The Storyteller’s Gift
December 15, 2018 by Rebecca Forster in category The Write Life by Rebecca Forster tagged as plot, Storytelling
by
Rebecca Forster
I am one of six children. I fell into the ‘top half’ of the family; the three kids born while my parents were young and just starting out. Christmas was not an extravagant time for us, but I only know that now that I’m grown.
In our house, preparations for the holiday began long inadvance and always with a vengeance. Cookies were baked, decorated, and frozen. The house was scoured to make ready for the decorations and then scoured againafter the tree and tinsel were up.
My father spent his evenings in the garage after a long day at work making things with his saw and sand paper. To this day, my mother assembles the manger he built almost 60 years ago. The three kids – all of us sharing one room – fell asleep as my mother’s sewing machine whirred long into the night. Come Christmas Eve we would dress up in new clothes – I especially remember a red velvet dress with white lace on the puffed sleeves – and awaited the arrival of relatives.
Soon the house was filled with German voices (my mother’s parents, cousins and aunts) clucking over the dinner that would be served on the good china. My father poured drinks and sent us kids weaving through the crowd of adults to deliver them. The doors of the ‘living room’ were closed (we only went in there when we had guests). After we ate and the ladies had finished the dishes, everyone would fall silent at the sound of something – or someone – on the roof. My dad would call out, “I think Santa has been here” and Christmas began in earnest.
How my father got on and off the roof in his Christmas clothes and back inside the house so quickly remains a mystery to this day. The cousins and my brothers and I would be wide-eyed, anxious, and ever-so-polite as we waited for my dad to throw open the doors to the living room. There, under the tree, was one package for everyone. These presents were filled with things we needed but we didn’t care. They were wrapped in silver and gold paper and anything wrapped in silver and gold had to be good.
We never asked how Santa got into the house. We would have seen him come down the fireplace since it was in the family room, but we never did. We should have asked why it took so long between the sounds on the roof and my dad’s announcement. And our beautiful Christmas clothes? We didn’t associate the sound of the sewing machine with the pretty dresses for me and vests for my brothers. We were kids dazzled by the pageantry of our spit- and-shined relatives, and sumptuousness of the table, and solemnity of church at midnight mass, and the warmth and camaraderie of our extended family and above all, the story of our Christmas.
I look back now and see that my parents were like Rumpelstiltskin spinning straw into gold. They created so much from swaths of left over cloth, bargains from the grocery, and scraps of wood. What my parents did was far more than sleight of hand, pulling glorious things out of a humble hat. My parents showed me what good storytelling was all about: hard work, good timing, a cast of characters, a compelling plot and a little magic.
Wishing you the happiest, most magical Christmas season; a season that is the beginning of your best stories ever.
Rebecca
Romantic Comedy, Billionaires, & a Beagle
December 14, 2018 by Jann Ryan in category Jann says . . . tagged as billionaries, Kristy Tate, romantic comedy, USA TODAY Best-Selling Authorby
Jann Ryan
Today we are chatting with the multi-genre author Kristy Tate about her new romantic comedy series Misbehaving Billionaires.
USA Today bestselling author Kristy Tate—writing her own happily-ever-after one day (and sentence) at a time.
She’s the author of more than twenty books, including the best-selling and award-winning Beyond Series and the Kindle Scout winning Witch Ways series. She writes mysteries with romance, humorous romance, light-hearted young adult romance, and urban fantasy. When she’s not reading, writing, or traveling, she can be found playing games with her family, hiking with her dogs, or watching movies while eating brownies.
She is also a popular public speaker and presents writing workshops for schools, libraries, and fundraisers. References available upon request.
Jann: You’re an author who has written urban fantasy, young adult and mysteries with romance. Your new series, Misbehaving Billionaires, is romantic comedy. What motivated you to write romantic comedy?
Kristy: I’ve always loved romantic comedies, but this first book was inspired by our very naughty beagle, Abbey. And because everyone loves series, I knew I had to write more.
Jann: Did you plan to write a series?
Kristy: Yes, as a reader, I like series, so I try to write trilogies.
Jann: Your main characters Letty and Wes in book one which debutedon November 1st, The Billionaire’s Beagle, are wonderful. Which character did you develop first? Tell us about their story and how they get their HEA?
