Elizabeth Egerton Wilder's Blog
June 29, 2014
"Kindle? - Book?
The conundrum - Will it be book or kindle?
Some seem to believe the book is on its way out. Kindle or any epub is the wave of the future. From where I sit in the circle of life, I see the division on future of reading as very generational.
I have attended as a visitor and been the speaker at Book Clubs. You are not going to pry the printed pages out of hands of the members. I meet regularly with a senior group where the local librarian presents and reviews at least 10 books each month. Then the group reads/shares at their leisure. Many lean toward larger print for the mind may be ready to receive but the eyes have been dulled. I feel as an author, this group is an untapped audience for all genre.
I'm not saying we must choose one form or another. eReaders are here to stay and they have their place in this fast moving society of instant communication. I have two Kindles. Both are filled with enough reading for many summers. They are convenient for waiting rooms where most of the magazines carry last months/years stories. But a novel in your pocketbook weighs about the same and won't quit on you should you forget to recharge. (Been there - its done that.)
I find it hard to accept that the younger generation will completely abandon print. MrW and I go to the library nearly every week so he can replenish the pile of books on his reading table. He has used one of the kindles but prefers the heft of what he sees as the "real thing". At each visit we see children, even toddlers, carrying an arm full of reading. We see mother's with tote bags bulging with books followed by children already scanning pages on their newest find.
If children are exposed to only an eReader are they shunning books as they use the device for games? Their quick thinking reactions are toned. But what about imagination and curiosity. Are we cheating many from developing a love for reading?
My thirteen year old granddaughter is a voracious reader. I hardly ever see her without a book. She has the most up to date devices for reading, playing games, researching, skyping, doing homework and so forth. But she seems most engrossed when curled up on the end of the couch with a print book.
I know my love of reading lead me into a lifelong dream of writing. Being carried to places unknown (perhaps on a magic carpet), to discover wonders never before seen by reading stories authored by someone I'll never know, set my mind on fire. I wanted to someday paint pictures with words. The fact my dream became possible when I reached my seventies only added years of color to my palette of words and an increased depth of life experiences where I could dip my brush to spread stories across the page.
I can't imagine a world without books be they printed on a page or carried digetally. Everyone needs to find their own method but please do not let the newest gizmos steal away the desire to read.
Remember Kindles are convenient but they sure do nothing for a bookshelf.
`````````
Visit my FBauthor page for up to date info of my latest book - the third in the Maine at Heart trilogy. "Beneath Mackerel Skies". Books 1 and 2 - "The Spruce Gum Box" and "Granite Hearts" are available through Amazon and Indie stores.
https://www.facebook.com/eewilder
Some seem to believe the book is on its way out. Kindle or any epub is the wave of the future. From where I sit in the circle of life, I see the division on future of reading as very generational.
I have attended as a visitor and been the speaker at Book Clubs. You are not going to pry the printed pages out of hands of the members. I meet regularly with a senior group where the local librarian presents and reviews at least 10 books each month. Then the group reads/shares at their leisure. Many lean toward larger print for the mind may be ready to receive but the eyes have been dulled. I feel as an author, this group is an untapped audience for all genre.
I'm not saying we must choose one form or another. eReaders are here to stay and they have their place in this fast moving society of instant communication. I have two Kindles. Both are filled with enough reading for many summers. They are convenient for waiting rooms where most of the magazines carry last months/years stories. But a novel in your pocketbook weighs about the same and won't quit on you should you forget to recharge. (Been there - its done that.)
I find it hard to accept that the younger generation will completely abandon print. MrW and I go to the library nearly every week so he can replenish the pile of books on his reading table. He has used one of the kindles but prefers the heft of what he sees as the "real thing". At each visit we see children, even toddlers, carrying an arm full of reading. We see mother's with tote bags bulging with books followed by children already scanning pages on their newest find.
If children are exposed to only an eReader are they shunning books as they use the device for games? Their quick thinking reactions are toned. But what about imagination and curiosity. Are we cheating many from developing a love for reading?
My thirteen year old granddaughter is a voracious reader. I hardly ever see her without a book. She has the most up to date devices for reading, playing games, researching, skyping, doing homework and so forth. But she seems most engrossed when curled up on the end of the couch with a print book.
I know my love of reading lead me into a lifelong dream of writing. Being carried to places unknown (perhaps on a magic carpet), to discover wonders never before seen by reading stories authored by someone I'll never know, set my mind on fire. I wanted to someday paint pictures with words. The fact my dream became possible when I reached my seventies only added years of color to my palette of words and an increased depth of life experiences where I could dip my brush to spread stories across the page.
I can't imagine a world without books be they printed on a page or carried digetally. Everyone needs to find their own method but please do not let the newest gizmos steal away the desire to read.
Remember Kindles are convenient but they sure do nothing for a bookshelf.
`````````
Visit my FBauthor page for up to date info of my latest book - the third in the Maine at Heart trilogy. "Beneath Mackerel Skies". Books 1 and 2 - "The Spruce Gum Box" and "Granite Hearts" are available through Amazon and Indie stores.
https://www.facebook.com/eewilder
February 1, 2014
Research - mining for gems
As an author of a trilogy of historical fiction, I found research took more of my time than did the writing of the story.
Perhaps, it's just me. But I want the historical facts to be just that - factual, while the fiction that ties the facts together are simply figments of my imagination. I'd think just how would an event such as the underground railroad be handled by an ordinary family if they should become involved. What kind of twist would they put on hiding escapees and by letting the characters take over, they found the way. I'd chuckle - good for you folks.
