GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK!

I started a part-time job last week. I went into my training knowing full well that it was going to be a suck-fest for the first little while, during the learning curve. I don't know about you, but nothing's worse than being out of your comfort zone and feeling like an idiot at the same time. So, on Day 1 I inevitably felt like a fish out of water. Day 2, I'm feeling good. Really good. Like maybe this won't be so hard after all. Day 3, not bad. Learning a computer program and still doing pretty good. Day 4, snow day. Day 5, up until 1/2 hour before my shift ended, this is cake! Then, at 3:00 p.m. - HOLD THE PHONE. I made a tiny little mistake on Day 1 that has now contaminated all the work I did the other days. What is my first reaction? "Misty, you idiot! You failure! You can't do anything right!"

Needless to say, this teensy little blunder haunted me the whole entire weekend. My trainer wasn't upset about it at all. Only to be expected, she said. Just a natural part of training, she said. But I continued to feel crappy about it. Why? Because I was being way too hard on myself. Not only did I verbally abuse myself with words like idiot, failure, etc., (words I would never dream of using on my loved ones) but I couldn't let it stop there. I had to badger myself about it for the next 48 hours.

Why do we do this?? I actually have the answer! And yes, I went to therapy a few years ago to obtain it. I think therapy is the best thing in the world. Everyone needs someone to get them out of their own head from time to time. The things I learned from my counselor were mind-blowingly simple, and beyond life-changing for me.

Here's what I learned. The Feeling Good Handbook is worth its weight in gold.

If you can get through a non-fiction book that size, good on you. I won't even try. But here is the basic premise:

You identify an EVENT that made you feel something negative. In my case, the stupid Day 1 blunder that set me back.

Identify negative feelings that resulted from this even: shame, frustration, etc.

Record your automatic thoughts: I'm an idiot, I can't do anything right, I'm a loser, my trainer must think I'm so stupid, etc. Rate each thought from 1-5 (1 being I don't really believe that thought, 5 being I absolutely believe it.)

Here is an example of a worksheet in the book. I actually have my very own composition notebook that I use for this all the time. It is red, and my family knows not to go near it if they don't want their feelings hurt!

Now identify thought distortions in your automatic thoughts. Based on the above scenario, mine would be Overgeneralization, Discounting the Positives, Mind Reading, Emotional Reasoning, etc. We all have these, they are hard-wired in us. It took someone pointing mine out to me before I realized my thoughts were unhealthy at all. Here's a list of the little buggers:

Next you go back to your list of automatic thoughts and re-rate them from 1-5 according how much you believe in them still. If you don't feel better after, then you haven't correctly identified the event.

This has helped me so much. It actually changed my whole outlook on being a wife and mother. And even though it is usually in the back of my mind, I find that I need reminding. So if you, like me, find yourself being your own worst critic, then GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK. If that means eating a Kit-Kat while talking yourself down from a masochistic cliff, then go for it.

BALLS IN THE AIR

Motivation has become my new nemesis.

I'm not sure if it's because I feel guilty being idle in an empty house for six hours a day while my kids are at school, or if my 38-year-old body can't keep up with my 18-year-old ambitions. I suffer from OCD - obsessive creativity disorder (self-diagnosis)- and as my husband and children know, I'm not happy if my hands aren't busy. Stop by my house at any given moment and you will likely find me cutting out a new sewing project, cross-stitching yet another whimsical cow, or trying my hand at embroidery.

Usually a good project is a cure-all for me, but lately even the things I love to do make me go "ugh . . . I'd have to get up to do that . . . never mind!" And these are my hobbies, mind you - the things that give me the creative outlet I need, a much-needed break from reality, the "me time" that allows me to act less like a bear coming out of hibernation when my kids start coming off the bus. We're not even talking about the unpleasantness of dishes, laundry, coming up with something halfway decent for dinner, etc., etc. And I haven't even mentioned the taxi duty we find ourselves on with doctor/dentist appointments, music/dance lessons, church activities . . . is your brain starting to hurt yet?!

