tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20640712656313991622024-03-12T21:17:30.864-04:00Lake WritersElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12567420139472596391noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-71338026852629790062016-03-25T03:29:00.002-04:002016-04-07T15:06:30.930-04:00Obsessions Lead to Unfinished Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZleXoaP8Bk5hORrNDlDnkf8NIiiN5WPikWulORDM_crzym-mEUafuj6xVD9COXj1mctyVXevp3o8Ig8oRdxjqGlKlbxrJc6Xf9ymvShq-mDbArzaU8_Ad7NuteDCBNDAbkCKwTaKfWlaE/s1600/computer-313840_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZleXoaP8Bk5hORrNDlDnkf8NIiiN5WPikWulORDM_crzym-mEUafuj6xVD9COXj1mctyVXevp3o8Ig8oRdxjqGlKlbxrJc6Xf9ymvShq-mDbArzaU8_Ad7NuteDCBNDAbkCKwTaKfWlaE/s320/computer-313840_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been a bit obsessed with writing <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/inkdippedmoon/writing-prompts/" target="_blank">prompts</a>. Probably because I'm planning to write a collection of short stories for a combined <a href="http://campnanowrimo.org/sign_in" target="_blank">Camp NaNo</a>/<a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">Blogging from A to Z</a> <a href="http://campnanowrimo.org/campers/ink-dipped-moon/novels/genre-flash-project" target="_blank">project</a>. I searched Pinterest and found a lot of really great prompts, but was thinking I would like to try my hand at creating them. Instead of just making a few I decided that it would be way more fun, and by fun I mean probably lots of unnecessary work that I enjoy anyway, to make a collection of writing prompt categories and then lots of loosely related prompts. of course I HAD to color code them for easy visual discernment. I would say everyone needs a hobby, but theoretically writing IS my hobby. Perhaps my actual hobby is procrastination and collecting unfinished projects. So onto sharing my newest project.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Prompt Type:</span></h2>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Situation Drop-in Prompt - Red</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Still Need a Gimmick - Orange</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Write a Story About - Yellow</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Include These Things Challenge Prompt - Green</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Dialog Prompt - Blue</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Place Prompt - Indigo</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Character Prompt - Violet</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wYY0dYS7xJMpFxlEQEWABRwMFLVKWOMFxAusQqmhCNBUTkZdLkTV6vwzlqAKBjBZYlXkBERAKlGrNKL6BL_kgtUp_G5k_DkGFY3Dqh1xrf17ctoaKeA7HB7hLEAcJpkHolyPF3fW8CJm/s1600/Murder+map+to+Norse+gods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wYY0dYS7xJMpFxlEQEWABRwMFLVKWOMFxAusQqmhCNBUTkZdLkTV6vwzlqAKBjBZYlXkBERAKlGrNKL6BL_kgtUp_G5k_DkGFY3Dqh1xrf17ctoaKeA7HB7hLEAcJpkHolyPF3fW8CJm/s320/Murder+map+to+Norse+gods.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I have a yellow prompt just for Lake Writers. The photo is from <a href="https://pixabay.com/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a> and I used <a href="http://picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">Picmonkey</a> to add a yellow overlay. I have always thought ideas would be yellow if you could see them. Probably related to the iconic incandescent light bulb coming on over your head having a yellow glow. This prompt came to be because I was discussing <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Archery-Arrow-Blunt-or-APD-by-Duke-Baldar-SCA-Legal-for-field-combat-archers-/120972557499" target="_blank">Baldar Blunts</a> and <a href="http://sca.org/geography/" target="_blank">SCA</a> archery with a friend.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sure you noticed that poor orange has been left out </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and my neurotic friend Roy G. Biv won't just let me skip orange so I need your help.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I must be honest and tell you all the reason there is no orange is because my brain just went on strike. Over at <a href="http://inkdippedmoon42.blogspot.com/2016/03/color-coded-prompts-and-contest.html" target="_blank">Ink Dipped Moon</a> I'm running a contest to try and find an idea for the orange category and the prize is a $20 Amazon gift card. Go check out the rules, but hurry entry e</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nds <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">11:45pm on March 31st. Be sure to check back on April 1st when voting begins and April 5th when the winner is announced. Good luck.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">Do you ever use writing prompts to get started or break through writers block? Where do you find the best ones? Let us know in the comments.</span></span></span></span><br />
Ink Dipped Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776666082862718102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-78489533126567420822016-03-18T21:35:00.000-04:002016-03-18T21:41:52.594-04:00All About Beta Readers<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> A while ago </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">I was </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">priv</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">ile</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">ged</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> enough to have two writing friends send me their manuscripts to read. At the time I had no idea what a </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">B</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">eta </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">R</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">eader was or how I should </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">proce</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">ed</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">. Instead I got bogged down in line edits and I was</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">afraid to tell them how I felt for fear of offending them. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">Sadly</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> I ended up not sending anything back to them</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> and I felt horrible about it</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">I was a BAD </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">B</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">eta </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">R</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">eader</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">. Don’t be like me</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">!</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> Here is what I have learned since then about the benefits of having a GOOD beta reader and how to be one</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> First </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">let's</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> talk about the </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">benefits</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">Y</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">ou’ve written your novel</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">, </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">gone through a few drafts</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">,</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> and </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">you </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">feel pretty comfortable with your manuscript</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">. Now you</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">may think that it’s time to ship it off to an editor. But sending it to a few Beta Readers first</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> can be a better </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">option</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> In contrast to an editor, a Beta Reader will give you more of the big picture. If you end up making lots of changes</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> it</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> would be better to </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">make those changes before you send</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> it off to an editor. It could save you the time and money of</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">having</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">it edited twice. A second, third, fourth opinion is always a good plan especially with something you've put so much work into. You want to make sure it's the best it can be before an agent/publisher sees it</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">. This is even more true for those self-publishing. With an agent or publisher you will automatically be getting more opinions as it goes through the process of publication. With self-publishing you are the only judge of your manuscripts readiness...unless you utilize your Beta Readers.