I’m hosting a fun game today over at the Honey Creek Books blog. Have you ever played Would You Rather? I made up five questions, after having one thrown at me by Ellie in an interview of my main character, Mariah, from Shades of the Future.

I’d love to have you stop by and answer the questions. Come on! It will be fun.

Would you rather

a. Be bored, wondering what everyone else is doing for fun?

b. Be entertained, delighted, and challenged with exciting questions such as the ones at the HC blog.

Click the link and play the game!

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Best of the Blogs in #amwriting #writetips #yalit #teaching

  • I’ve tweeted bunches of great posts for you this week from @suzannelilly. Here’s a listing in case you missed any of them.

Teaching Tips

The Craft of Writing

47 words and phrases that slow your reader down http://wp.me/pVquh-jW from BeKindRewrite #amwriting

What character, POV, and narrator tell your reader. via @Janice_Hardy blog.janicehardy.com/2012/05/whos-there-introducing-characters-in.html

Avoid Being Branded as an Amateur: Use These 7 POV Basics
http://shar.es/qWGVi via @jodyhedlund #amwriting #writetips

What every author needs to know before writing for Harlequin. From Jack Konrath’s blog. http://tinyurl.com/6v5uzok #amwriting

SEO and Social Media for Teachers and Writers

Book marketing dos and don’ts. http://tinyurl.com/c3hozcw via @WWMermaids #pubtips #socialmedia

Because we all need reminders sometimes. Dos & don’ts on Twitter. http://tinyurl.com/87dmquc via @dirtywhitecandy #socialmedia

Writing and Teaching Resources

RT @meg_allison: Fun activity for classes. MT @kidsmomo   Book Covers Redrawn in Five Minutes: http://bit.ly/L1got2 #mglit #teaching

Want a 50 page critique from @Lea_Nolan? Proceeds support diabetes research. http://tinyurl.com/6rhgvto #amediting #amwriting

Fun Posts

I was interviewed on Stephen Herfst’s blog yesterday. Please stop by & say hi! http://stephenherfst.blogspot.com/2012/05/interview-with-suzanne-lilly.html #amwriting #teaching

Author Jo Ramsey on her Writing Space and Writing Methods

Today on the Writing Room Inspiration series, I’m pleased to welcome Jo Ramsey. She’s a multi-published author whose book, Dolphins in the Mud will be available in May 2012.

Dolphin in the Mud cover

Let’s get started! Please tell us a little about yourself. What types of things do you write?

I’ve been writing since I was five years old, and wrote my first novel-length story when I was twelve. That one will probably never be published. Currently, I write young adult contemporary and urban fantasy under this name; under a pen name, I write adult romance. Some of my YA books have gay or bisexual characters, and I have a few books coming soon in which the main character is gay.

That’s a funny comment about your first novel. Do you have a schedule for writing?

No schedule per se. I do have kind of a morning routine involving coffee and quiet, but otherwise I write as I’m able. I have a part-time “day job” that’s only about 12-15 hours per week, so other than that and the time I spend with my family, I write.

Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?

I don’t really have any rituals. Sometimes I like to listen to music; other times I find it too distracting. I like to burn scented candles, but my husband complains about the smell, so I can’t use them often.

Who or what is your inspiration?

Many things and people inspire me. It’s hard to pick just one or two.

Could you tell us about your writer’s space?

My husband and I just redid my writer’s space this past weekend. Previously, I had one desk, a narrow one that didn’t leave me much space to put things. I had a tall bookcase that was overflowing with STUFF, and half the time I couldn’t find things because everything was so cluttered.

Now, thanks to hubby’s indulgence, I still have the narrow desk, but it Jo_Ramsey writing deskforms only part of my space, along with a new corner desk. My laptop is on the corner part of the desk, and all my series “bibles” are behind it. On the straight part of that desk, I have my printer, which was previously on top of the bookcase because there was nowhere else to put it. The narrow desk is now a space where I can make notes or set something that I need to transcribe, and I’ve added a small bookshelf to it where I keep one copy of each of my books. I have a small bookcase now and have put fabric drawers in three of the four square spots to keep things; the top square of the bookcase is where I keep copies of other authors’ books that aren’t appropriate for my teens to read.Jo_Ramsey writing laptop

On one wall, I have a markerboard where I keep a list of the projects I’ve promised to publishers and when they’re due; calendar pages for the current month and next month so I can keep track of appointments, guest blogs, etc.; and a bulletin board where I have a system to organize the books I’ve finished, submitted, am awaiting edits on, etc. And that wall also holds a “gallery” of all my cover art, along with a few miscellaneous pictures and pieces of paper.

