Marcia Moston

We’ll be meeting tomorrow, Saturday, January 21st in the conference room of the Downtown Greenville Airport from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Our speaker will be Marcia Moston, who will speak on “Nobody Narratives – The Purpose, Popularity, and Paths to Publication of Memoir.”

Marcia Moston is the winner of the “2010 Women of Faith Writing Contest” and Honorable Mention recipient of the “78th Annual Writer’s Digest Competition.” She has been a columnist for the Greenville Journal and contributor to several magazines. Her book, Call of a Coward will be released in 2012 by Thomas Nelson. Marcia and her husband live in South Carolina. Visit her at On a write journey following God, http//:marciamoston.com.

Ellis Vidler

As a child in the South, Ellis Vidler spent long, hot days imagining herself an Indian or pioneer or musketeer. At night she (and her whole family) read. From Tarzan and D’Artagnan to Anne Shirley and Nancy Drew, she lived them all. No angst in her childhood. So what did she do as an adult? Write fiction, what else? She loves creating characters and making them do what she wants, but mostly they take off on their own and leave her hurrying to catch up.

All her stories have some degree of romance and a lot of suspense. Her first book, published by Silver Dagger Mysteries, was Haunting Refrain. The second was The Peeper, a suspense novel co-authored with retired LEO Jim Christopher. (He’s a terrific storyteller!) And now, Cold Comfort, her new romantic suspense.

Cold Comfort by Ellis Vidler

When Christmas shop owner Claire Spencer is attacked, she hires burned out security consultant Ben Riley to find out why. Together they find everything she believed is a lie, but the truth is . . .Cold Comfort.

Ellis writes crime fiction, usually suspense, with varying degrees of romance. After all, love makes the world go round, but death stops it cold. These two elements seem essential to creating characters, conflict, and an exciting plot. Besides, it’s what she likes to read. And how could you write something you wouldn’t want to read?

Ellis is an author, editor, and speaker. She grew up in North Alabama, studied English and art at All Saints College for Women, and thoroughly enjoyed studying creative writing under the great Scott Regan. She taught elements of fiction at a community college. Her home is now the South Carolina Piedmont with her husband and dogs.

Visit her website at www.ellisvidler.com.

AnAuthor World Community Meeting
When: Saturday, December 17, 2011
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Place: Conference Room, Downtown Greenville Airport (100 Tower Drive)
Directions: From N. Pleasantburg Drive, turn onto Tower Drive (Krispy Kreme Donuts is on the corner at the light) and drive all the way to the end. The big building in front of you is the Downtown Greenville Airport. Park in front of the building (it’s free to park) and go inside. You can ask someone at the desk where the conference room is located (it’s easy to find).

Mark your calendar for December 17th and the AAWC Meeting!

What: AnAuthor World Community Meeting
When: Saturday, December 17, 2011
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Place: Conference Room in the Downtown Greenville Airport
Address: 100 Tower Drive
Directions: from N. Pleasantburg, turn onto Tower Drive at the the light; Krispy Kreme Donuts is on the corner
Speaker: Ellis Vidler whose most recent book Cold Comfort came out in November

Bobbie Combs and Laurina Cashin, cofounders of welovechildrensbooks.com, know a thing or two about the children’s book industry. Their combined experience spans every corner of the book market, including writing, retail and library wholesaling, marketing and sales, trade and self-publishing, collection development, book reviews, website development, and national literary conference presentation. Recently, we talked with Laurina and Bobbie about self-promotion in today’s children’s book market.

Highlights Foundation: Why does an author who has yet published a book need to worry about self-promotion?

Bobbie Combs: Why indeed? I think the answer would depend on what your goals are as an author. If you just want to write a book for yourself and/or your family, that’s fine. Then maybe you wouldn’t care about promoting yourself or your book. That said, I don’t think I’ve ever met one author who felt this way: “Oh, I’ll just write this one book and then go on with my life, try something else.” The authors I’ve met want to publish that first book, and then another, and then an award-winning one, and then a best-selling one . . . that’s the way this particular dream usually goes. And if that is your dream—to be a published author, not just of one book but of a body of work—then I think you need to treat yourself and your talent as a small business. You are an entrepreneur, creating a unique idea/product to share with the world. And as with all entrepreneurs, all small businesses, your customers will usually not just stumble across your product/idea/invention as they go through their day. You need to do something to bring it to the attention of the world. Why should they choose your book over your competitor’s book? Why should they want to read the story you have to tell? Is there something interesting about you that would resound with them and make them want to read your book? What do they have in common with you that would make them curious about what you have to say?

