True Heroism
Agustina de Aragon by Gail Meath I loved this book. The beginning and ending were treated in an unusual way that affected the entirely of the book. A romance featuring a true life historical heroine during the Napoleonic War in Spain. Tragedy and triumph fill the pages. I look forward to reading more from this author.

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The Usurper King by Mercedes Rochelle
​Third in the Plantagenet Legacy Series. Interesting insight into the collapse of the reign of Richard II and the making of Henry Bolingbroke, King Henry IV. The culmination of the acts in book one and the fates of those who stood against or for Richard II in the early days of his reign, come to light. An avid reader of historical fiction, I found it informative while adding a human element to these historical figures, creating an engaging read. The treachery of some and love and adoration of others make this a page turner. I read book three before book 2 'The Kings Retribution' and I'm definitely going back to fill in the gaps. If you're up on your English history, this could be considered a standalone, but I feel some of the alliances made in book one 'A King Under Siege' unfold and having a grasp on these alliances is key. I highly recommend this series and others by this author. 
The Usurper King

I read, I write, edit, review, and beta read. First time beta reading, by the way. Exactly what is a review, edit, beta read? Let's see.
REVIEW
Definition: a critical appraisal of a book, play, movie, exhibition, etc., published in a newspaper or magazine.
As I blogged before, I don't give bad reviews. Not sure what would qualify me, if I did. Sometimes it's pure opinion. Look at the reviews of a favorite book. There will be those that didn't give it the accolades you did. That is if you reviewed it at all. Give that a second consideration. If your favorite book has hundreds of reviews, it may not be so important, but if the book only has a handful of reviews, put one in.  When I review, it's by pure emotion. If I love a book, I'll post it in several places, usually Audible, Amazon, GoodReads, and FB. If I'm obligated I'll do my best to find good positive reasons for the review. 4 stars or 3 stars never lower. If I don't like the book, I don't give a review. As an author I have received 1 star and 2 stars as well as 4 and 5 star reviews on the same book. Go figure. Study other reviews and see how other readers share their views and get to it.

EDIT
Definition: prepare (written material) for publication by correcting, condensing, or otherwise modifying it.
It's always easier to find 'nits' or typos in someone else's MS. So I guess edit, depends on who's doing the editing. I have edited other MS's as a favor, not as a professional. Hanging your shingle out for that is a bode of confidence, experience, and education. I see my service as a pre-edit. Your MS should be pristine before it goes out for a professional overhaul. The simple multitude of errors will made the edit more costly if they charge per hour. An author should never rely on someone outside their purview to make it fit for publication. It's up to you. The editor sees all the things the author didn't and through their experience are a safety net. It used to be that way, but not since I've been writing. They charge by words, pages, or hour. You should do as I say, not as I do. Of the 8 books I have published I had 3 separate edits done. Two of those ended up being structural edits (fixing my  POV, mechanics, and clarity). So then there's the grammar. Who fixes that? Another edit after spending so much already? Yes, I'm guilty of doing my own editing. However, as you write on and get better at your craft, these common errors aren't made. As I've blogged before, the software can pick up simple errors, but beware of the way the sentence reads, some corrections can make the sentence not read as you meant. For me my editing helps the author get their MS to the point where it can go out for a professional review.

BETA READ
Definition (Wiki):
Usually a test reader of an unreleased work[of literature or other writing (similar to beta testing in software), who gives feedback from the point of view of an average reader to the author.[A beta reader is not a professional and can therefore provide advice and comments in the opinions of an average reader.[This feedback is used by the writer to fix remaining issues with plot, pacing, and consistency. The beta reader also serves as a sounding board to see if the book has had the intended emotional impact.
Well, am I glad I researched that. I'm in the process of my first beta reading effort. I've had my books tested by beta readers, but have never done it myself. So this definition is helpful. What I have found is beta readers should be familiar and like your genre. Perhaps that is the area an author should consider when assigning beta readers. There are definitely standards between the  genres: definition: a category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.
A historical fiction reader may find a fantasy fiction too vague, not enough definition, or too lengthy. My first beta read is going well. It's a historical fiction, my chosen genre. I read to learn and that is certainly true with this great novel to be released soon, I'm sure.
​Totally unrelated to this blog, I was able to get an interview on a podcast on Pink Cloud 9 by Katherine Salamanca if you're interested follow this link PODCAST.
​open.spotify.com/episode/0T63dXzAMQAYwA4Fa3zNMx?si=gwVahup3TYOW4cYtwh-tmw

