My Guest: Stephen Leather

My Guest this week really needs no introduction. I would never have the temerity to say he's a fellow writer of thrillers because he's in a league far removed from my own humble offerings. As an avid reader of his novels from way back, it's my great pleasure to introduce bestselling author

Stephen Leather 

The Writer & Book Reviews

When was the last time you read a novel that you hated? Read it right the way through and got to the end and thought “That was the worst book I’ve ever read”?

For me, the answer to that question is “Never”.

I have never read a novel that I didn’t enjoy. Okay, I might have started a few and stopped after a couple of chapters, but if I’m not enjoying a book I don’t force myself to finish it. Life is too short to be reading books that aren’t enjoyable.

But the reason I don’t read bad books is that I’m selective about the books that I buy.  The best way to get a recommendation for a book is word of mouth – to be told by a trusted friend that something is worth reading.  Some of the best books I have ever read came from recommendations from friends – Silence Of The Lambs, Green River Rising, Bravo Two Zero.

But even with a glowing recommendation, I would still look at the book before buying.  Yes, it’s wrong to judge a book by a cover but the simple fact is that a cover says a lot about a book. And so does the blurb on the back. Even the title.  Then before buying I always perform my own personal litmus test. I flick through to a page in the middle of the book and read a paragraph or two at random. If it’s well written, if it flows, then I’ll buy the book.

The equivalent in the brave new world of eBooks is the sample, where you can look at a chunk of the book for free before buying.  That facility alone means that you should never buy a book that you are going to hate. Or even dislike.

So here’s the thing. When I go to Amazon, why do I see so many one-star reviews from people saying that that had to force themselves to finish such and such a book,  that it was awful, that it was the worst book they had ever read? Why do they put themselves through such torture? Why did they buy the book in the first place?

The review system, and the way books can be ranked with between one star and five stars, gives everyone a voice, the chance to say how much they enjoyed – or hated – a book.  And sites like Amazon give everyone the chance to express their opinion – and to do it anonymously.  In a perfect world this would allow the buying public to get a general consensus about which books are good, and which aren’t. But sadly the world isn’t perfect.  Take one of the greatest English novels of the twentieth century, John Le Carre’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.  One of the best thrillers ever written, but also one of the best novels.  As of today Tinker Tailor has 101 five-star reviews. But it also has ten one-star reviews.  Ten people think that Tinker Tailor is one of the worst novels ever published.  (And one of those reviewers said he couldn’t finish it, nor could he finish Catch 22).

John Le Carre is one of the greatest living writers, there is no question of that. I know that I will never produce work of the quality of his novels. That’s not to say that all his books are perfect. I didn’t like the ending of Absolute Friends, and if I had reviewed it I would probably have given it four stars for that reason.  But as of today, while Absolute Friends has ten five-star reviews it has two one-star reviews and five two-star reviews.  That means that two people think that Absolute Friends is one of the worst books in the English language.

Yes, of course everyone has the right to an opinion.  When someone tells me that they believe that the earth is flat or that the Americans didn’t land on the moon, I say “God Bless” and let them get on with it.  But I do fear there is something flawed with a system that allows people to express opinions that are so clearly wrong.

Like all writers, I get my fair share of bad reviews.  But in the good old days of real books, it was newspaper and magazine journalists who wrote reviews. And they would be balanced, and considered, and thoughtful.  And in fact most books never got reviews.  My publisher would always be thrilled to get even a few paragraphs in the Daily Mail or the Sun.  The vast majority of newly-published books were simply ignored.

But with sites like Amazon, everyone can review, and everyone’s review is treated equally.  An Amazon Top 100 reviewer who has reviewed thousands of books and written hundreds of thousands of words, is treated the same as an anonymous reviewer who has only ever reviewed one book. And in a lot of cases, reviewers leave reviews without any evidence that they have actually purchased the book. 

There’s no doubt that a proportion of reviewers abuse the system. So what is a writer to do if he gets a review that is clearly malicious or just plain stupid?  I’ve been given one-star reviews because I wrote a novel in the first person and the reviewer didn’t like first person books.  I’ve received a two-star review because the reviewer didn’t like the fact that I didn’t use chapters in my Spider Shepherd thrillers.  I’ve had reviewers saying that my writing was turgid and awful.  So my big question would be – why did you buy it in the first place?

I think it was eBook pioneer John Locke who said that if you got a bad review it was because the reviewer was outside your target market.  One of the things I have noticed is that if I price a book cheaply, I tend to get a higher percentage of bad reviews.  I think this proves that what John says is correct – because when it’s cheap people take less care about what they are buying, which means you get bought by readers outside your target market. Without fail, if I raise the price of a book, the percentage of bad reviews falls!

