KATHY MACMILLAN INTERVIEW AND SWORD AND VERSE GIVEAWAY

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you had a great holiday and are looking forward to a great year. As I look at where I am now in relation to the start of 2015 I can't believe how much has changed for the good. At the beginning of 2015, I was still heartbroken over the death of my husband, just laid off from my job because of my company closing with no job prospects, and feeling like it was the loneliness and most challenging time of my life. Added to that I knew I'd have to adjust to living alone in September when Anna Li left for college. Literally everything important in my life had changed or was going to change.

Now I have a job I really love (although it doesn't pay well) as a part-time contract nonfiction writer for attorney websites, have adjusted to Anna Li's move to college and watched her blossom as an adult, and am in a relationship with a great new guy who makes me happy. I can't believe how good life has become. It's SO amazing!! I'm really looking forward to more happiness and good things in 2016! I hope you are too.

Today I’m excited to have debut author Kathy MacMillan here to share about her YA fantasy SWORD AND VERSE that releases on January 19, 2016. It’s been compared to Megan Whalen Turner’s books—a favorite of mine—so I’m definitely excited to read this.

I wanted to read the ARC but have not been able to load it onto my new Amazon Fire from Edelweiss. Anyone know how to do this? I'd appreciate the help.

Here’s a blurb from Goodreads:

Raisa was just a child when she was sold to work as a slave in the kingdom of Qilara. Despite her young age, her father was teaching her to read and write, grooming her to take his place as a Learned One. In Qilara, the Arnathim, like Raisa, are the lowest class, and literacy is a capital offense. What’s more, only the king, prince, tutor, and tutor-in-training are allowed to learn the very highest order language, the language of the gods. So when the tutor-in-training is executed for teaching slaves this sacred language, and Raisa is selected to replace her, Raisa knows any slipup on her part could mean death.

Keeping her secret is hard enough, but the romance that’s been growing between her and Prince Mati isn’t helping matters. Then Raisa is approached by the Resistance—an underground army of slave rebels—to help liberate Arnath slaves. She wants to free her people, but that would mean aiding a war against Mati. As Raisa struggles with what to do, she discovers a secret that the Qilarites have been hiding for centuries—one that, if uncovered, could bring the kingdom to its knees. 

Hi Kathy! Thanks so much for joining us.

1. Tell us about yourself and how you became a writer.

I am a librarian, storyteller, and an American Sign Language interpreter in addition to being a writer. I guess you could say I love language! In the early 2000s, I was active in the Harry Potter fandom as one of the administrators of the Sugar Quill (http://sugarquill.net/). I also wrote a LOT of fanfiction. Writing fanfiction gradually morphed into writing original fiction.

2. Harry Potter got me into writing too. Where did you get the idea for your book?

While researching for an article on book burning, I came across a reference to ancient libraries composed entirely of letters. I scribbled in the margin of my notebook, “What if they were letters to the gods?” The Library of the Gods was the starting point of the story.

3. What an awesome way to get a story idea. The reviews of your book really praise the depth of your world building. Share about how you developed Raisa’s world and any tips for other writers trying to create a new world for their stories.

87 revisions. I’m only kind of kidding here. The original manuscript was a very different story, though Raisa and Mati and the language of the gods were always at the center of it, and it always dealt with the question of who controls knowledge. With every revision, the world expanded and came into clearer focus. I now have a 63-page chart detailing everything from the average rainfall in Qilara to the population demographics of the various cities. I’ve also found a couple of books that have been a great resource for this detailed world building. I write about them here: https://kathymacmillan.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/scary-starts-and-fictional-census-results/

4. Okay, you're making me feel better about admitting I revised my first book for about 10 years. I loved how you made the stakes so high and difficult for Raisa: help the slaves like her and stay faithful to Prince Mati who she loves. How did you build on your stakes and keep the tension mounting?

Can “87 revisions” just be my answer to everything? :D One of the challenges with this story was

that Raisa is not a sword-wielding tough girl – and it was very important to me to stay true to that, because, while kickass heroines are great, that’s not the only way to be strong. Raisa is the kind of girl – and we all know women like this – who might appear meek on the surface but has a will of iron underneath. But that also meant that action was not her default mode, so I had to force her into situations where she had no choice but to act. This is an area where agent, editor, and betareader feedback was invaluable.

