This past week-end I was searching for a teenage picture of myself. I didn't realize how hard that would be. I thought I could put my finger on the box, but instead I found the box with my sister's pictures in it. There were no pictures of me as a teenager.
What I did find were treasures. One set of my great-grandparents lived in Southwest Virginia and Southeast Kentucky. I found old, I mean old, pictures from their my grandmother's growing up there. They are fading and I am trying to preserve them in case my children want them when I'm gone. It is a part of our families history.
My maternal grandmother's family must have loved to have their pictures made. I found a wonderful picture of my great-grandparents with their five oldest children. There were two or three more after the picture was taken. What I found interesting was the clothes. I've researched for pictures of clothes in the early 1900's and I had them in my hands all the time.
One picture of friends of my grandfathers are standing on a porch of a newly constructed house in Virginia. I'd say the town was Stonega and the house was a mining house. Today we would call a duplex, Two families lived side by side in the same structure. I remember a railing dividing my aunt's front porch from my great-grandfathers.
In this picture, there are five people on the porch of this house. The thing that struck me different from most pictures is the fact this is a post card. One man has written on the back in pencil that there is work there painting houses and my grandfather should come. The clothes are dark pants and skirts and white blouses and shirts. One woman has a big black bow at her collar. The women wore belts with shinny buckles. These are probably their Sunday best. The postmark on the card is 1912. That picture is 100 years old and I'm holding it in my hands.
That is the time period I am interested in, so this was a great find. I had not thought about my family having the information I need. You never know where a writer can be inspired.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
FREE GIVE AWAY OVER
I am amazed at the number of people who received a free Kindle copy of Callie's Mountain. The reviews are beginning to trickle in and so far they have all been good and positive. Thanks to everyone who received a free copy and please post a comment on Amazon.
Yesterday I read that my printing company, Mantle Rock Publishing, is a boutique press. That's a new word related to printing. I've been aware of vanity press where you pay to have your book published. I've never liked the idea of vanity press and in conferences we've been told to steer clear of them.
A boutique press is something different. I offer a very good commission, support, and knowledge of printing. I bring all those to the table. There are a few things the writer has to bring. The first thing is a good clean manuscript.
A clean manuscript has been critiques and edited. Critiquing is so important to any manuscript. Not only does your critique partner find mistakes, but it is different eyes reading it. Even before you send it to be critiqued, edit it yourself to make sure it sounds good. I use Auto Critique. You can use it for free with less than 400 words to be critiqued, or you can purchase it for as little as $47. Each person has their own needs, so it is priced at different versions. The largest can critique a whole 100,000 word book.
Auto Critique tells you how many times you duplicated the same word, and how many to cut out. It has made me see my writing mistakes and skills better. It's very easy to use, and I love working with it. I feel like I am better prepared when I send it to my critique partner.
Several people are anxious for the next book. I'm so excited that people want to read more. I'm anxious to get it finished so I can start working on the third in the series.
Yesterday I read that my printing company, Mantle Rock Publishing, is a boutique press. That's a new word related to printing. I've been aware of vanity press where you pay to have your book published. I've never liked the idea of vanity press and in conferences we've been told to steer clear of them.
A boutique press is something different. I offer a very good commission, support, and knowledge of printing. I bring all those to the table. There are a few things the writer has to bring. The first thing is a good clean manuscript.
A clean manuscript has been critiques and edited. Critiquing is so important to any manuscript. Not only does your critique partner find mistakes, but it is different eyes reading it. Even before you send it to be critiqued, edit it yourself to make sure it sounds good. I use Auto Critique. You can use it for free with less than 400 words to be critiqued, or you can purchase it for as little as $47. Each person has their own needs, so it is priced at different versions. The largest can critique a whole 100,000 word book.
Auto Critique tells you how many times you duplicated the same word, and how many to cut out. It has made me see my writing mistakes and skills better. It's very easy to use, and I love working with it. I feel like I am better prepared when I send it to my critique partner.
Several people are anxious for the next book. I'm so excited that people want to read more. I'm anxious to get it finished so I can start working on the third in the series.
Monday, October 22, 2012
FREE KINDLE DOWNLOAD
Yes, today's the day you can receive a free Kindle download of Callie's Mountain. I'm offering this for today and tomorrow.
In our writer's group meeting Saturday, we discussed whether it was good to give away books or not. One author said she would rather not give them away. Most of us listened. For me, as a new author, it helps me to build my platform of readers. I've always found it hard to take a chance on a new author. With free downloads, I can do it with no expense.
Most authors give away books, especially when they first start publishing. I know I've received my fair share of free books from new authors, and it's helped me to find authors I like. There are several author friends who send me their books before they come on the market. They give them to readers to encourage others to buy their books.