When I realized the seed of 'The Spruce Gum Box' was taking root in my mind, I knew there was a lot I needed to know about the turmoil taking place in the wilds of northern Maine before statehood. It took on and off travel, museum visiting and a lot of reading/studying at the library over five years to get the first sentence down. But no matter how many notes, situations would pop up in time and event lines that would leave me puzzled. Halleluiah! My computer skills had improved to where Mr. Google and I became bosom buddies. I'd stop and verify - did they use that phrase in 1860? - was that nursery rhyme published at that time? - just how did the indians harvest yellow eye beans? I nearly was caught in 'Granite Hearts". I had the children catching fireflies and putting them in glass Mason jars. Then I checked and found it was a few years before Mason made that type of jar so out with that scene. In 'Beneath Mackerel Skies' youngsters caught the fireflies and the scene meant more.
At times I wonder if all this extra time needed to write historical fiction is worth it but the readers appreciate and understand the effort.
At times I get a little jealous of those that create pure fiction - those wonderful stories that can go wherever the writer or characters fancy without need for confirmation.
At times I wonder if I should try the same.
Then I find a nugget of information that makes me laugh for it is such a perfect find at such a perfect time.
As an example. I was recently writing a chapter that included a Thanksgiving dinner circa 1868 in Maine. I had researched turkey calls for the hunters and picked the kind my characters would have used. The vegetables were brought up from the root cellar. I started the ladies making pumpkin pies. Wait! Did they make pumpkin pies in 1868? Should I change to apple? In the research on pumpkin pies New England - I found the "gem". An 1867 artical in the Portland, Maine newspaper told of the second visit of Charles Dickens to the United States. He spent Thanksgiving at the home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in Portland. He was served Mr. Longfellow's favorite dessert, pumpkin molasses pie. Since my book characters always read the Christmas Story each year, pumpkin molasses was perfect.
Call me a silly old lady (if you dare) but that piece of information thrilled me.
So if research is needed - research it will be. Even if it takes a lot of digging to unearth the perfect gem.
Perhaps, it's just me. But I want the historical facts to be just that - factual, while the fiction that ties the facts together are simply figments of my imagination. I'd think just how would an event such as the underground railroad be handled by an ordinary family if they should become involved. What kind of twist would they put on hiding escapees and by letting the characters take over, they found the way. I'd chuckle - good for you folks.
When I realized the seed of 'The Spruce Gum Box' was taking root in my mind, I knew there was a lot I needed to know about the turmoil taking place in the wilds of northern Maine before statehood. It took on and off travel, museum visiting and a lot of reading/studying at the library over five years to get the first sentence down. But no matter how many notes, situations would pop up in time and event lines that would leave me puzzled. Halleluiah! My computer skills had improved to where Mr. Google and I became bosom buddies. I'd stop and verify - did they use that phrase in 1860? - was that nursery rhyme published at that time? - just how did the indians harvest yellow eye beans? I nearly was caught in 'Granite Hearts". I had the children catching fireflies and putting them in glass Mason jars. Then I checked and found it was a few years before Mason made that type of jar so out with that scene. In 'Beneath Mackerel Skies' youngsters caught the fireflies and the scene meant more.
At times I wonder if all this extra time needed to write historical fiction is worth it but the readers appreciate and understand the effort.
At times I get a little jealous of those that create pure fiction - those wonderful stories that can go wherever the writer or characters fancy without need for confirmation.
At times I wonder if I should try the same.
Then I find a nugget of information that makes me laugh for it is such a perfect find at such a perfect time.
As an example. I was recently writing a chapter that included a Thanksgiving dinner circa 1868 in Maine. I had researched turkey calls for the hunters and picked the kind my characters would have used. The vegetables were brought up from the root cellar. I started the ladies making pumpkin pies. Wait! Did they make pumpkin pies in 1868? Should I change to apple? In the research on pumpkin pies New England - I found the "gem". An 1867 artical in the Portland, Maine newspaper told of the second visit of Charles Dickens to the United States. He spent Thanksgiving at the home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in Portland. He was served Mr. Longfellow's favorite dessert, pumpkin molasses pie. Since my book characters always read the Christmas Story each year, pumpkin molasses was perfect.
Call me a silly old lady (if you dare) but that piece of information thrilled me.
So if research is needed - research it will be. Even if it takes a lot of digging to unearth the perfect gem.
September 30, 2013
ARE EVER TOO OLD TO WRITE A NOVEL?
Every once in awhile I find a blog post where I feel the author has read my mind. An example of this is from Marla Madison - Reading and Writing are Fattening where she asks, "Are you ever too old to write a novel?" Her "10 reasons to start writing after 50" Marla Madison is spot on even if you are after 70. I thought you would enjoy this so am re-pubbing it from last February. Her attitude of following your dreams no matter how small the step is something we all need to hold on to.
Are You Ever Too Old to Write a Novel?
Typewriter
Even if you can remember using one of these, with the courage to jump into the digital revolution, you can write and publish a book. If you can’t overcome your techno-fears—hire a kid to help you.
Many people over sixty regard computers and social networking as something they don’t have to learn. They brag they don’t need it, claim it’s too difficult to learn, too expensive, and anyway, what do they need it for except skyping the grandkids?
Everyone has a book in them whether it’s a recipe collection, a life-story memoir, or genre novel. I started writing She’s Not There after I retired. It took me five years to complete.
When I joined a critique group, I found out getting a book published the traditional way by finding an agent and/or a publisher, could take up to twenty years! I didn’t have twenty years to spare, so I published my first eBook on my own.
Ten reasons to start writing after 50.
