Disrupted by B. Lynn Goodwin: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, March 18, 2024
Disrupted by B. Lynn Goodwin

I'm excited to announce that author B. Lynn Goodwin returns to us again with a new book called Disrupted. Join us as we celebrate the launch of her book and interview her about her writing journey. You'll also have the chance to win a copy for yourself.

Before we get to that, here's more about her book:

The San Ramos High students are busy rehearsing their performance of Our Town when the school and the surrounding towns are rocked by a 7.1 earthquake. As a series of unusual aftershocks disrupt the town further, their school is deemed unsafe, and the show is postponed indefinitely unless they can find a way to turn that bad luck around. Dealing with their own personal difficulties and led by the stage manager, Sandee, who is working her way through the loss of her brother, they attempt to bring the community together, make the performance a success, and do their share to raise funds to rebuild. Both the show and life must go on!

Publisher: Olympia Publishers
ISBN-10: 1804393487
ISBN-13: 978-1804393482
ASIN: B0CTKPM735
Print Length: 238 pages

Purchase a copy of Disrupted on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop. You can also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, B. Lynn Goodwin

B. Lynn Goodwin is the owner of Writer Advice, www.writeradvice.com

Talent was short-listed for a Literary Lightbox Award and won a bronze medal in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and was a finalist for a Sarton Women’s Book Award. A second edition cane out on November 1, 2020 from  Koehler Books. She also wrote You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers.

Her memoir, Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62 won a National Indie Excellence Award, a Human Relations Indie Book Awards Winner, a Dragonfly Book Award, Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Best Book Awards Finalist & NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winner.

Her latest book, Disrupted, published on January 25th. 

Goodwin’s work has appeared in Voices of Caregivers, Hip Mama, Dramatics Magazine, Inspire Me Today, The Sun, Good Housekeeping.com, Purple Clover.com, and elsewhere. She is a reviewer and teacher at Story Circle Network, and she is a manuscript coach at Writer Advice. She always has time to write guest blog posts and answer questions. She loves working one on one, trouble-shooting, and helping writers find what works. Contact her to see how she can help you.

You can find her online at:


--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Congratulations on Disrupted! I'm so glad to have you back with us. And I love your new YA book! What has happened since your last blog tour It's Never Too Late? 

B. Lynn: I’ve been busy with writing, editing, and maybe spreading myself too thin. Writer Advice, www.writeradvice.com takes up a hunk of my time because of our writing contests and my responses. I read and review all the time, and reading other people’s work helps my writing. I’m on the board at Story Circle Network, Story Circle Network — Women Writers & Writing Resources, where I lead a monthly Writing Extravaganza and teach Independent Study Classes, and the San Francisco Chapter of the Women’s National Book Association. I’m also writing articles for several of the people who want me to share my ideas on this blog tour, and I find time to be with my husband every day. 

WOW: I love hearing how well things are going for you. Why did you decide to pursue fiction? And specifically, why young adult? 

B. Lynn: I used to teach English and drama in high school and college. They say you should write what you know, which means writing a memoir and writing this fiction weren’t all that different. I know how teens sound and I know what they want at least as much as they do. I also know what we all dream about. 

WOW: So true! I love all of the characters in this book. How did you create such real feeling characters? 

B. Lynn: Whether you’re writing fiction or acting, when you develop a character you need to focus on what each character wants, what she can do to get it, and what is in her way. 

WOW: Great tip! What kind of research did you do to capture the experience of the earthquake? 

B. Lynn: I lived through the 7.1 Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. My husband’s experience of feeling like there was an ape in the back of the truck is an authentic one used in Disrupted

WOW: As someone who grew up in California, that's a perfect description. What are you working on now that you can tell us about? 

B. Lynn: I’m working on juggling the varying aspects of my writing life and the rest of my life, always gathering material, and processing a lot of it in my journal. 

WOW: That's amazing! What advice do you have for authors who want to write YA? 

B. Lynn: Can you answer these questions? Why do you want to write YA? How do you feel about teens? What could they get from your book that might not be available in adult fiction? If you can answer those questions, just do it. 

WOW: Great insight! Thank you again for joining us! Best of luck on your tour.

Disrupted by B. Lynn Goodwin Blog Tour

--- Blog Tour Calendar

March 18th @ The Muffin
Join us on WOW as we celebrate the launch of B. Lynn Goodwin's newest book Disrupted. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy for yourself.

March 19th @ Rockin Book Reviews
Join Lu Ann for her review of Disrupted by B. Lynn Goodwin.

March 20th @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Join Lisa for her interview with B. Lynn Goodwin about her writing journey and her newest book Disrupted.

March 22nd @ The Faerie Review
Visit Lily's blog for a spotlight of Disrupted by B. Lynn Goodwin.

March 23rd @ Word Magic
Join Fiona's blog for a guest post about earthquakes. Learn some interesting facts and mysteries behind this geographical event.

March 25th @ Michelle Cornish's blog
Join Michelle for a guest post by B. Lynn Goodwin about what makes your story unique.

March 30th @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for a guest post by B. Lynn Goodwin about the benefits of writing what you know.

March 31st @ A Wonderful World of Books
Visit Joy's blog for a spotlight of Disrupted and a giveaway of a copy of the e-book.

April 2nd @ World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole's blog for her review of Disrupted by B. Lynn Goodwin.

April 6th @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Join Linda's blog for her interview with B. Lynn Goodwin about her new book Disrupted.

April 8th @ Sara Trimble's blog
Join Sara for her review of Disrupted by B. Lynn Goodwin. You can also win a digital copy of the book.

April 10th @ Susan Uhlig's blog
Visit Susan's blog for a guest post by B. Lynn Goodwin about how loss affects teens.

April 13th @ Book Review From an Avid Reader
Visit Joan's blog for her review of Disrupted by B. Lynn Goodwin.

