Back to the Books Hop

I love fall.  I love the cooler temps, the leaves changing, the crispness in the air.  I love snuggling under a lap blanket with my favorite book and a mug of hot chocolate.  Or, even starting a fire in the fireplace just because.  It's a great feeling of starting a new season, a new school year, and getting back to routines. So, in honor of that, I thought I'd participate in a back to the books hop. Here's the deal.  Tons...

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First Page Friday

Thank you to everyone for their opinions and comments yesterday.  I've decided to follow your advice and include the epilogue.  If a reader doesn't want to read it, they are free to skip.  (But I hope you all read it.  It's good!)On to First Page Friday.  As always, if you'd like to have your first page critiqued, just email it to juliecoulterbellon@gmail.com with First Page Friday in the subject line.  Remember to keep it double-spaced!The EntryEmma:  A Latter-day Taleby Rebecca JamisonMy best friend was on her...

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Epilogue---Yes or No?

I've been going back and forth about an epilogue I've written for my manuscript.  So many times I've been told that readers don't like their stories all tied up with a happy ending and a pretty bow.  They like the main conflict resolved and that's it.  Characters learned, people were changed, the story is over. But, for me, I like mostly happy endings and if I've loved the characters I want to know more---and that is why I like epilogues.  I like finding out what happened to characters after the main conflict is over.  For...

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Word Count Wednesday

Well, my word count is still way down because I'm just finishing up the last details on this book so it can go to press.  I do plan on drafting my new novel soon, though, and I'm sure my word count will pick up when that starts.  (If it goes as well as I think it will)  Maybe we can even do some more writing sprints together.How's your writing going now with kids back in school?  I was surprised at how quickly we picked up our old routine.  I love nap times for my kids.  It really helps to have a regular block of time...

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Book Review: Faith, Hope, and Gravity

Merrill Osmond and Shirley Bahlmann have written a book called Faith, Hope, and Gravity.  It is the story of a young man named Liam who occasionally has "visions" of events before they happen.  He made the mistake of warning another boy his age about money going missing and such, and the boy thinks Liam has cast a spell on him or has magic or something and he begins to bully Liam.  It goes so far as to put Liam in a predicament where...

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Back Copy Reveal for All Fall Down

Well, after a long hard road, here is the back copy for my new book, All Fall Down.  What do you think?Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes we all fall down . . .That simple rhyme turns negotiator Claire Michaels’ current hostage situation into an international incident. Claire just wants to help get everyone out safely, but as the crisis escalates she realizes she’s dealing with an al-Qaeda operative who has the means to become another bin Laden¾with the potential to attack America.  Claire has her own personal...

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First Page Friday---Guest Critique

So, with my vacation and school starting for my kids, I didn't realize that there were five Fridays in August. When I finally realized it and contacted Ms. Shreditor, she was on her way out of town. Not wanting to disappoint my readers, I asked Jordan McCollum to guest critique today. I hope you find it as helpful as I did! See you next week.The EntrySaving Graceby Kasey TrossI could feel them before I could actually see them. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and as my pulse quickened I forced my breath to slow. I had learned to pay...

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Almost Couple vs. Couple--Which One is More Interesting to Read?

So I was having a discussion this morning about what is more interesting to read in a romantic suspense book---a couple that is working their way toward each other during dangerous circumstances and having those first stirrings of attraction/love, or a couple that is already together.At first my response was, it depends on the story and how well-written it is, because if the plot is stupid, it doesn't matter about the couple.  But then I thought a little more about it.There are movies like Mr. and Mrs. Smith about a married couple in the spy...

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Word Count Wednesday

You know, I was thinking I should have counted all the words I edited this week.  Because that would be a lot!  Maybe I'll make up a number.  I edited at least four billion words this week and am coming to the end of my editing and soon this book will be gone to press.  Woohoooo!All right I didn't edit four billion words but it felt that way.  And hopefully today, I will be editing the last chapter.  The. Last. Chapter.  I can hardly believe it.  When I hit those choice words---The End---then it will be party...

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Writing Direction . . . Do You Know Where You're Going?

When we were in San Diego last week, we were using our GPS to help us find somewhere to eat.  With just the press of a button, the GPS told us we were about a mile and a half from a Wendy's.  The kids were ecstatic and we set off.After following several twisty and turny roads, we were within 500 feet of the restaurant.  Or so we were told.  When we made the last turn, instead of seeing a Wendy's restaurant, we saw SDSU.  The GPS had taken us to the university campus instead.  (Yeah, I know there could have been a Wendy's...

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I'm Baaaack . . .

Whew!  It feels so weird to be sitting in front of a computer again.  We took off last Monday and went to San Diego with the family.  I was a little worried about how my two little ones would do traveling that far, but they did great!Of course traveling with a large family has its challenges and funny moments.  We stopped at a restaurant and when the older kids got out of the car, they did a little dance in the parking lot.  Just as they finished, an older lady got out of her car with a shocked look on her face.  I...

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First Page Friday

Thank you to everyone who submits their stuff for First Page Friday.  I am so excited each week to see the critiques.  If you would like your first page done, the submission guidelines are in the sidebar.The EntryShe Came From The Hillby Janice SperryNothing thrived at the far end of the park. Even laughter died at the first stunted tree. Clay could have skipped the shortcut had Alex, who had the communication skills of a bad WIFI connection, called an hour earlier.  Proper packing takes time. In five months he’d get his license...