5. She sounds like a fantastic character I want to get to know. Are you a pantser or plotter and why do you think that works for you?

I think I am a combination. I usually start out doing a lot of research and world building, making tons of notes, and focusing on the characters and their backstories. I do make an outline of sorts, but it’s not so detailed that I consider myself a true plotter. Usually when I start a first draft, I have a good idea of the emotional beats of the story, but not of the plot itself. The first draft, for me, is all about figuring out the characters and how they relate to each other. Plot is something to be cleaned up later. As I write, there are many turns that come up that I don’t anticipate. In fact, there is a moment near the end of Sword and Verse that several readers have cited as their favorite moment in the book, when Raisa does something that surprises everyone around her. While I was writing it, I was just as surprised as the characters in that scene, because I’d had no idea she was going to do that either!

6. I'm a combination too. Your agent is Steven Malk. Share how he became your agent and your road to publication.

I’d been steadily submitting to agents since 2002, and had racked up lots of rejections. Sword and Verse was the fourth novel I submitted to various agents. In 2008, I read a Writer’s Digest article about new agents looking for clients, and one of them, Lindsay Davis at Writers House, looked like a great fit for me and my book. So I submitted to her and she said she’d like to work with me to revise it. Then, several months later, she moved out of the country and Steven Malk, the senior agent with whom she had been working, took over. Steven represents so many amazing authors and illustrators – I probably never would have had the guts to query him directly. (Though he tells me that’s ridiculous.)

7. That's awesome he took over for Lindsay. I read on your website about your launch party, and it’s a really different way to do it. Tell us about it and why you chose to do it that way.

Since 2001, I have been involved with a wonderful non-profit organization called Deaf Camps, Inc. (https://deafcampsinc.wordpress.com/), which provides completely accessible camps for Deaf children and American Sign Language camps for new signers. I knew I wanted to have a big party for my launch – this has been a long time coming, and I want to celebrate! - and what better recipient of party love than the organization I adore? So I am putting on a gala fundraiser event to benefit Deaf Camps, Inc.’s scholarship program – a fancy dinner, book signing, silent auction, and everything will be completely accessible in American Sign Language and English. Sword and Verse is all about communication and access to knowledge, so it feels especially fitting to celebrate its launch in this way.

8. That's SO fantastic! What’s something that has surprised you about the publication process?

How long it takes, and how much waiting is involved. Sword and Verse will be published 10.5 years after I started submitting it, and 7 years and 6 days after that first email from Lindsay Davis.

9. I admire how you stuck with it given how long it took to get your book published. What are you working on now?

I am working on the follow-up to Sword and Verse. Many people have been excited about the fact that Sword and Verse is a standalone, and it does function as a complete story in itself. I had never intended to write a sequel, but these characters, apparently, weren’t done with me. The second book picks up not long after the first one ends, and it is from the point of view of Soraya Gamo. The story deals with the consequences of the choices made in the first book.

Thanks for sharing all your advice, Kathy. You can find Kathy at:
https://kathymacmillan.wordpress.com/ or on Twitter at @kathys_quill.

Kathy has generously offered an ARC of SWORD AND VERSE for a giveaway. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (just click the follow button if you’re not a follower) and leave a comment through January 16th. If your e-mail is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter either contest.

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. This is for US and Canada.

Here's what's coming up:

Next Monday I have a guest post with debut author Monica Tesler Bounders and her agent David Dunton with a giveaway of her MG science fiction BOUNDERS and a query critique by David Dunton.

Friday that week I'll be participating in the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop. I'll have lots of great books or an Amazon Gift Card for you to choose from.

The following Monday I have an interview with debut author Lois Sepahban and a giveaway of her MG historical fiction PAPER WISHES.

The Monday after that I have a guest post by Gregory Funaro and a giveaway of  one book in his MG fantasy Alistair Grim’s Odditorium series. 

Hope to see you Monday! 
 

MIDWINTER'S EVE GIVEAWAY HOP

Happy Sunday Everyone! For those of you celebrating a holiday this season, I hope you are all prepared and ready to celebrate. I hope everyone gets some time off to relax and spend time with family and friends.

I’m thrilled to be part of the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop sponsored by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Bookhounds. I’ve got lots of newly released YA books that I've read or want to read. There are SO many good ones right now. I'm reading one now and have a few on hold at the library And if you’re reading a different book in the series listed or want a different book by one of the authors listed, I’m glad to get you that book instead as long as it doesn't cost more than the book I've chosen.