April 14th @ Boys Moms' Reads 
Join Karen for her review of Disrupted by B. Lynn Goodwin.

April 15th @ Choices
Visit Madeline Sharples' blog for a guest post by B. Lynn Goodwin about pantsing or plotting and whether that matters.

April 16th @ Storeybook Reviews
Join Leslie for a guest post by B. Lynn Goodwin about rising above fear.

April 17th @ Just Katherine
Join Katherine for her review of Disrupted by B. Lynn Goodwin.

April 19th @ Just Katherine
Visit Katherine's blog again for a guest post by B. Lynn Goodwin about journaling for writers.

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of the novel Disrupted by B. Lynn Goodwin! Fill out the form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends March 31st at 11:59 pm CT. We will choose a winner the next day and announce in the Rafflecopter widget, and also follow up via email. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read More »

Interview with Robin Lee Lovelace, Runner up in WOW's Q1 2024 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest

Sunday, March 17, 2024
I'm thrilled to chat with Robin Lee Lovelace about her powerful, award-winning essay, "To Be a Mixed Race (Black and White) Woman in America Means." In today's interview we chat about craft, what to look for when entering contests, Robin's latest projects, and a headless chicken that lived for eighteen months!


Robin's bio:

I am a mixed-race African-American writer from Indiana who usually writes fiction.

In 2017, I won the grand prize in a one-act play contest, presented by the 30XNinety theatre in Mandeville, a suburb of New Orleans.

In March 2019, I won the Etchings Press annual competition for novellas for my novella, Savonne, Not Vonny

I was named as an honoree in the Emerging Author category for the Indiana Author’s Awards in September 2020.

I was one of the three finalists for the Don Belton Fiction Prize for 2021 for my collection of stories titled A Wild Region and a Stowe Story Labs SAG Indie Top Ten Finalist for Savonne, Not Vonny in 2021.

Also, in 2021, I won the Marguerite McGlinn short fiction prize for my story "Uncle," awarded by Rosemont College and Philadelphia Stories.

One of my essays called "Different Times, Different Degrees, Same Shit" appeared in the 2023 Summer Edition of the Indiana Review.

I was a Wild Acres Retreat Diversity Fellowship winner in July 2023.

I live in Indiana with my husband and my dog and cat.

----- interview by Angela Mackintosh

WOW: Welcome, Robin! Thank you for joining us today, and congratulations on your award-winning essay, "To Be a Mixed Race (Black and White) Woman in America Means." I love how the title serves as an opening prompt for each paragraph, and your choice to write it in second person is brilliant. How did you come up with the idea for the format? 

Robin: I decided to write down every instance of racism or questionable situation regarding race that I encountered in my everyday life. 

Second person just came naturally. It seemed to be the most comfortable way to present the narrative.

WOW: It works so well. I am mixed race (half Asian, half White), and I can relate to hearing people talk about your ethnicity with racial slurs right in front of you! How did you choose which mini scenes to use in your essay, and how did the piece evolve as you wrote it?

Robin: It only took me about four months to gather the different mini-scenes. The one that struck me hardest was the two women in the mall assuming the tricked-out mustang blasting bass-heavy rap was driven by black people. The crude name-calling and stereotyping that these women displayed were infuriating.

WOW: You did a great job with that scene, because it also infuriated me as I read it. 

From plays to novellas to short stories—you've had great success at winning contests! What are some tips for choosing and entering contests?

Robin: If the judge of the competition has been announced, review what that judge writes and if your writing is in the same genre or is similar in tone or the judge has similar life experiences (possibly) then enter the contest. Go over your essay or story with a fine-tooth comb, not once but many times. If you can, have someone else read your essay or story and get their opinion.

WOW: Reading what the judge has written is such a great tip! When and where do you like to write?

Robin: I have a room in my house with all my books and my computer, that is the best place for me to write.

Usually, I write in the late evening - 9:00 pm to 1:00 am is the timeframe I usually write in. 

WOW: I'm a morning writer, so late night writers always impress me because I can never keep my eyes open past ten!

Your short story collection, A Wild Region: Tales and Stories from the Heartland, was recently published by Liminal Books. I love how you dedicated your collection to your grandmother. In your prologue, you mentioned that one of your characters, Virgie, who kept a headless chicken, was the essence of your grandmother. Did you draw on your real life experience for all the stories included in your collection? Would they be classified as magical realism? Are the stories connected by a theme?

Robin: I believe all writing draws on the author's life experiences to some degree. Of course, in fiction things are changed around a bit and characters are composites or at least have a little bit of the author's emotional truth. 

Yes, I would call my stories magical realism. Flying dogs, Voodoo conjurers, magic animals carved out of ivory. Not connected except by the area where the stories are situated and, of course my strange view of life.

However, a live headless chicken really did exist in the 1940s as a carnival sideshow attraction.


Mike the Headless Chicken (April 20, 1945 – March 17, 1947)[1] was a male Wyandotte chicken that lived for 18 months after his head had been cut off, surviving because most of his brain stem remained intact and it did not bleed to death due to a blood clot. After the loss of his head, Mike achieved national fame until his death in March 1947. In Fruita, Colorado, United States, an annual "Mike the Headless Chicken Day" is held in May.

Also, I am honored that you read my stories, Ms. Mackintosh!

WOW: I love your writing, Robin! That's wild about the headless chicken. What are you working on now?

Robin: A novel about an orphaned young woman making her way in Victorian London with an off-putting birthmark on her face. A Doctor Jekyll-type physician claims he can rid her of the birthmark, but she also has to contend with the Mr. Hyde side of him.

This Doctor is named Doctor Robert Harold, and his alter ego is simply called Jenks. I'm about 90 pages in.

