This Saturday at 10am to 3pm Sola Writers is having a small fundraiser ($10 members / $15 non-members) in Westwego, LA (at Salaville Perk - Sala Avenue) (15 minutes from New Orleans).
It's more about getting writers (any writer in the NOLA/Gulf Coast area) to come on out for a day for writing and/or plotting. Giving each other ideas to help you move past just an idea, etc. Can you imagine if 5 or more authors gave you 5 to 10 ideas on where you can take your story next? Or maybe you are stuck on a character? Or maybe just the plot. Whatever it is, these writers will help. And you'll help them right back.
OR if you rather just sit and write - going 20 minute writing sprints, then we will make sure that is what you do. :-) (anyone can attend...) (Lunch not included.)
For more info you can go here... http://solawriters.org/2013/04/02/plottingsprinting-party-may-11-2013/
Self-Editing Class::::You don't want to miss this Self-Editing class on June 22, 2013. Sr. Editor, Liz Pelletier with Entangled Publishing is going to be teach us how to self-edit our novels before they are sent to a publisher or before we self-publish. (This is an opportunity you don't want to miss!)
This is an all day class in Metairie, LA - Lunch and Lite Breakfast included. (10 minutes from New Orleans) and it's worth a drive from where ever you are... (You do not need to be a member - anyone can sign up.)
For more info go here... http://solawriters.org/2013/04/16/self-editing-workshop-by-liz-pelletier-from-entangled-publishing/
Can't wait for these events... I hope to see lots of people attend...
Happy Writing,
Dawn Chartier
www.dawnchartier.com
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
Self-Editing Class by Liz Pelletier - June 22, 2013 (Metairie, LA)
Sola-RWA Writers group is having a full day class on Self-Editing and our instructor is the fabulous instructor, Liz Pelletier, Sr. Editor of Entangled Publishing. (See info below or go to www.solawrites.com)
~ Have you completed a rough draft of your book but have no idea how to tackle your edits?
Have your submission efforts netted a full request from an editor or agent only to end in
rejection after they’ve reviewed your manuscript? Do you want to learn how to edit like a
professional editor? Then you are a prime candidate for this Self-Editing Workshop by Entangled Publishing Co-Owner and Editor Liz Pelletier. ~
To sign up go to: www.solawriters.com and click on the Events page.
Hope to see you there!
Dawn Chartier
~ Have you completed a rough draft of your book but have no idea how to tackle your edits?
Have your submission efforts netted a full request from an editor or agent only to end in
rejection after they’ve reviewed your manuscript? Do you want to learn how to edit like a
professional editor? Then you are a prime candidate for this Self-Editing Workshop by Entangled Publishing Co-Owner and Editor Liz Pelletier. ~
- When: Saturday, June 22, 2013
- Where: Andrea’s Restaurant, 3100 19th Street, Metairie, LA 70002 (map)
- Time: 8:30am – 4:00pm with pitches from 4:00pm-5:00pm
- Cost: SOLA Members $85/ Non-members $90 (Early registration ends June 1st.)
- Late registration (June 2-10) SOLA Members $95/ Non-members $100
- Registration includes light breakfast and lunch.
- Space for the workshop and pitches is limited. Sign up early to ensure your spot.
To sign up go to: www.solawriters.com and click on the Events page.
Hope to see you there!
Dawn Chartier
Friday, April 5, 2013
Paranormal Author: Jami Gold shares 3 tips for being a better beta-reader...
I'm about to start searching for beta-readers for my witch series, Book #1, and I came across this great article written by author, Jami Gold. Thought I should share it with those you who like to beta-read like I do. Enjoy her tips, and go and buy her books! :-)
Link below:
http://jamigold.com/2013/04/three-tips-for-being-a-better-beta-reader/
Link below:
http://jamigold.com/2013/04/three-tips-for-being-a-better-beta-reader/
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Author Kristen Lamb's Blog - My new favorite blog!
If you are an author and you are following my blog, I have one piece of advice for you.
Follow Kristen Lamb's blog. Seriously. Every day I read her blog and she inspires me in a such a way that no one else does. She doesn't sugar coat the real world of the struggles of an author/writer.
And I think that is something we as writers need. She tells you how you need to toughen up and keep going. Yes, you will get bad reviews. Yes, you'll have people not like you. Yes, you'll want to give up and cry because of this or that, but the real writers, they get back in the ring and fight.
So do yourself a favor, and follow her blog. Even if you don't want to follow, just head over there and read a few posts and make a comment or two. She has lots of tips for writing as well...
I promise you, it will make you feel better. You will not feel so alone after reading her blog. And if you are not a writer, it still might help you get through a tough time.
So here is the link. Kristen Lamb.
Enjoy!