1. Writing is great brain exercise.
2. You’ll meet new friends with a common goal joining a writer’s critique group.
3. It’s something you can do no matter how incapacitated you are. (If you can put together a jigsaw puzzle, play bingo, or watch TV, you can write!)
4. Add some extra cash to your fixed income.
5. You have more spare time now than you ever will.
6. Unlike a “job,” you can take time off whenever you want.
7. You’ll read other authors with a new respect and learn from them.
8. You’ll always have an excuse. “No, I can’t today, I’m working on my novel.”
9. There’s nothing like having a goal to work toward!
10. And nothing like the satisfaction you’ll get from completing an entire novel.
Dear friends,
This blog is dedicated to all of you readers, who, like me, have always been secretly plotting your own book in your daydreams. Make that dream come true by taking a first step no matter how small. I started by plotting my novel while I walked, then starting on chapter one. If I can do it, so can you!
Take care, have a great week, and keep daydreaming!
Marla
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Some new thoughts from me ~~~~
Now some further thoughts from the mid 70's gang (that not being the 1970's). I have added a few new steps to the process. As Marla said twenty years is a bit too long to wait for the "traditional" route to publish. Once birthing the first novel - sometimes most painfully as I also endured a five year gestation, I knew my daydreaming was not just a waste of time as some may have thought. In the past three years I have indie pubbed The Spruce Gum Box , Granite Hearts, and am nearing first edits on 'Beneath Mackerel Skies'. These three will comprise the Maine historical fiction trilogy 'Maine at Heart'. Now that my story of early Maine settlers 1825 to 1869 is nearly complete my next project is elbowing its way into my imagination. Ah, yes - the swirling creative process that forms a perpetual whirlpool. One of my new friends has just debuted her first historical romance Summer Rose - she is also a mid-seventy author who is caught up in her own run away daydreams. Just a few miles apart, we met through my daughter, co-author with her daughter of The Mommy Orphanage. She assists indie authors through the self pub maze at Alexemi Publishing, http://bit.ly/1dSXC4a. Wow! Been a busy 3 years. Have made many new friends through twitter, Facebook and several author groups. But probably my biggest accomplishment is conquering the many ins and outs of my new iPhone and "The Square" where I can take credit card payments wherever I am. My grandmother would have loved this! So never give up - keep on dreaming. IAN author http://bit.ly/1cDMTMR
Are You Ever Too Old to Write a Novel?
Typewriter
Even if you can remember using one of these, with the courage to jump into the digital revolution, you can write and publish a book. If you can’t overcome your techno-fears—hire a kid to help you.
Many people over sixty regard computers and social networking as something they don’t have to learn. They brag they don’t need it, claim it’s too difficult to learn, too expensive, and anyway, what do they need it for except skyping the grandkids?
Everyone has a book in them whether it’s a recipe collection, a life-story memoir, or genre novel. I started writing She’s Not There after I retired. It took me five years to complete.
When I joined a critique group, I found out getting a book published the traditional way by finding an agent and/or a publisher, could take up to twenty years! I didn’t have twenty years to spare, so I published my first eBook on my own.
Ten reasons to start writing after 50.
1. Writing is great brain exercise.
2. You’ll meet new friends with a common goal joining a writer’s critique group.
3. It’s something you can do no matter how incapacitated you are. (If you can put together a jigsaw puzzle, play bingo, or watch TV, you can write!)
4. Add some extra cash to your fixed income.
5. You have more spare time now than you ever will.
6. Unlike a “job,” you can take time off whenever you want.
7. You’ll read other authors with a new respect and learn from them.
8. You’ll always have an excuse. “No, I can’t today, I’m working on my novel.”
9. There’s nothing like having a goal to work toward!
10. And nothing like the satisfaction you’ll get from completing an entire novel.
Dear friends,
This blog is dedicated to all of you readers, who, like me, have always been secretly plotting your own book in your daydreams. Make that dream come true by taking a first step no matter how small. I started by plotting my novel while I walked, then starting on chapter one. If I can do it, so can you!
Take care, have a great week, and keep daydreaming!
Marla
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Some new thoughts from me ~~~~
Now some further thoughts from the mid 70's gang (that not being the 1970's). I have added a few new steps to the process. As Marla said twenty years is a bit too long to wait for the "traditional" route to publish. Once birthing the first novel - sometimes most painfully as I also endured a five year gestation, I knew my daydreaming was not just a waste of time as some may have thought. In the past three years I have indie pubbed The Spruce Gum Box , Granite Hearts, and am nearing first edits on 'Beneath Mackerel Skies'. These three will comprise the Maine historical fiction trilogy 'Maine at Heart'. Now that my story of early Maine settlers 1825 to 1869 is nearly complete my next project is elbowing its way into my imagination. Ah, yes - the swirling creative process that forms a perpetual whirlpool. One of my new friends has just debuted her first historical romance Summer Rose - she is also a mid-seventy author who is caught up in her own run away daydreams. Just a few miles apart, we met through my daughter, co-author with her daughter of The Mommy Orphanage. She assists indie authors through the self pub maze at Alexemi Publishing, http://bit.ly/1dSXC4a. Wow! Been a busy 3 years. Have made many new friends through twitter, Facebook and several author groups. But probably my biggest accomplishment is conquering the many ins and outs of my new iPhone and "The Square" where I can take credit card payments wherever I am. My grandmother would have loved this! So never give up - keep on dreaming. IAN author http://bit.ly/1cDMTMR
June 5, 2013
50plus Senior News Book Review
50plus Senior News has posted a book review for THE SPRUCE GUM BOX, first book in the "Maine At Heart" trilogy.
http://50plusseniornewspa.com/news/en...
Book two, GRANITE HEARTS.
