Characterization 4 Fiction Writers

On one of my favorite eloops, we're sharing creative writing tips, and perhaps my own thoughts my help someone? I hope. ☺

 

The balance of characters is essential, who plays what part in the whole piece.

 

Here is how an over balance can be used by the creative writer: in the film The Unforgiven, Burt Lancaster and Aubrey Hepburn star. In movies, Hepburn is often matched with much stronger older men. This emphasizes their strength, a comparison, and perhaps makes her look more feminine/fragile.

 

But in The Unforgiven, a part that Lancaster plays much stronger male lead, and Hepburn a quieter co-star, a nice turnaround or twist, would be the development of Hepburn, into a much stronger component.

 

Character turnarounds, or flaws that either get larger and more compelling, or show themselves as a strength, is one of the best techniques or TWISTS a creative fiction writer can use.

 

To me an outline of the character, their motivation, their weaknesses, also defines what clothing they would wear, upscale/casual Etc. And that includes jewelry. Their background, is another element, but just as important. What drives characters, what is their turning points, etc. is the most interesting element of writing to me.

 

The character mix also frames the leading characters, the protagonists/antagonists. The minor characters, revolving in and out of this story, weaving if you will, shows they are opinion of the leading characters.

 

An animal can also be a minor character, framing any of the characters. What is the animal’s reaction to the specific character?

 

Another character element, is what touches that character applies to what object. For instance, does his finger outline her photograph? Is that a treasuring movement? Or if he sees himself in the mirror, what does he see? This is much like Michael Jackson's The Man in the Mirror song.

 

There are many resources, for understanding characterization, including horoscope signs.

 

Three things stand out to me, as a fiction writer, that is the theme of the story, the mood, and the character mix. And anyone of these can change during the writing. And sometimes you just have to go with it....

 

 

The Big Catch-Up Writers Tips

There comes a time...

During the sheltering-in-place slow-down, I'm working to catch up with the last 2-3 years, if that is possible. First of all, if you aren't on this enewsletter, you may wish to join it using the Subscribe button on the right.

I happen to love Blogger, which is much simpler than a full website, which I also have and it needs catching up. Did I say the last 2 or 3 years have been difficult? And now... But at blogger, an enewsletter is included. A blog, either viewable to the search engines or not, is an excellent place to start, published or not.

One Huge Tip for Blogging Beginners: Keep a folder of all your posts and someday, you may have enough to publish a book! 

Here's another big tip for writers: Use spreadsheets to keep track of your books' data, i.e. ISBNs/print/ebooks, agents, rights reverted, copyrights, contract number, publisher, pub date, agents, etc. It's easier to "grow" one as you go, than to try to compile it all at once.

Next: Get a good note keeping system, and I use notebooks, but mostly a note keeper that flows between my desktop and my tablet. I'm a Mac/IOS user, and cannot say enough about the system, a change over from PCs a few years ago. I do lots of everything on my iPad and it might be all you need, depending. NOTES is an excellent note keeper.

For ad work/published writers:  These memes and links are handy to stock up for copy/paste re-use. Thank you, Donna Fasano. But filing them properly helps, too, i.e. Romantic Suspense titles, Women's Fiction, Western, etc.

The ever important links can also be copied and pasted, i.e.:

She thought she was going mad…the whispers wouldn’t stop. And neither would he.

~Silence the Whispers~ by Cait London

US: http://amzn.to/1j5Yogd

UK: http://amzn.to/1ApnZ1i

#romanticsuspense #psychic #ibooks #nook #kobo

Here is 2 big ones:

1.) There is no escaping technology and Internet. While writers do not have to be high tech, they do need some know-how. Assistants etc. can be hired, but at sometime it takes ye olde self.

2. Make Pals. Do favors. Join. Unjoin (sometimes the fit doesn't fit). Learn.

That's a few tips, and I hope to add more. Just remember, if you write an article, blog post, etc., keep it. It will wait until you can revise and use it somehow....

Or you can write to me? I'd love to hear from you.

Notes of the Day

NOW 99CENTS

"NOTES OF THE DAY" covers it all, doesn't it?

In stressful times, I have a lot of notes, notebooks full of them, stickies, whatever. I'm sure you do, too. Right now, I am trying very hard to catch up after a few years of stress. I'm in my very cluttered office, because I've moved and I am working on a WIP, and doing ad work. I recently changed computers, no small deal to get one up and running the way you want/Printers etc. Software.

