Fear of Success

 When you're querying and submitting a manuscript, you're afraid of failure. You're thinking, 'Will anybody say yes to my hot mess written and revised and revised again manuscript?' 

Even though you've labored over it for years months and months, you have doubts. It looked shiny and sparkly a long time ago, but now... Now it looks like your manuscript might end up on some bookshelf gathering dust because every agent and every publisher is either not answering your query, or they're saying no.

However, what happens when you get a yes? You get a yes from a publisher, you get a yes from an artist to get a book cover, you get a yes from review team members, you get a yes from a newspaper book editor, you get yes after yes after yes... What happens then?

First thing: you take a breath.

Working on a project for five years is like running a marathon. You pace yourself, you often sometimes wonder if you're going to make it to the end but then you see the finish line, and you go all-out. My manuscript-turned-book was Greenwood Gone: Henry's Story and since it was about the Tulsa Race Massacre, my publisher and I were determined to get it printed and delivered in time to go to Tulsa for the 100-year commemoration. So, as our deadline approached, there was last-minute editing and decisions.

Crossing the deadline while traveling at top speed meant I was exhausted. Out of breath. Once I took some deep breaths and drank a few bottles of wine water and ate some chocolate oranges, I was ready for what came next.

                                                                   image by Pixabay

And what does come next? It certainly depends on what kind of book you've written and what is going on in the world, but here are some suggestions:

Get business cards made. Pass them out to anybody who is breathing looks interested in your book.

Contact your local libraries. I emailed the three library systems in my area, and one has responded. I'm going to be part of a three-author panel. Our presentation is going to be called, "Do You Have a Book Inside You That's Trying to Chew Its Way Out?" All three of us are first-time authors, so we're gearing out talk to an audience of frustrated writers.

Set up book signings at independent book stores. I have a great relationship with the Half-Price Bookstores in the St. Louis area because of the dog rescue group I belong to. You're not fnished with your manuscript yet? Develop a connection with the bookstore owners in your area so when you have a published book to sell, you've already done some of the groundwork.

Think outside the box. Think of some unique connections. Is there a cooking thread in your novel? Approach some restaurant owners. Maybe they'd love to have you over for a book talk, while they serve some appetizers and wine. Is there a stray dog/dog rescue in your book? Perhaps a dog event would allow you to set up a table. Is your book historical fiction? How about asking historical societies if they'd like you to do a presentation. The possibilities are endless.

And finally (and perhaps most importantly),

Start something new. You have to keep your writing momentum going. So, while you're setting up book signings and setting up author talks and designing business cards and expandable banners, write. Begin a new manuscript. After all, you first were afraid to fail, then you were afraid of success because when you succeed, your life totally changes and it involves lots of unknowns. Start a new writing project and start a whole new marathon...

What are you working on right now? Inquisitive Sioux wants to know.

Sioux Roslawski is a middle-school teacher, a dog rescuer and a freelance writer. In May 2021 her debut novel, Greenwood Gone: Henry's Story, was published. If you'd like to check out more of Sioux's writing, head to her blog at https://siouxspage.blogspot.com

 

 

Friday Speak Out!: Writing about the Loss of Home in my New Memoir, Sand and Steel

by Dorit Sasson

When I first started writing my second memoir Sand and Steel: A Memoir of Longing and Finding Home back in 2017, I had no idea how our homes would become the center of our lives and that the book will offer readers a different appreciation of home.

Even after fifteen years in the States, as an Israeli expat I’m still struck by the differences in size between our kibbutz and our Pittsburgh home (Israel is the size of Delaware). In the book I write: “I’ll soon learn that when you’re an immigrant to the States or even a returning American, everything feels big, bigger than you. You try not to focus on it, but America’s vastness will not let you forget.”

All Jews to some extent wonder about this back and forth idea of Israel as “home.” For me, writing about home was somewhat a disorienting identity struggle. Each time I wrote about what I gave up to come to America, my heart grew heavy. But to write about the loss of home in an engaging way, I had to take a non-linear approach. So here’s what I did.

I unpacked the struggle to immerse in a new country

Readers have often told me they’ve appreciated my candor and honesty as they travel with me on my journey to finding my US home as a returning American. Because I have lived extensively on two continents, I felt I owed it to my readers to understand the geographical and cultural differences between Israel and America and how those feelings of “coming home” challenged and changed me.

I had to go deep with the theme of struggle

Sand and Steel is a cultural mixing memoir in the sense that I needed so much introspective observation to tease apart the things that our monocultural world often takes for granted. Target, Costco, SUVs do not exist in Israel. Parents in Israel do not schedule “playdates” in advance. I had to “teach” readers about the struggles people must face when they leave their homeland and move to a different culture or country.

I needed to redefine the role of a “rooter”

The U.S. Department of State’s website describes Reverse Culture Shock as an “emotional displacement syndrome.” Most people are familiar with the term culture shock, but RCS is much less understood. The constant “yo-yoing” between Israel and Jewish identities stressed and agitated me. In Pittsburgh I had to build U.S. roots, but my heart always felt (still does) that belongs in Israel.

I describe the holy land, “my heart home.” Translating these disorienting feelings were important for making broader identity connections. I was no longer an Israeli; I was now an American Jew – a minority in a minority culture. What did that imply for my spiritual identity?

Finding home again whether we’re talking about moving to another state or country means rebuilding from scratch relationships, a support system. To some degree we’ve had to do this in our global pandemic. Writing Sand and Steel took this process a step up. It’s a story I’m still living.

* * *

Dorit Sasson is the award-winning author of Accidental Soldier: A Memoir of Service and Sacrifice in the Israel Defense Forces and the newly released Sand and Steel: A Memoir of Longing and Finding Home. As a certified SEO (search engine optimization) strategist and copywriter, she works with companies, small businesses, and non-profits to increase online visibility with leads and conversions.
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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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Finding What Works Right Now

The Edwards' Mango

Is it just me? What works right one time, may not work right the next time. Like Sioux and Cathy, I’m looking for life lessons that can be translated into writing lessons. This one came from a mango seed. 

During 2020, I got a wild hair and decided to sprout a mango seed. The boy and I were working our way through numerous mangos so we had the raw material. I looked up how to do it online and found instructions for cutting away the hull and sprouting the seed in a damp paper towel. I removed the hull and discovered our seed already had both a sprout and roots. We planted it in soil which I spritzed daily until the sprout produced leaves. Success! 

