Interested to know your thoughts on reviews. I read that many authors don't read them, too sensitive to criticism they feel is only one person's point of view and subjective. EH? Don't they have to take the rough with the smooth? Do they only want to hear - this was fab? On the other hand - this is their baby and it's hard to hear that someone thinks it sucks.
I've noticed a growing trend for authors to request reviews from specialist sites. So, questions:
1. If you knew there was a review of your book out there, would you read it?
2. Would you actively seek reviews or not?
3. Would you respond to a reviewer who didn't like your book?
My answers:
1. I would have to read it. I don't have a particulary thick skin but I couldn't not read it.
2. On the fence here. Something tells me it's asking for trouble but if you have faith in your book, maybe it's fine. Ooh, I don't know. Wobbles indecisively.
3. Yes. I couldn't help myself - unless it was abusive. In which case I'd change my name to Hillary Clinton - see previous post.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Excitement mounts
Well, I am getting very excited about the issue of my first book - well ebook but I live in hope that it might make it into print one day. It's due out on the 30th April. Ellora's Cave have it in their upcoming section. www.ellorascave.com Their magazine www.ladyjaided.com has me featured as one of four new writers. I've used my own name - Barbara Elsborg -if this comes back to haunt me, I'm changing my name to Hillary Clinton. That seems fairly anonymous, right?
The book - for the two people in the world who don't know - is called "Perfect Timing". It's racy, it's erotic and it's fun. Well, better blow my own trumpet a little. That will do. It hurts my cheeks.
I'd also like to say thank you to anyone that helped critique this story, you know who you are. I'd like to thank my editor Carole Genz for her time and patience with a new author, I'd like to thank my husband for doing the shopping and volunteering for erotic research - won't tell which offer I accepted, and I'd like to thank my lucky stars that I finally, finally made it into - sort of -print. Hope I didn't forget anyone. Ooh, thanks to the cover artist too. I really like the cover!!
The book - for the two people in the world who don't know - is called "Perfect Timing". It's racy, it's erotic and it's fun. Well, better blow my own trumpet a little. That will do. It hurts my cheeks.
I'd also like to say thank you to anyone that helped critique this story, you know who you are. I'd like to thank my editor Carole Genz for her time and patience with a new author, I'd like to thank my husband for doing the shopping and volunteering for erotic research - won't tell which offer I accepted, and I'd like to thank my lucky stars that I finally, finally made it into - sort of -print. Hope I didn't forget anyone. Ooh, thanks to the cover artist too. I really like the cover!!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Q & A #5 The Hook
Let's talk about hook.
What do you think makes a great hook? What books have you read with a fantastic opening paragraph? Or even sentence? Can you list any examples?
What method do you use to come up with the perfect hook? Do you think most books do or do not have a great hook?
What do you think makes a great hook? What books have you read with a fantastic opening paragraph? Or even sentence? Can you list any examples?
What method do you use to come up with the perfect hook? Do you think most books do or do not have a great hook?
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Q - How much planning do you do before you start writing?
Do you create character charts? Do you work out the plot - start to finish? Do you run a time line? Do you know how the story will end?
My answer - no, no, yes, sort of - sometimes.
I have the germ of an idea and just run with it. Only on one or two occasions have I given up a story I started because I couldn't find a way to continue. They develop a life of their own as I write.
My answer - no, no, yes, sort of - sometimes.
I have the germ of an idea and just run with it. Only on one or two occasions have I given up a story I started because I couldn't find a way to continue. They develop a life of their own as I write.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Oh My....We Missed a Major Landmark!
Take it to the Stars has achieved a major landmark!
2,000 hits!
For a young blog, I'd say that's quite an accomplishment.
So...I know we've got readers out there. Feel free to chime in on any of our topics. You are most coordially invited. Unlike The View (as per our comparison in the blog description above), we invite, encourage and enjoy audience participation. Even hecklers. Hey, it worked for the Muppets, didn't it? (But beware. Our Co-Blogger From Hell, Bunny, may make her presence known if you get too roudy, and she weilds a wicked pitchfork. :) )
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
2,000 hits!
tra la la la laaaaa
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For a young blog, I'd say that's quite an accomplishment.
So...I know we've got readers out there. Feel free to chime in on any of our topics. You are most coordially invited. Unlike The View (as per our comparison in the blog description above), we invite, encourage and enjoy audience participation. Even hecklers. Hey, it worked for the Muppets, didn't it? (But beware. Our Co-Blogger From Hell, Bunny, may make her presence known if you get too roudy, and she weilds a wicked pitchfork. :) )
Q & A: Question #4: Why Did You Choose Your Genre?