My small heater is running away because it's very cold. A towel is rolled and fitted beneath the door to preserve whatever heat possible. Ordinarily, I'd have bread rising to bake later. However, bread doesn't want to rise unless the room temperature is helped. I suppose I could have brought the 2 bowls into my office. Hmm. Too late now.

I have another blog/website which is also behind, due to the last few years and I'm headed for that next. *After* I work on my WIP. The first 2 books of my new Fresh Start trilogy were out at the top of 2018 and then things got on overload.   

NOW 99cents, THE COWBOY is a re-release and still popular, one of my first books. Limited Time Offer. (Notes for writers, read below?)

I write a variety of fiction (mystery/suspense/women's fiction, romance, short stories etc.) and this one is sheer fun and quite frankly a distraction we need in these times. I hope you enjoy The Cowboy!

Here is some ad work for my current sale, and WRITERS PLEASE NOTE THE COPY/PASTE FORM useful on Twitter and Facebook. (Shorten for Twitter). The links are not hidden for demonstration. Donna Fasano has helped me so much with ad tips, and keeping a copy of copy/paste ad work was her suggestion. I'm using Mac's Notes shared on my iPad or Mac. Note the meme, made with Adobe Elements, really useful with backgrounds.

Now #99c #FunRead for Distraction Time

>>The Cowboy @CaitLondon

“Loved, loved, loved this adorable romance!” 

Oklahoma rancher Lucas Walkington will do anything for his twin teenage girls, including appearing on a dating show as The Love Bandit. To help her sister, Chastity Beauchamp substitutes as Honey, a Heartbeats Goddess. City girl Chastity knows more about filing cabinets than men, but when she sees this delicious rancher, she wants her one chance for delight. He’s soon whisking Chastity away to greater, outer Oklahoma.

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2U9D1EY

UK: https://amzn.to/3aENCig

CA: https://amzn.to/2JwvgUq

AU: https://amzn.to/2US5a3x

BN: https://bit.ly/33XTyjM

iBooks: https://apple.co/2UPP2Q9

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2USrY33

#romance #humor #sale #weekendread #romanticcomedy

WRITERS: Please check out the labels for Writers Stuff, etc. And I hope the above copy/paste tip of Donna Fasano's helps you, too! If you read/or write Sweet Romance, be sure to check out her website for that?

Life and Novel Interruptus

How are you today? I hope you are having a super day, preparing for the holidays and writing projects. (And also a bit of YOU-time, so necessary.)

How’s your writing life? Or rather how is life that can interfere with writing? Or just how is life?

We’re all dealing with busy lives and sometimes it’s just too difficult to continue writing, or ad work, or whatever needs coordinating, etc. I’m just getting back on track a bit after a packed year and a half in which I lost a loved one, moved states, sold a home in one, dealt with my own brief illness, traveled from California to Missouri and back multiple times.

So yes, I’ve experienced Novel Interruptus big time. Every writer has a time like this and when returning to writing and/or the business of writing, the bulk of what needs to be done is intimidating. At the moment, my whole book line-up needs attention, plus my website, and just about everything else.

Cheer up. Take it easy and do what you can do. Do the menial stuff, just to get back into the flow. If you've had devastation/death/sickness in your life, it's no mere jump back into writing and business. I found immense re-start-up help in Kilby Blades book for pros, The Marketing Audit: Get Better Results with a Better Plan. Excellent read, pinpointing how to review and revamp, made on the writer’s individual needs. I am thankful to the author who recommended Blades' book.

My audit showed me what to do, 3 major revamps. I’ve just begun step 1.

And just now, I’m getting into a little business. At the top of last year, I published 2 books of a new series, Fresh Start, and I’m just now lining up and reviewing characters to return to book 3. Thankfully, I have a lot of notes for reference.

Speaking of notes: Today, I dug out my smaller 3-ring binder, cleaned it up, and got ready for notes, which are business notes, separate from my story notes. I'm a list-maker, and my binder includes lots of to-do lists. I found that I just work better with an actual binder than keeping all electronically (tho I do some). Just getting that binder ready, along with notes from a previous binder, provided a chip in the mountain of work that has waited. Yes, back to good old paper notes.