 As you may imagine, if I do accomplish any of the above, I'm exhausted by the end. So my question is, how do we find time to write? How do we walk away from all those balls in the air and give our story-telling its dues? And even if we find the time, what about the emotional and mental energy it sucks out of us? I don't know if any of you struggle with these same concerns, but as we're all writers and mothers I'm sure you've felt the pinch. Here are just a few things that keep my writing (and sometimes even myself) from falling by the wayside:

 1. SCHEDULE WRITING TIME. Treat it like any other commitment you couldn't or wouldn't neglect - like an appointment. Put it on your calender or in your phone or wherever the schedule portion of your brain lives.

 2. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. I'm much more accountable for my writing when I'm not at home, being distracted by all those balls. And let's face it, sometimes having my uber-comfy king bed upstairs is too much of a temptation in the afternoons.

 3. IF THE WRITING ISN'T FLOWING, SPEND SOME TIME IMAGINING SCENES. I do this when I'm in the car. Sometimes I even monologue it out, ignoring the strange looks I get from the drivers of passing cars. At least in our day and age I can pass it off for a phone conversation on my blue tooth.

 4. TEAM UP WITH OTHER AUTHORS FOR A WRITING SESSION. This works every time, unless we get sidetracked chatting. But chatting has its benefits too - I have worked out quite a few plot issues just talking it out with another writer.

 5. TAKE LITTLE SNATCHES OF TIME FOR WRITING. Be happy with the result, even if the word count leaves you feeling anti-productive. A book is made up of words, so every little bit helps.

 6. TURN OFF THE TECHNOLOGY. Ignore the little yips and blips your phone makes every time you get an email or text, or every time a friend creates a new Pinterest board. Anything truly important usually comes in the form of a call. Even then, don't answer unless it is your significant other or the school!

 7. PUT PEN TO PAPER WHEN INSPIRATION STRIKES. I realize this isn't always possible. Most the time the writing bug bites me when my whole family is home and wanting my attention, or on a Sunday when I shouldn't be "working". But if you're all lying around watching the latest episode of The Voice and the urge hits, grab your laptop and go for it. Ask yourself if the thing you're missing out on is more important than getting a good scene down.

 8. BE WILLING TO LET GO. This is super hard for me. Sometimes I schedule that writing time, I get out of the house, turn off my phone, and the stars seem to all align . . . until I start typing and I can't get a word down. If this happens, give yourself a break. Be willing to move on and try again another day. If you're having trouble getting a scene down, work on character development or plot or some other aspect of the process. And don't let it sour your mood and ruin your whole day!

Now I think I'll go take my own advice! Happy writing to you all.

Becoming Beauty by Sarah E. Boucher

Becoming Beauty Blog Tour HTML Post—Updated!

Welcome to Becoming Beauty's Blog Tour! Learn all about Sarah E. Boucher and her exciting new Young Adult novel based on the classic fairy tale Beauty & The Beast.

Becoming Beauty

Self-centered Bella focuses her attention on beautiful dresses and fabulous balls rather than helping her family earn a living.  And her siblings have had enough! To pay off their father’s debt, they send Bella to a far-off manor where the owner is more like a beast than a man.

As their personalities clash, Bella comes to realize there’s more to the Beast than she could ever have dreamed—if only she can look beneath the surface. And then there’s Jack, the kind servant who helps Bella adjust to her new life, someone Bella could easily fall in love with. But pursuing love may cost Bella her dreams of wealth and beauty. And that’s a price she’s not willing to pay.

Becoming Beauty is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and books & things.

Author Spotlight

Sarah E. Boucher spends her days instilling young children with the same love of literature she has known since childhood. After hours, she pens her own stories and nurses an unhealthy obsession for handbags, high heels, baking, and British television. Sarah is a graduate of Brigham Young University, who currently lives and teaches in Ogden, Utah. Becoming Beauty is her first novel.