WOW: Ooh, that sounds fascinating, and I love dual personality stories, and birthmarks are intriguing. Okay, last question: what is your favorite piece of writing advice?

Robin: Take long walks and think about your story and characters. Sometimes I talk to my characters or talk as my characters. I try not to let anyone hear me on my walks, or they might think I am peculiar.

WOW: Ha! That's wonderful advice, Robin, and you are a true artist. It's been a joy chatting with you today, and I wish you the best of luck on your project! I will be following your work.

Find out more about WOW's flash fiction and creative nonfiction contests here: https://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/contest.php
Read More »

The Bean Coffee Company Review and Giveaway

Friday, March 15, 2024
The Bean Coffee Company Review

Review by Angela Mackintosh

Writing and coffee are the perfect companions! There’s nothing like a buzzy cup of coffee to get your story wheels churning. This year, I’ve been focusing on building a daily writing habit, with the goal of finishing a first novel draft by December. Every morning I brew a pot of coffee from my regular drip coffee maker because it’s quick and easy, and get to work. I like dark roasts and drink my coffee black, except for a scoop of collagen powder, so the coffee’s flavor has to be spectacular. Today, I’m thrilled to share my review of the organic coffee crafted by The Bean Coffee Company, which has just become my favorite coffee brand. We also have a discount code and a giveaway!

Why I love The Bean Coffee Company


The Bean Coffee Company
Buying organic food is important to me. The Bean Coffee Company uses organic, natural Arabica coffee beans, certified by the USDA and CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers). This means it’s free of pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Organic coffee has a wonderful taste, and many health benefits. It’s high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which boost the immune system. I can taste the difference between their coffee and non-organic, and I feel good knowing that I’m drinking chemical-free pure coffee.

As a Southern California native, I love supporting local businesses. The Bean Coffee Company is a family-owned business based out of Oceanside, California. At their facility, they carefully roast their arabica coffee beans in small batches by hand. Their high-quality coffee is a testament to their twenty-five years of roasting experience, and it tastes delicious.

What I Thought About Their Coffee


I tried their Organic Le Bean ~ Dark Roast Coffee, and immediately I noticed how clean and flavorful it tastes. Opening the bag releases an intoxicating bittersweet almost-chocolatey scent. After grinding the dark shiny beans and running them through my drip coffee maker, I drink it black. The coffee tastes smooth and rich, a little toasty and decadent, with a slightly nutty flavor. It’s not bitter or zingy like some dark roasts can get, and it gives me plenty of energy to start my morning writing session. After two sips of coffee, I put pen to paper and can feel the sparks fly between plot and character ideas.

The one-pound bag is 16 ounces and you get a lot of cups for a great price. It’s $14.99 on their site or you can buy it on Amazon, and you have the choice of ground or whole bean. I tried both and they are equally wonderful! They have a wide variety of flavors—everything from seasonal pumpkin spice and mocha java to hazelnut and vanilla—and I’ve heard their decaf is fantastic, too. I just ordered some for my partner, who loves the flavor of coffee but can’t have the caffeine. He also can’t have gluten and will appreciate that their coffee is gluten-free. Lately, we’ve been enjoying hot beverages around the firepit at our ranch, and I can’t wait to try the decaf under the stars.

Before this, I’d been a Peet’s coffee fan for years, since a friend of mine managed their San Francisco shop and would send me some periodically. In between shipments, I’d also pick up a bag of Kirkland coffee at Costco. The Bean Coffee Company’s roasts are hands down tastier and smoother than the other two! I also like that their bag is resealable, which was a problem with the Kirkland coffee that I always had to tape and clip shut. So now that I’ve found my new go-to, I’d love to share some with you. We have a discount code and a giveaway for a 3-month subscription.

The Bean Coffee Company Discount Code: Our friends at The Bean Coffee Company are giving WOW readers a special discount! Go to www.TheBeanCoffeeCompany.com and use code Womenonwriting15off to receive 15% Off their products.

The Bean Coffee Company Giveaway - Win a 3-Month Subscription!

Coffee Giveaway: Enter to Win a 3-Month Subscription!


Enter the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win a three-month subscription to The Bean Coffee Company’s organic coffee. It includes two one-pound bags each month for three months (six one-pound bags total), and includes shipping. US only. Giveaway ends April 2nd at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly choose one lucky winner via Rafflecopter the next day and follow up by email. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read More »

Interview with Your Personal Odyssey Writing Workshop Graduate, Jill Tew

Thursday, March 14, 2024
 

Today, I'm excited to interview another graduate of the Personal Odyssey Writing Workshop

Since its inception in 1996, the Odyssey Writing Workshop has offered its world-renowned, 6-week
workshop, helping writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror make major improvements in their
work. Fifty-nine percent of graduates have been professionally published, and among graduates
are award winners, Amazon bestsellers, and New York Times bestsellers.

Last year, Odyssey transformed into a breakthrough new program to become both more
accessible and more effective. Students taking Your Personal Odyssey receive the inspiring, transformative learning experience Odyssey is known for, but that experience is customized to
maximize learning and improvement for each student.

If your 2024 writing goal is to take a writing class, you'll love Your Personal Odyssey Writing Workshop. It's an intensive online, one-on-one writing workshop customized just for you.

 I'll be chatting with  Jill Tew about her experience and her new book The Dividing Sky. Before we get to that, here's more about the author:

From a young age, Jill Tew was destined for speculative fiction nerddom. Now she writes the kinds of stories she loved as a kid, with the representation she craved— Black heroines saving the world, and falling in love along the way. Her debut novel, a YA dystopian romance titled The Dividing Sky, is forthcoming from Joy Revolution (Penguin Random House) in 2024.

 Jill lives in Atlanta with her family. She is represented by Jen Azantian of Azantian Literary Agency. Find her online at https://www.jilltew.com/.

