Topic 20 The Year in Review

December 2015-A Time to Review

Greetings,
As we wind down the year, it's a good time to reflect not only on changes we'd like to make as a writer in the coming year, but also to review the progress we've made in the year ending. So, let's take a look at writer ideas and thoughts shared on this blog this past year and see how many you've already incorporated in your own writing life.

1. Tuning in to conversations around you--be it the hairdresser, barber shop, grocery store, airport, work, or the beach. You never know when you might want to use those words.
2. Capture ideas--read newspapers and other pertinent articles, listen to
    news reports on radio and TV.      
3. Life experiences--Don't be afraid to weave them into your stories.
4. Travels--keep a notebook with unique names of streets, lakes, shops, license plates, etc.
5. Research--It's imperative for any writing project. Check and recheck. Get the facts straight
   no matter if you're writing fact or fiction.
6. Interviews--Take advantage of them. Be courteous, on time, listen, and take copious notes.
   You never know when you might want to use info for a poem or another story.
7. Beginnings--Great ones pull the reader in the instant book is opened.
8. Balance--It's all about balance in your life. Letting go and prioritizing. Take a deep
    breath and set aside time for yourself.
9. Writer versus spectator (readers)--People's life's change from day to day. An Author is
     affected by his writings and the acceptance/rejection of his work.
10. Images--Attending events such as parades, live stage shows offer a wealth of things to
      write about. Pick up on emotions and description of people.
11. Molding characters--Select appropriate name, discover background, details, strengths/fears/
      challenges.
12. Exploring topics--Take in a state fair or a circus. Tons of ideas for stories and poems.
13. Rewriting--Keep rewriting till things smooth out and fall into place.
14. Character Names--Finding great ones. Page through magazines, books, etc.
15. Reading other writer's works--Infuse your work with inspiration from other authors.
16. Writing tips from fellow writer/bloggers--A writer can always pick up new ideas. You just
      have to pick and chose as they come across your computer.
17. Marketing--the 4 P's. Product, Place, Promotion, and Price
18. Mentoring--Don't be afraid to ask a fellow writer for help. And offer advice to a struggling
      new author.
19. Everything Old is New--We actually draw on the stories of long ago to write a new version.
      Stories from ancient Greeks, philosophers, the Bible, Mother Goose, Aesop's
      Fables, Shakespeare contain violence, conflict and love/hate relationships.
     
Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot

Topic 19 Everything Old is New Again.

Happy Holidays from Florida,

I know this is really late and I apologize. Ever since the end of October my life has been topsy turvy and has just now settled down. Sold the house, had a 2-day moving sale, packed up everything in the house and moved. When we took out packed belongings at the new, much smaller dwelling, we found ourselves settling items in different spots we never thought of. Well, it was either that or tossing things we really didn't want to part with.
   
If you celebrate special holidays in your life, more than likely you make use of the same decorations year after year - changing out the old ones from time to time after catching a clever idea in a magazine or in a store display. Similarly, a writer's work is heavily influenced by what we see and read too, even if we don't realize it.

I read an intriguing article "Old Books > New Books" by Lance Schaubert on Writer Unboxed the end of November in regards to the above paragraph. And I find myself agreeing with him. According to Lance, "Everything you create is not true creation... We're makers." We authors are just taking a different spin on an idea already out there. Making the old new again.

By now most of us are familiar with the classics. We recognize quotes from Shakespeare, movies, plays, and the bible. We think about the protagonist and antagonist in various stories of old and pick up a thread here or there from them to tie our story up into a bow.

My fifth novel, which I hope will be out in the spring, refers to a house in Duluth that looks like it's from the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. Since I finished writing the novel, I've read two books referring to houses looking like that. The most recent reference found in Sue Grafton's book U is for Undertow. 

Maybe you've referred to a quote from one of Shakespeare's plays only to discover another author referred to the same thing. According to Lance's article, Shakespeare borrowed 60% from the great writers living before him. Pretty amazing isn't it? Even famous writers borrow from others.

In the end of Lance's article he says if you haven't read certain books in your field of writing you probably don't know your field. I believe in one of my other topics I suggested that you read, read read other authors works whenever you can. Especially top notch authors from different eras. For mystery authors Poe, G.K. Chesterton and others were mentioned. Some, on Lance's list of suggestions, I hadn't even heard of, but  I definitely plan to check them out. Who knows, a new idea might spring to life for me from a glimpse into their written words.

Have any of you ever seen something in someone else's writing that you've used in your own stories? Would love to hear from you on that subject.

In the meantime, have a safe holiday no matter what you're celebrating and I'll try to do the same down here in sunny Florida.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
Mystery Author

Topic 18 Mentoring

Greetings,
 
I know it's been a while since you last heard from me even though I had promised to write 2 blogs a month. But I have a darn good excuse. The end of October we sold our home and have been busy ever since gathering our belongings collected over the years from a million different hiding spots in our log home. If you've lived someplace for any length of time and then moved, you understand the process.

