Authors, artists, and all creative folk: If you haven’t yet availed yourself of the free promotion Sally Cronin offers on her blog, this might be a good time to check it out. The holidays are fast approaching, and a little publicity could be a wonderful gift to yourself ❤
Nostalgia Post No. 2: Recollections of the “Good Old Days” – Guest Post…
Lorinda J Taylor is a guest on The Story Reading Ape today, reminiscing about a time gone by ~ a time when happiness and fulfillment were achieved through lifestyle and rewarding relationships rather than the high-end technology of the present. Beautifully written, she captures the moment within a decade or so of her mother’s life in the Dust Bowl of southeast Colorado, just before, during, and after the Great Depression. A bit of nostalgia for those of us who remember our parents’ stories of this time, as well as for those of you who might have lived through it…
I’ve decided to reminisce about what is an archaic time for many of you denizens of cyberspace who are in your 20s or 30s or even 40s. And the time is the 1930s.
And no, I don’t go back quite that far, but my mother did.
My Mother: Genevieve Raitinger, age ca. 20
She was born in 1909 and graduated from high school in 1927, right before the Great Depression. Her father (my grandfather) was in some ways enlightened for his time. He vigorously condemned smoking, maintaining that putting all that tar and nicotine into your lungs would kill you, and he counseled my mother that she shouldn’t count on having a man to support her and should develop some way to make a living on her own.
When she first graduated from high school, she worked in a shop as a salesperson, but after three years she…
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EDITING 101: 06 – He Said / She Said: Dialogue Tags…
In Part 6 of Editing 101, Susan Uttendorfsky discusses dialogue tags and action tags. I found this very enlightening and think it’s something that a lot of writers struggle with. Hop over to The Story Reading Ape’s blog to read Susan’s informative article with its helpful suggestions…
Originally posted as the Dun Writin’—Now Whut? series on this blog, EDITING 101 is a weekly refresher series for some of you and brand new for others.
Courtesy of Adirondack Editing
He Said / She Said: Dialogue Tags
“Can you pass the salt?” Richard asked.
“Like hell,” Katherine muttered.
“Did you say something, sweetie?” Richard continued.
“I will not pass you the salt!” Katherine shouted.
And on we go, another happy marriage on the rocks. So, what’s wrong with this exchange? It’s a combination of several things, but we’re going to focus on one: dialogue tags.
In Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Renni Browne and Dave King start their chapter on dialogue mechanics by quoting a New York Times reviewer discussing a book by Mr. Robert Ludlum:
Characters in The Bourne Ultimatum seldom “say” anything. Instead, they cry, interject, interrupt, muse, state, counter, conclude, mumble, whisper … intone…
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Natacha Guyot, Author
Natacha Guyot is a French researcher, author, and public speaker. After studying at Paris III Sorbonne Nouvelle and King’s College London, she relocated to Texas in summer 2016. There, she has embarked on a new academic journey: she started doctoral studies in Arts and Humanities at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Welcome, Natacha!
Tell us a little about yourself. I was born and spent most of my life in France. I lived one year in London and relocated to Texas in summer 2016 to start a Ph.D. in Arts and Humanities at the University of Texas at Dallas. I am a Christian and a Science Fiction/Fantasy nerd. I have strong feminist bones. I love cats, books, and Earl Grey tea. I have been a storyteller since I was a child and wrote my first book when a teenager. I only published fiction a few years ago, though I published academic papers and nonfiction prior to that.
What is the title and genre of your latest book, and who 
published it? My latest book is Dream Crusher, a Science Fiction novella. Like my previous titles, it is self-published. It has been a very compelling learning curve over the past years to learn more about this process. I enjoy the versatility and creativity control coming with it, especially since I write such diverse kinds of titles.
