Second Edition Buy “Defiance on Indian Creek transports readers to the days of the American Revolution to follow the heart-stirring story of young Mary Shirley, who struggles to find her place in a turbulent world.” —Charlene Whitman, author of The Front Range series “...Mary is a fun protagonist to follow as the story progresses, because …
Transitions
Discovering Michael Shirley’s Land
When I began writing Defiance on Indian Creek, in 2008, all I found on Michael Shirley’s land came from a Google Book copy of Oren Morton’s book, A History of Monroe County West Virginia. Listed on page 82 under Surveys under Botetourt County in 1774, in the following format: Shirley, Michael–527–Indian—L—Mar 24. However, I didn’t …
To sigh or not to sigh
I found this interesting article: Why Do We Sigh? | Psychology Today My question: Should a first-person character tell us they sighed? Sighing is an audible and visual reaction. But maybe a first-person character would only observe this in others. Would a first-person character just express the frustration in dialogue (internal and audible) and in physical actions? …
3 Reasons Authors Need Critiques
Have you ever been shocked and disappointed by a big-name author’s book and thought, I wish I could have critiqued that for them first? If seasoned authors still need trusted critique partners to say, “this is boring”, I certainly do. And I’m happy to say I have. While working on my fourth book in the …
5 Challenges to Guest Blogging
Character History: Research and Organizational Tips
A writer discovers characters by inspiration or by accident. Their stories are so incredible or inspirational they must be shared. The blessing of imagination allows characters to share their personal histories with the writer who becomes the ghostwriter. As a writer of historical fiction, my research requires discovering descriptions, timelines, and eye-witness accounts of real-life …
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That One Moment-Book Review
That One Moment, is a contemporary, romantic suspense with a plot that kept my interest! I’m not generally a fan of romance, but Patty Wiseman has created a believable character in Ricki Sheridan. She is a Game Warden with a tough persona, strong sense of duty, and an independent spirit. But Ricki has a weakness. …
Review Options for Indy Authors
The excitement of having books published these days wanes as a certain entity no longer allows family and friends to post reviews. For authors who publish with small press or self-publish, family and friends are the first readers. They desire to post honest reviews. Unfortunately, unethical authors have ruined this venue for everyone. I understand …