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">What a Beta Reader will tell you:</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">If there are inconsistencies in your timeline</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">If a character </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">comes off differently </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">than you intended</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">If something wasn’t explained enough</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">If something was overly explained</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">If they </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">connected (</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">or didn’t) with the story on a personal level and how</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-If the use of third person works or if it might sound better in first person </span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-If there are areas w</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">here</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> the story lags</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-If you set up an expectation</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">in the beginning that didn't</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">deliver on</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-If your </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">descriptions</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> are evocative enough</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-If vital plot points are missing</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-If the research behind something is </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">inaccurate</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-If they love it so much they want to tell all their friends</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">...And much </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">more</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">What a Beta Reader will not tell you:</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">If you used too many commas</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">If you spelled something wrong</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">If you repeated words</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">If your paragraphs are too long</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-If your grammar is wrong/confusing</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">...</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">Basically, a Beta Reader is not a line editor.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">What makes a good Beta Reader:</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> A good Beta Reader will be in your audience of intended readers. If you’re writing YA, try to find teens and young women as these are the main readers of this genre. If you are writing a mystery find people who are mystery readers. It’s also good to have a reader outside of the intended audience to get an idea of whether your novel has a broader appeal.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> If you can find a Beta</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> in the publishing field that would be extremely helpful as well</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">A good Beta Reader is also a fellow writer and </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">cheerleader. Someone who you can exchange work with for</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> honest feedback. M</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">ost importantly</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> they are</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">tho</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">rough</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> and prompt with their feedback.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> They may not your best friend</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">, mom, dad, or </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">spouse. Unless, of course, you have the kinds of friends/family who are going to be completely honest with you. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">Do</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> not choose Beta Readers that will be </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">af</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">rai</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">d</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> to tell you the truth because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">Remember you need</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> authentic </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">feedback so that you can make your manuscript better. Pandering is not going to help you improve. However, a</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">good Beta Reader</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">knows that</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">delivering criticism mixed with compliments is a more productive method of giving feedback.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">How to find a Beta Reader:</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> There are many ways to find Beta Readers. A mixture of these will help you find the right people. Remember not all of your Betas will work out. People have lives that sometimes interfere. Don't be surprised if you get back less manuscripts than you send out. That being said, here are some ideas for finding Beta Readers.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> If you're part of a regular critique group or have a friend you exchange work with you can ask them to read your manuscript. This is a great option as you will already have a comfortable dialogue with this person. The one drawback may be that this person has already seen previous drafts.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> If they know what your manuscript used to be like, that might color their reaction to the updated version. You want fresh feedback.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> Try </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">o</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">nline writing communities like Wattpad, </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">Scribophile, Worthy of Publishing and Figment. These are</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> great places to post your work and get feedback from other writers as well as readers. An additional </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">benefit</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">on these sites it that your work is automatically protected. Sending your work out to strangers always has its risks.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> Networking. This is a simplified answer, obviously, but networking is always a great place to meet other writers. Follow other writers on Twitter. Comment on their blog posts. Go to workshops. Meet other writers and exchange manuscripts and feedback. The benefit of networking is friendship and camaraderie. Don't connect with a writer just to get them to be your Beta Reader. You risk making them feel like you're using them. Make connections, feel it out. If it feels right, then ask.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> Be prepared to do the same for them in return.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> Friends of friends. Remember when I said not to let your BFF</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">be your Beta? I stand by that, but your BFF</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">'s daughters friends uncle who reads a lot of </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">middle grade</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> fiction because h</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">e's a middle grade teacher might be interested in giving you feedback for an opportunity to read new work. Ask friends if they know anybody who reads your genre and might like to read your book and give you feedback. These people can be anywhere in the country or even the world. Think big! Also remember to ask your writer friends if they have any Beta Readers they use who might be looking for more.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> Some people do charge a fee to be Beta Readers. If you find you've plumbed your resources and come up short you might want to give that a try. Or you might just </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">prefer a professional so you know what you're getting</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">. </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">If you do a search for "Manuscript Critique" yo</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">u</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> will come up with lots of options</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">. Like editors, these people are pros with websites that tell you what to expect from them and </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">testimonials</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> from other writers.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">How to deliver your manuscript</span></span></b><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"><b>:</b> </span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> You can give your Beta the entire manuscript physically or email it to them. You can also give it out to them a chapter or act at a time. In the case of websites like Wattpad they work best released in installments. Just make sure to put it out on specific days so people know when to expect it. It'</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">s </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">a good idea to talk to your Betas about when you'd like to receive your manuscript back</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">. Make sure to give them plenty of time to read and reflect. If you aren't sure about a new Beta Reader you can always send them one or two chapters and see what happens. If it works out, then send them the rest. </span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">What you get back:</span></span></b><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> In return you should expect at least a page but often several pages of feedback. If your Beta is a pro you'll likely</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> get back something very organized whereas a friend of a friend might just come back with</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">stream of </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">consciousness</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> impressions. Both can be </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">equally</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> helpful. You can even send the manuscript out with a list of questions. If you search "Beta Reader questions" you will find some great examples.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> You might get back something you disagree with, or nothing at all. Don't pester your Betas, especially if they are helping you out of the kindness of their hearts. Give them space, maybe a friendly reminder or two. If you still aren't hearing from them and it's been quite a while you can ask for your manuscript back and let them know you've already moved on with your edits. Then never ask them to be a Beta Reader for you again. It might take a while to find the right people but you'll know when you have. Keep your readers to a minimum, perhaps 3</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">-6, and if one drops out you can try a new one. You don't want to be too overwhelmed with feedback. More is not necessarily</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">better in this case.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> You will get conflicting or disagreeable feedback</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">. I</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">t will be up to you to decide what to use and what to leave</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">. Take note of any patterns. If multiple people tell you one of your characters is unlikable and they're supposed to be the main love interest, you might want to pay attention to that.</span></span><span class="EOP SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX92228954">