Don’t see a book you like? You can win a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card instead. I hope you'll all enter to win a book or gift card for yourself or as a gift for someone.

So here are your choices. Click on the title to read a blurb from Goodreads.

 

 

 

 

FROZEN TIDES
MANNERS & MUTINY
QUEEN OF SHADOW
QUEEN
SIX OF CROWS
SOUNDLESS
TEN THOUSAND SKIES ABOVE YOU
THE CONJURER'S RIDDLE
THE ROSE SOCIETY
THEIR FRACTURED LIGHT
WALK ON EARTH A STRANGER
WINTER

If you haven't found a book you want, you can win a $10 Amazon Gift Card.

To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (just click the follow button if you’re not a follower) and leave a comment through December 31st telling me the book you want to win or if you want to win the Gift Card instead. If your e-mail is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments.

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. You must be 13 or older to enter. International entries are welcome as long as  The Book Depository ships to you for free.

Here's what's coming up:

I'm on blog break until January 4th when I have a fantastic year of Monday interviews and guest posts with hot YA and MG debut authors with ARC or book giveaways. I know you're going to want to read these books, so I hope you'll stop by and enter my Monday giveaways. FYI, the contests run for 10 days if Mondays aren't a good day to stop by.

For any of you who are aspiring authors, I host debut author/agent guest posts and agent interviews with query critiques by agents many months of the year. The winner is picked by random.org so this is a good chance for you to get your query letter critiqued by an agent. I hope you'll check them out.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! See you on January 4th!

Here's the other blogs participating in this Blog Hop:

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JESSICA HAIGHT AND STEPHANIE ROBINSON INTERVIEW AND THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW GIVEAWAY

Happy Monday Everyone! Hope you're having a great start to the week.

Today I have a special treat for you. Debut author and follower Jessica Haight and her co-author Stephanie Robinson are here to share about their MG mystery THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW that recently released. It sounds like a fantastic mystery that has me intrigued.

Here's a blurb from Goodreads:

Fear Not the Unexpected.

Eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow is less than thrilled that her family is moving thousands of miles from civilization to the quiet country town of Ashpot, Connecticut, where she’s absolutely certain she’ll die of boredom.

As if leaving New York City and her best friend, Lizzy, the only other member of the elite Detective Mystery Squad (DMS), weren’t bad enough, Fairday is stuck living in the infamous Begonia House, a creepy old Victorian with dark passageways, a gigantic dead willow tree, and a mysterious past.

Before she can even unpack, strange music coming from behind a padlocked door leads Fairday up a spiral staircase and into a secret room, where an ancient mirror, a brass key, and a strange picture of a red-haired lady are the first in a series of clues that takes the members of the Detective Mystery Squad on an amazing adventure. 

Hi Jessica and Stephanie! Thanks so much for joining us.

How did you write a book together? 

A question often asked of authors who decide to collaborate on writing a story. The underlying truth

of what they are really asking is, “How did you manage to not end up hating each other during the

process?” The answer to this is simple, it’s not about the ego; it’s about the book. We decided this first.

What was a surprising thing you learned while writing your book?

Jessica: I learned a lot about myself and about discipline in writing. I am sort of a free-form writer, and it's absolutely essential to keep everything in tune and orderly to progress. Stephanie is the master of organization, so I am very lucky to have her as my co-author. Most of the time, instructions and lists sound to me like the adults in Charlie Brown, whoh, whoh, whoh. However, after working on this with my awesome writing partner, I embrace the list.

Stephanie:  I have been surprised by the amount of time Jessica and I spend discussing Fairday and her friends and coming up with ideas. Most of our conversations center around our writing and blog. I never knew how exciting it would be to write a book with someone who shares my vision and makes work fun. Also, I have been pleasantly surprised to find support for my book in places I never expected. Thanks to all of our supporters.

What was the writing process like?

We started off brainstorming about our characters and the basic plot. Our daily conversations were about Fairday and the DMS. We flushed out characters, story lines, and everything else both in person and on the phone. Our meetings were always productive. Using Google docs for an online format allowed us to post a chapter or two at a time that we could work on together. What an amazing tool! Being able to make changes to our book from any location opened up our world of writing and our story was written in Poland, Yellowstone, from our town libraries, and the comforts of our own homes. Usually one of us would start a chapter and the other person would go in and start working their magic- adding, deleting, and crafting the writing until it was a blended expression of both of our ideas.

