Monthly Archives: May 2014

What I’m Learning… Part 2

If you’ve been following my blog for any length of time, you probably know that it took me a long time to get to this Part 2!!  But, I did it! I wrote part 1 while I was still in school. Now that I’ve graduated, here is part 2…

If you’ve been following my blog for any length of time, you also know I’ve been going to school at SNHU for my Masters in English and Creative Writing.  I’ve finally finished the degree!! WOOT!! April 1!

So, that means I’m finished learning right?!? HA! I don’t think so. I’m still writing and learning every day. I’m very thankful for the prescribed degree plan that led me through the education I needed and wanted. But, every day, I want to learn something more. Maybe that’s the best lesson that I could get?

In any event. My overall education at SNHU taught me a lot about details, editing, patience, persistence. I’ve learned that it takes a lot to get things just write. The balance of descriptions and dialogue are crucial. Finishing projects is paramount. Most important, I’ve learned that I better not give up on my dreams and believing in myself.

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I love my editor because….

I’ve been doing a lot more writing lately. It’s been so great! Part of my journey has been hooking up with a super editor who gets me and is great to work with. It has made a great difference in the quality of my writing – even at the rough draft stage… even at the idea generating stage! It’s quickly become a vital relationship for me! I think this is even more important for indie authors that self-publish like myself. I want to be able  to put out the best stories I possibly can.  I chose to go the self publish route primarily because I tend to be a bit anal and I feel like with my dual background (business vs. creative) that I could manage this more comfortably than letting a publishing house just take over everything. Plus, it is so much faster. I only have to wait for my own approval!  Ah… and that of my editor!

With that said, here are my reasons that I love my editor!  Thanks Kathleen – for making so much better!

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I LOVE MY EDITOR BECAUSE…

  • She knows what a ‘dirk’ is
  • She knows the significance between a creaky door and slamming it open
  • She is a living breathing Thesaurus
  • She deplores redundancy
  • She deplores redundancy (had to say it twice!)
  • She KNOWS her homophones
  • She is pushy when asking me to explain/describe more
  • She catches it when I use the wrong character name
  • She is never afraid to give me an opinion
  • She compliments my writing style and lets me be me
  • She questions my weirdest word choices
  • She helps me capture the right “attitude” in the words
  • She makes me think about what I’m writing
  • She makes my writing better
  • She digs my vampire bites – vv

 

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LATEST REVIEW – Joss Landry’s I CAN SEE YOU

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I recently had the opportunity to review this excellent paranormal/mystery from one of the wonderful authors in my network of colleagues.  Today is the release day for this book, and the following is my review.  If you’re into books that don’t easily fit genre qualifications, but are well written with great characters, you’ll love this.  Check out my review, then jump over to Amazon!!

I Can See You by Joss Landry is a remarkable paranormal journey of love. Ten year old Emma overcome torturous fear and the need to hide her secret psychic abilities to help Detective Hank Apple solve the case.  Her love helps bond her with her family and the community, and it is this great love that ultimately saves her life. Emma is believable as a precocious pre-teen with the ability to see the future and direct Out of Body Experiences (or projecting). She learns to use this gift to help the vulnerable and charming Detective Apple solve the mystery. Joss Landry keeps the reader guessing and use her very well developed secondary characters to help move the plot. Readers will surely fall in love with these characters! Upon finishing this book, I wanted more, and I hope Landry will consider writing a sequel; perhaps with Emma being a teen or young adult. I felt like readers would love to see how she develops and what other trouble she can get into. The story is authentic and sullen and deals with real issues such as abuse, infidelity, finding work/life balance, and having difficult conversations with loved ones. These are concerns that children and adults in today’s world must face regularly. Landry weaves these themes into a shadowy yet spellbinding tale.

About the Author

Joss has worked as a consultant for more than twenty years, writing copy for marketing firms and assisting start-up companies launch their business. She recently made the switch from composing copy and promos, to writing fiction and prose. She is developing her style through courses and the support of other writers. Joss is presently working on honing three other novels for publication. Blessed with four children and five grandchildren, she resides in Montreal with her husband, a staunch supporter, and enjoys spending time biking, rollerblading, playing tennis, and swimming. She loves creating stories as she says they fulfill her need to think outside the box.

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