--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Thank you again for joining us today! You are a graduate of the Personal Odyssey Writing Workshop. What changed for you and your writing processes after attending the workshop?

Jill: I’ve always thought of myself as a “plotter”, someone who outlines heavily before beginning to draft. But the workshop helped me see that what I thought was a comprehensive prewriting process really wasn’t even scratching the surface of what was possible. Instead of using the prewriting stage to explore all possible options for where my story could go, I was hemming myself in with a plot that, while entertaining, was occasionally predictable or not as challenging for my characters as it could have been. As a result, I now take considerably more time to investigate the many paths a story can take before I start writing.

WOW: How interesting! I love how it transformed your investigation into plotting your story. Was your novel in progress by the time you attended the workshop? If so, how did attending the class transform your approach? If not, how did the course inspire you?

Jill: When I began the workshop, The Dividing Sky was already with my agent, for our last round of edits before going on submission. I received my agent’s notes during the workshop, and was able to use some of what I had learned in order to strengthen the manuscript for the better. Specifically, I increased the amount of struggle my characters faced in the second act, making them earn the emotional resolution of the book, and their happily ever after.

We went on submission with the manuscript the fourth or fifth week of the workshop. Before the workshop was done, I had an offer!

WOW: That's amazing. And it's a major credit to you that you sought out help through the course to make changes to your novel with an agent already in place. How many revisions did you go through to get your book ready?

Jill: To go on submission, we just did one round of revisions. Once I signed with a publisher, there were two rounds of developmental edits, and then line edits before the story was locked. Each round was challenging, but looking at the finished product, all of that work just brought the manuscript closer to the story it needed to be.

WOW: That took a lot of work! What was your experience like working with an agent?

Jill: Jen is great! From the minute we began working together, I knew she’d be a fantastic partner for my career, even just on the editorial side. And then once we sold our first project together and she began managing all of the contractual and business things, I saw another side of her expertise that truly blew me away. It’s a huge relief to have someone in your corner that’s advocating for you, even on the tiniest things. I tend to minimize my issues, so having her there to tell me my concerns are valid is really empowering.

WOW: That is amazing. How was attending a workshop so important for your writing journey?

Jill: Before the workshop, I felt like I had plateaued. My work had gotten me an agent, but after about a year nothing had sold, and I felt like I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was holding me back. I like having someone–-whether its an editor, agent, or critique partner– who will rip my work apart and help me put it back together stronger. That’s exactly what Jeanne did with me over the course of the workshop. It was sometimes hard to hear those difficult pieces of feedback, especially related to weaknesses in my writing that I tend to fall back on, time and time again. But my writing is stronger for being aware of those tendencies, and having the tools to address them before I get too deep into the work. 

WOW: I'm glad you found the right type of help for your book. Would you recommend the workshop to other writers? And why?

Jill: Absolutely! Jeanne’s expertise and generosity are truly unparalleled, and Your Personal Odyssey is specially crafted to meet every writer’s unique needs. You won’t find anything else like it out there, especially in a format that makes it easy to do from home, when other aspects of life need your attention. My kids were two and four when I went through the program… there’s no way I would have been able to leave home for six weeks as their primary caregiver. YPO made it possible for me to strive for the next rung in my professional ladder while managing my personal demands. I’m very grateful to Jeanne and everyone who makes the program possible!

WOW: How awesome to hear that! Thank you again and best of luck on your novel. Find out more about the workshop and join today.

Read More »

Don’t Try to Do It All

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

 

Are you trying to do it all?

Not long ago, Ann Kathryn Kelly shared an article with the rest of our accountability group. We oohed and aahed and that isn’t surprising. “Lived In and Loved: Unique Design Concepts Driven by Art and Psychology” in the March 2024 issue of Portsmouth City Lifestyle has it all. In addition to Ann’s byline and powerful prose, it is full of gorgeous photos. I just want to crawl inside and explore! 

But I’m not going there. Obviously, I can’t literally crawl inside the photos but I’m not going to try to follow Ann’s steps and write a piece for a posh city lifestyles magazine either. As much as I love going to open houses and drooling over photos like these, for the most part I cannot write about home décor. Words escape me. 

It may be that I simply don’t know enough. Perhaps if I studied decorating, I could write these kinds of pieces. But that’s okay. Ann, I’m gifting them to you. You do this type of writing so well! I just don’t have the fire to do justice to these types of projects. 

And that’s one clue whether a writing project is something you should pursue. If you are passionate about it, go for it! 

I recently puzzled through how the Apollo lunar lander, command module and rocket worked together. I really needed to know how the lunar lander survived the journey, perched as it is below the nozzle exit cone for the command module. Yeah, I care enough to make sure that it is actually called a nozzle exit cone. 

But decorating terminology? I know the correct terms for paint finishes and that’s about it. It is simply not one of my passions. 

The reality of writing is that there are dozens if not hundreds of different things that you can write. Are you interested in fiction? Do you want to write for adults or young readers? Romance? Romantasy? Cozy mysteries? Or perhaps you’re into speculative fiction? Or maybe you prefer to write nonfiction. Again, you could write for adults and/or young readers. There are how-to pieces as well as science, gardening, lifestyle, and a whole lot more. 

Every type of writing that you do is going to have a learning curve. You will have to learn the appropriate jargon and the expectations that go along with that type of writing. You’ll have to familiarize yourself with your audience and the market. That sounds like a lot of work, doesn’t it? 

A lot of effort goes into writing well. And none of us has the energy or the will to do it all. 

If you want to try something new, sign up for a WOW class. Tomorrow is Renee Roberson’s video course, Introduction to True Crime Writing. I’ve signed up although I’m going to have to catch the replay. My thought is that I may be able to use this to improve my mysteries. Who knows? I may discover a new passion. 

