Hi, Everyone!
At last, the print edition of the third book in the Legacy Series, Adams Point, has been released and is up on Amazon.com. The publisher is Write Words, Inc., imprint Cambridge Books. The following is a brief look into the novel:
The strange spirits who, without rhyme or reason, or so much as a 'by your leave', had suddenly inhabited The House On The Bluff and caused a multitude of problems.
It was not only that people were disappearing, which heightened their trepidation, but the menacing, almost threatening manifestations it showered on the human residents, while relegating the "harmless" spiritual entities into their own inescapable prison. A prison, which was so deep within the recesses of the house, they apparently couldn't or didn't dare attempt to escape or leave.
The new entities had taken control of the Inn On Adams Point and were bound and determined to bring everyone into its clutches. But Jacob, one of the resident spirits, did try to break the hold that bound him and his compatriots only to fail in his attempt to warn Ethan, Abigail and or Tony.
Best,
Elena
Showing posts with label Legacy Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Legacy Series. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Thursday, November 8, 2007
My video urls
Hi, Everyone!
I'm taking Steven's suggestion and posting the urls for my videos on my blog. I will try to upload the embeds later, but for now here are the urls. Hope you take a moment or two to view them.
Thank you!
Elena
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz-MQ1KjsLk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq4QA3M3G3A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7Sze3j0X_Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCh0IBGa3cU
I'm taking Steven's suggestion and posting the urls for my videos on my blog. I will try to upload the embeds later, but for now here are the urls. Hope you take a moment or two to view them.
Thank you!
Elena
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz-MQ1KjsLk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq4QA3M3G3A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7Sze3j0X_Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCh0IBGa3cU
Friday, October 26, 2007
My Venture Into My Characters
Hi, All:
Last night(which was the 25th of October, 2007), my local library held their authors day event.
Unfortunately, we were competing against the Boston Red Sox and the World Series. As a result there were less than twenty people at the event. When it was my turn to get up and speak about my books I thought I'd do something different than telling the audience all about me. I explained to them that rather than talking about my books I would like to introduce them to my characters.
At first, I don't think they understood what I was going to do until my characters starting telling them who they were and how they came to be. Since we were limited to the amount of time we had, I could only introduce the characters from the Legacy Series. It went over big. I received a huge applause and people came over to me after and thought it was a marvelous idea, and they were interested in learning more about the characters and the books. I only sold a few copies, but people did take my flyers and then rushed off to get home to see the ballgame. After all this is RedSox Nation. Can't compete against that.
Elena
Last night(which was the 25th of October, 2007), my local library held their authors day event.
Unfortunately, we were competing against the Boston Red Sox and the World Series. As a result there were less than twenty people at the event. When it was my turn to get up and speak about my books I thought I'd do something different than telling the audience all about me. I explained to them that rather than talking about my books I would like to introduce them to my characters.
At first, I don't think they understood what I was going to do until my characters starting telling them who they were and how they came to be. Since we were limited to the amount of time we had, I could only introduce the characters from the Legacy Series. It went over big. I received a huge applause and people came over to me after and thought it was a marvelous idea, and they were interested in learning more about the characters and the books. I only sold a few copies, but people did take my flyers and then rushed off to get home to see the ballgame. After all this is RedSox Nation. Can't compete against that.
Elena
Friday, September 28, 2007
The New Reader's Station Anthology- Journeys of a Lifetime
The new Readers' Station Anthology will be coming out soon, if not sooner both in print and as an ebook from Write Words, Inc., ebooksonthe.net and from Cambridge Books. The title of the book is: Journeys of a Lifetime, An Anthology by Members of the Readers' Station. The authors contibuting to this anthology are:
Elena Dorothy Bowman, Bryn Colvin, Nikki Leigh, Dorice Nelson, Nora Peterson, Ginger Simpson, Donna Sundblad, Angela Verdenius, and Anne Whitfield.
There is an interesting combination of fiction in many genres and unusual non fiction titles. There's a little bit of something for everyone. The following are reviews that were already posted on this anthology:
Reviews: Journeys of a Lifetime
I read with delight this collection of stories and poems that speaks to the heart of each author’s journey through life. Each person views life through the eyes of her own experience and from that perspective creates fiction that brings the human experience into focus, providing insight that can be gained no other way. Below I provide a quick peek into each piece.
One Summer’s Day, by Elena Dorothy Bowman
This is a delightful snapshot of life lived in a less complicated time (and I quote) “…when times were hard and … the poor didn’t know they were poor…”
Model Number 1007, by Elena Dorothy Bowman
All humans’ carry with them deep-seated fears that surface in dreams, especially as children. A computer intent upon doing away with humans has to be high on the list of scary things.
The Waiting Room Princess, by Bryn Colvin
This author has a unique way with words and touches a deep need in all of us—to be seen and understood for who we really are.
Bread Making, by Bryn Colvin
I found this piece fascinating. This author has collected bits and pieces of folklore about the making and eating of bread over the centuries, and the significance people have attached to it.
Networking - It Can Help Your Promotional Work, by Shri Henkel
This short piece is packed with ideas on promoting oneself as well as one’s work. Networking with other people is the key to working smarter instead of harder.
Acceptance, by Nikki Leigh
The age-old struggle between generations plays out on the pages of this story. All of us want acceptance and to know that those we love recognize and appreciate us for the individuals that we are.
Nearing Noon, by Nikki Leigh
This short story written around the unpredictability of weather on the ocean delivers a nice twist at the end. You’ll enjoy this one.
Behavior Most Unlawful, by Dorice Nelson
The first piece in this grouping provides the reader with an insightful glimpse of the character, Bruic, and his return to his homeland on the Island of Gael, from which he was kidnapped many years earlier. The next piece leads the reader into chapter one of Lost Son of Ireland, where Bruic is now a trusted companion to warrior king Olaf the White.
Shank’s Mare, by Dorice Nelson
This story takes place between the prologue and chapter one of Saratoga Summer 1863. The cast of characters includes the five O’Malley brothers who have returned from brawling in the village. The two elder brothers reap the worst of their father’s wrath for their shenanigans and suffer the worst punishment.
Flying Lessons, by Nora Peterson
This nonfiction piece presents sound advice about learning to invest in the stock market. Her admonition to learn the lingo and go through pre-flight training before heading for the skies is good information for planning one’s financial future.
Tooth-Fairy Wisdom, by Ginger Simpson
This whimsical tale depicts how a tooth fairy earns her wings. Delightful!
Two Screwdrivers, by Donna Sundblad
This artfully crafted tale is set in the past. A child makes a simple request for two screwdrivers, which becomes the bridge that connects a son and a father upon his return home from the war.
Zombie Hospital, by Angela Verdenius
Read this story, with a twist of irony at the end, and you will never again view hospitals quite the same as you used to. This tale gives the reader a view of a perfectly normal person in a perfectly normal setting, then it takes you deep into the scariest recesses of the mind.
Perceptions, by Angela Verdenius
A preconceived notion can manifest itself in many ways. We of form a quick opinion about a person, which can prove to be in error if we take the time to really understand that person. This delightful story gives much food for thought.
Fire, by Angela Vedenius
One only understands fire and what it can steal away after looking the monster in the eye. The message of this piece is “preparedness.”
