Promise Fulfilled

When I started Promise of Tomorrow, I was not quite sure where the story would take me. As I finished Volume 6: Deliverance, it surprised me how far it went.

From the beginning, I asked "How far would you go to keep your faith?"

I feel like that question had several levels. For the protagonist, Luke Umble, it is answered in two ways. The story developed into something more than "Amish in Space". To me, it is about keeping faith no matter what life hands you. Set 50 years in the future, the Umble family is escaping a dying Earth. However, many of the problems and joys that they find on their adventure are similar to what we face on a daily basis. How do you keep your children safe from bullying? How do you feed your family when things are tight? How does a grown man relate to his father? How does a father relate to his rebellious teen son? Any of this sound familiar?

I wish I could say my little story dispenses wisdom by the bucketful. At least I can say this is my take on it. I believe man (or woman) can only go so far on wits and self-reliance. It is faith that carries us over that last gap. I don't think God is sitting up there on a cloud looking down at the Earth. I believe His power and love crosses the limitless universe. The only time we are away from Him is when we choose to be, when we lose faith. Part of the message of Promise of Tomorrow is that we cannot do it on our own. We need faith especially when we feel like we are in a hopeless situation.

What is waiting for us out there in space? Another Eden, perhaps?

(from the movie Knowing)

Enough pontificating. Besides being inspirational, it is a good sci-fi story, but nothing too heavy. I did my research and hopefully it shows. Underneath it all, however, I am still a fantasy writer, so please don't knock me too hard when my sprockets don't line up with the flux capacitor. Ultimately, this is a story about people which happens to be set on a spaceship.

I would appreciate it if you pick up volume 6 for only 99 cents on Kindle, Nook or Kobo.

Here is the Kindle link:

http://amzn.to/16iYXBy

Also, it would be great to hear from you. Please share your answers to any of the questions above or your thoughts on the story in the comments or on my Facebook page:

www.FB.com/MarkMillerAuthor

Guest Post - TK Harris

Writing Tips for "New" Writers

(In 12 Easy Steps.  Ha!)

Whether you've been writing for years or just getting started, we can all use a little help.  Though I have sold several short stories and finally published a novel, I can't give you the same kind of tips as a pro.  I won't even try!  For that, I think one of the best books I've read is Stephen King's "On Writing".  It’s a weird mash of autobiographical information with a heaping dose of practical advice toward the end.  If you haven't read it, read it.  If you haven't bought it, buy it.  It's worth it.

Ok, now for advice from a newbie published author. 

I tried it all I think.  Outlines, freeform writing, story boarding, classes, articles, books, writing while upside down chanting yoga like prayers…Ok, maybe not that last part.  But I may just have to try it the next time I'm staring at the screen with a "deer in the headlight" expression.  Everyone works differently.  But I really hate when an "advice" piece says something like that, or "just try it until you find something that works for you".  You can.  But, sometimes you want to say "Just tell me already!". 

So, here goes. 

Step 1)  Type up a character sheet on each character. Its ok if they change as you go.  But at least have the basics such as full name, age, hair and eye color, etc.  Do this for every character. 

Step 2) Find a wall, a board, it doesn't matter.  Just find a place where you can put up your character profiles and a bunch of 3 x 5 cards and they can stay.  For months if need be.  (I used my dinning room for awhile and then my bedroom wall).  My suggestion is to use paint safe tape or thumb tacks (because both can be pulled off and reused numerous times – although the tape leaves no marks).   This wall should really be close to where you write, maybe across the room so you have to get up and stretch your legs and rest your eyes.  But not too far away.

Step 3)  Write.  Write until you finish your story or novel or opus magnum.  Don't stop, don't rethink.  Write.  With ONE exception.  When you've finished that paragraph, chapter, or even just your 7 words for the day, grab a 3 x 5 card, a pen, and highlighter(s) and write down the relevant pieces of information (by chapter or scene) that occurred.  For me this was the major points in the each chapter of Phantom Dreams such as who lead what scene, any deaths that occurred, how, and who died.  (You'd be surprised how quickly your dead bodies get mixed up!).  You can use the highlighter to highlight things like when a major turning point occurred.  In my case, I used red to highlight each killing and Kathy's escalating dreams. 

