Kindle

The Whisperer of Storms is now available to pre-order on Kindle.  The release date is October 27, 2015.

This upcoming week Laura Shinn will be working on the paperback cover, so hopefully I'll have it uploaded on CreateSpace soon.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Veronica

Uploaded to Smashwords

I just got my debut novel uploaded to Smashwords and am now taking pre-orders.  I am planning an October 27th release date.  Check it out here:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/576293  You could even read the first 20% if you like.

Kindle and paperback are soon to follow.  The print cover should be done by next week.

Happy reading!

Veronica

The Whisperer of Storms Cover

My cover is finished!  Thanks to Laura Shinn. 

Cover Design by Laura Shinn Designs

Uncharted Waters

It is a book!  I sent my manuscript off for editing earlier last week.  She smoked through it over the weekend and gave me positive feedback!

I'm also on the schedule this week for cover design with Laura Shinn.  I am looking forward to seeing what she comes up with.  Laura is a wealth of information for self-publishing and I am very grateful I found her, thanks to Mark's List!  In the meantime, I'm reading the Smashwords Style Guide to prepare me for formatting, in addition to setting up my Smashwords, Createspace, and Kindle accounts.  My goal is to be published before the end of 2015.  Preferably before the holiday rush!

Veronica      

A Child's First Teacher

The other day, I assisted a handicapped gentleman in a wheelchair into a local business.  Even though I was in a hurry, I took the time to hold the door for him, and made sure his chair made it across the threshold.  I didn't even get a thank you out of him, though I wasn't expecting one, but I was certainly greeted with warmth from the staff members.  Most of all, my youngest saw that I helped the man and asked me about it.  I explained to her that we are supposed to help those in need.  There are little rewards, even if it's setting a good example for a child.

I am happy to say that I finally finished The Whisperer of Storms!  It consists of 50 chapters and an epilogue.  I am currently making arrangements to have it edited.  In the meantime, I've been working on a book trailer, reading up on eBook formatting for Smashwords, and thinking about a tentative release date.  Once the editing and formatting are completed, I'll have a better idea for a release date.  I am considering doing pre-orders,which I will set up once I set a date.

For my next book, I have two stories to choose from.  Both are contemporaries, which will be much easier to write than a historical.  I won't have to worry about when a phrase was coined, or when something was invented.  Since I now know what I'm doing, my second novel should take much less time to complete.  I have to stick to writing everyday.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Veronica

Pure Imagination

Yesterday, I had two comments from two different people that made me realize how much time writing takes.  I visited a friend whom I hadn't seen since October.  She said she didn't see me much anymore.  I always use the excuse that I've been busy.  Kids, school activities, the library, house work, and helping hubby out with farming are always good excuses.  I never mention that I've been busy writing.  I always feel a little guilty not talking about writing, but I find it's easier to talk to strangers and online acquaintances about it.  The second was a question from my eldest.  She asked me why I never bake anymore, except for school and church functions.  My answer was simple.  The time I would spend in the afternoon baking, I use for writing instead.  She proceeded to ask me if I would bake more when I get my book published.  I replied I probably wouldn't, since I'll be writing my next book!  The poor kid!

I wish I could see my time clock for the totals hours I've spent researching, plotting, writing, revising, formatting, etc.  Writing is a lonely business, and I think it's for those who don't mind being alone at times.  I remember my mother used to voice her concerns that I liked to spend a great deal of time alone.  No worries, Mom.  I'm was just exercising my brain and storytelling muscles.

  I recently saw Josh Groban and Lindsey Stirling's video for Pure Imagination.  This should be a theme song for all writers.  Josh has a beautiful, powerful voice!  Skip to 1:40 to get to the song.

As the school year comes to a close, I am busy editing and formatting my manuscript.  It's starting to look more like a novel. 

Veronica

#ForPaul

I saw The Fast and the Furious 7 today, even though I haven't seen 2 - 6.  It was the first Paul Walker movie I've seen since his death.  The theater was quiet as the end credits rolled.  Afterwards, as I was driving home, I caught a glimpse of Heaven . . .       

A picture is never as good as the real thing, but I still had to pull over to snap a few shots.  The afternoon had been sunny, until the clouds rolled in, which was shortly after the movie.

  

I have to commend the filmmakers, and the Walker family, on persevering during that difficult time.  As a writer, I have far less worries than a movie director.  I could continue to write in the case of an untimely death, and I've, in fact, done so.  Losing the lead cast member is another story.  Caleb and Cody Walker did a wonderful thing stepping up to help them complete filming.  I thought they all did a great job, and made a beautiful tribute to Paul.

I have to wonder how the original script played out.  I noticed that Paul wasn't in many scenes in the beginning; therefore, I'm assuming those were the unfinished scenes that they had to modify.  I really couldn't tell which scenes had his brothers, but I think it was those where he didn't have much or any lines.  The only time I was aware of CGI enhancement was a closeup.  He looked almost otherworldly, but I thought it was a fitting scene for it.  I'm hoping they'll reveal more about the revisions in the DVD extras.

I've heard many people complain about how people react when a celebrity dies or has an accident, but no one cares when a commercial airliner crashes, taking 150 lives.  Of course people care!  The thing that divides a celebrity from the main stream is people know who they are.  There's a recognizable face to the statistic, many times bringing with it public awareness.  What's more, a celebrity can touch many lives.  Not only by their work, but by their charitable efforts.  They not only donate to their choice charities, but they form charities, and also get their fans involved.  I've provided a link to Paul's charity Reach Out WorldWide.

In closing, I recently read someplace that the most coveted role Paul Walker auditioned for but didn't get was Anakin Skywalker.  I don't know if I could have ever seen him in that dark of a role.  For me, he was the light shining through those dark clouds.
#ForPaul


Veronica