Last month I self-published a new crime thriller – Take Two. I priced it at the Amazon minimum of 99 cents, and it did well – it spent a month in the UK Kindle Top 10 and in February alone sold almost 40,000 copies.  But I did get a lot of bad reviews. As of today, it has 188 reviews of which 67 are five-star, 38 are four-star and 23 are one-star.  So more than ten per cent of my reviewers think Take Two is one of the worst books ever published.  The thing is, it isn’t, of course. It’s a fun crime thriller, set in the world of TV soaps, and it’s as well-written as any of my books.  But it has clearly been purchased by people who were expecting something else. Because it was cheap they probably didn’t bother reading the sample first. That’s the equivalent of taking a book off the shelf in a shop and buying it without opening it.  What I do find confusing is the number of reviewers who claim to be fans but who hated Take Two enough to give it one-star.  Yet those ‘fans’ have never reviewed any other books of mine. I would have thought a ‘fan’ would at least have reviewed a few of the books they had enjoyed.

Do bad reviews matter? You know, in the grand scheme of things I don’t think they do. I think most buyers realise that the review system is flawed and pretty much ignore it. They realise that an unknown author with ten five-star reviews for his only book is probably being supported by his family and friends. And that a lot of the one-star reviews have very little to do with the quality of the writing and more to do with trolls being trolls.

When I first started self-publishing eBooks, I would often confront people who had given me bad reviews, especially when they were clearly malicious. I learnt pretty quickly that it is a pointless exercise.  Either you wouldn’t get a response (because the account was only opened to post the one bad review) or the reviewer would react by saying how I dare I criticise them and that I had no right to query their judgement. I’ve learned that it’s best to say nothing. In fact, it’s best not to read reviews at all.

When self-publishing kicked off, Amazon were quite good about removing reviews that were clearly malicious, but their attitude has changed recently and now requests to have bad reviews taken down are met with a standard email saying that they are trying to encourage a diversity of opinion.

So here’s the simple truth.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion. And everyone is entitled to express that opinion.  All you can do as a writer is to grin and bear it. The best advice I got was from eBook guru Joe Konrath who said that writers shouldn’t read reviews of their work.  Or Google themselves. Writers should do what writers are supposed to do – write.

< Amazon Link

Amazon Link >

Bio:

Stephen Leather is the author of more than thirty novels and is one of the UK's most successful eBook publishers. His book 'The Basement' topped the Kindle bestseller list in the UK and the US and in 2011 Lee Child was the only British author who sold more eBooks. His latest thriller, 'False Friends', was in the Sunday Times Top 10 hardback bestseller list. Before working as a full-time writer he was a staff journalist on newspapers such as The Daily Mirror, The Daily Mail, The Times and the South China Morning Post.

Stephen Leather's website is http://www.stephenleather.com/ where you can find information about all of his novels as well as many other interesting facts about this prolific bestselling author. Stephen can also be followed on Twitter @stephenleather

Thank you, Stephen, for a post which gives all writers plenty of food for thought.

Eric @ www.ericjgates.com

The story so far...

I have been very lucky to have a number of writing friends share their thoughts as my guests on this blog during the past few months. As some of you may have missed these excellent articles, here is the list of all who have appeared to date, with direct links to their posts:

Paul A. Rice

http://my-thrillers.blogspot.com.es/2013/03/my-guest-paul-rice.html

Why I Write & Why You Should...

Jonel Boyko

http://my-thrillers.blogspot.com.es/2013/02/my-guest-jonel-boyko.html

Book Reviewing - a Master Class

Jordyn Redwood

http://my-thrillers.blogspot.com.es/2013/02/my-guest-jordyn-redwood.html

Story ideas

Fleur Ferris

http://my-thrillers.blogspot.com.es/2013/01/my-guest-fleur-ferris.html

Don't waste opportunities - be prepared to take your manuscript all the way

John Dolan

http://my-thrillers.blogspot.com.es/2013/01/my-guest-john-dolan.html

Playing A Round Writing

C. N. James

http://my-thrillers.blogspot.com.es/2012/12/my-guest-c-n-james_23.html

Are Independent Authors the New Publishing Paradigm?

Amy Joy

http://my-thrillers.blogspot.com.es/2012/11/my-guest-amy-joy.html

The Rise of Digital Books

Seumas Gallacher

http://my-thrillers.blogspot.com.es/2012/10/my-guest-seumas-gallacher.html

…throwing a spammer in the works …(or, letting it all hang out there…)






Thank you once again to all of you for your time, effort and insights.

A new, and surprise, Guest in a few days - Check back often!

Eric @ www.ericjgates.com

My Guest: Paul A. Rice

My guest this week is a fellow thriller writer, ex-pat and Spain-dweller. His interesting article touches on a subject that is as fascinating as it is varied in its answers. Without further ado, I give you...

Paul A. Rice 

Why I Write 

     & Why You Should...

If I'm to be honest, I'm not really sure why I write. I've dabbled several times along the way, but never seriously. It just comes upon me, the need to write, and almost surprisingly I find myself at the keypad again. I have never really applied myself before as it takes a lot of self-belief, which I didn't have back in the old days of my dabbling. I seem to remember getting serious when I was on a very lonely job in Kandahar, Afghanistan. There was no TV, no internet, and the food was horrendous. Nor was there much alcohol available, or anyone to share it with when I did manage to scrounge some. So, I hit the keypad and started writing, just to stop myself from going mad. I'm not sure I succeeded...