How and why did you end up writing in your particular genre(s)/sub-genre(s)? What or who inspired you? Why do you consider it your specialty?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Another wonder for you three
Have any of you crossed that line, and killed off your main protagonist? I mean really, as in d-e-a-d, wont rise again?
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Q & A: Question 1
Since we now have a new co-blogger, I thought I'd kick off a Q and A series about our work. It's always fun to take a step back from the keyboard and do a little self-analysis of what and why we write.
So...first question.
Q: Which of your WIPs (Works in Progress) is your favorite and why?
So...first question.
Q: Which of your WIPs (Works in Progress) is your favorite and why?
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
21 things about me
1) I don't do well with directions. Lost after the first sentence. Recipes are created to be ignored. Instruction pages are a last resort.
2) I cant cook. Refer to number one. The microwave is my friend. My son has never tasted homemade bread, cookies, etc, baked by his loving mom. 6'3" now, I must have done something right, and he was always a trooper about using orange juice in his cereal if I didn't want to stop for milk.
3) My childhood was spent reclining against the truck, highest branch, of an apple tree, a chair with my legs over the side, sitting on my pony I was forced to ride to keep up with my older sister, whatever, the constant always a book in my hands. Hardy boys-Nancy Drew- and over and over again, Mark Twain, etc.
4) I read the old testament when I was 12. I no longer follow any religion. I never told my son, Santa, easter bunny, tooth fairy was real.
5) In high school I was voted most mysterious, most rebellious, and most likely in detention.
6) Sophomore year in high school I got honor grades in English, A+ on an essay in perfect format titled 'How to Kill your Gym Teacher in 10 Easy Steps'. My parents got a call demanding I comply with seeing the school psychologist. I never went. In my defense the gym teacher really deserved to be brained with a basketball.
7) Dropped out of college after one year. Drove across country with my boyfriend. Stopped in Tucson on the way to Cal. beach, and left 7-8 years later.
8) Worked and fired from various waitress-bartending jobs, while I established Arizona residency and graduated U of A with a plant science degree. ( note: a perfect shot doesn't need to be measured. Count to 3 fast if you don't like the person, slow if you do. )
9) I got fired for suspected employee gambling from the dog tract, and took on a job training grey hounds. ( I once won a grand. I once threatened to strangle a bus boy if he didn't run to the bar down the road and borrow money so I could turn in my waitress bank I'd dipped into.)
I quit training grey hounds when I found out most trainers illegally use live rabbits to train.
10) I purchased a 550 Honda motorcycle, without knowing how to drive it. A few months later I drove solo across country for a brothers wedding. My mom freaked. My dad asked me for a ride. In the 5-6 times I went from NY to AZ and back again, I detoured to visit friends in New Orleans and developed a life long aversion to Texas.
11) A man in rush hour Chattanooga, Tn watched me eye-balling huge truck tires too close to me, and gave me the thumbs up. Encouragement that remains to this day. Coat on, he didn't know my gender.
12) In my mid to late twenties, I spent summers in NY, an occasional fall, helping my parents run the greenhouses. I got in 12-15 hours of solo time before I had to, sigh, admit to my flight instructor I was 4-5 months pregnant. I regret, very much, not finishing and not seeing my flight instructor before he died ten years ago.
13) I dropped out of grad school in AZ, and went back to NY until I was 8 months pregnant.
14) I flew back to Az. A month later, thanks to my nephew throwing pebbles at me in the greenhouse where I worked, I left work early and that night while taking a CPR class my water broke.
15) I rushed from the hospital, called my doctor, and my son was born at my home in the wee hours, interrupting his dad from going to the 1984 Olympics.
16) Detoured like usual on my way to NY, flying this time, and have a picture of my six week old child on Bourbon street.
17) Spent 23-24 years in NY. I once grew, with the help of child labor only, 22,000 geraniums.
18) A tornado took the poly of one of the greenhouses, snow all over the poinsettia crop, bringing an end to my career as a wholesaler grower.
19) Finally, the kid was off to college. I started scribbling in notebooks. My son showed me floppy discs and computer keyboards. He guided me into flash drives. He's the worse teacher in the world.
20) I joined CC and no longer have a life, nor do I care.