India Dreaming, by Anne Whitfield
The purpose for which the Taj Mahal was built is reflected in this beautiful story of one man’s adoring of the woman he loves, and declaring that love in the shadow of that magnificent building.
Nadene Carter
****
Journeys of a Lifetime
By: Members of the Readers Station
Cambridge Books
August, 2007
There is magic in books.
I firmly believe this. When I was a child, I could open the covers of a book and travel anywhere: Egypt, the Prairies, distant lands. I could go anywhere, travel anywhere, by the simple act of opening a book and reading the words presented to me.
Apparently, the lovely ladies at The Readers Station think so too. Elena Dorothy Bowman, Bryn Colvin, Nikki Leigh, Dorice Nelson, Nora Peterson, Ginger Simpson, Donna Sunbald, Angela Verdenius and Anne Whitfield have compiled an anthology of fiction, poetry and non-fiction pieces all with the theme of journeying or travelling. And what a trip it is!
Normally I'm not too fond of anthologies. The theme that links everything together is usually very lose and there are always a few good stories leaving the rest to wallow in their mediocrity.
That is not the case with Journeys of a Lifetime. Each wonderful piece is introduced with a Travel Log written by the pieces author who is your tour guide. You're given a destination, what you'll see along the way, what to pack and the local customs. This keeps the travel theme nicely centralized and helps introduce the story in a fun way.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading but I was enchanted by each and every piece. Though the stories and articles are all by different authors, everything flowed so beautifully that I was done the anthology in two days and left thirsting for more. Though I loved every piece and it would take me several pages to write about each one, here are two that stood out for me.
The Waiting Room Princess by Bryn Colvin. This story was so simplistic yet so incredibly beautiful. Waiting for a train late at night, Tom is approached by the train stations lone cleaning woman. Blind, Tom cannot see her but he can hear her voice; it's exotic and like a fresh breeze. Tom is bitter because of his blindness and Eve, the cleaning woman, is cursed by beauty.
Tom lost his sight in a chemical accident and Eve's beauty is responsible for the death of many people; when they look upon her beauty, they die. Can a bitter blind man and a woman whose beauty kills heal each other?
Acceptance by Nikki Leigh. I loved every word of this piece. Kennalyn Jones is waiting for something. Watching the mailbox with anticipation, today she receives what she has been waiting for: a letter from Harvard Law School. Ecstatic, she runs to tell her father Captain Bart who is not as happy as Kennalyn about the news.
Frightened of living alone, his wife having died and his other daughter gone, Bart is not happy at all about Kennalyn's acceptance. Will Kennalyn follow her dream and go to Harvard or will she let her love for her stubborn father keep her where she does not want to be?
What makes Journeys of a Lifetime different from other anthologies is that each authors love for their subject's shines through. Their words really have the power to help you travel to far off lands, to wonderful situations. It really is a book you will want to read and re-read again. Or even enjoy it one story, one journey, at a time.
Journeys of a Lifetime is an absolute gem and a feast of literature. There is something for everyone here, even the most picky of readers. I was spellbound as I travelled with the wonderful women of The Readers Station and I didn't want my trip to end.
I know that I will be forever spellbound by Journey's of a Lifetime and will keep taking each of the journeys in the book over and over again.
Jamieson Wolf
****
That's it for now.
Have a wonderful day.
Elena
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
Elena Dorothy Bowman, Bryn Colvin, Nikki Leigh, Dorice Nelson, Nora Peterson, Ginger Simpson, Donna Sundblad, Angela Verdenius, and Anne Whitfield.
There is an interesting combination of fiction in many genres and unusual non fiction titles. There's a little bit of something for everyone. The following are reviews that were already posted on this anthology:
Reviews: Journeys of a Lifetime
I read with delight this collection of stories and poems that speaks to the heart of each author’s journey through life. Each person views life through the eyes of her own experience and from that perspective creates fiction that brings the human experience into focus, providing insight that can be gained no other way. Below I provide a quick peek into each piece.
One Summer’s Day, by Elena Dorothy Bowman
This is a delightful snapshot of life lived in a less complicated time (and I quote) “…when times were hard and … the poor didn’t know they were poor…”
Model Number 1007, by Elena Dorothy Bowman
All humans’ carry with them deep-seated fears that surface in dreams, especially as children. A computer intent upon doing away with humans has to be high on the list of scary things.
The Waiting Room Princess, by Bryn Colvin
This author has a unique way with words and touches a deep need in all of us—to be seen and understood for who we really are.
Bread Making, by Bryn Colvin
I found this piece fascinating. This author has collected bits and pieces of folklore about the making and eating of bread over the centuries, and the significance people have attached to it.
Networking - It Can Help Your Promotional Work, by Shri Henkel
This short piece is packed with ideas on promoting oneself as well as one’s work. Networking with other people is the key to working smarter instead of harder.
Acceptance, by Nikki Leigh
The age-old struggle between generations plays out on the pages of this story. All of us want acceptance and to know that those we love recognize and appreciate us for the individuals that we are.
Nearing Noon, by Nikki Leigh
This short story written around the unpredictability of weather on the ocean delivers a nice twist at the end. You’ll enjoy this one.
Behavior Most Unlawful, by Dorice Nelson
The first piece in this grouping provides the reader with an insightful glimpse of the character, Bruic, and his return to his homeland on the Island of Gael, from which he was kidnapped many years earlier. The next piece leads the reader into chapter one of Lost Son of Ireland, where Bruic is now a trusted companion to warrior king Olaf the White.
Shank’s Mare, by Dorice Nelson
This story takes place between the prologue and chapter one of Saratoga Summer 1863. The cast of characters includes the five O’Malley brothers who have returned from brawling in the village. The two elder brothers reap the worst of their father’s wrath for their shenanigans and suffer the worst punishment.
Flying Lessons, by Nora Peterson
This nonfiction piece presents sound advice about learning to invest in the stock market. Her admonition to learn the lingo and go through pre-flight training before heading for the skies is good information for planning one’s financial future.
Tooth-Fairy Wisdom, by Ginger Simpson
This whimsical tale depicts how a tooth fairy earns her wings. Delightful!
Two Screwdrivers, by Donna Sundblad
This artfully crafted tale is set in the past. A child makes a simple request for two screwdrivers, which becomes the bridge that connects a son and a father upon his return home from the war.
Zombie Hospital, by Angela Verdenius
Read this story, with a twist of irony at the end, and you will never again view hospitals quite the same as you used to. This tale gives the reader a view of a perfectly normal person in a perfectly normal setting, then it takes you deep into the scariest recesses of the mind.
Perceptions, by Angela Verdenius
A preconceived notion can manifest itself in many ways. We of form a quick opinion about a person, which can prove to be in error if we take the time to really understand that person. This delightful story gives much food for thought.
Fire, by Angela Vedenius
One only understands fire and what it can steal away after looking the monster in the eye. The message of this piece is “preparedness.”
India Dreaming, by Anne Whitfield
The purpose for which the Taj Mahal was built is reflected in this beautiful story of one man’s adoring of the woman he loves, and declaring that love in the shadow of that magnificent building.
Nadene Carter
****
Journeys of a Lifetime
By: Members of the Readers Station
Cambridge Books
August, 2007
There is magic in books.