These days I have become addicted to writing. It is so challenging, but also very rewarding. I have spent thousands of hours writing my books and have nothing but respect for those authors who have made a success of their work. I now know exactly how much dedication and hard work it takes just to get a draft copy finished, never mind a highly-polished and ready for publication manuscript. I write because I love doing it. The task is immense, but I like a challenge. The other bonus is that since I've been writing I have had the privilege of making many new friends via Twitter and other social media applications. Keeping up to date with their writing and Blogs etc, is a great way for me to learn more about the art.

It's not easy being an indie author, and the task can seem almost fruitless at times - but we're all allowed those dark days, no matter what we do. Some days you just get out of bed on the wrong side. The bonus is that I get to do exactly what I want with my work, and I can release new books very quickly after they have been completed. It's also fun - reading feedback, watching sales, trying to make 'it' happen. You learn to treat these things with the disregard they deserve, which is why I said it was fun. If it's not fun, and you're not a multi-millionaire, famous author who has to honour a publishing contract, then why are you doing it?
Make it fun. Enjoy the experience. It can only enhance your learning, and who knows where it will lead?

I consider the last five years as my apprenticeship in the art of writing - I don't think you can ever stop learning in this game. I've made mistakes, I've been naive and I've been far too impatient, which is normal with me. But, I have learned and learned an awful lot. I put a lot of my learning down to the feedback I have received from critics. Someone once told me that I needed to hone my writing 'blade' in the white heat of my critics' fire - never a truer word said. I take heed of every word they say. Some of those words stay with me daily. I'm also thoroughly determined, obsessed even, to get this right. The feeling one gets upon receiving a good review is what makes all of this worthwhile - knowing that someone far away has enjoyed the tale, bonded with the characters, is all the motivation I need.

I don't sit down and make a big plan about my next writing project - I get an idea, see the settings in my mind, smell the places, watch the imaginary characters growing, and then I wander around for a few weeks thinking about the whole idea. Finally, and filled with trepidation, I simply sit down and start writing. It amazes me how the words and characters just seem to appear at times.

You know, I've read some of my own work and can't even remember writing it. Bizarre? Yes. Fruitful? Definitely.

I consider my life experience to be the source of my inspiration, my qualification, if you will. I call upon all the ghosts of my yesterdays to help me when I write. They have never abandoned me, even though I have tested their patience many times. They, when coupled to my vivid imagination, provide me with an endless sea of ideas. I probably possess a rather ironic and very humorous outlook on life, and this crazy world in general, which I certainly hope comes out in my lead characters at times.

If you want to write, then my main advice would be that you have to be prepared to spend many hours on your work, and be even more prepared to go back again and again to keep on trying to improve the story. However, I would also suggest that you don't try to write like other people, you are who you are, find your style, your voice, and run with it.

But, most of all - never give up, not ever.

Oh, and get yourself an editor - a good one. I didn't for a long time, and I've paid the price.

If you want to write - then start now, write that story, it doesn't matter how much you don't know about writing - you'll get better at it, you'll learn. You can ride a bicycle, right?

If you don't tell that tale, the one sitting right in the middle on the inside of your own head, then it will never be told.

Now, that would be a complete tragedy.

Get writing, come on - go for it!

Link: Tears in Tripoli - A Jake Collins Novel

Link: Hunters - A Trilogy

Bio:
I was born in 1961 in Rhodesia (now called Zimbabwe) to English parents. My father worked for Caltex Oils and my mother for the Rhodesian Government. I spent the majority of my early days at various boarding schools in Rhodesia, before returning to the UK in 1975, where I attended school in Marlborough. Since then I have lived in many different places throughout the world - at present I live in the sunny province of Almeria in southern Spain. I work internationally during the day, and I write at night. My favourite times are when I get to go home and be with my gorgeous wife - Jane. I also like to watch a whole heap of motorcycle racing on the TV. I love reading and I adore writing. Oh, and a cold beer isn't too far down the list of my favourite things, either...

My latest novel 'Hunters - A Trilogy' has just been released. 'Tears in Tripoli - A Jake Collins Novel' is a fictional thriller that I wrote after being in Libya whilst providing security services to some of the world's top media teams. The book has received some great reviews and is growing in stature on a monthly basis.

At present I am busy writing Jake's second tale. 'Dangerous Games' is turning into a real cracker - you can read a preview on my website. I am also fermenting the idea for a new thriller. Well...really, the truth is that I just haven't had the time to start writing it yet. I'm too scared that it will distract me from finishing Jake's sequel. But, it's there. I can see the whole story and all of the people involved – all of them. They're in my head, waiting for me to release them...

You can find out more about me, as well as read extracts of my novels on my website www.crazywritingrice.co.uk and follow me on Twitter @riceauthor

Thanks, Paul, for a peek into the inner workings. Take care, and keep safe!

Eric @ www.ericjgates.com

A Very British Blog Tour

I've been tagged!

... and by a Scot to boot!

My friend, and fellow scribbler, Seumas Gallacher, he of the Blogging Sporran, did this foul deed! (his post here)

So here goes.

HEALTH AND SAFETY WARNING: This post contains blatant examples of British humour. Read with care!.You've been warned.