Maybe you’re ready for an audit, too? How you schedule tasks? A redo of covers or retail pages?  Monday is my usual business day, which was waylaid during the last year and a half, but I’m back to trying that now.

The most difficult time of coming back to writing, or the business of writing, is to find those first little steps to get started. Novel Interruptus is just that: a temporary and usually necessary life-brick thrown at you. Find some basic grab on where you were, prior to the life-brick thrown at you, lock onto the simplest task and build from there.

Difficult to remember during stress times, but it's the simple things, right? (Sometimes I off-load with crocheting as on my keyboard. Off-Loading is prime stress relief, but so are the checkmarks placed on my To-Do list. )

Charging on the Go

Note: I’ve traveled/driven about 8k miles this past year and a half, plus have made 4 flights, all from/to CA/MO.

As a traveler, (and I hope that is done for a few months to allow me to catch up), I can really recommend carrying a purse-size battery charger. Then, with recent Red Flag fire warnings in Northern California and electrical shut offs, I’ve used my charger heavily/daily or my cell phone and iPad. I continued to write on my iPad and danger/alert warnings came through the cell’s apps. (My Kindle didn’t need a charge, but this battery charger would work fine. I read books more on the Kindle than my iPad, BTW, this to save battery power and by preference.)

This Anker unit is about 2X3” and has 4 lights to denote how much power is in it. I’ve used it repeatedly in the past several days, and those 4 light-dots have not gone down to 3 etc.

Highly recommend this handy-dandy device or one like it:

Writing on Your Time

Tallchief Series: The Cowboy and the Cradle, Tallchief's Bride, The Groom Candidate, Tallchief for Keeps, The Seduction of Fiona Tallchief

Traveling opens new insights. I’ve just visited a local writers group and enjoyed old friends. While seated, I made notes--not about the topic, rather what I would write/story ideas/how-tos. With energy flowing around the room, my pen was busy with opening lines and story ideas, (I’m a fiction writer and have my own methods of getting story ideas.)

One of the fast-flying topics at the meeting was scheduling writing hours, blocking off times. This is highly touted, works for many, but we have to work/write with the lives we are given.

With a busy family life--and it depends on the age group--Writing Around the Corners of My Life was how one writer explained his writing time. This guy had a family, a full-time demanding job, and he wanted to write.

In the same situation, I did the same, writing draft heavily on weekends and editing/researching around those “corners”. I have been a full time writer for years and have just experienced more life changes. Now, with a relocation, new home and life style, I am realigning my writing time to what works for me: Keeping the story warm. Writing in bits/editing, and whole big 5k chunks.

Regimentation is a huge potential success factor, that is working/writing on whatever is a consistent basis. If that story is “hot” in me, I’m not likely to stop because a scheduled hour tells me Time Over. However, I have recently started a timer to insure I get up and stretch/exercise. While moving around, I may make notes on the story.

It is not unusual for me to write 500-2K-5K etc. and most writers write while the story is running through them. Repeat: Keep that story warm. This break-time to exercise is difficult to learn/adjust.

Thus, before leaving the writing flow, I make notes where I stopped to rev me upon return. A paragraph or so, some capped words will take me back into the story flow.

Keeping that story warm and flowing is the most important, no matter the scheduling technique.

While on this cross-country trip, I am exploring a car connect to my electronics, which will allow me to hear my WIPs while driving long stretches. Thus, keeping the story warm....

Whatever scheduling works, working is the best method for storyteller/writers. However you get there--intensive outlines or freewheeling, scheduled hours/around your life/or inspired--is right...  if it works for you.

Bring You to the Writing Table

I bet you thought this was about food and eating, didn't you? Not so. This is about writing and what you, as a writer, bring to the table for reader fare.

We all have pieces within us, as people, that are stronger and more appealing to readers--some skill sets, some experiences that strengthen our manuscripts.

>>THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

>>THE EGG BASKET: AMAZON/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

Info Bit: When I started writing, I came to the Writing Table with Stories and Characterization (this according to my first editor). Looking back, she was right. I've always been able to churn stories--Dad was a storyteller, so maybe I picked up bits. He was a Verbal Storyteller. I am not. If Writers are lucky, they are both, because PR is essential. I belong to the Reclusive/Introvert Club when it comes to writing. :) Therefore, I am not prone to retreats or sessions or writers groups, though they are advantageous to many writers.

