I will be appearing at the Chapter's Stores:
February 25th -Montreal- 2PM - Saturday
February 26th -Pointe Claire - 1PM - Sunday
March 24th - Ottawa, Ontario - 12PM
Monday, January 16, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Saturday, October 29, 2011
My New Novel "Jaded"
Finally, I am pleased to announce that my new novel "Jaded" is available to the public. You can purchase it, either as an ebook or paperback copy. Right now it's only available on the Chipmunkapublishing website. It will be in the book trade ex: Amazon, chapters/indigo, barnesandnoble, and many more outlets shortly.
I am pleased that I am able to associate myself with Jason Pegler and his publishing firm. They have been able to put aside some unjust interpretations of the stigmas surrounding mental health illness. They are doing a wonderful job making people aware of this illness and taking away the fright factor surrounding it. We all, and might I say all, have been touched in someway with a phobia, whether it be a fear of something, or maybe, an obsession regarding our looks, which might lead to eating disorders. Yes, these are all mental conditions, although people might laugh at this statement. Anything relating to the mind and its abnormalities is considered a mental health proplem. So, please let's not judge. I thank Mr. Pegler for putting forth this awareness to the public.
Lil in "Lil's Way" and now its sequel "Jaded" suffer Dissociative Identity Disorder. Follow her on her plight. These novels are totally fiction but they deal with the characteristics regarding this illness. I was able to write a story around Lil, in order for you to better understand what people with DID go through.
"Lil's Way is full of mystery and intrique, and "Jaded" will take you on a journey of the mind that only the best of readers will fully comprehend.
Please read and enjoy these two novels. I am sure you won't be disappointed.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Don't Be Too Anxious
I have not been visible lately due to some setbacks that I have incurred. Yes, exactly as I stated above. Don't be too anxious to get your work out there. I did. I couldn't wait and in doing so, made some major errors along the way. I would re-think a few things that I have learned in my writing journey, hopefully, giving some insight to up and coming new authors that anxiously want their work published.
Please don't be in a hurry. Take your time to create and solely focus on your story. That is what you do...write. Don't become your own editor, as I did. Ridiculous!! Let the professionals take care of that.
I write for a mental health publisher, whose main concern is getting the word out there about mental health and the stigmas surrounding it. They are a social enterprise, wanting writers to tell their stories and needing writers, like me, to research the many characteristics associated with a certain mental illness. In my case, I happen to be a somewhat expert on Dissociative Identity Disorder. I have studied and recorded and brought awareness to this illness through my main character 'Lil' both in "Lil's Way" and its sequel "Jaded."
So, do you really think that I had time to worry about how many dots, and commas were there in putting this knowledge out? No Way...as my young grandson would say. Ha.
When "Lil's Way" went to the publisher, they did as little editing as needed. Now, they tell you as many publishers do, that it is not entirely the responsibility of the publishing house to completely do the editing. The author must take on some of the work. I am sure that they do the usual spellcheck. In my case, when I got back my first copy for approval, I was more concerned about changing the language back from British spellcheck to Canadian. They, for instance, would write fetal as foetal, realize as realise. The 'z's' became 's's'. So many different ways to spell things. I was so concerned with the change back that I did not take the time to concentrate on the actual spelling and word placements.
So, needless to say, "Lil's Way" was published, and when I read it, I was not happy. Oh, the story is fabulous and readers loved Lil and her Montreal. But, and with a big BUT, there were many incorrect typos and this needed to be addressed.
I, being a perfectionist, have had "Lil's Way" reprinted. I hired a professional editor and she was able to clean up the house, as they say. She was fabulous and will do all my work from now on. I am very happy now with the reprint. Anyone who has purchased "Lil's Way" and can prove this, can contact me and I will take back the old version and gladly replace it with a complimentary new one. Contact me at chocolat_1q1@videotron.ca .
As for my new work "Jaded" it was professionally edited.
What I am trying to come forth with is. Have your work cleaned up and rely on no one but yourself as the creator of this masterpiece, to have it released in the best form as possible. I know that there might always be the odd mistake, here and there, even with professional editing. I have read some great novels only to be taken back by errors. But, my dear writers, do the best you can. and do not rely on anyone for this but yourselves.
I am proud to say "Lil's Way" and "Jaded" will be out shortly. I am proud to say that it has been professionally edited and I am truly happy with the outcome.