I've been tagged to answer questions about being Very British, I think. Not sure I am, but you be the judge:

Q. Where were you born and where do you live at the moment?

A. I was born in New Brighton, in the Wirral, Cheshire. The Wirral, for those weary travellers who’ve not heard of it before, is not one of Tolkien’s creations, but the peninsula that sticks out between Liverpool to the north and Wales. It’s most memorable feature, for me, is the huge number of golf courses packed into its acreage. I lost many a ball there in my youth. You've not lived until you've been ball-less on Merseyside!

Q. Have you always lived and worked in Britain or are you based elsewhere at the moment?

A. I worked in the UK for 12 years before moving to warmer climes (Oh, the winter of '76! Still remember it. Even my hot-water bottle froze!) I was based in Madrid, Spain for many a year but travelled all over Europe and to the States, Africa and other exotic hotspots (emphasis on hot). I still live in Spain, but now on the Mediterranean coast.

Q. Which is your favourite part of Britain?

A. Having lived outside the UK for over 30 years, I tend to see Britain not as someone born there but with a fresh pair of eyes every time I return. Therefore, although I still have a soft spot for the Wirral and North Wales, there is something new to be rediscovered with every trip back to Blighty. I always seem to have that song by 'Sting' running through my head when I'm there, though.

Q. Have you ‘highlighted’ or ‘showcased’ any particular part of Britain in your books? For example, a town or city; a county, a monument or some well-known place or event?

A. Not yet. To date my novels have been set predominantly outside the UK. In the novel I’m currently writing, ‘Leaving Shadows’, I start the tale in the South of England (rainy and cold) and then skip to London (rainy and cold and grey), but leap over to Europe after that (dry and sunny). Weather is such a strong influence in my writing. 

Q. There is an illusion – or myth if you wish - about British people that I would like you to discuss. Many see the ‘Brits’ as ‘stiff upper lip’. Is that correct? 

A:  No. I spent years explaining to the Spanish that I didn’t even own a Bowler hat nor rolled umbrella. I used to know someone, many an eon ago, who had a Bowler - he kept it on the back seat parcel shelf of his Mini to stop his golf balls rolling around (Shout-out to Roger Doswell, wherever you are). Topical allusions such as these abound everywhere. Tea at Five? The only time I've experienced this (paper doilies and all), it was at a Belgian's house in Nairobi! They did it as a tribute to me, so I wouldn't miss home so much! After 30 years I’ve yet to see a ‘Toreador’ walking the streets in Spain, yet it’s part of the image Brits often have of the locals here. And the ‘stiff upper lip’? Probably an excess of Botox, if you ask me.

Q. Do any of the characters in your books carry the ‘stiff upper lip’? Or are they all ‘British Bulldog’ and unique in their own way?

A. I do enjoy having the occasional subtle sideways dig at British stereotypes in my books, especially the few that I’ve encountered in real life. But I try to make them as believable as possible, without exaggerating their foibles too much. Exagerated foibles! Sounds contagious.

Q. Tell us about one of your recent books

A. My last novel, ‘the CULL’ was an interesting project. I decided to take the whole vampire theme, dump all the teenage angst etc, and return to the horror of Polidori and Stoker. I started with an in-depth investigation into where the myths came from (not Vlad Tepes the Impaler, as you might expect, but much, much older and from a different part of the world) and tried to establish a solid ‘scientific’ explanation for the creatures if they were in fact real. Then I wove a fast-paced contemporary suspense thriller around this. If readers are looking for another YA novel with ‘romantic’ vampires, then ‘the CULL’ will surprise you: it’s hard-nosed and scary. It’s been described as Patterson meets Dan Brown meets Bram Stoker, but entirely unique. Read it, and judge for yourselves.

Q. What are you currently working on?

A. I’m currently in the middle of ‘Leaving Shadows’, a spy thriller that starts with the kidnapping of the Head of the Secret Intelligence Service, aka MI6. But nothing, not even from the first page in the tale, is as it seems. Watch for it in Spring of this year.

Q. How do you spend your leisure time?

A. Reading, as do most writers. I also love watching films (that’s movies for those who don’t speak the Queen's English), listening to music, travel… oh and I teach traditional martial arts to anyone who’ll listen and advanced tactical self-defence to Police, military and bodyguards and the like. You know, the usual staid, quiet life of an ex-pat.

Q. Do you write for a local audience or a global audience?

A. Honestly I write for myself. I am my only fan! No, joking aside, I like to give my books a global appeal, but I focus on writing what I enjoy. I try above all else to be entertaining. I used to read many books whilst stuck in airports or overnight hotel stays as a break from the stress of the job. I endeavour to make my novels great reads when you’re in similar situations (so fair warning: don't try to read them anywhere else - they don't work!); something to take your mind away from the day-to-day. When you want to return to reality, close the book.

Q. Can you provide links to your work?

A. On my website www.ericjgates.com there are links to all of my novels on distinct platforms (Amazon, Kobo, Nook, Sony, etc... even paper!) so rather than adding a long list here, you can find them with a single click on my Home page. While you’re there, the web has extracts of all the novels, the Inside Secrets (some of which should not be read until you’ve finished the relevant book), even a competition where you can win a character named after you in a future book. There’s also writing tips if you’re daft enough to take up this strange and intoxicating business of novelist yourself. The web runs to over fifty pages and there’s something for everyone.