Tell us a little about your book. Dream Crusher takes place in another planetary system, generations after Earth was destroyed. Some of the human survivors became settlers in this system where multiple species had cohabited for a very long time. A special agent finds out about a biological weapon in the making. He has to team up with the targeted species, the Prisias, to prevent the genocide. He and his team must go against orders to keep quiet because what matters to them is to save lives.
What inspired you to write it? The inspiration for Dream Crusher came from a male character I wrote in another setting at some point. He was the inspiration for Morden Avachk, the protagonist of the novella. It was a challenge for me as I normally have female main characters. Yet, a lot resonated to me with Morden. The world comes from ideas for older stories and thinking in a more immersive way because of playing many video games at that time. Diversity became one of the most important elements in it, although it isn’t a novelty in my work. I liked being able to see what humans may bring to another setting, as being the foreigners, and how this isn’t always positive. It originally was a short story and then I decided to expand on it and turn it into a novella. It also sets the universe for other books, though not direct sequels.
When did you first start writing? Since I learned how to write, so when I was in first year of elementary school. Prior to that, I have some memories of making up stories already. Storytelling and imagining worlds have always been a strong component of my personality.
What authors have most influenced you? How and why? This is a 
difficult question. From a fiction point of view, I would say C. J. Cherryh, Anne McCaffrey, Joan D. Vinge, Timothy Zhan, Philippa Ballantine. My fellow author and friend Rose B. Fischer has also been very inspirational over the years. From a nonfiction/ academic point of view, I have to include Joseph Campbell, Frederick Turner, Clarissa Pinkola Estes. I am fairly sure I am forgetting other names that have had an impact on my writing, but right now my book collection is still in France so I don’t have it within reach!
What was the first book that touched you deeply? I loved fairy tales when a child, and some beautiful fairy tale books from then are also coming to Texas within the next couple months. They have had a strong influence on me. C. J. Cherryh’s Serpent’s Reach, Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonflight are two outstanding examples that touched me so much they inspired me to write more and understand it was my calling.
What genres do you like to read? Fiction-wise, I mostly read Science Fiction and Fantasy, unless it is for classes. Nonfiction- wise, I read a lot pertaining to my field of interest: the aforementioned genres, film studies, gender studies, fan studies, mythology, writing craft, publishing and marketing. I also read a lot of Christian nonfiction.
How do these books affect your writing? Reading in my favorite genres help me continue to get new ideas as well as keep up with some of what’s being written in them, especially since I write for these. Nonfiction helps me get broader understanding of life, of my fields of interest, and become more educated and have my attention directed to elements I might not have considered to include in my writing. It doesn’t always happen on a conscious level, and sometimes I reflect on it when revising or promoting one of my titles.
Where do you like to write? Why? I love writing at my desk. This is 
my favorite place! When I moved to Texas and had to get a new desk and live at a new place, making sure that I liked my desk and where it was in my room was important. I enjoy being able to sit at the desk and work on the computer. I always carry a notebook and pencils with me, but direct writing is something I prefer doing on the computer (in Word). I also like having my stock of Earl Grey tea and my electric kettle nearby!
What time of day do you like to write? Why? That depends, really. I tend to get up early and go to bed really early, so this happens during daytime. I normally write when I am not on campus, although lately I have been mostly working on class papers instead of original writing; but the same preferences apply.
In what genres do you write? All of my books, whether fiction or nonfiction relate to Science Fiction or Fantasy (and complex female characters). Most of them are in English, and my first novella that I published in French a few years back should be released in English in a couple of years. I am more comfortable with collections of short stories (Clairvoyance Chronicles Volume One) or novellas (La Cite de Sharianth, Dream Crusher). My nonfiction work for film studies, gender studies, fan cultures, tends to follow a similar pattern, with collections of essays (A Galaxy of Possibilities: Representation and Storytelling in Star Wars) or interviews (Sci-Fi Women Interviews: The 2015 Collection) or individual essays (Before Mako Came Yoko: Comparative Studies between Pacific Rim and Yoko Tsuno, John Winchester’s Orchestrated Fall from Grace in Supernatural, Talyn’s Heroic Journey in Farscape). I am also looking into writing more about faith and Christianity in the upcoming years.