Visit Sarah at blog/website (SarahEBoucher.com) 

Or connect with Sarah by clicking through to the following social media sites: 

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Goodreads

And don't forget to click below and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter Giveaway Code a Rafflecopter giveaway MY REVIEW: What a deliciously twisted fairy tale! I absolutely loved Bella, even when she was spoiled and awful. I enjoyed her growth throughout the story, and cheered for her when she had finally (almost) mastered herself. She was a hopelessly flawed heroine that I could totally relate to. Sarah has a real gift with words. Her descriptions were vibrant and gave me a clear picture in my head. There were several passages that had me snickering or laughing out loud. I always loved Jack and thought Bella should end up with him. I will admit I didn't catch on that Philip was transferring his affections for Rose to Bella until the wedding dress didn't fit just right. The fast-track relationship between Cassie and Philip at the end felt a little forced, but that could just be because I'm not sure how much time passed between Bella's family arriving and the end. I would have preferred to see Bella's wedding rather than Cassie's as well. The ending felt a little rushed, but the author did tie up all the ends nicely. I know it can be challenging to wrap up a story that is written in your own blood, sweat, and tears - so I think Sarah is a promising novelist and we can definitely expect great things from her!!

Lessons Learned From Bad Reviews:

Romantic Tension vs. Sexual Tension (yes, there is a difference)

Hi, my name is Misty Dawn Pulsipher, and I am a clean romance author.

For some reason I feel the need to put this out there, wear a hypothetical sign around my neck so people know up front what they’re getting. I have always felt with my writing that it’s important for my characters to stick to the standards that have seen me right throughout my life. So, obviously, no sex before marriage. And even after the “I do’s,” I don’t want to read gritty details about their marital ecstasy. Some things are just better left to the imagination, and I don’t need yet another unrealistic standard to try and live up to.

So, for whatever reason I can make seem the most realistic in today’s literary world, in my books there is “no ding-ding without the wedding ring” as Maid Marian’s robust lady-in-waiting so eloquently put it in Robin Hood, Men in Tights. But it didn’t occur to me until a few reviews in on my first novel, Pride’s Prejudice, that I might have been unknowingly leading readers astray. Here is one snippet (okay, it’s a diatribe, let’s call it what it is!) that opened my eyes:

“To think that with all the sexual tension throughout the book, suddenly virginity becomes and issue made me check the back in two seconds flat to see if the author was a religious fanatic. Sure enough, that's exactly it. Here's the complaint because it's NOT THAT SHE'S A VIRGIN, it's that the author didn't carry that thread throughout the story. She threw it in as a preachy piece. It felt weird and changed the whole story to absolutely unbelievable. People this age have sex and people in this book are having sex. Are we thinking the other characters aren't doing it. Oh please, that part made this book maddening and I didn't like the unbelievability in it. If you want to write a christian P&P book, then carry that the throughout the book. Take the time and energy to introduce a reader to that idea early on so it doesn't feel like a preachy slap in the face.”

At first I could laugh about that review, pity the reader for having a pornography addiction and not realizing it. But as I started penning novel number two, Persuaded, that review gnawed at me. The words chewed on that sensitive nerve that is always exposed to criticism from readers. Suddenly it was clear to me that this disgruntled reader was right in a sense. I had unintentionally built up to a steamy climax that was never going to happen. I stress the word unintentional.

It wasn’t until I was watching one of my favorite Netflix shows and a simple kiss on the cheek got me all excited that I realized I’d been marketing the wrong thing. In this particular show, the focus had been on the relationship development (a work partnership) of these two characters. Once in a while there was a look from one or a line from the other, a little hint that each of them might feel something more than friendship for the other. Then the kiss on the cheek happened and I was like “Yes! They ARE going in that direction . . . I KNEW IT!” I think I almost fell off the couch, and I watched that little cheek brush over and over. My poor streaming device was so befuddled that Netflix finally shut down without my permission, and I was forced to finally call it a night.

But I didn’t fall asleep for quite some time, because the same question was circling relentlessly in my psyche: how could something as simple as a peck on the cheek get me so worked up?

That’s when I realized that the buildup was for the romance, plain and simple: the epiphany of both characters, the first kiss, the declaration. That little smooch had me going for several more episodes, perched on the edge of my seat waiting for just a little more. They didn’t full-on kiss until the end of the season, and long after they had ‘done the deed’ that little peck on the cheek was still my favorite moment for those characters.

Right then and there I decided to change my focus. Perhaps none of you struggle with this, but maybe some of you, like me, never realized that there are different kinds of tension. It is a good idea going into a novel to have a clear idea of which kind you want to market. Then the judgment calls that might stump you all along the way aren’t really an issue because the decision’s already been made. You’ll take more pride in your work, and readers won’t be so misled and disappointed.

