We CAN! promote our books

CAN Book Feature: 150 Quick Questions to Get Your Kids Talking by Mary DeMuth

150 Quick Questions to Get Your Kids Talking

By Mary DeMuth 

ISBN 9780736930055

Mary DeMuth, well-known author of Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God, was tired of family dialogue based only on schedules, chores, or bedtime negotiations. Inspired by Jesus’ meaningful interactions with others, Mary shaped this great resource to help parents develop discussion skills, nurture relational talks with kids, and build strong families in the process. 

Creating a Visually Dynamic Novel Part 1

 
Hi Susanne (C. S.) Lakin back again for more on the writing craft. We just covered a few sessions on first scene structure, and there is so much more to that. However, since I'm gearing up to start teaching workshops at conferences this summer and fall on screenwriting-related topics, I thought I'd share some of the techniques I'll be teaching on. In particular, how to utilize camera direction in your novel to make it dynamic and physically "moving" as opposed to static, which is often the case in scene structure.

An Author's Time ~ Mealtime

   Greetings from contemporary fiction author, Deborah Vogts. If you're reading this, chances are you are part of the writing profession, and you understand how this activity fills nearly every nook and cranny of your life in one way or another. Because of this, it's easy for our lives to become lopsided, neglecting one or more ingredients that will make them richer, and will actually enhance our ability to "write" more effectively.

Today, I'd like to visit with you about mealtime. I don't know about you, but when I'm in the middle of a writing session, the last thing I want to think about is what I'm going to make for dinner. Dinner out is not an option, and we can only eat so many DiGourno pizzas in a month before my husband starts grumbling. So, what can we do to make this easier on everyone involved?

Twitter-patted

Aloha from Karen, CAN treasurer

Twittering gave the world a fast way to communicate and also a new tool for marketing. Marketing with only a few words takes planning and focus.

 

I stopped logging onto twitter often because I often read dribble, such as someone telling me they are going to eat (unless it’s connected to a focus-such as how to make healthy choices or making a meal a girlfriend or family time) or hard sells that continue to talk about a specific product. Today logged on and found that since I reduced the people to follow I enjoy the posts more now.

Crawling In and Out of the Computer (Part 1)

Greetings from East Texas! Elizabeth Baker here with a word of encouragement for today.

When it comes to writing, I only to have two problems: starting and stopping. I am not sure which is worse. When I am not working, I don’t want to start but when I’m pecking away and words are flowing, I don’t want to stop!

Perhaps you can relate. And, if we compare notes, we might find a spark of inspiration to make the process easier for us both. If not, we at least have company while we commiserate. In this post we’ll look at the problem of getting started and in the next, the difficulty of crawling out of the computer when it is time to get on with life.

When I am not writing, my world expands beyond the flat screen. I breathe and find I really like it out there. I look others in the eye, relate, and become interested in their day. Even mundane chores take on importance. Clipping toenails, cooking dinner, and driving to the post office are things that seem somehow significant. Fresh. When I am thoroughly involved with the land of the living, the idea of writing is a fascinating possibility I plan to do—later.

When I am “out there,” story ideas may pop into my mind, however I don’t have to do anything about them but enjoy the ride. Each fiction concept will certainly be the next great American novel. I drift from plot generalities to how I will spend the profit from a best seller. On the other hand, there are all those people who will have their life changed by my next non-fiction. I’m sure they need my advice and wisdom. I’ll have to organize all of this—eventually.

While I ‘m puttering through life, I can enjoy the delicious aroma of creative fame and fortune with none of the effort and none of the risks. Best of all, it takes no self-discipline to dream.

So, how to I convince myself to disengage from life, sit in a hard chair, and click keys? As Shakespeare said, “Aw, there’s the rub!”

For most of us—even Shakespeare—there is the motivation of money (or at least the possibility that money might arrive one day!) Also, as artist, there is often something deep inside that just has to come out. I guess one might call it passion. But, as Christians, there is another motive and it’s this one that often drives me. Duty.

