Characters

What is your favorite book? For me, it’s easier to name favorite authors. Isaac Asimov and Anne McCaffrey immediately come to mind, although I could list dozens of others.

I both pity and admire Daneel Olivaw. I have a crush on Masterharper Robinton, despite his age. I root for Menolly as she struggles to overcome the physical impairment deliberately inflicted on her by her family.

It’s all in the characters. You may hate, love or empathize with the character(s). Whether the book holds action-packed scenes, intriguing dark mystery or the ultimate romance, if you don’t feel a connection for the characters, the book has failed.

Here is an opportunity to connect with some real characters. The MuseItUp Publishing blog focuses on the characters in their upcoming releases. This week you can read a short blog from Fallon O’Reilly. Check the schedule on the right of the publisher’s page for dates of other character blogs.


http://museituppublishing.blogspot.com/2010/05/meet-12-year-old-fallon-oreilly.html

MuseItUp Publishing Author Chat

If you ever thought meeting a group of authors, publishers and cover artists would be fun, now is your chance! On May 3rd at 9 p.m. EST, MustItUp Publishing House holds its first author chat.

Learn about the books, covers and the editing process. Ask questions and enter your name into the drawing for the door prizes. Attendance requires registration (a simple process), so get moving!

Here is the link to the information and registrations page. Hope to see you there!


http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com/Year%20Round%20Schedule.html

Memories

Many things evoke memories. A scent, sound. Maybe for you it’s a visual cue. You see a blue dress and remember your senior prom or first car. For me, it’s wind.
Wind is the movement of gases from high to low pressure areas. That is an interesting and scientific view, but not wildly romantic. I find wind fascinating, in part, because it’s been other places before it comes to you.
Maybe that slight hint of rain carried by the wind traveled from England. Can you see Piccadilly Circus or maybe Stonehenge? If you concentrate, maybe you can smell a bit of Japan in the wind. Or Scottish malt whiskey.

Wyoming is windy today and it makes me homesick for Alaska. I swear the wind smells like Stampede Road. I can smell blueberries and feel muskeg beneath my feet.

Information about wind:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind

Remember to register for the Muse Publishing author chat.
http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com/Year%20Round%20Schedule.html

Roots & Chat

People talk about “having roots.” Have you ever noticed there is more than one type of “roots”? Some people feel a strong connection with a place, leading them to call a certain city or house “home.” Others call any place home, so long as certain people reside there. I have a friend who grew up in the same house where her parents lived at the time of her birth. That house will always be home to her. My family roamed, living in various parts of this country. My home will always be wherever my family lives, regardless of location.


As an author, I think it’s important for me to know wherein my characters roots lie because it influences their personality and actions. As a daughter, mother and grandmother, understanding roots helps keep my priorities straight.

Come to the MuseItUp Publishing chat! Develop your own connection with the authors, editors, publishers and cover artists of the new publishing house, a wonderful place to put down some reading “roots.” Bring your questions and comments. Follow the link below to register for the chat.



http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com/Year%20Round%20Schedule.html

New Publishing House

I had the great fortune to be the first author signed at a new publishing house. Lea Schizas, founder of the Muse Online Writers Conference, has created an author-friendly home for a number of new and previously published authors.

MuseItUpPublishing plans to release my YA fantasy, Fallon O'Reilly & the Ice Queen's Lair, on December 1, 2010. Please click on my book cover, created by the talented artist Delilah Stephans, to visit the publisher's web site.

Ms. Schizas plans to schedule a number of fun and interesting events, such as a virtual grand opening party.

More news as it unfolds.