The next mango seed molded in the soil. The third had neither a sprout nor roots so we wrapped it in a paper towel, actually following all of the instructions I had found. We then discovered that a seed could mold just as effectively in a paper towel as it could in soil. Clearly what worked right one time in terms of growing a mango plant was not guaranteed to work another. And what worked for someone else multiple times didn’t work for me. 

The same thing often happens when it comes time to write. Renee and I both participated in the Save the Cat Breaking the Beat Sheet blog tour. Renee loved using the scene cards and encouraged me to do the same. After all, I’m really visual. I jumped in and made it scene by scene through the first act. But I bogged down just under half way through Act 2. 

I finally realized that using a poster board to lay things out what too cluttered for me. Cards overlapped. It was visually cluttered. I’m dyslexic and I just couldn’t focus with this mess in front of me. This reality surprised me because me office is something of a disaster. That’s the polite way of saying I’m one crap-alanche away from a clean desk. Whatever.  This system wasn't working. 

I took my poster and my cards and redid it all in a Word document. It is 2 columns and 4 landscape pages so I can’t see it all at once, but it is neat and I can visually scan my scenes with ease. What a relief to find something that works! 

Still, I sometimes I have troubles getting going when I sit down to write. A more experienced novelist suggested that when I near the end of a writing session, I stop without finishing the current 

I hope you could tell that I left off the word "sentence." It looks strange to leave a line hanging like that but I’ve also noticed that I can sit down, read the line and start typing. There’s no hesitation.  I don't know that this would work when I write nonfiction but for fiction, it is the perfect way to jump start my writing session.

When you visit the Muffin, we hope that you read our posts and find techniques that work for you.  If you have to alter them to make them work, let us know what you’ve done. Your method may be what someone else needs to spark the solution that will work right now. 

--SueBE

Sue Bradford Edwards' is the author of over 27 books for young readers.  To find out more about her writing, visit her site and blog, One Writer's Journey.

The next session of her new course, Pitching, Querying and Submitting Your Work will begin on August 2, 2021).  Coping with rejection is one of the topics she will cover in this course.

Sue is also the instructor for  Research: Prepping to Write Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults (next session begins August 2, 2021) and Writing Nonfiction for Children and Young Adults (next session begins  August 2, 2021). 

Getting It Done With Pre-Writing

Sometimes, a sparkley idea for a novel comes along and it just…sort of…doesn’t get done. And I think I know why, or at least one big reason why: great ideas won’t go anywhere without the underlying excitement that grabs ahold and won’t let go. Which brings me to pre-writing and a couple little tests I use. 

I know that the word “pre-writing” would likely lead one to believe it’s all about…well, writing. But for this writer, pre-writing begins with the idea. An idea that has me literally trying out lines in my head for weeks. When I’m thinking up random conversations between characters, the excitement grabs hold. And this is where the first test comes in. 

Now, I’ll do a little zipping around in the genre to see if my idea is as common as dirt or a sparkley little gem. I’ll check out comp titles, read blurbs and such, because sometimes, I think up something that’s not a sparkley new idea so much as someone else’s sparkley new idea that I read three years ago. Ugh. 

Anyway, if my concept passes the really, truly, new idea test and I’m still pretty darn excited, I’ll move on to the next pre-writing step. Which sort of involves writing. It’s not story-telling yet and I don’t open a document; this is the step where I grab a binder and start jotting down notes. 

I need to know my characters before I ever write the story. In fact, I can spend quite a bit of time just naming a character. Honestly, I named my children quicker than characters in my books. Names are a crucial part of pre-writing for me, and though I know writers who can write a complete novel and go back and put in names, that’s now how I roll. I’ve got to know names! 

So once I’ve got all that sorted (Whew!), I’ll figure out ages, physical and emotional traits, their childhoods (if they’re adults), their relationships, heck, all kinds of stuff that’ll probably never make it into the novel. And though I don’t go into a deep dive for every character, I’ll have something. Think of it like this: some characters are paper dolls, some are dolls who can just move their arms and legs, and some are dolls who can cry and crawl and drink and close their eyes. It’s helpful, this character-building, once I start writing the novel, and not just because the characters practically write each scene. It’s also important to see, in my pre-writing, that characters are distinct enough from each other (unless I specifically want a group of friends, for instance, to act and behave as one character). 

Do I still wake up, rarin’ to go to work? Then I do the same for the setting(s); if I’m using a setting/time I know well, I don’t have a lot to do here. But if I’m putting characters in a unique or historical place and/or time, I’ve got research, sometimes lots of research. I’d much rather do all that—and it can be kinda boring—in pre-writing than when I’m on Chapter 5 and realize I have to stop and check a fact. I’ll do it, but it bogs me down. And I really hate losing my momentum once I get in the writing groove.

Finally, I’ll work on an outline or I’ll get my beats down (see Save the Cat Writes a Novel here on The Muffin for more on beats). Am I still excited? Then yay! I’ve passed all my pre-writing tests! 

And here’s what I know pretty darn well about Cathy C. Hall: if I can get through all my pre-writing—the crazy characters talking in my head, the time spent on title-searching and reading buckets of blurbs, the pages and pages of notes on just about everything—and that zing hasn’t let go yet? I’m going to write a novel, y’all. And that’s how I get ‘er done. 

How do you get ‘er done? Do you pre-write? Have a sure-fire test or two to get your idea from your head to finished novel? Inquiring writers want to know!

~Cathy C. Hall

Interview with Jenny Sundstedt: Winter 2021 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Jenny’s Bio: Jenny Sundstedt grew up as a story-loving bookworm who was destined to try her hand at writing. She lives with her husband and dog in her home state of Colorado, where some days she writes more than she procrastinates, and some days it’s the other way around. A long-time member of Northern Colorado Writers, she served on the NCW Conference creative team for ten years, which gave her the opportunity to meet and learn from many wonderful writers and industry professionals. She is the author of a supernatural mystery novel, Passing Through, and its upcoming sequel, The Storm Crows. One of her life goals is to write funny, quirky picture books like the ones she enjoyed reading to her sons when they were young. Connect with her at www.jensunwriter.com, FB @JenSunWriter, Insta @jensunwriter. 

If you haven't done so already, check out Jenny's award-winning story "Of Silk and Seawater" and then return here for a chat with the author. 

WOW: Congratulations on placing in the Winter 2021 Flash Fiction Contest! What excited you most about writing this story? 

Jenny: This is kind of embarrassing, but the part that excited me most was rediscovering the partial draft of this story in a work-in-progress folder and having only the vaguest recollection of writing it. (I hope I’m not the only one who does stuff like that!) It was fun to have a chance to look at it with fresh eyes. That led to finishing and submitting it—also exciting! 