Personal Traits are on the Table Fare, too. If you are not a self-starter, need a guide, that's fine. But energetic writers, self-starters typically do better.

More Important Personal Traits: Regimented? Determined? Goal Setting? Handle a Calendar? Able to Multitask?

Info Bit: So I naturally (inside me) had the Stories/Lots of them and a grip of Characterization. Not a clue about Plotting--that little demon. Since starting, I've studied almost every plotting method possible. FWIW: I started with my first editor's direction: One paragraph per chapter, Build, MidPoint, Round Off, etc.

In my current WIPs, the Basket Series, I bring a whole lot of myself, my personal experiences. Rethinking this: In all my books, I bring experiences, i.e. How I Would Feel If? Selecting Friends, Animals, Perceptions, Who is Kind and Who is Not Likely to be my best bud, etc. A huge portion of my books are Simply Me. (That's scary, isn't it? :)

In the Basket Series, my past homemaking, sewing, canning, raising garden, working to create, home remodeling, raising a family, husband, etc. Life in a small town and the characters living in it, friends or foe/gossipers, etc. all comes out. I know what I'm talking about. Also, Nora is expecting in The Basket Maker's Wife, I understand that because I've had 3 daughters. She's tall, I know that. She fears, I know that. In The Egg Basket--yes, I've raised chickens, did the farm woman thing, made butter, bottle fed calves.

>>THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

>>THE EGG BASKET: AMAZON/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

 Now, here's where the If/Then comes in to smack you: I have NOT had some of the experiences, like weaving a basket, so plenty of research on that one and others. You fill in what you do not know.

Experiencing the LOCATION is a necessity for me, like when I drove the Oregon Trail for Night Fire, or driving the gold trails, throwing that tomahawk. So I'm usually doing it--no sex jokes, please. We're so beyond that.

One Really Important Characteristic/Experience for you to consider: If you are overloaded in your personal life, the usual--kids, obligations, heavy duty job--I suggest not taking on an endless project, i.e. a detailed murder mystery.

And The Reason Is: Writers need assurances, pats on the back, affirmations of some kind. Look at your skill sets, who you are, what is your place in life, and create The Masterpiece that is your affirmation. Most of all, COMPLETE SAID MASTERPIECE. Completion is the best reward, good or bad--you did it, kid. :) That's your graduation certificate: a completed novella, stort story, novel, non-fiction piece.

That's it for now. We all have something unique to offer readers, or simply to satisfy ourselves. What do you bring to the Writing Table?

>>THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

>>THE EGG BASKET: AMAZON/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

My To-Do Basket2

GIVEAWAY ENDS SOON:
GOODREADS MEMBERS-- I hope you're entering  to win 1 of 2 gorgeous THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE trade paper books. ENTER HERE.

I feel so blessed with the reviews of THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE. KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO. This series is one that has been lurking on my mind for years, and now I'm finally writing it! If you are not a writer, you may not understand this, but writers are heavily involved with their stories. I don't know if other writers feel this, but I feel that when mine are where I want them, after months of hard work, they have a living pulse.

I'm writing the third of the series, temporary title THE BRIDE'S BASKET. Just talked to another writer about how sometimes a title can anchor you to a book.
>>THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO.

>>THE EGG BASKET: AMAZON/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

*AMAZON UK/CA/AU

>>THE BRIDE'S BASKET (tentative title, tentative date November 2016)

EVERYONE: Make sure you subscribe to my e-newsletter for more contests, giveaways, etc. I love my Basket Series and writing Book 3 right now. Sometimes, I give not only my books, but my infamous crocheted dishcloths!
Subscribe Here: Cait's E-Newsletter


Speaking of writers: If you are a writer, I hope you are reading my Novel Interruptus posts. I'm in Novel Interruptus right now. Therefore... my To-Do Basket is overstuffed.

Here's the latest I dropped into that To-Do Basket. I've just re-met an old friend who is stuffed with ideas, very creative person who got me thinking about ACX, Amazon's audio program. Would love to try that!

Sometimes I give my unfabulous dishcloths with drawings, etc. But now, I've gotten even a more super idea. You'll have to wait on that. Sorry. I took up Tunisian Crocheting to help with stress, tension during my ongoing Novel Interruptus phase.