Of course, as soon as friends and relatives heard the news they offered a lot of sound advice just like a mentor would. Some advice was good other information not so helpful involving packing, downsizing, what moving service to use, and weather or not to hold a moving sale in Minnesota this time of year. When someone offers advice you take it with a smile. Then you take some time to think about the suggestions and decide which to follow through on and which not to. After all you're the one moving and doing all the work, not them.

Being mentored to as a writer is similar. You sort through the suggestions and then you make the final decisions, whether they're right or wrong. What should you keep of a story or discard? What writing tools should you use or publishing company? Do you feel your story fits middle school readership as well as the over twenty age bracket?

Today we gathered the things we no longer wanted, but were still in good condition, and took them to a thrift store where someone else can take possession of what we thought we couldn't live without. Some day when you're ready to mentor a fellow writer maybe you'll do the same. Don't be afraid to pass on suggestions that you've found helpful to another writer who is looking for that specific information.

In Writer Unboxed, -"Getting the Most Out of Mentoring from Both Sides of the Fence" author Sophie Masson states, "Writers experience mentoring in one way or the other at every stage in their careers." And it's true. Whether you're a new author or have been writing a long time. Most writers belong to one or more writers groups and share what they've written to get feedback. Those listening to the reader try to offer solid suggestions to the authors. Not tear them down. Trust is the essential ingredient for mentoring or being mentored to Masson says. Without trust no one would feel comfortable exposing their writing to fellow writers.

A lot of us are thin-skinned though and it's hard to swallow what others think of our work. Try to remember it's just a critique. You can heed their advice or not. It's up to you. Just smile, say thank you, and keep your thoughts to yourself.

Years ago when I joined a writers group in my area, one or two writers would really tear other writers' works to shreds. It didn't matter if the  story was great or not.  But guess what? Something amazing happened. One of the long-time writers spoke up and said, "I think there's too much negative criticism of the work being read. We need to start being more positive about our feedback." And that's when our meetings got better for the writer as well as the listener.

Well, it's time to end my blog on mentoring. Tomorrow I still have more packing to do. Friday we move to our new home in the Twin Cities.

Happy Thanksgiving A Little Early
Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot

Topic 17 Marketing

                             THE 4 P'S OF MARKETING

Greetings,
 Halloween is almost upon us here in the U.S. and I got to thinking about the way candy (the product) is priced, placed and promoted to the consumer. When you purchase your favorite candy, have you ever thought about the many hours people sat around a board room discussing the 4 P's, product, price, place, and promotion, before their candy creation even left the warehouse?
   
If the 4 P's of marketing are extremely important to top candy manufacturers, should writers take the well-formulated marketing strategy lightly when our product, in this case a novel, is ready to be seen by the public? Definitely not.
   
But why wasn't packaging included you might ask? Packaging is wrapped up with product. It keeps things simple.

Let's begin with PRODUCT. You are the builder of your product. Is the editing as good as it can be? Have you asked someone else to clean the product up, meaning the proofing and editing of your work before it leaves your personal space for good? Do you feel good about the work you've just written or were you careless here and there in order to get it off to the press on time? Be honest.

When you wrote the novel, did you take into consideration what age bracket would be reading it and which group of people would be interested in it? After your manuscript has been examined by others, did you toss around ideas for your cover, and seek help in the design if needed? Remember, the perfect cover draws people to your work not away from it. Make sure to select the right one.

PRICE. Setting the right price for your product can earn you sales. Too high and people won't purchase it. When my third novel came out in 2011, a self-published one, I had to decide whether I wanted to sell it for $.99  or $9.99 as an e-book. Wanting of course a fair amount for my book,
I chose the higher price. I don't think I need to explain how the e-book sales are doing. As proud as I am of the written word in this novel and its attractive cover, I failed to determine the right price.

PLACE. Where will your novel be displayed? Location, location, location is just as important as the product. For Mc Donald's or any other food chain the corner of a very busy intersection is the top location choice. Where will your widest audience see your novel offered - in book stores, libraries, events or Amazon? Choose wisely.    

PROMOTION. The book is hot off the press. Is this when you promote it? Not according to all the sources I've read. You should be promoting the book six months before the printed form is in your hands. Send out press releases, search for people to write reviews. Share a snippet with your fans on your author page, website, blog, Tweet or anywhere else you can think of. It's time to toot your horn, the way only you can. Ask fans and friends to spread the word.

How have you promoted your book? What factored into where to show your book? I'd love to share your comments with those who read my blog.

Getting back to candy for a moment, which packaging grabs you the most? Ask yourself why?

Until next time
This is Marlene Chabot

Topic 16 Writing Tips from Fellow Bloggers/Writers

Greetings,
If you'e been writing for some time now, you've discovered most writers don't fly solo. What I mean by that is we attend writer groups in our area or belong to several online. Which ever group you belong to I'm sure you appreciate the welcomed advice from fellow colleagues as I do.

