NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, kicks off November first. For those of you thinking about writing a novel, this may be the push you need. To quote Thomas Edison, "writing is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration."

Okay, so Edison was talking about genius, not writing, but writing fits just as nicely. When I'm editing my early drafts, I can't distinguish between scenes I wrote while truly inspired and those I wrote while glancing at the clock every ten seconds, wishing these darn characters would hurry up and do whatever they need to do so I could go read/watch TV/be lazy. You would think the inspired passages would stand out but they don't. Or maybe I wasn't quite as inspired as I thought at the time.

So, if writing a novel is on your bucket list, there's no time like the present. Sign up, and start sweating!

Games and Whatnot

I finally decided to connect my laptop to the Internet after months of leaving it in isolation. My impetus for this brave decision? I wanted to play games online and needed to download the necessary software.

Since I figured I should be somewhat productive, I also updated a bunch of programs already installed. Happily, my word processor had a new version out and after I upgraded my spell-check worked again. It has been broken since earlier this year, probably the result of some self-preservation mechanism kicking in given how atrocious my spelling can be when writing a first draft.

I'm sure you're wondering whether there's a moral to this story and, yes, surprisingly there are two. First, never underestimate the value of playing games when you could be accomplishing something inherently useful. Second, when something breaks on your computer, don't waste your time trying to fix it by combing through the millions of incoherent articles available online, futilely importing language libraries, and pounding on your keyboard in a last-ditch effort to jar something back in place. If you procrastinate long enough, the problem will eventually fix itself.

Unfortunately, procrastinating until someone else codes a fix doesn't work so well with plot holes, weak character development, and grammar nightmares, but that's okay. Never underestimate the healing power of games.

Book Reviews & More by Kathy

I'm the guest post today on Book Reviews & More by Kathy. I talk about book titles and offer a chance to win a free ebook copy of my recent release, Lost Witness, which is now available for purchase. While you're visiting her site, check out Kathy's book recommendations and contests. Her page is jam-packed with helpful information. Happy reading!

My First "Lost Witness" Review

As an author, there's nothing more satisfying than knowing a complete stranger enjoyed my book. This week, a volunteer reader was kind enough to give my upcoming humorous mystery novel, Lost Witness, its first review on Goodreads. I really can't describe how happy I am reading it so you'll just have to picture me with a smile I can't erase.

Sometimes I just want to reach through the Internet and hug my reviewers. But in lieu of this option, I find myself itching to contact them instead in order to let them know the time they spent to write a thoughtful review is really appreciated. Is that considered bad author etiquette? From the articles I've read, "yes" seems to be the popular answer. Apparently, readers don't like to be badgered by pushy authors. Who knew?

Of course, that guideline only applies when the reader doesn't initiate contact. As soon as a reader writes to me directly, I can self-promote, spam, and pester to my heart's content. Oh, wait, that's not advised either?

I guess I'll just have to satisfy myself with posting a public thank-you. So, to my current and future reviewers, know that your efforts are not wasted. If your review is good, you'll make my day. If it's bad, hopefully I can learn something from your feedback. Either way, I am reading what you have to say.

My Editor

As I work on the finishing touches to my upcoming novel, Lost Witness, I feel it's only fitting to publicly acknowledge my editor. I rarely accept her suggestions, but my rejection fails to dampen her helpful spirit as she tirelessly continues to propose manuscript changes. She also remains the only individual who has ever figured out how to access the usability options on my laptop. Thankfully, she didn't alter any of them (to my knowledge).

Anna Belle, although you're not formally acknowledged in my next release, I truly do appreciate your dedication to editing my works. Absent your contributions, my novel would in large part be exactly the same (unless you've snuck in some changes that I've regretfully failed to notice), but the writing process would almost certainly be less enjoyable without you.

"Lost Witness" Giveaways

Welcome to my blog! To celebrate the upcoming release of my new humorous mystery novel, Lost Witness, I'm running two giveaways through September 28, 2013. Goodreads is hosting the paperback giveaway, and if you're a fan of free books (because, really, who isn't?) you may want to check out their other giveaways as well. They host hundreds of them. While you're there, feel free to friend me since, unfortunately, Goodreads discourages me from contacting giveaway participants directly.

The purpose of the giveaways is to drum up interest in my new novel and hopefully generate some reader reviews. As an indie author, I rely heavily on reader reviews and word-of-mouth to increase awareness of my work. If you've read my previous novel, Lethal Injection, or plan to read Lost Witness, please consider posting an honest review of the work on Goodreads, Amazon, and/or wherever you prefer. I really am most grateful for any reviews readers are willing to share and in exchange you will hold a special place in my heart. There may even be some thankful weeping involved. Even simple reviews ("I loved/liked/didn't like/hated this book.") are appreciated.

Okay, that's enough groveling for my inaugural post. I really do hope you'll check out my giveaways and best of luck to everyone who enters!