Sunday, January 31, 2016

Tri-Country Literacy Festival

On Saturday February 6, 2016, authors will gather from across the state at Old Santee Canal State Park to sell books. The program is sponsored by the Berkeley Country Literacy Program and encourages people to read. Margie Clary author of The South Carolina Lighthouses, and five children's books including Sweet Sweet, Basket, Gullah Alphabet, Spirits and Legends, and
a book about the Hunley will be there along with many other writers. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Hiding

Readers often ask writers how they get ideas for their books. The spark that flamed into my romantic suspense story Hiding published by www.thewildrosepress.com was a trip to Paris. My niece and I stayed at a nice hotel, but the courtyard seemed to cry out for renovation. Because I dabble in painting myself, I could just picture a mural of a Paris café where the plain stucco walls stood.
I could see cheerful awnings and an herb garden that could provide spices for the hotel's culinary staff.

When I decided to make my main character an artist, I thought it would be a great way for her to reduce her hotel bill and get recognition for her artistic talents by letting her paint the mural I had envisioned. When it is photographed by the Paris newspaper, it allows her stalking boyfriend to locate her thereby furthering the plot.

Writers get ideas from many sources: history, travel, stories they have heard. For me, travel seems to get the creative juices flowing because I am more relaxed and interested in new surroundings. So if writer's block is hounding you, take a trip to somewhere you have never been and observe new territory.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Want to learn more about publishing?

This is an invitation to attend an author even at Mr. K's Bookstore near Tanger Outlet on
February 13, 2016 from 1:00 to 3:00 and learn about how to get published.

                                                          OR

Come to the St. Andrews Library on Saturday, Feb. 20th from 2:00 to 4:00.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Two Upcoming Events

The Tri-County Literacy Conference is being held by Berkeley Country Library Association on Feb. 6, 2016 and will feature writers from all across the state and the southeast. It will be held at Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner.

First Baptist Church in Spartanburg will be hosting the Christian Writers Conference March 11 and 12. See www.fbs.org/writers
for more information.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Today's blog - an invitation

Throughout February a great celebration with a chance for free books and prizes is taking place at www.theromancereview.com
I will be giving away one free copy of Hiding as an e-book. Give yourself a Valentines treat and visit during February.

A Variety of Markets

Five Star (www.gale.cengage.com/fivestar/ publishes books in western, romance, mystery, sci fi and fantasy

www.fullmoonpubl.com

www.fwcrime.com  (www.tyrusbooks.com)

www.groveatlantic.com

www.hachettebookgroup.com

www.hardcasecrime.com

www.harlequin.com

Good news to authors who have a Mr. K's Bookstore in their area.
Most Mr. K stores reserve a table for local authors and will sell their books on a commission basis. Call the manager of your local Mr. K. I know there are stores in Greenville, SC, Asheville, NC, &
North Charleston, SC.