NUMBER the cards sequentially.  Either by chapter or scene and try not to put too much information on these.  These note cards and character profiles are going to do a couple of things for you later on. 

Step 4)  Use the cards as reference points to keep you on track and remembering things like what your character looks like and how old they are.  (Kathy changed age in my first draft 5 times! Obviously I didn't start out with Step 1. :/ )

Step 5)  You've finished your first draft!  Have a glass of wine, beer, or whatever.  Put your manuscript and your cards up.  Celebrate.  And then ignore that manuscript for at least a month.  Two months is better.  And find another project.  Try something new to help refill your creative well.  You're going to need it…

Because this is a blog and I'm supposed to keep it short, if you're interested in receiving the entire article and the next 7 steps, simply contact me at: https://www.tkharrisonline.com and go to the contact page OR like my Phantom Dreams page on Facebook and leave a comment requesting the article. 

You can also just stop by to say "hi"! 

Rhapsody of Faith

In the latest installment of ONE, Jean E. Lane takes us to a land of castles and kings!

Mark Miller's ONE 2013

Story Nine

Bohemia

All at once, the author delivers a story of both faith and mystery. It becomes obvious that she feels knowing one's self means knowing one's past. Stories of her grandfather and his journey to the United States sent Jean on a trip back in time. I am a little envious that she did something many of us only dream of doing. She went to the land of her ancestors. She visited Czechoslovakia and saw first hand the history of her family and her faith. The author is detailed in her descriptions of events surrounding King Wenceslas, but underneath it, you can feel her longing for the grandeur and spirituality of the land and architecture.

About the book: 100% of the author’s proceeds will be donated to Bridge to Ability Specialized Learning Center, a not-for-profit organization serving the educational and therapeutic needs of fragile children with severe physical and cognitive disabilities. www.BridgeToAbility.org. The authors, creator and publisher are in no other way affiliated with this organization. Mark Miller’s One 2013 is a spiritual anthology examining True-Life experiences of Authors and their Faith. As the series evolves expect to discover what it means to have faith, no matter what that faith is and no matter where they live. Remember that we are all part of this One World. In Story Nine, Jean E. Lane travels back in time with a story of family and faith. Inspired by tales from her grandfather, the author traveled around the world. She needed to see firsthand all of the history and mystery that built her beliefs

Available Now on Kindle!

http://amzn.to/15ZpNP4

Free Kindle Paperwhite

Starting Weds Oct 2nd and continuing till Thursday Oct 24th, the Helping Hands Press authors will be hosting a “Road Rally” contest.

What does that entail? What is the Grand Prize? How do you participate?

It's easy!

Each week there will be two to three blogs of HHP authors to stop by on the journey to the Grand Prize- a Kindle Paperwhite. Each author will have a word to give you as you stop by and leave a comment on their blog or message them on Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Mark's Facebook - www.FB.com/MarkMillerAuthor

Mark's Twitter - @AuthorMark

There will be 14 words in all to gather to complete one phrase. Along the way there will be other prizes as adventurers on the Road Rally gather points as well as words for doing a variety of things. Each author stop along the Rally will have its own fun stuff to do, see and explore. 

Some of the other authors that are participating in the Road Rally are: Linda Rondeau, Murray Pura, Jen Cudmore, George Michael Loughmueller, Kathy Bruins, Susan J. Reinhardt, J. Smith, Roger Rheinheimer, Amber Schamel, Randall K. Harp, Marsha Hubler, Sarah Price.

Now, to see if you are paying attention - the clue to my secret word is in a post on my FB author page.

What is Booktoberfest?

Authors in the Park is coming to historic Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora. Saturday, October 5th, JLB Creatives presents Authors in the Park – Booktoberfest from 2 to 5pm on the lawn in front of the quaint town’s iconic landmark hotel, AIP spokesman Mark Miller, said today. 