I firmly believe this. When I was a child, I could open the covers of a book and travel anywhere: Egypt, the Prairies, distant lands. I could go anywhere, travel anywhere, by the simple act of opening a book and reading the words presented to me.
Apparently, the lovely ladies at The Readers Station think so too. Elena Dorothy Bowman, Bryn Colvin, Nikki Leigh, Dorice Nelson, Nora Peterson, Ginger Simpson, Donna Sunbald, Angela Verdenius and Anne Whitfield have compiled an anthology of fiction, poetry and non-fiction pieces all with the theme of journeying or travelling. And what a trip it is!
Normally I'm not too fond of anthologies. The theme that links everything together is usually very lose and there are always a few good stories leaving the rest to wallow in their mediocrity.
That is not the case with Journeys of a Lifetime. Each wonderful piece is introduced with a Travel Log written by the pieces author who is your tour guide. You're given a destination, what you'll see along the way, what to pack and the local customs. This keeps the travel theme nicely centralized and helps introduce the story in a fun way.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading but I was enchanted by each and every piece. Though the stories and articles are all by different authors, everything flowed so beautifully that I was done the anthology in two days and left thirsting for more. Though I loved every piece and it would take me several pages to write about each one, here are two that stood out for me.
The Waiting Room Princess by Bryn Colvin. This story was so simplistic yet so incredibly beautiful. Waiting for a train late at night, Tom is approached by the train stations lone cleaning woman. Blind, Tom cannot see her but he can hear her voice; it's exotic and like a fresh breeze. Tom is bitter because of his blindness and Eve, the cleaning woman, is cursed by beauty.
Tom lost his sight in a chemical accident and Eve's beauty is responsible for the death of many people; when they look upon her beauty, they die. Can a bitter blind man and a woman whose beauty kills heal each other?
Acceptance by Nikki Leigh. I loved every word of this piece. Kennalyn Jones is waiting for something. Watching the mailbox with anticipation, today she receives what she has been waiting for: a letter from Harvard Law School. Ecstatic, she runs to tell her father Captain Bart who is not as happy as Kennalyn about the news.
Frightened of living alone, his wife having died and his other daughter gone, Bart is not happy at all about Kennalyn's acceptance. Will Kennalyn follow her dream and go to Harvard or will she let her love for her stubborn father keep her where she does not want to be?
What makes Journeys of a Lifetime different from other anthologies is that each authors love for their subject's shines through. Their words really have the power to help you travel to far off lands, to wonderful situations. It really is a book you will want to read and re-read again. Or even enjoy it one story, one journey, at a time.
Journeys of a Lifetime is an absolute gem and a feast of literature. There is something for everyone here, even the most picky of readers. I was spellbound as I travelled with the wonderful women of The Readers Station and I didn't want my trip to end.
I know that I will be forever spellbound by Journey's of a Lifetime and will keep taking each of the journeys in the book over and over again.
Jamieson Wolf
****
That's it for now.
Have a wonderful day.
Elena
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
My New Video
Well, I finally finished the video for The Legacy Series. This one has music to it, and it's for The House On The Bluff, the Gatekeeper's Realm and Adams Point. But before I do anything else with it, I sent it along to my daughter for her opinion before I put it up on YouTube. It's a lot of fun, but can be frustrating putting these videos together, especially when my system crashes on me in the middle of it and I hadn't saved it. Maybe, in due time, I'll get really good at this and can make them better. Meanwhile, there are presently two stand-alone books, Time-Rift and The Imposter that I am going to be working on videos for. I need to find the right music for both of them, so I am still diligently searching. The URL for the video is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz-MQ1KjsLk
Guess that's it for now.
Have a wonderful, safe and happy day.
Elena
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz-MQ1KjsLk
Guess that's it for now.
Have a wonderful, safe and happy day.
Elena
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Review of Gatekeeper's Realm
Thought you might enjoy reading this review from Romance Junkies;
From: RomanceJunkies
Title: Legacy Series: Gatekeeper's Realm
Category: Paranormal/Futuristic
Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne
Reviewer Email: Rjchrissydionne@yahoo.com
Author: Elena Dorothy Bowman
Publisher: Write Words, Inc.
Release Date: June, 2007
ISBN Number: Print: 1594314519 - Ebook: 1594314810
Author Homepage: http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
Format: EBOOK/PRINT
Rating: 4.5
An ancient relic granted by Divine Decree to a Noble Knight who had been mortally wounded is buried beneath the foundation of a home - this home had once been named Pierce House but now is known as THE HOUSE ON THE BLUFF. Only a direct descendant of the Noble Knight may take possession of the house - and even he or she will be tested by the house to deem if he or she is worthy.
Abigail and her consort, Ethan, have fulfilled the prophecy surrounding their current dwelling which they’ve converted into an Inn. It’s a beautiful house steeped in mystery and ghostly wonders - who cling to the old ways. There’s no electricity, no running water, no central heating system, no phone and no television. Abigail’s a bit apprehensive about their first guests. There’s a possibility they’ll get spooked and want to leave especially once the ghosts make themselves known. There’s no way of telling how the ghosts will react to guests at the Inn and Jacob, the apparitions’ "Ambassador," knows it will just depend. Many of the ghosts have been living there for centuries and may not like having visitors in their house.
As soon as the first guests arrives a shapeless apparition appears over the Inn. Abigail, Ethan, and Tony (town sheriff and sometime permanent resident of the Inn when he’s not working) quickly realize that this apparition is not one of the ‘Others’ and they question who it is and what it wants. The ghostly appearance doesn’t scare off the guests though and is just the beginning of the bizarre appearances which will be taking place over the next couple of days. What will happen when the guests unexplainably begin to start disappearing - one or two at a time? Is the house holding them hostage?
I don’t normally read ghost stories but I have to tell you I was fascinated by this one! Elena Dorothy Bowmen’s GATEKEEPER’S REALM takes an ancient prophecy and brings it into a modern day setting with results that will steal your breath. I was enthralled by the ghost scenes and the guests reactions to each of them and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next or to whom it would happen. The storyline moved along at a quick pace but it never lacked enough descriptive information that I was easily able to imagine each of the scenes.
I would highly recommend reading HOUSE ON THE BLUFF first simply because I believe it goes into more of the details of what Abigail had to endure in order to claim the house. Of course, I’m also going to recommend the third book, ADAMS POINT, because there are questions that are left unanswered in this story and I’m dying to find out the answers. HOUSE ON THE BLUFF, GATEKEEPER’S REALM and ADAMS POINT are all available now.
© Copyright 2003 by RomanceJunkies.com
Best,
Elena
From: RomanceJunkies
Title: Legacy Series: Gatekeeper's Realm
Category: Paranormal/Futuristic
Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne
Reviewer Email: Rjchrissydionne@yahoo.com
Author: Elena Dorothy Bowman
Publisher: Write Words, Inc.
Release Date: June, 2007
ISBN Number: Print: 1594314519 - Ebook: 1594314810
Author Homepage: http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
Format: EBOOK/PRINT
Rating: 4.5
An ancient relic granted by Divine Decree to a Noble Knight who had been mortally wounded is buried beneath the foundation of a home - this home had once been named Pierce House but now is known as THE HOUSE ON THE BLUFF. Only a direct descendant of the Noble Knight may take possession of the house - and even he or she will be tested by the house to deem if he or she is worthy.