Marketing is the hardest thing for any author to do. We can usually do word of mouth, but when it comes to writing a news release, or putting our new release on a loop, it's difficult. Then we pray that someone reads it and asks us to be on their blog, or give us a nice review. The marketing part is hard.
I've been in sales most of my life, but selling myself is the hardest thing to do. After hearing good comments about my book this week-end, I feel more confident than ever. Several authors and writers have encouraged me to tell this story. I'm glad I did. I love the story of a people forgotten. I want to bring it to more people's attention.
I've learned a lot in the last week and a half. I pray I can fulfill my obligations to my readers.
In our writer's group meeting Saturday, we discussed whether it was good to give away books or not. One author said she would rather not give them away. Most of us listened. For me, as a new author, it helps me to build my platform of readers. I've always found it hard to take a chance on a new author. With free downloads, I can do it with no expense.
Most authors give away books, especially when they first start publishing. I know I've received my fair share of free books from new authors, and it's helped me to find authors I like. There are several author friends who send me their books before they come on the market. They give them to readers to encourage others to buy their books.
Marketing is the hardest thing for any author to do. We can usually do word of mouth, but when it comes to writing a news release, or putting our new release on a loop, it's difficult. Then we pray that someone reads it and asks us to be on their blog, or give us a nice review. The marketing part is hard.
I've been in sales most of my life, but selling myself is the hardest thing to do. After hearing good comments about my book this week-end, I feel more confident than ever. Several authors and writers have encouraged me to tell this story. I'm glad I did. I love the story of a people forgotten. I want to bring it to more people's attention.
I've learned a lot in the last week and a half. I pray I can fulfill my obligations to my readers.
Friday, October 19, 2012
BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS
I have a couple of announcements to make today. You'll probably be able to guess they're about Callie's Mountain. You may want to take advantage of them.
The first is to announce my very first interview was yesterday with my very good friend, Brooke Cox. Brooke and I became friends when we lived in Tennessee. She is an aspiring writer and a wacky person. Her wackiness makes me chuckle when I read her posts. She's great. Go to http://grooviebrooksie.blogspot.com/ and read all about my journey. Thanks Broke for helping me in my process. Love you girl.
The other important message is Callie's Mountain will be a FREE download for Kindle on October 22 and 23. If you don't have a Kindle right now, download PC Kindle at Amazon. You can either read it on the computer or download it later into a Kindle. I did that for a couple of years before I got my Kindle.
I am calming down now. It's funny how something like this has impacted my life. I don't consider myself a celebrity, as my cousin called me yesterday. I am still plain me with dishes to wash and laundry to do. Nothing brings you back to the ground than laundry and a few dirty dishes.
This is going to be a rush week-end. So many things going on. I hope your week-end will be filled with peace and love.
The first is to announce my very first interview was yesterday with my very good friend, Brooke Cox. Brooke and I became friends when we lived in Tennessee. She is an aspiring writer and a wacky person. Her wackiness makes me chuckle when I read her posts. She's great. Go to http://grooviebrooksie.blogspot.com/ and read all about my journey. Thanks Broke for helping me in my process. Love you girl.
The other important message is Callie's Mountain will be a FREE download for Kindle on October 22 and 23. If you don't have a Kindle right now, download PC Kindle at Amazon. You can either read it on the computer or download it later into a Kindle. I did that for a couple of years before I got my Kindle.
I am calming down now. It's funny how something like this has impacted my life. I don't consider myself a celebrity, as my cousin called me yesterday. I am still plain me with dishes to wash and laundry to do. Nothing brings you back to the ground than laundry and a few dirty dishes.
This is going to be a rush week-end. So many things going on. I hope your week-end will be filled with peace and love.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
A HEART REVEALED
Yesterday I finished A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman. This is the second book in her Winds of Change Series. I have the third book, A Love Surrendered, and I'm anxious to start it.
If you have read any of Julie Lessman's books, you know she is one of the Queens of the Kiss. Her books do get very emotional. The other Queen of the Kiss is Mary Connealy. Both of these ladies know how to write about a kiss. I will place Sandi Rog as an upcoming Princess of the Kiss. These are the three most emotional writers I know. No one else can describe a kiss like they can and still write a Christian novel.
Away from the kiss, the story was very good. I was held captive until the very last. I was surprised by the ending and that makes an excellent book for me. Emma was so perfect, and Charity was so demonstrative. The antics of the family made for very good reading.
I give this book five stars. Very good and I recommend it highly.
