Authors, Writers, Publishers, and Book Readers

Teaching Between Midnight and Dawn

Book Blurb;

Arieanna’s life right now seemed nearly complete. Her career was soaring, she had a family who adored her, and her students loved her. Life was simple and uncomplicated. That is until she met Auron. Arieanna doesn’t know that Auron has been sent by a secret priesthood of Saint Cisadore, and is actually there to protect her, the descendant of Ast’ at all cost. His number one objective is to keep that book from entering the hands of the wrong people, in spite of the fact that it might cause his own death. Although exiled nearly two centuries ago, Auron knows that if that book gets to Jimmy Mann, all hell will break lose. Centuries of war will then spill onto a human battle ground, and the Council will do whatever it takes to keep that from happening. The legend says that Arieanna holds the key to the location of Ast’s infamous book of magick; the only problem is, is that she doesn’t know it yet.

Excerpt;

   “Okay now what? How the hell do you propose that we get to my car with wolves staking us out? My god, this sucks. I’m a junior high school teacher. This is the stuff that I tell my students don’t exist! Wolves don’t just eat people! I am not lil red riding hood!” I screeched looking out over my back yard.
    “Those arena wolves luve, and we have to make a run for it. Since it’s a full moon, I obviously canna drive.” He stated grinning again as he put his hands up, and it was like all at once the stark handsomeness of his face hit me. He had shoulder length sable hair, and a very angular strong chin, hazel eyes, that were greener than any other color, thick dark brows, and what looked like a five o’clock shadow growing on his face. His body was ripped with toned muscles, and he had to be well over six feet. I also noticed that he spoke with a sort of British/Scot’s accent.
     “Okay luve, and just how do we do that? They will eat me alive before I ever reach it.” I mocked.
    “That is why I shall be yer distraction. The minute that I jump this back fence they’ll take off after me, tis a smell thing. That gives ye ample enough time to chip wit it for the motor, then circle round and pick me up just beyond that point.” He countered pointing to some trees on the other side of the small bluff.
Great…just great. Terrace Drive was a b**** to navigate at night!
    “Okay, but I betta make it to that car. Cuz if I don’t I swear, that I’ll come back and haunt cho ass for all eternity.” I retorted and his grin only widened.
    “Ye will luve. Although the prospect of ye haunting me for all eternity I’m well up for, but let’s just leave that till later.” He teased, and then winked. “Are ye ready then?” He asked and I nodded. He suddenly grabbed me and kissed me full on the lips again. My face registered my shock.
     “For good luck, not to mention I need some inspiration here. Off with ye then.” He encouraged, then jumped over my back fence.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Cleveland W. Gibson on November 8, 2011 at 12:41pm

I'm, a writer and reader across the many genre, taking in poetry and articles.

I also review for two main line authors and probably read more than I write.

What I must commend is your enthusiastic approach to writing. It is good to

become fired up about any story line but as in life there are rules, those things

that readers come to expect from any authors. At the moment I have no blog.

It takes too much time and besides I'm always asked to pen something for

my publisher or friends. Poetry is easy and enjoyable. I love flash fiction too.

That said I noticed first of all how long your title was. Did you never consider

a shorter version or even a one word title? Study the books that become best

sellers. But do not try to copy anything done by the masters. They've become

famous and ignored the rules that generally apply to us mere mortals or

graphically us poor starving writers. Writing is not easy so it doesn't hurt to

raise a bit of sympathy from the readers now and again.

Next in the blurb the words are too many. Though there is not a set number

of words for a blurb the paramount thing about any writing is to consider

how clear it is. And it must be. If somebody is successful then simply say

their life is successful. Do not describe in detail what the reader picks up

immediately. Your blurb needs to be rewritten with the excitement that

matches the plot. Use a word like 'new' to capture the attention of the

reader. Because your plot or summary is 'new' it is permissible to

describe it as new.Work through the blurb and get to the heart of the

matter. I found there existed too many leaps and loose threads that

didn't complete the full picture. Use 'grimoire' for th book of magic

spells. Don't worry the readers know the word and magic is better

than 'magik' for certain reason best not explored at this point.

Did you notice the two characters both had a name that started

with the same initial letter?How not to confuse?

Auron is an agent. It is as simple as that.

But with Arieanna the reader understands her life is

successful and fulfilled on several levels. Here is the

problem. What inner conflict exists within her,

something that is always in her mind, the sort of thing

that keeps her awake at night, makes her forget to eat.

The sort of conflict the reader is looking for and never

gets a mention in the blurb.

I'm sure I've mentioned here or somewhere different

that writing is never easy. I've recently finished a

YA manuscript that has had me tearing my hair out.

Consistency and flow, the plot , the characters all

need my attention. The same problems that face

me face many other readers/writers. But how do

they overcome their problems? How might they

re-write if they've only read their own work?

That's the rub. Firstly it is important to weigh up

reviews or even encouragement. I've been given

advice from newbie writers that has been

completely wrong. Even a writing circle can be wrong.