Abigail and her consort, Ethan, have fulfilled the prophecy surrounding their current dwelling which they’ve converted into an Inn. It’s a beautiful house steeped in mystery and ghostly wonders - who cling to the old ways. There’s no electricity, no running water, no central heating system, no phone and no television. Abigail’s a bit apprehensive about their first guests. There’s a possibility they’ll get spooked and want to leave especially once the ghosts make themselves known. There’s no way of telling how the ghosts will react to guests at the Inn and Jacob, the apparitions’ "Ambassador," knows it will just depend. Many of the ghosts have been living there for centuries and may not like having visitors in their house.
As soon as the first guests arrives a shapeless apparition appears over the Inn. Abigail, Ethan, and Tony (town sheriff and sometime permanent resident of the Inn when he’s not working) quickly realize that this apparition is not one of the ‘Others’ and they question who it is and what it wants. The ghostly appearance doesn’t scare off the guests though and is just the beginning of the bizarre appearances which will be taking place over the next couple of days. What will happen when the guests unexplainably begin to start disappearing - one or two at a time? Is the house holding them hostage?
I don’t normally read ghost stories but I have to tell you I was fascinated by this one! Elena Dorothy Bowmen’s GATEKEEPER’S REALM takes an ancient prophecy and brings it into a modern day setting with results that will steal your breath. I was enthralled by the ghost scenes and the guests reactions to each of them and couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next or to whom it would happen. The storyline moved along at a quick pace but it never lacked enough descriptive information that I was easily able to imagine each of the scenes.
I would highly recommend reading HOUSE ON THE BLUFF first simply because I believe it goes into more of the details of what Abigail had to endure in order to claim the house. Of course, I’m also going to recommend the third book, ADAMS POINT, because there are questions that are left unanswered in this story and I’m dying to find out the answers. HOUSE ON THE BLUFF, GATEKEEPER’S REALM and ADAMS POINT are all available now.
© Copyright 2003 by RomanceJunkies.com
Best,
Elena
My Video Trailers
Hi All:
I've been busy working away on my video trailers for my books. As you may know I have already uploaded the Sarah's Landing Series video on YouTube as well as a number of other sites, eight in all counting Youtube. Right now I am working on videos for my other books and searching through royalty free music to see what would fit. Some of the tunes I like are much too short to even think about, but I am diligently going through them. I think I've got the Legacy Series set to go except for a change in a cover. Then, there are the other two books that I need a video for...or perhaps three, I haven't heard back about my last submission to my publisher, but I know she has been very busy. I did send back two print galleys for Sarah's Landing-I-Contact and for the last book in the Legacy Series, Adams Point and waiting on them as well. The tentative date for the release of Sarah's Landing-I-Contact, is December. It should be up on Amazon.com and the new ISBN for this edition is: 1-59431-497-7. As to Adams Point, I haven't seen the release date as yet, but when I do I will post it. In the meantime, I believe there is the possibility of pre-ordering the books from Amazon. The ISBN for Adams Point is: 1-59431-452-7. I will post the Legacy Series video on the same sites I posted the first one with. This time, there will be music with it. If it stays the same the music is called Comfortable Mystery by Kevin MacLeod. Guess that's it for now.
As always, best wishes to all of you and may all your dreams come true.
Elena
I've been busy working away on my video trailers for my books. As you may know I have already uploaded the Sarah's Landing Series video on YouTube as well as a number of other sites, eight in all counting Youtube. Right now I am working on videos for my other books and searching through royalty free music to see what would fit. Some of the tunes I like are much too short to even think about, but I am diligently going through them. I think I've got the Legacy Series set to go except for a change in a cover. Then, there are the other two books that I need a video for...or perhaps three, I haven't heard back about my last submission to my publisher, but I know she has been very busy. I did send back two print galleys for Sarah's Landing-I-Contact and for the last book in the Legacy Series, Adams Point and waiting on them as well. The tentative date for the release of Sarah's Landing-I-Contact, is December. It should be up on Amazon.com and the new ISBN for this edition is: 1-59431-497-7. As to Adams Point, I haven't seen the release date as yet, but when I do I will post it. In the meantime, I believe there is the possibility of pre-ordering the books from Amazon. The ISBN for Adams Point is: 1-59431-452-7. I will post the Legacy Series video on the same sites I posted the first one with. This time, there will be music with it. If it stays the same the music is called Comfortable Mystery by Kevin MacLeod. Guess that's it for now.
As always, best wishes to all of you and may all your dreams come true.
Elena
Monday, September 17, 2007
Nikki Leigh Guests on Elena Dorothy Bowman's Book Blog
Today, I would like to welcome my special guest Nikki Leigh, a very enterprising and talented woman, to my blog. Nikki is the author of Lady Lightkeeper, the second book in the Misty Cove Chronicles. Among other avenues she is engaged in, Nikki is also an astute business woman who has written several non-fiction books under her real name Shri Henkel.
EDBB: Welcome to the elenadorothybowmansbookblogspot.com Nikki. It's a pleasure to have you here.
Nikki: Thank you for inviting me.
EDBB: Would you like to tell us about yourself…I understand you have a myriad of interests and programs that keep you hopping.
Nikki: I’m a fulltime freelancer. This includes writing and promotional work for various clients. I handle bookkeeping for six businesses. I own one business and am a partner in a home improvement business (I’m also a licensed contractor in the state of Virginia). My 1st book was released in January 2006 and my 12th is scheduled for release later this year. The vast majority of those were written in the last two years. In addition, I just finished my seventh ghostwriting project. I’m also the founder of the Readers Station which is a website and message board where readers and authors can connect.
EDBB: Would you like to tell us about your book… Lady Lightkeeper and how it came about?
Nikki: Lady Lightkeeper is the second book in the historic Misty Cove Chronicles. It’s the continuation of Lizbeth Sullivan Kinsey’s story. But, each book can be read individually. The first book, Widow’s Walk, started with a story idea I got from a picture that hangs in my living room. That picture gave me the idea of starting the story on the widow’s walk and it gave me a rough idea for a time period. Originally, this was going to be one book, but the story grew and grew as I was brainstorming ideas. The main brainstorming happened on a trip from Virginia to Florida for my brother’s wedding. We actually were brainstorming so well, that I missed a turn and we went about 40 miles too far before getting back on track. Then two of us brainstormed by the hotel pool one evening. There was just so much more of Lizbeth’s story that I wanted to tell – and its not over.
EDBB: Where did you get the idea to write Lady Lightkeeper?
Nikki: I’ve done extensive research about Cape Ann and I got some great ideas when I read about the history of the area. When I was in Cape Ann, I took a picture of this -www.alamy.com/stock_photography/2/1/Charlie+Borland/A5EAAA.html. Then one day I discovered the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association (http://www.gfwa.org/) and the memorial. The first time I saw this (http://www.gfwa.org/memorial/statue.html) I immediately thought of Lizbeth and her children. I think people will understand the connection when they read the book. The women of Cape Ann had to be strong and the children faced a lot of loss in their young lives. I actually dedicated Lady Lightkeeper to these women. This is a quote from the dedication –
Lady Lightkeeper is dedicated to the strong women of the Cape Ann coast who supported their men and cared for their families and the community. I worked to create a character in Lizbeth Kinsey who reflects this spirit. I should also add that the characters in this story are not based on any specific individuals, but my hope is that they embody the spirit, resilience and determination of the Cape Ann community.