Kristy: Betty, of course, was the first character. Letty was relatively easy. I have a close relative whose dad went to prison. Before his arrest, he’d been a devout, church-going man with an incredible knowledge of the scriptures. His downfall was hard on everyone who knew him, but especially his children. Wes started out as something of a playboy, but it was easier for me to love him as a perpetual student.
Jann: Where did the idea come from for book two, The Oblivious Billionaire? I read your October 31, 2018, blog post. What was it like to talk to the woman who shared her story?
Kristy: When I began The Oblivious Billionaire, I was just going for the comedic arc. I thought it would be fun to play with someone who didn’t know how he made his billions, but after a while, I started to struggle with the story. It wasn’t until I heard about Hope (apropos name, right?) through a mutual friend and had the chance to talk with her that my story grew into something with more meaning and depth. You can read about my conversation with Hope here.
Jann: Do you have an idea for book three that you can share?
Kristy: Book three will revolve around Maddie the dress shop owner who you’re introduced to in The Oblivious Billionaire, but I won’t be telling her story for a while. I’ve committed to a three-bookseries of destination romances that will release in April, May, and June. They’ll take place in Ireland, Italy, and Israel and I’m super excited to be mixing up romance, local legends, and comedy. When I’ve finished my arm-chair traveling, I’ll write Maddie’s story—The Billionaire’s Gambit.
Jann: What’s the funniest (or sweetest or best or nicest) thing a fan ever said to you?
Kristy: Does my husband count as a fan? He once said that time-travel would be wasted on him because he would just spend the whole time looking for me. And that maybe the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.
Many of my books deal with the concept of life after death, maybe because I lost my mother when I was young. One Goodreads reviewer wrote, I also thought the references to an Old Testament euphemism for death were pretty imaginative. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Read Genesis 35:29 and 49:33 in the KJV and then read Beyond the Fortuneteller’s Tent.
I love this—even though she only gave me a three-star review—because if something I wrote could make someone turn to their Bible, then I consider that a win.
Kristy: Thanks for having me on theblog! You can find me on my blog, or on Facebook as Kristy Tate, Novelist, or on my website.
I love chatting with readers and would love to hear from you.
Jann: It’s been a real pleasure and we appreciate your time sharing with us about the Misbehaving Billionaires. Have a wonderful holiday season.
A small selection of books by Kristy Tate.
A Writers Group? What’s in It for Me?
December 13, 2018 by Bethlehem Writers Group in category From a Cabin in the Woods by Members of Bethlehem Writers Group tagged as Bethlehem Writers Group, BWG, Carol L. Wright, critiques, Writing Groups
This month “From a Cabin in The Woods” author is Carol L. Wright.
Carol escaped a career in law and academia for one in writing. She is the author of the Gracie McIntyre Mystery series, the first of which, DEATH IN GLENVILLE FALLS, was a finalist for both the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award and a Next Generation Indie Book Award in 2018.
In addition to her mysteries, she is the author of short stories in several genres that have been published in a variety of literary journals and anthologies, including the award-winning Bethlehem Writers Group’s “Sweet, Funny, and Strange” anthologies in an assortment of themes.
Carol is a founding member of the Bethlehem Writers Group, a life member of Sisters in Crime and the Jane Austen Society of North America, and a member of Pennwriters and SinC Guppies. She is married to her college sweetheart, and lives in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania with their rescue dog, Mr. Darcy,and a clowder of cats. You can learn more on Carol’s website,or by following her Facebook page.
A Writers Group?
What’s in It for Me?
Carol L. Wright
Are you a writer? If so, you already know that it can be a solitary life. Some of us need isolation and quiet to write, while others like the white noise and energy of a public place, such as a coffee shop, to hear their characters speak. Our friends and family members might think us eccentric—or worse—when we say we’re working but all they see is us staring off into nothingness.
So where does a writer find those rare understanding souls who can help them along their journey?
In a writers group, of course!
If you’ve never been part of a critique group, you might feel timid about sharing your work with a bunch of strangers, but it’s definitely worth the plunge. That’s what I did back in May of 2006 when I started what would become the Bethlehem Writers Group.