In my last blog I suggested we take time to read other authors' books, but don't forget about all the worthwhile writers's blogs out there. Learning about tools of the trade can be beneficial to you too. I know it's a time consuming task and to be honest I certainly don't read everyone sent my way via the Internet. I'd have no time for writing. But since I've been in limbo for the past couple weeks waiting to hear about my fifth novel being picked up for publishing, I've had tons of free time on my hands - that is in between reading, housework, and selling books at events - and I've read some interesting blogs.

Most of the blogs I've flagged for myself to read now or later can be found on Writer Unboxed. com. The authors are very talented and the majority of them hold master degrees in English or literature. The wide diversity of articles encompasses such topics as stage directions, scenes for the story, marketing plans, writing a synopsis, what motivates your character, and why book PR needs lead time.    

Let's take a look at some things I've personally gleaned recently from writers on Writer Unboxed.

The first topic that comes to mind is "Scenes for the Story - Types Add Complexity - 15 to Enliven the Plot" by Jordan Rosenfield and Martha Anderson. According to these two writers strong plots are built upon a mixture of Emotion, Theme, and Action. What I didn't realize myself was a theme takes the drivers seat, displaying itself in every scene. Although Rosenfield and Anderson say theme should be in every sentence too, I don't know if I'd be able to accomplish that with my style of writing. How about you?

Next up, Lisa Cron's article "Who Knows More About Story's Writers or the Pentagon." This article is all about the protagonist's internal struggle and how readers' brains are wired to that. "The protagonist  backstory must be present on page one," Cron says, "... it gives the reader empathy." How have you done in this area with your writing? I think I've just scored a point.

"Marketing Plan" by Jon Bard - "Build it not around your book but around how it will enhance your readers life." Good point. Will your book give them a good laugh or inspiration for the day? I like to add humor to my books. Too much suspense can put the reader on edge.

Moving on to Drew Chial - "How to Turn A Complex Story Into A Simple Synopsis". I don't know about you but I hate writing a synopsis or a query. I'm never sure how much or how little to include. Chial and others have suggested keeping the synopsis to one page which makes sense. "Start with a basic framework and build outward," Chial said. Using a "barebones structure" he recommends dividing our paragraphs into Acts 1-3. This article then gives you specific questions to answer for each act. All I can say as a writer is, "Thanks Drew Chial for such a common sense article."

I hope the snippets I've shared with you today will be as beneficial to you as they were to me  when they popped up on my laptop. Don't forget, writers can learn a lot from each other.

Do you have any interesting articles you feel would be beneficial to my readers? If so, please share.

Until Next Time

This is Marlene Chabot

Mystery Writer 

  

Topic 15 Reading for Inspiration

Greetings,
I hate to see summer end, don't you? But fall is officially upon us as of yesterday. Here, where I live, flowers are shedding their blooms and leaves are sailing to the ground all around us.
      At this time of year many of us shed what we don't need anymore too, including old clothing, stacks of newspapers and magazines, and items way past their expiration date. In the Midwest, the signs of this new season also reminds us it's time to clean up our yards and prepare for the fast approaching cold weather.
     For us writers this is the perfect time to catch up on new writing techniques via seminars or conferences and begin new novels. But have you given any thought to catching up on what the peers in your writing field are doing?
     I like to know what's going on in the mystery genre, my field of writing. It helps me see if I'm just tossing out another story in the same vein as someone else or really on a new path. But more importantly, when a story I'm working on becomes stagnant and boring and I think I should quit writing all together, turning to my favorite authors in my genre or even a new one, somehow magically spurs me on.
     Over the years my list has included such great authors as Agatha Christie, Robin Cook, John Grisham, Dorothy Gilman, Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, Tony Hillerman, Robert Parker, and Stuart Woods. But having recently read books by Louise Penny and Laura Levine, I know I'll be reaching for one of theirs soon as well.
     What do these authors offer in their novels that makes me want to return to my writing? Various things. It could be the deeper insight into their main character and how he/she interacts with others versus my presentation in this area. Sometimes it takes a riveting plot to get me fired up again or even an author's grand details of people and surroundings. At other times it's may just be an authors use of simple humor that spurs me on.
     As I settle into this new season, I plan to start a new novel and also read many fine books for inspiration. How about you?
     What books have you read that encouraged you to continue writing? Please let me know and I'll share in the next blog.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
         

Topic 14 Character Names

Greetings,  

                                                                      NAMES

Most of our parents thought long and hard about what name to give their soon-to-be new arrival. They might have perused the family bible, selected a name from a phone book, or even a novel. Some claimed a name used in a movie sounded good. And for others, well, it was a sentimental reason--continuing a family name from one generation to the next. However you got your name, you're stuck with it unless you go to court to change it or use a nickname.

Authors should think long and hard about what names they give their characters too. Don't rush the process. Names make the story. Once our novel or story gets published, it's too late to change the character's name. Do you want the reader to feel sorry for the main character or hate them? Do you want their names to have a double meaning? How about a name related to their profession? For example, an orthopedic surgeon with the name of Dr. Bones. 

Would readers feel sorry for someone named Jezebel? Probably not. But give the female 

character the name of Mary, Ann, Elizabeth, or Susan and they will accept them with open arms.

The same is true for a man named Frankenstein versus a person called John or Isaac.

