Revisions and Edits

Revising a story is much like putting a puzzle together. I've got all the pieces, I just have to get them in the right order-Lisa 

I'm not sure if that's true for everyone when they write, but it is for me with the particular story I'm working on now. It is my first horror/sci-fi story I've written and it's been challenging, fun, and interesting. I've been writing professionally for a number of years and the thing I dislike most about the writing process is the editing and revising part. That is until I recently discovered something- the above statement from me-which came to me while I've been working on rewrites and edits for my new story, The Mystic Mist;Book One in the New Breed series. Yes, I know, there are those of you out there that have already discovered this profound thought regarding revisions and edits, but hey, some of us aren't as far along as those of you who have reached the prize; that is to say to those of you who think you are at the top of your game and don't have anything else to learn. So, this particular post is for those of you who are still in my boat-still willing to admit that we  still have a lot to learn-no matter how long we've been in this field. So with that said, shall we get started?

I began to write this story, Mystic Mist as a single book. One book was all that I had planned to do. It was going to be about unearthly vampires attacking earth and causing all kinds of hell. Then, the characters began to speak to me. In my original story, the main character was going to be Erich, the young earthling who would encounter these beasts in some New England woods while attending college. I wrote an entire ten chapters on Erich and his adventure, but then as I begun the eleventh chapter, it was as if Erich whispered to me, "I don't want to be alone in these woods."

So, I created the lead female, Iseabail. And I wrote another ten chapters...And then Iseabail whispered to me, "What of my history on Carasylia?"

 And Erich chimed in, "Yes, and what of my history?"

Well, I must say that was where the fun began! Their histories began to jump out at me as if they had already lived them! Yes, I know it sounds insane, but hey,if you're a writer then you understand me I'm sure-and if you're a reader; well, think of all the wonderful adventure stories you've read.  The stories wouldn't be nearly as exciting if those writers and authors didn't allow their characters to 'speak' to them.

So, back to the story. I completed the story of Iseabail and Erich, but it just wasn't complete. As I stared at the story, thinking it was good. And believe me, it is a good story,(Coming from an unbiased author of course:)) but it needed more. I kept getting the thought, "There is so much more to this story".   I took a deep breath, walked away from it for about six months and then came back and oh boy, am I glad that I did just that! 

I've now finished Book One. The words came out of my mind faster than my fingers could move! And now the 'good' story is a 'better' story. I was so proud of myself! (patting self on back)But...As I re-read the story, some of it seemed to be out of sequence so I decided to just go with my thought and began 'rearranging the sequence of events'.  As I did this, that's when it hit me, telling a story really is like putting together a puzzle-you have to find all the pieces of the story and fit them into their rightful places!" Wow! Light bulb moment! ;) If I look at it like that then perhaps the editing/revising process won't be so painful or ignored. And guess what; it worked for me! I'm not finished by any stretch of the imagination with this story, but I am getting there! And I am so happy now to realize that revising doesn't have to be an arduous task. Dare I even say that it is actually 'fun', 'interesting', and a valuable learning experience that will help me to grow even more with each new piece that I revise and edit. And besides, I've always loved putting puzzles together. 

 I'm still working on my puzzle, but I think I'll know when I'm done with it. And then it will go to the Beta Readers, the real editor(s), and then to the real, real people that matter-you the reader. And I hope when you get Mystic Mist: Book One in your hands, you'll love Erich, Iseabail, Stevlana, and Lorna every bit as much as I do! 

Good luck to all my fellow writers out there-be you a screenplay writer or an author; I wish each and everyone of you the best of luck in your writing careers! Until next time~Lisa

A Closer Look at Linda L. Burton

 Please help me welcome Linda L. Burton to Lisa's Place today. The following addresses are locations where you can purchase her book.

LV: Please tell us about all your books that are in print and ebook.

Linda:

1)      Next Move, You’re Dead

 2)      Next Move, You’re Dead – A New Game

3)      Pure Justice

All are available in ebook and paperback

LV: Where can these sites be found?

  Linda: Ebooks are available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and all outlets through Smashwords Premium Catalog.  Paperbacks are available on Amazon.com and Createspace.  

 I just completed my first attempt at one for Pure Justice that’s on my website and Youtube.

Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA65SHhuw1o&feature=youtu.be

Amazon US http://amzn.com/B005GCELB6   

Amazon UK  http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005GCELB6

Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/79731

Barnes & Noble  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pure-justice-linda-lavonne-barton/1104808211?ean=2940011451324

Print  https://www.createspace.com/3664184 & http://amzn.com/1466205792

 They can contact me on my Facebook Author Page at http://www.facebook.com/LindaBartonBooks?created  or by email at lindabarton166@aol.com.

Social networks, twitter - @LindaLBarton

Book description - Someone you cared for is murdered and those guilty beat the system...what would you do? Ted Braxton decided to make sure those who were guilty and escaped payment for their crimes by corrupting the legal system, pay their debt in full with their own blood. Ted was trained in the art of killing. He was good at it and he enjoyed it.

This is the story of one man's mission to assure justice is paid for victims who have yet to receive theirs and the Detective who must try and stop him before he is able to achieve his goal of imparting... Pure Justice.


*Warning: This book contains graphic violence.

LV: When did you first start enjoy reading? 

 Linda: I started to read for enjoyment at a very young age.  I loved to escape into the exciting worlds in them and one of my favorites was Island of the Blue Dolphins.

LV: When did you start writing? 

 Linda: I started to write in the 4^th grade.  I had written a little play for my class and my teacher entered it into a local writing contest, and I won for my age group as well as best play. That planted the writing bug in me.  After that I started writing poems, short stories and I took every creative writing class I could.  

LV: When did you publish your first work? Screenplays or books.

 Linda:  My first published book was in 2011. 

LV: Any special awards or recognition for your writing accomplishments?

Linda: Only the one I received in the 4^th grade and I’ve only entered one contest since I’ve been published.

LV: What do you do to relax?

Linda:  I enjoy spending time with my family and puttering around the house.

LV: How do you handle stress or writers block

   Linda:  I walk away from the project for a while. This may sound silly, but if the “voices in my head” aren’t ready to work, then nothing gets written.

LV: Do  you have  a blog?

   Linda:  No, but I have a website – LindaBartonBooks.com

LV: Do you have a favorite character in your books?
 

   Linda: I have to admit that I did develop a bit of a crush on Ted from Pure Justice, but I had a blast with Lucinda from Next Move, You’re Dead – A New Game.

LV: Favorite food?

 Linda: Just food in general except for liver...just can’t handle liver. LOL

LV: Favorite color?

  Linda:  I love all colors, but I would say I lean toward the purples.

LV: Favorite charity?

 Linda:        Wounded Warrior Project

LV: How do people contact/donate the charity?

 Linda:  http://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=66 

LV: Any advice for new authors?

 Linda: Never rush a project and start promoting it well before it’s complete.  Also, have it edited by someone who knows what they’re doing.  Another thing is to enjoy the ride and realize it takes time to be discovered by the readers, so do interviews, make friends with as many bloggers as you can and interact with the readers all you can.

LV: Please tell me anything you’d like for your readers to know about you, your books, or screenplay.

 Linda:  I live a simple life with my husband and partner in this Indie Writing adventure.  Bob is an over-the-road truck driver and he’s the one who comes up with the wonderful ideas for our books.  He amazes me every day with his creative mind and I joke with him that he could keep several writes busy writing the books that come from his imagination.   I have a part-time job at the local lumberyard as a cashier and the rest of the time I spend writing our books.  You couldn’t ask for a better way to do it. 

 Our first book was born while I was still driving truck with Bob. We were on a run to Fort Irwin in southern California when Bob turned to me and said, “I have an idea for a book” and after about 5 hours of tossing ideas back and forth, Next Move, You’re Dead was born.   I have such a long list of books yet to write and there are a few I can’t wait to get to, but each one will happen in its time because the “voices” always choose the next book written. LOL 

 Thanks, Linda. It has been a pleasure conducting this interview, and I enjoyed your video. Come back soon and let us know about any future works.

A Closer Look at Sandra Russell Farris

 Hello, and welcome to Lisa's Place, please help me welcome Sandra Russell Farris today. Welcome Sandra.

LV: When did you first start enjoy reading?

S.F.: In middle School

LV:When did you start writing? Include all history, books, screenplays, poems, etc..

S.F.I started writing when I was 15. I had a built in audience. At the time I had 3 younger sisters and I would make up stories for them. Then I started writing them down. I always had an active imagination. My eighth grade teacher was my cheerleader, she really encouraged me to write.

LV: When did you publish your first work? Screenplays or books

S.F. I didn’t publish my book until much later,2002, after marriage and raising my family. I still wrote occasionally. My ebooks are: Wind Dancers, Can You Hear the Music?, Lady Ace, and Obituary Column. All available in print and e-books. Also short story e-books: Hobo, Memory of a Murder, and In Search of Alan Hawk.

LV:Where can your books be found?

S.F. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Sandra-Farris?keyword=Sandra+Farris&store=book;

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Sandra+Farris;

https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Sandra+Farris (Hobo and Memory of a Murder) iTunes and Kobo.

LV: Where can readers find you?

S.F. sandrafarris.com

 https://www.facebook.com/writersan https://www.facebook.com/authorsandrafarris

Linkedin.

Goodreads

LV: Any special awards or recognition for your writing accomplishments?

S.F. Don’t know if this counts, but my book trailer, Can You Hear the Music? won best book trailer award for March, 2012.

LV: What do you do to relax? 

S.F. Read, Work crossword puzzles

L V: How do you handle stress or writers block

 S.F. I usually have more than one project going and I will work on something else for a while. When I go back to the original one I can see it with a fresh eye. I find that when I have a writer’s block it is usually caused by the fact I don’t like what I have written. For stress, I read and get lost in someone else’s work. That usually helps me, too.

LV: Do you have a blog?

S.F. I stated one on my website but have fallen way behind. I’m not confident in writing blogs right now.

LV: Do you have a Youtube video trailer for your works?

S.F.  Yes. The link is: http://www.youtube.com/standquietAndListen

LV: Do you have a favorite character in your books?

S.F. Yes. It is Andy, the hobo, in Can You Hear the Music?

LV: Favorite food? 

S.F. A good Southern meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and biscuits. Of course I can’t eat that very often and that is probably why it is still my favorite food.

LV: Favorite color?

S.F. Pink

LV: Favorite charity?

S.F.  St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the Salvation Army.

LV: How do people contact/donate the charity?

S.F.: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital:

262 Danny Thomas Place  Memphis, TN 38105

(901) 495-3300

info@thesalvationarmytucson.org

LV:Any advice for new authors?

S.F. Read, read, read. If your only motivation is money don’t get into the field.

Once you have written the book the really hard work begins; Promoting your book. Research will become your friend.

LV: Advice for new screenwriters?

Answer: I don’t write scripts, although I took a short course in it. I think the most difficult is trying to convert your book to a script.

LV: Please tell me anything you’d like for your readers to know about you, your books.

S.F. I sold the movie rights to my book Obituary Column. It has been made into a movie under a different name, “The Treasure Within”, starring Robert Loggia, Sam Hennings and Melissa McGinnis. I’m not sure when it will be released. The trailer can be seen at this link: http://treasurewithinmovie.com/cast.html

I write mostly mystery books, although I have been experimenting with ghost stories. I have two short stories in that genre I am working on.

My Book covers:

Thank you very much for your time, Sandra! And congratulations on selling your book rights for a movie, that is a big dream of mine. I hope it does well. I'll definitely see that movie now! Good luck in your future endeavors.

To my readers: Sandra's book trailer is wonderful. Please go and take a look at it on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/standquietAndListen

  

Gwendolyn Cummings

Hello, and welcome to Lisa's Place. Welcome Gwendolyn Cummings.

LV When did you first start enjoy reading?

GC Since early childhood. 

LV When did you start writing? 

GC I started writing professionally two years ago. 

LV Where can your works be found? 

GC Smashwords, Amazon, and most on line stores.

 

LV Contact info for readers to find you

GC http://www.satincummings@gmail.com Blog: http://www.gwensatincummings.blogspot.com

I can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

LVWhat do you do to relax? 

GC I read romance novels and I watch porn.

LV Do you have a favorite character in your books?

GC (Laughing) Anyone who is familiar with me, knows this answer. It is Sonja from my My Sonja series. I'm also partial to a male character in another series I've started, named Jesse. He's a cowboy. She's a naughty little girl. They haven't crossed paths before, but I'm thinking about cross writing the characters together for one story. I love these two characters. They're naughty, and each push the envelope to the max. 

LV Favorite food? 

GC Finger foods.

LV Favorite color?

GC Red

LV Any advice for new authors?

GC Just write what you love, but be prepared if  you're going into erotica writing that there are those who don't like erotica writers and will damn you to hell at every turn. So, in essence, grow a thick skin in any part of writing, but especially erotica.

LV Please tell me  anything you’d like for your readers to know about you and your books.

GC When reading the Sonja books, you should read in the following order:
Possession of Sonja, Swinging with Daddy, Love and Hating, Sonja and the Professor, Seth and Sonja, and then The Roommates. When wrote the first book in the Sonja series, I had no idea that Sonja was going to take on a life all her own, but she's popular among all my readers, males and females alike. 

 

Whiskey At His Best

 Hi, and welcome to Lisa's Place. Help me welcome a fellow author, Whiskey McNaughton, erotica author.
When did you first start enjoy reading?

 Whiskey: I've always liked to read. I read the daily comics in the newspaper, comic books. Mostly because of the pictures, I guess, but later I learned about real books and the kind of stories they had in them and a whole new world opened for me.

When did you start writing?

Whiskey: A few years ago. I've always enjoyed a good erotic story, but a lot of what was being written seemed kind of flat, so I decided to try writing my own erotica stories and it was easier than I thought.

When did you publish your first work? Screenplays or books

Whiskey: Last year. Who's My Daddy? was my first and I've been writing ever since.

Any special awards or recognition for your writing accomplishments

Whiskey: No. I haven't entered any contests. I figure the acclaim of my fans would be reward enough.

Do you have books in print or ebook?

 Whiskey: Are you kidding? How about a link to them? That would be shorter.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_7?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=whiskey+mcnaughton&sprefix=Whiskey%2Cdigital-text%2C194

You can also find all my books by going to the Crescent Suns eBooks page:

http://www.crescentsunsebooks.com/whiskey-mcnaughton.html

Contact info for readers to find you

 Whiskey: Any saloon in town, darling. Or my email: whiskeymcnaughton@gmail.com

 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002919697619

Twitter:  @mc_whiskey

What do you do to relax?

 Whiskey: Well, there's a reason I read erotica. It doesn't relax me, but it leads me into something that does. heh heh

How do you handle stress or writers block

Whiskey: Get drunk. Pick a fight with the biggest guy in the place. That chills me right out.

 

Do you have a favorite character in your books?

Whiskey: All my characters are my favorites. At least the girls.

Favorite food?

Whiskey: Steak, medium rare. Seasoned to perfection and char broiled.

Favorite color?

Whiskey: Green.

Favorite charity?

Whiskey: Muscular Dystrophy.

How do people contact/donate the charity?

Whiskey: http://www.mdausa.org/

Any advice for new authors?

Whiskey: Write every day. Even if you have nothing to write about. Just write something.

 If you want to know about me, read my books. I inject a little of me into each one. It's up to you to figure out what info in there is me. heh
Thanks Whiskey for your great interview. It was fun. 

Author Debbie Heaton

www.debbieaheaton.com

Hello, please welcome Debbie  Heaton. to Lisa's Place. Welcome, Debbie. 

 L.V. When did you first start enjoy reading?

D.H. 1^st grade. My mother introduced me to the library and that was that—I was hooked and have never stopped reading.  Now I serve on my local Library Advisory Board promoting early childhood literacy.

L.V. When did you start writing? 

D. H .I started writing in high school at the encouragement of my English teacher.  My final class project that year was a novella.  Upon graduation, she encouraged me to pursue writing in some format.

L.V. When did you publish your first work? 

D. H. I was first published in 2002 with my novel, The Dream Suite.  After that I took an absence from writing to deal with health issues in my family.  In 2010, The Haunting of Wolfe Haven debuted.

Any special awards or recognition for your writing accomplishments.

The Haunting of Wolfe Haven has picked up the following achievements: 2010 Bronze Medal winner in romance at Foreword Review’s Book of the Year Award; 3 time finalist in the 2011 & 2012 International Book Awards; Honorable Mentions in the wild card category at both the 2011 San Francisco & Halloween Festival of Books; 2011 USA “Best Books” Award in romance; winner in the romance category at the 2012 Paris Festival of Books; finalist for the 2012 Eric Hoffer Award.

http://thehauntingofwolfehaven.wordpress/.

L.V. Are your books in print or ebook? 

D.H. The Haunting of Wolfe Haven is available in ePub which is compatible with Amazon Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader and many other ebook formats.  It is also available in both hard and soft covers. The ePub editions of the book as well as the hard and soft covers can be ordered from iUniverse.com, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.  The hard and soft cover editions can be ordered through any bookstore.

L.V. How can your fans contact you? 

Readers can contact me at debbieaheaton@yahoo.com , by visiting my website at www.debbieaheaton.com, or my blog at http://thehauntingofwolfehaven.wordpress/.

Social networks

Facebook under DA Heaton or the book fan page: The Haunting of Wolfe Haven; authordebbie@twitter.com; Goodreads; The Library Thing; Shelfari; The Paranormal Romance Guild; The International Women’s Writing Guild.

L.V. What do you do to relax?

D.H. I read, preferably a book with a paranormal theme, watch classic Susan Hayward or Jessica Tandy movies, and hike with my dog. 

L.V. How do you handle stress or writers block

D. H. I walk away for awhile, busy myself with house cleaning, weeding, and even reading.  I try to be patient and not push the ideas and usually I’m inspired out of the blue and am able to resume writing.

L.V. Do  you have  a blog?

D.H. Yes.  My blog started out promoting my writing and then morphed into a place where those interested in taking up writing can bring their questions, as well as those struggling with domestic violence issues.   As a therapist, I can’t turn away people who need answers to troubling questions so my blog multi tasks.  You can find book reviews, updates on my book, young writers can pick up information about writing and those in need of some guidance with domestic violence issues can hopefully find some answers.  http://thehauntingofwolfehaven.wordpress/. 

L.V. Do you have a Youtube video trailer for your works?

D.H. Thanks to the great Rodney Holt at Concept Visual, Inc, yes I do!  It can be accessed on the “Book” page of my website at www.debbieaheaton.com. 

L.V. Do you have a favorite character in your books?

D. H. Riley Russell in The Haunting of Wolfe Haven is by far my favorite character.  She’s so beautifully imperfect and human.  She isn’t Hollywood gorgeous with a six figure career.  She’s a woman who went through a lot growing up.  As an adult she comes to realize that she has issues to work on and sets out to do just that.  As the story unfolds readers learn about her, watch her struggle to recognize her faults and work to improve herself.  As we all do in life, Riley evolves and embraces her imperfections while working to change the things she can about herself.

L.V. Favorite food?

D.H. I love Mexican food.  I come from a long line of firefighters in New Mexico and all of them learned to prepare some of the best Mexican food around.  I still enjoy it every chance I can.

L.V. Favorite color?

D.H. Orange, yellow, rust, lavender.  

L.V.Favorite charity?

D. H. I support services that support children.  The Parent Connection is a non-profit organization that works to provide families with children the parenting and coping skills they need to be the best parents they can be. 

How do people contact/donate the charity?

The Parent Connection can be contacted through their website at www.theparentconnection.org. 

L.V.Any advice for new authors?

D.H. Never give up.  There are a lot of truly great writers out there so competition is high.  But there are even more great writers that never get acknowledged in their career.  If you love to write, don’t let anything stop you.  Try, try and try again.

The Haunting of Wolfe Haven is classified as a Gothic romance but it contains murder, mystery, betrayal, arson, supernatural overtones, and romance.  I write and read romance because I enjoy happy endings, something we don’t always see often enough in real life.

L.V. Thank you so much, Debbie for doing this interview with me. Good luck in your future endeavors. To my readers, please show Debbie some love by leaving comments.

My Reading List

I've been reading from various authors over the last year, primarily Indie Authors. Among my favorite Indie Authors are Shaun Allan, Denise K. Rago, Brian S. Pratt, Brian Moreland, and Catherine Mahoney. I'm currently reading Lili Tufel, Jacqueline Hopkins, and getting ready to pick one up from Valerie Douglas.
I want to tell you a little about the books from the Indie Authors I've read from so far.
Let's start with Shaun Allan, author of Sin. He is from England, and a very talented author. Here's a brief description of Sin. You can find out more about Shaun at http://www.shaunallan.co.uk/sin.

Dead, dead, dead.  Say it enough times and it becomes just another word.
What would you do? Could you kill a killer? Does the death of one appease the deaths of a hundred? What about that hundred against a thousand?

What if you had no choice?

Meet Sin. No, not that sort of sin, but Sin, crazy as a loon (you ask Sister Moon), and proud of it. Sin locks himself away in a mental home and, every so often, gets violent. That’s only so they’ll give him those nice drugs, though. The ones that help him forget.

It’s a pity they don’t work.

Sin, you see, has a serious problem. Well, it’s not so much his problem, as ours – yours, mine and everyone else’s. People die around him.  He doesn't like it and there's nothing he can do.  But someone else knows, and Sin has to stop them... and himself...
Flip and catch...