Book three, BENEATH MACKEREL SKIES due to be launched late Fall 2013
The Independent Author Network
http://www.independentauthornetwork.c...
http://50plusseniornewspa.com/news/en...
Book two, GRANITE HEARTS.
Book three, BENEATH MACKEREL SKIES due to be launched late Fall 2013
The Independent Author Network
http://www.independentauthornetwork.c...
March 12, 2013
Review - Emilia by Christa Polkinhorn
Emilia by Christa PolkinhornMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
EMILIA
In the final book of her Family Portrait trilogy, author Christa Polkinhorn once again
placed me in the Swiss countryside and with her wonderful descriptions quickly
carried me back to locations from Europe to Peru. Karla and Andreas had become
successful while raising their two children. Laura was training to work with stone
like her father while her brother Tonio, blessed with his mother’s talent for drawing
and painting was studying fashion design. This was not his father’s first choice for
him but he was doing well in school. The family was well settled and then came the
surprise. Karla found herself pregnant and in shock with emotions racing through
her from joy to the unbelievable realization she would be forty-six when the baby
came. Enter Emilia. Would the dainty little girl drive a wedge between her parents or
become the glue that would bind their fracturing relationship.
Christa has successfully tied her three books together to a final, satisfying conclusion.
I believe those who have read an Uncommon Family and Love of a Stonemason will
agree with me. “Emilia” also works well as an enjoyable stand alone novel.
View all my reviews
March 5, 2013
What makes a good book cover?
It is closing in on two years since this blog was first published and I feel it is worth a second look. I am still adding books of members to the IAN Amazon Store http://astore.amazon.com/ian1-20 and as of this minute there are 2134 listings in 34 genres. We have grown to 782 authors. I can remember when it was hoped we could reach 100 members. Congrats William Potter on the continuing success.
Once again I'd like to stress the importance of a book cover that will stand up even as a small thumbnail - the size seen when browsing many sites. I have listed some beautiful covers in the store that lost all definition - one problem discussed in the blog below. A good cover designer is right up there in importance to a professional final proofer as you polish your manuscript for publication. With a bit of research and/or help from fellow indie authors, qualified folks can be found at reasonable cost. Well worth the price after all the hours an author has placed in a story.
~~~ OOO ~~~
June 2011 -
I just worked through an involved project setting up an Amazon aStore to allow the authors of The Independent Author Network a central place to profile their books. As of tonight, there are 369 listings, each placed in dedicated genres. While pulling the book cover thumbnails into the store, I noticed some lost their distinct design in smaller form while others retained their individuality and feel of the story no matter how small. I remembered that my book designer, Cathy Cotter, told me she looked at small thumbnails to poster size as she planned the cover of The Spruce Gum Box to assure it did not lose its character. I asked Cathy to write some of her cover design ideas in hopes it might help authors that have so much to think about when Indie publishing. Her thoughts follow:
What makes a good book cover design?
Effective book cover designs draw the reader in so they want to find out what your book is about. Most people DO judge a book by its cover. So how do you pull people in visually?
Your book cover needs to:
1 Communicate clearly, quickly and efficiently to the reader by organizing the visual elements in harmony with each other
2 Lead the audience to the title
Pay attention to not only typeface, but styling, sizing and positioning. Organize the type and images with a visual hierarchy of importance. Some elements should stand out more than others.
3 Have a relevant visual theme and concept
It is important that your design convey the message and meaning of your book clearly.
4 Use simplicity
Your cover should work well and be attractive very small, as a thumbnail, and large, as in a poster. Detailed illustration is often difficult to differentiate when the book is small. It may be meaningful to you but not to your audience and can very well detract from its marketability. Reduce your cover design to the size of a thumbnail on Amazon and see if you can distinguish visual coherency and it is readable. If not, simplify.
5 Use a pleasant color palette consistent with your books style and era
Caution is needed when building a color palette. For instance, when using red on black there is little differentiation between the 2 colors which can make certain things become transparent to the eye from a distance. This goes for a light color on light color as well. Be sure there is significant color tonality distinguish-ability between your color values.
6 Work visually in black and white as well as color
Note that your cover changes dramatically without color. When used in, for instance, a newspaper ad, make sure it is still a readable and effective design.
7 Use a dramatic visual effect
Run the image and color right off the books boundaries.
You will find it expands the covers visual space.
8 Create a good focal point to pull the audience into the cover visually
Dramatic perspective, angle, a visual explosion of color or a central area the eye is attracted to can do the trick.
9 Use a font that is easily readable
Some script fonts can be very attractive but keep in mind they are often difficult to read. Test them yourself. Use the five foot rule. If you can't read the text on the spine of your book from 5 feet away....Neither can your readers.
10 Stand out
A helpful exercise for you would be to look at covers on Amazon or at your favorite bookstore. Determine which ones are the most eye catching. Why do you think they stand out on a shelf?
The bottom line is, a great book cover can help sell your book.
Once again I'd like to stress the importance of a book cover that will stand up even as a small thumbnail - the size seen when browsing many sites. I have listed some beautiful covers in the store that lost all definition - one problem discussed in the blog below. A good cover designer is right up there in importance to a professional final proofer as you polish your manuscript for publication. With a bit of research and/or help from fellow indie authors, qualified folks can be found at reasonable cost. Well worth the price after all the hours an author has placed in a story.
