Monday, July 23, 2018

Living on the Edge


Grand Canyon, Arizona


That's what I call week-to-week blogging. With no posts scheduled for the upcoming week, I'm racing to put together something that will interest my readers.

Yes, I'm stressed.

With posts due every Monday and Friday, Sunday at 9:42 PM reminds me of cramming for a major test. It's time for a blog break. I'll be back Monday, August 27th.

Have a wonderful summer!

Writers and Readers:  What fun things do you have planned for the summer?

Photo Credit:  Gregory Runyan

Friday, July 20, 2018

Short Podcasts/Details/Locker Room/Devo/Paris


dressing room 3


1. Dr. MaryAnn Diorio has several short podcasts for writers. I thought you might enjoy them.

2.  Details, details. Cindy Ervin-Huff shares how important accurate details are in your novels.

3. Wow! I was horrified when I read the WND story about two Planet Fitness locations allowing men in the women's locker room. Their policy wasn't mentioned in the contracts, and the woman who complained had her membership revoked. Before signing up with them, make sure to ask about their policy.

4.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, asks, Baggage or Luggage-Which Am I Carrying?

5.  Linda, at A La Carte shares some fun tablescapes with a Paris theme. Most of the items were bought at thrift stores. Check out her blog here.

Writers:  Have you ever ventured into the area of podcasting? Please share your experience.

Readers:  I thought Linda's Paris themed table was a nice change of pace. What kind of table settings have you tried to surprise your friends and family?

Photo Credit:  Eva Serna


Monday, July 16, 2018

On My Kindle - The Innkeepers Daughter by Michelle Griep

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Johanna, her mother, and younger brother struggle to keep the Blue Hedge Inn and stay out of the workhouse. The burden falls mostly on Johanna, and she derives little enjoyment from life. Romance is the last thing on her mind when a handsome stranger rents a room in their ramshackle establishment.

Alexander Moore, aka Morton, is a Bow Street runner (an early form of policeman in London). He's on a dangerous mission to discover the identity of a traitor. Each day is an effort to survive and achieve his goals. His strong faith is all that keeps him together. He's shocked when the pretty innkeeper's daughter melts his heart.

Michelle Griep is a new-to-me author. Her Regency romance provided many hours of reading pleasure. The descriptions and character arcs were vivid and intriguing. Many of the scenes still play in my head weeks after completing the book.

I'm giving this book 5 stars.

Disclaimer:  Neither the author nor the publisher paid me anything for a favorable review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Writers:  When working on a novel or detailed article, how much time do you put into research? Please share your method.

Readers:  Do you enjoy a lot of historical/technical details in the books you read? Please elaborate.


Friday, July 13, 2018

Weasel Words/Romantic Hero/Archaeology/Devotion/Plain People


Amish


1.  One lesson drilled into writers involves banishing "weasel words" from their work in progress. Zoe M. McCarthy addresses the use of one of these words, "just." Is it always bad?

2.  Donna L.H. Smith gives tips on getting inside the romantic hero's head. If you're writing a romance, you'll want to read this post.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports on an archaeologist in Israel who uses the Bible as a guide for digging.

4.  Dena Netherton talks about how love needs memories. I hope you enjoy this beautiful devotion.

5.  Readers: If you're a fan of Amish/Mennonite/Quaker novels, check out this article o Pennsylvania Colonial Plain People. Christy Distler does an excellent job summarizing their beliefs and practices during pre-revolutionary times.

Writers:  What "weasel words" have a way of appearing in your writing? Please share.

Readers:  What effect does reading historical fiction have on your interest in various cultures?

Photo  Credit:  Mike Munchel


Monday, July 9, 2018

Pen Name or Real Name?


Last Saturday, Sweetie Mom and I jumped in the car and headed for one of our favorite places: Pennsylvania Amish country. Since mobility issues limit what she can do, we have a set routine. We always stop at the Bird-in-Hand Farmer's Market first.

While she rested on a bench, I checked out the souvenir shops. I found this cute keychain in purple (my favorite color) embroidered with my name. Sold! Sometimes the simplest things make me smile.

Looking at my new item, I started thinking about how something personalized attracts people. Growing up, there were so many girls in my class named Susan that it didn't seem all that special or unique. Nicknames seem inevitable and mine was Susie as a kid. Later, I adopted the moniker, Sue, and eventually returned to my original Susan.

As a writer, I decided to use my full name, Susan J. Reinhardt. After having a number of non-fiction pieces published, I discovered there was another writer with the same name in the general market. At first, people got us mixed up. The last several years it hasn't been much of a problem.

I wonder if I should have used a pen name. However, the foundation for my platform was already under my real name. All in all, I'm glad I didn't try to make any changes. After all, I'm rather attached to it. Like my keychain, it makes me smile to see it on a book cover.

Writers:  Did you research author names when you started writing? Did you ever consider using a pen name?

Readers:  Have you ever confused two authors because of a same or similar name? Please share your experience.

Photo Credit: Susan J. Reinhardt 

Friday, July 6, 2018

Indie Tips/POV/Persecuted Christians/Devo/Recipe

Paper people


1.  Erica Liodice posted at Writer Unboxed about avoiding publisher's remorse. With so many people choosing the Indie route, it's easy to get tripped up. The writer gives some excellent tips on what to NOT do when preparing your book for readers.

2. Lisa Hall-Wilson gives 5 Ways Deep Point of View Delivers a Punch in Action Scenes. This is for the more advanced writer. If you're unfamiliar with Deep POV, it would be good to study the basics first.

3.  Faith, Family America reports on Vice-President Pence's plan to aid persecuted Christians in Iraq.

4. Audrey Frank shares a devotional on, "Why  Writers Need Each Other." While directed at writers, it will speak to the heart of every believer.

5.  Be still my heart! Flourless, peanut butter, chocolate chip muffins are only 100 calories each.

Writers:  Are any of using the Indie route to publication? If so, what tip at Writer Unboxed helped you the most?


Readers:  What are your favorite go-to recipes? Please share.


Photo Credit:  Davide Guglielmo

Monday, July 2, 2018

Happy Independence Day!


fireworks 3


July 4th has been celebrated since 1776. After the War of 1812, the observance became more widespread. I found some fun facts on History.com. Did you know:

1.  Three  U.S. presidents died on July 4th?

2.  NY City has the biggest fireworks display in the nation?

3.  It was drafted by Thomas Jefferson?

Check out the website for more information. You might find some interesting conversation starters or even make up a 4th of July game for your family BBQ.

Most of all, I'm thankful I was born in the Land of the Free and The Home of the Brave. Happy Birthday, America!

Writers and Readers:  How do you celebrate the 4th of July?



Photo Credit:  tz