<div class="Paragraph SCX92228954" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">Taking the next step with your manuscript, releasing your baby into the world (at least a few people in it)</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">is going to be scary, but also incredibly rewarding. You'll end up with revisions to do but you will also know that your manuscript is being honed, polished and </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">prepped</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> for publication. Walking up to</span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;">that threshold will be one of the best feelings in the world.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="TextRun SCX92228954" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX92228954" style="background-color: inherit;"><i>Katerina Dennison lives in Mount Dora, FL with her three annoyingly adorable cats, and husband. She is currently finishing the first novel in a seven book paranormal YA series </i>Moose Cove Coven<i>, which will be posted on Wattpad in May 2016. When she's not writing fiction she's blogging or instagraming about her favorite things; Disney, cats, veganism, photography, writing, nail polish and tarot. You can find her blogs on WordPress.</i></span></span>Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15000237716184205145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-84471029287774248962016-03-01T22:43:00.000-05:002016-03-01T22:43:14.716-05:00Flowers are blooming and writers are plotting <div class="MsoNormal">
Spring is in the air! Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, writers are plotting… Yes, plotting is a year-round activity for us but most especially right now! There are two fantastic writing challenges open for sign-up and both run from April 1<sup>st</sup> thru 30<sup>th</sup>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZM5LAsm1gOScuW0kalUQrpuosskIyrAAjrA5QIp73ttFP-B9gkizMhtbnele3_HnS_tl-8CdRJed_R51tnmEBBHIUPitI3Qt0NXSbQP78f5yNl0iqtn0cHTU94pYAaY9WDSlrCN6AeDs/s1600/CNW_Participant_Twitter.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZM5LAsm1gOScuW0kalUQrpuosskIyrAAjrA5QIp73ttFP-B9gkizMhtbnele3_HnS_tl-8CdRJed_R51tnmEBBHIUPitI3Qt0NXSbQP78f5yNl0iqtn0cHTU94pYAaY9WDSlrCN6AeDs/s320/CNW_Participant_Twitter.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Camp NaNoWriMo<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Camp NaNo is a light version of the November NaNoWriMo challenge (National Novel Writing Month) The chief difference between the two, besides a different month, is the ability to choose your word count goal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can set your goal for a minimum of 10,000 words on up to multiple hundreds of words. You also have the option of joining a Cabin. The cabin consists of fellow writers based on the criteria you choose in cabin preferences. Maybe a like genre, age, word count or choose random. It’s a great way to meet new wordsmiths and encourage each other on through the month like we do in our regional forums. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is another option, you may choose to host a private cabin and invite all your friends doing camp to join it. Lake Writers has a private cabin so we can all push each other to that finish line. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Camp usually doesn’t have regional write-ins and such like the hard core November session but many do participate in some way so be sure to check your regional forums or local writer’s group to find out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lake Writers uses our regular meetings on the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> Wednesdays of April as our write-in nights for Camp. This year we have a bonus, Astor County Library, in Astor, Florida will be sponsoring Tuesday night write-ins. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So get on over to <a href="http://campnanowrimo.org/">CampNaNoWriMo.org</a> and sign-up for this writing adventure. Plus you won’t have to worry about mosquitos or poison ivy at this camp. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/Jeremy-iZombie/A2Z-BADGE%202016-smaller_zpslstazvib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n547/Jeremy-iZombie/A2Z-BADGE%202016-smaller_zpslstazvib.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><b>Blogging from A to Z Challenge<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are a blogger this one is right up your alley! Starting April 1<sup>st</sup> bloggers will create a post that on the A to Z calendar but it’s okay to post on them if you like) <o:p></o:p></div>
begins with the letter A. The following day’s post begins with B and so on through the alphabet. (Sundays aren’t counted<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can write something random every day or choose a theme. For example, each day is a post about a mythical creature, writing tips, themed flash fiction, historical facts, types of something, places that begin with that letter, and so many more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are literally over a thousand bloggers who sign-up for this challenge. Which makes it even more awesome, especially if you have a young blog or a blog that needs a bit of growth. Participants are not only encouraged but it’s required that you visit at least a few of your fellows on the list. Which leads to activity boost on your blog. Not only will you get more comments and views, you’ll gain followers and find other fantastic blogs to follow too. It brings our blogging community closer together and is also pretty damn fun to participate in. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Visit their website for more information and to sign-up <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/a-to-z-challenge-sign-uplist-2015.html" target="_blank">Blogging from A to Z Challenge</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both of these April challenges are free to join and participate in. There are no “prizes”, but you get some cool badges to sport on your site and social media. Not to mention bragging rights! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So take the challenge and sign-up for one… or both like me! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> April is going to be one wordtastic month!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you live in or near Lake County Florida? Join our writing group on FB and meet up with us! For more info just click on the Lake Writers tab at the top of this blog! <o:p></o:p></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12567420139472596391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-4518469471881256962016-02-24T01:00:00.000-05:002016-02-24T01:00:04.211-05:00Pulling Our Weight and Flashing the People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MsmiwmYPUGB8-3CkcAMazc34HHrypjpf1Ri77bPerH1kOZbPAZyVchrGaXRiLbr61VIDllNcXn3rTdgpttLYzoTxhLG2LcR7_cNqoTxBCOJsn2Y__MicJQUwv4c11nonCGY5canfLNO_/s1600/spiders-web-195718_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MsmiwmYPUGB8-3CkcAMazc34HHrypjpf1Ri77bPerH1kOZbPAZyVchrGaXRiLbr61VIDllNcXn3rTdgpttLYzoTxhLG2LcR7_cNqoTxBCOJsn2Y__MicJQUwv4c11nonCGY5canfLNO_/s320/spiders-web-195718_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This blog is looking a little dusty and I am pretty sure I just walked through a Skulltula web getting over here to say hello. Lake Writers started as a <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-florida-lake-county" target="_blank">regional group</a> in 2009, but evolved into much more than a group that gets together during the month of November for mutual insanity. Oh yes, we long ago decided to extend the party by meeting twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesdays in the Eustis Denny's at 6:30. Our fearless leader <a href="https://plus.google.com/111218850861639480546" target="_blank">Elise</a> has been taking care of this blog along with our other social media and event organizing stuffs alone for so long, but it is time we come in and help out. The plan is to rotate posting here around the group so we can all share our expertise and practice on you. *Insert evil laughter here* I am not sure exactly what each member has planned for you, but I'm going to flash you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm sure this is the pink fairy girl I'm looking for because of the double sets of butterfly wings, one blue and one green. Even when they have four wings it's unusual for the sets to be different colors. They told me it would be a telltale sign I was tracking the right fairy. Always on the move from festival to festival she gave me the slip more often than any quarry has in longer than memory serves, but I still hadn't seen her pet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2FmYLUo_N1pmqwmOB52wORAMmsDXhec_SXMSe8sIT43dXI4KOEn9rye2YnkJWgWlRdeRANJdYTPKhzfqr9ZZdP0OpkAPO-sNRB8FvkwuCDjs1ikF4xtIvWyj8tt1eWWB-pAWQPta2Got/s1600/tangled+forest+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2FmYLUo_N1pmqwmOB52wORAMmsDXhec_SXMSe8sIT43dXI4KOEn9rye2YnkJWgWlRdeRANJdYTPKhzfqr9ZZdP0OpkAPO-sNRB8FvkwuCDjs1ikF4xtIvWyj8tt1eWWB-pAWQPta2Got/s320/tangled+forest+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It wasn't my idea to destroy it, but it was my job to get it done. A pack of food on her back and her bright blue eyes wide with ecstasy, I'm quite sure she's heading to find her beast. The caravan stayed in the bigger cities longer than a village giving me a better chance of shadowing her during her evening disappearance act. She has been moving swiftly for an hour or so into the heart of the Tangle Oak Forest. She must be getting close because her wings began to flap in agitation causing sparkle dust to shed. She stopped flying to her beloved beast a while back when a few close calls made her realize I had ways of tracking a flying fairy.<br />