A lot of successful entrepreneurs and celebrities give interviews that reference all the years of work before they “made it.” But during those years of ascension, everything they did was about branding themselves: their “look,” their sound, their business strategy, so that when their big break came, they were ready. That’s what I think you as an author can do while you continue to write and submit to publishers: lay the groundwork. Attend conferences and get your name out there. Blog, and comment on other blogs, to build name recognition. Build a website (or use your blog as a blog site) and share some of your writing with the world. Learn all you can about contracts, rights, agents—the equivalent of crafting your own business strategy. Do all this, and when your big break comes, everyone will see you for the professional you are.

Highlights Foundation: If you had to choose one social media outlet, which would it be and why?

Laurina Cashin: My quick answer to this question would be to choose the outlet that appeals to you most because that’s the one you’ll use. All factors being equal, though, I’d choose Twitter because it’s versatile, and the character limit makes it quick. With links and re-tweets you get brevity AND substance; with tags you can reach more people and hopefully increase your followers. Also, you can easily turn tweets into Facebook comments, and you can tweet blog posts. See what I mean about versatile?

Bobbie and Laurina have much more to share when it comes to promoting your brand and social network marketing. Join them, along with additional faculty Lindsey Leavitt and Katie Davis and special guests Jules Danielson and Paul Crichton for Making the Web Work for You, March 4-8, 2012. This workshop promises to give you the tools you need to put your name and your stories in front of thousands of eager readers.

To secure your spot, or for more information, contact Jo Lloyd at 570-253-1192, e-mail jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org, or request an application online.

To view more 2012 Founders Workshops, which take place near Honesdale, Pennsylvania, please visit www.highlightsfoundation.org.

Please feel free to share this with others who might have an interest or to include the information in blog posts or through other social networking forums.

The Highlights Foundation is a public, not-for-profit 501©3 organization. We dedicate our
efforts to connecting, nurturing, and inspiring children’s book writers and illustrators.

Highlights Foundation, Inc.
814 Court Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
Phone: (570) 251-4500
E-mail: contact@highlightsfoundation.org
www.highlightsfoundation.org

Hi, Facebook friends, I’m guest editing a book on widowhood with Silver Boomer Books, so this is a call for submissions. Either prose or poetry on some aspect of widowhood will do. Check out www.silverboomerbooks.com for more information.

Silver Boomer Books
www.silverboomerbooks.com
“We didn’t mean to become publishers. We simply began as friends to compile a book together. As we worked, the project became the glue for a cohesive, creative coterie with a clear goal. We learned to defend our artistic vision, craft a consensus, and stretch our comfort zones to the zenith.”

Barbara Rollins commented: Thanks, Thelma. We’re excited about the anthology and your participation as a guest editor. We’ve also been working on the website, and the link now is http://silverboomerbooks.com/sbb/wp/.

From Silver Boomer Books: Are you a widow or widower? Thelma joins with the editorial team at Silver Boomer Books to seek your stories, poems, essays and interviews dealing with widowhood. As always, we’re looking for quality over quantity and actually favor shorter works, especially shorter poetry. Projected release date for the anthology is October, 2012. We need your submissions between December 1, 2011 and March 30, 2012, and will let you know in August if your work is selected for inclusion.

1) Why did you decide to be a writer?

There was never a point at which I decided to write; I just always thought I would.

2) How did you learn to write?

I’m not sure I’ve learned yet!

3) How did you first get published?

I met an editor at a Writers’ Conference. He published my first novel.

4) How many published books do you have?

There are 3 out-of-print books and 12 Miss Julia books (# 13 will be published in April, 2012).

5) What else have you written?

Hundreds of school papers, including a Master’s thesis and a Phd. dissertation.

6) What are you working on now?

I’m working on # 14 of the Miss Julia series.

7) Do you teach writing? If so, where do you teach and what subjects?

I have taught a few writing courses at UNC Asheville, but hope to never teach another one.

Have you been rejected? If so, how do you handle rejections?

My only attempt to write “to order” was rejected. I handled it by writing something else.

9) Who are your favorite authors?

Geoffrey Chaucer, Jane Austin, John Sandford, Robert Crais, Michael Connolley, Lee Child, James Lee Burke, Joseph Wambaugh, Scott Trurow–how’s that for a mix?

10) What advice do you have for new writers?

Write a good story.

To see a bio of Ann Ross, go to: http://www.anauthorworld.com/2011/08/meet-ann-b-ross-anauthor-world-conference-speaker/

To visit her website, go to: www.missjulia.com

Remember: AAW Community meeting is this Saturday, November 19th, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., in the conference room at the Downtown Greenville Airport (100 Tower Drive).