21) Um, 5'4", and another brunette, I feel very lucky to have learned from such talented writers and wonderful friends.
2) I cant cook. Refer to number one. The microwave is my friend. My son has never tasted homemade bread, cookies, etc, baked by his loving mom. 6'3" now, I must have done something right, and he was always a trooper about using orange juice in his cereal if I didn't want to stop for milk.
3) My childhood was spent reclining against the truck, highest branch, of an apple tree, a chair with my legs over the side, sitting on my pony I was forced to ride to keep up with my older sister, whatever, the constant always a book in my hands. Hardy boys-Nancy Drew- and over and over again, Mark Twain, etc.
4) I read the old testament when I was 12. I no longer follow any religion. I never told my son, Santa, easter bunny, tooth fairy was real.
5) In high school I was voted most mysterious, most rebellious, and most likely in detention.
6) Sophomore year in high school I got honor grades in English, A+ on an essay in perfect format titled 'How to Kill your Gym Teacher in 10 Easy Steps'. My parents got a call demanding I comply with seeing the school psychologist. I never went. In my defense the gym teacher really deserved to be brained with a basketball.
7) Dropped out of college after one year. Drove across country with my boyfriend. Stopped in Tucson on the way to Cal. beach, and left 7-8 years later.
8) Worked and fired from various waitress-bartending jobs, while I established Arizona residency and graduated U of A with a plant science degree. ( note: a perfect shot doesn't need to be measured. Count to 3 fast if you don't like the person, slow if you do. )
9) I got fired for suspected employee gambling from the dog tract, and took on a job training grey hounds. ( I once won a grand. I once threatened to strangle a bus boy if he didn't run to the bar down the road and borrow money so I could turn in my waitress bank I'd dipped into.)
I quit training grey hounds when I found out most trainers illegally use live rabbits to train.
10) I purchased a 550 Honda motorcycle, without knowing how to drive it. A few months later I drove solo across country for a brothers wedding. My mom freaked. My dad asked me for a ride. In the 5-6 times I went from NY to AZ and back again, I detoured to visit friends in New Orleans and developed a life long aversion to Texas.
11) A man in rush hour Chattanooga, Tn watched me eye-balling huge truck tires too close to me, and gave me the thumbs up. Encouragement that remains to this day. Coat on, he didn't know my gender.
12) In my mid to late twenties, I spent summers in NY, an occasional fall, helping my parents run the greenhouses. I got in 12-15 hours of solo time before I had to, sigh, admit to my flight instructor I was 4-5 months pregnant. I regret, very much, not finishing and not seeing my flight instructor before he died ten years ago.
13) I dropped out of grad school in AZ, and went back to NY until I was 8 months pregnant.
14) I flew back to Az. A month later, thanks to my nephew throwing pebbles at me in the greenhouse where I worked, I left work early and that night while taking a CPR class my water broke.
15) I rushed from the hospital, called my doctor, and my son was born at my home in the wee hours, interrupting his dad from going to the 1984 Olympics.
16) Detoured like usual on my way to NY, flying this time, and have a picture of my six week old child on Bourbon street.
17) Spent 23-24 years in NY. I once grew, with the help of child labor only, 22,000 geraniums.
18) A tornado took the poly of one of the greenhouses, snow all over the poinsettia crop, bringing an end to my career as a wholesaler grower.
19) Finally, the kid was off to college. I started scribbling in notebooks. My son showed me floppy discs and computer keyboards. He guided me into flash drives. He's the worse teacher in the world.
20) I joined CC and no longer have a life, nor do I care.
21) Um, 5'4", and another brunette, I feel very lucky to have learned from such talented writers and wonderful friends.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Ooh, thank God for Google. Where would I be without it? I just get into my story and come across some little point that needs checking.
Is there a foopath along the Thames all the way to Canary Wharf? Or some back route I don't know about?
Ah, wonder why it's brought up a sex toys site. What word triggered that? Canary? Footpath?Maybe I'll just have a look. Just to satisfy my writer's curiosity. Um, what the hell is that used for? I'll just click on... oops. Maybe not. But I always did wonder how men got their tackle into those. I might well need to know that. Oooh, maybe I didn't need the image. God, it won't go. I've got ten images now. Pressing back doesn't work. Help. Ah, gone.
I wonder if they come in different colours. Purely research you understand. ooh yes, different colours and materials.
Luckily I've found out how to delete my web history. But husband says he's going to smash my hard drive with a hammer rather than send it for repair - just in case. Well, no point in not looking up how men manage to- ooh that would be telling.