WOW: I love stumbling upon old, unfinished gems that I don’t quite remember. How wonderful that your work-in-progress re-inspired you. What did you learn about yourself or your writing while crafting this piece? 

Jenny: A couple of lines made me chuckle, and a couple of lines had what felt like nice emotional depth, which reinforced how much I appreciate a good balance of funny and poignant. I would love to get better at that and bring more of it into my writing. 

WOW: I love that one of your life goals is to write a “funny, quirky picture book”! Have you written anything like that before? Do you have a plan yet for how to reach that goal? 

Jenny: Isn’t laughing with a kid over a book one of the best things? And I’m working on reaching that goal. I’m so fortunate that my critique group includes talented picture book and children’s authors who give me excellent feedback. I have two manuscripts I’m submitting now: The Strange Tale (and Tail) of Dogster Jekyll and Muttster Hyde, and Someone To Say It Will Be Okay. 

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

Jenny: He’s such an innovative writer, and I’m sure his take on extinction and the environment will make for a very compelling and topical read. After the past year, though, I don’t know if this is the right time or the wrong time to read about what the main character refers to as “how the world ends.” I’ll have to get back to you on that! I’m also working my way through VanderMeer’s Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction. It’s full of advice, tools, strategies, interviews, and fantastic illustrations. 

WOW: If you could give your younger self one piece of writing advice, what would it be and why? 

Jenny: I would tell my starry-eyed self “craft before draft.” When I first started writing, I assumed that because putting words down was relatively easy for me, that meant I was good at it. I went through a lot of trial and error (so much error!) before I realized how much I needed to learn about the craft of writing, especially tackling a novel. And I’m still learning. I would strongly encourage my younger self to take a few workshops or attend a conference before starting that first draft. 

WOW: I agree: craft is important. But so is getting down that messy first draft! I’m glad you’re discovering a process that works better for you now. Anything else you’d like to add? 

Jenny: Thank you so much for the opportunity to answer these questions! WOW has been an amazing resource for me on my writing journey! 

WOW: Thank you so much for your thoughtful responses! Happy writing! 

Interviewed by Anne Greenawalt, who keeps a blog of journal entries, memoir snippets, interviews, training logs, book reviews, and profiles of writers and competitive sportswomen. She has a master's degree in Creative Writing: Prose from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England and a doctorate in Adult Education from Penn State University. She is also a competitive swimmer, a trail adventurer, a dog lover, and a new mom. Tweets @dr_greenawalt.

What Will They Think?

Ah yes - other people...

What a great way to ruin a perfectly wonderful day - with people!

I didn't say ALL people, so don't get all upset right away. I'm not talking about YOU - I'm talking about THOSE people who have nothing nice to say. The people who share their negative thoughts and opinions with anyone who will listen. The people who make themselves feel better by putting others down. You've met them, right? 

There's a fabulous movement on social media (at least in my feed - with all my wonderful uplifting and supportive mommy friends) to #weartheswimsuit . IF you don't believe me, just type in that hashtag on any social media outlet and you'll find pictures of all sorts of awesome bodes wearing swimsuits.

Are you done checking those out?

Great - now let's get back on track.

When you're writing, do you worry about what the reader will think of the story? What you neighbors will think about the characters? Do you worry you made a character a little to much like __________ and maybe they'll be offended? 

Not a writer ? It's okay - imagine you're going to the beach... do you worry about what you will wear and what others might think? 

The truth is, each and every day, we as human beings worry about the opinions of others. We worry our mom friends are better mothers and they may not agree with the sugary snack our children are enjoying while theirs munch on carrots. We worry our healthy friends may not appreciate how rushed we were and how we broke our green eating streak with a trip through the McDonald's drive through. We worry our spouse is gonna see the cellulite that just won't go away on our 40 year old thighs and somehow think less of us. We worry our children are going to think we are uncool. 

I'm writing this article and as I'm giving you advice not to worry about what other people think, I'm worrying what you're going to think. How ridiculous am I?

Not ridiculous at all - I'm just human. We aren't all that different you know?

Here's what I want you to do. I'm going to do it too. Let's do this together. Next time we find ourselves worrying about what other people think, let's give this a try:

1) Take a deep breath as we recognize where our head is going.

2) Exhale and ask ourselves "what does it matter?"

3) Take a deep breath and say: "I matter. My opinion and feelings matter. What do I think?"

4) Take a few moments to reflect on our own thoughts instead of the opinions of others.

 - is my writing adding value to the story?

 - is this character as deep as they should be?

 - how do I feel about this?

 - does this make me feel fulfilled?

5) Move forward hearing our own voice. The more often we practice this exercise, the stronger our inner voice becomes. The stronger our voice is, the less we hear the 'noise' created by friends, society, the media, etc...

Do you have a story to tell? Don't worry about what others have to say - tune them out and tell your story!

Do you long to wear a bikini and feel the sun on your tummy? Don't worry about what others might say or think - tune them out and put on the bikini!

Leave a comment of something you've done without worrying about what other people think! Leave a comment of something you're GOING to do today without worrying about what other people think!

I can't wait to hear from you! I'll be over here in my bikini (with no make up on) reading my friend Jenn's latest book. She's doing the things. I'm doing the things. Now it's your turn - DO IT!!!! 

Hugs,

~Crystal

About Today's Blogger: Crystal is a Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing and a busy mom and dairy farmer from Wisconsin. In her spare time she enjoys riding horses, the smell of fresh cut grass, and the feeling of the sun on her tummy! She turned 44 this week and encourages people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and colors to be fearless and brave! 

Making Sure Your Chapter Has a Structure

We talk a lot about the structure of a novel or even a short story, memoir, or creative nonfiction essay.  The other part of a novel that really needs structure are your chapters. I know--it's a lot to think about. But if you think of each one of your chapters as a standalone piece that makes up a bigger manuscript, your writing will be tight, your plot will be top-notch, and your readers will be flipping through your pages and ready for your next novel. 

Like a novel, chapters also have a beginning, middle, and end. Here's what each part of the chapter should do!

Beginnings: 

Beginnings of chapters need to do two things:

• Establish where and when the plot is continuing. Sometimes, chapter beginnings pick up right after the ending of the previous chapter, and sometimes, the characters are in a completely different time and place. Also, you can't assume that someone did not put down your book when he or she finished your chapter. It's always good to orient the reader at the beginning of a chapter. Look at how your favorite authors do this without you even noticing it, and use their methods.
• Chapter beginnings should also catch readers' attention, just like the beginning of a novel does. The first line of a chapter is important, just like the first line of a novel. 