Follow Kristen Lamb's blog. Seriously. Every day I read her blog and she inspires me in a such a way that no one else does. She doesn't sugar coat the real world of the struggles of an author/writer.
And I think that is something we as writers need. She tells you how you need to toughen up and keep going. Yes, you will get bad reviews. Yes, you'll have people not like you. Yes, you'll want to give up and cry because of this or that, but the real writers, they get back in the ring and fight.
So do yourself a favor, and follow her blog. Even if you don't want to follow, just head over there and read a few posts and make a comment or two. She has lots of tips for writing as well...
I promise you, it will make you feel better. You will not feel so alone after reading her blog. And if you are not a writer, it still might help you get through a tough time.
So here is the link. Kristen Lamb.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
March Madness...
It's been a while since I've posted, and that's because I've been busy with editing one novella and finishing up the other one.
I've also been reading other authors blogs. Eating up advice like mixed M&M's and popcorn. So what have I learned you asked? Well, let me just put it like this. I'm confused.
Here is a list of advice from authors: (Just some examples so you can see my dilema.)
1.) Write what you know.
2.) Write what you "don't" know.
3.) Don't self-publish. Editors don't like self-published authors.
4.) Do self-publish. Editors like a track record.
5.) Blog - To gain readers.
6.) Don't blog - Readers don't read them. Writers do. (Um. I'm a reader too.)
7.) Don't promote your book on Twitter or FB.
8.) Promote on Twitter and FB and everywhere else. (To me, this is a fine line to walk, but if you do it often, it is annoying and I will unfriend you and never buy your book. Well, unless you are Kenyon, Ward or Shayne.)
9.) Interviews are a waste of time.
10.) Put your name out there. Do interviews, etc.
11.) Make your book free on Amazon.
12.) Don't make your book free. People will think the book is bad.
The conflicting list goes on and on. Which ones are right? Crap. I don't know...but who does?
It seems like a lot of authors are trying to find that special magic formula that turns you into an instant hit. Sorry, I wish I had the answers. I can only share with you my journey and the bumps along the way, what worked and what didn't. Everyone has a different path. So you have to find yours.
It could be just being in the right place at the right time with a great book ready to go.
Do what feels right. Even if you fail at first, don't give up. Try a new angle.
I would love to hear some positive stories on how you found a home for your book(s) or if you are still looking for a book home, how are you going about it?
~ Dawn
I've also been reading other authors blogs. Eating up advice like mixed M&M's and popcorn. So what have I learned you asked? Well, let me just put it like this. I'm confused.
Here is a list of advice from authors: (Just some examples so you can see my dilema.)
1.) Write what you know.
2.) Write what you "don't" know.
3.) Don't self-publish. Editors don't like self-published authors.
4.) Do self-publish. Editors like a track record.
5.) Blog - To gain readers.
6.) Don't blog - Readers don't read them. Writers do. (Um. I'm a reader too.)
7.) Don't promote your book on Twitter or FB.
8.) Promote on Twitter and FB and everywhere else. (To me, this is a fine line to walk, but if you do it often, it is annoying and I will unfriend you and never buy your book. Well, unless you are Kenyon, Ward or Shayne.)
9.) Interviews are a waste of time.
10.) Put your name out there. Do interviews, etc.
11.) Make your book free on Amazon.
12.) Don't make your book free. People will think the book is bad.
The conflicting list goes on and on. Which ones are right? Crap. I don't know...but who does?
It seems like a lot of authors are trying to find that special magic formula that turns you into an instant hit. Sorry, I wish I had the answers. I can only share with you my journey and the bumps along the way, what worked and what didn't. Everyone has a different path. So you have to find yours.
It could be just being in the right place at the right time with a great book ready to go.
Do what feels right. Even if you fail at first, don't give up. Try a new angle.
I would love to hear some positive stories on how you found a home for your book(s) or if you are still looking for a book home, how are you going about it?
~ Dawn
Friday, February 8, 2013
All About Mardi Gras ~ New Orleans Style...
So what is Mardi Gras all about? When will Mardi Gras be next year and the year after that?
What is with the King Cakes and the baby inside of them?
Well, I'm not going to tell you all about it, instead I'm going to be lazy and let you follow this link and dive right into all the wonderful information already posted at this other website.
I love Mardi Gras, however, I stick with 1 or 2 parades a year (maybe that many), and never on Mardi Gras day. Too many people for my taste. I hate huge crowds with not enough restrooms. Yuck.
The first Mardi Gras I remember was when I was around 3 yrs. old, and my parents took me, my brother and sister. (My lil brother wasn't around yet.) I think we were in Grenta on Fourth Street. And all of a sudden I recall these beautiful horses. They were huge! I was standing in front of my mom, aching to get closer to them. Well my Mom was waving to the men on the horses to try and get them to throw beads to us, but instead of throwing them the man on the horse decided to get a closer look at my Mom.