E-books or paper ~ do you have a preference? Regarding my own 
titles, I stick to eBook only for shorter pieces or ones I keep available for free. Otherwise, I offer my titles in both eBook and print. As a reader, I much prefer paper! I have some digital titles and use the Kindle app on my computer, but I much prefer reading physical copies.
How and where have you marketed your work? I market primarily online, via my social media platforms. I also have wonderful fellow bloggers, authors, and friends writing reviews, inviting me for interviews (thank you, Tina!) and for guest posts. I also talk about my work offline when I get an opportunity. I hope to be able to attend some small conventions and author events in the future, especially now that I have relocated to Dallas.
Do you have other publishing credits? I have been publishing a fair number of titles over the past years. Besides my self-published titles, I have also published several essays internationally and also co-edited a couple of academic volumes. You can find a complete list of my publications on this page (with links whenever possible). I have also been a public speaker at various academic events.
What is your current writing project? Right now I am focusing on class projects, as well as the promotion of Dream Crusher. When I get time to work on original fiction again, I will return to the English translation of a novel I wrote in French a decade ago that is also in need of heavy revision. I hope to publish this as serial fiction around 2019. I also need to write the second Clairvoyance Chronicles volume, so these are the two next writing projects I want to tackle.
If you have a blog, what subjects do write about? I do have a blog. I 
write mostly about writing, Science Fiction, popular culture and feminism. I have been developing a monthly feature for almost two years now: Sci-Fi Women Interviews celebrates a woman creating, writing, enjoying, promoting Science Fiction every last Friday of the month. I also interview authors that work within my fields on a regular basis. I hope to include more about faith and Christianity in the upcoming months, as I am still pondering on how to best do that.
Where can your books be purchased? My free eBooks are available on Smashwords. All of my paid titles are available Amazon. If they are available in print format, you can purchase paper copies through Createspace store as well as Barnes & Noble’s website.
What advice would you give a new writer? The long version would be my blog series The Digital Quill’s Writing Tips. The short version would be to read and write a lot. Educate yourself through various types of resources and understand that practice is crucial.
What do you wish to say to your readers? Thank you for your support! I am grateful that my books resonate with you, and I hope you will continue to enjoy more of my books. I am always happy to speak with you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email, comments, or social media.
Thank you, Natacha, for being my guest. It was a pleasure to learn more about you.
Natacha’s main fields of interest are Science fiction, Gender Studies, Children Media, and Fan Studies. Besides her nonfiction work, she also writes Science Fiction and Fantasy stories. She is a feminist, nerd, Christian, cat lady, book dragon, and Earl Grey drinker. Her new Science Fiction novella, Dream Crusher, is coming out in Kindle and paperback format in November 2016.
Learn more about Natacha: Website Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Goodreads Amazon CreateSpace Barnes & Noble Smashwords
Go fund me campaign, donate, single mom, Toronto housing, small business, D.G. Kaye
It’s very rare that I ever ask anything for myself. But today I had no choice but to set up a Go Fund Me Campaign for my sister who is in some great need of help.
My family and friends are doing all they can, but life is stressful for many of us to keep our own lives afloat sometimes, so I’ve decided to call for help from the kindness of strangers. Below you will find the post I created for the campaign. I know many of us have our own financial difficulties and it may not be feasible to donate, but I’m hoping readers could please at least share this post around your social media. Thank you all so much for taking the time to read.
Please Share! Go Fund Me. Below is a copy of the Campaign
This is a story about a remarkable Warrior Woman, my sister Marni. My sister has been a single mom for 23 years who has struggled and overcome all of her life. She raised 3 small kids on her own after years of battling the courts to no avail for child-support from the ‘deadbeat dad’ whom she evicted because of his drug addiction.