~~~ OOO ~~~
June 2011 -
I just worked through an involved project setting up an Amazon aStore to allow the authors of The Independent Author Network a central place to profile their books. As of tonight, there are 369 listings, each placed in dedicated genres. While pulling the book cover thumbnails into the store, I noticed some lost their distinct design in smaller form while others retained their individuality and feel of the story no matter how small. I remembered that my book designer, Cathy Cotter, told me she looked at small thumbnails to poster size as she planned the cover of The Spruce Gum Box to assure it did not lose its character. I asked Cathy to write some of her cover design ideas in hopes it might help authors that have so much to think about when Indie publishing. Her thoughts follow:
What makes a good book cover design?
Effective book cover designs draw the reader in so they want to find out what your book is about. Most people DO judge a book by its cover. So how do you pull people in visually?
Your book cover needs to:
1 Communicate clearly, quickly and efficiently to the reader by organizing the visual elements in harmony with each other
2 Lead the audience to the title
Pay attention to not only typeface, but styling, sizing and positioning. Organize the type and images with a visual hierarchy of importance. Some elements should stand out more than others.
3 Have a relevant visual theme and concept
It is important that your design convey the message and meaning of your book clearly.
4 Use simplicity
Your cover should work well and be attractive very small, as a thumbnail, and large, as in a poster. Detailed illustration is often difficult to differentiate when the book is small. It may be meaningful to you but not to your audience and can very well detract from its marketability. Reduce your cover design to the size of a thumbnail on Amazon and see if you can distinguish visual coherency and it is readable. If not, simplify.
5 Use a pleasant color palette consistent with your books style and era
Caution is needed when building a color palette. For instance, when using red on black there is little differentiation between the 2 colors which can make certain things become transparent to the eye from a distance. This goes for a light color on light color as well. Be sure there is significant color tonality distinguish-ability between your color values.
6 Work visually in black and white as well as color
Note that your cover changes dramatically without color. When used in, for instance, a newspaper ad, make sure it is still a readable and effective design.
7 Use a dramatic visual effect
Run the image and color right off the books boundaries.
You will find it expands the covers visual space.
8 Create a good focal point to pull the audience into the cover visually
Dramatic perspective, angle, a visual explosion of color or a central area the eye is attracted to can do the trick.
9 Use a font that is easily readable
Some script fonts can be very attractive but keep in mind they are often difficult to read. Test them yourself. Use the five foot rule. If you can't read the text on the spine of your book from 5 feet away....Neither can your readers.
10 Stand out
A helpful exercise for you would be to look at covers on Amazon or at your favorite bookstore. Determine which ones are the most eye catching. Why do you think they stand out on a shelf?
The bottom line is, a great book cover can help sell your book.
February 17, 2013
The Next Best Thing
Recently I was tagged by author Katherine Lowry Logan to join her in THE NEXT BEST THING. It is a blog chain where authors answer some questions about their current work in progress and then choose other authors to do the same. Kathy was previously tagged by Clive Eaton and I have put the links to both blogs below so you can read their answers to the same questions. You will also find the names of the authors I have invited. They will post their blogs March 1.
Here are my answers ~~
What is the working title of your next book?
Mackerel Skies
Where did the idea come from for the book?
Since this is the third book in a trilogy "Maine at Heart", the initial idea stemmed from questions I had after visiting Washburn, Maine - the pioneering Wilder family home town in the 1800's. In researching the area I found fascinating information about the 'war' between the United States and England over the border between New Brunswick and Maine that was never settled after the Revolutionary War. I wondered what would happen to an infant being raised in the wilds along the Aroostook River of northern Maine where settlers did not know what country would honor their claims. Here the child was protected and raised with help from the MicMac Indians. The second book follows the same family to the Penobscot River and the building of Fort Knox. The present WIP focuses on the third generation when they become involved within the busy ship building harbor in the town of Searsport. It's hard for me to believe I have been living with this family in my mind and on paper, their children and grandchildren for eight years. The idea coming from the curiosity of why there were Canadian settlers along the Aroostook River.
What genre does your book fall under?
Historical Fiction
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
That is a difficult question for someone who admits to being in the her mid-seventies. I rarely go to movies and know very few of the younger stars of Hollywood. I did make a special effort to see SkyFall as I've been a bond fan since watching the first one way back when. In the first book, 'The Spruce Gum Box', I thought Jed would have to be a tall, lanky young Clint Eastwood type - for his best friend and Indian leader, a young Jimmy Smits. Recently I saw an interview with Jennifer Lawrence and saw her as my Gert in 'Granite Hearts' and the WIP. I can see her playing a woman strong enough to handle the ups and downs of the traumas presented.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
From the rivers to the sea of 1800’s Maine, generations of the Ryans are caught within a tapestry complete with the imperfections of knots and ravels found within the continuous weave of family life.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It will be self pubbed with help from my daughter who guides indie authors through the maze.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
I am well into it now and based on the others, most likely 9-12 months depending on how much extra research I need. I'm always looking for that tiny bit of information on which to string my story.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I can not think of one for I tried to find stories that told the story of the Aroostook Valley. I do know that as a lifelong avid reader, I enjoy an author that could carry me into the story with descriptions and that influences my writing.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
My daughter. I had always threatened to take the time to write a book. When I told her I had a father-son story swimming in my head, she said write it and I'll see it's published. I thought she meant for the family and friends. That is why I'm on my WIP.
What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?
I had always hoped that my stories would interest the reader in learning more about the history of the state of Maine. I was pleased when readers would tell me about their grandfather who was a lumberman or a cook in the camps or someone who relived a canoe trip on a Maine river or camped in the wilderness. Now I hear of readers that went to visit Fort Knox - one couple sent a picture. I hope my WIP will send readers to the Penobscot Maritime Museum in Searsport.
Cathy Logan Clive Eaton
Authors I have invited ~~
Christa Polkinhorn
Virginia Lee
Alle Wells
Gail Baugniet
Here are my answers ~~
What is the working title of your next book?
