Search for the perfect - what?

It seems that everyone is in search of the "perfect" something. The perfect photo. The perfect song. The perfect wedding dress. The perfect house. The perfect idea. And the list goes on...

Authors are looking for the perfect word, character or story that will resonate with readers around the world and get them on the NY Best Seller List, translated into thirty-five languages, and actually make money.

Aside from that, I'm always on the lookout for the perfect purse. You know, the one with the right amount of pockets, not too big, not too small, comfortable on the shoulder. And don't forget "attractive." If my purse has a pocket for everything, a little space for a book or notebook and doesn't make me list to one side - it's the perfect one for what I need today.

Readers are in search of the next perfect read. Luckily there are many wonderful books out there and they will never stop after reading just one. With any luck the next new book will be the best one read so far. (We authors just have to get it written and out there.)

My husband is in search of the perfect pocket knife. A tool with all the gadgets he'll ever need, but it can't be too large or two small. Personally, I prefer a tool for each job. My favorite pen to write with. A high heel for a hammer. A screw driver with interchangeable ends. A rubber spatula for scraping the sides of the batter bowl.

I've always been of the opinion that you can never have too many earrings or books. There are perfect ones for every occasion or mood - but not just "one" for all time. We have our "favorites" that we wear, carry or read over and over again.

What is it about those things that make them "perfect"? That's the question we have to ask ourselves and as authors - and also answer. Does our story appeal to a broad audience or is it limited? Does our story provide lots of pockets of information, fun, intrigue for readers to explore? Does our story meet the needs of the reader?

When we find a book we can't put down, that speaks to us as if it were written for us specifically, what is it about that book that makes it so? How can we as authors capture that same essence in our own stories?

I'm full of questions today, instead of answers. Each of us has to find the perfect tools and resources to help us on the writing journey. Sharing our authoring experiences helps one another find our own way, that's why Author Expressions is so important. We are all seekers of something. We all need help along the way.

Spice. Variety. Both are keys to a happy journey, the perfect story and the perfect recipe. By the way, does anyone have a recipe for the perfect pizza dough? 

What inspires you?

I just came back from a long weekend in the Rockies and the majestic views, not to mention the lovely weather were very inspiring. Luckily when I returned to Kansas we experienced some of the same cool nights and moderate days as I enjoyed in Colorado. 

I did some writing while I was there, and yesterday I sat on the deck pouring the words on the page for several hours. At least until it got too warm and hungry. When contemplating this blog and what to write that other writers might enjoy or benefit from I asked myself, "What inspires my writing?"

Nature is a big inspiration to me. When I've spent time outside and focused on the rocks, trees, birds and bees I am inspired to describe it on the page. Sharing a sense of place makes the reading (and writing) experience much more enjoyable, it opens the door to the story. By setting the stage so the reader can be there for awhile, the story can come to life.

Music often inspires me. It ignites my imagination and teases my ears and mind into hearing and seeing color and light, and of the sense of movement. Many films have glorious sound tracks that move the story deep into your bones.  Making your story audible for readers is great. If they can hear what your characters say or hear, then it's like eavesdropping on an intimate conversation or being in the proximity of the action of the story.

People inspire me, too. Humans are so interesting. Everyone has a story. Everyone is unique in so many ways. Not just physically, but emotionally, too. Have you ever come across someone at Wal-Mart or Starbucks or Dillons that is just like the character in my story? I have and feel as though this is the person on the page. I'll watch them and catch special mannerisms or voice, their way of walking or dressing may be exactly like I envisioned in my head. 

A good book inspires me, too. If I feel what the character is feeling, see where they are, smell it, taste it and hear it - then the author has written well. Reading a story that moves me and is real makes me want to be a better writer. I learn from the books I read, both good things and bad, but mostly good. I've heard over the years that there are no new stories, just new ways of telling them. That's probably true - the trick is for the reader to experience the story - not just read the words, and it can be kind of tricky!

So, be aware of what is around you - let your muse tune in with you - and write what is in your heart. 
Enjoy the journey, my writing friends.

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Bonnie Tharp’s novel, Feisty Family Values was published by Five Star Publishing in hardback and released in February 2010. Patchwork Family was released in paperback by Bell Books Publishing in March of 2014. You can find out more about Bonnie & her books at http://bdtharp.com.

How do we contain the excitement of a new book?

Personally, I can't contain my excitement. It's like Christmas and giving birth all rolled together. Yes, it's painful and takes a long time, but when the book comes out it's a wonderful gift.