Check out WOW’s list of courses and workshops. There’s sure to be something, perhaps travel writing, Chicken soup essays, or my own nonfiction, that piques your interest. But don’t be surprised when you look at some of the courses and think, “Nah, that’s just not for me.” 

None of us has to do it all. 

--SueBE

Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of 50 books for young readers.  
  • To find out more about her writing, visit her site and blog, One Writer's Journey.  
  • Click here to find her newsletter.

She is also the instructor for 3 WOW classes which begin again on  March 4, 2024. 
She teaches:
Read More »

Interview with Gayle Beveridge, 2nd Place Winner in the WOW! Fall 2023 Flash Fiction Contest

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

 

Gayle Beveridge writes because she loves it. It is her radiant red-sky sunset, her budding spring flowers. It is bird song and a long walk in the bush. It is whatever she wants it to be. Gayle is a past winner of the Boroondara Literary Awards. Her work has appeared in Award Winning Australian Writing, The Umbrella’s Shade, Vegemite Whiskers and Mosaic. Gayle is passionate about writing, photography, sunsets, dogs, and chocolate and with Victoria’s beautiful Bass Coast, which she now calls home. In a past life Gayle was an accountant, (don’t hold it against her), but now she is free to write. 


 






----------Interview by Renee Roberson 


WOW: Gayle, congratulations again, and welcome! “Walk with the Woman” explores how power dynamics between couples that can shift over time, sometimes for the worse. What inspired you to explore this topic? 

Gayle: I was keen to experiment with my writing and chose a style that instructs the reader— “Walk with the woman.” “Sit with the man.” I was looking to pair that bold style with a powerful theme, one that would carry the reader forward and excuse my temerity at telling them what to do. At the time, my local writing group’s weekly theme was ‘Green,’ which set me to thinking about what that colour symbolises and to jealousy. I wanted to address how jealousy can disguise itself as love, unrecognisable even to those who pursue it, and how important it is to shake off its shackles. 

WOW: What a great writing prompt! We see so many contest winners that have winning entries inspired by writing prompts or work produced in writing groups--I love that. You’ve been published multiple times in literary journals and anthologies. What themes do you often see appearing in your work? 

Gayle: I’ve dabbled with a variety of genres and themes, but most often return to contemporary fiction and to the emotional reactions of humans to difficult situations. The woman escaping domestic violence. A childhood bully repentant in adulthood. An asylum seeker clinging to the hope of something better. The empty-nester battling loneliness. A young child unable to comprehend his father’s death. An earthquake victim longing for help and the rescuer desperate to find him. 

WOW: When did you first know you were a writer? 

Gayle: Writing was something I enjoyed as a child. The concept of being a writer was an unfilled dream in early adulthood, a passion revisited in my fifties and serious pursuit in retirement. I think the burn to be a writer has always been there and always will be. I have long thought of myself as a writer; my aim now is to become a better writer and a great storyteller. 

WOW: What do you like to read for pleasure? 

Gayle: I read across genres and like the surprise of random choices. Jodi Picoult is a favourite. I admire her capacity to address contemporary societal issues and to integrate them into compelling stories. Australia’s Eliza Henry-Jones is a recent discovery and I can’t wait to read more of her work. Her mastery of pacing is superb. My copy of Tolkien’s "The Lord of the Rings" is a treasured volume. Tell me a good story and you have won me over. 

WOW: Do you have any advice for other writers wanting to explore flash fiction but are intimidated by the limited word count? 

Gayle: Embrace the word count; it requires you to think carefully about your story—what it is, and how you tell it. It will hone your storytelling skills, force you to focus what is important to the story and make careful choices about the words you use to tell it.

WOW: That's such great advice. Thank you again for stopping by today!
Read More »

Adriana by Leslie Hachtel: Reader Review Event & Giveaway

Monday, March 11, 2024
 
Adriana by Leslie Hachtel

Fans of historical romance will love our review event for Adriana by Leslie Hachtel. Join us as we celebrate the launch of Leslie's book. Read on to find out what our reviewers thought and more about the author. You'll also have a chance to win a copy of the book!

But first, here's more info about the book:

Fleeing for her life, Adriana Booth has come aboard Robert Stuart's ship disguised as an old woman. She is smitten with the captain, so the night before they reach land, she discards her masquerade and sneaks into his cabin. In the morning she disappears, but he is determined to find her, which puts her life at risk.

Can he save her? Can their love survive?

Purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

WOW's Readers Share Their Thoughts:

"This is a beautifully written book with dynamic details. It brings the reader into the story and they feel they are right there. The story is creative and interesting to read. I want to read more from this writer as well as this world she has created. I loved the historical elements of this book and the main character is easy to like. You want to follow her story." ~ Charity Bartley Howard

"This book is well written and full of suspense and intense attraction between Adriana and Robert, that you can feel the moment they first meet on the ship. This fiery and fast-paced read is a must for historical romance lovers. Adriana is a character that proves her perseverance, not only to herself but to others as well. I can relate to her because she does whatever she can to survive and protect the ones she loves, even if it means leaving them. When Robert enters the picture, the raw animal magnetism leaps off the page in a way I was not prepared for. Some of called him swoon worthy and that description is a perfect description of how the character feels to the reader. The supporting characters also add so much to the story that you will remember and root for their stories as you read. Character development is the key in this read, which adds to the books overall unique way of storytelling. The story starts with continuous action, blends in romance and suspense leaving the reader voracious for more. If this were a movie or TV show, I’d watch it in a heartbeat! Don’t wait… Buy this book, you won’t regret it." ~ Stephanie Evans