Mackerel Skies
Where did the idea come from for the book?
Since this is the third book in a trilogy "Maine at Heart", the initial idea stemmed from questions I had after visiting Washburn, Maine - the pioneering Wilder family home town in the 1800's. In researching the area I found fascinating information about the 'war' between the United States and England over the border between New Brunswick and Maine that was never settled after the Revolutionary War. I wondered what would happen to an infant being raised in the wilds along the Aroostook River of northern Maine where settlers did not know what country would honor their claims. Here the child was protected and raised with help from the MicMac Indians. The second book follows the same family to the Penobscot River and the building of Fort Knox. The present WIP focuses on the third generation when they become involved within the busy ship building harbor in the town of Searsport. It's hard for me to believe I have been living with this family in my mind and on paper, their children and grandchildren for eight years. The idea coming from the curiosity of why there were Canadian settlers along the Aroostook River.
What genre does your book fall under?
Historical Fiction
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
That is a difficult question for someone who admits to being in the her mid-seventies. I rarely go to movies and know very few of the younger stars of Hollywood. I did make a special effort to see SkyFall as I've been a bond fan since watching the first one way back when. In the first book, 'The Spruce Gum Box', I thought Jed would have to be a tall, lanky young Clint Eastwood type - for his best friend and Indian leader, a young Jimmy Smits. Recently I saw an interview with Jennifer Lawrence and saw her as my Gert in 'Granite Hearts' and the WIP. I can see her playing a woman strong enough to handle the ups and downs of the traumas presented.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
From the rivers to the sea of 1800’s Maine, generations of the Ryans are caught within a tapestry complete with the imperfections of knots and ravels found within the continuous weave of family life.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It will be self pubbed with help from my daughter who guides indie authors through the maze.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
I am well into it now and based on the others, most likely 9-12 months depending on how much extra research I need. I'm always looking for that tiny bit of information on which to string my story.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I can not think of one for I tried to find stories that told the story of the Aroostook Valley. I do know that as a lifelong avid reader, I enjoy an author that could carry me into the story with descriptions and that influences my writing.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
My daughter. I had always threatened to take the time to write a book. When I told her I had a father-son story swimming in my head, she said write it and I'll see it's published. I thought she meant for the family and friends. That is why I'm on my WIP.
What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?
I had always hoped that my stories would interest the reader in learning more about the history of the state of Maine. I was pleased when readers would tell me about their grandfather who was a lumberman or a cook in the camps or someone who relived a canoe trip on a Maine river or camped in the wilderness. Now I hear of readers that went to visit Fort Knox - one couple sent a picture. I hope my WIP will send readers to the Penobscot Maritime Museum in Searsport.
Cathy Logan Clive Eaton
Authors I have invited ~~
Christa Polkinhorn
Virginia Lee
Alle Wells
Gail Baugniet
February 7, 2013
Beware Social Media Quicksand
It's been awhile since I last posted. What happened? I became lost in the maze of social media. Too many links to too many groups that singularly are informative, enjoyable and supportive but are more like snowflakes that once rolled into a large ball could be difficult to handle and roll over you.
While making my way through the maze, I would stop and read, stop and comment, stop and 'retweet' or 'forward' or 'share', stop to 'try' to navigate some sites still over my head.
Yes, over my head like movie characters in the way back when films were black and white. They would hack their way through the jungle trying to find a way out and step into a pit of quicksand. There they would struggle, only to be sucked further into the water soaked sand. I still remember one scene where all you could see was the victim's hand slipping silently down, then gone. Scared me so I had nightmares for years. (As a side note, one of my sons when little was shocked when he found out we had color when I was young. He thought the world was black and white.)
Now for the sake of my writing, I know I need to stay on a path that keeps me out of the maze. To do so, I have unsubscribed from 21 sites and groups. That immediately makes the check on e-mails a lot faster and presents far fewer opportunites to get side tracked.
I will still be active within the social network but with time constraints. I've been a member of The Independent Author Network since we were just a handful of indie authors looking for a site to support and promote each other -thanks William Potter. Today we are 728 strong and growing. Twitter @eewilder offers me a quick check on many 'friends' who have truly become so. I briefly check Facebook for the same reason. I have picked up a lot of tips following the SelfPubEbook group and a few blogs.
Note to self - Liz - Give your novels and blog the time they need to gel. Keep your eyes on the path and away from the maze. And by all means - stay away from the quicksand.
*BTW - The only two to call me Liz - my Dad and I.
While making my way through the maze, I would stop and read, stop and comment, stop and 'retweet' or 'forward' or 'share', stop to 'try' to navigate some sites still over my head.
Yes, over my head like movie characters in the way back when films were black and white. They would hack their way through the jungle trying to find a way out and step into a pit of quicksand. There they would struggle, only to be sucked further into the water soaked sand. I still remember one scene where all you could see was the victim's hand slipping silently down, then gone. Scared me so I had nightmares for years. (As a side note, one of my sons when little was shocked when he found out we had color when I was young. He thought the world was black and white.)
Now for the sake of my writing, I know I need to stay on a path that keeps me out of the maze. To do so, I have unsubscribed from 21 sites and groups. That immediately makes the check on e-mails a lot faster and presents far fewer opportunites to get side tracked.
I will still be active within the social network but with time constraints. I've been a member of The Independent Author Network since we were just a handful of indie authors looking for a site to support and promote each other -thanks William Potter. Today we are 728 strong and growing. Twitter @eewilder offers me a quick check on many 'friends' who have truly become so. I briefly check Facebook for the same reason. I have picked up a lot of tips following the SelfPubEbook group and a few blogs.