It sounds as if you are the epitome of organization! Off the topic of writing, what is the zaniest, craziest thing you’ve ever done?

I’ve never really done anything zany or crazy. I’m pretty boring, for the most part.

I’m going to interpret that comment as you live vicariously through your characters. Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us?

My latest young adult contemporary novel, Dolphins in the Mud, should be releasing by the end of May 2012 from Featherweight Press.

Here’s the book blurb:

When Chris Talberman’s mother, tired of taking care of Chris’s autistic younger sister, abandons the family, Chris’s father leans on him. But Chris needs someone to lean on too, and he turns to his new friend/boyfriend, Noah Silver. What he doesn’t know is that Noah’s hiding a secret about himself, one that almost leads to tragedy.

Featherweight Press is the home of my YA contemporary and the new home of my two urban fantasy series, Reality Shift and The Dark Lines; previous books in those two series are available from Jupiter Gardens Press. I have three more releases tentatively scheduled from Featherweight between now and February 2013.

Dolphins in the Mud sounds intriguing. Last of all, what advice would you give to other writers?

Don’t give up, and don’t settle. Aim for your dreams and realize they might take time; don’t go for quick over quality.

That’s excellent advice. Thanks, Jo.

Author Jo Ramsey

Visit the Jo Ramsey author page on Amazon if you’d like to know more about her and the other books she’s written.

Before you go, is there anything else you’d like to ask Jo? Just leave your questions in the comments.

Best of the Blogs in #amwriting #writetips #yalit #teaching

Here are some of the posts by remarkable writers I’ve found for you this week from @suzannelilly. Here’s a listing in case you missed any of them on Twitter.

The Craft of Writing

Here’s the thing about independent editors… http://wp.me/ppJnZ-1KK via @behlerpublish #amediting

The 21 Best Tips for Writing Your Opening Scene  http://wp.me/pVquh-jH Another good one to bookmark. #amwriting #amediting

26 Tricks to Keep Readers Reading http://wp.me/pVquh-jQ I bookmarked this one. #amwriting #amediting

SEO and Social Media for Teachers and Writers

Writer’s Cramp: In the E-Reader Era, a Book a Year Is Slacking http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/13/business/in-e-reader-age-of-writers-cramp-a-book-a-year-is-slacking.html #amwriting

Fun Posts

#MyPastRelationships Taught Me This.http://pic.twitter.com/fb4uTgXE

While cruising Youtube, mostly to watch the Lizzie Bennet Diaries, (love those!) I came across the cutest video I’ve ever seen about a puppy and kitty in love. The dog has the most endearing expressions! It’s only a minute. Check it out here at the Honey Creek Books blog.


Maggi Anderson, Author of Murder in Devon, on her Writing and her Writing Space

On my blog today for the Writers’ Room series, I have Maggi Anderson, the author of the mystery novel Murder in Devon, which I reviewed last week. This week, she’s here to talk to us about her writing space, how she gets things done, and to give away a free copy of her book.

I’m hoping for this to be a fun and friendly way for readers and writers to get to know a little more about you. So let your hair down and have fun answering the questions!

 Please tell us a little about yourself. What types of things do you write?

I am an Australian writer of historical romance, mysteries and young adult novels. My historical romances take place in the Georgian, Regency and Victorian eras. Most of my books are set in England apart from two about the Australian outback.

Do you have a schedule for writing?

I begin after breakfast, dealing with email and promotional commitments. Before lunch I do the necessary housework, catch up on any important reading or research. In the afternoon I visit the gym, and swim in the summer months. I then work on my current manuscript until six o’clock. Late afternoon seems to be the time my muse is present.

Do you have any writing rituals, such as music, food, clothes, or anything else to help you?

Copious cups of tea and coffee and comfortable clothes, like a tracksuit suit me best. Sometimes television can help sort out a plot point or deepen a character’s motivation. It usually comes from out of the blue and is quite a mysterious process.  As if my brain has been sorting it out without my noticing. Music can be energizing and get me in the right mood, but I don’t tend to use it a lot. I find singing distracting.