Over time, we developed an identity. While we had writers of all genres visit us, it soon became apparent that we had a critical mass of fiction and memoir writers—so that’s what we focus on.
We meet twice a month. At each meeting, members bring several hard copies of work to share, then listen as other members read the work aloud. After each reading is complete, we all share our thoughts. Sometimes, I’ll admit, we can be pretty blunt, but it’s meant kindly and constructively. I’ll never forget the first words of commentary on one of my pieces. “It’s DEATH, Carol! DEATH!” I realized then that I had more work to do.
One thing we are passionate about is helping each other become better writers. We remind each other of writing “rules” (e.g. use all five senses, start with a stronger hook, show don’t tell). But we also offer our personal perspectives on others’ work, letting them know where the reader runs into speed bumps slowing the flow of the story.
We’ve occasionally had writers join us who didn’t mesh well with our “sweet, funny, and strange” authors.
One left in a huff when we didn’t burst into applause at the first reading of their work. Another never returned after getting praise for their writing skill along with a suggestion that they not kill off the main character in chapter one. A third got up to leave saying the meeting was “out of control” when the discussion went off on a brief, humorous tangent. One came to her fourth or fifth meeting to yell at us, basically saying she would not join any writers group that would have her as a member. But those who have persevered, listening to our critiques, taking what was worthwhile and discarding what did not work for them, have grown as writers. From a group of mostly unpublished writers, we are now a group with every member published, some with several books to their credit.
So, what should you look for in a writers group?
I’d recommend looking for people:
- Who share your general writing interests. If you are interested in screen writing, it obviously won’t work well for you to join a poetry group. Some groups focus solely on one genre; others are open to several. Either is okay since many writing skills cross genres. As long as you understand your colleague’s perspective and they know what you’re trying to achieve, a fantasy writer can critique a YA romance and vice versa—and give writers ideas they never would have thought of without them.
- Who, while different from each other, are serious writers who respect each other enough to give their time and effort toward helping you become a better writer.
- Whom you respect enough to give your time and effort toward helping them become better writers and whose opinions you respect enough to listen to them.
- Who give everyone a chance to share their work.
- Who encourage you when things aren’t working out the way you’d like and celebrate your successes.
And what should you expect to offer a writers group?
- Contribute work for critiques. It helps your colleagues hone their own editorial skills to have good work to evaluate.
- Do your share. You’re not just there to get your work critiqued. You’re there to reciprocate.
- Treat others with the respect you’d like to receive.
- Be open to people of different ages, backgrounds, experience, and writing interests. You can learn a lot from people who do not share your perspective on the world, whether that be in writing or everyday life.
And what will you get out of it?
- You will become a better writer, and
- You will have some of the most interesting friends!
Part of the reason for the success of our writers group is that we have continually challenged each other. Our first project was to put out an anthology of Christmas stories in 2009. A CHRISTMAS SAMPLER: SWEET, FUNNY, AND STRANGE HOLIDAY TALES. We were from Bethlehem, after all. It won two NEXT GENERATION INDIE BOOK AWARDS—Best Anthology and Best Short Fiction. Not abad start. Since then, we’ve published several more on different themes, and are planning our next one now—FUR, FEATHERS, AND SCALES: SWEET, FUNNY, AND STRANGE ANIMAL TALES.
Along with our anthologies, since 2011 we have published an online literary journal: BETHLEHEM WRITERS ROUNDTABLE And since 2017, we’re a paying market for short stories and poems.
Perhaps most exciting for non-BWG members is that we hold an annual SHORT STORY AWARD. Our theme this year is animal stories, broadly interpreted. Our winners receive cash prizes as well as publication, with the First Place winner considered for inclusion in our next print anthology. Each year we invite a guest judge to do the final selection of our winners, and we’re so pleased that this year we have John Grogan, the best-selling author of MARLEY & ME. Find out more at here.
Our 2019 contest opens on January 1, so get your animal stories polished and ready to submit—perhaps with help from your writers group.We’d love to publish your winning work.
Books by Carol L. Wright
My Year To Be Steadfast
December 12, 2018 by Denise M. Colby in category The Writing Journey by Denise Colby tagged as steadfast, Word of the Year 2018by Denise M. Colby
#myword2018
Steadfast.