EDBB: What got you interested in writing about lighthouses and light keepers?
Nikki: I’ve been fascinated with lighthouses for years and I’ve always loved the ocean. My earliest memories of the beach were when I was three and hurricane Camille was nearing the coast. As I learned more about lighthouses, I started learning about the lifesaving service and my fascination continued to grow. History, the ocean, lighthouses and architecture are some of my favorite things and my stories incorporate all of those interests. More and more people have become interested in lighthouses, but I joke that I was into lighthouses before the masses got on board.
EDBB: You live in Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, yet your books the Misty Cove Chronicles are based on Cape Ann in Massachusetts? Why did you choose this setting instead of the mountains for your series?
Nikki: I knew people say we should write about the things we know, but I enjoy research. I’ve had the idea for the contemporary Misty Cove story for many years, but I couldn’t figure out where to set the story. Cape Cod seemed like a possibility, but after visiting the area, I knew that wouldn’t work. On the same trip, my brother and I took a day to visit Cape Ann. I heard about the area because The Perfect Storm came out that summer at the theatres and of course, I read the book. It sounded like an interesting area and I insisted that we visit while we were close. We got to Gloucester and I just felt like it was the right place for my first story. I incorporated a lot of my main character’s family history in that story and when Stormy View was finished, I got the idea to actually write the history of her family. Widow’s Walk began and it continues in Lady Lightkeeper. Besides, there aren’t any lighthouses in the mountains – I had to move my stories to the coast. (As a side note, my other fiction series is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and I know that area very well.)
EDBB: How many visits did you make to Cape Ann to flesh out your series?
Nikki: I’ve only been to Cape Ann once on a trip to Cape Cod with my brother in 2001. But, I’ve also done a lot of research and have an extensive Cape Ann and lighthouse library in my office.
EDBB: What was so fascinating about Lighthouses in Cape Ann, Massachusetts that caused you to use them as the setting for your stories?
Nikki: As I mentioned above the history of the area caught my imagination and the story took off from there.
EDBB: In this series, which of the characters did you find difficult to portray, the one easiest?
Nikki: I do a lot of work to create my characters before I start to write and I find this makes it easier to get into their mind. I actually have a couple of characters who narrate the story. Lizbeth tells the majority of the story from her point of view and her best friend and supporter, Sara, tells most of the remaining story. A couple of scenes are told from Abigail Westley’s point of view.
Lizbeth and Sara are very easy to write. Ida, the villain, is a lot of fun to write. Abigail is probably one character that I had difficulty writing. She is a good hearted person, but she has a lot of prejudices that come to the fore in various situations. Those attitudes also stir up trouble with Lizbeth on a regular basis.
EDBB: What advise would you give a fledgling writer? Why?
Nikki: Stick with your dream and work hard to stay positive. It’s a tough profession, but its worth all the work when you hold your books in your hand. Continue to work to hone your skills. I let my own doubts and the doubts of other people stop me from writing for years. Finally, I got past those concerns and I can’t imagine not writing.
EDBB: What was it that caused you to want to become a writer?
Nikki: I’m not sure I know the answer to that question. I started freelancing fulltime to earn money, but my fiction is more a labor of love. There have always been ideas for characters and stories in my mind – my writing gives me a chance to delve further into their stories and to share them with others.
EDBB: Thank you Nikki for visiting my blog. Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Nikki: Nikki has offered the following for all who join her in her tour.
Each person who buys a copy of Lady Lightkeeper, needs to email me a copy of their receipt. I just need a receipt that shows you bought a copy of Lady Lightkeeper and I'll enter you in the drawing for a copy of Widow's Walk. That seemed like a good giveaway since the story starts with Widow's Walk. However, if the winner already has a copy of Widow's Walk, I'll be happy to send a copy of Lilah and the Locket instead.
In addition, each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog stops will be entered in a separate giveaway. Each comment will be entered in the drawing and at the end of the month, one person will win a copy of Lady Lightkeeper. Again, if the winner bought the book already, I'll send them another book as a prize. Any questions, let me know. nikki-leigh@excite.com.
Note: Cape Ann is also the location my novels, the Sarah's Landing Series, is set in. It is amazing that two people who never met before and do not live anywhere near each other have used the same lighthouse for their books. It really is a small world. Elena Dorothy Bowman
EDBB: Welcome to the elenadorothybowmansbookblogspot.com Nikki. It's a pleasure to have you here.
Nikki: Thank you for inviting me.
EDBB: Would you like to tell us about yourself…I understand you have a myriad of interests and programs that keep you hopping.
Nikki: I’m a fulltime freelancer. This includes writing and promotional work for various clients. I handle bookkeeping for six businesses. I own one business and am a partner in a home improvement business (I’m also a licensed contractor in the state of Virginia). My 1st book was released in January 2006 and my 12th is scheduled for release later this year. The vast majority of those were written in the last two years. In addition, I just finished my seventh ghostwriting project. I’m also the founder of the Readers Station which is a website and message board where readers and authors can connect.
EDBB: Would you like to tell us about your book… Lady Lightkeeper and how it came about?
Nikki: Lady Lightkeeper is the second book in the historic Misty Cove Chronicles. It’s the continuation of Lizbeth Sullivan Kinsey’s story. But, each book can be read individually. The first book, Widow’s Walk, started with a story idea I got from a picture that hangs in my living room. That picture gave me the idea of starting the story on the widow’s walk and it gave me a rough idea for a time period. Originally, this was going to be one book, but the story grew and grew as I was brainstorming ideas. The main brainstorming happened on a trip from Virginia to Florida for my brother’s wedding. We actually were brainstorming so well, that I missed a turn and we went about 40 miles too far before getting back on track. Then two of us brainstormed by the hotel pool one evening. There was just so much more of Lizbeth’s story that I wanted to tell – and its not over.
EDBB: Where did you get the idea to write Lady Lightkeeper?
Nikki: I’ve done extensive research about Cape Ann and I got some great ideas when I read about the history of the area. When I was in Cape Ann, I took a picture of this -www.alamy.com/stock_photography/2/1/Charlie+Borland/A5EAAA.html. Then one day I discovered the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association (http://www.gfwa.org/) and the memorial. The first time I saw this (http://www.gfwa.org/memorial/statue.html) I immediately thought of Lizbeth and her children. I think people will understand the connection when they read the book. The women of Cape Ann had to be strong and the children faced a lot of loss in their young lives. I actually dedicated Lady Lightkeeper to these women. This is a quote from the dedication –
Lady Lightkeeper is dedicated to the strong women of the Cape Ann coast who supported their men and cared for their families and the community. I worked to create a character in Lizbeth Kinsey who reflects this spirit. I should also add that the characters in this story are not based on any specific individuals, but my hope is that they embody the spirit, resilience and determination of the Cape Ann community.
EDBB: What got you interested in writing about lighthouses and light keepers?