How do we find great names? By reading magazines, newspapers, and other author's books. And of course, meeting new people. The other day I met a woman named Cree. If you like a name you found while reading another novel, you can take a first name and make it a last so it's not the same as written or add a different last name. Over the years I've compiled a list of names. Some I've heard mentioned on radio and TV. Others pop into my head. One great source I've found is the annual list of top baby names usually published in a community newspaper. Clip it out. Save it.  

I thought about some of the great character names I've found in books over the years and compiled a short list for you. Maybe some of these would be among your choices too.

1. Oliver Twist (Charles Dickens);  2. Scarlett O'Hara & Rhett Butler (Margaret Mitchell); 3. Quinn Rucker, Malcolm Bannister & Sam Stillwater (John Grisham); 4. Jaine Austen & Patti Devane

(Laura Levine); 5. Dittany Blair, Clegg, Driver, Hodson & Kahn (Betty Rowlands); 6. Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain); 7. Bishop Quill & Sean Cronin; 8. Lucian Gregory (G. K. Chesterton); 9. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte); 10. Randall Flagg (Stephen King); 11. Jay Gatsby ( F. Scott Fitzgerald); 

12. Cisco, Ezra, Zack (Fern Michaels); 13. Hester Prynne (Nathaniel Hawthorne); 14. Yuri

Zhivago (Boris Pasternak);15. Hercule Poirot (Agatha Christie).   

After coming up with my list of character names above, I've discovered there are a few websites covering this same topic. To my surprise some of the names I selected are on those lists as well. One such site you might like to visit is: www.theweeklings.com ( The 50 Greatest Literary Character Names of All Time). 

If you have a great character name you'd like to share, please send it my way and I'll mention in the next blog.

Until Next Time,

This is Mary Needy. Oops!  I mean Marlene Chabot

Topic 13 Cleaning Up

                                                                               

Greetings, 

As I cleaned out the closets to see what I could toss the other day, I thought about all the writings I've done over the years, too many to count, and I realized not one story had ever been sent out in its original form. I cleaned them up, and cleaned them up, and then cleaned them up some more. It may have been because I was raised by a perfectionist, but I'd like to think it was because I wanted the story to be accepted.

These cleanups are what we writer's refer to as rewrites. They're a necessity. It's what makes our stories more compelling, more alive, and more cohesive. No story is perfect the first time it's put down on paper. So if someone tells you otherwise, don't believe them. All great writers  be it of poetry, novels, magazines, newspapers, or script writing have fine-tuned their stories until they can't stand doing it anymore. 

Think back to your high school or college days. Do you remember the wonderful essay assignments? Sitting hunched over your desk scratching out and changing things in your notebook as you went. Many classmates of mine visited the wastebasket several times. How about you? Why did we do all the rewrites? To impress our teachers and hopefully get a great grade, right?

Well, if we want our writing to be accepted by the public and publishers we still need to rewrite and rewrite till things smooth out and fall into place. You may even have to chuck a novel if rewriting doesn't help. It wasn't until after I completed a two year writing course that I realized my first book stunk. The gist of it survived, but most was rewritten.

As a freelance writer for a local magazine, I have deadlines to meet so I understand the pressure journalists and magazine writers are under. But you still need to rewrite before handing the article off, otherwise you do a disservice to yourself and the company you're writing for.

It's important for us as writers to read the story aloud after it's completed or as you go along. Many errors are caught by reading the work out loud, not just with your eyes. Even though you have someone proofreading your work, you need to go through it too. Proofreaders don't catch every single error.  

If you find you're too tired after writing your first draft to read the story aloud and proof it, take a break. Come back to your story with fresh eyes the next day. You'll be surprised what problems 

you discover. Then what do you do? Cleanup and rewrite.

Until Next Time

This is Marlene Chabot

www.marlenechabotbooks.com 

Topic 12 Exploring Topics

Greetings,
Summertime and fairs go hand in hand What's there not to like? Fairs offer food, rides, 4H displays, talent shows, animals, concerts, and much more. No matter what your age you'll always find something of interest at a state or county fair. For a writer it's also a great place to explore new story ideas.

Yesterday began the first day of our county fair where I live in Minnesota. As I strolled through the fair with friends, I was bombarded with topics for stories, be it non-fiction, science fiction, historical, romance, or mystery.

If you're a non-fiction writer you might explore the history of carnival rides or select one in particular, the Ferris Wheel. Research how the first fair came about and how it changed throughout the years. If your fair had a huge butterfly house to walk through or exotic animals on display you could write a short story specifically about them or about the current fair in general and submit the story to a local newspaper.

For a history buff (fiction and non-fiction), besides carnivals and rides piquing your interest at the fair, you might delve into animal husbandry, 4H, or discover the wealth of history in old buildings on display. Our fair offers two to go through: the first schoolhouse from the area and a log home. But something else we found just as interesting inside the Curling building, used for artwork displays during the fair, was a photographer giving a slide presentation on kayaking from the headwaters of the Mississippi River to Iowa. His talk spanned the earliest explorers discovery of the headwaters in Minnesota and the changes made along the Mississippi due to logging, paper mill industries, and dams.