Middle:

Chapter middles must move the plot along and/or reveal something important about the character. Some chapter middles will introduce or wrap up subplots, some will get the main character in more "hot water", and some will ramp up the action to a climax while revealing that annoying flaw your protagonist has. 

Have a plan for each of your chapters and a reason why that chapter and its events are in there. This doesn't mean you need an outline or anything official, but think about your favorite books or TV shows, you can probably explain why the writers had each scene in there, right? Your readers should be able to do the same with your chapters' events.

End:

Your chapter endings are extremely important. Some writers have trouble figuring out where to end a chapter. That's why having a plan for your middle and a reason for the events in a chapter are important for writing. Your chapter should end on a hook when possible. This doesn't mean that your main character has to be falling off a cliff every chapter ending, but something should be there to entice your reader to not turn off the light, close the book, and go to bed when they finish the previous chapter.

If hooks are hard for you, study your favorite authors and see how they do it. What types of last lines do they use. How do they make you want to keep reading?

Another trick is write the chapter and stop where you think it should naturally stop, even if there is no hook. Then go about a half-page up and read there--if you decided to end the chapter a half-page up, then would there be a hook? Probably! You might have to rewrite a little, but at least you are stopping in the middle of a scene, and then you can put the rest of the scene at the beginning of the next chapter--but don't forget to orient your reader.

Paying attention to your chapter structure, like you pay attention to the structure of your entire manuscript, will help you write a successful, page-turning, well-read and loved book for readers!

Margo L. Dill is an author, writing coach, publisher, and writing instructor, living in St. Louis, MO. Her next novel writing class for WOW! starts on September 3. Check it out here. Find out more about Margo here on her website, https://www.margoldill.com. 

Review of Your Next Level Life By Karen Arrington

Today WOW! Women on Writing contributor Jeanine DeHoney rewards us with her review of Your Next Level Life by Karen Arrington. Part of an ongoing blog tour, this book is sure to inspire every woman, no matter what pathway she is on in her life. Visit more stops on this tour and follow along for other reviews by visiting our launch day post.

About the Book, Your Next Level Life

If you’re a Black woman in business and feeling stuck or trapped by other people’s expectations of what you can achieve, it’s time to stop playing small and start redefining what success means for you. It’s time to get that upgrade. 

Channel your black girl magic. Karen Arrington―author of Your Next Level Life, founder of the Miss Black USA Pageant, creator of the Next Level Women’s Summit, and mentor to thousands of confident, successful young black women―is your guide to getting to your next level life. 

Build a legacy of black excellence. How big do you want to live? With the seven simple rules in Your Next Level Life, you’ll learn how to bring your career, income, and lifestyle to that next level. Don’t settle for a life of invisibility and mediocrity. Set ambitious goals, reach for bigger opportunities, and know that you are brave enough to get what you deserve. 

Give the gift of confidence. Looking for inspirational gifts for aspiring black women in business? Your Next Level Life is unlike other self-help books for women. It’s a guide to opportunity that recognizes and celebrates the true magic of ambitious black women. 

Adopt the 7 rules of power, confidence, and opportunity and you can find success: 

• Create all the money you need 
• Position yourself like a star 
• Connect with other powerful women

Review by Jeanine DeHoney

I am such a fan of Karen Arrington after reading her book, Your Next Level Life; 7 Rules of Power, Confidence, and Opportunity For Black Women In America.

Your Next Level Life has given me the advice and tools needed to shift my mindset and change my life after a year that has been testing for us all, and one in which for myself, was difficult to focus on my dreams and goals to position myself to live that next level life. 

Ms. Arrington has written an informative and inspirational guide for Black women to follow in this very much appreciated quick read. She lists seven empowering rules to elevate to your next level in a straightforward and friendly tone which makes it easy to visualize that purposeful and abundant life you desire, and to manifest it. 

I also love the fact that Ms. Arrington has a list of resources and pages with prompts at the end of her book. Your Next Level Life, is definitely a book that should be in every woman's library, on a coffee table, and gifted to a friend or relative. It is a must-read that won't disappoint.

Purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, IndieBound, and Bookshop.org. Be sure to also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, Karen Arrington

Karen Arrington is an award-winning author, women’s empowerment expert + global philanthropist + winner of an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work.

Karen’s coaching, mentoring + philanthropic work spans over 100,000 hours of service — including her position as a Goodwill Ambassador to Sierra Leone, her work as the co-founder of the first Diabetes Awareness Day in West Africa, and her role as the founder of The Miss Black USA Pageant.

She won a 2020 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work for her book, Your Next Level Life: 7 Rules of Power, Confidence and Opportunity for Black Women In America. She has also been honored by The Lifetime Network, Jones New York + other major media outlets for her tireless advocacy for women’s health, success + empowerment -- including a Red Dress Award from Woman’s Day Magazine for her efforts in the fight against heart disease, the #1 killer of women.

Over the past 20 years, Karen has helped over 1,000 women step into powerful careers in media, business, medicine + law — transcending hardship, abuse + financial limitations, and transforming their lives + communities. Today, Karen offers private coaching + global service retreats around the world for ambitious women who want to live their best lives -- only better.

Find out more about Karen by visiting her website KarenArrington.com, follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

     As a writer, it’s crucial to stay green… to keep growing… to keep your craft fresh. If you keep doing the same thing, you’re going to keep getting the same results. Of course, if you’re Stepehn King or Jodi Picolt or Chuck Palahniuk, that’s not a problem. They sit down at their desk, and brilliance flows from their fingertips. For the rest of us, however, we have to change things up now and then.

I thought about this recently. In the summers, I teach a graduate class. It’s full of teachers who want to write. Too often, they find themselves bogged down by lesson planning and grading, along with teaching. Educators expect their students to write creative pieces. Teachers taking the time to be creative--to write memoirs and essays and memoirs? Well, it doesn’t happen too often. In this class, it happens every day for sixteen days, and the stuff that flows onto paper is inspiring.

I co-teach the class. At the end, we publish an anthology. Each of us chooses a piece to include. Usually I pick a memoir vignette, or a free verse poem. This summer, I wanted to try something different--something that would require me to stretch, and would also be something I could use with my middle-schoolers. But what would be something different?

                                                                              image by Pixabay

                                     A tree that's still growing is green. I try to stay green.

Googling “unique formats for writing” brought up an article that included this one: telling a story through footnotes. The point? Have the footnotes help tell the story. It was different enough to be appealing. Once I chose the format, the real challenge began.

I wanted it to be seamless. I wanted my audience to read the text on top, then read the footnote, and have the footnote connect to the next part of the text on top.