I have to mention that without my good friend and author Melissa Lemon, this lesson might still be dancing around the edges of my consciousness. She taught me that Harlequin has nothing to do with true romance. Check out her books!

http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Lemon/e/B005BZG5BW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1414011813&sr=1-1

"Meet My Character" Blog Hop

I was invited to this "Meet My Character” blog hop by author M. Leigh Marrott. M. Leigh’s Bio: Author M. Leigh Marrott has been coloring the world with her stories since she could talk... just like those pesky aliens used to color her walls at night when she was four. The first poem she actually wrote down was at the age of eleven as she grumbled about cleaning. When she was in high school, her quirky English teacher submitted M. Leigh’s poetry to a local paper and, to the author’s dismay, it was published. In March 2013, she had a collection of haikus published in EFiction Magazine. She is a contributor to The Liahona Project and Just An Average Mormon. M. Leigh is also a contributing author for the new YA Paranormal anthology, “Strange and Lovely” which now available for pre-order at http://www.authorcjanaya.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html Currently, M. Leigh is working on tidying up her first full-length novel for publication in early 2015. Born and raised in Indiana, as an adult M. Leigh married a military man and has moved 11 times in their nearly fifteen years together. They are the parents of four children, and though their military life is over, they love living in patriotic Texas. M. Leigh has degrees in Criminal Justice, Social Work and Psychology and finds the human condition and relationships fascinating. She also adores baking anything chocolate, taking long road trips in the family Suburban, and having totally geeked out movie marathons. You can read her “Meet My Character” blog post on her blog at http://thissideofinvisible-mlm.blogspot.com/ Websites: http://thissideofinvisible-mlm.blogspot.com/ http://beneaththepaper.blogspot.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormleighmarrott Twitter: https://twitter.com/leighmarrott Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8522029.M_Leigh_Marrott

Now for my character interview!

What is the name of your character? 

Hanna Elliot

Is he/she fictional or a historic person? 

Fictional, based on Anne Elliot from Persuasion

When and where is the story set? 

Modern-day New England coast, Connecticut to be exact

What should we know about him/her? 

She has a bad habit of being a door mat, and never got over her first love.

What is the main conflict? 

On the first vacation she's taken in years, she runs into her first love . . . who is unfortunately falling for someone else right in front of her.

What messes up his/her life? 

The fact that she has to face Derick Wentworth again . . . and the realization that her feelings haven't aged in the last decade.

What is the personal goal of the character? 

To finally get over Derick

Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it? 

Persuaded

When can we expect the book to be published?

Persuaded was published in July of 2014. Now available!

This character blog hop continues with Lisa Swinton:

Lisa Swinton caught the romance bug early by way of fairy tales and hasn’t been able to cure it since. Instead, she feeds her addiction with romance novels and films. In between being a doctor’s wife and mother of two, she occasionally puts her B.A. in Musical Theater to good use via community theater and church choir. In her elusive spare time she enjoys researching her family tree and baking (especially with chocolate). She loves to travel, Jane Austen, and all things Italian. In her next life, she plans to be a professional organizer. 

Check out Lisa's first novel, Fallen Angel:

http://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Angel-Lisa-Swinton-ebook/dp/B00HX4L38E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410743415&sr=8-1&keywords=fallen+angel+lisa+swinton

And her new release, Ring On Her Finger:

http://www.amazon.com/Ring-Her-Finger-Lisa-Swinton-ebook/dp/B00N7OR3KG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410743450&sr=8-1&keywords=ring+on+her+finger

You can visit her at:
http://www.lisaswinton.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaSw...

Lisa will be posting her character interview on Monday, September 22nd on her blog:

http://www.lisaswinton.blogspot.com

Bible Bands by Katreina Eden

If your kids are into rubber band looming (who are we kidding - if you have kids, they are into it), then you will love this!

Kids will love these unique designs that also have purpose!