Of course there's plenty of fair topics to explore for those of you writing fiction. Is Mary having an affair with Stan while they operate the barbecue food hut owned by Stan's father-in-law?  Can a monster from outer space be captured before he destroys the fair completely? Was the footlong hot dog to blame for Troy's untimely death or something more sinister? Who kidnapped the very talented sixteen year old member of a famous rock'n roll band right before she was to appear on stage?

Well, I hope the ideas I generated today stir your imagination this summer when exploring topics at your own county or state fair. If you wish to share other writing ideas, or a snippet of a fair story on my next blog in two weeks, please leave a comment on this blog site.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot

Topic 11 Molding Characters

Greetings,
I apologize for the additional time required in getting this blog out. They should be available twice a month from now on.

Borrowing from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary molding means, "to give shape to." 

A potter uses the term molding in reference to shaping a simple piece of clay into a beautiful object. When an acquaintance tells you about the molding taking place in the plastic factory where he works, specifically designed parts are being made for all sorts of technology. But when parents and teachers mention molding in conversation, it's usually in regards to a child's character.

Writers,like parents and teachers, need to mold their characters as well.
.                                          .  
                                                 How can writers mold their characters?
 1. Select your characters name according to where they fit in the story and their personality. Is the person bossy, controlling, creative, adventuress, a show-off or a risk-taker? Do they play a minor or major role?
                                 
 2. Figure out the character's background story before your story unfolds? Were they an orphan, born with a silver spoon in their mouth, or raised on the wrong side of the tracks? Had they lost a spouse to the war or are they newly divorced. Were they a CEO before their company went belly-up forced to work in a family business they hated or living on skid-row before someone lent them a hand? Are they close to what members of the family they have or are they considered the outsider?Were they involved in sports or other activities?

 3. Speaking-we intone our words differently. A Minnesotan's accent is drastically different from a  person born in New York, Massachusetts or South Carolina. Depending on where we live we find  ourselves using certain words or phrases over and over again.

 4. Description of character-write a detailed sketch of each one. The face and body appearances
 communicate character.What's their height, color of eyes and hair. Does their body have any
 distinguishing marks or scars?

 5. Goals/Challenges big and small for the characters. Is the person searching for a parent?
 Seeking a better life or different job. Have something to prove to a boss or family member.

 6. Strengths and Weaknesses.  Who are the characters at odds with? What have they done they're  deeply ashamed of or proud of?

 7. Fears. Is there certain things the character has a terrible fear of--heights, spiders, horses, tight
 quarters, public speaking? Have them face their fears.

                    Samples of character categories used for this article can be found at www.writingforward.com/writing-tips "12 Character Writing Tips for Fiction Writers."

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
                                   
   

Topic 10 Images

Greetings.
Summertime offers us so many opportunities to experience the wonderful outdoor festivals and events communities across the country have to offer. During your free time this summer, relax and enjoy what's going on about you. Appreciate the abundance of creative talent in our midst. There are painters, sculptures, potters, jewelry designers, metal artists, photographers, musicians, writers, and so much more.

This past week I spent two extremely hot days selling my books on Main St. as part of the small hometown festival held every year in Pine River, Minnesota. On early Friday morning most of the people milling about were just stopping by at the local bakery on their way to work. Too busy to be customers, I hailed them with a good-morning anyway as they headed back to their cars. The greeting caused them to glance at me and what I had to offer, planting a tiny seed hopefully. The benefits I received from them were two-fold: a courteous smile and possible description of a new character.

Saturday afternoon at the festival brought with it an assortment of people: young, old, crippled and wheel-chaired bound. They all had one thing in common when the clock struck 2. It was time to watch the hometown parade. If you're a writer or photographer, you'll never have a better opportunity to see such an outpouring of people--how they dress, expressions on their faces, the way they converse. Seeing the excitement of little kids as each new car or truck passes by and candy is tossed to them. People on floats waving to their loved ones standing on the curb. Loved ones shouting to draw their attention. The emotions conveyed by all when the VFW and American Legion men and women proudly march by bearing the flag of our country. Big and little alike jiving to the music of the band marching by. Of course, for those of you who love motorcycles and classic cars there are always plenty of those along the parade route too.

The hush of the crowd as they departed was almost contemplative in nature. Is it because they wanted to savor the light-heartedness for a few more moments? Again, this would be the perfect time to jot down descriptions of people as they moved away from the parade. What were they thinking as they carried the memory of the parade home with them? Perhaps you could weave a short story from your day spent at a parade or festival this summer.

As always, I'd love to receive your comments concerning this blog or previous ones.

Until Next Time
This Is Marlene Chabot

Topic 9 The Writer versus the Reader

                                                      Greetings,

Well, I'm officially off to the races for the summer season, not literally but figuratively speaking. Although I wouldn't mind taking in a great horse or dog race along the way. The excitement in the air gets everyone's blood boiling, including the racer.