Who or what is your inspiration?

I’m inspired by good writing; by an intriguing concept; or even just an image.  I saw a neo-Nazi rally on the television news and thought, what if? That’s how Murder in Devon began.

Could you tell us about your writer’s space?

I have a study nook off the kitchen, a step away from tea and coffee making facilities. My cat, Africa, a champagne Persian, graces me with her company, leaning on the keyboard and creating chaos. I don’t have the heart to tell her to leave.

Maggi_Anderson_desk

Maggi_Anderson_chair

Maggi_Anderson_cat

We live in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. The view from my window is of majestic trees often filled with sulpher-crested cockatoos Maggi_Anderson_ducksand colorful parrots. Wild ducks inhabit the creek at the bottom of the garden. It changes with the seasons, which I love. Autumn is my favorite; the Himalayan dogwood tree turns a glorious rich crimson and the towering elm turns to gold.

Do you have anything else you’d like to tell us?

Murder in Devon is a murder mystery set in Devon, England. It’s a mystery/ romantic suspense which has been garnering some great reviews.  You can read about them on my blog: http://www.maggiandersen.blogspot.com

Murder in Devon is available in print and on Amazon kindle

Maggi_Anderson

Maggi Anderson Author website

 Last of all, what advice would you give to other writers?

Some writers have instant success with their first novel. But for most of us, and me included, it takes years to become published.  Although with self-publishing and e-book companies springing up, it’s easier to get your novel published in some form. My advice would be not to rush it. Give yourself time to learn your craft and discover your voice. Polish your work and make it as perfect as you can.  Take the time to plan your career and set yourself up with a good website or blog, so readers will become familiar with your work.  Be patient, and don’t give up.

Thanks so much, Maggi, for taking the time to talk to us. If you’d like to read Murder in Devon for free, just leave a comment with your email or other contact information in it.

Battle of the Kicka$$tacular Heroines: Bella or Katniss?

There’s a battle going on this morning between Hunger Games’ Katniss Everdeen and Twilight Saga’s Bella Swan. Hey, Katniss has a bow and poisoned berries, but Bella has super speed and sparkly friends. Hmmm…

Check out my Honey Creek Books battle post and take my short quiz to see who you’re most like. Are you Bella-esque or Katniss Powerful? Then watch the video. Who do you think wins?

Image from Little, Brown

Image from TheHungerGames.wikia.com

Best of the Blogs in #amwriting #writetips #yalit #teaching

I’ve tweeted bunches of great posts for you this week from @suzannelilly. Here’s a listing in case you missed any of them.

Young Adult Lit

That was a fabulous article. The YA Genre is Killing Itself http://www.fuelyourwriting.com/the-ya-genre-is-killing-itself #yalit #amwriting #fiction

The Craft of Writing

Watch this video! You Don’t Publish a Book, You Give Birth To It http://bit.ly/Hbt2RC #amwriting #bookbinding I loved this video of a reminder of how involved book publishing can be.

Have you read less than stellar #indie book? Where selfpub gets quality control, by @dirtywhitecandy http://tinyurl.com/83yrqqb #pubtips

A follow up to my #indie selfpub tweet: Vetting the Independent Editor. http://tinyurl.com/7sjmnob @writerbeware #pubtips

Character development: examples and practice from @StinaLL on the @querytracker blog. http://tinyurl.com/7gjb6nk #amwriting

SEO and Social Media for Teachers and Writers

How to create a coverphoto for your FB timeline. by @authormedia #SEO #techtips http://tinyurl.com/7oenhwh #amwriting

Headlines and Hooklines: Writing the Press Release @querytracker http://tinyurl.com/6q35czx #pubtips #writetips

Writing and Teaching Resources

You don’t have to be super smart to be super successful according to a Forbes article. http://tinyurl.com/797a2md #success

Best article I’ve read about e-book pricing. http://behlerblog.com/2012/05/07/e-book-pricing-what-are-you-worth/ From @behlerpublish #pubtips #ebooks #amwriting

Fun Posts

How do you dress your MC? Great post on designing characters. http://tinyurl.com/74vd4pz #amwriting #writetips

Mother’s Day #craft ideas for the #classroom. http://tinyurl.com/de4c2z #teaching