Get the kindle edition here:

http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Bands-Faith-Based-Jewelry-Designs-ebook/dp/B00NF0OY22/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410698412&sr=1-4&keywords=bible+bands+edition

Get the paperback edition here:

http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Bands-Rubber-Band-Jewelry/dp/1462115055/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410698548&sr=1-3&keywords=bible+bands

Ring on Her Finger by Lisa Swinton!

It's Sept. 3 and Ring on Her Finger officially launches today into the world! WAHOO!

What happened in Vegas should stay there, not follow Amanda home wedded to the man who broke her heart. After celebrating college graduation with her friends in Las Vegas, Amanda St. Claire wakes up with a terrible hangover and a ring on her finger. Her day gets worse when she finds out she's married to rich playboy Blake Worthington---the guy she has loathed the past four years. Amanda convinces Blake to legally terminate the marriage and they both return home like nothing ever happened. That is, until Blake shows up on her doorstep and Amanda has to come clean with her family. Together for better or worse while the legalities are cleared, Amanda reluctantly plays along, but then the unthinkable happens---she finds herself falling in love with Blake. Can they overcome the past? Or will it end their future before it even starts? Those who enjoy What Happens in Vegas and The Prince and Me will find a kindred spirit in Ring on Her Finger. Where can you get it? On Amazon Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N7OR3KG On Amazon in Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Ring-Her-Finger-Lisa-Swinton/dp/1500879231/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409691208&sr=8-1&keywords=ring+on+her+finger+swinton You can attend the online launch party TONIGHT ONLY SEPT 3 here: (There will lots of giveaways! Don't miss it!) https://www.facebook.com/events/1449378218659269/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming And now for the giveaway! There are book bundles to be won. I'll announce winners on Sept.24 in 3 weeks. Enter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOW AVAILABLE!!!!

“Love doesn’t age, you know. The heart doesn’t expire.”

 Hanna Elliot had worn the ring faithfully at first. Some part of her still clung to the hope that all was not lost. As the days turned into weeks, she finally took it off and set it atop her dresser. When weeks gave way to months, the ring finally went back into its box, where it gathered dust until it was moved to Hanna’s unmentionables drawer. For the first few years, she had taken it out on the anniversary of the day she’d received it, allowing herself to wallow in what might have been. 

 She had been all but stamped out of Derick Wentworth’s mind. Sure, he thought about her occasionally, especially on cloudless nights when he lay on the bow of the Laconia looking up at the stars. But as time went on, Derick began to feel grateful that it hadn’t worked out, for one thing was certain: if he ever did settle down, it would be with someone who knew her own mind. Someone who went after the thing she wanted without hesitation. Someone who would never allow herself to be persuaded otherwise.

PAPERBACK

KINDLE EDITION

GOODREADS GIVEAWAY

I've been stalked!!

http://www.thebookstalker.net/#!misty-books/czh7

Why This 2-star Review Made My Day!

Hello. My name is Misty Dawn Pulsipher and I am a Clean Romance Author. I kind of feel like I need to put this as a disclaimer at the very beginning of my book. I actually love this review I just read on Amazon for Pride's Prejudice: "OK, First off, the cover is deceiving as all get out. The book is modern day set in Wyoming. But none of this I have a complaint about. It starts off a bit weak but then it gets really good. The characters are not Pride and Prejudice per se. This would be better off as a chick lit book then saying it has anything to do with P&P. Yet again, no complaints though because the story was interesting and the writing was good. What I do have a problem with is 4/5 through the book, it suddenly becomes absolutely stupid. To think that with all the sexual tension throughout the book, suddenly virginity becomes and issue made me check the back in two seconds flat to see if the author was a religious fanatic. Sure enough, that's exactly it. Here's the complaint because it's NOT THAT SHE'S A VIRGIN, it's that the author didn't carry that thread throughout the story. She threw it in as a preachy piece. It felt weird and changed the whole story to absolutely unbelievable. People this age have sex and people in this book are having sex. Are we thinking the other characters aren't doing it. Oh please, that part made this book maddening and I didn't like the unbelievability in it. If you want to write a christian P&P book, then carry that the throughout the book. Take the time and energy to introduce a reader to that idea early on so it doesn't feel like a preachy slap in the face." Normally anything below a 4-star review kind of sends me into a funk as an author, but lately my writing skills have been praised while my personal morals are the issue. According to this reader my stance on sex outside marriage makes me a religious fanatic. I'm pretty sure the only place religion is mentioned in my book is the author bio. It's sad that our society has slipped so far as a whole. But this review honestly made me happy, made me feel like I am doing something right. Thank you to everyone who has given my book a chance, and taken the time to do a review. Even if the bad reviews are one more bad mark on my self-esteem, they help me become a better writer and give me a lot to think about!