My word for 2018.
I loved choosing this word. It truly was a word that fit my year, my writing, my life.
Sure. Dependable. Reliable. Constant. Unwavering. Steady.
All the things I needed in order to see things through this year. I needed to be sure of myself to pursue my writing goals. I needed to be dependable and reliable, so I would keep writing. Constant, unwavering support from writing friends made things fun and encouraging. Steady. Something to tell myself whenever I found myself wavering.
I had created three quick messages which I kept close by to remind me throughout the year:
- steadfast in one’s faith
- do not look behind
- stay focused on what’s ahead
When I took the Seriously Creative online class with Laura Gate-Lupton recently, we created process goals to support our outcome goal. I found my process goals were the steps I need to help me be steadfast.
When I keep my focus on these smaller actions, I’m able to make progress without overwhelming myself. By going slow and steady, I see actual progress. Steadfast!
I’m really going to miss this word next year.
But with a new year, comes a new word. I wonder what my word for 2019 will be?
Instagram and Me: 5 tips to a happy post by Jina Bacarr
December 11, 2018 by Jina Bacarr in category Jina’s Book Chat tagged as Confessions of a Podcast Goddess, podcast, Social MediaTo Instagram or not to Instagram . . . that is the question these days.
It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it can be fun. I post photos, but I love making Instagram videos with graphics I have . . . or when I’m someplace that’s fun to record.
My IG tips:
1 — practice taking pictures, find an interesting angle, make the shot tight rather than too far away so you can capture a “moment.”
2 — type at least one or two hashtags before you Share.
Then once you’ve shared, you can go back and “Comment” with additional hashtags on your PC. It’s easier to type a bunch on your keyboard. Hashtags are super important. Check out other Instagrammers who post similar topics and see what tags they use.
3 — Share across all platforms. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or whichever you have for maximum exposure.
4 — Post photos from your PC — yes, it can be done. I use Chrome. I go to my Instagram account, then to the upper right corner three dots … and click on More Tools; next click on Developer Tools. You’ll see coding on the left side of the screen. Refresh the page and you’ll see the PLUS sign + at the bottom of the screen. Left click on that and you can upload a photo from your computer.
5 — if you love to shoot videos like I do, when you start to Record, count at least 2-3 seconds before you start speaking or you might lose the beginning of what you say. Try to keep background noise down. You have a maximum of 60 seconds to record. I try to find a “core” message in what I want to say before I record and I have a sign-off I’ve used for years.
So, that’s it! Time for some Instagram goodies, so here are some examples of what I’ve posted.
Follow me on my Instagram page and I’ll follow back: https://www.instagram.com/jinabacarr/
Questions? Please ask!
Jina
PS — I’m hoping Santa will give me a tip re: holding my phone. I’m looking into mini-tripods. Here’s an Update: Meet Kandie the Elf!
Here’s a graphic I made for Pastry Day:
I was at my favorite market at the bakery counter — I love this princess cake!
I couldn’t resist these Cinderella shoes when I was at the Spectrum. (I’m waiting to hear back on the m/s I talk about in the video).
Check out my Civil War time travel romance LOVE ME FOREVER
Also, my holiday stories:
A Naughty Christmas Carol — erotic romance
A Soldier’s Italian Christmas — sweet WW2 romance
Come Fly with Me — a New Year’s Eve sexy romance at 30,000 feet:
Featured Books
COME MIDNIGHT
A routine flight turns into a suspenseful race through the remote jungles of Honduras
More info →
DEEP INTO DUSK
In the second pulse-pounding thriller in the series, Detective Gabriel McRay is once again forced to face his inner demons
More info → IN TWILIGHT’S HUSH (A GABRIEL MCRAY NOVEL BOOK 4)
Detective Gabriel McRay investigates a cold case from 1988 involving a missing teenager named Nancy Lewicki.
More info →
DANGER MUSIC
Her quirky assignment: solve a famous cold-case mystery for a magazine article. Then the killer reawakens.
More info →
DARK WINE AT MIDNIGHT
To save humanity, a reluctant spy must convince a handsome vampire to trust her, despite the dark secrets each carries, and the mutual attraction they can’t resist.
More info →