Marni lived on social assistance and what support she could gather to raise her kids until through some generous aid, she got a job running a packaging company assembly line for many years, doing the work of 3 men, lifting boxes, driving crane operated vehicles, working in cold, damp freezers for years, which inevitably led to her rheumatoid arthritis in her back and hands, and consequently led to Baastrup Disease. But she continued on anyway, until the company did what so many companies do in Canada now, downsize, fire and hire half the age for half the wage. Her services were no longer required.
Marni continued to find odd labor jobs to keep the roof over her head and feed her children, which are still living at home because of their own jobs that don’t pay enough for them to live on their own in the city of Toronto where housing and cost of living has gotten out of control.
My sister is a go-getter and has done any menial job in construction, plowing and shoveling snow, to things you couldn’t imagine to help ends meet. With her broken down van, on its last ounces of steam, and winter approaching, being the only driver in her family has added concern.
A good Samaritan in the family has loaned her some funds to start her own business of car detailing, but with a new business, even with great growth potential, the bills and debts are piling up trying to keep her house and hang on to her little business.
My sister would give the shirt off her own back to help anyone. I had to fight her pride just to let her allow me to run this campaign. She’s not one who would ever ask for anything. She’s also a huge animal lover and dog rescuer. Right now her Newfoundlander dog, Harley is very ill too. She can barely feed him, so she isn’t able to take him to the vet or pay for his medication.
Marni has exhausted all of her friends and family for donations, so I am stepping up here to ask if people could please find it in their hearts to please give her a chance to pay off some debts to keep her home, and her business running afloat. This is her only chance of building a future for herself and her children.
This warrior woman, my sister, is a giver to everyone. So I am asking if you could please support Marni through these difficult times. Please help her help her family and get her feet on the ground. If we could all give something, she may even be able to buy a used van to enable her to continue being the captain of her family.
Thank you. Please share!
If you wish to donate, you can do so HERE
Smorgasbord Health A-Z of Common Conditions – Acne
Sally Cronin has started a new series on her blog: A-Z of Common Conditions. As a nutritional therapist, she is a wealth of knowledge. If you would like her to highlight a particular ailment, drop by her blog and leave your request in a comment. I know she would love to hear from you, and the more requests she gets for a particular topic, the more likely she is to write about it ❤
The Importance of Online Writing Groups – Guest Post…
Mary Clark is a guest on The Story Reading Ape, discussing the importance of online groups to hone one’s writing skills…
The inspiration for my novel, Miami Morning, came from a source made possible only by modern communications technology. Through the internet, it’s possible to network with people who are quite different from us, who live in other countries, engage in other occupations, and come from a variety of cultural settings. Several years ago, this opportunity brought me into a relationship with new people, and their experiences, and our shared experience, fueled my imagination.
I was invited to join an online discussion group by someone I met on LinkedIn. But it wasn’t through a literary forum. Instead, it was one of the philosophy groups. David Turnbull and I had been responding to each other’s comments on posts. This was followed by corresponding via personal email. He read some of my writing, which led to a passionate, and sometimes heated, discussion of ideas and beliefs. He then invited me to join…
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You Need Mini-Goals to Write Your Novel – Guest Post…
Toni Pike‘s guest post on The Story Reading Ape offers great advice on how to write and finish that first novel. She explains how setting mini-goals will help achieve this. I think the process she outlines would help even the seasoned writer…
Source: Free to use image Copyright shalom3 123RF Stock Photo
You are ready to go. You have always wanted to write a novel and can’t wait to get started. You will be producing at least eighty thousand carefully crafted words. It is an enormous challenge and we all have busy lives. That is why so many people start to write a novel but never finish.
Now for some very simple mathematics. Write down your goal and decide how many words you might be able to write each week. Make it realistic, remembering that your family and job may still take up much of your time. Don’t aim to go without sleep, sacrifice exercise or neglect your loved ones.