<br />
She practically ran the last few feet into a clearing. She wasn't being remotely cautious now as she flung her burden to the ground and spun on the spot searching the tree line. I readied a cold iron-tipped arrow. It shouldn't be necessary to slay the beast, but would offer me an insurance against her rage. Though she is little and fair, she has proven mighty. My instructions were to spare her if possible, but I can't collect a bounty if I don't make my way back to Fendale.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lSXTT4WAkfvRaHHskAQG-lOWvqSz_c2sa2spLhIJO3XHbRQfiaS93IVRCkl69Y_WP6rxBAXwgCxiXlnWO_FfgiEkfg_wLU53ofJMZWMXiPt-wpZD-fyoVpK1ovcNBYRdKoUrHul3OSO4/s1600/wolf-725380_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0lSXTT4WAkfvRaHHskAQG-lOWvqSz_c2sa2spLhIJO3XHbRQfiaS93IVRCkl69Y_WP6rxBAXwgCxiXlnWO_FfgiEkfg_wLU53ofJMZWMXiPt-wpZD-fyoVpK1ovcNBYRdKoUrHul3OSO4/s400/wolf-725380_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It's entrance was so silent I would have missed it if an invisible force hadn't drawn all my awareness to the beast. A huge grey wolf stood to the left side of the circle. I heard the pink fairy girl make a sharp inhale as she bounded into my field of view. I didn't look at her, I couldn't look at her, my gaze and mind were lost in the wolf's eyes. There was so much depth, like centuries of anguish stuffed into this poor creature. It was beautiful, terrible and wild.<br />
<br />
The fairy girl slammed into the wolf and embraced it fiercely. Her expression was of someone who had just been dying of thirst taking the first drink from a secret oasis. She was quenched, she was home while holding this creature. I felt a fire or a dry ache build in me. Something asleep and long thought dead stirred painfully.<br />
<br />
She pulled back with a smile and expectation etched on her face. No, don't do that! How could you let go? It needs touch, I have to hold it. I took a step forward, but froze as the wolf jumped up. It's not attacking, the eyes looked weary and sad not angry. The wolf's body shifted, changed and contorted. Where the wolf had been reared on its hind legs a moment ago a man with long dark hair and tribal markings now towered. He was appealing in a primal way, something about the wolf remained in his stance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeNMY53yxylhPuP-sJyFL9ybsfALaXcBUgh4u1y3m3nCf7OzPfKX15XwMjIB9dFof8Bs6ib7KrOzUW1PsNNJzRuQYQ1PMvvmqbvluZK4147ebpl8o0GcGgsG9pSBGQRNxnw7wmPaIqXPH/s1600/female+archer+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeNMY53yxylhPuP-sJyFL9ybsfALaXcBUgh4u1y3m3nCf7OzPfKX15XwMjIB9dFof8Bs6ib7KrOzUW1PsNNJzRuQYQ1PMvvmqbvluZK4147ebpl8o0GcGgsG9pSBGQRNxnw7wmPaIqXPH/s320/female+archer+2.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
He moved to his fairy girl and enveloped her again, as his face split into a contented smile something ripped inside me. My fingers remembered my bow was knocked, but now I trained it on the fairy girl and prepared to eliminate her. He bent down and kissed her with such primal passion anyone watching would have recognized they were a voyeuristic intruder, but like bystanders during a disaster I couldn't force myself to look away. I lowered my bow sticking my arrow back in it's quiver, this was not a bounty I could collect and my reputation would suffer for it.<br />
<br />
A sigh of longing escaped me as I turned to leave and that was quite enough. Before I could draw my next breath the feral man had released his beloved and prowled full tilt to face me. I was prey and should have been terrified, but was drawn to him. He turned his fierce eyes upon me and the painful thing stirring in me began clawing at my chest to escape. He leaned in studying me with an intensity that should have burned through flesh, I had his full attention. Suddenly, I felt that the center of this man's attention was a bad place to be.<br />
<br />
Photos from <a href="https://pixabay.com/" target="_blank">Pixabay</a>.Ink Dipped Moonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776666082862718102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-51669162624655724222015-11-06T04:00:00.000-05:002015-11-06T04:00:07.339-05:00Trials and joys of writing by Rhonda Walker<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm2-gReHqnj0dnJwQWaaxgMFXpopvHvnPTLP5mjNhQ9Mu_rJ0NAn6LGyvlufK_JCySOFkPouHFXJeyl5waVA4OL5zg5E0AtEKKLhoaYIrqrPp3s3PJzGDuX3xN_Vtg2GigTRoSi7aYKU/s1600/Wesley+Out+West+prize+banner_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm2-gReHqnj0dnJwQWaaxgMFXpopvHvnPTLP5mjNhQ9Mu_rJ0NAn6LGyvlufK_JCySOFkPouHFXJeyl5waVA4OL5zg5E0AtEKKLhoaYIrqrPp3s3PJzGDuX3xN_Vtg2GigTRoSi7aYKU/s320/Wesley+Out+West+prize+banner_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Hello readers! It’s great you could join us today. Today’s feature is a guest post by children’s and inspirational author Rhonda Walker. She’ll be talking about her upcoming release <i>Wesley Out West</i> and her reading and writing journey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So pour a cuppa and prop up your feet to enjoy the read. Make sure to enter the Rafflecopter contest at the bottom of the post for your chance to win a personalized autographed copy of <i>Wesley Out West</i> and a cute Wesley plushie!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 40.5pt 1.0in 73.35pt 1.5in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Trials and joys of writing by Rhonda Walker<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Willie Out West </i>(2013, WestBow Press)<i> </i>was my first published children’s story. It was so well received that I am re-launching an updated version, <i>Wesley Out West </i>(2015, JLB Creatives Publishing) is in a smaller size and contains an educational supplement for parents and teachers. If you read <i>Willie</i> I know you will enjoy <i>Wesley </i>even more. The “Fun Facts” and photos of the real sea mammals are educational and enjoyable for children and adults alike. The book size is more comfortable for young children to hold and carry, and the response thus far is widely encouraging. Enjoy. <i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I always loved books. In seventh grade I walked every day to my little <st1:state>New Mexico</st1:state> town’s library, checking out the maximum number of books. I returned within a day, replacing those books with more. I also used my allowance to purchase every juvenile book of interest: the Hardy Boys and other popular series. I found Nancy Drew boring. During my eighth grade summer, Mother took me on a weekly trek (30-miles one way) from our mobile home in a <st1:state>New Mexico</st1:state> desert mining community into the town of <st1:city>Grants</st1:city>. There, I devoured all of the town library’s westerns (Kit Carson, etc.), mysteries (Ellery Queen, Perry Mason), and stories about Geronimo and other Native Americans.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I carried my love for reading to college and majored in English and elementary education. These classes opened a door to children’s literature that will never close. I read almost 300 children’s books in one semester. I thank God for blessing me with a passion for children’s literature, the desire to write children’s stories (there were so many bad books, I just knew I could write better), and the desire to develop whatever ability I possessed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1976, I wrote two grammar stories which, amazingly, found their way into a textbook for first graders. However, I had little faith in my ability and gave up after one failed attempt to publish. I published two women’s inspirational articles and edited several women’s church newsletters during the succeeding years, but nothing else. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Years later I set out to discover why certain women of faith remained strong in spite of unbearable and continual trials in their lives. For two years, I interviewed women; thus was born my first book, “<i>Beyond the Shadow is Tomorrow: Stories of Women of Faith,” </i>published by WestBow Press in 2013. I encourage all Christian women looking for strength and encouragement to read this book. The book still brings great reviews from those seeking answers and encouragement while going through rough times, and it is still for sale through my web site or e-mail.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Icing, Locusts & Life”</i> is about to be released by JLB Creatives Publishing, and I am so excited. The reviews are already coming in on this inspirational book for men and women. I encourage readers to reach out and embrace the world and its wonders. Every day is icing on the cake of our lives, no matter how bad our circumstances or how hard it is raining. Every day I have a choice to make when I get out of bed (or even if I cannot get out of bed). It is how we choose the icing of our days, light or dark, which determines how we meet the locusts that visit the beautiful fields and gardens of life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My life is challenging, fantastic, miracle filled, and troubled—sometimes all at once. There are memories of the blessings of family and friends mixed with my own success and failure. In spite of everything a long life can deliver, I find reason every day to be grateful that God provides abundant blessings. Even with the traumas of illness, embarrassing personal failures, and sadness beyond words, there is one thing that is good: I am still alive to see it dawn a better day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have more children’s stories on my desk, and my first novel is begun. No one knows tomorrow’s outcome, but today has been good. Tomorrow will be white icing, no matter what the day brings.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be blessed. What color is your icing?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6YNI-fGK5p0" width="560"></iframe> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>About Rhonda Walker<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