Last week I was given a copy of the new cover. I think it's beautiful. For those of you that read Feisty Family Values you know just how important the kitchen table is to the Morgan's story. All the best conversations happen there. It's that way in a lot of families, especially with my generation, my parents, grandparents and way back.

Sadly now days, meals are often eaten on the run, in the car on the way to a sports event or school, in front of the television or with everyone poking buttons on their tablets. (But I digress...)

Patchwork Family is the second book in the feisty family series and the story picks up a year after Feisty Family Values ends.

• A year after Annabelle became guardian of two teens and a tween, she is feeling more than her age. (Grandkids can wear you out and she can’t send them home.)
  • Regina is comfortably housed with Sam, but has yet to say “yes” when he asks her to marry him. (Silly woman.)
  • Peggy, the oldest granddaughter is growing up way too fast and madly in love with a boy at school. (She has the whisker burns to prove it.)
  • Tilly is happily married to Joe and enjoying being on hand whenever someone in the family needs her, whether it’s to cook a gourmet meal or referee a case of sibling rivalry.
  • Tad’s on the basketball team and the assistant coach seems to like his ladies full bodied like our dear Annabelle.
  • And after a decade Tom returns and wants to see the kids. This sets off a chain reaction that might just destroy them all. 
  
  Now comes another fun part. In a couple of weeks the book will be out and I'll be able to hold it in my hands, smell it, and feel the breeze as I flip the pages. My eReader friends (I have a Kindle Fire) will be able to get it and read all about what happens next. Readings and signings will begin at bookstores, book clubs, women's clubs,  libraries, anywhere where people enjoy reading--I plan to be there. (To set something up just send me an email at bd@bdtharp.com.)
  
  Another big plus of the huge migration to eBooks, we authors will be able to have our books in print practically forever.  The digital world has simplified the publishing process (no more typesetting required) and no need for a huge warehouse of inventory.
  
  The first book in the series came out in 2010 in a beautiful hardback. It went out of print two years after it was published, however. I bought up all available stock and there are still books available for you to buy if you want one. The second book, Patchwork Family will be in eBook and paperback (print on demand), so it'll be just as lovely and a wee bit cheaper.
  
  All the sweat, lack of sleep, eye twitches and achy wrists from hammering the keyboard have come to fruition. Patchwork Family is coming the end of March. Stay tuned. (See, dreams really do come true.)
  
  
  • How do you feel when your book is complete? 
  • How do you feel when you see your book available for purchase? 
  • Which is more satisfying seeing your eBook for sale or holding a traditional book (paper or hardback) in your hand?
  
  

Writer’s workshops are the bomb!

The bomb, according to my grandson is EXCELLENT. I have to agree and it fits so well. I had the pleasure of attending Lisa Tucker’s Writer Workshop at Watermark Books Saturday afternoon. I learned a lot along and met some interesting people.

There were new writers, experienced writers, and everything in between. And that’s the way is should be. We writers know what the others are going through and have the opportunity to learn and share our experiences with one another. Lisa Tucker is one of my new favorite people! She’s smart, genuine, funny, and very open about what to try and how to make our writing better. I think I can safely say we were all very impressed. (As soon as I finish my current read I’m diving into “The Song Reader” then “The Winters in Bloom.”)

We talked about publishing, agents, marketing, character, plot, readers, queries, but most of all we discussed how to make our stories work. We even did a little writing exercise, which resulted in so many wonderful ideas that were all completely different. Lisa suggested some great reading material, “On Becoming a Novelist” by John Gardner (one of my personal favorites) and “The Lie That Tells the Truth” by John Defresne. (I’ll be ordering this one!)

Something Lisa said that I’m posting on my tack board: “Don’t let characters circle the drain.” Wow. Is she a writer, or what? You know how sometimes a character will do or say the same thing over and over again, well, that’s a good way for them to become very boring. I’ve read it and done it myself.

Another thing we discussed was the fact that we writers must support one another any way we can. We must continue to read, buy books and support our local indie bookstores, because if we don’t –there won’t be any books or indie bookstores. From the look of the library of books I’m accumulating I’m doing my part, and loving every word!