Booktoberfest combines a traditional German Oktoberfest with an old-fashioned Halloween Costume Contest from the imaginations and creativity of twenty local authors. Host Lakeside Inn will make available authentic German food and beverage. There will be music and more fun. All of the participating authors will be appearing in costume, dressed as one of the characters from their huge variety of books.

The authors include: Janet Beasley; John J. Browne y Ayes; Maria Cox; Lisa DeMarco; Donna DeVito; Wendy Dingwall; Dr. Les Hardin; Tawdra Kandle; Jean E. Lane; Rebekah Lyn; De Miller; Mark Miller; Olivia Miller; Theresa Oliver; Keith Rommel; Tony Vincent; Elise VanCise; Pennie Whitt; Ed Wysocki and Randa Zollinger.

“Lakeside Inn is such an incredible host. We are honored to be a new part of their 130 year history. You won’t find better service or a friendlier staff anywhere,” said JLB Creatives president Janet Beasley.

The Lakeside Inn along with several other local sponsors are contributing to the prize pack for the costume contest. Contest details can be found at www.AuthorsinthePark.com or www.FB.com/AuthorsInThePark. Sponsors are encouraging guests to come in costume. To be eligible for the grand prize, a guest must be dressed as one of the characters listed on the Authors in the Park website, Miller said. There will be two grand prizes based on age, one for “Under 18” and another for “Over 18”. The “Under 18” prize will be a family pack of 4 tickets to the Mount Dora Ghost Walk and a $20 gift certificate to PizzAmore’. The “Over 18” prize will include two tickets to the Ghost Walk, a one night stay at the historic Lakeside Inn and breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

“This is a totally unique event,” said Jean E. Lane, AIP Sponsor Coordinator. “Guests will have the opportunity to dress as a character from a book by the author they are meeting at Booktoberfest.”

The presenting authors represent a wide spectrum of books from non-fiction to children’s picture books, from Florida history to Earth’s future. The authors include Best-Sellers, Award-Winners, a direct descendant of Ponce de Leon, movie makers and more.

“Our events are not only a reader’s paradise, but also a family fun event. We’ve had art shows, church picnics and now two October parties in one,” Miller, who is public relations and media specialist for JLB Creatives, said. "It is especially fun for me as I will be flanked by my daughter and father, both accomplished authors in their own right.”

Because October is also recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month, Farley Frigeration of Astatula will be on hand raising funds for the Susan G. Komen foundation. 

“JLB Creatives’ goal is two-fold,” Mrs. Beasley said.” We want to promote local and independent authors and, at the same time, give back to our community. Mount Dora is such a wonderful, supportive place. If we can help bring in literacy and raise awareness for worthy causes, then that is only a small way in which we can repay this great city.”

JLB Creatives, with support from Arts for the Community, Inc. (a non-profit based in Mount Dora), is actively seeking sponsors for future events and other activities. AIP is involved with the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce and other merchant associations. Contact can be made through the website to arrange an author appearance at your event or organization, Miller said.

Cover Reveal - Adrienne Woods' Firebolt

Today we have a cover reveal for an upcoming release from GMTA publishing's Mythos Press.

Firebolt by Adrienne Woods

Dragons. Right. Teenage girls don't believe in fairy tales, and sixteen-year-old Elena Watkins was no different.

Until the night a fairy tale killed her father.

Now Elena is in a new world, and a new school. The cutest guy around may be an evil dragon, a prince wants Elena's heart, and a long dead sorcerer may be waking up to kill her. Oh and the only way Elena's going to graduate is on the back of a dragon of her own.