It is possible after all. But think about likes and aims.

Somewhere along the line a glimmer of that might

emerge. Make your notes and revise and rewrite.

So far others have viewed your work and not

bothered to comment. If you've taken the

trouble to write then I guess I'm happy to

read and be entertained. But now is the time

to be dynamic. Be full of purpose. Read your

own work and be critical. Read mine too. Ask

questions of your own work. Me? I'm always

asking thousands of questions of mine. But then

that's me.

Best wishes and good luck

Cleveland W.Gibson

(Credits: too many).

Permalink Reply by Alexandria Infante on November 8, 2011 at 9:24pm

Ok, its a bit late though; because the book was already picked up by Eternal Press and was published on the 7th of Aug, and I've already received a few kool reviews. Its selling pretty much everywhere and the publishers site. But thanks; I'll consider all of this for the next book.

Permalink Reply by Cleveland W. Gibson on November 9, 2011 at 12:02am

Thanks.

That's fine. But it might make sense for those posting to this group to select their unpublished work. I'm sure you'd be converted to that kind of gospel. It saves a lot of being clever at hindsight. After the book it published the editor usually asks to be informed of any mistakes . This is to correct the e-book or Digital Novel Version. Keep your notes. Not only for the next but also this one.

If I wish anybody good luck, that is what I expect they will get.

So good luck with your writing,

Cleveland W. Gibson

Permalink Reply by Cleveland W. Gibson on November 9, 2011 at 11:44am

For writing a novel anybody might find this link of use.

It is free. Produced by a writer who is also an agent.

Take a look and pass it on.

http://www.writeanovelfast.com 

Best

Permalink Reply by Alexandria Infante on November 16, 2011 at 10:52am

Cleveland.

you're very pretentious. It said book blurbs, and it didn't specify if it had to be published or unpublished. As for the rest of what you wrote, you sort of took it upon yourself to send me a message that I didn't ask for. I was polite to you, but yet you send me another message in the same manner. The blurb isn't that long for the company, the book itself clearly tells you that he was a monk not MI6, and it is all laid out for the reader when they READ the book.

Cleveland W. Gibson said:

Thanks.

That's fine. But it might make sense for those posting to this group to select their unpublished work. I'm sure you'd be converted to that kind of gospel. It saves a lot of being clever at hindsight. After the book it published the editor usually asks to be informed of any mistakes . This is to correct the e-book or Digital Novel Version. Keep your notes. Not only for the next but also this one.

If I wish anybody good luck, that is what I expect they will get.

So good luck with your writing,

Cleveland W. Gibson

Permalink Reply by Cleveland W. Gibson on November 16, 2011 at 12:05pm

Hi I'm glad you brought up that point of published or unpublished. I too thought it a valid point. Because of that I dropped a line to a site member and the person who suggested the creation of this named group.. It is on the screen. I think in the forum section for all to read. I listed out the pitfalls and the benefit to be gained by a piece of unpublished work being posted to the Excerpt section but with a more illustrative name, one that explains what a writer may be letting themselves in for. And of course the reaction for good or bad review by the readers. How's that? It would be useful to use a little integrity in supporting what could turn out to be a most interesting group. Imagine a writer wants to find out if their opening to their ground breaking novel works or does not work. Where might they go for feedback? I get feedback all the time. Some good . Some bad.It is how adjustment are made so the ship can change course and still make it to port in good or even better shape, metaphorically speaking , of course. But you get the drift.(You were concerned about published or unpublished work in connection with the Book Excerpt group too).

Going back to my note mentioned above : I've not had an answer yet. These things take time. But I'll go and have a read again of what I wrote.

Best

Cleveland W. Gibson

Took a quick look and found what I wrote on Saturday 12th November 11 on the suggestions topic on the forum post.

Here it is:

I think there ought to be a section called 'Book Excerpt from the Unpublished Novel' and not strictly Book Excerpts.

Can you see the difference?

For any person thinking of publishing a novel, it is useful to post an excerpt before it is too late in making mistakes. 'Copy, line and edit' jumps into mind for starters. And then what about 'Unpublished Poetry Excerpts,'the same sort of reasoning applies.

Best
Cleveland W. Gibson

Kay Elizabeth said:

How about just Book Excerpts? It's clean, and clear, and doesn't limit folks to chapters if they want to add less or don't use chapters in their book.

Permalink Reply by Cleveland W. Gibson on November 16, 2011 at 12:32pm

My post to the Forum request for suggestions

on Sat 12th Nov 2011 mentions the below

suggestion by Kay.

........................................................................................................................................

Kay Elizabeth made her original suggestion about Book Excerpts.

She said it was clean and clear but she didn't mention anything

about published or unpublished, which is your worry and mine.

So you can see how these topics can snowball and get out of

hand, when they could be used to some good advantage if

handled properly. I've thought about it. I expect we will get

an answer that solves the problem.