Work out how long it will you take to reach your goal. That is your finish line, but the race is long and slow and can be frustrating. How can you stay…
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Book Review: Size Matters by Sally Cronin
Published 15 August 2016 Amazon
Size Matters is Sally Georgina Cronin’s no-holds-barred, true-life story of her journey from near-death obesity to vibrant health.
I first was struck by the author’s willingness to share so many personal things that most of us would hold to dearly as private; things that would humiliate us; things that we’d be hard-pressed to look in the mirror and admit even to ourselves. I knew that anyone willing to bridge this gap must be someone with integrity and a deep concern for her fellow human beings.
I didn’t have to go far into the book to find the encouragement I needed. The last paragraph of chapter one said it all for me: “What began as a painful journey into my past became an exciting adventure in the present with expectations of a much brighter future.” Above all else, I wanted a bright future. And Ms. Cronin’s approach proffered that hope.
I’m not going to detail the specifics of this book, because a peek inside on Amazon will show you the table of contents and highlight the details of the program she developed.
What I want to shine a light on is the inspiration she exemplifies and 
offers to all those battling a weight problem. She knew that almost any help given by the medical/scientific/etc. communities would offer template approaches to weight reduction, approaches that she and many others have tried and failed at miserably. Because her health was in such jeopardy, she needed not only to urgently change her eating habits, but also to have the results be permanent. Thus began her journey within and her search for a sustainable healthy future.
It’s difficult enough to put one foot in front of the other on a daily basis in this fast-paced technological age. Everyone is multi-tasking and running fast to stand still. So when we find ourselves faced with a life-threatening condition, fear leads us to seek a quick fix. But quick fixes are almost never permanent and almost always detrimental. The author recognized this and strove instead to find her own way back home to herself.
Although despairing and contemplating suicide, she reached deep inside and found a way to kindle her common sense, which provided the ladder needed to climb out of the pit into which she’d dug herself. Admitting her weaknesses and acknowledging her strengths, she put the totality of herself into turning her life around. Plying patience and dogged determination, she climbed out of the suffocating abyss and surfaced into the fresh air of a promising and vibrant life.
I have never been obese, but I have carried extra weight at different times throughout my life. Taking off 10 or 15 pounds is hard enough. I can only imagine the devastation one must feel when facing the necessity of a 150-pound weight reduction. And I use the word “reduction” rather than “loss,” because I think the mind always seeks to find that which has been lost.
In my opinion, this book is not only a comprehensive text for permanent weight reduction, but also a “how to” guide for breaking the shackles of destructive behavior and tenaciously moving forward.
When asked in grade school to name five people who inspire us, most children look to either their families or noted figures in the world. And yet there are so many working humbly behind the global scenes who seek neither notoriety nor acclaim. I believe they’re referred to as unsung heroes.
This review is as much an acknowledgement of the author’s positive contribution to the world as it is of her all-inclusive approach to weight reduction in this outstanding book, which I highly recommend. Lose an ounce of weight, gain a pound of self-confidence. Sally Cronin is an inspirational example for all.
Sally’s Links: Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google+ Amazon
Food in Fiction – Part 2 – Guest Post…
Christine Campbell brings us Part 2 of Food in Fiction as a guest on The Story Reading Ape blog. Food as an element in novels has tantalized readers across the ages, as it engages all of the senses. Hop over to Chris’ blog and read this fascinating article…
Food can play many different roles in fiction writing. It can set a scene, tell much about a character, even become a player in the story. Since it’s important to engage as many of the reader’s senses as possible, food can be a very useful tool in the author’s toolbox since food description can involve sight, sound, texture, taste and smell – all five of the senses. A real bargain package.
According to The Good Food Guide:
“Children’s literature makes for rich pickings when it comes to culinary descriptions: there’s moment after juicy moment in Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or James and The Giant Peach.
The description of Amy’s ‘pickled limes’ in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women – ‘plump and juicy’ in their ‘moist, brown-paper parcel’ with their ‘delicious…
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TINA FRISCO 
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