My first draft stunk. It sounded more like an encyclopedia piece. I’d decided to write about my journey as an author. In the piece, I got mired in the history that surrounded my recently-published book. Too much of the word count was spent on the facts that served as the foundation for my historical fiction. It dragged. It was lackluster and not engaging at all.

So, I switched gears and wrote about writing my book. But this time, I just wrote about the journey itself and not so much about what the book was about. The inspiration. The awful first draft. Getting it edited and getting told, “Your story sucks.” 2 Starting from scratch. Getting it edited (again). This time, getting, “Your story sings.” 3 Sending out over 140 queries. Getting despondent. Taking a risk and approaching my editor-turned-publisher. Getting a yes. Becoming a published author. 

When I focused on just the journey, the piece flowed out. And it’s definitely different.

When I share this piece with my middle-schoolers, I’m confident that at least some of my students will enjoy the process of writing asides via the footnotes. I know that some of them will have fun injecting their voice into their writing by using footnotes.

And I know that when they try this "unique way to format a story," they'll be stretching and growing as writers...

... which is what we all want to do.

 1 My book is about a massacre, and my first draft had no tension. Imagine--a book where hundreds of people get murdered, where 10,000 people are immediately homeless because their homes get looted and then burned down, where airplanes are dropping kerosene bombs onto people… and there’s no tension. My first draft stunk way more than those left-overs that have been shoved to the back of your fridge for the past two months.

2 Of course, the editor said it in a constructive, professional way.

3 No, my editor never said those words. However, the second editing was full of praise and finally, my editor was able to stop pinching her nostrils shut.

Sioux Roslawski is a freelance writer, a middle-school teacher and the author of Greenwood Gone: Henry's Story. You can see more of Sioux's writing by checking out her blog: https://siouxspage.blogspot.com

Copywriter Wanted for Tinder and Other Job Listings

Wanted: Copywriter for tinder 

Hourly: Intermediate Est. Time: Less than 1 month. Hours to be determined. Looking for a good copywriter for my dating profiles 

 If you thought the above listing for a copywriter, shared on what I considered a reputable job search site for freelancers, was a joke, then you would be wrong. And yes, I know Tinder should be capitalized. But I wanted to share the listing exactly as I found it. This was only one of many gems I discovered when scrolling job sites this past week. Along with listings like this: 

Starting rate is non-negotiable and is as follows: 

$12 for 1250 words 

$18 for 2500 words 

$28 for 3500 words 

I’ll admit that 18 years ago when I was first starting out as a freelance writer, I wrote for a few “content mill” sites that paid me $12-$15 for a 500-word article. I was desperate for a byline and thought being published online, even on a site that didn’t get much traffic, was better than not being published at all. But then I started getting better paying gigs, including freelance writing articles and profiles and editing assignments that paid me $20-$25+ per hour, and I realized my work was more valuable than $12-$15 per article. 

Sometimes writers are asked to take on a gig that pays on a “retainer” or monthly contracted rate, and this is where you have to be careful. This week, I’ve had to make the decision to step away from an editing gig that pays me a flat rate, because the scope of the work has evolved over time, such as including the need for me to write more and more business profiles (sold as advertorials), while the pay has not. I found myself trying to juggle the editing of two (sometimes three) publications, writing articles, assigning photography and proofreading, with no colleagues in a position to assist me or paid vacation. There is no downtime. And this isn’t the first time I’ve found myself in this position. The difference is that as I’ve grown older and more experienced, I’ve learned choosing my mental and physical health when possible is better than running myself into the ground for a small paycheck. 

In a perfect scenario, I would have found a gig to replacement that income before I put in my notice. But in my case, I’ve been working so many hours I don’t have any downtime to look for any replacement gigs. I did create profiles on a few job sites, which is where I stumbled across the gems at the beginning of this post. It was discouraging at first, but then I told myself:

 

-I’m a seasoned writer and editor who has a large network and proven track record 

-I created a podcast all on my own and can monetize it to earn passive income 

-I have a platform I can use to sell books, e-books 

-I still have one contracted monthly gig that I can use as my “bread and butter” while I search for supplemental income opportunities. 

I know my worth as a writer. There are legitimate opportunities mixed in with the not-so-legitimate ones. I’ll be okay. Please don’t ever feel like you have to write 3500 words for $28 unless you absolutely have to. Your talent is more valuable than that.

Have you ever found yourself working on a writing gig that turned out to be much different than what you signed on for? How did you handle it? I'd love to hear your stories!

Renee Roberson is an award-winning freelance writer and editor who also hosts the true crime podcast, Missing in the Carolinas. Read more of her writing at FinishedPages.com.

Interview with T.C. Kemper, Runner Up in the WOW! Winter 2021 Flash Fiction Contest

T.C. Kemper is an American author and poet represented by Amy Giuffrida of the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. Her writing (scholarly, journalistic, literary, and satire) has been published in The Journal of Conflict Management, The Black Sheep, A Celebration of Young Poets, and various local news sources. She is a proud dog mom, doodler, and daydreamer, and as a life-long learner, is always working towards her next degree. By day, she works in higher education, and by night, she creates vibrant characters that won’t let go. When she’s not lost in a beautifully crafted story, she’s likely lost in the woods. T.C. Kemper lives in Kentucky with her husband, her rescue dog, and the ghosts that haunt her closet. Find her via her website: www.tckemper.com, on Twitter: @taylortac, or on Instagram: @tckemperwrites 

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

WOW: “Boxes We Build” features powerful imagery and a compelling narrator. What message did you most hope to convey to readers of this story? 

T.C.: I’m so glad the imagery came across with the power I intended! I wrote “Boxes We Build” from a place of vulnerability and frustration—as a perfectionist, I’ve continuously struggled with the concept of “good enough.” Appearance, career choice, income, education level, my role within my family, my journey as a writer, how others perceive me, how I perceive myself and how I define success—it’s a lot to carry, and I personally know many other women who feel the same pressures. Right after my birthday following a uniquely stressful year, I found myself in a place where I wanted to (figuratively) burn it all down. So, I wrote these characters as alternating parts of myself in a way—Daria, Evette, and my narrator have differing relationships with their boxes, and I knew Evette’s fiery revelation had to be the high point of this journey. Ultimately, I hope readers come away with the desire to inspect their own boxes more closely and choose what to burn. I know it’s something I’m constantly working on. 

WOW: I could definitely relate to the message of your story and know others will, too. Your bio mentions the “ghosts that haunt your closet.” We’d love to know more about this! 