EVERY DAY IS ICING ON THE CAKE OF MY LIFE. It is challenging, fantastic, miracle filled, and troubled—sometimes all at once. There are memories of the blessings of family and friends, successes, and failure. I live daily in grateful awareness for a God who provides abundant blessings, especially during times of embarrassing failures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I discovered my passion for reading early in life (right after the ark anchored on a mountain top.) In 1979, when my daughters were young, I returned to college. There, English and education professors taught me some needed writing basics and opened the door to children’s thinking. In truth, though, I began writing for myself in 1975, and my style was already developed. God blessed me with a passion for reading, the love of writing, and whatever ability I possess.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With training, skills, and God’s help, I fulfilled a long-held dream of writing stories for young readers. Several years ago, two of my grammar stories were published in a Scott Foresman textbook for first graders, and plans are under way to put those stories and others into a grammar series book. I write stories to encourage enjoyment and learning through reading.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Follow Rhonda around the web<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Website: <a href="http://authorrhondawalker.com/">http://AuthorRhondaWalker.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blog: The Word Asylum <a href="http://www.thewordasylum.com/">http://www.thewordasylum.com/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Facebook: <a href="http://facebook.com/authorhondawalker">http://facebook.com/authorhondawalker</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blogger: <a href="http://thewordasylum.blogspot.com/">http://thewordasylum.blogspot.com/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/rhondaauthors">https://twitter.com/rhondaauthors</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pub/rhonda-walker/91/516/b04">https://www.linkedin.com/pub/rhonda-walker/91/516/b04</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="1679f56a0" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1679f56a0/" id="rcwidget_fpb4ooyb" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stop by <a href="http://jlbcreatives.com/">http://JLBCreatives.com</a> for more about <i>Wesley Out West</i> and great reads for ages 1 to 100!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12567420139472596391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-72914415376780569762015-10-03T19:45:00.000-04:002015-10-03T19:45:52.375-04:00NaNoWriMo 2015 is coming! <div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
Below is the first Lake County Region NaNoMail sent out. I will be posting them here to make sure everyone gets the news about what's happening in Lake County for NaNoWrimo 2015! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO3sYDg0tpaBI8hJcIxoAvvUHAKb0PMU_nbyLIgDELenUPB8_ebm6iAZorrUMPLxWjXYODW-713WTUG6A9iXESzDhFeBWhUd7mghxL3v67jPJykwDdlqpxjs6PAeEJ4gMg2rCqxBuMk/s1600/LakeWrimoLogoPEG-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO3sYDg0tpaBI8hJcIxoAvvUHAKb0PMU_nbyLIgDELenUPB8_ebm6iAZorrUMPLxWjXYODW-713WTUG6A9iXESzDhFeBWhUd7mghxL3v67jPJykwDdlqpxjs6PAeEJ4gMg2rCqxBuMk/s1600/LakeWrimoLogoPEG-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
Hello<span style="line-height: 16.8px;"> Lake Wrimos!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="line-height: 16.8px;">It’s October! Time for cooler temps, carving pumpkins and prepping for NaNoWriMo! I just wanted to make sure to send you some important information about our Lake County Region and NaNoWriMo 2015.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="line-height: 16.8px;">The theme for 2015 is The NaNoWriMo Library! Graphics to style your Facebook and other social media will be available to download after the site wipe. Speaking of, the site wipe will take place on Monday, October 5</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 9px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span><span style="line-height: 16.8px;">.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="line-height: 16.8px;">If there are any threads or information you want to write down or copy/paste from the forums do so within the next couple of days. Don’t forget to stop by our Region Forums. I have our region set with a few starter threads for us until after the wipe. Those threads are all marked with sticky notes and will not be erased. So, go ahead and introduce yourself and your novel, share your social media links, and more.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="line-height: 16.8px;">For those new to NaNo, the site wipe is when our marvelous NaNo Techs go in and reset the site and wipe the forums clean to make space for all the awesomeness to happen in 2015. Don’t worry, your profile and author info will be unaffected. Only a space to create your 2015 novel will be added.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
Be sure to visit your <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-florida-lake-county" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a6d7d; text-decoration: none;">Lake County Region forums</a> and introduce yourself and your novel! </div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16.8px;">Dates to Remember</strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
There are a few dates to mark down on your calendar. One very important one!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16.8px;">October 13<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 9px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span></strong><span style="line-height: 16.8px;"> Lake Writers Critique Group</span><span style="line-height: 16.8px;">The new sister group to Lake Writers will be meeting on the 13</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 9px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span><span style="line-height: 16.8px;"> at the Hampton Inn in Mt. Dora, FL at </span>6:30pm.<span style="line-height: 16.8px;"> This group is a place to bring your work in progress for honest but gentle feedback.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16.8px;">October 14<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 9px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span></strong><span style="line-height: 16.8px;"> Lake Writers Meet Up</span><span style="line-height: 16.8px;">Bring your writing gear to Crispers, in Eustis, FL at </span>6:30pm<span style="line-height: 16.8px;"> and join us in a NaNo Novel Planning Session! We’ll chat about our projects and ideas as we help each other get ready for the big event.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
<strong style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 16.8px;">October 28<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 9px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span></strong><span style="line-height: 16.8px;"> NaNoWriMo 2015 Kick-off Party!</span><span style="line-height: 16.8px;">Join us for a fun gathering of fellow </span>wrimos<span style="line-height: 16.8px;"> as we enjoy our last few days of sanity before the writing begins! The party will take place at Crispers in Eustis starting at </span>6:30pm.<span style="line-height: 16.8px;"> Since it’s close to Halloween come dressed in costume. (optional: you don’t have to if it’s not your thing, but it sure is a lot of fun!) This is where you’ll get your official 2015 NaNoWriMo Sticker and information packet for November.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="line-height: 16.8px;">November 2015 is going to be </span>Noveltastic<span style="line-height: 16.8px;"> with all of you participating. I’m looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones at our write-ins this year!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="line-height: 16.8px;">Just a quick sum up of all the important stuff until next NaNoMail!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
October 5<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 9px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span> Site Wipe</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
October 13<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 9px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span> Lake Writers Critique Group</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
October 14<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 9px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span> Lake Writers Meet Up and NaNo Novel Planning Session</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
October 28<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 9px; line-height: 0; position: relative; top: -0.5em; vertical-align: baseline;">th</span> NaNoWriMo 2015 Kick-off Party!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
That’s all the news fit to print...this week. Happy Scribbles Wrimos!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.8px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 1em;">
<span style="line-height: 16.8px;">Elise VanCise</span><span style="line-height: 16.8px;">Municipal Liaison </span><a href="http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-florida-lake-county" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a6d7d; line-height: 16.8px; text-decoration: none;">USA::LakeCounty::Florida</a><br /><a href="http://nanowrimo.org/participants/flsandcastle" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3a6d7d; line-height: 16.8px; text-decoration: none;">Add me to your Buddy List </a></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12567420139472596391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-22130577107621371552014-10-12T12:39:00.000-04:002014-10-12T12:39:10.771-04:00Board the Airship NaNoWriMo docking in Lake County 2014!<div class="MsoNormal">
Welcome new Wrimos and Welcome back to all those returning.