Ten years ago, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston as a battered woman, escaping the husband who scarred her beautiful face. The physical and emotional wounds have faded with time, and her life is finally full of purpose and free from the pain of her past. But when she falls for her friend Charity's handsome and charming brother, Sean O'Connor, fear and shame threaten to destroy her. Could Sean and Emma ever have a future together? Or is Emma doomed to live out the rest of her life denying the only true love she's ever known?
Filled with intense passion and longing, deception and revelation, A Heart Revealed will hold readers in its grip until the very last page.
If you have read any of Julie Lessman's books, you know she is one of the Queens of the Kiss. Her books do get very emotional. The other Queen of the Kiss is Mary Connealy. Both of these ladies know how to write about a kiss. I will place Sandi Rog as an upcoming Princess of the Kiss. These are the three most emotional writers I know. No one else can describe a kiss like they can and still write a Christian novel.
Away from the kiss, the story was very good. I was held captive until the very last. I was surprised by the ending and that makes an excellent book for me. Emma was so perfect, and Charity was so demonstrative. The antics of the family made for very good reading.
I give this book five stars. Very good and I recommend it highly.
Ten years ago, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston as a battered woman, escaping the husband who scarred her beautiful face. The physical and emotional wounds have faded with time, and her life is finally full of purpose and free from the pain of her past. But when she falls for her friend Charity's handsome and charming brother, Sean O'Connor, fear and shame threaten to destroy her. Could Sean and Emma ever have a future together? Or is Emma doomed to live out the rest of her life denying the only true love she's ever known?Filled with intense passion and longing, deception and revelation, A Heart Revealed will hold readers in its grip until the very last page.
Monday, October 15, 2012
A WILD WEEK-END
This has been the wildest week-end I have ever experienced. First, I didn't expect my book to be on Amazon until today. When I checked my email Saturday morning, I was surprised to see it up. Then I had to tell 5,000 of my closest friends. All of Facebook, my groups, ACFW, and everyone I knew. It came to about 5,000 give or take a few.
This has been overwhelming. At times I had given up on every seeing Callie's Mountain in print. It all sort of snowballed last week. My feet finally hit the ground today. I guess when you see all the laundry that needs to be done, you get real. It has been a wonderful week-end.
Today I will be putting Callie in paperback. That is exciting to think about. I can hold her in my hand. I never thought it would be like this. I never thought I would be so excited about anything. My baby turned out beautiful.
What's next? Susannah's Hope. It is almost finished. I'm a lot like Judith Miller in this respect, I hate to write the last chapter of this book. That's where I am, the last chapter. Of course, there is editing to do and all that involves the publishing side of it. My plans are to have it ready by January, 2013.
The next book is Emily's Faith. I'm working with Emily in my head right now. She is sweet, pretty, and a good natured young woman. I think she will be the sweetest and most caring of all three women. I'm anxious to start working on her story.
I would like to thank all of you for your kind words. I've read the comments on Facebook, ACFW loop, and personal emails. Thanks for all the encouragement. I've received invitations to visit several blogs in the next weeks and months. I will keep you posted on all of them. Now, I have work to do.
This has been overwhelming. At times I had given up on every seeing Callie's Mountain in print. It all sort of snowballed last week. My feet finally hit the ground today. I guess when you see all the laundry that needs to be done, you get real. It has been a wonderful week-end.
Today I will be putting Callie in paperback. That is exciting to think about. I can hold her in my hand. I never thought it would be like this. I never thought I would be so excited about anything. My baby turned out beautiful.
What's next? Susannah's Hope. It is almost finished. I'm a lot like Judith Miller in this respect, I hate to write the last chapter of this book. That's where I am, the last chapter. Of course, there is editing to do and all that involves the publishing side of it. My plans are to have it ready by January, 2013.
The next book is Emily's Faith. I'm working with Emily in my head right now. She is sweet, pretty, and a good natured young woman. I think she will be the sweetest and most caring of all three women. I'm anxious to start working on her story.
I would like to thank all of you for your kind words. I've read the comments on Facebook, ACFW loop, and personal emails. Thanks for all the encouragement. I've received invitations to visit several blogs in the next weeks and months. I will keep you posted on all of them. Now, I have work to do.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
IT IS OFFICIAL
Today my book, Callie's Mountain, is for sale on Amazon. It is in ebook form ,as of right now. I plan to put it in paperback next week. I have simply run out of time. There are only 24 hours in the day and mine have been full.
I am so excited to see my book in print. Please celebrate with me. You guys are the best.
I'm scheduling blog tours and interviews. You can contact me at kathycret@yahoo.com.
I am so excited to see my book in print. Please celebrate with me. You guys are the best.
I'm scheduling blog tours and interviews. You can contact me at kathycret@yahoo.com.
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