Then. I work on this whenever--stuffing all my how-to write articles into several books. A load of articles would make for several books.

Which brings me to TIME MANAGEMENT. I usually do pretty well with this, but when prioritizing to-dos my Time Management gets as tangled as the ends on my crocheting. (I do not enjoy weaving in the ends of crocheting. Therefore, there are many ends. :))

Always in my To-do Basket: Listening to Joanna Penn of The Creative Penn. She has me on overload as I am addicted to all of her very fine podcasts/interviews. She's wonderful and an especially talented interviewer.

Today, a friend and I who are passing on the Novel Interruptus Lane shared our blessings. Very important thing to do daily, don't you think? 

I hope you will enter my Goodreads Giveaway and also SUBSCRIBE to my email list, Or write to me at CaitLondonBooks. 
 
>>THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO.

>>THE EGG BASKET: AMAZON/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

*AMAZON UK/CA/AU

>>THE BRIDE'S BASKET (tentative title, tentative date November 2016)
Have a wonderful week!

My To-Do Basket

BASKET SERIES by Cait London

This Month, my To-Do is long. I'm one of those list-makers. First off, I'm learning more about different promotional opportunities including the following-- You can find me at GoodReads, BTW. :)

GOODREADS MEMBERS!
Make sure you sub to my GIVEAWAY of 2 paper copies of The Basket maker's Wife (Book 1 of my basket series).  They are gorgeous, perfect for gift giving. ENDS 6/6
CLICK HERE:  GIVEAWAY!

>>THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO.

>>THE EGG BASKET: AMAZON/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

*AMAZON UK/CA/AU

EVERYONE: Make sure you subscribe to my e-newsletter for more contests, giveaways, etc. I love my Basket Series and writing Book 3 right now. Sometimes, I give not only my books, but my infamous crocheted dishcloths!
Subscribe Here: Cait's E-Newsletter

Would so appreciate a Thumbs Up LIKE at my Facebook Page, CaitLondonBooks.


It's very busy, here on the homestead, learning lots of new stuff to promote my books. At the top of my To-Do List is writing Book 3 for my Basket Series. I'm hoping for November release date.
After that is writing, or rather organizing all my how-to writing articles into an actual How to Write Book. With years of these things stacked up, it's quite a job. And there's just one of me. Poor Me. :)

My Amazon giveaway is just finished, my first attempt and there will be more. So be sure you enter the Goodreads' one :).

I'm back to using Dragon, dictation speech.  I used it a lot on my PC, but now I have switched to Mac. Things are a little bit different.  I used a headset before, but now I'm using a microphone recommended by Joanna Penn of The Creative Penn. If you are a writer, listen to her podcasts and interviews. She's very much up-to-date on the publishing seeing now, and a novelist, too. I love to drive cross-country and my next trip, I'm planning to listen to a lot of podcasts.

Mega Thrilled about my first attempt at getting Beta Readers and their responses. That was a first! I think there were 6 for The Egg Basket and they were super, and very much appreciated.

I'm also learning a lot about GoodReads,  which is very involved. And when I can, trying to update/create some of my early covers. I've learned more through time, don't we all?

GOODREADS MEMBERS, be sure to enter my GIVEAWAY? And would so appreciate those Likes at my Facebook Page, CAITLONDONBOOKS. :)

>>THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE (BOOK 1): KINDLE/UK/iBOOKS/KOBO.
>>THE EGG BASKET: AMAZON/iBOOKS/KOBO/NOOK

*AMAZON UK/CA/AU

Notes of the Day: Eating all fresh stuff and not cooking much right now. I'm on the go a lot, munching my way through the day. But generally, life is good. I hope yours is good, too!

Cover Copy is Hard

2.99 EBOOK

BE MINE now in ebook and soon in paper at Amazon:

Sweet housekeeper Emma is more than hard Montana businessman Sam can handle. And he wants to.




AMAZON/KOBO/iBOOKS/NOOK

***Romantic Times Magazine Review:
The charm of BE MINE is within the hearts of Ms. Logan's perfectly endearing characters. Charming, funny, poignant and utterly delightful, BE MINE is a winner. ***

When faced with cover copy writing, a PR necessity, most fiction writers groan. Cover copy and bytes takes hours. Lots of stuff to pinpoint/consider. Double groan.