What's it like to receive criticism and revise a manuscript?

There were times when we threw away whole chapters and started over. This was painful, but we knew it had to be done. We wanted to write the best story we could, and so swallowing our pride became a common occurrence, which became easier to digest. Now when we receive criticism, we think of it as an opportunity to improve our story and hone our writing craft.

What advice would you have for new authors?

Be brave. Let yourself to be inspired. Enter contests, attend conferences, listen to other authors tell their stories, visit book fairs and events. If you commit to your work and take yourself seriously, you'll be surprised by what you find along the way. We've met some amazing people and made great connections all over the world. We've become better writers and had loads of fun learning about what it takes to bring a book project to life. 

Jessica Haight is a true New Englander, with a deep desire to be near the ocean and a love of the four seasons. She enjoys drawing while standing up and cultivating magic in her garden. She easily floats away in the pages of a good story and is still waiting for her owl from Hogwarts. Jessica lives in Connecticut with her charming fiancé, James.

Stephanie Robinson lives with her husband in a quiet town, though not as quaint as Ashpot. After teaching fifth grade for almost fifteen years, she is now enjoying her role as a school media specialist. One of the many benefits of her job is that she learns something new every day. When Stephanie isn't working, she spends her time creating stories, getting lost in books, and traveling to new places.

 You can find Jessica and Stephanie at:

Fairday's Blog

Fairdayfiles.com

@DMSfiles

Jessica and Stephanie have generously offered a giveaway of one copy of THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW. This is an international giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here's what's coming up:

I'm participating in the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop on Sunday, December 20th.

Then I'll be on blog break for the holidays until January 4th when I'll start a new schedule of fantastic debut author interviews and guest posts--some with agent critique giveaways.

Hope to see you on December 20th!

DORINE WHITE GUEST POST AND CLEOPATRA'S LEGACY GIVEAWAY

Happy Monday Everyone! Hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend. I did. I feel like I have so much to be grateful for--including having wonderful friends like you all.

Some Info to Share

Gift Giving Idea: Masterclass asked me to let you know about their James Patterson Masterclass as a gift idea for your writer friends. The class includes over 22 online classes, a workbook, and interactive exercises. In addition, they offer online gift giving and physical gift cards that if ordered by December 13th will arrive by December 23rd. For more information, go to masterclass.com.

Contest Alert: YA! 2015 is a writing contest for YA authors. Prizes include a full line edit of a manuscript, a one-hour consultation with a notable book consultation, and cash. The deadline to enter is December 31, 2015. For contest rules and other details, go to the contest website, YA! 2015.

FOLLOWER NEWS

I'm thrilled to share that follower Kristin Lenz won the 2015 Helen Sheehan YA Book Prize and will have her YA novel The Art of Holding On and Letting Go published by Elephant Rock Books (ERB) in Fall 2016.

Today I'm excited to have Dorine White here to celebrate the release of her new MG fantasy, THE DIAMOND LOOKING GLASS that recently released.

Here's a blurb from Goodreads:

Beauty and the Beast.

The world knows it as a cartoon with dancing teacups and broomsticks. To twelve year old Claire La Fleur, it is family history, and the power behind Belle’s mirror is real. Every ten years her family gathers to see if the mirror will awaken, and for the last two hundred years it has slept.

This time, Claire’s touch awakens the magic within the diamond looking glass, a direct portal to the past and a way to communicate with Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt. The lure of power brings with it many perils, and a betrayal close to home thrusts Claire into a treacherous underworld. To protect the mirror, she travels into the Louvre museum in the dark of night, searches abandoned subway tunnels, and walks the catacombs of the dead.
Welcome to Paris, France - where danger follows in every step. 


So here's Dorine!


To celebrate the publication of Book 3 in the Cleopatra’s Legacy Series- The Diamond Looking Glass, I’d like to share with you things I’ve learned about self-publishing. I’m giving away all three books to one lucky reader!