Spectators on the sidelines become extremely engaged. Their heart rates go up and palms sweat profusely. One finds themselves yelling and scrambling from this spot to that to get a better view. In the end, you're jumping for joy or are disillusioned by the sport. Perhaps you even forked out too much on the horse who lost.

The emotions of an author selling their novels at a festival or other event are similar to a racer at a sporting event. There are highs and lows as each day progresses. Excitement if you reach your sales goal and disappointment if you didn't even sell one book. Sweaty palms when meeting each new customer/reader. The important thing to remember as an author is that everyone has their good days and bad days, including a jockey, and the good generally out weighs the bad. No matter how bad a sales day I have, I continue to remind myself  how many wonderful people I've met in that particular community. New ideas are generated by the one to one contacts I've  made for the day, no matter the sales involved.

You, dear readers, are the spectators. Your emotions are tied to the meeting of a new author and his or her novels. If the author's friendly and respectful to you, a genuine bond is formed, But will it last? When you have a great book in your hand, mystery or whatever, you react to the tale and characters accordingly: weeping, laughing, angry, happy. If the author's book truly engaged you, you'll return to gobble up  more of their writings or even chase them down at another event just to chat. You might Like them on Facebook or comment about their book on Goodreads. But if you're dissatisfied, you won't return for another look no matter what.

This summer plan to support your favorite author in some small way when they're visiting your hometown. They'll be pleased to see you and will gladly fill you in on what they've been up to. It'll be a win win for both of you.


***Here's a chance for author or reader to enter a writing contest, called "Fated Paradox" that just came across my desk the other day. I checked out the website and it sounds interesting :
http://inkitt.com/fatedparadox

 Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot

Topic 8 Balance

Greetings,

It seems like everyone these days is trying to balance a zillion things at once, and the stress can be destructive to our health. How do we slow down and balance things out? It's not easy.

When I worked full time, I also volunteered at school, church and for other projects. In order to get chores done at home and meals on the table on time, I decided to wash clothes on Wednesdays and Thursdays before work. Clean the house on Friday evenings or Saturday mornings. Make extra meals to freeze and bake in the evenings. I honestly don't remember where ironing fit in, Maybe Sunday night after kids were in bed. That left Saturday evening and Sunday for the family.

Now that I belong to the retired community, most people think I goof off all day. Not true. It's crazier than ever especially since we've been trying to sell our log home for sometime and have to have the house in mint condition at all times for prospective buyers. Today, I washed 17 windows and screens for the lower level, washed curtains, biked to a neighbors to pick up something and washed dishes. It's almost three p.m. and I'm finally getting to this blog that I hoped to keep up with every two weeks. But I still haven't had time to finish my fifth novel that I hoped to send it off to be published this year.

Some things you just have to let go of in order to maintain balance. It's all about prioritizing. As a working Mom, I realized I didn't have to vacuum and dust every week, but the dishes and clothes needed to be washed. In the present moment, with the house up for sale I've cut back my book events for the summer. But since I want to continue being a freelance writer and novelist, I've decided maybe the short story I wanted to enter in an anthology this fall will have to be forgotten. That's all right. There'll will be more book events and anthologies for me.

Taking a short walk, bike ride, visiting or talking to a friend, or even watching the birds at the feeders is something I squeeze into my busy schedule. It helps relieve stress and even balance out the day.

Look at what you can do in your busy life to help you have better balance in it. Maybe it will be sitting in a quiet little nook somewhere drafting a poem or short story.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
Mystery Novelist

 

Topic 7 Beginnings

Greetings,

Beginnings

Beginnings take different forms--baby, school, job, home, garden, sports, etc. But since this blog today is about writing, let's look at story beginnings. The really good ones pull the reader into the story the instant the books gets opened and the first line is read.

"The bodies had fallen around the table like cards from a spent deck..." Nooses Give  by Dana Stabenow

"Garrick studied the girls face while the older woman did all the talking..."  Dust Devil by Rex Burns

"The Honorable Louis Sears, American Ambassador to Sarkhan was angry."  The Ugly American
by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick

"The Rambler's headlights caught a scrap of paper nailed to a tree, a handwritten sign: REPENT."
Deep South by Nevada Barr

"The cold passes reluctantly from the earth, and the retiring fogs revealed an army stretched out on the hills, resting."  The Red Badge of Courage  by Stephen Crane

"My bad luck started just before Christmas 1985."  Legacy by James Michener

"Secrets in Highwater, Texas had a twenty-four hour life expectancy..." A Woman's Place
by D.R. Meredith

Here's one created for this blog. Blood soaked his shirt as he stood at the edge of the precipice and gazed downward where flames engulfed his brother's Jeep.

What's your favorite beginning line from a novel or short story you've read? I'd love to hear from you.

This week open up your favorite novels and see what beginnings grabbed you the most.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot

Topic 6 Interviews

Greetings,

My last blog covered the importance of research when creating a piece of fiction or non-fiction. Research can be done in various ways, but one of the best is an actual interview. If you can accomplish this, you're off to a good start. A personal chat with a person working in your specific field of interest offers you the opportunity to ask in depth questions, a book does not.