Reading a blog recently reminded me of why I found the passion to write. I remember the sense of urgency building up inside. I had no idea what I would write but I truly believe the creativity I possessed had to find a venue after years of career, family, and life took precedence. The epic fantasy family saga fiction was the result. (I'm still working on it.) From there several stories spawned from research and volumes of reading I did. But my first attempt never had the sense that it was ready for print. Recently I listened to a speaker on a webinar that quoted my journey almost verbatim.
Am I the poster child for bad beginnings?
Everything I should had done right I did wrong. Except, I never published that first book. What was recommended was to keep writing, get skilled, and learn from the mistakes all novice writers make. I did those things. My first published book was the fourth novel I wrote. I'm not convinced that we can escape all the trials and tribulations of trying to make writing a career. No, I had no plan for my story. No, I had no target audience. No, I didn't research genres, I simply wrote what I would enjoy reading myself. An obscure niche, probably? The only truth is not to give up. When giving up there is no improvement, lessons learned, or satisfaction.
First Draft.
The business of writing is daunting and so competitive and its basic structure has changed entirely. No longer do publishing companies take your draft from you and complete the process. Although that's what many of us would prefer.Today authors have to take on the majority of the costs and  personal involvement. There are smart ways to go about it and then there's my way. Head first. I've learned so much along the way.
Especially about myself. I'm not a public speaker, never will be. I'm an introvert who loves to write and research. My passion for writing comes from curiosity and exploring situations, people, and places. Not a money making commodity.  It can be an expensive hobby. There are industry standards and expenses at every turn. before and after production. But good decisions can help ease the budget burdens. A good cover, a good description, and keywords.
My excitement for writing comes from knowing others are reading my stories. The best venue for that, I found, was from Book Club reviews and trade shows, but that is a thing of the past... for now. I've had to rely on social media, the rare online reviews, and developing friendships with other writers. I've also added audiobooks into the mix. All of my books in print have an audio version available or in production. I love hearing my stores read by a narrator and my experiences with narrators have been excellent. Being sight impaired, I started listening to audiobooks several years ago. I learned what I like and had a direction when my books were produced. I prefer a single narrator whose voice can present a male and female version that's not heavy handed or theatrical. When I sought auditions for my first book I recognized my character's voice immediately. Margie Valine of margiesvoice.com was Ernestine Lambert's voice. It was a fun process for all my books. Using RS (Royalty Share) is not a choice for most seasoned voice over artists. The industry standard per hour is at least $200, and most audiobooks being 8 or 9 hours can be costly considering the cost of editing and producing the book you  already paid. It is possible to find a talented novice narrator who is willing to go with the RS in which they share half the royalty and build their business.
Writing a blog is another way to build and keep clients interested in your work. It's all about service and getting your readers to know you and like what you write. I have two links below to really good information I learned in the last webinar I viewed.
https://kindlepreneur.com
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https://www.creativindie.com/guerrilla-publishing/

I was asked to write a guest blog for Shirley Nomakeo, and I liked the idea.  Here it is.  My upcoming book, Touch My Head Softly, is about my experiences with my partner who died of Alzheimer's Disease. I learned a lot about Alzheimer's when my partner had it. I also did quite a bit of research on it for this collection of poems that I wrote.


Alzheimer's is a terrible disease that needs to be talked about. Alzheimer’s Disease afflicts more than five million Americans.  It affects more Americans than prostate and breast cancer combined. For every person who has the disease, there’s also a caretaker and a family involved.