Fallen Angel by Lisa Swinton

Fallen Angel

 

Antonio does not believe in love at first sight until he sees her fall into a street in Milan and get hit by a motorcycle. Compelled to know if she can return his affection, he becomes Renatta’s hospital volunteer only to learn that the accident erased her memory. Together they must discover her past, present and future. In the way of happily ever after stand her opera career, tyrannical mother, and fiancé.  Antonio must win Renatta’s heart before she bends to the will of her mother and marries Marcello.  Failure means a lifetime of loneliness, for love at first sight never happens twice.  

You can buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Angel-Lisa-Swinton-ebook/dp/B00HX4L38E/ref=la_B00HXNXDCO_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390338367&sr=1-1    

About the Author

Lisa Swinton caught the romance bug early by way of fairy tales and hasn’t been able to cure it since. Instead, she feeds her addiction with romance novels and films. In between being a doctor’s wife and mother of two, she occasionally puts her B.A. in Musical Theater to good use via community theater, church choir and teaching the art of singing. In her elusive spare time she enjoys researching her family tree and baking (especially with chocolate). She loves to travel, Jane Austen, and all things Italian. In her next life, she plans to be a professional organizer

 

 

Social Media Links:

http://lisaswinton.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaSwinton http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00HXNXDCO Rafflecopter Giveaway:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway This was a fun, sweet, clean read set in Italy. It really made me crave gelato! Swinton's knowledge of the Italian culture and language was evident. If you are looking for a story about love at first sight, this one is for you! Four stars!

Uplifting Review

This one was on Amazon.  "P. Romance" from Philly, USA.  Totally made my day, made me want to keep writing, made me remember why I started in the first place.

"No matter how many times writers recreate Pride & Prejudice, I always end up falling in love with the story over and over again.

"Beth Pride did not like William Darcy after the awful he treated her at a charity ball. But when the ball brought her roommate and his best friend together, they have no choice but to see each other all the time. However, William's feelings for Beth weren't as antagonistic and he soon found himself falling for her wit and intelligence. As she got to know William, Beth realized maybe be she needed to rethink her first impressions.

"Pride's Prejudice was amazing! Definitely a new favorite. I could read this book over and over again. The author did a wonderful job of incorporating all the major pivotal plot points but still adding enough of her touches to make the story her own. And I sincerely appreciate the fact there are plenty of fan service scenes of Beth and William. Don't worry. The scenes were sweet and clean. This made their attraction for each other more believable and why there was room for their love to change and grow. The cast of side characters were quite enjoyable and did not add any extra strife. But what about "Lydia"? I have to say this has to be my "favorite" version of Lydia. I always considered her an unnecessary nuisance in most retellings but in this one, the author made use of her carelessness as a good life lesson of what can go wrong and she actually learned from it!

"I've read many variations and this one has to be one of the best modern versions out there. Great cast of characters, a clean story, lots of sweet Beth and William scenes, a more agreeable cast of characters and a wonderful plot made this book a winner. Even if you have never read P&P, you will still enjoy this story if you are fan of romances. Pride & Prejudice fans, get this book now!"

Coming Soon!

"Persuaded"

by Misty Dawn Pulsipher

an adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion

What's worse than never getting over your first love?

How about watching him fall for someone else . . .

Coming in 2014

Great Review of Pride's Prejudice!

http://my-book-diary.blogspot.com/2013/08/prides-prejudice.html

The Adventures of Pocket Edward at Barnes & Noble.....

My friend Jeannie posted this on Facebook.  We are both huge Twilight fans and needless to say, I had to go change my pants after seeing this.  Her caption was:  "No, Edward - for the hundredth time I'm sure you are more handsome than William.  Don't be so absurd."