My journey began after book one, The Emerald Ring, was published by a traditional publisher. The editor had book two, The Ruby Pendant, but they wouldn’t send me a contract until numbers rolled in. Unfortunately, the book came out at the end of May, and they decided by the end of August that they didn’t have the numbers. I realized I’d fallen into a middle grade hole. You see, I had school book tours arranged for the fall, but they wanted numbers over the summer, which is hard for a middle grade author to get. Truth, unless you’re in Scholastic, you better do school visits to move your book. I’m sure it surprised them when numbers rolled in once school started, but by then it was too late.

So, I found myself on another journey, self-publishing. My second book was fully self-published by me. The third book that just came out is through a hybrid publisher that uses many of the same tools I learned will self-publishing.

When I started the journey, I looked around at self-publishing options. I knew I wanted print-on-demand so it would be just like ordering any other book, and I knew I wanted it to be for sale at both Amazon and B & N.
At the time, Book Baby did not offer POD (now they do), so I chose Create space.

The next thing I learned- hire a professional cover artist! Why? Because covers are what cause a reader to pick up your book or click on the Amazon link. Do not try to do it yourself. Those types of covers do stand out, but in the wrong way.  They are so obvious and stock art only gives your cover one dimension.

You need to be picky too. On The Ruby Pendant, I used Create space to design the cover. It cost me $500, so you'd think it would have been amazing. Nope, it was horrible. They even make me pay for additional changes. This was my first experience, so I didn't know what to do. I went ahead and used their art, and bam, I got slammed in the reviews.

For my next book, a friend sent me the links to several professional cover artists. I was able to look at their online portfolios and see their talent for myself. I had a wonderful experience and the cover was amazing. I even rehired the artist to redo the original cover of The Ruby Pendant. It is 100% better and looks like part of the series. Let me show you. The first cover is the original and the second is from the cover artist. 

Here is his link http://www.walkingstickbooks.com/
for future reference.

The next thing I learned was through a slightly different experience. You need to hire a copy editor. This will probably cost you around $1200 plus. Put it in your budget and don't think a friend is the better option. A good self-published book needs to be just as lean and sharp as a book published by a New York Publishing House. I see way too many errors in self-published books and it makes me put them right down. I used Amazon’s editing services for my books, and it worked well, but if you are a newbie author and haven’t found your way yet, I suggest a book doctor. You’ll need more help than the simple editing services at Amazon.

Here is the experience that helped me understand this principle. I just finished working with someone on a developmental edit (something I totally recommend). They even had a professional artist do their cover, but when it came time for the copy edits, they didn't want to spend the money, so a friend said they'd do it for free. When this book appeared on Amazon I was so excited. I ordered a copy immediately and was thrilled that I had worked on the book.

 I was shocked when I opened it. Within the first 10 pages there were 3 errors! Obvious, huge errors that involved both spelling and grammar. I was so upset. Not just because I'd put my name out there recommending the book, but because errors are just not acceptable. One maybe in a whole book, but 3 within the first few pages. Ugh! If you want a professional book, pay for the edit, and when that's done, read through it one more time, because you will find something they missed.

One other thing, the marketing and selling is all up to you. I found out for myself it was basically the same as what I’d had to do with book one and the small traditional publisher. You do all the work. For middle grade, that means school visits. Thank you for your time, and don’t forget to find your own magic.

Dorine White

BUY IT NOW LINKS:

Thanks for all your advice, Dorine. You can find Dorine at:

Author Website- http://www.dorinewhite.com/

Blog- The Write Path- http://www.dorinewhite.blogspot.com/

Twitter @Dorinewhite- https://twitter.com/DorineWhite

Facebook Author Page- https://www.facebook.com/dorinewhite

Dorine is generously offering all the books in Cleopatra's Legacy to one lucky winner. o enter, all you need to do is be a follower (just click the follow button if you’re not a follower) and leave a comment through December 12th. If your e-mail is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter either contest.

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. This is for US and Canada.

Here's what's coming up:

Next Monday I have an interview with our followers and debut authors Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson and a giveaway of their MG mystery THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW.

The following Monday I have follower Tyrean Martinson here with a guest post and a giveaway of her new YA fantasy CHAMPIONS DESTINY.

Then I'm participating in the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop on Sunday, December 20th.

Hope to see you on Monday!

KIM BRIGGS GUEST POST & AND THEN HE GIVEAWAY

Happy Monday Everyone! Hope you're having a great start of the week and a fun holiday weekend planned. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

First, I want to let you know that WordTango (see the ad on the left sidebar) is offering a fantastic discount to our followers. They are offering a 25% discount on a  query writing class until Tuesday, November 24th. To take advantage of this offer, go to wordtango.com/weekend-query and use the code "LitRambles".