"I was excited to get the book Adriana by Leslie Hachtel and I could not wait to start to read it. It was worth the wait. I loved this book. I was hooked by the second page. Adriana is a descriptive book and a fast read. I quickly fell in love with the characters, especially the main ones. It was not hard to root for them. I like that the chapters were mainly short, especially with someone with a short attention span. If you like romance books, this one would be a good one for you." ~ Jill Sheets

"A sweet and slightly spicy historical romance with characters you won’t soon forget. I loved Adriana’s grit and determination, and Robert was absolutely swoon worthy. But if I’m being totally honest, the supporting characters like Tate and Robert’s mother Elizabeth also found their way into my heart. (I would love to have tea with Elizabeth, she’s got some fire in her). You’ll be transported back centuries as you read this, and it’s like watching a TV drama unfold before your eyes. The characters are all unique, and well-developed. If you enjoy historical romances with an FMC who is strong, independent, and determined, you’re going to love this one!" ~ Liliyana Shadowlyn

"Adriana is a must read Historical Romance that will draw you in and once you begin reading the story you will not want to put the book down nor will you want it to end. Adriana is someone I would like to meet because she is strong and doesn't let anything bother her. As for the man I would love to meet him because he is a real man's man and someone we could all fall in love with. If I was in a book club, I would recommend Adriana as a must-read book." ~ Glenda Cates

"I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book! It was a fun, historical romance with some spice and mystery. I really liked the main characters, Adriana and Robert, and their love story." ~ Jamie W.


About the Author, Leslie Hatchel


Leslie Hachtel has been working since she was fifteen and her various jobs have included licensed veterinary technician, caterer, horseback riding instructor for the disabled and advertising media buyer, which have all given her a wealth of experiences.

However, it has been writing that has consistently been her passion. She is an award-winning and Amazon bestselling author who has written seventeen romance novels, including twelve historicals and five romantic suspense.

Leslie lives in Florida with her very supportive husband, and her writing buddy, Josie, the poodle mix.

She loves to hear from readers!

You can find her online at:


WOW: I'm so glad to have you with us again! I love how you blend historical elements with romance. What kind of research did you do for this book? 

Leslie: Whenever I write historical, there are so many elements that need be correct. That’s sometimes difficult since there are some specifics left out no matter how much you search. But I do the best I can. For Adriana, it was important to get the description of the ship right and the details of life in the colonies. I want my readers to be immersed in the story and not lose the thread because of some glaring inconsistency. So, I do hours of research in the time period before I ever start to write. 

WOW: That must have been fascinating research! That makes me wonder: are you a pantser or a plotter? Why? 

Leslie: I am definitely a pantser. But it’s not my fault. Once I create the characters, they seem to take over. So, every time I’ve tried to plot, the characters tend to go in different directions. So I just go with them. 

WOW: That's a fun way to write. How do you generate ideas for plotlines and characters? 

Leslie: The strangest things seem to inspire me. For this book, it was the idea of a woman in disguise sailing to the colonies. That she decided to become a cook on the ship just made sense since many sailors thought women were bad luck on their boats. Unless of course, she could make the journey better. And good food is an instant incentive. 

For other stories, it can be a headline (for my romantic suspense Payback) or going to an escape room (the kidnapping in Bound to Morocco) or being by myself and awake in the middle of the night (The Dream Dancer). Once I have an idea, the rest seems to grow organically. 

WOW: How cool is that! What advice do you have for authors considering self-publishing? 

Leslie: First, obviously, write a wonderful book. Then find a good (and by that I mean great) editor and proofreader. If you want to compete in this market, you have to have a quality product. And that means well-written and carefully crafted. Then find a talented cover artist who captures the heart of your story. After that, the rest is easy. 

WOW: That's so helpful! What advice would you have for authors who want to write romance? 

Leslie: Read romance. All genres. Then choose the ones that most appeal to you. And then read more in that genre or genres. Understand how they are alike and how they are different. And then find your voice. 

WOW: Excellent advice. What are you working on now that you can tell us about? 

Leslie: Now I am working on Book Two and Three that come after Come Back to Me. The first book ends with a cliffhanger and so there needed to be two more books. These are time travel stories and the first one involves a modern woman who sees a portrait of a man from Scotland in the 1500’s. Knowing he is her soul mate, she must find a way to meet him. But true love is rarely easy. But then, what would you do to find true love?

WOW: I can't wait! Thank you for joining us again. We're so glad to have you!

Adriana by Leslie Hachtel Review and Giveaway

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter for a chance to win a copy of the novel Adriana by Leslie Hachtel! Fill out the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win. The giveaway ends on March 25th at 11:59 pm CT. We will choose a winner the next day and announce in the widget and follow up via email. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read More »

Interview with Kathryn Aldridge-Morris, Q1 2024 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest Runner Up

Sunday, March 10, 2024
Kathryn Aldridge-Morris is a writer from Bristol, UK. Her work has been widely published in journals and anthologies, most recently Stanchion, Leon Literary Review, and The Bath Flash Fiction Award anthology; and her story 'Electric Storm' was selected for the 2023 Wigleaf Top 50. She is the winner of The Forge 2023 prize for Creative Nonfiction and Manchester School of Writing’s QuietManDave 2022 prize for flash fiction. You can read more of her work at www.kamwords.com

--interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on placing as a runner up in our Q1 2024 Creative Nonfiction essay competition! What inspired you to write your essay, “Back Then, At Sea?”

Kathryn: I have a memory of when my son had just started preschool and we were living in Cádiz, Andalusia, in southern Spain. It’s a snapshot of the scene: me holding out my arms to embrace him, but not able to make him out from the other children because I’d just lost my prescription sunglasses. Not only that, but my clothes were wet and my hair was full of seaweed because we’d been kayaking and capsized a couple of hours earlier! For me, this encapsulates how my experience of mothering clashed so wildly with the expectations society has of mothers. At a surface level, I must have looked a mess to the other mothers and the teachers. But then, the concurrent story was, there I was, seaweed in my hair, fighting to help my son speak, fighting to help him realise his potential as a child, and mine as a mother. I started out describing the kayaking incident in the story where I’d lost my sunglasses, and the near drowning and helpless attempts at rescue became a metaphor for us finding a diagnosis and support for our son. The essay is an attempt to interrogate what’s underneath messy versions of motherhood. It’s an act of feminist writing.