Note to self - Liz - Give your novels and blog the time they need to gel. Keep your eyes on the path and away from the maze. And by all means - stay away from the quicksand.
*BTW - The only two to call me Liz - my Dad and I.
November 5, 2012
NOMOPHOBIA
Nomophobia-
The fear of being cellulary unconnected.
I cannot understand why so many need to be attached to their cell phones. Why would anyone want to be available at all times? Is personal down time becoming a thing of the past?
Well, I started this post Octber 4th and you can see how much time has been spent on other writing projects plus preparing for storm Sandy, living through her and dealing with her results. So I must temper (a bit) my view on the "addiction" to cell communication, for the first thing our children asked us to do was to make sure our phone was charged so we could keep in touch. (My first thought was to charge my kindle.)
Once the wind and rain stopped, we ventured out to our semi-stocked grocery store - heaven forbid we run out of flaked tuna in sauce for our cat. It didn't take long to get back to my original thinking. As our car approached the walk from the store to the parking lot, a mother started across with a shopping bag in one hand with a toddler hanging on to the bag. In her free arm she carried an infant. She was talking on a cellphone that was cradled between her shoulder and ear. With her precious cargo, she walked into the street never looking one way or the other. Most of the drivers at that busy area heed the "stop for pedestrians in crosswalk" signs but others do not. I was brushed back myself one day by a woman literally zipping by (yes, talking on a cell phone). Now that would not have riled me so if the same thing had not happened recently. This time it was a Dad pushing a loaded cart with one hand - the other holding his cell as he chatted away. In the bright red plastic "car" attached to the front were two tow head little boys busy turning their bright yellow steering wheels. The Dad looked neither way and walked across. I thought of the song "Cellophane Man" from "Chicago" - we were unseen. That makes two possible tragedies caused by inattentiveness - hope those calls were very important but as important as the children?
We hear of accidents all the time caused by cell phone use in cars. Then there's the man that was so into his conversation that he walked right off the subway platform and fell to the tracks. At least he didn't blame the transportation authority like the woman who wanted to sue the mall because she fell into a fountain in the middle of the floor mid conversation. Guess the fountain should not have been there. Yes, this is one of my "preachy blogs".
But there are more reasons where I feel constant cell use is harmful. How do young people learn social skills they will need for future employment when they never look each other in the eye. I watched a couple on either side of a small round table at a food court really enjoying their cells until I realized they were texting each other. I saw three children sitting on the same couch yet not aware of each other. They were playing with their small video games and didn't hear us calling them to dinner. Guess that's practice for their future cellular connections.
I watch my neighbor's granddaughter come and go talking constantly on her cell. Never seen her without it. What's next? Cells grafted to hands at birth so they are always there? Could we be losing our next generations of creative artists - writers. To be inspired, you need to see and listen to the world around you. Not what is coing through the thin piece of electronics in your hand but from the sights and sounds in the trees, at the shore, sunsets and sunrise - ad finitum.
I could go on. But you get the picture. I am not against the marvels (to me) that have become part of our life. I write on a laptop, am part of the social network, enjoy the friends I have met via twitter and facebook. But as you grow older, you realize that life is such a fleeting thing that wasting time on what can be shown on a tiny screen is nothing like being part of the whole. Feel the sun on your face, hear the laughter of children, smell the roses as they say, talk face to face, eye to eye and remember, nothing beats a hug.
Don't become of victim of Nomophobia.
The fear of being cellulary unconnected.
I cannot understand why so many need to be attached to their cell phones. Why would anyone want to be available at all times? Is personal down time becoming a thing of the past?
Well, I started this post Octber 4th and you can see how much time has been spent on other writing projects plus preparing for storm Sandy, living through her and dealing with her results. So I must temper (a bit) my view on the "addiction" to cell communication, for the first thing our children asked us to do was to make sure our phone was charged so we could keep in touch. (My first thought was to charge my kindle.)
Once the wind and rain stopped, we ventured out to our semi-stocked grocery store - heaven forbid we run out of flaked tuna in sauce for our cat. It didn't take long to get back to my original thinking. As our car approached the walk from the store to the parking lot, a mother started across with a shopping bag in one hand with a toddler hanging on to the bag. In her free arm she carried an infant. She was talking on a cellphone that was cradled between her shoulder and ear. With her precious cargo, she walked into the street never looking one way or the other. Most of the drivers at that busy area heed the "stop for pedestrians in crosswalk" signs but others do not. I was brushed back myself one day by a woman literally zipping by (yes, talking on a cell phone). Now that would not have riled me so if the same thing had not happened recently. This time it was a Dad pushing a loaded cart with one hand - the other holding his cell as he chatted away. In the bright red plastic "car" attached to the front were two tow head little boys busy turning their bright yellow steering wheels. The Dad looked neither way and walked across. I thought of the song "Cellophane Man" from "Chicago" - we were unseen. That makes two possible tragedies caused by inattentiveness - hope those calls were very important but as important as the children?
We hear of accidents all the time caused by cell phone use in cars. Then there's the man that was so into his conversation that he walked right off the subway platform and fell to the tracks. At least he didn't blame the transportation authority like the woman who wanted to sue the mall because she fell into a fountain in the middle of the floor mid conversation. Guess the fountain should not have been there. Yes, this is one of my "preachy blogs".
But there are more reasons where I feel constant cell use is harmful. How do young people learn social skills they will need for future employment when they never look each other in the eye. I watched a couple on either side of a small round table at a food court really enjoying their cells until I realized they were texting each other. I saw three children sitting on the same couch yet not aware of each other. They were playing with their small video games and didn't hear us calling them to dinner. Guess that's practice for their future cellular connections.
