Industry News and Inspirational Photos Friday

Some recent happenings in the publishing world:

Independent bookstores have struck a deal with the ABA to sell ebooks. They will offer the Kobo ereader, replacing Google books. There are currently 2000 ABA member stores, which means a big boon for the Kobo. Read the full article at Digital Book World.

A leader over the Seattle, WA libraries has suggested getting rid of the ‘crusty books’ since people don’t go to the library to look for books anymore. Yes, sounds controversial! Read the full article at Library Journal.

Britain’s largest department store, John Lewis, will be the first retailer outside of the US to sell Nooks. Read the full article at the Telegraph.

The Millions recently released a list of the ten most difficult and frustrating books to read. Included are books by Virginia Woolf and Jonathan Swift. To see all ten, visit Publishers Weekly.

And your Friday photo inspiration:

Yes, that is a giant slug. The ones we have in NC are barely an inch long, but the ones in Oregon mountains are much bigger, sometimes seven inches long. This guy was about five inches long. (My shoe size is a 10 for comparison.

Traits and Personalities for Creating Your Characters

One of my favorite books for developing character personalities and traits is Florence Littauer’s Personality Plus.

She describes four basic personalities - Choleric, Phlegmatic, Sanguine, and Melancholy.

I also discovered The Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman. He describes the four birth orders - oldest, middle, youngest, and only.

After reading both books, I realized that the four personalities lined up with the four birth orders:

Choleric - oldest
Phlegmatic - middle
Sanguine - youngest
Melancholy - only

Florence lists some of these strengths and weaknesses for the four personalities:

Choleric - powerful, persuasive, forceful, leader, productive, unsympathetic, proud, workaholic, stubborn, intolerant

Phlegmatic - peaceful, reserved, friendly, consistent, listener, balanced, indecisive, nonchalant, worrier, slow, compromising

Sanguine - popular, playful, spontaneous, cheerful, demonstrative, talker, brassy, forgetful, naïve, disorganized, restless

Melancholy - perfect, self-sacrificing, scheduled, deep, loyal, resentful, insecure, moody, critical, withdrawn

She also notes that Cholerics and Sanguines tend to be extroverts and Phlegmatics and Melancholies tend to be introverted. Cholerics and Phlegmatics are also unemotional while Sanguines and Melancholies are emotional. A person can be a mix of two personalities, too. (I’m an only child but the youngest of my cousins, so I am a melancholy-sanguine mix.)

There are many personality charts, and this one isn’t always set in stone as to how the personalities line up. But it does give one a good base from which to start.

From the list, can you determine either your personality or that of your characters?

Industry News - Amazon, Ebooks, Apple, & Book Covers - and Friday Photo Inspiration

Amazon is now selling ebooks in India. Read full article at Paid Content

Libraries are still having issues with ebooks, especially text books - improper formatting, ebook pricing, availability, etc. Read full article at Research Information

Apple is now the most valuable company in history. Read full article at Mashable

20 theories of what makes a good book cover design. (And #20 is the fluffy kitten theory.) Article and examples at The Guardian

And your Friday Photo Inspiration...

The Challenge of Writing Five Overlapping Books

This was written several years ago, but I thought it might help those writing a series, especially one that overlaps.

When I first began writing The Circle of Friends, I did not envision a five-book series. However, halfway through the first book, I realized that several of the secondary characters possessed stories that begged to be told. I created outlines for four more books, and at that point, realized I’d set myself up for quite a challenge.

The five books in the series overlap while also moving forward in time. With the exception of the final book, each begins during a point in the previous story. It was imperative that I maintain consistency with the characters and ensure that the overlapping scenes were similar in detail. The perfectionist in me wouldn’t tolerate such mistakes, and I knew readers would notice lapses in continuity.

Since the main characters appear across multiple books, I needed to stay consistent with their personalities. To do this, I created a detailed profile for each one. I recorded their personality traits, background information, strengths & weaknesses, family, and friends. I even noted material possessions such as vehicles. It would not do for the Mitsubishi to suddenly turn into a Toyota in a later book.

I then took all five outlines and merged them into one master timeline. This was divided into years and months, covering the entire eight-year span of the series. Major events in each character’s life were recorded in the appropriate location, and I even went beyond the boundaries of the actual books, giving each person an in depth past and/or future. This provided me with a quick, at-a-glance outline that covered all ten main characters. Even if I was working on just one character’s story, I always knew what the others were doing should they be required to enter the storyline. This alone probably prevented the most mistakes.