NaNoWriMo 2014 is close to beginning and promises to be the best year ever! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MgxmKtg0h5xmJGGkp_q8xE45lpdbEXqIvBNNhYg0RaAKp2XLeQUGqX1peQMqIIMCELNlBeV2ePeiCQkNHhbeRKpvSHPmsImr9Oyw87tEQidm7D29BDd4jRkIl6HVCyXxNfkFbrHOOdk/s1600/boarding+pass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MgxmKtg0h5xmJGGkp_q8xE45lpdbEXqIvBNNhYg0RaAKp2XLeQUGqX1peQMqIIMCELNlBeV2ePeiCQkNHhbeRKpvSHPmsImr9Oyw87tEQidm7D29BDd4jRkIl6HVCyXxNfkFbrHOOdk/s1600/boarding+pass.JPG" height="172" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>NaNoWriMo Kick-Off
Party 2014<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's time to board the Airship NaNoWriMo and begin our
journey to the Boundless Novel! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When is Kick-Off?</b>
October 29th <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What time?</b> <st1:time hour="18" minute="30">6:30pm</st1:time> (don't worry if you have to come a
little later we'll save you a seat! :) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Where is it?</b>
Denny's in Eustis (16150 Us Highway 441, <st1:place><st1:city>Eustis</st1:city>,
<st1:state>Florida</st1:state> <st1:postalcode>32726</st1:postalcode></st1:place><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="3e243d5f-fe3f-4db0-97d9-3fb17d06348d" id="78483d20-1bfd-4d7c-9b1c-ceb77c56df21">
)</span> We will be sitting where the large windows are at the front of the
restaurant. I'll try to have signs for the tables just look for those and I'll
be in costume :) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What will be
happening? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="92d12cab-b4c6-492d-a518-4cf3a40527b6" id="55e8ab05-5954-43e7-8a79-b67ecb342e8b">Wrimos</span> talking about their books, writing plans for NaNo,
meeting new <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="92d12cab-b4c6-492d-a518-4cf3a40527b6" id="890f37cc-08f8-4569-9374-1f4734ad51ce">writerly</span> friends, catching up with old <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="92d12cab-b4c6-492d-a518-4cf3a40527b6" id="3169e2a0-6dbb-4822-9a8f-eb8482414787">writerly</span> friends, getting
swag and <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="92d12cab-b4c6-492d-a518-4cf3a40527b6" id="f6e1e0e0-6366-4325-b03b-48bea6dd31e8">more fun</span> than your muse can handle! Since it's so close to Halloween
if you would like, come in costume! Dress as your main character or other maybe
a character from your favorite book or movie. Or just come as your writer self
:) That's what it's all about having fun as we celebrate the joy of writing! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>***IMPORTANT***<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please RSVP in the Kick-Off Party Thread on our Region forums
<a href="http://nanowrimo.org/forums/usa-florida-lake-county">http://nanowrimo.org/forums/usa-florida-lake-county</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="227a8a4d-cc34-4dce-86be-77f8b314e586" id="5b55b3c7-7f9a-428f-8a8a-c418bcaddc80">or</span> in the event thread <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="227a8a4d-cc34-4dce-86be-77f8b314e586" id="0e310028-d625-46cd-8dec-e1514202abef">on</span> our Lake Writers FB group. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/LakeWriters">https://www.facebook.com/groups/LakeWriters</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will be making NaNo 'kits' and swag and want to make sure
we've got enough to go around :) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can't wait to see you all there! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me introduce myself so you know who this crazy person
sending you Regional emails is. ;-) My name is Elise VanCise your Municipal Liaison
(ML) for the <st1:country-region>USA</st1:country-region>::
<st1:place><st1:placetype>Lake</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>::
Florida Region. I’ve been a NaNo participant for 8 years and ML for 5. I’m also
a published author and journalist. As you can tell words and writing are my
passion. I’m super excited to share that with all of you! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t forget to visit the regional forums <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/forums/usa-florida-lake-county">http://nanowrimo.org/forums/usa-florida-lake-county</a>
and say hello in the <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="96fd1cc4-97d3-4377-9a9d-72fba45b7c53" id="763ba3b7-cf7c-4220-9d19-d8181b891ca4">instructions</span> thread, RSVP for the Kick-Off Party, and just
have fun chatting with fellow <st1:place><st1:placetype>Lake</st1:placetype> <st1:placename>Wrimos</st1:placename></st1:place>!
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few other links you might find helpful: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Facebook group <st1:place><st1:placetype>Lake</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename>Writers</st1:placename></st1:place> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/LakeWriters/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/LakeWriters/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place>Lake</st1:place> Writers Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/lakewriters">https://twitter.com/lakewriters</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And if you would like to send me a NaNoMail or add me to
your buddy list my NaNo Profile <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/participants/flsandcastle">http://nanowrimo.org/participants/flsandcastle</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks so much for being part of what will be an exciting
year of <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="084ecc8c-35b7-41da-8ac0-94668a5a21e8" id="a9f35d05-0e96-450c-a245-a9f55a4f23d8">noveling</span>! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elise VanCise (NaNo Username <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="b668af1c-1377-4895-937a-b86d00cd3e06" id="5f65808f-c0ce-4477-abef-da6c573b2357">flsandcastle</span>)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ML <st1:country-region>USA</st1:country-region>:<span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="c74c76a9-cc00-488c-8f52-7ca1d59af47c" id="1d8b0eaf-39a2-4d01-abab-11679924ccce">:</span><st1:state>Florida</st1:state>:<span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="c74c76a9-cc00-488c-8f52-7ca1d59af47c" id="1144950d-766e-46eb-8a45-cdc7f28ce19d">:</span><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="c74c76a9-cc00-488c-8f52-7ca1d59af47c" id="5871e6d0-4daa-4b48-8d4b-81d998895195">LakeCounty</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://elisevancise.webs.com<o:p></o:p></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12567420139472596391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-16893265787370215122013-10-18T14:20:00.002-04:002013-10-18T14:20:50.686-04:00Lake Wrimo NaNo Newsletter <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cfiles.nanowrimo.org/nano-2013/files/2013/09/2013-Participant-Facebook-Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://cfiles.nanowrimo.org/nano-2013/files/2013/09/2013-Participant-Facebook-Cover.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:date day="18" month="10" year="2013">October 18, 2013</st1:date></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place><st1:placetype>NaNoWriMo Lake</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>
Region Newsletter </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy NaNo Planning Wrimos! And Welcome to all those new to
NaNo and <st1:place><st1:placetype>Lake</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype>County</st1:placetype></st1:place>
this year. There’s just two more weeks
before the big moment when the clock ticks over to midnight and fingers start
to fly over the keyboards. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before that happens we need to celebrate our dive into
noveldom with a party! The NaNoWriMo Lake Writers Kick-Off will be held at the
Eustis Denny’s (441) and begins at <st1:time hour="18" minute="30">6:30pm</st1:time>.
Come in costume as your favorite literary character or character from your
novel! (optional but most fun :) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bring a friend or your family with you to this event so they
can celebrate. And get a good look before you go into crazy writer mode and
hide out in your writing space for the next 30days lol. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be sure to RSVP even if you’re not sure about making it to
the party. We need to know how much space to claim at Denny’s and how many
writer kits to put together. You can
RSVP in two places: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the region forum: <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/forums/usa-florida-lake-county/threads/119352">http://nanowrimo.org/forums/usa-florida-lake-county/threads/119352</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/429775250465768">https://www.facebook.com/events/429775250465768</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not to worry if you haven’t found the perfect plot or your
character hasn’t found the right personality yet. There’s plenty of time yet to
stock your snack drawer and program your coffee pot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hop on the forums and grab some ideas or post a dare for
your fellow <st1:place><st1:placetype>Lake</st1:placetype> <st1:placename>Wrimos</st1:placename></st1:place>.