Today I have something different for you. Kim Briggs is here with a guest post. She's also offering a giveaway of her NA thriller AND THEN HE.

Here's a blurb from Goodreads:

Mature audiences only and not for the faint of heart.

AND THEN HE combines sex and evil in all the right ways. Think "Bared to You" meets "Misery."

The fifth year reunion. Tiffani thought she’d suck the lifeblood out of a dozen exotic locations by her fifth year reunion. She certainly didn’t envision herself as a diner waitress serving giant slices of pie to diabetic townies. The best-selling author she planned to become now writing, “Hold the pickles.” Yet limited funds, monstrous debt, and a high school sweetheart with big league ambitions of his own force her to set aside her own dreams. She soon discovers loneliness is a seductive mistress.

Enter sexy stranger.

Tiffani spends most of the reunion with Jeb, a classmate she doesn’t even remember. He awakens a hunger in her that both frightens and excites her. Tiffani mistakes Jeb’s lifelong obsession for love at first sight and soon finds herself a prisoner, but it’s a hot, steamy trip to get there.

Now here's Kim!

THE FINAL STEPS TO PREPARE YOUR MANUSCRIPT FOR SUBMISSION/PUBLICATION 

Pushing a book towards Submission/Publication takes work. A lot of work. And it takes heart. More heart and sweat and tears than you’ve put into anything else you’ve ever worked on.

The Submission/Publication Process is brutal. Your book should be as near perfect as you can make it before you even consider subbing it out to Agents and/or Editors or publishing it on your own, but you’re not alone on your journey. For one, you have me. I’ll cheer for you and happy dance for you when you get good news, and I’ll pat you on the shoulder and offer you cyber chocolate when your dreamed ‘YES’ turns into the dreaded ‘NO.” And two, I’ve shared with you my final steps of the journey that made all the difference.

KIM’S FINAL STEP BEST ADVICE: View your manuscripts in different mediums.

1. READ IT:

Kindle allows anyone to send a document from their Amazon email to their Kindle/Kindle App email. I

LOVE the ability to read my story this way. I can take it to the gym and read it on the Elliptical. I can read it in my car. I can read it wherever and whenever the mood strikes me. This medium also allows me the ability to read my story tinkering with every little word and period.

Keep a notepad close by to take notes. Then later, you can decide if you need to work on little things or if you need to change the passage/chapter/sentence/word entirely.

If you don’t own a Kindle, download the Kindle App on your computer, your phone, your IPAD. I’m not familiar with Nooks but they may offer a similar option.

KINDLE DOCUMENT DOWNLOAD HOW TO: (Amazon provides directions. I just simplified the process.)

            1. Sign into your Amazon Account.

            2. Go into Manage your Content and Devices.

            3. Select Settings.

            4. Page down until you get to Personal Document Settings.

            5. Then Send-to-Kindle E-Mail Address Settings.

                        **Amazon assigned you a Kindle email address when you registered your device or app. Each device and app has it’s own email address.

            **YOU MUST USE THIS ADDRESS AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE EMAIL OR IT WILL NOT WORK.

            6. Page down a bit more to Approved Personal Document Email List

                        **When you opened your Amazon account, you added an email address. This is different than the assigned Amazon Kindle address. You have the ability to add email addresses but you must be logged into your Amazon account and in Send-to-Kindle Email Address Settings to do so.

            **YOU MUST USE THIS ADDRESS AS THE SENDER OF THE EMAIL OR IT WILL NOT WORK.

SENDING A DOCUMENT TO YOUR KINDLE DEVICE: Okay, now with these TWO addresses in hand, you can send a document to your device.

            1. Attach your document. IT MUST BE A WORD DOC or PDF. 

                        *Amazon claims you can send a Zip file. I have an older Kindle—it doesn’t work for me, but my device might be too old to read it.

                        **If you have Pages or some other type of writing program, you need to export it into a Word Doc or PDF.

            2. Send an email using the correct RECIPIENT address and the correct SENDER address or it won’t work.

            3. It’ll take a few minutes to download onto your Kindle.

           

TROUBLESHOOTING:

•    If the document comes up jumbled, resend the document as a WORD Doc or PDF. Play around and see what works.