Since the ten main characters are friends, there were several interesting crossover situations. I found myself constantly referring back to an earlier book when a scene was repeated later in the series. Dialogue was the easiest, as I could simply lift and insert, but it still required adjustments. To keep it fresh, I focused on the new character’s perspective, expanding or shortening the exchanges as needed. I did not want perceived continuity errors pulling readers out of the story, nor did I want them to grow bored with a familiar scene. Talk about a fine line!

My greatest challenge came from a scene repeated in three books. The main characters from each book were all present and it was a pivotal moment for everyone. In fact, the stakes escalated with each book! Book III carried the greatest consequences for the main characters. However, I discovered that switching the point of view with each story provided a unique opportunity to view the same scene from a new perspective. Each character responded differently to the situation, especially in terms of their feelings. Even on my third run through this scene in Book III, I was able to retain the tension, and the intense, emotional response of the main characters really carried the scene.

Five overlapping stories were difficult to write, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching things unfold from another viewpoint. Characters who were offstage during a portion of an earlier book were suddenly thrust into the spotlight for their story. Those readers disappointed when one book comes to an end will be delighted when that character reappears in later books. Considering the stories move forward in time, readers will also discover what happens next in their favorite character’s life. Of course, once they reach Book V, the storyline ends and The Circle of Friends comes to a close.

Or does it…?

Only time will tell if I’m up for that challenge!

Industry News and Photos to Inspire

Barnes & Noble is cutting the Nook tablet and color ereader, down to $199 and $149 respecitively. Find out why at the Christian Science Monitor.

Apple is coming out with a 7 inch ipad mini. Read about it at the Business Insider.

The legal battle over ebook pricing continues. Now an attorney is requesting that the DOJ release their findings, which show that Amazon also engaged in predatory ebook pricing. Read more at Paid Content

And some photos to inspire you. (Yes, they are all mine.)

Unforgettable Blogfest and Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Winner

Siv at Been There, Done That is hosting the Unforgettable Blogfest. “Post about some strange and unusual place or person you have visited. A place or person that has left a lasting impression, one that you cannot forget.”

I have met so many wonderful people on my journey through life and been fortunate to visit much of the USA and four foreign countries. I’ve selected two very memorable moments in my life.

First involves the four years we lived in New Mexico. Albuquerque is host to the ABQ International Balloon Fiesta and features two weekends of the mass ascension of 600-700 balloons. We went every year and the sight of that many balloon taking off at once was breathtaking.

We even got to step inside one balloon as it was being inflated.

My other moment is our trip to Inverness in Scotland. We took a tour around Loch Ness, truly a magical place, and stood at the spot most featured in Loch Ness Monster specials. It was the highlight of the trip and a dream come true!

(Yes, Spunky used to be a blonde. And it was freezing that day.)

Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Contest!

And the winner is…

Alex J. Cavanaugh!

And his nominator…

DL Hammons of Cruising Altitude!

Both men receive a $25 Amazon gift card and his choice of free ebooks of all my titles OR two print copies.

Thank you to all who voted, nominated, and to the other two final round nominees, Roland Yeomans at Writing in the Crosshairs and Misha Gericke at My First Book.

Dog Days of Summer Blogfest, Contest Voting Ends Soon, and Book Festival Resources

I am participating in Jeremy Bates' Dog Days of Summer blogfest.

1) Describe your favorite summer activity thus far.

Sad to say, I’ve not gotten out much this summer. It’s very hot and humid right now in NC, so going outside for any length of time is torture.

However, I did buy a brand new, fully loaded Hyundai Santa Fe Limited last month. My favorite activity now is cranking the Infinity sound system, turning up the AC, and driving really fast. So if you’re in NC and a red Santa Fe blows your doors off, it’s probably me.

2) What activities do you plan before summer is over?

I was hoping for a trip to an amusement park, but that trip has been delayed until September. Dollywood this time!

3) If you could have the ultimate vacation ever, where and what would it be?

Ultimate vacation would be touring the best theme parks in the world! First on my stop would be PortAdventura in Spain so I can ride the eight-looping Dragon Khan.

Yes, I am a thrill seeker!

Voting ends Saturday for the Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire contest! 

Winner will be announced on Monday.

Looking for a book festival? Here are several festivals and lists:

Book Festivals
Publishers Weekly
NC Festivals
ALA
Book Expo America
Virginia Festival of the Book
SC Book Festival
Baltimore Book Festival

And your dorky cat photo of the day:

“What do you mean I don’t fit?”

Voting Now Open for the Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Contest!

Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Contest Rules:

1 - July 27 - August 5 - Nominations selected from those leaving the most compelling comment - why does the blogger you are nominating deserve to win? What has that person done? What is that person’s character?