My collection of poems, my second, is a very personal, singular experience with Alzheimer’s Disease.  My partner, a brilliant mathematics professor, was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in his 60’s.  The deterioration happened quickly and I was left in shock for years.  I recently started writing these poems and a narrative and this book emerged. The book is comprised of three sections: the relationship before Alzheimer’s, the year before he died, and the aftermath following his death. It is my way of trying to make sense out of what happened. I’m donating part of the proceeds from the book to the Alzheimer's Association for research for a cure.


Eileen P. Kennedy is a poet and academic who has focused on the writing process. Her former partner died of Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 69 and this collection is based on those experiences.  Her first book, Banshees (Flutter Press, 2015) was nominated for a Pushcart Award and given Second Prize from the Wordwrite Book Award in Poetry. She holds a doctorate in language and literacy and has published a textbook, as well as fiction and nonfiction. She lives in Western Massachusetts where she canoes, hikes, and writes. She winters in Costa Rica.  More at EileenPKennedy.com

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Do you have any experience writing a guest blog?  
My blog can be found at:
https//www.eileenpkennedy.com
My upcoming book, Touch My Head Softly is due out in early 2021 from Finishing Line Press: Click Here
https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/touch-my-head-softly-by-eileen-kennedy/




​Add me to your Bookshelf on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3609820860

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Shirley McKissick embraces her cousin in front of the Fairview Bungalow.

  I found this picture and it inspired me. A while ago, I wrote a memoir about my mother (child on right). If I was ever to publish it, this would be a great cover image. New day, new month, and new year all came together for me and took me out of the doldrums. My sister Catherine's gift to me at Christmas launched me back into my role as author in full. She has been at the forefront of my five year journey so far. Actually, 6 years I began on January 10, 2015. Yes, I have that date etched in my memory. A nice batch of Audiobook sales of The Summer Palace also helped me to get back in the business. Book 2, Autumn Shelter, is now in production.

  My mother was an incredible woman. She lived in a time of great sorrow, great struggles, and great discoveries. Being a fiction writer, even I couldn't make this stuff up. She lived to a ripe old age outliving my father by seven years. All seven of them, hard for her to bear. She was the story teller from whom I got my gift. I often encouraged her to write, she should have but never did, seriously. She penned a few stories that she shared with us. Mostly, she talked and I listened that's how I managed to have enough insight to write her memoir. At this point I have no intention to publish it. I decided to offer it as a giveaway on my author website. I did enter it in a memoir contest, but it didn't place. Another rubber tree plant. Is that where I was around the holidays and the end of the brutal year 2020? Too many of those darn plants to move got the best of me? Writers block? I still don't really know what that is. Too many irons in the fire? Could it be my one, lone WIP that was eating away at my soul? My sister took care of that with her generous gift. Everyone should have one. I mean a sister like her, not the gift... although those are nice too.

  No trade show this year. In my opinion the best way to sell books. Hard copies of my books will have to wait. Still, I concentrate on e-books, online print books, and audiobook sales. I have managed to get an interview on a podcast this week, my first, if we don't count the interview with Jay, my significant other. Podcasts are the way to improve sales, or so they say. I'm optimistic... never leave a soon unturned.

 Reviving my latest writing project is another one of my resolutions. I need to do a bit more research before I pick the WIP up and dust it off. That portion of the time travel sci-fi is in line with the subject of this blog—family. Ernestine Lambert is back again traveling through time, but her antagonist Repo has resurfaced and finds himself in Ireland at the time of the famine circa 1845. My ancestors and my mother's beloved grandmother, Margaret Rose, came from Ireland. It's true they never talked about it because if Margaret Malloy ever told my mother about the harsh conditions in Ireland, she would have told me. I have been learning the horrible truth of these exiles from the land of their birth through the research I have done. This is one of the aspects I love about historical fiction. I can explore the times while writing and learning about subjects that interest me. As an indie author I'm no heavy hitter... simply trying to tell stories. It's most likely a major payback, trying to get readers to pick up my books; because I often ignored the pleas from Catherine to tell her stories when we were 12 and 7 years old respectively. My daughter enjoyed the word games we played during our commutes back and forth to elementary school. They always ended up in a story. In my career I edited a company newsletter and my stories continued. Although I never took journalism or writing in college, it was alway in my purview to write. Letters to the birth mother of my two children was another avenue that required the most important words that end up on paper. A bit of advice? Talk to your family members while you still can. You never know when the urge to write strikes and you should write what you know. A link to the pdf of my mother's memoir (unpublished) is below.
The Fairview BungalowGiveaway. It may spark interest in some of my other work.

