Check out the trailer for Allison’s newest book – release date June 1, 2011.
All posts by Melanie
Happy Mother’s Day!
To all you who are mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.
May you be treated royally today.
Excellent Blog Post on Titles
Scottish romance novelist, Janice Horton, wrote a post on her blog entitled “A Working Title…?” For those of us who have a hard time coming up with a title, whether before or after we’ve created our “baby”, this is an excellent post. Janice has hit the nail on the head with the conundrum of choosing a title and included some good links, too.
You can read her post at http://janicehortonwriter.blogspot.com/
Finished reading…
I just finished reading Dying Light by Stuart MacBride. Like his first published crime novel, Gold Granite, this was the second gripping tale of DS Logan McRae set in Aberdeen.
I was so taken with his first (what can I say, Aberdeen and crime?, I’m there… wouldn’t even have to be crime… mostly Aberdeen does it for me) that I have all but his most recent one. According to Stuart’s website the books are written so they can be read in any order. However, unlike the way I write, I like to read in published order. So if I stick to that, then the next piece of his I’ll be reading will be Broken Skin.
Stuart MacBride’s website is at http://www.stuartmacbride.com/
Taking A Step Back… Looking at The Big Picture
I’ve just found myself in such a place. I’m in the midst of all of the above. Have I added way too much detail? Can I still give this character what she wants but simplify it? Overall, I like the direction I’m going in. I’m just concerned over the amount of piddly-arse details that really don’t need to be there.
So, whilst I ponder my conundrum, I’m taking a step back and am going to enjoy the other past time that goes so well with writing… reading. Now I don’t like to read in the genre I’m writing in for fear of incorporating something from that in my work. So I’ve dusted off a crime novel by another favourite author of mine.
If when I’m reading, I’m struck with a profound revelation that will get me out of my predicament, I’ll go back to my manuscript and get it on “paper”.
Are you looking for someone who can do the things related to writing that you don’t have time for?
Look no further. Fellow member of the Ottawa Romance Writers Association, Linda Poitevin, also does freelance work in addition to writing Dark Urban Fantasies. If you’re in need of writing for web or print, editing for same, editing, proofreading, ghostwriting, or SEO optimization, Linda is the gal to turn to.
You can find Linda’s freelance site at http://www.lindapoitevin.ca/ and her author site at http://www.lindapoitevin.com/
Thousand Islands Writers Festival Workshops Cancelled
The May 7th workshops that I was so looking forward to (How to Find an Editor and Why You Need One and How to Write Effective Dialogue) have been cancelled due to low registration.
I’m sad and angry at the same time that the event didn’t get the support from the local writing community. The committee works hard all year to bring great authors in for readings and workshops for the spring and fall events.
Death Ship – yesterday’s reading
Fully charged Sony reader in my purse and Death Ship downloaded to it, I was ready for some lunch time reading yesterday. I admit for a brief moment I wondered if it was something best not read whilst eating but it was too late. I was already hooked!
Now, I’m counting the days until The Figurehead becomes available. The first chapter teaser drew me into the story immediately.
Introduced to new author
My good friend, Chris Longmuir, has introduced me to the works of Bill Kirton. I just downloaded Death Ship from Smashwords and am looking forward to reading it. He’s also included a teaser… chapter 1 of the Figurehead.
Promises to be some good reading ahead for me. I’ll report back soon after I’ve read them.
Bill maintains a website at http://www.bill-kirton.co.uk/ and a blog at http://livingwritingandotherstuff.blogspot.com/
E-Publishing (self/indie) vs Traditional Publishing – from someone who has done it both ways
My good friend, Chris Longmuir, recently put a post on her blog about her experiences with traditional publishing and self-publishing. It’s a very good read.
Check it out at: http://chrislongmuir.blogspot.com/