Nikki: I’ve been fascinated with lighthouses for years and I’ve always loved the ocean. My earliest memories of the beach were when I was three and hurricane Camille was nearing the coast. As I learned more about lighthouses, I started learning about the lifesaving service and my fascination continued to grow. History, the ocean, lighthouses and architecture are some of my favorite things and my stories incorporate all of those interests. More and more people have become interested in lighthouses, but I joke that I was into lighthouses before the masses got on board.
EDBB: You live in Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, yet your books the Misty Cove Chronicles are based on Cape Ann in Massachusetts? Why did you choose this setting instead of the mountains for your series?
Nikki: I knew people say we should write about the things we know, but I enjoy research. I’ve had the idea for the contemporary Misty Cove story for many years, but I couldn’t figure out where to set the story. Cape Cod seemed like a possibility, but after visiting the area, I knew that wouldn’t work. On the same trip, my brother and I took a day to visit Cape Ann. I heard about the area because The Perfect Storm came out that summer at the theatres and of course, I read the book. It sounded like an interesting area and I insisted that we visit while we were close. We got to Gloucester and I just felt like it was the right place for my first story. I incorporated a lot of my main character’s family history in that story and when Stormy View was finished, I got the idea to actually write the history of her family. Widow’s Walk began and it continues in Lady Lightkeeper. Besides, there aren’t any lighthouses in the mountains – I had to move my stories to the coast. (As a side note, my other fiction series is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and I know that area very well.)
EDBB: How many visits did you make to Cape Ann to flesh out your series?
Nikki: I’ve only been to Cape Ann once on a trip to Cape Cod with my brother in 2001. But, I’ve also done a lot of research and have an extensive Cape Ann and lighthouse library in my office.
EDBB: What was so fascinating about Lighthouses in Cape Ann, Massachusetts that caused you to use them as the setting for your stories?
Nikki: As I mentioned above the history of the area caught my imagination and the story took off from there.
EDBB: In this series, which of the characters did you find difficult to portray, the one easiest?
Nikki: I do a lot of work to create my characters before I start to write and I find this makes it easier to get into their mind. I actually have a couple of characters who narrate the story. Lizbeth tells the majority of the story from her point of view and her best friend and supporter, Sara, tells most of the remaining story. A couple of scenes are told from Abigail Westley’s point of view.
Lizbeth and Sara are very easy to write. Ida, the villain, is a lot of fun to write. Abigail is probably one character that I had difficulty writing. She is a good hearted person, but she has a lot of prejudices that come to the fore in various situations. Those attitudes also stir up trouble with Lizbeth on a regular basis.
EDBB: What advise would you give a fledgling writer? Why?
Nikki: Stick with your dream and work hard to stay positive. It’s a tough profession, but its worth all the work when you hold your books in your hand. Continue to work to hone your skills. I let my own doubts and the doubts of other people stop me from writing for years. Finally, I got past those concerns and I can’t imagine not writing.
EDBB: What was it that caused you to want to become a writer?
Nikki: I’m not sure I know the answer to that question. I started freelancing fulltime to earn money, but my fiction is more a labor of love. There have always been ideas for characters and stories in my mind – my writing gives me a chance to delve further into their stories and to share them with others.
EDBB: Thank you Nikki for visiting my blog. Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Nikki: Nikki has offered the following for all who join her in her tour.
Each person who buys a copy of Lady Lightkeeper, needs to email me a copy of their receipt. I just need a receipt that shows you bought a copy of Lady Lightkeeper and I'll enter you in the drawing for a copy of Widow's Walk. That seemed like a good giveaway since the story starts with Widow's Walk. However, if the winner already has a copy of Widow's Walk, I'll be happy to send a copy of Lilah and the Locket instead.
In addition, each person who posts a comment on any or all of the blog stops will be entered in a separate giveaway. Each comment will be entered in the drawing and at the end of the month, one person will win a copy of Lady Lightkeeper. Again, if the winner bought the book already, I'll send them another book as a prize. Any questions, let me know. nikki-leigh@excite.com.
Note: Cape Ann is also the location my novels, the Sarah's Landing Series, is set in. It is amazing that two people who never met before and do not live anywhere near each other have used the same lighthouse for their books. It really is a small world. Elena Dorothy Bowman
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Resurrenting the Champ
HI, All:
I entered a contest on Gather re: Resurrecting the Champ. And I chose my father as my Champ:
My Father! I loved going to the movies and I loved to read as much as my Father did. Inspired by my Father, I have been writing off and on since way back when it only cost a dime to go to the Saturday Matinee, or any other time I could scrape up the price of a ticket. And in most cases when the ending was not to my liking, I felt compelled to go home and rewrite it.
When we were young, my four brothers and I would listen to my Father reading stories to us every night after we were ready for bed. These wonderful memories took place mostly during the winter months. The summer months were devoted to the one or more of the beaches that were an all day excursion with our parents on the week-ends. During the week my brothers and I would walk to the local beaches and get in trouble on our own.
When bed-time was drawing near, my Father would start a fire in the fireplace and when we were ready he'd have us sit on the floor all around him while he sat on a big stuffed chair. Once settled he would take a book off the library shelf (yes, we had a room that had book shelves inbedded in all the walls and they were always stacked with books). We never knew which book he would take down, so it was always a mystery until he started reading.
I remember him sitting on his stuffed chair, watching our faces as he began to read the first chapter in Jules Verne's novel, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. He would read to a point that left us hanging and wanting more. But he always stopped when the hour was up. By that time, the warmth from the crackling fire had done its magic; drowsiness had taken its toll and we were desperately trying to stay awake so he would read more. But the time was up and no amount of pleading would change his mind. Reluctantly, we'd leave the room with all the books in it and go to bed with visions of the story in our heads wondering what was going to happen next. The following night the ritual would continue as we waited for the next installment in our venture under the sea in Captain Nemo's fantastic submarine, The Nautilus.
And as the years passed swiftly by the many books off that library shelf took my brothers and I to many places we would never have visited without Dad's stories. I decided to try my own hand at writing and quickly discovered I enjoyed writing stories…putting words down on paper gave me a sense of accomplishment…but I never did anything with it. When I wrote my first novel it was just for the pleasure of it. It wasn't long after that writing became an obsession with me and I have been writing for publication ever since.
End of story
I can still see my father sitting in his chair waiting for us with a smile on his face to begin reading. We didn't have much growing up, but we had a Dad who loved to take us to exotic places through the pages of a book.
Elena
I entered a contest on Gather re: Resurrecting the Champ. And I chose my father as my Champ:
My Father! I loved going to the movies and I loved to read as much as my Father did. Inspired by my Father, I have been writing off and on since way back when it only cost a dime to go to the Saturday Matinee, or any other time I could scrape up the price of a ticket. And in most cases when the ending was not to my liking, I felt compelled to go home and rewrite it.
When we were young, my four brothers and I would listen to my Father reading stories to us every night after we were ready for bed. These wonderful memories took place mostly during the winter months. The summer months were devoted to the one or more of the beaches that were an all day excursion with our parents on the week-ends. During the week my brothers and I would walk to the local beaches and get in trouble on our own.
When bed-time was drawing near, my Father would start a fire in the fireplace and when we were ready he'd have us sit on the floor all around him while he sat on a big stuffed chair. Once settled he would take a book off the library shelf (yes, we had a room that had book shelves inbedded in all the walls and they were always stacked with books). We never knew which book he would take down, so it was always a mystery until he started reading.