You can also find <st1:place><st1:placetype>Lake</st1:placetype> <st1:placename>Wrimos</st1:placename></st1:place>
on our Facebook group <st1:place><st1:placetype>Lake</st1:placetype> <st1:placename>Writers</st1:placename></st1:place>
(<a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/108700325883783/">http://www.facebook.com/groups/108700325883783/</a>
)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Follow us on Twitter @LakeWriters #LakeWriters <a href="http://twitter.com/lakewriters">http://twitter.com/lakewriters</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mentioned this in the last email but just to make sure our
new folks and anyone who might have missed it here is some information about
making sure you are HOMED in the USA:: Florida ::Lake County region. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During November, it's fun to compare <st1:country-region><st1:place><i><u>USA</u></i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i><u>
:: </u></i><st1:state><st1:place><i><u>Florida</u></i></st1:place></st1:state><i><u>
:: </u></i><st1:place><st1:placetype><i><u>Lake</u></i></st1:placetype><i><u> </u></i><st1:placetype><i><u>County</u></i></st1:placetype></st1:place><i><u>’s
</u> </i>progress against all the regions in the world, both in word count
and donations. Please show your pride in our region by making sure your
successes are included in our regional totals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To do this, you need to join <st1:country-region><st1:place><i><u>USA</u></i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i><u>
:: </u></i><st1:state><st1:place><i><u>Florida</u></i></st1:place></st1:state><i><u>
::</u></i><st1:place><st1:placetype><i><u>Lake</u></i></st1:placetype><i><u> </u></i><st1:placetype><i><u>County</u></i></st1:placetype></st1:place><i> </i><b>AND </b>set <i><u>USA
:: Florida :: Lake County </u> </i>as your Home Region.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have already joined our region, please check to make
sure you are homed here:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Choose <u>Local Events</u> from
the main menu and click <u>Home Region</u>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. You should automatically be
redirected to <b>USA :: Florida :: Lake County</b> and there will be
a house icon to the left of the region's name.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. If you're somewhere else, you
haven't yet joined our region and made it your home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you haven't yet joined our region:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Choose <u>Local Events</u> from
the menu and click <u>Find A Region</u>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Under <u>Other Regions</u>,
type our region name (or part of it) in the text box.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. Locate our region under the text
box and click <u>Join This Region</u>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. Click <u>Make this region my
home</u>. Welcome Home!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can find the <i>USA::
Florida:: Lake County</i> Region Forum here: <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-florida-lake-county#regions_forum">http://nanowrimo.org/regions/usa-florida-lake-county#regions_forum</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have any questions or just want to say hi, don’t be
shy. Post in the forum, Lake Writers FB group, you can contact me by
NaNoMail my NaNo user name is <i>flsandcastle, </i>on Twitter, or PM me on
Facebook Elise VanCise <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fictionrulz">https://www.facebook.com/fictionrulz</a>
I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Plotting until next time! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elise VanCise</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ML <st1:country-region><st1:place><i><u>USA</u></i></st1:place></st1:country-region><i><u>
:: </u></i><st1:state><st1:place><i><u>Florida</u></i></st1:place></st1:state><i><u>
::</u></i><st1:place><st1:placetype><i><u>Lake</u></i></st1:placetype><i><u> </u></i><st1:placetype><i><u>County</u></i></st1:placetype></st1:place><i> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://elisevancise.webs.com/">http://elisevancise.webs.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12567420139472596391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-1987357621380891472013-09-25T13:14:00.002-04:002013-09-25T13:14:23.067-04:00Monday Musings Blog Hop Topic/Sign up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinknKs0dKZTByRpTCHHI73_P2fx8ntC5CPz_ItG_c2g3tW9oYnz1alsppds_ylFOBG29tJVWm495gRUgIj1L3S3GlZvA-eVcvZhKMPpU8tRAxoZH33va9-krAl98AJFMYWgH9zZu-IU3Q/s320/monday+muse+button_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinknKs0dKZTByRpTCHHI73_P2fx8ntC5CPz_ItG_c2g3tW9oYnz1alsppds_ylFOBG29tJVWm495gRUgIj1L3S3GlZvA-eVcvZhKMPpU8tRAxoZH33va9-krAl98AJFMYWgH9zZu-IU3Q/s320/monday+muse+button_001.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Welcome to the Monday Musings Blog Hop</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Each Wed a topic will be posted. You can post on that topic however you desire. Write an article, share an experience, write a flash fiction piece or apply it to a work in progress. Wherever the muse leads let your fingers follow.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">To join the hop just add your blog home page to the Inlinkz list below and have your post up on your blog the day of the hop. If you would like to add the linky list to the bottom of your post just click <a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luscript.php?id=309536&nojump=1&key=ILz1A.kL2gS0o" target="_blank">HERE</a> and grab the code for your blog. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;" />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Topic for Monday September 30th: </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What do you write with </b></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">Talk about your favorite writing tools or software. Do you have some user tips to share on Word, Write Way or Scrivener? Do you write analog (good ole pen and paper) Have a favorite pen or notebook? Tell us all about what helps you bring your stories to life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="309536" pagesize="300">
<a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=309536" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a><br />
<br /></div>
<script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=003" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12567420139472596391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-19590941854607980882013-08-27T22:48:00.000-04:002013-08-27T22:48:12.897-04:00Monday Musings Sign Up for September 2nd.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinknKs0dKZTByRpTCHHI73_P2fx8ntC5CPz_ItG_c2g3tW9oYnz1alsppds_ylFOBG29tJVWm495gRUgIj1L3S3GlZvA-eVcvZhKMPpU8tRAxoZH33va9-krAl98AJFMYWgH9zZu-IU3Q/s320/monday+muse+button_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinknKs0dKZTByRpTCHHI73_P2fx8ntC5CPz_ItG_c2g3tW9oYnz1alsppds_ylFOBG29tJVWm495gRUgIj1L3S3GlZvA-eVcvZhKMPpU8tRAxoZH33va9-krAl98AJFMYWgH9zZu-IU3Q/s320/monday+muse+button_001.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Welcome to the Monday Musings Blog Hop</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Each Wed a topic will be posted. You can post on that topic however you desire. Write an article, share an experience, write a flash fiction piece or apply it to a work in progress. Wherever the muse leads let your fingers follow.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">To join the hop just add your blog home page to the Inlinkz list below and have your post up on your blog the day of the hop. If you would like to add the linky list to the bottom of your post just click <a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luscript.php?id=309536&nojump=1&key=ILz1A.kL2gS0o" target="_blank">HERE </a>and grab the code for your blog. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Topic for Monday September 2nd: Labor Day heroes/heroines </span><br />
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=309536&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12567420139472596391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-20926280164715134172013-08-25T19:53:00.000-04:002013-08-25T19:53:15.357-04:00Monday Musings Sign up for Aug. 26th <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinknKs0dKZTByRpTCHHI73_P2fx8ntC5CPz_ItG_c2g3tW9oYnz1alsppds_ylFOBG29tJVWm495gRUgIj1L3S3GlZvA-eVcvZhKMPpU8tRAxoZH33va9-krAl98AJFMYWgH9zZu-IU3Q/s1600/monday+muse+button_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinknKs0dKZTByRpTCHHI73_P2fx8ntC5CPz_ItG_c2g3tW9oYnz1alsppds_ylFOBG29tJVWm495gRUgIj1L3S3GlZvA-eVcvZhKMPpU8tRAxoZH33va9-krAl98AJFMYWgH9zZu-IU3Q/s320/monday+muse+button_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome to the Monday Musings Blog Hop<br />
<br />
Each Wed (yeah I know it's Sunday this week... it's been one of *those* weeks) a topic will be posted. You can post on that topic however you desire. Write an article, share an experience, write a flash fiction piece or apply it to a work in progress. Wherever the muse leads let your fingers follow.<br />
<br />