Sorry. 

Got to go now. 

Kettle's boiling. 

Time for a cuppa! 

TTFN!

One lump or two?

Eric @ www.ericjgates.com

My Guest: Jonel Boyko

We all know that the writing business is changing. Certain aspects of the journey of a novel from the initial idea, through the writer's craft, to the finished article nestling in the readers' hands have grown in importance as this evolution progresses. One of these is book reviews. However, as all writers know, many people have little or no idea how to review a book so that their conclusions are useful to both the author and potential readers. That is not the case with this week's guest. She is an experienced, insightful reviewer who graces us today with a Master Class in how to produce a useful book review.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

Jonel Boyko

Book Reviewing  
 - a Master Class

As a species, humans tend to find ways to escape the reality that they live in. The western world tends to turn to movies, malls, and that sort of thing. A select few of us still turn to books in order to escape reality. We find ourselves lost in a world that the author creates for us. For a while we are amongst the characters that these authors so tactfully put on the pages of the book. They pour their souls into the pages of the book to provide us with our escape. What do they get in return? A pay check? Eventually, they’ll see some return. The ability to affect others through their words? Most likely, but how do they know this? Praise? Possibly, depending on reviews that people write.

For the most part, when we read a book we don’t think about the author. All that we are looking for is an escape from reality. At times, however there is a book that catches us (or definitely does not spark anything in us) and we have something to say about it. This is when people tend to write reviews. They either loved or hated what they had just read. Simply stating that you liked or hated a book or regurgitating what happened throughout is not a real review. 

But I’m getting ahead of myself here. Let’s back up a bit and take a look at reviewing and why it’s not about the reader, but rather a reciprocal relationship with the author. The reader provides you with your escape from reality and you provide them with feedback about this world via your review.

The most important thing to think about before writing a review is why.  Why are you writing a review about the book?  If it was phenomenal or absolutely horrendous, you’re right, you probably want to write and post a review somewhere.  This is a good starting point for a review but it should be just that, a starting point.  There should be more to it than that to come up with anything of substance. A review shouldn’t be tearing a book apart or saying how horrendous it is.   It needs substance and explanation.  I’ll get into this further in a moment.

If you are writing a review simply because you wanted a free book, please stop for a moment and think about it. Who are you helping other than yourself? If this is the only reason that you are writing a review then it will probably lack any benefit to the author. An author will at times provide free copies of their books in order to gain reviews for various websites to increase their sales. To do this, they need you to put the who, what, where, why, when, and how into your review. This also has an added benefit for the author. If you format your review in such a way you provide the author with constructive criticism that will help them with their future writing. Point being, if an author provides you with a free book, make sure that you are giving them some valid points, this is the value that they are getting from their gift to you, and yes, it is a GIFT. If you are simply writing random words so that people continue to give you free stuff, then you are stomping on the gift so generously given to you.

My reasons for reviewing do combine a bit of both of the above (I’d be crazy to turn down a free book, now wouldn’t I?); however, it goes much deeper than that.  By reviewing a book, not only do I tell the author how I felt about the book, but I also help other readers choose their next escape from reality.  Above all, I review for a rather selfish reason.  Writing a review allows me to get my thoughts about a book in order.  I have a reason to sit down and figure out why I loved (or hated) it so much, which character I was able to relate to the most, and if I could picture myself in that world.  If I’m setting this up for myself, sharing it with other readers and letting the author know what I think is just a natural next step.

That said, how do I write a review? If I know that I’m going to review a book, I’ll take notes while reading it. It’s nothing in depth. I simply jot down anything that caught my attention. It might be something unique, something that doesn’t quite make sense, or something that was phenomenal. Basically anything that I feel is worth noting. When I sit down to write a review the first thing that I put down on paper is what I thought or felt about the book and why. Keep in mind that the why is just as important as the what here. I also try to mention the descriptions, settings, and character development in each review. They are all important aspects of a novel and deserve to be mentioned in your review. When writing your review keep in mind that there is always something good in a book, regardless of how horrendous you found the writing. There is also always something that you’d change with a phenomenal book. Keep in mind that you are not the author and would therefore write it differently than they would. 

Reviewing isn’t easy. In fact, at times it’s very hard work. It’s not about word count but rather about getting a cohesive message across to your audience, because in essence that’s what you’re doing. As a reviewer you are now writing for an audience. Above all, when writing a review, be completely honest. You read what you read and felt what you felt, let others know what that was.


Bio: 

I am currently living the life in a mid-sized town in Ontario, Canada. I have my BSc as a double major in Biology and Classics with an emphasis in marine ecology, as well as my MA(H) in history with an emphasis in medieval religious persecution. While not working in a geochemical laboratory I enjoy spending time outside with my dogs. I also have a horse that I ride both recreationally and competitively.

The main love of my life is reading. It’s been this way as long as I can remember. Via my blog, Pure Jonel, I get to share my love of the written word with others. It’s been a phenomenal experience and I hope that it remains that way for a very long time.