4 - I have selected the three most compelling comments for three separate bloggers. (And you guys made this very hard to do!)

5 - Voting opens today and runs through August 11.

6 - Winner announced August 13.

7 - Prizes!

The three people who made the most compelling argument receive a $10 Amazon gift card and that person’s choice of free ebook from my titles. (The Circle of Friends series and Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK!)

The winner of the voting round will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and that person’s choice of free ebooks of all my titles OR two print copies. In addition, the person who nominated the winner also wins that prize package.

And the three nominators and their nominees are…

Michael Di Gesu
“Roland Yeomans is indeed very special. He is the heart and soul of our community. NO One else has giving more incredible advice on the dos and don'ts of writing, how to market, how to do EVERYTHING that has to do with writing. Not to mention he, himself has published over a dozen book this year alone! He is beyond kind and I admire his sensitive style of writing.”

M. Pax
“I'm going to officially nominate Misha Gericke. Not only is she supportive to other writers on her great blog, she's always incredibly busy, yet always has time to crit my WIPs. Even when she's unpacking and I'm under deadline. She's come to an critical part of my team. Plus, she looks so lovely in her photo. How can we not vote for that?”

Now for the 800-pound gorilla in the room! This one was the most difficult, as some of the best nominations were all for one person. These made me smile:

Mel Chesley: I am going to go with Alex J. Cavanaugh. Simply because he was one of the first to follow me, has been a loyal follower even through hiatuses and the like. He always, ALWAYS comments on posts, even if it is just a little blurb saying I'll be back next week or something. He is very supportive of his fellow bloggers to the ends of the earth. He's a stand up kind of guy, one you would want to have at your back. He's never been biased, to my knowledge. He's always been fair in his support. I'll stop rambling now.”

Heather M. Gardner: “Alex the Ninja Captain! He is a Blog GOD!”

Kyra Lennon “I'd like to nominate Alex J. Cavanaugh for always staying on top of blogging events, for always offering to help others, for the Insecure Writers Support Group which has started many great blogging friendships and for basically being very, very genuine.”

But this is the I thought the most compelling:

DL Hammons: “Alex J. Cavanaugh! He is omnipresent and supportive of everybody and everything! I can't even think of a close second!”

Congratulations Michael, M. Pax, and DL - you each win a $10 Amazon Gift Card.

Now to the voting! The nominees for Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire are…

1 - Roland Yeomans at Writing in the Crosshairs
Writing tips from the ghosts of the literary masters.
“Roland Yeomans is indeed very special. He is the heart and soul of our community. NO One else has giving more incredible advice on the dos and don'ts of writing, how to market, how to do EVERYTHING that has to do with writing. Not to mention he, himself has published over a dozen book this year alone! He is beyond kind and I admire his sensitive style of writing.”

2 - Misha Gericke at My First Book
Offers writing tips and a guest every Friday
“I'm going to officially nominate Misha Gericke. Not only is she supportive to other writers on her great blog, she's always incredibly busy, yet always has time to crit my WIPs. Even when she's unpacking and I'm under deadline. She's come to an critical part of my team. Plus, she looks so lovely in her photo. How can we not vote for that?”

3 - Alex J. Cavanaugh
Ninja News feature, founder of the Insecure Writers Support Group, and co-host of the A to Z Challenge
“Alex J. Cavanaugh! He is omnipresent and supportive of everybody and everything! I can't even think of a close second!”

Voting now closed! Winner will be announced August 13.

The Insecure Writer's Support Group

It’s time for another edition of The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, hosted by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

My next book is with the editor now and ready for the red pen. How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now! will be my seventh book.

My insecurity has to do with how long it’s been since my last release. Book V of my YA series came out March 2010. I’d worked so hard to promote that series for so long, I hit Internet burnout and withdrew.

Now with a book due out late fall, I worry that I withdrew too far.

I’ve maintained this blog, although it waned for a while. I started it over seven years ago, so I couldn’t let it die. I visit Facebook and Twitter on occasion, and I recently joined Pinterest. But all else has fallen by the wayside. I’m terrified to visit my Deviant Art account, because after three months, I’m sure over 5000 messages await me. Some of the social sites don’t even exist now.

And this really hit me when the Olympics began. The first book in my series , The Circle of Friends, Book I…Lori, follows an Olympic swimmer hopeful. I should’ve positioned myself for this two months ago. With all the hype leading into the Olympics, I could’ve sold more books.

So I wonder how many others withdraw after a book release and survive? Can I get my act together by this fall?


I’m also hosting the Supportive Blogger Extraordinaire Contest, with prizes for both winners and nominators. Nominate your favorite supportive blogger today!