Lila Johnson's Blog - Posts Tagged "books"
Shakin' Off the Dust
Howdy and welcome to my blog. Forgive my language but I've just returned from celebrating my birthday at Wilson Ranch and Retreat in Fossil, Oregon. There are two things I look forward to during the New Year; a month long celebration of my birthday and trying to find unique places to visit or things to do to usher in another year.
In the process of traveling, I love meeting people, getting to know their stories or seeking out what makes a town, city or country so special. I take all that information and turn it into stories.
Although I've never married because I was never asked, that doesn't stop me from believing in love and celebrating its power.
I look forward to sharing my adventures and talking to readers about books we have in common and ones that I "should read."
Here's to a fun filled year and new friendships. Welcome aboard!
In the process of traveling, I love meeting people, getting to know their stories or seeking out what makes a town, city or country so special. I take all that information and turn it into stories.
Although I've never married because I was never asked, that doesn't stop me from believing in love and celebrating its power.
I look forward to sharing my adventures and talking to readers about books we have in common and ones that I "should read."
Here's to a fun filled year and new friendships. Welcome aboard!
Reno, Here I Come
It's that time of the year again! Romance Times (RT) Booklovers Convention will be underway, May 15-20th. This year it's held at the Peppermill Resort.
This will be my second full convention attendance. My first experience took place in Kansas City in 2013 but I did a one day pass and volunteered for the Big Book Fair held on Saturday.
Last years event was held in Atlanta, GA and was a blast. This year I will hit the road and make it a mini vacation while I coast the highways of America. The drive will also provide fertile ground for a second manuscript that I'm writing unrelated to the Fat Girls series.
So here's to a lot of books, plenty of swag and a whole lot of fun. Catch you on the flip side!
This will be my second full convention attendance. My first experience took place in Kansas City in 2013 but I did a one day pass and volunteered for the Big Book Fair held on Saturday.
Last years event was held in Atlanta, GA and was a blast. This year I will hit the road and make it a mini vacation while I coast the highways of America. The drive will also provide fertile ground for a second manuscript that I'm writing unrelated to the Fat Girls series.
So here's to a lot of books, plenty of swag and a whole lot of fun. Catch you on the flip side!
Return
Boy, you talk about a long drive home-try two and half days all alone from Reno, NV to Kansas City.
Now that I've shaken off the dust not only from my clothes but my car, I'm ready to kick into high gear with completing the third book in the Fat Girls Club series, and another manuscript with a new character. Let's add in newsletters, blog postings and that thing called work, I'm ready to go into the dying cockroach position. (Lying on your back with legs and arms in the air giving them the last shake of life before passing out!)
In the meantime...
The Romantic Times convention was great. I saw some familiar faces and made some new friends. The coming together of authors and readers is great way to make the experience a real and enjoyable one for all.
I brought home a 170+ books along with wonderful tote bags and plenty of swag.
The convention also provided the inspiration I needed to continue writing. During the awards banquet, I watched and listened to authors that struggled to get where they were but through love and support from editors, friends, spouses and readers, they were able to walk away with well deserved awards.
Now it's time to roll up my sleeves, and with pen and paper, yes, I write part of my books this way, it's back to work I go.
Now that I've shaken off the dust not only from my clothes but my car, I'm ready to kick into high gear with completing the third book in the Fat Girls Club series, and another manuscript with a new character. Let's add in newsletters, blog postings and that thing called work, I'm ready to go into the dying cockroach position. (Lying on your back with legs and arms in the air giving them the last shake of life before passing out!)
In the meantime...
The Romantic Times convention was great. I saw some familiar faces and made some new friends. The coming together of authors and readers is great way to make the experience a real and enjoyable one for all.
I brought home a 170+ books along with wonderful tote bags and plenty of swag.
The convention also provided the inspiration I needed to continue writing. During the awards banquet, I watched and listened to authors that struggled to get where they were but through love and support from editors, friends, spouses and readers, they were able to walk away with well deserved awards.
Now it's time to roll up my sleeves, and with pen and paper, yes, I write part of my books this way, it's back to work I go.
A Bump in the Pages
As authors, we hit a lot of speed bumps along the way in the attempt to get a story right. We try to create characters that readers will love and want to follow. We attempt to create a mood and a world that will draw you in and make the real one obsolete, at least for a few hours. Most of all we hack away here, and cut and paste there to give you the best story possible and yet…
For example, in my first book, The Fat Girls Club, I left a cliff hanger on the last page of the book to signal a sequel would follow. People thought it was the conclusion of the book stating it ended abruptly.
In, The Fat Girls Club Paris Bound, I ended the story on page 421 and immediately placed a teaser sample to The Fat Girls Club Queen of Hearts on page 422. Somehow it was missed and people thought once again, that the book ended abruptly.
I say these things to let you know that as writers we hit a lot of pot holes and sidewalk curbs while missing a few “turn right not left” signs along the way to great, good or decent writing. Just understand that as some writers turn to gin and tonic, others, a cigarette and yet another group like myself, a bowl of popcorn to drown our disappointments, we’ll continue to hack through the pages of our manuscripts to bring you the best we have to offer in the attempt to get better along the way.
For example, in my first book, The Fat Girls Club, I left a cliff hanger on the last page of the book to signal a sequel would follow. People thought it was the conclusion of the book stating it ended abruptly.
In, The Fat Girls Club Paris Bound, I ended the story on page 421 and immediately placed a teaser sample to The Fat Girls Club Queen of Hearts on page 422. Somehow it was missed and people thought once again, that the book ended abruptly.
I say these things to let you know that as writers we hit a lot of pot holes and sidewalk curbs while missing a few “turn right not left” signs along the way to great, good or decent writing. Just understand that as some writers turn to gin and tonic, others, a cigarette and yet another group like myself, a bowl of popcorn to drown our disappointments, we’ll continue to hack through the pages of our manuscripts to bring you the best we have to offer in the attempt to get better along the way.