Links: 

Blog: http://purejonel.blogspot.ca/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/15432163-jonel-boyko

Email: jonelboyko@gmail.com

Check out some of Jonel's reviews on Goodreads and her blog. 

If you are an author, send this post to your fans, so they can help you with their reviews. 

If you are a reader, re-read this post before you write your next review. You owe it to yourself... and the author.

Eric @ www.ericjgates.com

My Guest: Jordyn Redwood

My Guest this week has managed to successfully combine not just two demanding occupations (Pediatric ER nurse by day and Suspense Novelist by night) but take this one step further by setting up a service to help writers get medical details right in their novels. It's with great pleasure I present...

Jordyn Redwood


Story ideas

Someone asked me once if my suspense mind is ever turned off.

Put simply . . . no.

Seemingly, every day events can turn into the plot line of a new novel—particularly if it involves some sort of scary, unheard of medical condition. Yea, I’m all over those like spray tan on a movie star.

Some writers I talk to have difficulty coming up with story ideas and so I thought I’d spend some time talking about where I get my story ideas and maybe they’ll spur a new resource for you.

1. Real Life: I’m an ER nurse so I come across all walks of life every day. Now of course, due to certain health privacy laws, I can’t disclose a patient name and age and associate that with a medical condition. But, let’s be honest. Patients, co-workers, and physicians will meld into characters. I never highlight one specific person but take traits I like . . . and don’t like . . . from those around me.
2. News Stories: It is absolutely true that an author can’t write a story like it happens in “real life” and have an editor believe it yet we see examples of this every day in the news. Just recently there was the story of a Swedish woman who crashed a train into a building after taking it for a joy ride. Now this starts all sorts of questions in my mind: How did she get access to a train? How do you crash a train? I mean, aren’t they kind of trapped going in a straight line?
3. Images: Recently, I was a watching a video done by CeeLo Green to one of my favorite Christian songs. Now, I’m not a sold-out CeeLo Green fan so was interested in what his take was on the message. You can watch it here. Regardless of what you think of Christianity, some of the images are powerful. At minute mark 2:04 there is an image of Mary helping Jesus raise the cross that would crucify him. As a mother, imagining helping prepare my child’s instrument of torture is unthinkable yet. . . why did she do it? Because she knew what the ultimate act meant? What other images bring to mind strong thoughts and feelings? The student facing down the tank in Tiananmen Square? A firefighter carrying a child out of a burning building? If you find an image that strikes you see if you can build a story around it. Does the image represent the climax of the story?
4. Research: I know, I see the hands reaching up to stifle a yawn but hear me out. I do a lot of non-fiction reading for my fiction novels. Books about body language, handwriting analysis, and wilderness survival to name a few. I find that researching a story brings the characters to life for me. Also, scientific discoveries and then I think of how they can go awry. I mean, I am a medical thriller author!
5. Dreams: This is low on my list because I’m too lazy to get up and write down what happened . . . or I don’t want to remember what happened. Other authors find this a great story generator and keep a journal by their bed to jot notes down. It’s probably wise to keep a little idea notebook with you to jot down ideas as they come. Not all of these thoughts will be novels but it keeps the creative machine moving.
6. An actual story generator: There are websites that help generate story ideas. Here is one you can peruse. This is the writing prompt it gave me: A doctor has a day to find new homes for a museum of oddities. Now, for this to work for me I’d have to have the doctor find a dead body or some hidden virus to get it to work but change it for your genre.

What about you?

How do you generate stories?

Where do most of your ideas come from?

What are some helpful websites you’ve found?

Amazon link >

< Amazon link

Bio: Jordyn has served patients and their families for nearly 20 years and currently works as a Pediatric ER Nurse. As a self professed medical nerd and trauma junkie, she was drawn to the controlled chaotic environments of critical care and emergency nursing. Her love of teaching developed early and she was among the youngest CPR instructors for the American Red Cross at the age of seventeen. Since then, she has continued to teach advanced resuscitation classes to participants ranging from first responders to MD’s.


When she discovered she also had a fondness for answering medical questions for authors, this led to the creation of Redwood’s MedicalEdge. This blog is devoted to helping contemporary and historical authors write medically accurate fiction. Jordyn lives in Colorado with her husband, two daughters and one crazy hound dog. In her spare time she also enjoys reading her favorite authors, quilting and cross stitching. You can learn more about Jordyn by visiting her website at www.jordynredwood.net.

Her debut novel, Proof, garnered a starred review from LibraryJournal and has been endorsed by the likes of Dr. Richard Mabry, Lynette Eason, and Mike Dellosso to name a few. The second book in the Bloodline Trilogy, Poison, releases Feb, 2013.

Thank you Jordyn, and best wishes for your new novel.

Eric @ www.ericjgates.com

Music while you work

This post may seem to be a response to the one written recently by Seumas Gallacher on his excellent blog here but it wasn’t intended to be that way. I’ve actually been working on it for a couple of weeks at odd moments. Great minds think alike, Seumas, laddie.

Writers are visceral creatures.