Our speaker will be Ann Ross, author of the Miss Julia series. She’ll be discussing “How I Get My Ideas” and using examples from her books. I love talks like this, because I’m always amazed at the origin of some books and stories. Miss Julia and those in her world are such wonderful characters. One of my first questions will be: Where did she “find” these characters? And her plots seem to be a little too close to my own life! LOL!

Join us for the November AAW Community Meeting:
Date: Saturday, November 19, 2011
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Place: Conference Room at the Downtown Greenville Airport (100 Tower Drive)
Speaker: Ann Ross

Driving Instructions: There’s a light at the “T” intersection of Pleasantburg and Tower. There’s also a Krispy Kreme Doughnut shop on the corner. Turn from Pleasantburg onto Tower (can only turn one way) and drive all the way to the end of the street. It “dead ends” at a large building which is the Downtown Greenville Airport. Parking is free. You can park either right in front of the building or in the lot next to it. Go inside and someone at the desk will direct you to the conference room. (It’s not hard to find.)

Questions? Email me at pam (at) anauthorworld (dot) com.

Lynette Eason

1) Why did you decide to be a writer?

I don’t know that I really decided to be a writer. I think it was decided for me. I believe that when I decided to follow Christ, He already had this all planned out. It was just up to me to say, “Yes, Lord, I’ll do it.”

2) How did you learn to write?

I started writing a story I had in my head. Then one day I came across a book that I LOVED. It was written by Dee Henderson. I emailed her to tell her how much I loved her stuff and that when I grew up, I wanted to be just like her. That email grew into a correspondence, then a friendship. She mentored me and taught me all about writing Romantic Suspense. I’m also a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and they have TONS of learning materials on their website, including online courses you can take taught by published authors, agents and even some editors.

3) How did you first get published?

I cold submitted a manuscript to Harlequin. They have several Christian lines and I was targeting the Women’s Fiction line which was the longer trade size books. Instead of accepting for that line, I got a four page revision letter asking if I would make the changes and cut 30,000 words out of my 90,000 word manuscript. I agreed and resubmitted. Feb 16, 2007, I got the call that Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line wanted to buy that book that was eventually titled Lethal Deception.

4) How many published books do you have?

In August, my 14th book came out. It’s Agent Undercover. Then in December, Holiday Hideout will be released.

5) What else have you written?

The first series I wrote for Revell was “The Women of Justice” series which included Too Close to Home, Don’t Look Back and A Killer Among Us. I’ve also written numerous books for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line.

6) What are you working on now?

I’m now working on a three book series for Revell.This second series I’m working on is called “Deadly Reunions.” The first book in this new series will be released in February 2012.You can keep up to date with all of my new releases and writing news by visiting my website at www.lynetteeason.com or www.facebook.com/lynetteeasonauthor or www.twitter.com/lynetteeason. On the facebook page and the website, there is a place where you can sign up for my newsletter should you be interested.

7) Do you teach writing? If so, where do you teach and what subjects?

I do teach writing. I teach at writing conferences all over the country. I often teach the basics, plotting, point of view, backstory, how to write a suspense and a new one I’m working on, Subtexting.

Have you been rejected? If so, how do you handle rejections?

Oh yes, I’ve been rejected. I tend to pout for a few days and then get back to it. Since I’ve sold, I’ve not been rejected. But that certainly doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

9) Who are your favorite authors?

Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock, Angela Hunt, James Scott Bell, Brandilyn Collins, Steven James, Jenny B. Jones (for when I need laughs). These are just a few.

10) What advice do you have for new writers?

Keep writing, keep learning, keep submitting and getting feedback. Attend a writers conference if you can. Find a mentor. But never, ever give up if this is what you feel called to do.

Lynette Eason, Author of 16 books

She’ll be giving a power point presentation with Q&A afterwards:
HOW TO GO FROM BAD TO WORSE AND MAKE YOUR READERS BEG FOR MORE. Learn what elements make up a rocking, edge of the seat, suspense story. Come prepared for a hands-on experience that you can take home and implement immediately. Workshop will include topics such as: OPEN WITH A BANG – writing the best opening line ever, USE ALL FIVE SENSES: why you need this to carry your suspense forward, DIALOGUE: yes, even your dialogue is important what to say and how to say it, INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CONFLICTS: how to carry the suspense from beginning to end, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN SUSPENSE: learn how to really mess your characters up only to rescue them by the end of the story—most of the time and only if you want to, END EACH CHAPTER WITH A HOOK and much, much more.

Don’t miss this awesome presentation by Lynnette Eason!

AAW Community Meeting
Date: Saturday, October 15, 2011
Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Place: Conference Room, inside the Downtown Greenville Airport (100 Tower Drive)