Going on the truth that writing is a gift, then this is the perfect season to give the gift of words. There are so many authors that share their gift and too few get to read them. My writing group, a small local group averaging 6-8 writers per week, share their stories derived by prompts. On the average, we share two ten minute short stories and get one extra prompt to write over the week. I have experienced such joy over the creative responses and shared experiences these talented writers offer. Some are published and some write for the fun of it. Every one of them have enough talent for the world to see, hear, and absorb. Gifts from the heart. We encourage each other and laugh a lot. During the summer we met outside and now meet on zoom. Although we're given one prompt at a time,  the results are as different as we are.
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I also belong to two critique groups (online) and experience a wide variety of talent and endless creativity in the many genres. The mediators of these groups are to be given much praise for all the work they do to keep these gifts coming. The idea here is to encourage all writers, no matter the stage they're at, to hone their skills, praise their work, and encourage them to keep on giving. Gifts come in all sizes and genres.
Inde authors, I am one myself, have the obligation to self-promote and target readers. Social media is a big help but also a constant struggle. On twitter I like to pick books to read and review. That is the readers chance to re-gift. In turn, I hope someone will pick up one of my books to read and review. FB has many groups that accept self-promotion from their members. A catchy phrase or some creative posts can assist you in sharing your gifts. Audiobooks are also a great way to add dimension to your gift and repackage it to a whole new audience.

Who knows where the inspiration to write evolves?  To take a story beyond a journal or diary, perhaps, or the desire to fill a creative gap in a life that somehow was shoved aside. A childhood inspiration or a long sought struggle? Whatever the reason the need is fulfilled and the result is a gift for all to share.

Here's me feeling rather baffled:

​by Mercedes Rochelle


I'm embarrassed to admit it, but research on my first novel began about 30 years ago, and even so it's hard for me to remember life before the internet. Due to a poor market concerning historical fiction, a bad experience with my agent and a very thin skin, I put my book on the closet shelf and forgot about it for 25 years. Well, I didn't quite forget about it; more realistically I'd say I lost heart and considered myself a failure. Life goes on and I started my own business. Who had time to write?


But wisdom sometimes comes with middle age, and when I turned 60 I decided to blow off the dust and try again. Was I in for a surprise! Without mentioning social media (the rude awakening), I was amazed to discover a whole new wealth of source material accessible without even having to leave the house. When I think of where I started, I'm amazed I got as far as I did, research-wise.


I was born and raised in St. Louis, and one big advantage I had was the accessibility to university libraries. I could go anywhere without being a student. I investigated the dark and dusty shelves in the history section, and found some amazing books. At random, mind you. It was hit and miss (mostly miss). I decided I needed to be closer to the center of the publishing universe and moved to New York City when I was 26. One of the first places I went was the Columbia University Library, pencil sharpened, with a roll of quarters in my pocket for the Xerox machine. I went through the turnstile and came to an abrupt halt. They wouldn't let me in! Only students were allowed; I couldn't believe it. I was kind of devastated.


Lucky for me, I discovered the New York Public Library. It sounded so unassuming, but I was quickly undeceived. Now HERE was an establishment worth settling down in. Any book I could think of, and more, were available as long as I was willing to wait the 20 minutes for someone to go fetch them for me. There was a long wait for copying, too, which someone else had to do. But I didn't care; I could finally do some serious work. Of course, I often only needed a paragraph or two in my book of choice, then off to the card catalog and another 20 minute wait. It's amazing how quickly I could go through a pile of books. I remember purchasing my first hand-held copier (with a 4" wide output on a strip of paper) that you placed against the page and pulled forward. The librarians were baffled, and it took a lot of begging to get permission to use it. For some reason they feared copyright infringement, even though they were all right with Xerox copies.