They stalk the blank pages of boredom populating them with sprites of creative wonder whose sole objectives are to entertain and stimulate the reader.

However, as all scribblers know, sometimes they need a kick-start to get them in the mood. It’s well known how certain novelists sought inspiration in bottles; others have found that plunging into the depths of their own grief to be the fulcrum they need. Myself, I prefer other less harmful pursuits. My drug of choice is… music.

We have all been moved by music at one time or another: the stirring in the breast as we hear the opening notes of some great anthem; the watering eye, product of a lilting refrain; the uncontrollable foot tapping born of a syncopated rhythm; even the urge to wave a lighter in the air as our favourite band go melodic.

It’s all about emotion!

And so is writing.

That’s why they go so well together; the notes and the words waltzing majestically as black ink fills white spaces.

Yet…

Care must be taken!

You see, when we writers use music as background to our task, we are really tricking our brains into simulating certain physiological responses. Yes I am going to get all-scientific on you…

What many call the lizard brain, the amygdala, hiding at the top of the spinal chord (sorry, that should have been ‘cord’) is the beastie responsible for handling all sensory input initially. As it crouches in crotchety comfort at the base of ze little grey cells, it has only one chore to perform, which it does exceedingly well – it’s a database lookup engine!

An example:

As the first notes of the ‘March of the Swiss Soldiers’ finale of Rossini's ‘William Tell Overture’ start to sound, my amygdala does a quick double-take and pulls up a reference to a bloke dressed all in white with a black kerchief, mounted on a white stallion, at full gallop, as the voice-over yells “Hi-Ho Silver! Away!” and dredges from my memory such enigmatic words as ‘ke-mo sah-bee’ and ‘tonto’ – although the latter is more useful because I live in Spain and here tonto means stupid. But as I said, it’s all about emotion. For younger readers, to seewhat am I talking about, click here

My amygdala doesn’t stop there. No, it associates these references with the past emotional experiences related to them. Was I happy or sad when I first heard them? Why does it do this? Well, basically its job is to decide if the sensory stimuli signify danger. Yes, this is our ‘fight or flight’ motor. If there is no immediate peril, Rossini’s staccato stream is passed on to the rest of the brain where more rational, analytical actions are taken as a result. Yet that first instant response is unavoidable.

Now there are those amongst you who will not experience the same response. Seumas, for example, may be more moved by George Seaton’s original ‘Hi-yo Silver’ in the original 1933 radio broadcast that started it all – I’m too young to remember that. And shortly, May 2013 I believe, millions will associate the Lone Ranger with a monochrome figure with a dead crow on its head.

Am I rambling again? No. What I’m pointing out, in my traditional long-winded way, is that all the emotional responses are unique to each individual.

Yet the emotion will be there.

So we need to take great care when writing with a musical background.

Writers infuse their words with emotion which tickle their readers’ amygdalae (?) as well. (You’re nobody until you’ve had your amygdalae tickled, Seumas!). I’ve said this often, though not so pseudo-scientifically. Now if the music we chose is going to condition our emotions, then the words we choose will also be conditioned - ergo, ipso-facto, quod erat demonstrandum etc. (bet you didn’t know I speak fluent Rubbish?).

Not sure what I mean?

Try a little experiment…

Play this on a loop on your PC and try writing a fast-paced action scene: a challenge

So take care in what you listen to when writing! It’ll tickle your amygdalae!



PS: Seumas: was that Jennifer Anniston at the end of the video wondering if she had gone into a funeral instead of a concert?

Eric @ www.ericjgates.com

An Avid Reader's Haven: Author Interview - Eric J. Gates, Suspense and Par...

An Avid Reader's Haven: Author Interview - Eric J. Gates, Suspense and Par...: Eric J. Gates Suspense & Paranormal        Who wants to go in first? Thank you for stopping by to meet Eric. It looks lik e we're...

My Guest: Fleur Ferris

So far in these Guest Posts my invited participants have been writers from around the globe who have gone the Indie route. Whilst this area of the new publishing paradigm is growing, traditional publishing is still strong and many writers choose this as their way to success. This time I bring you a writer from Australia who offers all of us some very useful and interesting advice. Ladies and Gentlemen,

Fleur Ferris


Don't waste opportunities - be prepared to take your manuscript all the way

I wish I was sharing my “road to traditional publication” story, but I can’t. I haven’t completed that journey. But at the end of 2012 I met a major milestone. I signed with Literary Agent Tara Wynne of Curtis Brown Australia.

The list of milestones, opportunities and people who helped me reach this stage is too long for this post. But I thought I would share a few things I did that helped me reach this stage.  

1.       Goal setting – Decide what you want.

Two years ago I decided I wanted to write novels and publish them through traditional channels. I also decided I wanted an agent. I made this goal my number one focus, outside of family. I had already written three novels but had never actually sought publication or set publication goals.

2.       Mindset – Change your mindset and start doing what it takes to reach your goal.

Author, Rebecca Sparrow, gave some great advice one day in a brief comment after a blog post on mamamia.com.au. She said, change your mindset from, “I want to be a writer” to “I am a writer” – you have to believe it before anyone else will. The next day I started a blog and put my writing out for public scrutiny. My blog was never that great, but it changed my mindset and gave me confidence to show people my work.