WOW: Besides creative nonfiction, you also write flash fiction, textbooks and more. How do you juggle the different types of writing that you do? Anything you can share about the process?

Kathryn: I need to be in a very certain headspace when I sit down to write CNF or flash fiction as opposed to educational materials. I tend to immerse myself reading in the genre I’m about to write in to get into that zone. If I have a big work project to complete, I’ll often have to set aside my flash writing for a while – I do find it hard to switch between the forms.

That said, there is some overlap in the skills you need to be able to write educational texts and flash fiction. I write textbooks and online materials in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) and the process is creative in that I’ll need to create dialogues between characters to illustrate a particular grammar point, or a reading text for a comprehension task. Both flash and ELT writing require you to be able to write to a constraint, not only in terms of word limits but you’ll also need to include specific lexical items (think ‘word cricket’ in flash!) Perhaps this is why I was drawn to flash, rather than short stories. Having spent over a decade writing ELT materials before I started writing flash fiction, paring down my writing to the bare essentials was my go-to approach.

WOW:  What are you reading right now, and why did you choose to read it?

Kathryn: I’m reading my contributor’s copy of ‘Awakenings: Stories of Body and Consciousness’ published by ELJ Editions and edited by Diane Gottlieb. I was thrilled when my essay ‘The Gallbladder Monologues’ was accepted to be included in such a stellar anthology. Highly recommend!!

WOW:  Can you tell us what projects are you currently working on? What can we plan on seeing from you in the future?

Kathryn: I’m compiling a chapbook of fiction and working on a novella in flash which tells the wider story that we get a glimpse of in ‘Back Then, At Sea’. I’m not in a rush to publish them. I’m waiting for the right contest or the right small press which is a perfect fit for my writing!

If you want to read more of my writing, please check out my website: www.kamwords.com

WOW: Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Kathryn. Before you go, can you share a favorite writing tip or piece of advice?

Kathryn: If your piece isn’t working or something’s missing, ask yourself where desire or need enters the story.


***
Read More »

AWP ’24: It’s a Wrap!

Friday, March 08, 2024
Three weeks ago, I attended my first AWP writing conference. It’s been on my radar for several years, as I’ve watched from afar my writing networks on Instagram and X discuss it, exchanging tips and quips. What they loved. What could have been better. How great the Keynote was. Which craft session they liked best. Which after-hours parties had the coolest vibe. 

It always seemed like a lot of fun. 

I’m no stranger to large events. Having worked in the technology industry for 30 years, I’ve attended some “big boy” conferences, held in cavernous convention centers around the world that should require golf carts to navigate exhibition space. I’m talking big as in, 100,000 attendees. Bigger than many small cities. 

AWP’s 20,000 attendees, therefore? Walk in the park. 

I plunked down my credit card for the $350 Early Bird conference fee, bought my airfare, and scheduled my hotel stay—conveniently, right next to the convention center, and connected by an interior Sky Bridge. 

I was looking forward to AWP ’24—held in Kansas City, Missouri, last month—because it was going to get me out of dreary New England in February (though Kansas City ain’t exactly the Bahamas). But more so, I was looking forward to it because I had planned a reunion with several writers whom I’d met in Prague last summer during our monthlong writing residency. 

We gathered once more for our first night in Kansas City to break bread and reminisce about our Prague adventure from six months earlier. Though two of us had jet lag from early morning flights from either sides of the U.S. coast, we didn’t hesitate when Kella suggested that we cap off the night at a karaoke bar. I’ve been known to shatter eardrums, but I’m never one to say no when singing and beer are involved. 

Images: Ann Kathryn Kelly 

Offkey Karaoke Lounge is a Kansas City gem, tucked into the trendy Westport neighborhood. The hardest part of the night was not working up the courage to take the stage, but which song to perform, from Offkey’s impressive selection of hundreds of one-hit wonders. 

Julia and I decided to start off with a duet: “Don’t Cha” by The Pussycat Dolls. The crowd grimaced at some of our high notes, but we earned enthusiastic applause for our dance moves under strobe lights. The night ended only when the Offkey staff announced Last Call at nearly 1:00 in the morning. 

Images: Ann Kathryn Kelly 

Compounded by the fact that I barely slept more than an hour that first night, it was a tough start to the conference. It could have been the echoes of Offkey renditions ringing in my ears, but more likely it was the typical bad night’s sleep that accompanies every first night I have when I travel. 

The conference itself was illuminating, but not for the reasons I had anticipated. I thought the panel sessions and craft talks were going to be the highlight. Instead, I found it was the one-off conversations I had with fellow writers—while standing in line for coffee, or walking down the hall together—that was most valuable. 

I shared my road blocks with creative nonfiction essayists and memoirists, and discovered they were working through many of the same issues. We traded tips on techniques, as well as titles of books we loved. We compared notes on which vendor booths to visit in the Book Fair. 

I also had a wonderful opportunity to meet Diane for the first time, at a signing table. Diane is the editor of the anthology, Awakenings: Stories of Body & Consciousness. We met online last year, as she was curating essays. She selected my piece"Outlasting Angie"to be included. When the anthology published in October 2023, I interviewed Diane for the WOW! “Markets” newsletter. 

When we discovered we’d both be at AWP, we made plans to meet in real life inside the Book Fair, where ELJ Editions (the anthology’s publisher) had a table. I spent close to two hours with Diane, greeting visitors and signing the anthology. Such a fun and rewarding experience! 


