Have Blog, Will Travel

On my way from our Florida home to our summer hangout in New Jersey, Kim Trotto, a member of my writers group invited me to participate in this Writers’ Blog Tour. It sounded like too much fun to decline. So, suitcase yet unpacked, here I am.

The Writers’ Blog Tour is sort of a chain letter of writers all answering the same four questions. It’s a great opportunity to share about why we write and how. I’ll be passing the tour on to Doris Meredith and Karen Kelly Boyce. You can read more about them below. So here are my answers to the four questions.

   

1)  What am I working on?

Right now I’ve written the beginning of a mystery about a traveling nurse. I’ve also started a relationship story about a woman in her early sixties who realizes her life needs changing. I’m also considering writing a sequel to my first novel, Bellehaven, an idea that I initially rejected but after so many readers asked me for a follow up novel with the characters they said they loved, I’m considering it.

2)  How does my work differ from others of its genre?

When I write, I try to leave out the parts of a novel that many readers, including me, skim read “to get to the good stuff.” I avoid filler as much as I can. I also incorporate my life experience working with older individuals in a way that I believe is unique and speaks to the value of all people. My novels are character rather than plot driven.

3)  Why do I write what I do?

Much of what I write, though fiction, comes out of my life experience in elder care. I learned so much from those I cared for as a nurse, nursing home administrator and consultant. I want to help others understand the life process, but in an entertaining way, if possible. It’s important to me that my characters reflect their life history and are drawn as completely and multilayered as possible, even though they are fictional people.

4)  How does my writing process work?

I like to write spontaneously when I first begin a story and just let it unfold, though I must admit I do have a loose outline of how the story will go. Then I put it aside for several days. While I’m letting it ‘rest,” I find I am still writing in my head, working out what I may change or what the next scene or chapter will contain. Once I have the rough story or novel written out, I review with what I like to think is an analytical eye to see what is missing, out of place or unnecessary. I would like to say I write every day but while I don’t do actual physical writing, I am always writing in my mind. Sometimes, while driving, I  pull over to jot down an idea or scene I visualize. Fortunately, whether we’re on our island home in New Jersey or Florida, the traffic is not thick enough to get in the way!

Now it’s time to introduce our next two bloggers. Be sure to check them out next Tuesday, May 13, to read about their writing.

Karen Kelly Boyce: http://www.karenkellyboyce.com/blog, has written and published six books and the first four won the esteemed Catholic Writers Guild seal of approval. Down Right Good was awarded the 2012 Eric Hoffer Gold Award in fiction. She’s written a memoir, A Bend in the Road, which speaks to her journey with breast cancer. Her other works include fiction for both children and adults. All her books are faith based and uplifting.

D.R. Meredith: 
http://highwatermysteries.wordpress.com , is a split personality: a suburban wife until all the chores are done and the errands run, then she locks herself in her office and commits murder. As her second personality she has written three different mystery series, multiple short stories, and a historical series as a chance of pace. She has twice been a finalist for the Anthony Award for Best Paperback Original. She reviews books in her spare time.

Stepping Up

In my last blog, I spoke about publishing my novel, Bellehaven, and reaching the final step in the process: marketing. Richard Morgan, a member of our Long Beach Island writers group and a wonderful poet, shared some great advice, telling me, “Just have fun with it.”

So, now I’m embracing the challenge, learning all I can about social media, publicity and stepping up to any potential opportunity.  Initially, however, I had some trepidation about doing the all-important author presentation. 

Although I’d done a lot of public speaking in my career, this was different. Speaking about my book seemed, well, more personal. Still my desire to share my story with readers gave me the impetus to do so. 

So, I forged ahead and learned some valuable lessons from my initial appearances.

Here's my five tips toward a successful author presentation:

1. Develop a theme in your talk, one that draws in  the audience.

2. Don’t read long passages, intersperse short    excerpts through your presentation.

3. Practice before a friend or family member, one  who will give you an honest critique.

4. Take note cards with keywords of what you want  to say.

5. Keep it short enough to hold their interest.  Twenty to twenty-five minutes is good.

Face your fears of public speaking. There’s nothing wrong with a little stage fright! It will keep you on your toes. And if all else fails, express your fear in writing. If you’re like me, you find that a very therapeutic approach. 

Here’s a poem I’d like to share with you that describes my initial feelings before doing my first author talk.

Battle Ready

The morning comes quickly.

Like mercury, the hours slip by.

I dress for battle, for the test

Of my strength.

I’m ready. I’ve rehearsed

Until my strategy is

Cemented squarely into the

Psyche of my soul.

The time has come. I clothe
Myself in a façade of calm

To go forth and show

The mettle I hope is within.

                                                      

Battle ready, I lift my chin,

Square my shoulders,

Paint a smile upon my face

And step up to the podium.

And yes, I am finding it’s fun although it takes energy, planning and courage, too. I’ve found real joy in sharing my book with others.