Perfect Gifts by Jacqueline Seewald

Emerson wrote:

“Gifts of one who loved me--Twas high time they came;

When he ceased to love me, Time they stopped for shame.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson had some outspoken thoughts and opinions regarding gift-giving. Emerson, nineteenth century transcendental philosopher and theologian, observed in his essay entitled “Gifts” that flowers and fruits are always appropriate gifts “because they are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty out values all the utilities of the world.” Emerson went on to observe that things of necessity are also appropriate gifts as well.

Emerson stated that the only true gift is a portion of ourselves. Something we create is of more significance than anything we could possibly buy in a store: “It is a cold, lifeless business when you go to the shops to buy me something which does not represent your life and talent, but a goldsmith’s.”

However, let’s face it, modern man is a materialistic creature, unlike Emerson. Maybe it’s too bad more of us don’t read Emerson’s essays and aren’t influenced by his advice. But if we did, commerce as we know it would be seriously impacted.

To avoid mall madness and still manage to give gifts that friends, family and fellow workers appreciate definitely takes time and planning. Internet shopping is one approach never dreamed of in Emerson’s philosophy.

Books are in my opinion perfect gifts. Even those people who are basically nonreaders enjoy a beautiful coffee table book. There are books to suit every taste. Many men appreciate useful nonfiction how-to books. Many women like cookbooks. Children enjoy picture books.
Romance and mystery novels are always in demand. (Check out the Five Star/Gale’s line. Each month, brand new mysteries and romance novels are offered.)

Of course, some readers prefer large print books since they’re so much easier on the eyes. I’m pleased to say that my historical romance TEA LEAVES AND TAROT CARDS was just published in a large print edition by Thorndike Press.

Books are also great gifts for teenagers as well as adults and children. Teens actually do read for pleasure, not just for school assignments. My new young adult novel STACY’S SONG published by L&L Dreamspell is an uplifting coming of age/romance that ends at Christmas and would be a good gift for teenage girls ages 12 to 17 . It's published both in paperback and Kindle/e-book editions.

What would you recommend as perfect holiday presents? If books, which would you suggest?

The Writer-Library Connection

What Your Library Can Do For You
Writers and libraries are the perfect pair.  Libraries exist to provide books and other materials to the public.  Writers exist to produce books (and other materials as well.)  Yet not all writers understand what a valuable ally they have in libraries.

Writers need to read.  They read for many different reasons.  Here's a few

• Keep current on writing trends in their field.
• Research publishers.
• Find information on all aspects of writing, from generating ideas to promoting a book.
• Research topics for their current writing project.
• For fun!

Who can afford to buy all those books?  Especially on a writer's salary!  But the library lets you take them home and read them for free.  Yes, of course you need to bring them back on time to avoid a late fee, but this is still the best deal you'll get anywhere.

'But what if my library doesn't have the books I need?  What do I do then?' you ask.  It's true no library can have everything you want on the shelf but the good news is that libraries are great at sharing.  Programs vary from state to state but most of the time, pretty much anything that you want can be found at another library and sent to your library at little or no cost to you.  Pretty cool, huh?

What about the reference desk?  In most libraries you will find trained researchers ready and willing to help you find the information you need.  Libraries often have access to data bases and other sources to gather information from.  Without a library you have no access to these sources.   

Your library may also be a good place to escape to when you need some peace and quiet to finish that last chapter.  Your writer's group or book club may find a home at your local library as well.  With all this to offer, how can you go wrong?

What You Can Do for Your Library
There are benefits to working with your local library. The person who checks out and enjoys your book may look for more of your work to purchase and will probably tell her friends about the great new author she's found.  Plus, book stores keep books for only a short time.  If your book is in the library people will have years to discover it rather than the few weeks they'd have to find it in a book store.

Writers sometimes complain that their local library isn't interested in them as a local writer.  That's not usually true.  The problem may be your approach and not your library.  Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Are you acting like a professional?  I'm not saying you need to show up in a skirt and heels, but looking and acting professional will help librarians to see you as a professional and respond to you accordingly.
• Are you to talking to the right person?  It may do you no good whatsoever to sweet talk the person at the front desk.  Who is in charge of buying new materials?  That's the person you need to pitch your book to.  If the library declines to buy a copy consider donating one.
• What do libraries need?  Libraries need to promote themselves just as much as authors do.  Explain how  your book signing or other event will bring people into the library.  Show that you're interested in providing a benefit to the library as well as to yourself.
• What can you do?  It might be more beneficial for you and the library if you do more than offer to sell them a copy of your book or to show up for a book signing.  Help arrange a reading for several local authors.  Give a workshop, lead a book discussion.  Be creative.