My captions were:
 
"Wow, great dress!"
"I wish Bella had that rack....."
"Don't even think of picking up this book - Paranormal Romance is two aisles over."

What's yours?!

Maddeningly Unhelpful.....

Warning:  This is not going to be a positive post!  I am always so anxious to read new reviews from readers.  I love hearing the little things they enjoyed about the story, and I appreciate suggestions for how to better my writing.  But do the bad reviewers have to be so MEAN?  It's like you're in high school all over again, getting shoved into a locker (not that this ever happened to me....)

Anyway, I always want to respond to bad reviews on Goodreads or Amazon, but I really don't think this is going to help me as an author.  So I've decided I will vent about them here instead.  The people who give bad reviews aren't likely to be following my blog anyway, so I'm confident it won't cause any problems in that corner.  Let me preface this by saying that I don't expect all positive reviews, and I do want people's honest opinions.  The people who have commented on grammar and spelling errors have actually made me more careful about the way I use words, and this has been a positive thing for me as an author.  But to those who criticize for the thrill of it, I give you the "more than less than unhelpful" award from Captain Jack Sparrow himself.  If you have criticism, at least make it somewhat constructive instead of just trying to tear others down for their hard work.  This one, for example - a three star with some constructive criticism:

"Well structured and takes care to hit all the important corner stones of the original. Yet the story never really took off for me. At points I would have liked to get even more background story on some of the characters and there emotions. Nevertheless a good afternoon read."

There.  That wasn't so hard, was it?  Contrast with this one star that really got me today:

"I am tired of books that tout a connection to Pride and Prejudice just to gain a wider audience. Who were these characters? Darcy's personality was flat..... It was a disappointment and clearly not worth 5 stars!"

First of all, this person has no idea why I write what I do.  Yes, there is a readymade audience for Austen spinoffs and sequels, because she was amazing!  But marketing definitely wasn't my first thought when I wrote this.  Second, I wouldn't ever claim Pride's Prejudice had anything on Pride and Prejudice.  If you are so tired of retellings, maybe you should stick with the original!  Does this person have any idea what a challenge it is to do your own version of any of Austen's novels, LET ALONE the most popular, which has been redone countless times?  Does she have an inkling what it takes to make your story your own, while staying true to the feeling of the original?  How to make it interesting and modern without crossing lines?  I daresay she does not, and she has never tried.  So, to this person I say:  "You have been weighed....you have been measured....and you have been found wanting.....See me when you are worthy!"  (Courtesy of A Knight's Tale - I'm sorry, but by now you know how much I love good movie one-liners).  When you finally publish a novel after five years of blood, sweat, and tears, you can knock other people for getting it wrong.  Heck, maybe you'll even do it better - good luck with that.

A couple other readers have knocked it for being "hokey" or not getting details right about New York, etc.  It's fiction, people!  No, I have never lived in New York City, and I have no idea if there is a music studio on 12th street, Tiffany's around the corner, and Macys down the street, but use your imagination!  Isn't that why we read/write fiction - to forsake reality for a spell?

One review on Goodreads said she hated it because it was overly descriptive.  As my good friend Jeannie Mineer pointed out, this person wrote a mini novel about how overly descriptive it was.  I say her energies would be better off writing her own books instead of critiquing others'!

Wow, I feel a whole lot better.  To end on a positive note, here are a couple of my favorite reviews so far:

Four Star by Nastassja Loots:

"Beth and William are wonderfully entertaining characters, and personality wise they are very true to Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. The verbal sparring between the characters is no less entertaining than the original Lizzie and Darcy, and their interactions are also a pleasure to follow. Beth and William are like magnets; they constantly find themselves drawn to each other even though they find it difficult to get along. I appreciate the fact that while William’s personality and actions are very true to Darcy’s character, William is a bit more open than Darcy, and once he realises he likes Beth he makes a move. I also appreciated that Beth and William get together before the very end of the story and that the author gives the reader the time and opportunity to appreciate them as a unit. The supporting characters are also interesting and very true to their original counterparts.

