Hello, and happy First Friday! Can you believe the year is already half over? If time flies when you’re having fun, then we must be having a blast! This time last year we chatted about what freedom means to us and how the topic figures (or not!) in our novels. Fun, right? This time A Drift of Quills is talking about fictional holidays and celebrations we use in our novels. It’s good to rule. I love the depth of creation behind world-building: the nitty-gritty, the if-this-then-that, the marriage of reality to imagination, the glimpses into the author’s head. Adding holidays to […]
4 Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make on Twitter
Social media platforms have become a marketplace for authors promoting their works — and it’s a great option if you do it the right way. Of course there are a lot of opinions about what is “right,” but there are a few things an author (or entrepreneur) can do that actually work against them.
First Impressions – 8 Great Beginnings
A week or so ago I was part of a challenge on Twitter. One of the required items was to “Pen your own perfect first sentence to your “Great American Novel.” I’m working on that novel, so it should be easy, right? Clearly I had forgotten about how much of a work-in-progress my first chapter is. Ai ai ai… But wait! What about the other novel that’s been bubbling around in my head, vying for attention? This was clearly an invitation for it to leap to the forefront, knocking the current wimp right out of the ring. I’ll let you […]
Book Review: Warrior Mage, by Lindsay Buroker
Lindsay Buroker’s books are always good for a fast-paced, page-turning ride—and Warrior Mage is no exception. It’s the first in the author’s new Chains of Honor series and there is never a dull moment, from the beautiful cover to a closing scene that leaves the reader chomping at the bit for what happens next. I was delighted to take the author up on her offer of a free read in exchange for an honest review. So here it is! Buroker takes seriously the instructions to “start in the middle of the action.” Yanko stifled a groan, trying to blink away […]
The Stuff Between the Lines: Fact or Fiction?
Hello, and happy First Friday! A Drift of Quills is digging into our very souls this time, unearthing our philosophical innards. The question of the month is: “Is there any particular code, belief, or faith that inspires our writing? How and why?” Yes, we’re getting all existential on ya… Read on to see how that looks in writing! In all honesty, I don’t think the limited space of this format is up to the task of dealing with the subject. The best we can do is skim the surface of the tender, personal area that is our beliefs, codes, or faith. […]
Cover Candy #03
Pop quiz! Who loves books? (YOU, right? Okay, and me, too. I’ll admit it.) Who loves pretty pictures? (I do! I do!) This week we’ve got both. The only thing that could make this combo better is some chocolate. I have some, but you’ll have to bring your own. Sorry. I’ve tried, but licking the screen isn’t nearly as satisfactory as reality, and I’ve yet to see a working replicator. If you have, you’d better link me up…! On with the show, then! Once again, I can’t vouch for the contents of the books represented below. We’re only here for […]
Blogiversary Giveaway!
Happy 4th Blogiversary to me! Four years ago yesterday, I started on this blogging adventure. I don’t know about you, but I’ve learned a lot on the journey, and I’ve gained a better appreciation for other bloggers and website authors. The writers and readers communities are some of the sharing-est folks I know, and I’m glad to be a part of that. Along the way I’ve talked about everything from character development, to weddings, to birds, to good books to read. Help yourself to a nice, big piece of chocolate cake and check out some of my most popular posts: […]
Five Good Things
Ready for some great stuff? Me, too! I loved my vacation, but getting back to the Real World has been something of a challenge. I’m trying to organize my time better (like using rigid iron braces to keep myself from falling down the wonderful rabbit hole that is Pinterest)—and take advantage of some non-Pinterest inspiration. It is awesome that so much information is available to us, and that so many people are willing to share their knowledge and experience. Hurrah for a worldwide community! Here are some great recent finds in the Blog World: For Readers Everywhere! https://freeditorial.com FREEDITORIAL is […]
R&R For the Win!
Guess where I’ve been? On vacation! Spending a week with my sister in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been so fun and so relaxing. I’ve hardly looked at my computer, and I don’t feel the least bit guilty. We all need a little time to disconnect, reconnect with what’s important (Hello, sis an fam!), and recharge. Gotta jet, but here’s a peek at a few pics! What do YOU like to do to regenerate? Where do you like to go?
Dreams, Schemes, or Circus Clowns?
It’s a First Friday again! A Drift of Quills comes together again, this time to air our lofty opinions about dreams in fiction. Are they good or bad? And joining us today we have author Gregory S. Close. You might remember him from the book I recently reviewed over here. Please give him a warm welcome! GREGORY S. CLOSE Author of In Siege of Daylight, Book 1 of Light, Dark & Shadow Gregory’s website A dream sequence can create an ethereal mood of otherworldliness, reveal hidden truths, foreshadow victory or doom, or even represent a second, hidden realm that parallels the […]