I remember him sitting on his stuffed chair, watching our faces as he began to read the first chapter in Jules Verne's novel, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. He would read to a point that left us hanging and wanting more. But he always stopped when the hour was up. By that time, the warmth from the crackling fire had done its magic; drowsiness had taken its toll and we were desperately trying to stay awake so he would read more. But the time was up and no amount of pleading would change his mind. Reluctantly, we'd leave the room with all the books in it and go to bed with visions of the story in our heads wondering what was going to happen next. The following night the ritual would continue as we waited for the next installment in our venture under the sea in Captain Nemo's fantastic submarine, The Nautilus.
And as the years passed swiftly by the many books off that library shelf took my brothers and I to many places we would never have visited without Dad's stories. I decided to try my own hand at writing and quickly discovered I enjoyed writing stories…putting words down on paper gave me a sense of accomplishment…but I never did anything with it. When I wrote my first novel it was just for the pleasure of it. It wasn't long after that writing became an obsession with me and I have been writing for publication ever since.
End of story
I can still see my father sitting in his chair waiting for us with a smile on his face to begin reading. We didn't have much growing up, but we had a Dad who loved to take us to exotic places through the pages of a book.
Elena
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Adam's Point from Romantic Junkies
Hi, Everyone!
Received a great review from Romantic Junkies this week...4.5 blue ribbons. It won't be posted on their website until September, but here's an excerpt of it.
After reading GATEKEEPER’S REALM I was fascinated with the characters and the vivid imagery that enthralled me throughout the storyline. I’m thrilled to say that Elena Dorothy Bowman's continuation of the story in ADAM’S POINT contains all the same traits that have made the LEGACY series a thrilling read. I loved the men’s alpha attitude and determination to protect the women and had to laugh at the women’s ‘not without us’ attitude. While the sinister apparition kept me guessing at what stunt it would pull next I was really hopeful to ‘meet’ Jacob and learn just how he could help satisfy the wraith. I do have to confess while I was quite sure there would be a happy ending for the couples, I wasn’t anticipating the emotions which I experienced at the end of the story - sorry I can’t say more because it’d give too much away.
I would recommend reading all three of the books in the LEGACY series - HOUSE ON THE BLUFF, GATEKEEPER’S REALM and ADAM’S POINT in order to fully experience the wonders carefully hidden and guarded in this fascinating house/Inn.
Title: Legacy Series: Adam's Point
Category: Paranormal
Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne
Reviewer Email: RJchrissydionne@yahoo.com
Received a great review from Romantic Junkies this week...4.5 blue ribbons. It won't be posted on their website until September, but here's an excerpt of it.
After reading GATEKEEPER’S REALM I was fascinated with the characters and the vivid imagery that enthralled me throughout the storyline. I’m thrilled to say that Elena Dorothy Bowman's continuation of the story in ADAM’S POINT contains all the same traits that have made the LEGACY series a thrilling read. I loved the men’s alpha attitude and determination to protect the women and had to laugh at the women’s ‘not without us’ attitude. While the sinister apparition kept me guessing at what stunt it would pull next I was really hopeful to ‘meet’ Jacob and learn just how he could help satisfy the wraith. I do have to confess while I was quite sure there would be a happy ending for the couples, I wasn’t anticipating the emotions which I experienced at the end of the story - sorry I can’t say more because it’d give too much away.
I would recommend reading all three of the books in the LEGACY series - HOUSE ON THE BLUFF, GATEKEEPER’S REALM and ADAM’S POINT in order to fully experience the wonders carefully hidden and guarded in this fascinating house/Inn.
Title: Legacy Series: Adam's Point
Category: Paranormal
Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne
Reviewer Email: RJchrissydionne@yahoo.com
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Barnes and Noble
Today I received a phone call from Barnes and Noble in Nashua, New Hampshire. I have been invited to a local authors' book signing September 16, 2007. Of course, since B&N doesn't work with my distributor I have to bring in my own books. But that's okay. Whatever it takes to get my books signed and sold at B&N. I have had several book signings at B&N when my old now defunct publisher was with Ingram and Lightning Press, and sold a number of books of my novel The House On The Bluff, the first book in the Legacy Series. Now, I will have not only the first book in the series but the second book as well to offer. The Gatekeeper's Realm is Book 2 in the series and I am hoping that those who purchased the first one will be eager to read more and purchase the second book. There is a third book to the series which is not in print as yet, but that shouldn't be too long in coming. Anyway, that's my thoughts for today.
Oh, I should mention that on August 13, I will be hosting on my blog, Kim Baccellia virtual book tour. Hope you'll drop in and get to meet Kim
Elena
Oh, I should mention that on August 13, I will be hosting on my blog, Kim Baccellia virtual book tour. Hope you'll drop in and get to meet Kim
Elena
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
So You Want to Write A Novel
Hi, Everyone...These are some pointers I picked up along the way and thought to share them with you.
SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A NOVEL?
If your work has been written, bound, and someone else is the audience, does anyone really have to be paid for their work to be published? Is it less valued if the work has been for one's family rather than the marketplace? Or is it valued because someone simply believed that what you have written is worth reading?
Stop dreaming about being a writer. Stop thinking about being a writer. Stop talking about writing. Just write. Use paper and pen, word processor, typewriter or tape recorder, but start. Then follow through until you've said what you must. Remember, there's always editing tomorrow.
You should have an idea or two that you'd like to write about. Begin by putting the first words on paper (or a file in the computer). You don't have to be structured at this point, because as you write, you may decide to reposition some of your paragraphs or chapters to other parts of the book. Just continue to write. Try to do at least 10 pages, (double-spaced) a day. Always finish the sentence or paragraph you are working on before you stop writing. If possible jot down a few notes on where you think you'll be going with the story before you leave it so you won't start out cold the next time. You don't really have to know the ending before you start. It will come in time.
When you begin again, reread what you have written the previous time, and continue on. You'd be surprised how much you can accomplish by doing this. You don't have to know the ins and outs of a particular place from a first hand experience as long as you do research on the subject or area you are writing about. Writers, artists, and crafts people learn from their mistakes as well as creating good work. No creative person created a masterpiece without many words, brush strokes, or stitches in their needlework. It is the sum total of a person's work that allows her to become skilled. One must write every day and evaluate and rewrite later. There can always be rework of the original, but there must be an original.
Remember it's only the first draft, it's not cast in stone. Make time to write. Early morning or late at night. I started writing after the kids went to bed and continued to two or three in the morning before my husband turned out the lights. (I had to go to work the next day). Like exercise, it is hard to get started and hard to be self-disciplined, but the process becomes the reward. It simply feels good doing it. The pleasure and absorption of the creative person is its own reward.
I found myself writing during working hours when something popped into my head. If it's not possible to do this (write during working hours) try using a recorder. A thought here, a sentence there, and when you reread your notes, you can come up with a chapter or two. This is important because one can never recapture those fleeting thoughts, even if one thinks so. Once gone, it seldom re-emerges. Always carry a tape recorder or small notebook with you so you can jot down these precious gems when they make themselves known.
When writing don't think about the big picture. Concentrate only on one chapter at a time. If the opening paragraph stumps you go to the next and go on from there. Before you know it, looking back, you've accomplished far more that you could have imagined possible. As a race-horse must wear blinders to keep himself from being frightened by distractions, so too must writers keep their focus on smaller portions of their environment to enable concentration and creativity.