Images: Ann Kathryn Kelly 

I also ran into a fellow writer and New Hampshire resident, whom I’d first met online through Instagram two years ago. Sarah and I live about 40 minutes from each other. This was the second time we met in person. We shared a wonderful tapas meal one night, and caught up. We also caught an Uber ride back to the airport after the conference ended, and shared the same flight back home. 


Images: Ann Kathryn Kelly 

It was a whirlwind, but worthwhile, trip. In addition to good food and great company, there was nightlife that included bad singing, an industrial dance club, and a mellow booze basement with gorgeous chandeliers and a three-piece jazz ensemble in suits, straight out of the 1950s. There were also plenty of learning insights, and the best part of all: meeting new people. 

I’d for sure consider attending another AWP conference. Next year’s host city is Los Angeles, and Karen—one of our Prague mates and an LA resident—is already asking us to circle our calendars. In a city the size of LA, there must be an Offkey Karaoke cousin club. It’s on my list to research. 


Ann Kathryn Kelly writes from New Hampshire’s Seacoast region. https://annkkelly.com
Read More »

Interview With Black Rose Writing Advertising and Marketing Executive, Minna L. Rothe

Thursday, March 07, 2024
Minna L. Rothe

At WOW! Women on Writing, we love connecting with publishers and partnering with them to help their writers reach new audiences. Today, we wanted to highlight one of those relationships. You may recognize the name Black Rose Writing from several authors we've had on tour recently, such as What Happens in Montana and Analyzing the Prescotts.

Black Rose Writing is well-known in the indie publishing world, and despite being a small press they have a big impact. One of their authors even hit the news by going viral thanks to a rare encounter from TikTok user. We connected with Minna L. Rothe, the advertising and marketing executive with Black Rose Writing to deep dive into topics about marketing.

Black Rose Writing

--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Can you tell me a bit about your background and your role at Black Rose Writing.

Minna: I have a degree in Mass Communications with a focus in Public Relations. I had a very long, successful career in the Insurance Industry while also working as a consultant for Black Rose Writing on an as-needed basis since its creation in 2006, and moved into the full-time position of Advertising and Marketing Executive in 2021.

WOW: Awesome. I love that you and your husband are working together at BRW. How did you come to join him at his company? Were you there from the beginning?

Minna: Yes, I encouraged Reagan to create Black Rose Writing when it was just an idea, and have been 'in the shadows' at BRW since the beginning, working as a consultant to assist with the business side of things.

WOW: I feel like so much has changed about the book world over the years. What have you noticed in your time in the industry?

Minna: The introduction of eBooks and their growth, as well as audiobooks and their rise in popularity. Now, AI's influence on creating books, writing text, and generating images... The evolution of the book world continues to be very exciting. We do our best to maintain a level of flexibility with the ever-evolving book world.

WOW: AI definitely has had an impact on the writing world. Black Rose Writing made a big splash in the news when one of your authors went viral during a book signing! Were you expecting anything like that to happen? What was the aftermath of that moment?

Minna: We never expected anything like what happened this past summer, but we always maintain a level of optimism because of the hard work the BRW team puts in for our authors.

WOW: That's always good. What kind of tools should authors have to make sure the marketing of their book is a success?

Minna: In a very technology-dependent society, social media can be an amazing tool for authors to assist in marketing their titles. Also, being willing to put themselves in a position to reach out to people about purchasing and reading their books, and being personable and charismatic at promotional events such as book signings, etc.

WOW: Social media is very important. How much should authors prepare for the marketing of their book?

Minna: A LOT! When an author and BRW work together to market their title, it absolutely gives the book the best chance for success.

WOW: So true! When is the best timing for book promotion?

Minna: Once a book is in production, there are marketing steps throughout the process. At BRW, we provide our authors with timelines and 'Launch Checklists' to help maximize the dos and don'ts leading up to their release date and post-publication.

WOW: That's helpful! If authors were to invest $100 in a specific marketing or advertising area, what would you tell them to invest in?

Minna: For a smaller budget, it would be in eBook promotions (Free or $.99), or something along the lines of a Goodreads Giveaway or NetGalley listing.

WOW: Good tip! I talk to authors all the time about where to invest their money in terms of promoting their book. What do you think is the best place for authors to focus their attention?

Minna: eBook promotions are great for improving their landing page for Amazon Kindle, then once they have 25-50+ reviews, they should consider testing paid ads on platforms such as Facebook and Amazon.

WOW: That's a good idea. Social media continues to be an important part of authors connecting with readers. For the author who simply doesn't know where to begin, any advice you'd share?

Minna: Start by creating accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and/or X to begin posting about their title and themself as an individual. Not necessarily personally, unless they want to, but as an author. Society really enjoys being able to relate to others, so explaining how the author came up with the concept for their title, the processing of writing or developing their characters, etc. may all be ideas for initial posts. Eventually, authors can post about book signings or promotions, or post reviews that they have received.

WOW: Great tips! What has been the best avenue for success that you have seen with the authors you've worked with?

Minna: Amazon and Facebook ads have proven successful, as well as BookBub Featured Deals and Kindle Countdown Deals (paid promotions at $.99).

WOW: Any lasting thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?

Minna: It is never too early or too late to start! The time is NOW! Also, before your title begins production, begin asking other authors, mentors, professionals with designations, etc. to read and provide honest, detailed reviews of your manuscript. Society as a whole uses product reviews on which to base their purchases... reviews are a must!

WOW: They definitely are! Thank you for your time. We appreciate your partnership with WOW and look forward to promoting more titles.

Find out more about Black Rose Writing: https://www.blackrosewriting.com
Read More »
Powered by Blogger.
Back to Top