The next thing I recall was my foot hurting real bad. And then my Mom arguing with the man on the horse who happened to be a policeman. Oy. From what I heard, he got an ear full. Luckily, she wasn't arrested. :-) Ahh, the good ole' days of Mardi Gras. Now all I have to worry about is the kiddo's being flashed. I stay clear of the horses...even though I love them still today...
Oh yeah, you want the link: Mardi Gras New Orleans .
Happy Mardi Gras...Enjoy!
Dawn
What is with the King Cakes and the baby inside of them?
Well, I'm not going to tell you all about it, instead I'm going to be lazy and let you follow this link and dive right into all the wonderful information already posted at this other website.
I love Mardi Gras, however, I stick with 1 or 2 parades a year (maybe that many), and never on Mardi Gras day. Too many people for my taste. I hate huge crowds with not enough restrooms. Yuck.
The first Mardi Gras I remember was when I was around 3 yrs. old, and my parents took me, my brother and sister. (My lil brother wasn't around yet.) I think we were in Grenta on Fourth Street. And all of a sudden I recall these beautiful horses. They were huge! I was standing in front of my mom, aching to get closer to them. Well my Mom was waving to the men on the horses to try and get them to throw beads to us, but instead of throwing them the man on the horse decided to get a closer look at my Mom.
The next thing I recall was my foot hurting real bad. And then my Mom arguing with the man on the horse who happened to be a policeman. Oy. From what I heard, he got an ear full. Luckily, she wasn't arrested. :-) Ahh, the good ole' days of Mardi Gras. Now all I have to worry about is the kiddo's being flashed. I stay clear of the horses...even though I love them still today...
Oh yeah, you want the link: Mardi Gras New Orleans .
Dawn
Monday, January 28, 2013
Jack Reacher Movie Review
I thought Jack Reacher would be like Broken City, but it wasn't. This movie was so much better.
It had plot. It had motive. It had plenty of conflict. It didn't have sex, but it had heat...I loved it.
And even though I'm not a big Tom Cruise fan, he still did an excellent job. Kuddo's to Tom! The man can act...
The movie starts off with a shooting of 5 "random" people (or at least that's what it seems), and the shooter is caught. The evidence was laid out perfectly for the cops. And when the police start to interogate him, he writes, "Get Jack Reacher."
Well, they have no idea how to find Jack, but it didn't matter, Jack found them. Jack sees the bad guy on the news and knows him. Knows they have the right guy or do they?
Jack hook's up with the defending attorney (she asks him to investigate for her), even though he just wants to prove that the shooter is guilty, (not what the atty wants) but then he starts piecing the puzzle together and things don't add up. Now, the real bad guys start after Reacher, but Reacher is a little too smart for those clowns. They also go after the atty. Reacher is a little sweat on the atty., so of course he helps her out...Reacher is a bad ass, but the kind you have to like...
I don't think I'm giving the movie justice with this review, and I won't spoil it either, so go and see it for yourself. You'll be happy you did. I'm giving this a 4 out of 5 Stars. Oh, and don't forget to look for Lee Child, the author of the Jack Reacher series. Child's plays the cop who hands Reacher back his belongings after he gets out of jail.
Review by Dawn Chartier
It had plot. It had motive. It had plenty of conflict. It didn't have sex, but it had heat...I loved it.
And even though I'm not a big Tom Cruise fan, he still did an excellent job. Kuddo's to Tom! The man can act...
The movie starts off with a shooting of 5 "random" people (or at least that's what it seems), and the shooter is caught. The evidence was laid out perfectly for the cops. And when the police start to interogate him, he writes, "Get Jack Reacher."
Well, they have no idea how to find Jack, but it didn't matter, Jack found them. Jack sees the bad guy on the news and knows him. Knows they have the right guy or do they?
Jack hook's up with the defending attorney (she asks him to investigate for her), even though he just wants to prove that the shooter is guilty, (not what the atty wants) but then he starts piecing the puzzle together and things don't add up. Now, the real bad guys start after Reacher, but Reacher is a little too smart for those clowns. They also go after the atty. Reacher is a little sweat on the atty., so of course he helps her out...Reacher is a bad ass, but the kind you have to like...
I don't think I'm giving the movie justice with this review, and I won't spoil it either, so go and see it for yourself. You'll be happy you did. I'm giving this a 4 out of 5 Stars. Oh, and don't forget to look for Lee Child, the author of the Jack Reacher series. Child's plays the cop who hands Reacher back his belongings after he gets out of jail.
Review by Dawn Chartier
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