Is there a foopath along the Thames all the way to Canary Wharf? Or some back route I don't know about?
Ah, wonder why it's brought up a sex toys site. What word triggered that? Canary? Footpath?Maybe I'll just have a look. Just to satisfy my writer's curiosity. Um, what the hell is that used for? I'll just click on... oops. Maybe not. But I always did wonder how men got their tackle into those. I might well need to know that. Oooh, maybe I didn't need the image. God, it won't go. I've got ten images now. Pressing back doesn't work. Help. Ah, gone.
I wonder if they come in different colours. Purely research you understand. ooh yes, different colours and materials.
Luckily I've found out how to delete my web history. But husband says he's going to smash my hard drive with a hammer rather than send it for repair - just in case. Well, no point in not looking up how men manage to- ooh that would be telling.
Introductions, Greetings and Salutations...
...to our newest co-blogger, Arlene. Arlene writes a fascinating Sci-Fi series with a very original premise and an unique voice. We've all become great fans of her work.
Things should get even more lively around our little blog with Arlene's arrival.
Welcome, Arlene. :)
*applause*
Things should get even more lively around our little blog with Arlene's arrival.
Welcome, Arlene. :)
*applause*
hey
I seem to be in. Dont know what I will contribute, but it looks like alot of fun stuff to catch up on.
Something to mess with around the highly exciting job. Happy sunday. And heres counting the days until Strangers roped in an agent, along with P2PC. Maybe I'll be joining the waiting game ( crying game) within a week or two.
Um, now I'll see if this message goes somewhere.
Something to mess with around the highly exciting job. Happy sunday. And heres counting the days until Strangers roped in an agent, along with P2PC. Maybe I'll be joining the waiting game ( crying game) within a week or two.
Um, now I'll see if this message goes somewhere.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Names
What is it about names in our stories? Why do we subconsciously pick names that either start with the same letter or sound the same? The number of times I realise part way through that I've got two or more characters using names with the same letter. And I didn't even realise. I can only assume it's the 'sound' that appeals. Many of my heroines have names that end with 'y' or 'ie'. I know a lot of names do!! My kids have names that end that way but I don't, nor does my husband. Nicknames tend to end in 'y' or 'ie' so I wonder if we're becoming friendly with our characters when we pick names that sound like that.
Choosing the right name is of paramount importance to me. I can't even start to write until I have the MCs names clear in my head. I might change my mind about the names of other characters but never the MCs. I have a pile of jotters from my teens with hundreds of stories - mostly fan fiction - and at the front, before the title, I've named the heroine. So I can see it was important to me then. The names I used though - yuk - Harmony, Melody, Blondie - sense a pattern?
Now my favorite name is Kate. So much so that I've used it in three novels. (Katya in one) plus Polly, Daisy, Chloe. Ahh teh 'ie' sound again.
Guys names - tend to be American style - Josh, Ethan, Nathan, plus Will, Ed, Joe, Jack (twice) Not an 'ie' in sight. Maybe that's a girl thing?
Choosing the right name is of paramount importance to me. I can't even start to write until I have the MCs names clear in my head. I might change my mind about the names of other characters but never the MCs. I have a pile of jotters from my teens with hundreds of stories - mostly fan fiction - and at the front, before the title, I've named the heroine. So I can see it was important to me then. The names I used though - yuk - Harmony, Melody, Blondie - sense a pattern?
Now my favorite name is Kate. So much so that I've used it in three novels. (Katya in one) plus Polly, Daisy, Chloe. Ahh teh 'ie' sound again.
Guys names - tend to be American style - Josh, Ethan, Nathan, plus Will, Ed, Joe, Jack (twice) Not an 'ie' in sight. Maybe that's a girl thing?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Musings by Bunny.
*Pokes head in door and looks both ways* You haven’t seen any AARP members around? There’s about six of them, with Mo-Peds? No? *Steps in* There was this altercation at Macys. Oh never mind. I have someone I’d like you to meet. *Reaches through door and pulls scraggly looking woman in a toga through*
This is Delia, she’s a muse. *Shoves Delia towards screen* Say hello, Delia.
“Hi.”
Come on, don’t be bashful. Say hello to the nice people. *Raises pitchfork* Say hello you dysfunctional thought process, before I stick you with this pitchfork and roast you over a spit till you’re well done!
