Writing Tip and Reading Suggestion #CSLewis

Today's writing tip comes from C. S. Lewis (1898-1963). Clive Staples Lewis was a novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian, and Christian apologist. Here's the writing tip: “Don't say it was delightful; make us say delightful when we've read the description. You see, all those words (horrifying, wonderful, hideous, exquisite) are only like saying to your readers Please will you do the job for me.”  I deeply enjoyed The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis, a series of letters from a...

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Character Analysis: Claire and Frank Underwood #HouseOfCards

"I love that woman." says Francis "Frank" Underwood, talking about his wife and partner in crime, but then he adds, "I love her more than sharks love blood." Claire and Frank If you're a fan of House of Cards, you know a lot about Francis, especially because he often breaks the fourth wall. But according to Judy Berman, "It's Claire Underwood who propels the show through its second season — perhaps partially because [...] Wright has so gracefully molded an inconsistently written role into a complex, conflicted character." If you're fascinated...

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Writing Tips: "Come in here. You want to know about this." #StephenKing and #JamesPatterson

Today we're getting two quotes about the relationship between a writer and his readers. The first one is by Stephen King (source: OpenCulture.com): “An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this.” King’s discussion of opening lines is compelling because of his dual focus as an avid reader and a prodigious writer of fiction—he doesn’t lose sight of either perspective: We’ve talked so much about the reader, but you can’t forget that the opening line is important...

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"Fix You" by Beck Anderson...now on sale! @BeckAndersonID @ennbocci

Fix You by Beck Anderson will be on sale July 22-27. Don't miss this opportunity to read a 2014 RITA® Finalist for BEST CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE and BEST FIRST BOOK. Summary When Kelly Reynolds’ husband died, he left her—the awkward, cautious one—to raise their two young boys. She’s pieced herself back together, barely. Now she takes refuge in her routine: running her kids around and running the trails near her Idaho home.  Two years after her husband’s death, a chance encounter on a run brings Andrew into her life. But Andrew is...

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Writing Tip and Reading Suggestion #Angelou

Today's writing quote comes from Maya Angelou (1928-2014). She was an African-American author, poet, dancer, actress and singer. ...then it's as if the muse is convinced that I'm serious and says, "Okay. Okay. I'll come." Let's read one of her most famous poems, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings: The free bird leaps on the back of the wind and floats downstream till the current ends and dips his wings in the orange sun rays and dares to claim the sky. But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage can seldom see through his bars...

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Analysis of a Character: Tyrion Lannister #GameOfThrones

Are you sure you know everything about Tyrion Lannister? If you haven't read all the books (yet), you can check Game of Thrones Wiki (based on the aired episodes of the TV-show): http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Tyrion_Lannister Nick Rivera has created a presentation on Personality Analysis: Tyrion Lannister. You can find it on Prezi: http://prezi.com/qdrsur95ohjj/personality-analysis-tyrion-lannister/ CG David's character study is focused on the relationship between Tyrion and Tywin: Not the son Tywin Lannister...

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#HouseOfCards appreciation post (#meme)

Have you watched House of Cards? I devoured the first two seasons, and I'm waiting for the 3rd.  On February 4, 2014, Netflix renewed House of Cards for a third season. [...] The first public casting call announcement for season 3 roles was made on May 19 for scenes that would begin shooting on June 12. Extra casting calls were announced on June 3. (Wikipedia) So, we understand there are still some months to go; meanwhile... Your comments are welcome! - Raum ...

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Writing Tips and Reading Suggestion #Orwell

Today's writing tips come from George Orwell (1903-1950). His real name was Eric Arthur Blair; he was an English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic. ...break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous... My favorite among his novels is 1984. On Wikipedia you can find a selection of quotes chapter by chapter: http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Nineteen_Eighty-Four. I hope you'll enjoy the whole book. All the best! - R...

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Huge @sylvainreynard Giveaway! @ninabocci #SylvainReynard

Sylvain Reynard has reached 30,000 followers on Twitter and to celebrate, there's a huge giveaway! It will run 7/4-8/4 and there are many prizes from signed books to gift cards. Also, it is open Internationally ​Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c195528/ Good luck! - Raum  ...

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"Tangled" by Emma Chase #SALE @ninabocci @emmachse

To celebrate the upcoming release of Tamed by Emma Chase (coming 7/15!), Gallery has put Tangled on a special sale for a few days.  ONLY $2.99  from 7/3– 7/12 to get this romance!  Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tangled-Emma-Chase-ebook/dp/B00DJWV11I/ref=la_B00CWDV0MA_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404404119&sr=1-2 BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tamed-emma-chase/1116310539?ean=9781476763613&itm=1&usri=tamed+emma+chase By day, Emma Chase is a devoted wife and mother who resides in a small, rural...

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Cover Reveal: "Crosswinds" by N.R. White

Next Chapter Publishing presents the cover reveal for Crosswinds by N.R. White: Summary: Stranded in an airport during a storm, a random act of kindness and an unexpected encounter leads to a life-changing experience for a young sailor on his way to his first duty station overseas. When Bobby walked into the airports only smoking lounge and asked to bum a smoke, Jack knew there was a reason a crosswind had unexpectedly blown the sailor into his path. It wasn't until several hours later that Jack realized the exact purpose of...

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