I prefer to do in-person interviews, but when a deadline’s involved a writer may have  to revert to other means of communication: phone or e-mail. For those of you who have never interviewed anyone, I'll share a little secret. A one on one interview can create long lasting friendships. It's all about the way you handle the interview. Be on time, be friendly, and pay attention to details.  

In 2003, the local newspaper where I live created Her Voice a quarterly magazine for and about women. Coincidentally, that same year my first novel arrived on the scene and I seriously considered using the magazine as another avenue to express myself. But, like the majority of us, I questioned whether I actually I had what it took —the right stuff. Five years later, thanks to a little shove from a friend, I got up the nerve to submit my first idea to the editor. When 2015 comes to a close, I’ll have conducted approximately thirty-three interviews for this particular magazine.   

A few of the women I’ve had the privilege of interviewing are: An insurance agent, hand therapist, music therapist, eye doctors, first responder, a church youth instructor, a retired Salvation Army chaplain, candy shop owner, restaurant owners, gift shop entrepreneurs, health club owner, photographer, and soap/body lotion entrepreneur.  

When making initial contact with the interviewees via the phone, I always explain I only need about 20 to 30 minutes of their time. But guess what? The women are so thrilled to be interviewed we spend an hour or longer together.

Yes, I follow the tried and true format questions, who, what, why, where, and when but I also throw in non-traditional questions. Did you have a mentor? What’s been the most challenging for you? What’s been the most rewarding? Words of wisdom you live by. What’s your favorite quote?  What’s the one thing you hope you’ve instilled in your children? Any plans for the future. What advice would you give to someone thinking about pursuing the career you have? Most of these questions can’t be answered in a half a second. And those questions plus many others help you to understand the interviewee better.

If you interview people for magazine articles, save your notes. You never know when you’ll want a character with their specific background for a short story or novel.

Have you been thinking about interviewing someone? Don't put it off for five years like I did. Do it now.

Do you have interviewing techniques you’d like to share with others on this blog? If so please leave a comment.

Until Next Time

This is Marlene Chabot

Topic 5 Research

Greetings,
The past two weeks while selling novels at a market in Florida, I've had the opportunity to speak with wonderful published authors, newbies, and many readers who support writers. One of the most interesting discussions I had was with a retired police officer from New York, a newbie writer, unpublished as yet. He had many questions regarding the writing process, including research for a project. Interestingly, my topic on research for this blog was planned way before I met him.

Regardless if you're a fiction or non fiction writer, research is imperative for a writing project. Writers, like most humans, aren't walking encyclopedia's. We can't possibly know everything. That's why we rely on resources. The retired cop I spoke with said his story included police procedures, but what he was writing about didn't cover what he knew as a cop. So what did he do? He sought out fellow officers who worked in the field of expertise he wanted to use in his writing. Why? Because he wanted his book to be as accurate as possible for his readers. "I don't want to let my readers down," he said.

I told my new writer friend I felt the same way. Yes, I'm a fiction writer but I want my books to be as accurate as possible for my readers. My first novel covered a lot of ground--pop bottling company, a virus, messages received on computers and travel.

Research on a pop bottling company found me requesting information from Pepsi, taking a private tour of a Pepsi bottling company and touring Coor's  Brewery. To decide on a realistic virus for the story I borrowed books from the library and also sat down with a person who had a degree in biochemistry. Since I didn't know much about computers other than writing with them, I spoke with a computer science engineer. And even though I never traveled to Sao Paulo, Brazil, one of the locations in the book, it didn't stop me from writing about the place. I just borrowed more books from the library.    

My fourth novel, Death at the Bar X Ranch pertained to horses. I've never owned a horse, but I spoke with individual horse owners, several people who boarded horses for others, took a riding class and borrowed an excellent book on horses. Warning: riding a horse may leave you with sore legs.

Many  people don't like research, too boring. Don't be afraid to include it in your writing whether your a newbie writer or an established one. Your readers deserve the best you can give and that includes accuracy Make use of the resources at your disposal: doctors professors, scientists, nurses, those skilled in a particular job, librarians, businesses, museums, and books.

This week pick a topic of interest and do a little research.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot

Topic 4 Travels Used for Storytelling

Greetings,
Today I'm sending you a bit of sunshine from a wonderful location in the U.S. If you're from a cold climate, like I am, many of you probably thought about traveling to a nice hot spot this winter to soak up some sun even if for just a few delightful days.
   
Places you've traveled to can be a mighty handy tool too when writing a story or poem. Don't forget to jot down unique names of shops, towns, street signs, billboards, license plates and other unique novelties you see along the way. I have two typed pages full of unique names. On our lake there's a Lutefisk Lane.

I used information I collected from Colorado and Frankfurt, Germany in my first novel China Connection. My third novel, Mayhem With A Capital M used information I gathered from many trips to Mexico.

One short story I wrote about two years ago began in the U.S. and ended in Ireland. I don't think I could have done the people and pubs justice if we had never taken a trip to Ireland. Another short story I wrote pertained to Native American Pow Wow's.