The obligation of duty is not pleasant but that doesn’t make it unnecessary. As writers, we have been given a gift. We have an obligation to sharpen and use that gift. It is part of our duty as servants of the most high God. Personally, when all other motivations fade, this one drives me back to the computer. Not using my gift is an insult to the One who bought me with His blood.

What motivates you? Why do you spend hours at the keyboard? Why not leave a comment and share. We might all benefit from your wisdom.

The Jewels of Amazon

Hello and happy spring from Cat Hoort and Kregel Publications!

Question for you: have you found the jewels of Amazon?

I’m not talking about any lost treasure, rain forest, or river. I am, of course, referring to Amazon.com: the go-to online retailer that has made it easy for practically anyone anywhere to get our books. We know them as a retailer—a seller. But did you know they also market? Amazon offers several ways for you to interact with your readers—right there on your book’s product page. Here are a few “jewels” that are easy, accessible, and effective ways to market your book on Amazon:

Handling Rejection

Welcome to the third Thursday in May from Ava Pennington!

Have you ever seen an unattractive baby? Even if you think the baby is ugly, his parents would never agree. That baby is part of them. He carries their DNA. More than that, he carries their hopes and dreams for the future.

Do you give your book away?

Most publishers offer an author discount. This enables authors to buy copies of their book at an affordable price so that they can sell copies at speaking engagements or use for promotion.

I keep track of everything. And when I did my taxes this year, I discovered that I gave away over $700 worth of books in 2010. Yikes! That seemed like a lot. On paper.

Now, there were also shipping costs involved on most of my giveaways. When I add the total shipping I spent on the giveaways and the amount the giveaway books cost me to purchase, I pretty much break even.

Keep in mind, though, I usually give away book one. And I often discover later on that people who received a free copy of my book one, will go out and buy book two and three. So that’s an investment that sometimes pays off over time. Sometimes not. And I don’t always know either way. Sometime to keep in mind if you have a series.

So what do you think? To give or not to give? Is it worth the time and effort to break even?

CAN Book Review by Diana Brandmeyer: When the Stars Collide by Janice Thompson

When Stars Collide by Janice Thompson

Like all of Thompson’s books this one will make you laugh. Not as much as the other’s she’s written, but you’ll still find many parts funny. There’s a zany grandmother who dresses in clothes worn by Elizabeth Taylor and other older famous movie stars. She also plays a game of movie quotes with her granddaughter throughout the book. Loved that!

 The setting for this adventure is unlikely but oh how I wish it were true! It’s a TV show based on family values and morals! The two main characters of the sitcom run a talent agency and are encouraged by the child actors to fall in love. The off-stage couple Kat Jennings and Scot Murphy find themselves playing the part in real life as well. Confusion becomes chaos when Kat’s grandmother—a long ago Hollywood eccentric star—thinks the wedding planned for the show is a real wedding.

Despite its sad undertones of the grandmother’s failing mental health I enjoyed this book. And wouldn’t you know it? That hunk Brock Benson, from previous books, shows up in this book too. Janice Thompson when will we get to see him fall in love? Soon I hope.

 

CAN Book Feature: From Darkness Won by Jill Williamson

Title: From Darkness Won (Blood of Kings, book 3)

Author: Jill Williamson

ISBN: 9780982598771

Achan steps into his role as Crown Prince and prepares for war. But war against whom? Could Esek still be alive? Has Lord Nathak taken Esek’s place? Or is the mysterious Hadad the true enemy Achan must confront?

Vrell has her own agenda of serving Prince Oren as a healer, but when she is stormed and lost to the Veil, Achan does all he can to bring her back. His conversations with her are strange, though, as if she has no memory of who he is.

In a land consumed by Darkness, the fate of Er’Rets hangs in the balance as Achan endeavors to take the throne and end the reign of Darkness.