Here is my back cover copy for BE MINE, now in easy to read trade paper.

~~~

Sam Taggart: As a half-blood in Montana territory, I grew up hard. They say I’m a tough, hardhearted so and so. Now I’m back to build my business empire. The ranch is run-down, my father is a cantankerous old coot, my little sister a brat. I’d like to walk off and leave them, but I won’t. So I hired Emma from a German immigrant family. Her red hair in braids, she’s hardworking, small, with curves in the right places that drive me nuts. She’s set up a baking/laundry trading business with every man around wanting her knitted socks and a whole lot more….

Emma Recht: I will not give Sam Taggart one pair of my socks. I keep his home and family, and I keep his books. When I protect him against other men, he is mad. He is evil to men who want my socks. He does not want me paying my way, but this I want, my own business. Sam is a businessman, not a fighter. He is clean and neat and his part just so. He is beautiful. I am not the society wife he wants, but when he looks at me I turn hot. This I know.

~~~

I hope you enjoyed that. :) Be Mine is a fun story. AMAZON/KOBO/iBOOKS/NOOK

Living the Life

The Subject of Bucket List came up today. My mother never got her trip to Florida and always mourned not going when she could. Taking an example from a really wonderful mom,  I am determined to do the things I wish to do/learn/experience.

In review of my short life (ha,ha,ha :)) I have done what I wanted to do, needed to do for fulfillment.

In review, this period of my life may be the most fulfilling. I'm learning a tremendous amount, all coming at me at once. Life stuff is moving along, the house renovating, choosing colors, fixing this/that and getting out for those long contemplative drives. I just took one yesterday, down to Eureka Springs, AR, which is a 1900 city built on steep hills and usually filled with tourists. The drive to Eureka Springs was perfect on a sunlit day. Lots of curves, gorgeous rolling hills and plenty of scenery. My new car hasn't had this drive, so quite the experience navigating narrow, curved hilly brick-lined streets with tourists walking everywhere. :)

During the drive, I settled plot points. Love open road for thinking about my books, and am planning a summer/fall trip now.

I have 2 Bucket Lists and they conflict. 1.) I'm a painter, or was until writing heavily, and take a lot of pictures to paint whenever. I'm stocked up and want to paint more. 2). I'm writing heavily and loving it. It seems all possibilities are open now.

As a writer, (Label me Hybrid as I have Traditionally published books and Indie published now) I'm deep into learning more about Indie publishing and in an intensive learning period. Right now, I'm using Scrivener more (a major piece of plotting/writing software). Scrivener helps with keeping details of series straight. But does a lot more. Then, I've just hand formatted The Basket Maker's Wife in paper for CreateSpace, trade size. Quite the learning experience, using different fonts and styles. Very happy with that project; turned out gorgeous with glyphs, etc.  Then just got into Vellum, an ebook formatting software, also gorgeous and available in Mac. I changed from PC a couple years ago and the pain of shifting was well worth it.

I love learning. That's me, the learner. :)

NOTE: Microsoft Word does an excellent job of formatting and is easy to use. The Smashwords guide for formatting is excellent. Once down, easy. There is no reason for an Indie writer to pay for this service and sometimes it is way overpriced.

Currently, I'm learning a lot from The Creative Penn's podcasts. Terrific amount of stuff to learn there, life and writing. Podcasts are super, aren't they? Easy listening while driving or doing whatever.


Finally: This "Hybrid" is thoroughly enjoying the ride. How about you?

A Writer's Meanwhiles

I'm working on a basic outline for book 3 of my Basket Trilogy. Because there is a story arc, plot points and threads need to be resolved. This is a women's fiction series with intuitive/psychic elements.



I'm love with baskets, can't you tell? I have several like these, currently filled with yarn. The graphic artist who did The Basket Maker's wife used my round basket--a white oak basket--for the spine and back logo.

To tie up a story arc, I first list all the plot points and threads. Once that list is complete, the creative process of stacking them into logical sequence takes place.

Meanwhile. I'm balancing family life with writing and a little painting, by the way. A working calendar is a necessity in a writer's life. I working on a tentative 2016 now. If you've read my previous post, you'll see my goals.

I wrote about Novel Interruptus previously, but what about Life Interuptus? We all have it. For this writing, I am calling it "The Meanwhiles". This last part of the year, I've had an uncommon flu not covered by the vaccine. It left me drained and behind on everything. (You've experienced this, right?)

Meanwhile. Different family issues, an ill member, etc. happen and still writers are going to write--if they are truly writers. Meanwhile, there's promotion, working with cover artists, learning, learning, learning.

After a big learning curve of this new Indy publishing world, I have a tentative new book release schedule. The first book of the trilogy--The Basket Maker's Wife--was published as an ebook in 2013. In those 2 years, many Life Interruptus interfered. That's a lot of Meanwhiles, balancing lots of stuff. But hopefully, the trade version will soon be released. I'm hoping for a January release.

Meanwhile, I wrote Book 2 in the Basket Trilogy, The Egg Basket (completed and being edited/covered). It is tentatively scheduled for June, and Book 3 Untitled for around Thanksgiving. The last 2 will need cover creation/graphic artist time. And editing. And writing short stories for other series. These also need editing cover-consideration time.

There are many meanwhile streams in a writer's life--like the first book of another trilogy that is almost done. I'm a simple pleasures person, by the way.

Meanwhile. I'm learning and adapting to this new publishing model, which I like very much. I just love to write my stories and they always pull me back when I've been out in the Meanwhiles. :)

TAKING A SUMMER BREAK

TAKING SUMMER TIME OFF TO DO MY THING.... (and finish a book). I'm a really busy, "do-er" woman, with family, so thought you might be interested in what else I do. See below--ad work first, you know... :)

I'll be posting on and off, so check back often?

By the Way, don't forget to check out my .99 ongoing sales.
***

~~MOVING ON TO .99 KINDLE ROMANCES....

LADY'S DESIRE: US AND UK and other places 

LADY ON THE LINE: US and UK

GAMBLER'S LADY: US and UK

~~MOVING ON TO .99 KINDLE HISTORICAL NOVELLA:

LADY DESPERADO: US and UK

~MOVING ON TO KINDLE .99 SUE KOWALSKI DETECTIVE NOVELETTES:

DEATH BY COUPON: US and UK

DEATH BY SALSA DANCING: US and UK

!!!Read on down to see what else I pack into my life.

THAT'S MY BASKET ON THE SPINE! 

NOW IN PAPER. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

 Writing the 2nd in my Basket series now. Just need some solid time for editing, etc. I'm a basket lover and have all kinds. If I write it, I've been there or I've done it. Well, not murder. :)
~~Three women are bound by more than blood.
 “Couldn’t put it down.”
Basket Maker’s Wife by CaitLondon
US: http://amzn.to/1hB8uIk
UK: http://amzn.to/1GCVhux
Nook: http://bit.ly/1rqti9U
#mustread #psychic

I DRIVE EVERYWHERE!!!

MISSING MY YORKIE... SOB.

PAINTING LARGE CANVAS
SLEEPLESS IN MONTANA, A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
HAD A LOT OF "ME" IN ARTIST HOGAN KODIAK

THEY'RE WAITING...

I MISS SEWING! I MADE ALL MY DAUGHTERS' AND MY CLOTHING

PORK DUMPLINGS. GOOD IN SOUP. NOT A FAN OF FRIED.

DOING TONS OF THIS NOW AS IT IS GOOD QUIET TIME WHEN MY BRAIN IS DEAD/USED UP. :)

FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT. THIS IS WRITER SHIRLEY MCCANN.
CHECK OUT HER MYSTERIES!

Some Canning/Jams/Salsas

I also help a lot of writers, have a family life, and enjoy a good cup of tea, growing herbs--tho now succulents are a lot of fun. And I'm packaging more books for re-release--this takes a lot of time and effort as I do some of the graphics and all of the formatting. AND I'm an amateur photographer. Plus, I'm active on Social Media. And did I say I like to drive? :)

IF YOU'RE A WRITER, BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE HOW-TO TAGS? 

If you haven't added your name to my social media list, please do? Links are on right sidebar.

Mondays Aren't 4 Everyone

THE BASKET MAKER'S WIFE

NOTE: I'm writing the 2nd book of this series and all of my books incorporate some of my experiences, like learning how to crochet, etc. Here's what happened today...
***

It's a true Monday. We should exchange that word for Murphy's Law Day...