Sometimes if you really want to get a short story published you have to change the area it takes place in. A story of mine, "The Gulper Eel Lounge", found in the 2014 Southwest Florida Stories and Poems anthology used Florida as it's location because that was one of the requirements. The original story, "The Blue Fin Lounge", revolved around a location in Minnesota. Having traveled to Florida and staying in particular areas helped me change the feel of the original story.

So, remember when traveling, take a little notebook with like my mother used to do and I still do and jot down things of interest you see along the way.  You never know when you'll run across a Coon Valley or  a Crime Ink Tattoos.

Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot

Topic 3 Putting Life Experiences to use

Greetings.
In the past month, I've explained how a writer can discover excellent dialogue exchanges for future writings by simply listening to conversations around him. I've also shared how you can glean supplemental writing material through means of mass communication: newspaper, magazines, TV, and radio. Today, I'm going to discuss Life Experiences--Part One--Jobs.

A deceased writer friend of mine, Winston Borden, wrote in his book Ruminations,
      "Today, grab some flowers from your garden...and make your own arrangement."
.
Life experiences are the flowers in your garden. so don't be afraid to arrange them in your writings. Chisel away at your life, you might find gold.

I graduated with a degree in education. But when I searched for work in my field I couldn't find anything in the area I lived. So, I took two  part-time jobs. I was a Key Punch operator at night for a huge bank and a teacher's assistant during the day. Then I babysat on and off. As the years rolled along, I substitute taught, took 2 different bank jobs, worked for Kelly Services, did security work for a big department store, went back to college for an A.A.S. degree, helped my husband in our optical store, served as an assistant manager at an apartment complex, taught at a history lab, took on many volunteer jobs, and even worked in the corporate office of a newspaper company. Oh, did I mention I raised two children?

I didn't start writing my first novel until I was fifty, Yes, fifty. But think of all the things in my garden I could use since childhood.  In my first three novels with PI Matt Malone, I reference Matt's Air Force days (my spouses background). But I also mention Saint Cloud State University and Matt's marketing background. I attended said college and have a degree in marketing.

In my second novel North Dakota Neighbor, the mystery revolves around a school being built in the Anoka-Hennepin school district, The story requires my teaching and history lab instructor experience and interest in antiques.

The third novel, Mayhem With A Capital M, Matt Malone's involved with two cases. One has to do with a coffee company and the other with a painting. It draws on my religious beliefs, love of Spanish decor, art minor degree, and a broken ankle,

My new Mary Malone series, Death at the Bar X Ranch revolves around an unemployed teacher who takes a job intended for her brother. In between she substitute teaches and takes on a part time job at an optical store. My teaching experience paid off for this new series. So did working in our optical store. Unfortunately, I don't own a horse. That's where research comes into play, but we'll save that for another time.
  Don't forget to use the flowers in your garden.
  Until Next Time,
  this is Marlene Chabot
     

Topic 2 Gleaning Stories from the Media

The last time I wrote I explained how valuable it is for a writer to tune into conversations around them. Language by a variety of people actually helps when deciding dialog style for a character.

Today let's talk about making use of radio, TV, newspapers and magazines to capture ideas for your books or stories. The newspaper article below printed in the St. Louis Dispatch in 1997 and then republished in our local paper was helpful in the first draft of my first book China Connection. Notice the highlighted areas.

After reading many fiction books covering virus outbreaks of some type or other, I decided to write a mystery revolving around a virus. Not being a scientist of course I had to do a considerable amount of research. When I found an article pertaining to my idea, I'd clip it out and save it for the writing stage. Since the mystery revolved around China, I also looked for articles pertaining to the Chinese and their leader.

When I got into the actual writing of the novel, I ran into a problem for my main character Private Investigator Matt Malone. He needed to take pictures inside bottling companies without anyone seeing him. Well, one morning when I was scrubbing the kitchen floor, I heard a person who worked in security interviewed on the radio. He mentioned a tiny camera that could be clipped to a tie. That's what my character would use. If I hadn't been listening to the radio, I wouldn't have discovered it.

So, be on the lookout for your next idea, whether from the newspaper, TV, or radio.

Until next time
Marlene Chabot

 

I'm finally getting my feet wet as they say and into blogging I go. I hope my followers will be comfortable discussing books they've read, sharing interesting people they've observed in their daily life, and anything else that can be useful in the world of writing.
  Just eating out in a restaurant or fast food place one can absorb quite a bit of overheard conversation. Some more fascinating than others. Today I took a friend out to lunch at a restaurant in Baxter, MN. Our table was up against a pillar on one side, but the other had a table of older men. If you have men characters in your writing work and are not a man, pay close attention to what they discuss.
 Unfortunately for me my woman companion had a lot to share and didn't leave much time for me to eavesdrop. All I caught was one fellow asking another if he was going to Florida this year and another asking about ice fishing. At least they weren't talking about a Ponzi scheme.
  Maybe I'll be luckier next time.
  Until then,
  This is Marlene Chabot
Have a wonderful day