Writers’ Workshop

Where: Silver Spur Guest Ranch, 9266 Bandera Creek Rd; Bandera, TX
When: Friday July 8- Sunday July 10

Friday – 5:00 pm meet & greet reception / 6:00 dinner followed by Historical hayride and campfire with S’mores OR kick up your heels & go boot scootin’ in downtown Bandera!

Saturday – Breakfast 8:30 / class 10:30-12:30 / Lunch 12:30 / class 2-4 / Dinner 6:00 / Enjoy the ranch or go into Bandera again to kick up your heels & scoot your boots.

Sunday – Breakfast 8:30 / Wrap, Rap & Review 9:30-11:00 / 11:15 Roping exhibition with world renowned Trick Roper Kevin Fitzpatrick! / Lunch

*All Inclusive Package $299.00 per person (double occupancy; single occupancy $359.00)
     Ã˜  Includes workshop and materials
Ø  Overnight accommodations (2 nights-Fri & Sat), ranch amenities and activities
Ø  6 Delicious home cooked meals, plus Ice tea, lemonade, coffee and snacks

*Saturday only $149.00
Ø  Workshop & Materials   
Ø  3 Meals plus Ice tea, lemonade, coffee and snacks

*Attendees get discounts on Horseback Riding & Healing Studio Sessions

*1 hour Private Consultations with Pam available for additional $25

Presenter Bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction and creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!”http://pamelathibodeaux.com


For Reservations call the Silver Spur @930-796-3037 / For Questions on workshop contact Pam @ pthib07@gmail.com (that’s zero 7) 

Would LOVE to see you there!

Please feel free to share this post with your friends and family members who love to write and if you're so inclined, please use the share buttons to help spread the word and/or share the Face Book Event 

THANK YOU for your support!

Until next time, take care and God Bless.
PamT

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

#TuesdayTreasures: Books

Good Morning Friends,

If you know me at all or have known me for sometime, then you know how much I treasure books.

As a reader, I'm always happy to get a hold of a great book and I try to read as much as possible despite my crazy, busy schedule.

As an author, I've come to value my talent, this gift from God that allows me to share my faith with the world through my characters.

With that in mind, I'd like to share with you something that has been on  my mind and in my heart for quite sometime....

The price of books.

As a marketing person, I've come to realize how the deluge of free and 99¢ books has hurt the industry as a whole.

How? You ask.

Because readers in general no longer want to pay more. Oh they might if it is Big Name Author published through Big Name Publisher, but independent authors and/or those of us published through a small press?

Not so much.

Now please understand I'm not faulting anyone here. I'm just as guilty as the next guy/gal and I read so much I LOVE a good bargain!

That said, I've come to realize that according to the Law of Attraction and the Law of Sowing and Reaping, I can't expect people to pay a reasonable price for my books if I don't sow that into someone else's life.

Therefore, I've determined to value my time, talent and energy and put a fair market price on my books. This applies to my independently published titles. 

The publisher sets the price on the others.


Occasionally I may put one on sale or give some away as gifts or for promo/review purposes and I'll be sure to let you all know when I do so. 

I pray you understand and will give some consideration to the future of the book publishing industry and to the future of your favorite authors and/or a new author whose books you'd like to read. 

Show your support by purchasing their books.

Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™