1. My coffeemaker died at 4a this morning. I dug out this old stovetop dude, but I don't like to use it. I try to use automatic stuff, like slow cookers, because I get into writing and the first thing... Well, you know--stuff boils over and there is a mess. I do not like this stovetop thing because you have to know how long to perk it or you get yuck.
2. My HP Laserjet wants to die, too. They're companions, I guess, mated for life. It's the old box type, and this time, I may not be able to unclog it. IMHO, laserjets are the way to go, so far as B&W pure print.

To me, all this is illogical when we're approaching Valentine's Day. We should be cruising into smoothness, not the Love Boat or anything, but things should just Work! However, that is where writers get those Twists, so I guess it's okay.

BTW, I crocheted the mat beneath the perker. I'm just learning basics. It was an experiment to see how far two balls of dishcloth Sugar and Cream balls would go.  (More yuck coffee.) I actually use a lot of whatever I'm doing in my books, and I have that experience. BTW, have you ever seen a movie where the actress does not know how to knead dough?? Shudder.

The cap was on my list for the coming fall/winter, but somehow I decided to try it. (I'm a list-maker, goal-setter.) My friend, Caro, tells me "Stories" about how to do certain stitches, etc. I'm up to 2 stitches now. :) Caro is a real crochet guru. She thinks I can put ears on this, or change the yarn to make a border, or put a bow on it, or...

This is a man's size cap, but I tried it on and I have a lot of hair to fill it, so it fits me. Or I just have a big man's head. Edit that to read: man's big head. See how critical editing is? :)

Note to Self: Oh, please get a good coffeepot today. It's winter and you have plenty of TP and coffee, writer's essentials, and food, of course. When it snows, you should be holding a good tasting cup of coffee while you're looking out the window.

Back to the Cap, of which I am most proud. Caro gave me many Good Job pats. :) I used a YouTube video which also has the same cap, done in children's and women's sizes.

What I do not like about crocheting is that you have to count. This was my first counting experience. I am learning to read crochet lingo like SC=single chain etc. If you've ever tried to read a pattern, you'll know why I resorted to YouTube and an iPad that pauses for me to catch up. (Caro uses patterns. I must drive her nuts, but she is very patient.)

NOTE: DO NOT EVER, ever try that Magic Circle crochet deal if you are a novice like me. Ever. No Way.

So expect to see crocheting pop up in one of my books, like the one I'm writing now :)

Notes of the Day

NOTES OF THE DAY:

It’s a Monday, so I’m outlining my day and week. And wondering where I spend my time. Mondays are my usual taking care of business day.
 

I have The Bride Says No book and cover to lift up to Indy publishing. It's a perfect Valentine's Day book. (Watch for it?) I used my neighbor’s fence and a rose shot. There’s e-mail to send. There’s Twitter and Facebook stuff, Life stuff—like getting the recycling down to the center.

On top of that, I have to worry about this doll. (See below. Ad work comes first, you know.)

People wonder where I get my ideas from, and this is a fine example. I saw this doll in a thrift shop and fell in love with her. (Yes, I love thrift shops. :) She is unusual for our area. For one thing her eyes blink, not something you’d usually see in thrift shop. Her little dress has Ich Bin Lieb Stamped on it, which is German. (She needs her panties repaired.) My daughter knows how to fix ratty doll hair, learned on Pinterest. I am not a doll collector, btw. This one just caught me.

Moving on to examine the doll's back... She evidently spoke at one time. I’d love to hear her, though the tiny record isn’t playing now. If anyone knows how to get this working I’d love to know.

So. Here’s the story I came up with: This doll was actually used by a spy. Here’s why that premise is valid: In our tech world we’re expecting high-tech stuff, rather than the simplicity of a speaking doll record. Spy catchers could overlook this doll. And there’s no end to the secrets that little battery could hold.

Oh my gosh! Maybe those stacks at 45 and 78 records could hold all sorts of secrets! :) Anyway, that doll fascinates me and I’m certain there is a story in her somewhere… She’ll turn up in one of my books.

The rest of the week is pretty much work because I’m trying to get those precious links into my Indy ebooks. January and February are hard working months for me, because when spring comes...

There’s always a gripe. Here's a short one: the cost of inkjet cartridges, which can be more than an actual printer.

If you have any idea what is on that doll’s little record, let me know?