3.      Improving your craft – writing and gaining feedback improves your craft and boosts your confidence as a writer. 

The confidence I gained from blogging lead to me wanting feedback on my novels. I joined a website called youwriteon.com. It’s a site where authors can exchange reviews on their opening chapters. Your work is rated and placed in a chart so you can see where you fit in the YWO talent pool. Failure to achieve Top Ten on this website does not indicate failure outside of this website. I had completed my fourth novel by this stage and had started my fifth. I uploaded the opening chapters of both. Novel #4 came in at number 17, and Novel #5 catapulted into the Top Ten. Novel # 5 ended up being a winner of the The Next Big Author Competition (run on the You Write On website).

4.       Opportunities – Look for and do things to create opportunities.

There’s a writer’s festival in Australia called Write Around the Murray. This festival hosts something called “Moment with a mentor”.  In 2012 one of the “mentors” was Literary Agent Tara Wynne from Curtis Brown Australia. I applied with an extract of my fifth novel, a synopsis and a pitch letter. I was one of five writers to gain a 30 minute interview. I was told later by the selection panel that I was chosen because of my success on You Write On and because I had written five novels.

5.       Don’t waste opportunities – Be prepared and take your manuscript all the way.

Researching Tara’s client list did not put my mind as ease. It terrified me, and at no stage did I think I could ever be on it. I needed help. And fast. Many people helped at this stage, but I have to keep it brief so can only name one. Professional editor and author, Heather Webb (Twitter: @msheatherwebb blog/website: www.heatherwebb.net/blog), edited my full manuscript and refined my verbal pitch lines. She did a superb job and I felt prepared as I headed off for my 30 minute meeting with Tara. Tara asked to read my full manuscript. Her next email went something like this: I’m gripped. I’ll call you tomorrow.  Huzzah!

I now have everything crossed for Novel #5, which will be pitched to publishers soon, and I’m writing Novel #6.  

Bio:

Fleur spent the first seventeen years of her life growing up on a wheat farm in Patchewollock, Australia. She then moved twenty times in twenty years. During this time, Fleur sometimes saw the darker side to life whilst working for Police and Ambulance Services. She now lives a more settled lifestyle on a rice farm in Southern New South Wales, with her husband and three young children.

Fleur’s varied life experiences, combined with formal studies in applied science and professional writing has given Fleur a unique insight into modern day Australia. When she isn’t weaving this through young adult fiction, reading or spending time with her family, you will find her with friends, talking art, books and travel.

Fleur may be contacted at:

Twitter: @FleurFerris
Blog: flossygettingpublished.blogspot.com


We wish Fleur the greatest success with her novels. Remember the name; you will be seeing it on your local store's bookshelves soon.


Eric @ www.ericjgates.com

Extreme Reading!

Reading.

When you are asked about your hobbies and pastimes and list this amongst them, people still look at you askance. Why? It’s so passive, Dude! You know; you just sit there and turn pages, hardly any effort involved. Even less if it’s an e-book. Hey, forget that! Come do some Hang Gliding/off-road driving/downhill skiing – live a more adventurous life – experience, Dude!

And they are right.

But not why you think.

We readers of the World, we billions of readers, are too set in our ways.

Reading is a passive activity – yes, in that we don’t move a lot – physically, that is. Yet there are very few pursuits available to everyone that can take your mind to places that stir emotions, allow involvement in life-threatening pursuits, introduce you to memorable people and places that will change your whole outlook on life, that allow you to live outside your boundaries… and with NO RISK.

Vertigo, as you scale the sheer rock face alongside the hero? Just put the book down.

Anxious, as you see the speeding train near and the chains tying you to the track won’t budge? Just put the book down.

Trembling, as the assassin’s blade nears the throat of your beloved heroine? Just put the book down.

It’s controlled madness!

And there’s a whole bunch of writers out there finding new ways to make our senses tingle every minute of every day.

Excitement. Danger. Exotic places. Evil villains. Exceptional heroes. Mind-blowing tales.

So why do we insist on reading only in our comfort zones?

“I like police thrillers, so that’s all I read”

“Me, I only read paranormal stuff with vampires.”

“I like a good suspense novel. I just read these two or three authors”

And so on…

What a boring life!

Look, you have no risk. Just put the book down. Try something outside your usual fare. Just be a little adventurous… find something NEW!

Remember this:

Once upon a time, not that long ago, J. K. Rowling, Dan Brown, and even James Patterson, were unknowns. Someone discovered their books and experienced a sensorial thrill from their prose long before people bought their works just for the author name ('it’s a XXXXXX XXXXXXX so it must be good!')

Experiment and discover the new Indie authors out there and the fresh air they are bringing to your favourite genres. It’s like that moment when someone thought to put a twist of lemon into sparkling water!

Read outside your comfort zone!

Be an EXTREME READER!

This message has been brought to you by Eric J. Gates, author of a vampire novel where the creatures DON’T have fangs! And they’re Irish! What, how dare he!

Eric @ www.ericjgates.com