•    If the document doesn’t load onto your Kindle, make sure your WIFI is turned on.

•    Check the Settings option in the Menu and sync your device.

•    If it still doesn’t work, double check all the addresses and make sure you’re sending from the email Amazon identifies as yours. You might need to go back to Manage your Content and Devices.

2. LISTEN TO IT: The ability to listen to your manuscript is invaluable. You should read your manuscript to yourself—especially the dialogue to make sure it flows naturally, but you should also listen to it as an Audio book to pick up on any nuances or problems you might otherwise miss.

I use Natural Reader. A friend recommended it to me, and I’m hooked.

The Free Natural Reader app can be downloaded on any device. It will read 5,000 words of your document for free. Then it will ask you if you want to upgrade. Click, “No thanks” and press play again. It’ll read the next 5,000 words, before you need to start the “No thanks” process all over again, but it will eventually read your entire document.

Natural Reader allows you to select the voice and the speed at which the document is read to you.

The Upgraded Version includes more voices and will read continuously. There are also some additional features available, but the Free version works great and did I mention it’s FREE?

Here’s the link to Natural Reader: http://www.naturalreaders.com/index.html

You can also go into the App Store and download it. 

3. PRINT OPTION 1: I like to get my hands on my book. I’m a visual, hands-on kinda girl, so I need this part of the process.

            1. Duplicate your document—or Save As to create a new document that you can manipulate.

            2. In the new document, change the font. Set the margins at 1”. Set the printer options to TWO pages per sheet, and print out that masterpiece!

            3. I fold the pages in half and binder clip the entire document. The end product looks like a books. I use those in-between blank pages as notes or rewrites.

4. PRINT OPTION 2: When I want to look at my entire story—where chapter breaks fall, page layout, length of chapters —Big Picture Visual Stuff, I go into my printer options and set the printer preferences to 9 pages per sheet. I print out the document and lay it out on the floor.

I find this method especially helpful at the end of the journey to really double check and triple check to make sure the visual impression of the book is as powerful as the written expression.

I also examine my first lines and last lines of chapters to make sure that they’re strong and powerful—readers NEED to keep reading the story because she MUST know what happens next.

And finally, when you’ve gone through these steps a few times, yep, you read that right, a FEW times, and your Critique Group/Beta Readers have read it, and you’ve gone back through your manuscript and fixed everything and started the FINAL STEPS TOWARDS SUBMISSION/PUBLICATION all over again, then, my friend, you are ready to hit SUBMIT/PUBLISH. Good luck and may the Writing Force be with you!

If you have any tips you’d like to share, PLEASE leave a comment. I love learning new things! And be sure to stay in touch!

Write on,

Kim Briggs

Website: http://www.kimbriggswrite.com

Twitter: @kimbriggs_write

Blog: All Things Writing http://kimbriggs.blogspot.com

FB: Kim Briggs, Author https://www.facebook.com/KimBriggsWrite/?ref=hl

AND THEN HE Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27216309-and-then-he

AND THEN HE Amazon Link:

http://www.amazon.com/AND-THEN-HE-Adult-Thriller-ebook/dp/B016P59NAQ/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

Kim  generously donated a copy of AND THEN HE for a giveaway. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (just click the follow button if you’re not a follower) and leave a comment through December 5th. If your e-mail is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter either contest.

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. This is for US and Canada.

Here's what's coming up:

Next Monday I have a guest post by Dorine White and a giveaway of a book in her MG fantasy Cleopatra's Legacy series.

The following Monday I have an interview with our followers and debut authors Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson and a giveaway of their MG mystery THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW.

The following Monday I have follower Tyrean Martinson here with a guest post and a giveaway of her new YA fantasy CHAMPIONS DESTINY.

Then I'm participating in the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop on Sunday, December 20th.

Hope to see you on Monday!

LAURA WOLFE GUEST POST AND TRAIL OF SECRETS GIVEAWAY

Happy Monday Everyone! Today I'm excited to have debut author Laura Wolfe here to share about her YA mystery TRAIL OF SECRETS. It sounds like a fantastic mystery with high stakes.