T.C.: It all started with a very, very creepy marionette my husband and I received at a Christmas party in a “dirty Santa” gift exchange a couple years ago. Someone had wrapped up this somewhat horrifying donkey puppet they had found at an antique store, and it ended up coming home with us as a gag gift. The night we brought it home and stored it in our bedroom closet, mysterious things started to happen. Clacking hangers, weird noises, and then, around 2 a.m., the door just opened on its own. In the dark. Just, wide open like a big, shadowy mouth. Similar things have happened randomly since then, and we’ve just accepted that the donkey marionette carried a restless spirit into the house, I guess. The “ghost” doesn’t seem to mind the cramped space too much, and seems content to live amongst my old scarves and seldom-worn stilettos! 

WOW: Thank you for sharing that story with us. It doesn't get much more intriguing than a donkey marionette! You recently acquired an agent. What tips would you offer our readers who are going through their own agent search? Any “do’s or don’ts” you could share? 

T.C.: I am incredibly fortunate to have signed with the fabulous Amy Giuffrida of the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. She’s a wonderful advocate for her authors, and she’s the best cheerleader I could ask for! The road to traditional publishing is hard, and the query trenches are perhaps the hardest of all since you’re at the beginning of the road, looking for that perfect advocate to shepherd your story into the hands of potential publishers. My advice is: 1.) Take rejection in stride. It’s a normal part of the process, even if every “no” feels a little like a punch to the spleen. This is easier said than done, I know! But the moment you accept that not every agent is the perfect fit for your career, the easier it is to step back, take a breath, and keep pushing. Your perfect advocate is out there. I found mine! 2.) Read widely in your genre and age category before you even start to draft the story in your head. If you pay attention to things like voice, trends, and themes as you read, it will make your own writing so much easier. I made the mistake of misclassifying my MG story as YA when I first started out, and I still cringe a little looking back! 3.) Have faith in your story. It will find its home as long as you don’t give up on it. 

WOW: Your current manuscripts are middle grade and young adult novels. What do you enjoy most about writing for these age groups? 

T.C.: I love kidlit because there's so much room to play with the more whimsical, vibrant parts of storytelling. Middle grade in particular sat at the heart of my love of reading growing up-- the fun character names, outlandish settings, and action-packed adventures were so fun! When I write MG or YA, the wide-eyed, rebellious, and impressionable parts of my youth are in the driver's seat, and it's always exhilarating to bring that energy to the page. 

WOW: How does your love of nature play into your love of writing? Does it help inspire new stories and ideas? 

T.C.: It definitely does. My middle grade fantasy, "Clementine & The Clock," features climate change as a primary theme. One of my favorite settings in the book is Natura, the isle of nature. It's a magical sanctuary where all living species exist together in peace under Mother Nature's care (think the most incredible botanical garden ever!). In my young adult WIP, the primary setting is a dark, tangled orchard with every kind of fruit imaginable. I love researching the natural world and bringing what I learn into my stories.

WOW: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions for us. We look forward to reading more of your work.

H.R. Conklin's The Eternity Knot (of the Celtic Magic Series) Blog Tour, Author Interview, and Giveaway!

We are excited to be here today with H.R. Conklin and announce the blog tour of Book #4 in the Celtic Magic, The Eternity Knot. Join us as we interview the author, highlight upcoming spots on the blog tour, and give away a copy of her book. 

First, here is a little bit about The Eternity Knot:

Mairi has been shown the future and knows humans must change their ways. Continuing on their path of disconnect with Nature will cause the destruction of human life. Tasked by the Seelie Fae to save the human world, Mairi and friends seek out ancient wisdom in the stories of old. The Queen of the Unseelie Fae decides humans have to prove themselves worthy of the Earthly Realm, or die trying. Dark magic makes Mairi push harder to find the answers she needs, but the Undersea Faerie Queen is weighing in and Mairi is uncertain whose side she is on. When young people representing cultures from all of the continents share their knowledge, Mairi finally feels the seeds of hope. Deadly faerie magic is working against humanity, but humans and faeries are working together like never before. As humans begin seeing the earth through ancient views, they are waking up to their dormant powers. Now Mairi must put all the pieces together before time runs out for human life on Earth, and for once she's starting to feel worthy of the task. Join Mairi and friends in this exciting conclusion to the Celtic Magic series. 

The Celtic Magic series is a unique tale connecting modern day California to the Scotland of centuries ago. Join Mairi during a life-changing year in this eco-heroine's journey, following the Celtic wheel of pagan holidays through the seasons and time as she meets druids, witches, and faeries of both Light and Dark. Discover what role mythic stories play in saving the Earth from imminent destruction, and what happens when the world is inclusive of all people. This series includes The Trinity Knot, The Witch's Knot, The Faerie Knot, and just finished is book 4, The Eternity Knot! 

This book is perfect for teens and adults of all ages who enjoy a modern take on myths and fairytales! 

Publisher:  Independently Published (June 12, 2021)

Genre:  Coming of Age Fiction, Fantasy, Magic

Pages:  329 

ASIN:  B096TTR9PK  

ISBN-13:  979-8700673150

Purchase The Eternity Knot on Amazon, Waldorf Books, and/or H.R. Conklin's website: Wild Rose Stories. Be sure to also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

About the Author, H.R. Conklin 

H. R. Conklin grew up in the rural mountains of Northern California where her mother gardened and her father played the bagpipes, as well as spending long hours in the theater where her parents were a dancer and an actor. This undoubtedly led to her overactive imagination and love for nature. She currently lives in San Diego with her husband, two adult children, and three dogs. She used to teach kindergarten at a public Waldorf charter school in which she told many fairy tales to the children, and made up stories in her spare time. Now she is a Story Circle Leader and guides parents in homeschooling at a private Waldorf school.

Keep in touch! Sign up for Conklin's Newsletter.

Find out more at: 

Website:  https://wildrosestories.com

Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/wildrosestories/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/wildrosestories

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildrosestoriesandcircles/

---  Interview by Crystal Otto 

WOW: Thank you so much for choosing WOW! to help promote The Eternity Knot and the Celtic Magic Series. I'm so excited to be here with you today! I'm one of the lucky few who had a chance to read the books already, so I'll try not to spoil it for everyone else. Let me just say our readers won't be disappointed in today's interview or any of your books! Let's get to it!

Tell us more about your Women's Story Circles? 

H.R.: My story circles came out of my realization that there are women who aren’t aware of any fairy tales other than the versions presented by Disney. There are even more women who don’t realize that fairy tales aren’t straight forward, such as the prince kissing Aurora in Sleeping Beauty isn’t actually a prince. He symbolizes a woman’s masculine side finding balance with a woman’s feminine side within her. Fairy tales are full of symbolism like that! 