"While this version sticks closely to the original storyline, there are enough changes to make the book refreshing and interesting to follow, and while lovers of Pride & Prejudice will have a general idea where the story would end up, certain aspects are unpredictable and it is a joy to see where the author will take you next. I love the many ways the author spun events from Pride & Prejudice to make it realistic in modern times, and she did a wonderful job of portraying the progression of Beth and William’s relationship. Beth and William have great chemistry… and I can’t help but wonder what Ms Austen would say about the sexual tension! The author took great care, though, to not overdo anything and she cleverly managed to stay true to Austen’s sense of propriety while keeping a modern romance realistic and giving the readers some passion.

"Pride’s Prejudice is a fresh take on a classic that respectfully portrays events in a modern light. Any Austen fan will enjoy this take on the beloved classic."

Five Star by Christine H:

"Totally loved this modernized,yet clean, version of the Classic favorite
I was a little leery of reading a "modernized" version of the Jane Austen classic-Pride & Prejudice which I love, because so often in the case of remakes of "classic" films that means taking the innocence of the era completely out, and instead filling the remake with the profanity and sexual immorality so common in today's society and giving it a 'R' rating!

"I was thrilled to find that this author did not resort to that.It was also a huge plus that it was kept clean without having to be a 'Christian/Inspirational'novel.

"Just a wonderful,clean,realistic,fun read.The verbal sparring between the heroine and hero are often LOL funny."

Four Star by Brittany Bowman:

"Completely took me by surprise. I'm not ashamed to say I am a die hard fan for erotic novels. I love erotic and kinky books with graphic details & even though it didn't have any sex scenes I was still hooked with this book. I appreciated the flirting & sexual tension, it kept me coming back for more."

Five Star by Jennifer:

"I didn't want it to end! One of those "sorry family, cereal for dinner" books! It's a clean read and you can't help but love the characters. Love anything Pride and Prejudice and so glad I read this modern day take on it!"

Now that I have that out of my system, I'm going to go work on my next novel!

Review of Pride's Prejudice by L.C. Lewis

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FREE!

Free Kindle Edition Pride's Prejudice for the next five days:

http://www.amazon.com/Prides-Prejudice-ebook/dp/B00CYQDTVK/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1_D12V

And One More Thing.....

While you're so absorbed with things like margins, page breaks, chapter headers, and indents.....don't forget to check the spelling of your OWN NAME on the COVER.

Indie Publishing Blunders to Avoid......

First of all, I used to think 'Indie' was one of two things:  a nationality or a car race.  Apparently, it's actually the term used for self-publishing.  So here is what I've learned about Indie publishing over the last few weeks:

1.  When you think you have a final draft on your hands, you will make approximately 800 changes to your 'proof copy' once it arrives and you're done celebrating.
2.  You will go through about 3 packs of sticky notes, because you don't want to write in your proof copy.  3.  By the time you're done with the proof copy, you'll want to burn it.
4.  Do yourself a favor and don't bother manually indenting your paragraphs with tabs.  You will end up deleting every one of them when you convert your file to HTML for the Kindle Edition.  Instead, highlight all your text (minus chapter headings), go to LINE SPACING, LINE SPACING OPTIONS, SPECIAL (select FIRST LINE), then LEFT INDENT and make the indent that you want.  It will apply the indent to the first line of every paragraph throughout your document.
5.  Instead of putting a few spaces between chapters, insert a page break (CONTROL+ENTER).
6.  SECTION BREAKS are a catastrophe waiting to happen.  Use with extreme caution and only when absolutely necessary.
7.  When it comes right down to it - prevent unpleasantness such as ulcers and nervous breakdowns by paying someone else to format your book.  Create Space does it starting at $249.  You'll pay more than that in acid reflux medication and counseling alone - so it will totally be worth it.
8.  Watch out for backward quote marks - they will be your undoing.....just ask Melissa Lemon.
9.  Order a paperback proof copy and read through it - seeing your book in that format helps you think like a reader and not like a writer - and helps to identify plot/character issues and inconsistencies.
10.  If you are a perfectionist like me, take it down a notch and be willing to let insignificant things go.  Like each chapter starting on the right page instead of the left.  You will drive yourself and everyone around you crazy otherwise.
11.  To convert your document to HTML for the Kindle Edition, click SAVE AS then select WEB PAGE FILTERED.
12.  Think of the whole thing as a process rather than an event.