Teenage girls don't believe in fairy tales. Now it's time for Elena to believe in...herself.
About the author: I was born and raised in South Africa, where I still live with my husband, and two beautiful little girls. I always knew that I was going to be a writer but it only started to happen about four years ago, now I can’t stop writing. In my free time, If I get any because Moms don’t really have free time, I love to spend time with friends, if it’s a girls night out, or just a movie, I’m a very chilled person. My writing career is starting with Firebolt, book one with the Dragonian Series, there will be four books in total and two to three books that is about the stories taking place inside The Dragonian Series. I do write in different Genres, I have a woman’s fiction called the Pregnancy Diaries, but it would be published under another name. And then I have a paranormal series, called the Watercress series. There are about ten novels in that one. So, plenty of novels to come out, so little time. I hope you are going to embrace the Dragonian Series as much as I loved writing them.

Time to Win

Today's post is sponsored by my new friends at Grammarly! Please visit their site to see the "World's Best Grammar Checker". That's really what it is - an online grammar check. All you have to do is drag-and-drop, upload or copy-and-paste your text and let them do the rest! (my wife uses Grammarly at her work - Rasmussen College)

Keep reading for your chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card!

I am thrilled to have a sponsor today because this post means a lot to me. Today, I am talking about my daughter. She's 10 years old and she's published! OK, I admit it. Our first work together (Sons of the King) was mostly me. She named the characters and locations, but I did the majority of writing. However, with her latest book, she did almost everything.

The Tinfoil Girl by Olivia Miller is a children’s story about being lost and finding your way. It is about discovering new worlds and new friends. Most of all, it is about having faith. This book was written by a ten year old elementary school student. 

I wrote a little review on Goodreads: I will do my best not to be bias and I will say this is not a "paid" review. As the author's father, I have to say that I see so much of this young lady's personality in the story. Her creativity and innocence shines through the pages. As an author myself, I am impressed by Olivia's word choice and her simple, direct story line. She delivers a strong message of faith without being "preachy". She establishes her character, creates conflict and delivers resolution. I look forward to the author she is going to become (far better than I will ever be).

She is also already receiving praise from professional critics, like THIS 5-star review from the free service at Reader's Favorite. How cool is it that she was compared to George MacDonald, a pioneer of modern fantasy!

What else can I tell you about Olivia? She is currently a full-time student. She completed a three year dual language program, in which she learned Spanish as a second language. Olivia is an Honor Roll member and has been recognized as a gifted student. Born in Kansas, she moved with her family to Florida at an early age. She has a passion for writing and a unique way with words. Sons of the King is her first collaboration with her father. She has many more stories to tell, but also holds a secret wish to sing on America's Got Talent. One of Olivia's claims to fame is that she starred as one of Daniel's daughters in the movie Daniel's Lot, available on DVD and as an eBook from Helping Hands Press. Find more about Olivia at www.MillerWords.com and www.FB.com/AuthorOlivia.

I am amazed by her. Sure, as her father, I can say she is talented and beautiful. When you read The Tinfoil Girl, I invite you to decide for yourself if she has the makings of a great writer. I believe the whole project has been a boost for her self-confidence. That is something that is sadly lacking in many young people today and I see it when I visit classrooms. Any opportunity that we have to encourage and empower our children should have the highest priority. Having that book to hold in her hand or view on her Kindle has put a permanent smile on her face this past week. I expect she will go through the roof with that first sale.

Speaking of which, here are the links:

$6.99 Paperback - http://amzn.to/1q5JAQR

$2.99 Kindle - http://amzn.to/IRCbWV

If you are a teacher or a librarian, I think the paperback is a must. Kindergarten through Third Grade can learn from this story and they will enjoy the illustrations. Parents, why not get it for your Kindle or Kindle app when you are sitting at the doctor's office or rolling through the grocery store?

And now to be rewarded for your patience. If you have read this far, remember at the beginning where I promised a $20 Amazon Gift Card? Let's make this simple. Starting now through Monday, Sept 30th, at 10AM EST, anybody (excluding the author's family) that likes Author Olivia on Facebook will be eligible to win. Click the link below, like the page and on Monday a winner will be chosen using Random.Org.

www.FB.com/AuthorOlivia

Thanks for reading! Please leave comments below or on FB. Olivia will personally respond to questions on her FB page.