So, I created a Women’s Story Circle in which I tell an original version of a popular fairy tale, then explain the symbolism while weaving in meditation and creativity such as journaling or art. 

WOW: That's really deep. I think you're right - there's many of us that haven't given much thought as to what lies beneath the surface. How exciting to have this new insight!

How has your writing evolved from your original dream? How do you stay true to your vision? 

H.R.: My writing has evolved from being about my own personal issues to being about world wide, human issues, mostly women’s, probably mostly white women because that’s what I know. I am trying to broaden my scope of understanding from all women’s points of view, though. I used to write short stories based on something I witnessed in my family, for example, and it would help me see the scenario in a more hopeful light. For instance, I wrote a story about a little boy with a loving mommy, but a roaring dragon lurked in the shadows. It helped me realize I needed to work on an ancestral lineage of yelling at our children that runs in my family. 

I sought help and working on my temper has been a lifelong endeavor that I feel has paid off by setting an example for my own children. Now I write about other people such as I’ve recently outlined a story about a woman who is running from an abusive boyfriend. This is not something in my own relationship experience, but it is something that is much too prevalent in the world. I’m in a book study for Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes’s book, Women Who Run With The Wolves. I was inspired to write it by her chapter on the fairy tale Bluebeard and the symbolism within it. I hope to find time to work on this new book series I have in mind. 

WOW: We may have come from the same ancestry...especially if you ask my children, but that's a topic for another day.

What advice would you give to other authors concerning their writing, publication, promotion, etc?

H.R.: Write all the time. Write down ideas when you don’t have time to write entire chapters. Watch people. Listen to other people’s stories. Put down the phone in public places and see how people move and interact. Take writing classes. Work on parts of your writing that you feel are weak. Don’t be afraid to set goals and go for them. Appreciate the people who are willing to read your books and tell you they are good even when a critique group might tear you apart, especially their internal critic. There are kernels of wisdom in our worst writing. Hold tight to those and keep writing. My mom is a painter. She doesn’t want to sell her paintings. She occasionally sells a print, or gives one away. She has helped me see that my art doesn’t always have to be a commodity. So, I write stories that don’t always do anything more than purge a thought from my mind. And I love that! It takes the pressure off to constantly be performing for anyone else. 

WOW: I hope everyone heard the part of setting goals and going for them even when you're afraid! That's such great supportive advice for all of us!

Speaking of support - who has been most supportive of you when it comes to writing and being published? 

H.R.: I’m lucky to be supported in my writing by a number of people. My mom is my biggest champion, but my husband and a handful of friends are a close second. I’m also working on being my own champion. I so often doubt myself and get in my own way. I find myself admiring people who take chances and seem to not mind wiping the dust off when they fall. At least they fell trying. They also get back up, which is key. So, I keep trying my hand at writing and publishing, such as the several times I’ve entered the WOW contests. I haven’t won yet, but I keep trying. I have gotten close, so that’s a boost. 

WOW: Thanks so much for entering. I love reading all the submissions and I know plenty of authors who swear by the feedback! I have a good feeling there's a win in your future! 

What would your current self say to the younger you? 

H.R.: When I was younger, I didn’t believe in working on your art for money because I thought it wouldn’t pay the bills so it wasn’t worth my time. Now, I would go back and tell my younger self to become a writer because it would still lead to paying the bills, though not necessarily with novels, and I would at least be doing what I wanted to do. However, I truly believe that everything happens the way it’s meant to, so I don’t really want to change anything about my younger self. I still became a writer, in my own time. 

WOW: You are so patient - that's such an interesting take on things.

When did you start writing and who or what helped you get to where you are today? 

H.R.: I started writing when I was young. I loved writing in English class. I was that kid who was stoked to have an essay test. Multiple-choice tests were so hard for me. I have so much to say. So, I’ve always kept journals and have written short stories my whole life. I became serious about writing a book in my thirties. I wrote the beginning of Celtic Magic and shared it with my dad. He was dying from cancer and I wanted him to know I was writing it. He seemed pleased and we had a wonderful talk about our family connection to the Celtic people. After he died, I took an Artist’s Way class that helped me realize I should still write my book even if I was sad about my dad. I took classes through San Diego Writer’s Ink and managed to outline the entire series and finish book one, The Trinity Knot. Knowing I really just wanted to hold my book, I recruited willing friends and paid for editors, and voila: I self-published. 

WOW: What a meaningful story about how things evolved for you.

Who is your favorite author and why? 

H.R.:  I really don’t have one favorite author. I enjoy most writers who are adept at mixing a touch of fairy tale magic to our ordinary world or who have a new way to look at fairy tales and myths. Here are a few that stand out for me. Sarah Alison Addison’s magical realism novels are perfectly believable. Kate Morton’s ability to transport me into several eras and create a complicated mystery that she clarifies completely in the end is remarkable. Nikita Gill’s poetry about goddesses and fairy tales is eye-opening to the inherent symbolism. 

WOW: Here's a tough question seeing as how you're doing so well with all of these - and maybe it's never happened to you, but I have to ask: How do you deal with rejection or a negative review? 

H.R.: When I first received a negative review, I went to some of my favorite authors’ websites and read their 1-star reviews. It helped me to remember that writers cannot please everyone and that’s okay. Now, I try not to take much notice unless there’s a kernel of truth that can help me improve my writing. 

WOW: That definitely reminds me of my dad and his great advice about not being able to please all of the people all of the time - you're spot on!

What does your writing space look like? 

H.R.: It rotates around the house. Mostly, I like to sit on the couch with my laptop. I do have a desk in my daughter’s room now that she’s gone off to college. Sometimes, I write at the dining room table or in a chair in the family room. 

WOW: So many of us can relate to a moving "space." You mentioned other authors - are you part of a writers group? Why or why not? 

H.R.: Sometimes I am. I have a hard time sticking to one group, though I always enjoy myself when I do, but life seems to get in the way. In part, I didn’t feel I was any good at critiquing other writers’ work when I first started joining, but I’ve improved so now I enjoy critique groups more. I hope to find one to stay with now that classes might resume in-person again. I’m not super keen on always being online. 

WOW: It's so hard delivering an honest critique, isn't it?

You mentioned the dragon story before and that made me think about journaling and real life - so let me ask, how does journaling play a role in your writing life? 

H.R.: I go through phases with journaling. I’ll be adamant about journaling for several months then take a break. I mostly use journaling to purge emotions from my body, or to work through a book I’m studying. I keep my ideas for more books in my journals and return to them when I’m seeking a new idea to work on. 