“Hi, I’m Delia and I’m a muse.” *glances nervously at Bunny* “Er, Bunny has so graciously asked me to visit this blog.” *gaze flits towards Bunny and back to the screen* “I couldn’t say no...” *Leans closer, wringing hands* “Oh god, help me. I’m being held host…. Ouch. That’s sharp”
Stick to the subject sister, or there’s more where that came from. *Tail twitches*
*Sighs* “I’ve been on holiday lately.” *stares at pitchfork* “but I just wanted all of you to know, I’m back.”
*Knocks Delia out of the way and crowds screen* What this miserable Inspiration Wannabe is trying to say, is that if you’ve been missing your muse, I found her. I’m holding her hostage to the highest bidder. Shall we open the bidding at one soul? *Raises eyebrow and snags back of muse’s toga, shaking her and rattling her teeth* Do I have any opening bids? A whole lot of inspiration here. *Shakes her again, sending muse into tears*
Oh, shut up. You never want to say anything until it benefits you. It’s all about you, you, you. Unless you’ve got something good to say, zip it shut. *Shakes head* You can never trust these muses, they are fair-weather friends, leave you high and dry when you least expect it. But, I’ve got one for the very low price of one soul. *Leans closer to the screen* A bargain.
*Sighs* No takers? Come on, it’s one miserable soul. I know she’s not much to look at, but when you don’t have one hanging around… Well, let’s just say she’s a real steal. No really, I snuck into this New York Times Bestseller’s house the other night and… *Looks around* Did you hear that? Mo-Peds? I think their stalking me. Deck one old lady and they turn on you. I’m telling you, I had those shoes off the clearance rack first. The old Biddy deserved it. *Glances around and grabs Delia in a chokehold* I’ve got to go, but you know where to find me.
Ciao!
This is Delia, she’s a muse. *Shoves Delia towards screen* Say hello, Delia.
“Hi.”
Come on, don’t be bashful. Say hello to the nice people. *Raises pitchfork* Say hello you dysfunctional thought process, before I stick you with this pitchfork and roast you over a spit till you’re well done!
“Hi, I’m Delia and I’m a muse.” *glances nervously at Bunny* “Er, Bunny has so graciously asked me to visit this blog.” *gaze flits towards Bunny and back to the screen* “I couldn’t say no...” *Leans closer, wringing hands* “Oh god, help me. I’m being held host…. Ouch. That’s sharp”
Stick to the subject sister, or there’s more where that came from. *Tail twitches*
*Sighs* “I’ve been on holiday lately.” *stares at pitchfork* “but I just wanted all of you to know, I’m back.”
*Knocks Delia out of the way and crowds screen* What this miserable Inspiration Wannabe is trying to say, is that if you’ve been missing your muse, I found her. I’m holding her hostage to the highest bidder. Shall we open the bidding at one soul? *Raises eyebrow and snags back of muse’s toga, shaking her and rattling her teeth* Do I have any opening bids? A whole lot of inspiration here. *Shakes her again, sending muse into tears*
Oh, shut up. You never want to say anything until it benefits you. It’s all about you, you, you. Unless you’ve got something good to say, zip it shut. *Shakes head* You can never trust these muses, they are fair-weather friends, leave you high and dry when you least expect it. But, I’ve got one for the very low price of one soul. *Leans closer to the screen* A bargain.
*Sighs* No takers? Come on, it’s one miserable soul. I know she’s not much to look at, but when you don’t have one hanging around… Well, let’s just say she’s a real steal. No really, I snuck into this New York Times Bestseller’s house the other night and… *Looks around* Did you hear that? Mo-Peds? I think their stalking me. Deck one old lady and they turn on you. I’m telling you, I had those shoes off the clearance rack first. The old Biddy deserved it. *Glances around and grabs Delia in a chokehold* I’ve got to go, but you know where to find me.
Ciao!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Had to Post This
Andrew Olmsted was a soldier in Iraq. He kept a blog. He wrote his final words in the event of his death and asked a friend to post them if that day ever came. It did. On January 4, 2008, Andrew's last words were posted.
This is worth taking a few minutes out of your day to read and consider. The honesty, humility, and humor of his message is profound. May these final thoughts reach millions.
Rest in Peace, Major Andrew Olmsted.
http://andrewolmsted.com/
This is worth taking a few minutes out of your day to read and consider. The honesty, humility, and humor of his message is profound. May these final thoughts reach millions.
Rest in Peace, Major Andrew Olmsted.
http://andrewolmsted.com/
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