Here's the Back Cover Blurb:

Spending three weeks of her summer at the elite Foxwoode Riding Academy in northern Michigan should have been one of the happiest times of sixteen year-old Brynlei’s life. But from the moment Brynlei arrives at Foxwoode, she can’t shake the feeling she’s being watched. Then she hears the story of a girl who vanished on a trail ride four years earlier. While the other girls laugh over the story of the dead girl who haunts Foxwoode, Brynlei senses that the girl—or her ghost—may be lurking in the shadows.

Brynlei’s quest to reveal the truth interferes with her plan to keep her head down and win Foxwoode’s coveted “Top Rider” award. To make things worse, someone discovers Brynlei’s search for answers and will go to any length to stop her. As Brynlei begins to unravel the facts surrounding the missing girl’s disappearance, she is faced with an impossible choice. Will she protect a valuable secret? Or save a life?

Now here's Laura!

Small Press Publishing: What to Expect

Small presses can open doors for authors who may not otherwise find a home for their books. For anyone considering publication by a small press, here are a few things I've learned from working with Fire and Ice YA, the small press that recently published my young adult mystery, Trail of Secrets:

* Expect to receive personal attention from a small press

Editors at small presses will likely consult with their authors every step of the way. Prior to the publication of Trail of Secrets, I worked with a cover designer to create a cover that matched my vision and I retained the power to veto edits with which I disagreed. Even months later, all of my questions and concerns are answered directly by the owners of the company. With a small press I feel like an important member of the team, rather than just another number.

* Expect to become a part of the small press "family"

One of the best things about working with a small press is getting to know other authors published by the same press. The authors I've met through Fire and Ice are now some of my biggest supporters. Small presses can make it easy for authors to connect through Facebook groups, twitter lists, and blog opportunities. Additionally, small presses are loyal to their authors. They want to see authors succeed and grow. Once an author is published by a small press, that press is much more likely to publish other manuscripts the author submits to them in the future.

* Don't expect books published by a small press to be on the shelves at Barnes & Noble

…Or any other bookstore for that matter. The same goes for libraries. Many small presses publish

print books only "on-demand", meaning the books cannot be ordered in bulk and held in a distribution warehouse. While small press authors should contact independent bookstores and libraries to try to get their books on the shelves, they should also be realistic about the limited shelf space for print-on-demand books and the amount of time it takes to sell books to individual stores.

* Don't expect a small press to do any marketing

Any marketing a small press does for their authors should be considered a gift. Other than Fire and Ice posting the cover of Trail of Secrets on their website and sending out a few tweets, I've done all of the marketing for my book. On the positive side, I've learned a TON in the last two months about how to promote my book. I now know how to create a book trailer. I'm confident approaching bookstores and libraries. I'm becoming a #twitter expert. This is knowledge I'll be able to utilize for future book releases.

I urge aspiring authors to consider the benefits and drawbacks before publishing with a small press. For me, working with a small pres has been a positive experience!

Thanks for the great advice, Laura. You can find Laura at:

Trail of Secrets Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Trail-Secrets-Laura-Wolfe-ebook/dp/B0140IYJTU
Trail of Secrets Barnes & Noble.com link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trail-of-secrets-laura-wolfe/1122541114
Trail of Secrets Smashwords link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/569829
Author website: http://www.AuthorLauraWolfe.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraCWolfe
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraWolfe
Blog: http://WritingwithLaura.wordpress.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1908042.Laura_Wolfe

Author Bio: Laura Wolfe is a lover of animals and nature. When she is not writing, she can be found playing games with her highly-energetic kids, riding horses, growing vegetables in her garden, or spoiling her rescue dog. She lives in her home state of Michigan with her husband, son, and daughter. She holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan and a JD from DePaul University. In addition to Trail of Secrets, Laura's writing has been published in multiple magazines, including Practical Horseman. Her picture book, Henrietta's Hoof Polish, is forthcoming from another small press—Guardian Angel Publishing.

Laura generously donated a copy of TRAIL OF SECRETS for a giveaway. To enter, all you need to do is be a follower (just click the follow button if you’re not a follower) and leave a comment through November 28th. If your e-mail is not on your Google Profile, you must leave it in the comments to enter either contest.

If you mention this contest on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog, mention this in the comments and I'll give you an extra entry. This is for US.

Here's what's coming up:

On Monday  I have a guest post by Kim Briggs and a giveaway of her NA thriller AND THEN HE.

The following Monday I have a guest post by Dorine White and a giveaway of a book in her MG fantasy Cleopatra's Legacy series.

Hope to see you on Monday!