Chipmunkapublishing House has been wonderful in getting my work out there. Jason Pegler the owner is devoted to the cause and is encouraging writers with either their own mental health stories or authors like me, who have studied and written about mental health. I love to write stories about this illness and how it is not recognized as a serious one. If I can get the word out there through my many stories and characters, then I will feel truly enlightened, not only with my writing as an author, but my contribution to mental health awareness.
Please don't be in a hurry. Take your time to create and solely focus on your story. That is what you do...write. Don't become your own editor, as I did. Ridiculous!! Let the professionals take care of that.
I write for a mental health publisher, whose main concern is getting the word out there about mental health and the stigmas surrounding it. They are a social enterprise, wanting writers to tell their stories and needing writers, like me, to research the many characteristics associated with a certain mental illness. In my case, I happen to be a somewhat expert on Dissociative Identity Disorder. I have studied and recorded and brought awareness to this illness through my main character 'Lil' both in "Lil's Way" and its sequel "Jaded."
So, do you really think that I had time to worry about how many dots, and commas were there in putting this knowledge out? No Way...as my young grandson would say. Ha.
When "Lil's Way" went to the publisher, they did as little editing as needed. Now, they tell you as many publishers do, that it is not entirely the responsibility of the publishing house to completely do the editing. The author must take on some of the work. I am sure that they do the usual spellcheck. In my case, when I got back my first copy for approval, I was more concerned about changing the language back from British spellcheck to Canadian. They, for instance, would write fetal as foetal, realize as realise. The 'z's' became 's's'. So many different ways to spell things. I was so concerned with the change back that I did not take the time to concentrate on the actual spelling and word placements.
So, needless to say, "Lil's Way" was published, and when I read it, I was not happy. Oh, the story is fabulous and readers loved Lil and her Montreal. But, and with a big BUT, there were many incorrect typos and this needed to be addressed.
I, being a perfectionist, have had "Lil's Way" reprinted. I hired a professional editor and she was able to clean up the house, as they say. She was fabulous and will do all my work from now on. I am very happy now with the reprint. Anyone who has purchased "Lil's Way" and can prove this, can contact me and I will take back the old version and gladly replace it with a complimentary new one. Contact me at chocolat_1q1@videotron.ca .
As for my new work "Jaded" it was professionally edited.
What I am trying to come forth with is. Have your work cleaned up and rely on no one but yourself as the creator of this masterpiece, to have it released in the best form as possible. I know that there might always be the odd mistake, here and there, even with professional editing. I have read some great novels only to be taken back by errors. But, my dear writers, do the best you can. and do not rely on anyone for this but yourselves.
I am proud to say "Lil's Way" and "Jaded" will be out shortly. I am proud to say that it has been professionally edited and I am truly happy with the outcome.
Chipmunkapublishing House has been wonderful in getting my work out there. Jason Pegler the owner is devoted to the cause and is encouraging writers with either their own mental health stories or authors like me, who have studied and written about mental health. I love to write stories about this illness and how it is not recognized as a serious one. If I can get the word out there through my many stories and characters, then I will feel truly enlightened, not only with my writing as an author, but my contribution to mental health awareness.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Devon's Heart
Well as I have mentioned, my second novel 'Jaded' is finished. It will be out definitely this year. As to exactly what time, hopefully sooner than later. It is a very long process. One does not just write and publish immediately. Novel writing is tedious and the work involved can only be understood by a fellow author. Writing - editing - re-editing - then cover layout - more editing - it just never stops. And don't forget, your publishing house is not just dealing with you. They have many authors to work with.
I get so frustrated at times, but my true love is in the writing. So what do I do? Start my next project. I like all the ends tied up neatly but if I were to wait solely for 'Jaded' to be in print, there would be such a waste of time in between. So, I trudge forth and continue with my work. And that work in progress is 'Devon's Heart.' This will be my third novel.
'Lil's Way' and 'Jaded' are joined together as a sequel. They concentrate on mental health issues. Now 'Devon's Heart is anything but that. It is a heart wrenching love story. Taking place in Montreal and England, set this beautiful scene for my lovers.
The novel centers around a letter. A letter that was written many years ago. It holds the answers to one of the greatest love stories ever told.
Hopefully you will look forward to reading it. I will post the prologue to 'Devon's Heart' soon.
