Nanowrimo 2017

National Novel Writing Month

      It's only 50,000 words.

     This is the month when you lock the editor in the vault and write without concern for perfection. It is a month of creativity and words. And more words.

     Is it a challenge? Absolutely! Is it fun? On most days. Is it worth it? YES!

     I personally have an extraordinarily difficult time taking off my editor hat. I want my sentences to flow with clarity and emotion. I want my dialogue to be engaging and filled with the personality of my characters. I want my plot to ebb and flow to a crescendo of apocalyptic proportions. I want my writing to be what my readers want to read.

     This most likely will not happen during NaNoWriMo. In reality, this will not happen during my NaNoWriMo adventures. But it could happen, right?

     What will happen if I write and write without letting the editor jump in with correction after correction? I will create characters, a world, an experience that no one else can create. My imagination will come alive like no one else can imagine.

     In December when I reread what I've written, I will find paragraphs and pages to fill the wastebasket. 

I will also find, genius! Clearly written words full of imagery and emotion that will make even me, the author, pause in awe. It's an incredible feeling to read your own work, come to the end of the story, and say, "Wow, I wrote that!"

     That's how it works.

     So set a goal. Sit at your desk, table, or rock in the park and write!

It's only 50,000 words.

If you'd like to join in the creative craziness of Nanowrimo, 

you can find more information at: nanowrimo.org/

Happy Writing!

(285)

Write Michigan - Short Story Contest

Sponsored by Schuler Books and the Kent District Library

Deadline: November 30, 2017

Entry fee: $10 for ages 18 and older 

(free for ages 17 and younger)

For more information and to enter: http://www.writemichigan.org/

One short story per author

Maximum story length: 3,000 words

Contest open to Michigan residents only

Guidelines available in English or Spanish

2018 Contest Timeline

Entries Accepted:
September 1 – November 30, 2017
Review Process:

December 1, 2017 – January 3, 2018

Semi-Finalists Announced:
January 9, 2018

Public Voting Online / Judges' Review:
January 9-31, 2018

Winners Announced:
February 5, 2018

Anthology Layout and Production:
February 5 – March 16, 2018

Awards Ceremony,
Anthology  Sale & Book Signing:
March 17, 2018

Best In Rhyme Time

Editors say, "It shouldn't be done,"

But rhyming, my friend, is so much fun!

Angie Karcher just announced the 

2017 Best in Rhyme Award Top 20 List.

Click here to see the 2017 Best In Rhyme

Just sayin' You can rhyme if you learn to do it well!

Fall Books & Authors

Leon & Lulu 

has partnered 

with 

The Oakland Literary Council

to host the

Fall Books & Authors event

Sunday, October 22

11 AM - 5 PM

https://www.facebook.com/events/122927571676234/?active_tab=about

10% of sales, as well as any tips, will be donated to the Oakland Literary Council

To see a list of participating authors go to:
 http://www.leonandlulu.com/meet-the-authors/

AAR #1

Author's Advice for Readers

Tip #1 - 3 Steps to Finding Your Next Favorite Book

1. Get recommendations from friends. 

They know you. Friends know your likes and dislikes. They even know if you're patient enough to wade through fifty pages of background info-dumps before you get to the first exciting part. Friends know if you want action on the first page. Friends are a reasonably reliable resource. (Hah, alliterations!)

2. Read the first few pages or chapters before you buy.

Read the first few pages or a chapter excerpt to help you decide if you like the author's style or their storytelling. Does the plot grab you. Is the main character someone you can care about? Do you want to know more? Did the author hook you? These are all important factors if you're going to enjoy the book.

• Take the time in your local book store to sit down and read. I've been known to sit on the floor, cross-legged with a book in hand, even in some of the larger retailers. Sometimes people walk by and give me an odd glance, but most of the time, observers smile.
• Try Amazon's "Look Inside" feature or try a Nook sample. I typically won't by a book if I can't get a peek inside. 

3. Read reviews with caution.

Yes, I did write that. Anyone can review a book. 

Be skeptical of all those 5 star ratings. Just because a book is rated highly, doesn't mean it's good. In an ideal system, if all reviewers were honest, it would. But they're not.

A good review contains 2 main elements, the rating and why. If you see a 5 star review, you should also see reasons why the reviewer gave that book such a strong rating. Similarly, a negative review needs to have reasons why the book didn't meet the readers expectations.

Have you ever heard someone say this? "I gave it 5 stars, but I haven't read the book yet." I asked them, "How can you review a book you haven't read?" It happens - so read reviews with caution.

There are so many good books on the market by established authors and newbies, alike. However, there are also many self-published books available that, to quote Anne Lamott, are nothing more than "shitty first drafts.” It's sad that these works make it to the market without so much as a beta read by an editor. I understand the occasional misplaced comma or transposed letters, but there is no excuse for inconsistencies in plot or character. I recently read a book, or tried to read it I should say, with absolutely no plot. I read a third of the book and didn't know who the main character was or why I should care about them. I didn't finish the book. Sometimes it's better to just put it down and not force yourself to the end.

Time is valuable. Wasting it reading a poorly written or unedited novel is unacceptable. In my experience, after reading a mediocre work, it can take me weeks to recover. When I am ready to pick up another book, I am tentative. Thankfully, with a little scrutiny, there are many reads worthy of the time investment.

Use the available resources and you're sure to find your next favorite book.

Happy Reading!