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Back to School is Almost Here! Good or Bad?

As a mom and a writer, I always feel energized and motivated to write when school starts again.  It's like a new start for me, too, because we're back on schedule.  The little kids love routine and I can usually squeeze more quality writing time in.  Although summer is awesome, too, because I have babysitters, but there's something invigorating about heading into the fall and starting back to school with a fresh outlook on learning and life.So, as a writer, does back to school routine energize you or tire you?  Does it even...

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Word Count Wednesday

So, after my post yesterday I bet you can guess that I didn't do any writing at all this week.  None.  Nada.  My word count is zero. But we've had some great times laughing together as a family.  It has been a glorious week so far. How did you do this week?...

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Taking a Break from Writing . . . Bad Idea?

Some of my writer friends write for four to six hours a day.  I sometimes envy that because I'm not at a place in my life where I can.  I'm pretty much in the 'whatever bit of time I can get on the computer' is my writing time.  I have eight kids and two of them are under four.  They keep me busy and being a mom is my first priority. You see, with my older five children, I've learned that time with my kids really does go by way too fast and before I know it, they're moving out and are on their own.  I even miss the times...

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Book Review: Twitterpated

I have been a fan of Melanie Jacobson's books since her first one came out.  She has a witty style of writing that appeals to me and she does relationship stuff really well.  Twitterpated is no exception.Our heroine is Jessie, a girl who has shied away from relationships ever since the guy she dated through high school and beyond decided to marry someone else.  She becomes engrossed in her work, even though she says she doesn't really...

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First Page Friday

Welcome to another edition of First Page Friday, where national editors critique your first page!  Want to submit?  Guidelines are in the sidebar . . .The EntryWindow of Timeby DJ Allen“I have to kill you now. It’s nothing personal.” Lucia aimed her .38 revolver at the knotted-up muscle and shot a single bullet into the snake’s head. The hot Sonoran desert north of the Arizona-Mexican border supplied her with a variety of vegetation to...

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Criticism vs. Critique

Yesterday when I posted a tongue-in-cheek version of what my critique group was like the night before, I had some interesting emails directed toward me.  I am always fine with my blog readers emailing me and I have made some great friends from this blog, but I wanted to clarify something.  Yesterday's post was an exaggeration.  I was trying to be funny.  I love my critique group and they have made my writing stronger, there's no doubt about that.Today I'd like to talk to you about the difference between criticism and critique....

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Word Count Wednesday

So this is how critique group went last night.My critique partners sat across from me so I was alone on one side of the table.  And then one of them said, "Oh good, we're on teams."Not a great way to start when it's *my* manuscript chapters being critiqued.  It's quite scary actually.  They even looked at me meanly.  Narrowed eyes, red pens tapping on the table.  A little shiver of fear went through me.I read the first paragraph and got a smiley face, so that put me at ease.  Maybe it won't be so bad, I thought to...

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So I Was Taking the Day Off and Then . . .

I wasn't going to do any writing today.  I have my critique group tonight and I knew if I started editing, I would edit what they're going to rake me over the coals for at our meeting so I was going to wait.I started surfing the net.  I went to all the time-sucking places.  Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube.  There is one Youtube video I saw that seriously made me laugh.  Have y'all seen this one?So. Funny.  (I've been saying, "Nope, just Chuck Testa" all day.  My kids are getting annoyed.  Haha!)Anyway,...

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Book Review: The Taming of Lady Kate

There is nothing more relaxing than reading a good book on a Sunday afternoon.  I was so surprised at how quickly I was able to read this book and how engaged I was with it.  It really was a fun afternoon read.We meet Lady Kate Derramore who is being sent away by her uncle to have her season in London.  But the worst part of it is that he is sending her younger brother, Joey, to Eton because he's too coddled.  Kate is so worried...

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First Page Friday

Hey, remember that fundraiser I did a few days ago?  Well, I got interviewed by The Daily Herald during it (along with several other authors who were there) and my quotes were in the paper today!  Click here if you want to read the article.On to First Page Friday, an entry by our own Debra Erfert.  After last week I can truly say it takes guts to submit, so I thank everyone who does it.  And, as always, thank you to our wonderful Ms. Shreditor who takes time out of her very busy schedule to critique for us.  See you next...

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A Whole Different World On Pinterest. Advice?

Last night's fundraiser/booksigning was so much fun and I even got to meet one of my bloggy family.  Thanks so much to everyone who came!I bet you can guess from the title why I'm late posting today.  I've joined Pinterest!  And boy is it easy to get lost there.I've been pinning my favorite music, fave TV shows, places I've been and loved, my books, and crafts I'd like to learn someday.  It's been sort of fun to browse around and see what's out there.  Although being a newbie makes me feel just a tiny bit overwhelmed.  I...

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Word Count Wednesday

Don't forget I'm at the Pleasant Grove Library Fundraiser tonight from 7-9.  I hope to see you there!I'm sort of at a strange and sad, but wonderful and exciting place in the publishing process.  The editing is almost done, the acknowledgments page has been written and my book will be going to press soon.  My baby won't be my baby anymore, she'll be launched onto society---I mean my readers, to be told how amazing she is (or horrible, but I prefer the former). I've been putting all the finishing touches on things, getting last minute...

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