WOW: Oh those phases - I know many of us would say the same. Some periods I'm more intense with my journaling than other too. Before I let you go, talk to us about what's next. 

What's next for you? What are you working on now and what's on your list as a long term goal? 

H.R.: I’m working on a journal for girls and women that will follow a similar path to learning about yourself that my character Mairi took in the Celtic Magic series. It encourages women to delve into their ancestral culture and myths, to trace their maiden tree of family names (book 1), to discover the death rituals that their ancestors once followed (book 2), to work through journaling questions to reach deeper into their own shadowed corners (book 3) and to look outward into the world to find what passions they have or which activism might call to them (book 4). At the very least, it’s a journal I would have liked to access as a young woman or teen, so I suppose there are others who will also appreciate it. My long-term goal is to keep writing and finding ways to share my writing with the world. I hope to also establish myself as a Circle Guide for tweens, teens, and women. I’m off to a good start, so I’ll keep following my path.   

WOW: It's interesting that we came right back to journaling! I can't wait to hear all this new project - it sounds like something I can enjoy with my children! 

Thank you so much for being here and for your time and honesty today. I can't wait to hear more during the great upcoming stops on your tour! Thanks again for choosing WOW! 

 --- Blog Tour Calendar 

July 19th @ The Muffin

What goes better with coffee in the morning than a muffin? Today we interview Helga Conklin about the latest book in her Celtic Magic series, The Eternity Knot. You can enter to win a copy too!

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

July 20th @ Pages and Paws 

Today's guest post at Pages & Paws is an enlightening opportunity to learn more about storytelling and parents from H.R. Conklin. Enjoy today's guest post and find our more about Conklin's latest book The Eternity Knot - Part of the Celtic Magic Series! 

https://pagesandpaws.com/ 

July 21st @ The Faerie Review 

Join Lily at the Faerie Review as she shares her review of H.R. Conklin's latest book The Eternity Knot; part of the Celtic Magic Series. This is a great book for anyone who enjoys a modern take on myths and fairytales! 

https://www.thefaeriereview.com/ 

July 29th @ The Knotty Needle 

Judy at the Knotty Needle shares her review with readers after reading H.R. Conklin's The Eternity Knot - part of the Celtic Magic Series. Don't miss Judy's insightful review!

https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/ 

July 31st @ Author C.K. Sorens 

Fellow Author C.K. Sorens shares her review of The Eternity Knot - the latest release by H.R. Conklin and part of the Celtic Magic series. Don't miss today's peer review! 

https://www.cksorens.com/blog 

August 1st @ Bring on Lemons with Cathy Hansen 

Wisconsin entrepreneur and educator, Cathy Hansen reviews the latest novel in the Celtic Magic series - find out what Cathy has to say about The Eternity Knot as she shares her thoughts with readers at Bring on Lemons. 

http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ 

August 2nd @ Author Anthony Avina 

Fellow author Anthony Avina shares his review of H.R. Conklin's The Eternity Knot. This book is part of the Celtic Magic Series - readers of all ages will delight in this special story! https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/

August 3rd @ A Storybook World 

Readers at A Storybook World will hear from guest blogger H.R. Conklin on the topic of Symbolism in Fairytales. Conklin just released The Eternity Knot - another 5 star book in the Celtic Magic series, but she's taking time to share her author expertise with readers today! Don't miss this fabulous opportunity to learn from Conklin! 

http://www.astorybookworld.com/ 

August 4th @ Author Anthony Avina 

Earlier this week, readers at Author Anthony Avina's blog read Anthony's review of H.R. Conklin's The Eternity Knot. Today, readers will hear from Conklin herself as she shares a guest blog post titled: "Symbolism Reflected in Stories from Around the World." Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to learn more about The Celtic Magic series!

https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/

August 5th @ The Knotty Needle 

Judy at the Knotty Needle shares her review of The Eternity Knot by H.R. Conklin. This is book 3 in the Celtic Magic series and it is guaranteed to delight readers of all ages! Don't miss Judy's review! https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

August 6th @ Beverley A. Baird 

Today's guest post for readers at Beverley A. Baird is written by H.R. Conklin. Conklin is the award winning author of the Celtic Magic Series and she recently released her latest title: The Eternity Knot. Don't miss a chance to read today's guest post titled: "Parenting Wisdom Shared Through Storytelling."

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

August 7th @ World of My Imagination with Nicole Pyles 

Nicole just finished reading The Eternity Knot by H.R. Conklin and can't wait to tell readers at World of My Imagination all about it. Don't miss today's review by Nicole to find out more about this title as well as the others in the Celtic Magic Series! 

https://worldofmyimagination.com/

August 8th @ Word Magic: All About Books with Author Fiona Ingram 

H.R Conklin pens today's guest post about fairies and mythology as she visits fellow author Fiona Ingram at Word Magic. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from Conklin and find out more about her latest release: The Eternity Knot; part of the Celtic Magic series!

http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

August 9th @ Bring on Lemons with Crystal Otto 

WOW! Blog Tour Manager, Crystal Otto reviews the latest novel in the Celtic Magic Series - find out what Crystal has to say about The Eternity Knot as she shares her 5 star review with readers at Bring on Lemons. 

http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

August 10th @ Bring on Lemons with Libby 

Libby is a young artist who enjoys many genres of books - she shares her thoughts with readers at Bring on Lemons today - her deep thoughts about The Eternity Knot by H.R. Conklin. This book is part of the Celtic Magic series and Libby is excited to read all the books. Readers will delight in her youthful perspective and her energy! 

http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

August 11th @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews 

Lisa Haselton interviews H.R. Conklin about the Celtic Magic series and her latest release The Eternity Knot. Don't miss a chance to become better acquainted with this talented author! 

https://lisahaselton.com/blog

August 18th @ Jill Sheet's Blog 

Today, readers at Jill Sheet's Blog will hear from H.R. Conklin on the topic of "How Symbolism in Fairy Tales of Old Help Us Today." Stop by to learn more about The Eternity Knot (part of the Celtic Magic Series) and learn from this talented author. 

http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

August 19th @ Wildwood Reads with Megan 

Readers at Wildwood Reads will hear from Megan as she reviews The Eternity Knot by H.R. Conklin. Don't miss an opportunity to learn more about The Celtic Magic Series and this latest release! https://wildwoodreads.com/

 

 ***** BOOK GIVEAWAY ***** 

Enter to win a copy of The Eternity Knot by filling out the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway ends on August 1st at 11:59pm CT. We will announce the winner the next day in the widget and follow up via email. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway