Just Jemi: Reaching For Normal

Showing posts with label Reaching For Normal. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

IWSG & Titles & Lynda & Home!

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.

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This month's optional question:
What's harder to do, coming up with your book title or writing the blurb?

A few years ago, I would have said titles. Now, I know better, although that could change at any moment.

I write romantic suspense and I write in series. Once I landed on the idea of using a repetitive phrase for the title, it became so much easier. The last word in the title points to the theme of the book.

My 2nd series will release next year and I'm using the same idea with a different phrase

Blurbs on the other hand can drive me batty. I've now worked up a pattern that helps...sort of

Tagline (1 sentence)
intro FMC and her problem (2 or 3 sentences)
intro MMC and his problem (2 or 3 sentences)
tie them together & give the stakes (1 or 2 sentences)

How about you, writers? Blurbs or Titles - which presents more of a challenge?

For readers, what draws you to a book more - the title or the blurb?

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Lynda Young is releasing her latest book today!

Blurb:
This special devotional book is a year-long journey with daily inspirational messages and uplifting scripture to help you spend time with God. It includes short Bible-based teachings that will encourage and refresh. It is faith-building
and thought-provoking with reassuring reminders of God’s love.

365 days of inspiration and Bible wisdom to lighten your heart.
365 devotions to bring you peace in uncertain times.
365 ways to Cling to God.

A great companion for individual worship or for group Bible study.
The perfect gift book or personal keepsake that will be cherished for years to come.

Start each morning with Cling to God to brighten your day and draw closer to God.

Links:
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HBMG3L8

Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNCWNCV

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KN4H1RZ

Take advantage of the launch price and pick up your ebook for $2.99. This discount will be available for a short time only.

Don’t have a kindle? Then get the free kindle app for iOS, Android, Mac, and PC HERE: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/browse.html%3Fnode=8498354051&ref=kcp_fd_hz

Author Bio:
Lynda R. Young accepted Jesus into her life in her early teens and has been active in her faith ever since. She has written multiple Christian articles and other inspirational non-fiction, given Bible-based talks, and is always looking for other ways to encourage and uplift. She is also an author of fantasy novels, an editor, game developer, artist, and dabbles in photography and all things creative. She lives in Australia with her sweetheart of a husband. You can find her here: Blog, Twitter, Goodreads

http://lyndaryoung.blogspot.com.au
https://twitter.com/LyndaRYoung
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5832201.Lynda_R_Young

Congrats to Lynda!

***

Reaching For Home releases on November 16th!

If you're interested in an ARC, head on over to BookSprout - there are a limited number available!

If you want to preorder, check out my website

One left the limelight behind. One is running from it. And one wants to destroy it all.

Nia Alexander is leaving the costume rooms of Hollywood in her rearview mirror and taking her son across the country for a fresh start and a white Christmas. She’s also hoping to leave behind the threats from the jerk who didn’t want to hear the word No.

Jaz LaChance is never going back to the limelight. It’s been almost a decade since his photos were splashed in magazines and on billboards. Funding new businesses in Bloo Moose is better. Until Nia turns out to be a new tenant. Nia saved his ass once, but every time he looks at her, he remembers the humiliation of that night. When Jaz discovers Nia is being threatened, he needs to figure out how to leave the past truly where it belongs.

If they can trust each other they might be able to make a home of their own for the holidays.

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Bloo Moosiversary!

One year ago, the first three Bloo Moose books hit the shelves. Hard to believe it's been a year. And a great one at that!

A huge thank you to everyone! I've had so much support over the last year.

blog posts
guest posts
tweets and retweets
cheerleaders in so many corners
readers
reviewers
kind words
friends - so many amazing friends

So thank you!

Happy birthday, Bloo Moose! You're 1!!

If you're interested in any of the books, check out my website for easy links. Reaching For Family will be out in the world on August 10!

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

IWSG & Favourite Genres

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.

March 3 question - Everyone has a favorite genre or genres to write. But what about your reading preferences? Do you read widely or only within the genre(s) you create stories for? What motivates your reading choice?

Great question!

I'm a romantic suspense author and I read a lot of romantic suspense. But I've always been a wide reader and still am. My current favourite genres are:

romantic suspense (Chrys Fey, Yolanda Renee, Carol Kilgore, Kait Nolan, Diane Burton...)
contemporary romance (Jean Oram, MJ Fifield, Heather M. Gardner, Deniz Bevan...)
fantasy (Elle Cardy, Patricia Josephine, Tara Tyler, Shannon Lawrence,...)
sci-fi & other spec fiction (Alex J Cavanaugh, Tyrean Martinson, Susan Kelley, ...)
cozy mystery (Elizabeth Spann Craig, Ellen Jacobnson, Victoria Gilbert,...)
rom coms ( Ellen Jacobson, Jackie Lau, Kelly Siskind,...)
mystery/crime (Tick Tock anthology, Damyanti Biswas,...)
YA & MG (C Lee McKenzie, Sherry Ellis, Cathrina Constantine, SA Larsen...)
and so many more!!

My reading choices are driven by a few things, mostly interest. But friendship is also important to me. Including the authors above, I've read books from over 100 authors I've met online - books I would never have known about or read if I hadn't become friends with the author or met them somehow online.

I love an entertaining story with intriguing characters and I want a happy ending - or at least one that isn't going to rip my heart to shreds.

So, if the book fits within that rather loose definition, I'm probably in!

How about you? Are you a wide reader?

Apologies if I missed you on the list but my hands/brain got tired!

If you're looking to try romantic suspense, the first Bloo Moose romance (Reaching For Normal) is free!

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

IWSG & Working Writers

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.

***

October 7 question - When you think of the term working writer, what does that look like to you? What do you think it is supposed to look like? Do you see yourself as a working writer or aspiring or hobbyist, and if latter two, what does that look like?

For me, a working writer is one who has moved past the hobby stage. I think a working writer is actively planning to publish or has already published a book and has plans to write multiple books to publish.

I spent the better part of a decade learning the craft, finding my voice, deciding on the age group and genre I wanted to write, and dodging life's curveballs. During that time I didn't consider myself a working writer.

Once I published Dancing With Dementia in March, I felt like a writer but not a working writer.

Now that the Bloo Moose series is on the loose and growing I definitely would consider myself a working writer. I plan on growing the series and have plans for at least 2 more series I'd love to write within the romance/romantic suspense world. I also have some SF I'd like to try but I think I'll stay on-brand for the foreseeable future.

How about you? Is your definition similar to mine? Are you a working writer? Do you have plans that are bigger than your time to achieve them? Anyone else write in series?

PS: Reaching For Balance (Bloo Moose #4) releases on Tuesday, October 13. It is currently available for preorder for $0.99. It will pop up to regular price of $3.99 after release, so pick up your copy now!

PPS: If you want to try the series out, Reaching For Normal (Bloo Moose #1) is FREE at all retailers!

PPPS: Reaching For Christmas (Bloo Moose #5) releases on Tuesday, November 10. It is currently available for preorder for $0.99. Its price will pop up to $3.99 after release as well.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Bloo Moose Nooz!

Or "News" if you're not yet comfortable with Bloo Moose spellings!

The Bloo Moose Universe is getting bigger.

On October 13, Reaching For Balance will be released. This is Gage and Rebecca's story and I can't wait for it to be out and about! The preorder price is $0.99 but the price will go up to $3.99 after release day so grab your copy now!

One undercover FBI agent protecting a boy.

One Lodge owner protecting his town.

One undeniable connection.

Amazon (US). Amazon (CA) Apple. B&N. Kobo. Google Play. BookBub. Goodreads Website

Reaching For Normal is FREE at all major retailers. I always planned to have the first book in the series free as a way to entice new readers into the series. We all have to be careful how we spend our pennies, so the free book should help readers decide if the series is one they'll enjoy.

She's no damsel in distress.

He's no Prince Charming.

But if they don't team up, it won't be only wolves that'll be dying.

Amazon (US) Amazon (CA). Apple. B&N. Kobo. Google Play. BookBub Goodreads. Website

Also, if you sign up for my newsletter's mailing list, you'll receive a Free Short Story.

Reaching For Adventure is a short glimpse into Myla's past. Myla is one of the main characters in Reaching For Normal. Neither the short story nor the novel contain spoilers and can be read in either order.

Her past has more questions than answers.

Her best friend is her car.

But if she can figure out her place, she just might have a shot at normal.

(newsletter link)

Finally, I'm working hard to get another novel out before 2020 is over. It's a Christmas story so I'd better get working!

How about you? What are you up to? Anyone have new releases to shout out about?

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

IWSG and Bloo Moose On The Road With Alex J Cavanaugh & Denise Covey!

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

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It's IWSG Day and Alex J. Cavanaugh and Denise Covey are hosting Bloo Moose!

At Alex's blog, we're talking movies and I'll be answering today's question over at Denise's blog. I hope you'll find time to pop by and visit!

Reaching For Normal

She’s no damsel in distress.

He’s no Prince Charming. But if they don’t team up it won’t

be only wolves that’ll be dying.

Amazon.com. Amazon.ca.

Apple. Kobo. Google Play.

Barnes and Noble. Goodreads.

Bookbub

Reaching For Risks

One Reno List for the B&B.

One Risk List for herself.

One sexy retailer who should be

the last one she wants.

Amazon.com. Amazon.ca.

Apple. Kobo. Google Play

Barnes and Noble. Goodreads.

Bookbub

Reaching For Everything

Love means nothing in tennis.

Can he prove to her that

love means everything in life?

Amazon.com. Amazon.ca.

Apple. Kobo. Google Play

Barnes and Noble. Goodreads.

Bookbub

Monday, July 27, 2020

Why I Love Scrivener - The Basics

I'm been asked multiple times about Scrivener and why it works for me, so I thought I'd put together a few posts. Hopefully, they're helpful!

I don't use the whole range of tools in Scrivener but I've found that MANY of the features really work for my brain. This program has saved my sanity and my stories on many occasions.

When I first tried out Scrivener, I had a completed first draft that needed a lot of work (rewriting and reorganizing). I tried to copy and paste this story into the program and then rework it from there. This was a big mistake for me. I found the whole thing confusing. But so many people loved the program, I decided to try it for my next fresh story. And this is when I fell in love!

Scrivener is organized into folders and files. These are my organizing units.

Inside my First Draft Folder, I put in another folder for each chapter. Inside each chapter folder are two files. One for the scene from the female pov, the other for the male pov.

In the sidebar (called Binder), I can right-click and change the names of both the files
and folders. I use titles for my chapters (in this case hashtags), so I put these right in the binder. I don't use titles for scenes, so instead, I put brief reminders of what the scene contains (ditch, anderson, lesson...). This makes it incredibly easy to find the right scene when I want to double-check on something or when I want to revise/edit.

The screenshot shows a glimpse of the binder for Reaching For Normal. You can see that each scene also has a coloured dot. That dot tells me quickly whether the scene is from Myla's or Sawyer's pov. Yes, the colours are stereotypical but it's just a reference.

You can change the colours and the reasons for the dots. I like them for pov but you could use them to indicate whether a scene is an action scene or a contemplative scene, set the colours for locations or settings, or whatever you like. It's easy to change the labels and colours.

This screenshot shows the Info section. Well, it's actually called Inspector, but I think of it as Info. The blue button at the top shows/hides it. At the bottom where it shows Myla in pink is where you click to change colours/names for the dots in the above screenshot.

At the top of this screenshot, you can see the index card synopsis of the scene. You can put whatever you like here. I use it for notes on goals for each character, main conflict, stakes for each, and the Cymbal Crash. This is the way the end of the scene hooks the reader to keep reading (a tip from Libbie Hawker's Take Off Your Pants book).

I don't use the Notes section very often, but it's a good place to keep my Add/ Change/ Remove notes as I'm reading through the draft.

I tend to keep these in another file, but I'll get into that and the reasons for it in another post.

At the bottom, you can see No Status. This is for more organized and visual brains than mine.

The small screenshot shows the labels you can attach to your chapter or scene. The Edit button at the bottom allows you to change those labels to whatever you'd like. This can be colour-coded as well.

How about you? Do you use writing software or word documents? Can you think of any other uses for the colour coding? Any requests for topics within Scrivener for me to discuss?