Then I discovered Edward A. Freeman's "History of the Norman Conquest of England" and I thought I had hit the jackpot. It was a revelation. Here was six volumes of definitive research. Once I moved to New Jersey and paid an annual fee to use the Princeton University Library, I found the second set of Freeman. It was a great relief and spared me many trips to NYC. I could prowl the bookshelves again on my own like the good old days. I think those were the happiest days of my adult life!


But there it was. I had to go to the library if I was to make any progress. I don't remember many used book catalogues from England. If I couldn't find a book locally, it wasn't to be had. Then I made my first visit to England. OK, I admit it, I felt like one of those early 19th century art collectors gobbling up great European paintings and bringing them to America. My long-suffering boyfriend and I searched every used bookstore we could find. We even had to drive 40 miles to the nearest American Express office to get a cash advance so I could purchase a "must have" set of Joseph Strutt costuming books with hand-colored plates. (Remember the phrase "Don't leave home without it"? It didn't apply in England in the late 80s). It was the AmEx office's first attempt at a cash advance and we almost didn't get the money. Then of course, 40 miles back to a very happy book seller. I think those three books cost me $700 at the time. I still have them.


Then we moved on to Hay-on-Wye and I was in hog heaven. I found my very own Edward A. Freeman 6-volume set, a red leather-bound set of Froissart, and a pile of other hardbound books too numerous to mention. This was before luggage had wheels. Oof, what a trip through the airport that was! I think we brought home the equivalent of a large child in book weight. I couldn't believe my good fortune. 


Nothing takes the place of holding those volumes in my hand and opening to my scruffy bookmarks, but now I can download those same books onto my hard drive and search the PDF files. Admittedly, PDF is faster and I will bounce over to Wikipedia when I need a quick answer. Still, I have a pile of books below my computer and I go to them first when I need do some serious research. I also have a pile of books on my Google Bookshelf, but I'm embarrassed to admit I forget what's there; ditto for many PDF books on my hard drive. Now that I have access to considerably more sources than ever before, I keep finding myself going back to the same three or four hardback favorites. I feel a little schizophrenic. 


But back to the research. I wanted to see the famous scenes of 11th century Scotland, especially where the battle of Dunsinane was fought. This presented a problem. At the time, there was no parking lot with a clearly defined path to the summit for visitors. Or if there was, I couldn't find it. We cleverly purchased a Geological Survey map of the area, only to discover that there was a Dunsinane Hill and a Dunsinnan Hill not ten miles from each other. Which one was it? Forget about finding Burnham Wood. So we duly drove to each location, though I wasn't entirely sure which hill among the many hills would bear signs of a castle. Or thousand year-old occupation. Or something. We didn't see any people if we had been brave enough to ask. 




One thing's for sure: I didn't find anything. Nor did this seem like a proper place to hold a battle... especially one by land and sea as I had read. It wasn't until this very year that I found corroboration; in "Bloodfeud" by Richard Fletcher, the author stated, "Its site is not known: Dunsinane, properly Dunsinnan, is a later improvisation." 


I moved on to Dunfermline (resting place of Robert the Bruce), allegedly founded by Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland. At least there I was gratified to see the remains of his famous tower... or at least, all three feet of them. It just confirmed to me that I should have seen something at Dunsinane. Later, I saw a plaque on an archway in Forteviot (Strathearn) where Malcolm was rumored to have built a palace. When I traveled over to Edinburgh Castle (also allegedly founded by Malcolm), all I saw was St. Margaret's chapel (the oldest building on site and supposedly built by him for his Anglo-Saxon wife). I asked the girl who was working at the castle for more information about the chapel, but she knew absolutely nothing. On the way back to London, I stopped by Stamford Bridge, hoping to glean some local history. All I found was a marker and a little pamphlet in the local market (mostly full of misinformation). I'm pretty sure that's changed by now, since they even do battle reenactments. 