To join the hop just add your blog home page to the Inlinkz list below and have your post up on the day of the hop.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Topic for Monday August 26th : Things that Bind</span><br />
(since last week was missed we're repeating for anyone else who missed it as well :)<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=309536&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
<br />
<br />
If you want to add the inlinkz list to your post go <a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luscript.php?id=309536&nojump=1&key=ILz1A.kL2gS0o" target="_blank">HERE </a>to get the codeElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12567420139472596391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-48874429760408671612013-08-14T16:43:00.005-04:002013-08-14T16:47:13.782-04:00Monday Musings Hop August 19th Sign-up<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">TOPIC FOR MONDAY AUGUST 19TH:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> THINGS THAT BIND</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="303962" pagesize="300">
<a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=303962" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Go here to add this link list to your post: </span><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luscript.php?id=303962&nojump=1&key=ILIju2abbzhuc">get the InLinkz code</a></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12567420139472596391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-11263674271425000962013-08-07T14:14:00.002-04:002013-08-07T14:14:48.714-04:00Monday Musings Blog Hop Sign up <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lakewriters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Lake Writers" border="0" src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd196/flsandcastle/Lake%20Writers/12e218fb-d372-4b82-9400-6974b14e4a34_zps8096ae39.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Welcome to the Monday Musings Blog Hop sign up<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">TOPIC FOR MONDAY AUGUST 12TH: Food for Thought </span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<!-- start InLinkz script -->
<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=303962&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>
<!-- end InLinkz script -->
If you would like to copy this linky list to the bottom of your post go here: <!-- start InLinkz script --><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luscript.php?id=303962&nojump=1&key=ILIju2abbzhuc">get the InLinkz code</a>
<!-- end InLinkz script --><br />
<br />
To add a Monday Musings button to your blog or post you can use the code in the box below:<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: light tan; border: 3px solid black; color: black; height: 100px; overflow: auto; width: 175px;">
<a href="http://www.lakewriters.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd196/flsandcastle/Lake%20Writers/12e218fb-d372-4b82-9400-6974b14e4a34_zps8096ae39.jpg" border="0" alt="LakeWriters"></a>
</div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12567420139472596391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2064071265631399162.post-89479153404871159952013-01-23T13:22:00.001-05:002013-02-05T12:52:53.468-05:00Lake Writers February Flash Contest <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>February Contest
Prompt: Photo Prompt <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eEX3qW8juwyjSZThEhyphenhyphenGRQdahu1P-sDPD26RFUzZjRdfo9yiBtrhb9U2ZsybQyDXuM72DGmXQj_sok7B3vZsOZBQ_b5HRBEdW8er5fOluvsSApAhNI7OERDUepQN4JqffNtE92fI0P8/s1600/Train-station-painting-1920x1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eEX3qW8juwyjSZThEhyphenhyphenGRQdahu1P-sDPD26RFUzZjRdfo9yiBtrhb9U2ZsybQyDXuM72DGmXQj_sok7B3vZsOZBQ_b5HRBEdW8er5fOluvsSApAhNI7OERDUepQN4JqffNtE92fI0P8/s640/Train-station-painting-1920x1200.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">Rules and Submission
Guide</span><u1:p></u1:p></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 15pt;">A prompt or theme for
the contest will be posted on the 1</span><sup style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; line-height: 15pt;"><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="9b02d9974c14e623c9ffbed7360beacbf0dcb95f" grtype="null" id="GRmark_9b02d9974c14e623c9ffbed7360beacbf0dcb95f_st:0">st</span></sup><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 15pt;"> </span><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="37e3eaf0295478356c73b37a950e1348740b8eab" grtype="null" id="GRmark_37e3eaf0295478356c73b37a950e1348740b8eab_of:0" style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 15pt;">of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 15pt;"> </span><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 15pt;">the
month.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">Stories must be
between 500 and 1500 words and edited. Include a rating or warning if there is
strong language or sexual content. **<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">Submissions run from
the 1<sup><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="9b02d9974c14e623c9ffbed7360beacbf0dcb95f" grtype="null" id="GRmark_9b02d9974c14e623c9ffbed7360beacbf0dcb95f_st:0">st</span></sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="9582605fad3a7ce7370e869a532e39b538ac7249" grtype="null" id="GRmark_9582605fad3a7ce7370e869a532e39b538ac7249_to:0">to</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the 15<sup><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="fa6af6e97d010a98b5bfb9dc17862112afda402e" grtype="null" id="GRmark_fa6af6e97d010a98b5bfb9dc17862112afda402e_th:0">th</span></sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="5ef3f2f51e44862c68907e5a3b31ef51a49283b7" grtype="null" id="GRmark_5ef3f2f51e44862c68907e5a3b31ef51a49283b7_of:0">of</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the
month and sent to<a href="mailto:LakeWriters@gmail.com" style="text-decoration: initial;"><span style="color: #cc6868;">LakeWriters@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">Each story will be
posted as it is received on the contest blog and announced on the Lake Writers
Fan page with a link for readers and writers to read and share.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">Public voting begins
on the 20<sup><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="fa6af6e97d010a98b5bfb9dc17862112afda402e" grtype="null" id="GRmark_fa6af6e97d010a98b5bfb9dc17862112afda402e_th:0">th</span></sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="6aa35a13e5c851bed0331a49aa27e26b58e033ca" grtype="null" id="GRmark_6aa35a13e5c851bed0331a49aa27e26b58e033ca_and:0">and</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>ends on the 30<sup><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="fa6af6e97d010a98b5bfb9dc17862112afda402e" grtype="null" id="GRmark_fa6af6e97d010a98b5bfb9dc17862112afda402e_th:0">th</span></sup>. The
winner and new contest theme/prompt will be announced on the 1<sup><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="9b02d9974c14e623c9ffbed7360beacbf0dcb95f" grtype="null" id="GRmark_9b02d9974c14e623c9ffbed7360beacbf0dcb95f_st:0">st</span></sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="ce582db9ba021f5d8f4a8b25caa8994132622320" grtype="null" id="GRmark_ce582db9ba021f5d8f4a8b25caa8994132622320_of:0">of</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>the
next month. A poll will be created containing<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="c6821f0226ce4061be8b9b731bb0b817c493fc25" grtype="null" id="GRmark_c6821f0226ce4061be8b9b731bb0b817c493fc25_title:0">title</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and link of each story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">Authors retain the
rights to all their work. No story or part of will be used for any other
purpose without permission of the writer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">Prize:</span><u1:p></u1:p></b><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">Winners will receive
bragging rights and a nifty badge for their blog /website. Winners will also be
listed<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="76cb4a9f70259cf7b84faf76166f62f61a2aeae2" grtype="null" id="GRmark_76cb4a9f70259cf7b84faf76166f62f61a2aeae2_in:0">in</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>a winners roll with a link to their
blog/website.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">Big Prize Winners’
stories will appear in an annual Lake Writers Anthology. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">**Sexual content must
be between consenting adults, 18 years of age minimum. Any stories containing
questionable content will not be accepted and the writer notified. Remember
this is going to be on a PUBLIC blog for public readers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">If you have any
questions feel free to comment below, drop me an email at the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="55c84470a36ca24143f847479a7b2e1576100da8" grtype="null" id="GRmark_55c84470a36ca24143f847479a7b2e1576100da8_addy:0">addy</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt;">Happy Scribbles! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span><br /></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12567420139472596391noreply@blogger.com1