Posts

Happy Memorial Day, and Thank You

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As the daughter of a veteran, and a patriot despite our country's flaws (because, what country doesn't have flaws?), memorial day is special to me. I want to wish all veterans and those who love them a happy memorial day. Those who have given are not forgotten and those who still give are very appreciated. Reflections by Lee Teter

A Seymour Agency Writer's Retreat Not to Be Missed

My writer friends, do I ever have a treat for you. If you are looking to expand your knowledge, make connections with great agents and editors of publishing houses, then you know writer's retreats and conferences are the place to be. One of my agencies is hosting a fantastic retreat in the form of a 'working cruise' this coming January. Ports of call will be Cozumel Mexico and the Grand Caymans. Want to hit the sun and sand in the Caribbean with myself, other great authors, fabulous agents from the Seymour Agency, and publishing house editors? Check it out and sign up quick because spots are very limited: Calling all authors.Picture yourself sitting poolside with published authors and literary agents as you hone your... Posted by The Seymour Agency on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 The price of the cruise starts at $424 per person based on double occupancy, flight to the Florida departure port is not included. But, as this is a 'working cruise' the entire cos...

Happy Mother's Day!

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© McCorkle Creations I hope all you mom's out there have an absolutely wonderful day, and those who have moms, be sure to call her, send her a card, gift, email, connect with her via social media, something, anything, because moms are precious and we never know how long we'll have ours.  To those who have lost their moms, today is a good day to remember the good times and perhaps plant a flower in her honor. 

Conquering the Fear of Editing

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Like most writers, I used to cringe at the very thought of editing one of my manuscripts. But now, it's my happy place. Out of the entire process from inspiration to finish, editing is the part I love the best. The writers among you in particular may wonder how I reached this magical place. I used to be a pantser: one who writes by the seat of their pants, letting inspiration guide them in whatever direction it chose. That can be a fun way to write, but it is a nightmare to edit such a book. And I say 'can be a fun way to write', because it can also be a headache. I used to get stumped all the time, lose forward momentum, get turned around, and all manner of other snares. It generally took me a year to write a book that way, and almost as long to edit it. Then I attended a writer's retreat under the tutelage of the fabulous William Bernhardt (bestselling thriller author). Bill made me write an outline on a book I had already completed. It seemed silly until I finis...

HarperCollins Battles Amazon

Last year two super powers in books went head to head over a contract for selling books online: Amazon and Hachette . I never thought I'd say that about a site that sells everything, including kitchen sinks, but that is what Amazon has become. During this battle Amazon suspended sales of all the books published by the Hachette group, which hurt a lot of authors. Many blamed Hachette for not compromising because Amazon waved the idea that they only wanted to lower eBook prices. But let's face it, Amazon was just as wrong for suspending book sales. Now, HarperCollins and Amazon are going head to head over the same deal as their contract has just come up for renewal. Already I've seen comments online of people who said they just won't buy HarperCollins books. That breaks my heart. I don't want to see great authors hurt in this fight, which is why I will go to other sites to buy their books. For the sake of authors, and the love of great books, I hope you'll do t...

Must Add Fantasy Novel For Your Reading List

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Today I'm excited to be participating in a long time author friend of mine's cover reveal for her new novel coming from Spencer Hill Press this winter titled PULL. Be sure to ADD THIS to your Goodreads list peeps, because you won't want to miss it! Here is a bit about it: COMING DECEMBER 2015! Rosie Clayton witnesses a mugging on her first night in London—and then the scene rewinds itself. She finds herself standing in the same place again, with the mugging happening just like before, except his time a stranger steps in and stops it. There's no way the same incident can have two outcomes. Rosie thinks she’s losing her mind, until just a few days later, the stranger saves her. The stranger, Albert, and his band of misfit crime-fighters, have a special ability, Pulling, which allows them to rewind just enough time to undo and interfere in a series of events. Someone is hunting Albert and his crew--and now that Rosie’s been seen with them, she’s a target...

Welcoming in Spring

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Happy first day of spring! For many it has been a long, hard winter that isn't quite over yet. For us here on the west coast, not so much. In fact, we're kind of wondering where our winter went. I have daffodils and tulips popping up everywhere, and even strawberries! That's kind of unheard of here in the high desert where we're used to freezing temperatures and snow well into April, sometimes May and June. But, alas, our winter seems to have fallen on New York and Boston (sorry folks!).  If it's any consolations to the east coasters, our lack of snow fall means we're extremely worried about drought and a bad fire season this summer. Wherever you are, may you enjoy the colors of spring, if not the flowers and warmth!