I watch my neighbor's granddaughter come and go talking constantly on her cell. Never seen her without it. What's next? Cells grafted to hands at birth so they are always there? Could we be losing our next generations of creative artists - writers. To be inspired, you need to see and listen to the world around you. Not what is coing through the thin piece of electronics in your hand but from the sights and sounds in the trees, at the shore, sunsets and sunrise - ad finitum.
I could go on. But you get the picture. I am not against the marvels (to me) that have become part of our life. I write on a laptop, am part of the social network, enjoy the friends I have met via twitter and facebook. But as you grow older, you realize that life is such a fleeting thing that wasting time on what can be shown on a tiny screen is nothing like being part of the whole. Feel the sun on your face, hear the laughter of children, smell the roses as they say, talk face to face, eye to eye and remember, nothing beats a hug.
Don't become of victim of Nomophobia.
April 25, 2012
I am a pantser --- but then !
A couple months ago I read a blog written by Goodreads author Thomas Drinkard at his Pinnacle Writing site. He was illustrating two very different writing styles and I was quick to connect with one and was delighted to realize I was not alone in my writing process.
Planner or Pantser is the name of the post where he compares the work method of two successful authors.
Jeffery Deaver is a planner that uses detailed outlines to write. At a conference in 2010, Deaver reported that his book The Bone Collector was published at not quite twice the size of the 184 page outline. That amount of organized preparation amazes me.
Thomas' friend, the late Anne Carroll George spoke to him of being a seat-of-the pants author - a pantser. Among her achievements, she had been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for Some of it is True, a collection of poetry and was honored with the Agatha Award for her Southern Sisters mystery series. Her process was minimal outlining and letting her characters drive the story not knowing where they would lead her. One man she thought was the murderer, suddenly ended up shot one night.
I laughed out loud and clapped my hands in joy when I read this. I have been trying to explain to people that I knew how my story in The Spruce Gum Box began and I knew how the story would end but the characters led me through the twists and turns between. Some characters became much more important than I thought. Others less. I would call my daughter and say, "You won't believe what Jed did last night." As historical fiction, I did use a list of events and dates like the dots in a connect-the-dots puzzle. The puzzle became what the characters would do (or not do) as the story moved forward. They held the clues.
Thank you Thomas for the reinforcement of the method I use as I write the sequel Granite Hearts . It is going through final pains before publishing but the characters guided the story. I can't imagine trying to force them down a path not of their choosing.
I am a pantser .... but then again I confess when it comes to everything else I am a planner . I live by the list - sometimes having lists of my lists. In upcoming events I massage every detail until they scream. I can't remember not having the need to overachieve in every task (except losing weight). It is a curse. After 70+++ years, you would think I could find a cure.
I want to toss away my need to over plan. It would be so nice to know what I would like to do and set a date for the doing. Then go with the flow between point A to point B. Ah yes, I want to live as I write ... as a PANTSER!
Thomas Drinkard is a fellow member of The Independent Author Network. His work includes thrillers Piety and Murder and Where There Were No Innocents and in a new change in genre - a vampire novella V Trooper. He also enjoys spending time in my Maine. We share a love for the coast and all it holds.
Visit his author page at The Independent Author Network http://www.independentauthornetwork.c...
Planner or Pantser is the name of the post where he compares the work method of two successful authors.
Jeffery Deaver is a planner that uses detailed outlines to write. At a conference in 2010, Deaver reported that his book The Bone Collector was published at not quite twice the size of the 184 page outline. That amount of organized preparation amazes me.
Thomas' friend, the late Anne Carroll George spoke to him of being a seat-of-the pants author - a pantser. Among her achievements, she had been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for Some of it is True, a collection of poetry and was honored with the Agatha Award for her Southern Sisters mystery series. Her process was minimal outlining and letting her characters drive the story not knowing where they would lead her. One man she thought was the murderer, suddenly ended up shot one night.
I laughed out loud and clapped my hands in joy when I read this. I have been trying to explain to people that I knew how my story in The Spruce Gum Box began and I knew how the story would end but the characters led me through the twists and turns between. Some characters became much more important than I thought. Others less. I would call my daughter and say, "You won't believe what Jed did last night." As historical fiction, I did use a list of events and dates like the dots in a connect-the-dots puzzle. The puzzle became what the characters would do (or not do) as the story moved forward. They held the clues.
Thank you Thomas for the reinforcement of the method I use as I write the sequel Granite Hearts . It is going through final pains before publishing but the characters guided the story. I can't imagine trying to force them down a path not of their choosing.
I am a pantser .... but then again I confess when it comes to everything else I am a planner . I live by the list - sometimes having lists of my lists. In upcoming events I massage every detail until they scream. I can't remember not having the need to overachieve in every task (except losing weight). It is a curse. After 70+++ years, you would think I could find a cure.
I want to toss away my need to over plan. It would be so nice to know what I would like to do and set a date for the doing. Then go with the flow between point A to point B. Ah yes, I want to live as I write ... as a PANTSER!
Thomas Drinkard is a fellow member of The Independent Author Network. His work includes thrillers Piety and Murder and Where There Were No Innocents and in a new change in genre - a vampire novella V Trooper. He also enjoys spending time in my Maine. We share a love for the coast and all it holds.
Visit his author page at The Independent Author Network http://www.independentauthornetwork.c...
Elizabeth Egerton Wilder's Blog
- Elizabeth Egerton Wilder's profile
- 22 followers
Elizabeth Egerton Wilder isn't a Goodreads Author
(yet),
but they
do have a blog,
so here are some recent posts imported from
their feed.