Well, you get the idea. Researching travel destinations was pretty primitive in those days, so we got in our car and drove. I haven't been back to Scotland since that fascinating and frustrating trip, but I can guarantee that the next time around I will have mapped and marked every single place to within a square meter.



My links:  
Website:  http://www.MercedesRochelle.com
Blog:         http://www.HistoricalBritainBlog.com
Facebook: http://www.MercedesRochelle.net
Twitter:     http://www.Twitter.com/authorRochelle

I learned three things during my week-long online summit on Fiction Marketing. It was a free seminar which I found very helpful. Actually, I learned more than three things but these were stressed throughout the entire webinar and stayed with me until now.
TARGET MARKET
E-MAIL
ADS
The first was the idea that as an author, I'm not writing for myself but for my readers. My genre and my audience require certain elements in order for me to be successful. Maybe. Just maybe the passion I have for my story falls in line with my readers, especially since I read voraciously. Supposing what I like they will like as well, is one thing I can take with me. Still, learning what your readers like is preferable. I simply sat down and wrote a 80,000 word first draft. No direction or outline only a fierce desire to write.
The second element of this business I learned was... I need a huge email list. My limited attempts at building a list was insufficient (under 1000). This is your base and your list when completed. No one can take it away. This is your best chance of promoting a new book, launching a campaign, and keeping in touch with your readers. Building an e-mail list can be done in several ways. You don't need a website to do this a landing page will suffice. Also there are many list building programs available. I have a website. A weekly or monthly newsletter or blog  is a good way to get subscribers to sigh up. A giveaway of a published book or short sample of your writing can work to glean e-mails. TradeShows or BookFairs can interest potential readers in your work and you can provide a sign-up. Launching a campaign? In my experience, the one published traditionally, I never had a publish date in which to plan anything on. Eventually it was clear that this 'publisher' was not what they claimed to be. Yet I hear advice that you can promote a book launch months prior even if the book is incomplete. What? That kind of a launch gets your base onboard. Clearly, I need to revisit that claim.
The third element to get readers interested in your work and where I fall short is Ads on various social media or Amazon or other outlets. But crucial to this is the amount of reviews you have on each of your published works. 15 is the magic. number to reach before considering an ad. Risking being redundant (if you read my last few posts), reviews are important and getting them is difficult (for some).  A friendly reminder to review at the back of your novel, a book giveaway with a promise for a review, and providing readers with a guide on how to write a review were all suggestions from the experts. So build up your reviews before paying for ads. Part of this is building your platform either by podcasts or influencers. Guest blogs or podcast interviews. Finding out was other writers are doing, and tapping in to their process.
PERSISTENCE
One thing I do have is persistence. Writing the novel in the first place. Continuing to write while waiting for queries and time in the queue and waiting for a book to be published. Going to the conference and pitching my book. Taking those first negative reviews in stride and weighing them against the good ones. Taking in a webinar and learning you've done everything wrong so far. One thing I did right? I never published my first novel.
 When asked "What does a writer need to get started?"An author I follow on Twitter said A lot of money.  A harsh response seeped in truth. There are ways to do it and better ways to get it done. I like Twitter but according to the experts, it's not the way to promote sales. Building your readership, being interviewed on podcasts, and guest blogging are best. Persistence. I must admit after this week of should have, would have, and could have was morally defeating. You get to the first water station in the marathon and find your water bottle is only half full. And in my case there's a slow leak. But that drive rears its head and here I am blogging about it.

HELPFUL LINKS
Historical Fiction authors.
Mercedes RochelleMercedes Rochelle 
​Liane Tanner.https://www.linneatanner.
Science Fiction
Keagan Tierneyhttps://writingmynovelnoworkingtitleyet.blogspot.com​ Tierney
com