My novelette, The Red Velvet Box, will be featured in chapters on theholidaycafe.com.
Christmas Story
Come by and read the first chapter of this heartwarming story: s t o r y | Red Velvet Box.
s t o r y | Red Velvet Box
Archives
Beta Reader, what’s that?
This is a little (and I mean little) post on beta readers. If you don’t know what a beta reader is, don’t worry. I have used them but didn’t know the chic, book-world term I was supposed to call them. If you click on the Bibliocrunch link below, you’ll learn all about them. What you will also see is a bit better link to a blog by Belinda Pollard. His post will discuss what makes a good beta reader. I particularly like her comment of finding someone who knows the difference in “proper” English and the writers voice. They are not always the same thing. When you do find a good beta reader, be nice to them, very nice to them! They are wonderful people and a must have for any writer whether if you are going to self-publish or go the traditional route.
Book Giveaway!
In honor of the book release this Friday, June 14th at Frugal Muse West (by Target/Menards) in Madison, 7 p.m., of Living in the House of Drugs I will be giving away 4 free copies of the book on Goodreads. You’re also welcome to come to the release event and meet Willie!
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As a child in 1980s, Chicago Willie stole to help feed his brothers, sister, and himself. In grade school his teacher told him to have his parents help him with his homework, but his mother, the only parent around, didn’t know how. As a young man Willie started smoking pot, which easily turned into harder drugs. This eventually led Willie to a life under someone’s front porch, two prison sentences, numerous trips to jail, and various recovery programs.
Living in the House of Drugs is the story of Willie Lee Triplett, a recovering addict and alcoholic. It tells of Willie’s life in the suburbs of one of Chicago’s poorer neighborhoods, his chance trip to Wisconsin, and his struggle for sobriety. It’s a no-holds-barred account of Willie’s life on the street, in prison, and the roller coaster ride of recovery that many addicts know well. The story is unique in its telling, following not only Willie’s interesting life story but also the author’s interactions with Willie as she learns of his sometimes sordid past, seeing beyond the story and into the man.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Living in the House of Drugs
by Christine Keleny
Giveaway ends June 30, 2013.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Good Luck!
Secrets of working with an Editor
I’ve never seen information presented in a slide show. It was kind of nice to view it that way, interesting, different.
As an editor, Mark’s style guide idea is a good one, but I don’t think I’d need all the information he asks for. I do like knowing what writing rules the writer has broken so I don’t waste time correcting something the writer wanted there in the first place. I don’t know how many people told me to change cliches in my book Rosebloom. I like cliches, sometime, and I left them in there on purpose.
What he didn’t mention was telling the editor the intended audience for the book. The language and references can be quite different for a piece depending on the audience.
Thanks Mark!
1984 in 1949
Example of a good opening line: “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”
On this day in 1949 the book, 1984 by Eric Arthur Blair, AKA George Orwell, was published. Orwell wrote the book while on an island in the Scottish Hebrides. He wanted to get way after his wife’s death and his success with Animal Farm. He had TB but continued to write, despite his illness (he also remarried – the marriage taking place in the hospital in October of 1949). Born June 23, 1903 in India. His mother moved the family to England when he was one. He died January 21, 1950 at the age of 49 in London. 
Some of his other books are: The Clergyman’s Daughter, Burmese Days, Coming Up For Air, Down and Out in Paris and London, Keep the Aspidistra Flying (I have to look at this one just because of the title – What’s an aspidistra?!)
Self-Publishing Intelligence Report for May 2013 – GalleyCat
Many helpful links from Mediabistro and Galley Cat.
Self-Publishing Intelligence Report for May 2013 – GalleyCat.
4 Copy Editors Killed In Ongoing AP Style, Chicago Manual Gang Violence | The Onion – Americas Finest News Source
Famous Authors’ Handwritten Outlines for Great Works of Literature
Thought this was a nice bit of writer trivia people might appreciate from Emily Temple at flavorwire.com and Amanda River at amandariver.wordpress.com. Thanks Emily and Amanda!
This is the outline from my latest book: Living in the House of Drugs.
Penguin And Author Solutions Sued For Deceptive Practices – Forbes
The Penguin has started down a slippery slope!
Penguin And Author Solutions Sued For Deceptive Practices – Forbes.
7 Simple Tips To Grow Your Social Network | strong blogs
Got connected with Michael Anderson and his blog, Strong Blogs, today and saw this post. I thought it would be a good follow-up on my and Terry’s platform posts. I think Michael has some sound ideas. Thanks Michael!
CKBooks Publishing 