I get so frustrated at times, but my true love is in the writing. So what do I do? Start my next project. I like all the ends tied up neatly but if I were to wait solely for 'Jaded' to be in print, there would be such a waste of time in between. So, I trudge forth and continue with my work. And that work in progress is 'Devon's Heart.' This will be my third novel.
'Lil's Way' and 'Jaded' are joined together as a sequel. They concentrate on mental health issues. Now 'Devon's Heart is anything but that. It is a heart wrenching love story. Taking place in Montreal and England, set this beautiful scene for my lovers.
The novel centers around a letter. A letter that was written many years ago. It holds the answers to one of the greatest love stories ever told.
Hopefully you will look forward to reading it. I will post the prologue to 'Devon's Heart' soon.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Time Management
I write approximately 5-7 hours a day. I find it hard to answer emails from all my readers. I still receive 30-40 emails a day. I have 3 email accounts open to facilitate these.
So, please, if you have written me and I seem to be ignoring you, it is just that I am really busy. That is why I have opened the "Question of the week."
"Jaded" is still in negotiations and will definitely be out sometime this year. It is finished and I am really happy with the end product. Now it is time to complete "Devon's Heart." I have noticed that I am a drama queen with my writing style. I love mystery and keeping my audience on their toes. I am having problems with this latest novel because it is written with a happier note. Trying to change it up a little.
One of my dear readers on Facebook sent me this, and it made me once again realize the real meaning of why I write. She had lent the book to one of her friends who said:
"Lil's Way is taking over my life!"
And that my dear friends is why I write novels.
So, please, if you have written me and I seem to be ignoring you, it is just that I am really busy. That is why I have opened the "Question of the week."
"Jaded" is still in negotiations and will definitely be out sometime this year. It is finished and I am really happy with the end product. Now it is time to complete "Devon's Heart." I have noticed that I am a drama queen with my writing style. I love mystery and keeping my audience on their toes. I am having problems with this latest novel because it is written with a happier note. Trying to change it up a little.
One of my dear readers on Facebook sent me this, and it made me once again realize the real meaning of why I write. She had lent the book to one of her friends who said:
"Lil's Way is taking over my life!"
And that my dear friends is why I write novels.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Reader's Question for the Week January 30, 2011
Have you ever thought of self-publishing?
Answer: Most definitely!! Many authors go that route out of shear frustration, and I can totally understand it. I, almost self-published. After 159 rejections, it can get a person down.
I am not against this form of publishing at all, and there are many good books that have come out on the market this way. I personally like the satisfaction of a publishing house looking at your work, then validating it, then offering you a contract. Publishing houses put a lot of money into this and in order to publish you, they make sure that you have something worth marketing.
But then again many authors like to be in charge of their own destiny. They like to control every aspect of the finished product. I totally understand that, being a bit of a control freak myself. The finished product is exactly the same, in fact sometimes better.
There have been great authors that have first self-published in order to get their work out there, and then later picked up by a big publishing firm.
So to summarize: Self-publishing has pros and cons. It is your choice entirely. I like being handled by a publishing house. Oh! and not to forget, self-publishing cost YOU, the author, money. I must truly admit I have never put one red cent out on my book, my publisher has done that all for me. So if you have anywhere between $2000-$10,000, and want to get your book out there immediately, go the self-publishing route. If you are a good writer, it really does not matter.
The readers will be the only judge of that.
See you next week.
Answer: Most definitely!! Many authors go that route out of shear frustration, and I can totally understand it. I, almost self-published. After 159 rejections, it can get a person down.
I am not against this form of publishing at all, and there are many good books that have come out on the market this way. I personally like the satisfaction of a publishing house looking at your work, then validating it, then offering you a contract. Publishing houses put a lot of money into this and in order to publish you, they make sure that you have something worth marketing.
But then again many authors like to be in charge of their own destiny. They like to control every aspect of the finished product. I totally understand that, being a bit of a control freak myself. The finished product is exactly the same, in fact sometimes better.
There have been great authors that have first self-published in order to get their work out there, and then later picked up by a big publishing firm.
So to summarize: Self-publishing has pros and cons. It is your choice entirely. I like being handled by a publishing house. Oh! and not to forget, self-publishing cost YOU, the author, money. I must truly admit I have never put one red cent out on my book, my publisher has done that all for me. So if you have anywhere between $2000-$10,000, and want to get your book out there immediately, go the self-publishing route. If you are a good writer, it really does not matter.
The readers will be the only judge of that.
See you next week.
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