Remember for writers: The key to success in writing is focus, focus, focus.
Don't get hung up on words. If you can't come up with the right word you want to use to begin with, place something similar in that spot that will trigger your memory and research it later. When I'm stuck on a particular thought or paragraph, I put a couple of asterisks in bold letters in the problem area and continue working elsewhere. Initials will work too. When I'm ready to go back and tackle the problem, or insert missing data or details, I use the search and replace feature on my word processor to find those asterisks and get going again.
Always keep a Thesaurus or Synonym Finder by your side as you write. I do.
Always get to know your characters. Define your characters by filling out a character chart on each one. Detail everything you'd like your character to be and how you expect your character to behave. This way, when the character in question does something or acts out of character you'll know something isn't right.
Setting is most significant in a mystery story. But it's just as important in other stories as well. If you can't visit various sites for atmosphere, research.
Certain moments in real life seem to imprint themselves on one's brain. Why these particular scenes are locked in is unclear but analyzing them and describing them can be useful to your stories, either the one you're working on or another at some other time.
What's the first thing you do when you put together a jigsaw puzzle? Several answers are suggested -- find the corner pieces, find the straight edges, do the top, bottom, and sides, etc. But the answer really is: The first things you do is pour out all the pieces on the table, and then you sort them out.
Now when writing an article or articulating an idea write -- without any thought to form or structure. Pour out all your ideas for the piece into your computer. After that, rearrange your thoughts. Print a draft copy so you can refer back to particular phrases after you start changing the sequence of your original thoughts. This simple puzzle idea really helps keep one on track.
The technique of clustering to record the first flush of unorganized ideas about a subject helps to quickly jot down fleeting thoughts about people and places.
All stories must have conflict -- good versus evil, a triumph over a problem. Always ask yourself -- what's the conflict in my story. How did my subject overcome it?
Research, research, research information you wish to include in your story. Even in fiction writing, when using any historical incidents, be sure they are accurate. There is nothing worse than a writer including in their work inaccurate historical references that can easily be dismissed by the reader, who may then do the same with your work.
Before you sit down to write, make sure (as much as possible) that all distractions have been eliminated so your creativity isn't disrupted. Always wear comfortable clothing; have something to drink nearby (ex. water, juice, coffee, tea...no hard stuff please) so you won't have to stop working to quench your thirst. The same applies to snacks and/or lunches -- if you're working through.
So what if after all of the above, you can't get past the first three chapters of a novel? Don't despair. Put it aside and start something else. Perhaps they weren't meant to be a book on their own, only short stories, or, those chapters may come to fruition in another novel and at another time.
After printing out the first chapter, because everything always looks different when actually printed in black and white, re-read it, make corrections and changes in red (so it can be seen easily) then re-type, with emphasis on smoothness and continuity. Before going on to the next chapter.
When all the chapters have been written, edited and printed out, and your story or book is finally complete, re-read the entire project making changes as you do. Re-type and repeat the process until you feel comfortable with what you have written before you let anyone else see or read it. Because if you get hung up on a sentence or section, so will the reader.
After my critic's have commented on my work and I have made the suggested changes and all seems well, I send it out to publishing houses and/or agents and wait. I try to keep three copies of a story out at one time. When rejections arrive, I immediately send my work out again to the next name on the list. But that was before I acquired an Agent. Still, I always keep duplicates of my work. Copies have been known to go astray before (and even after) reaching the editor's desk.
The most important factor to remember is, keep positive and keep writing. Perseverance will win out.
Good Luck And Best Wishes.
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A NOVEL?
If your work has been written, bound, and someone else is the audience, does anyone really have to be paid for their work to be published? Is it less valued if the work has been for one's family rather than the marketplace? Or is it valued because someone simply believed that what you have written is worth reading?
Stop dreaming about being a writer. Stop thinking about being a writer. Stop talking about writing. Just write. Use paper and pen, word processor, typewriter or tape recorder, but start. Then follow through until you've said what you must. Remember, there's always editing tomorrow.
You should have an idea or two that you'd like to write about. Begin by putting the first words on paper (or a file in the computer). You don't have to be structured at this point, because as you write, you may decide to reposition some of your paragraphs or chapters to other parts of the book. Just continue to write. Try to do at least 10 pages, (double-spaced) a day. Always finish the sentence or paragraph you are working on before you stop writing. If possible jot down a few notes on where you think you'll be going with the story before you leave it so you won't start out cold the next time. You don't really have to know the ending before you start. It will come in time.
When you begin again, reread what you have written the previous time, and continue on. You'd be surprised how much you can accomplish by doing this. You don't have to know the ins and outs of a particular place from a first hand experience as long as you do research on the subject or area you are writing about. Writers, artists, and crafts people learn from their mistakes as well as creating good work. No creative person created a masterpiece without many words, brush strokes, or stitches in their needlework. It is the sum total of a person's work that allows her to become skilled. One must write every day and evaluate and rewrite later. There can always be rework of the original, but there must be an original.
Remember it's only the first draft, it's not cast in stone. Make time to write. Early morning or late at night. I started writing after the kids went to bed and continued to two or three in the morning before my husband turned out the lights. (I had to go to work the next day). Like exercise, it is hard to get started and hard to be self-disciplined, but the process becomes the reward. It simply feels good doing it. The pleasure and absorption of the creative person is its own reward.
I found myself writing during working hours when something popped into my head. If it's not possible to do this (write during working hours) try using a recorder. A thought here, a sentence there, and when you reread your notes, you can come up with a chapter or two. This is important because one can never recapture those fleeting thoughts, even if one thinks so. Once gone, it seldom re-emerges. Always carry a tape recorder or small notebook with you so you can jot down these precious gems when they make themselves known.
When writing don't think about the big picture. Concentrate only on one chapter at a time. If the opening paragraph stumps you go to the next and go on from there. Before you know it, looking back, you've accomplished far more that you could have imagined possible. As a race-horse must wear blinders to keep himself from being frightened by distractions, so too must writers keep their focus on smaller portions of their environment to enable concentration and creativity.
Remember for writers: The key to success in writing is focus, focus, focus.
Don't get hung up on words. If you can't come up with the right word you want to use to begin with, place something similar in that spot that will trigger your memory and research it later. When I'm stuck on a particular thought or paragraph, I put a couple of asterisks in bold letters in the problem area and continue working elsewhere. Initials will work too. When I'm ready to go back and tackle the problem, or insert missing data or details, I use the search and replace feature on my word processor to find those asterisks and get going again.
Always keep a Thesaurus or Synonym Finder by your side as you write. I do.
Always get to know your characters. Define your characters by filling out a character chart on each one. Detail everything you'd like your character to be and how you expect your character to behave. This way, when the character in question does something or acts out of character you'll know something isn't right.
Setting is most significant in a mystery story. But it's just as important in other stories as well. If you can't visit various sites for atmosphere, research.
Certain moments in real life seem to imprint themselves on one's brain. Why these particular scenes are locked in is unclear but analyzing them and describing them can be useful to your stories, either the one you're working on or another at some other time.
What's the first thing you do when you put together a jigsaw puzzle? Several answers are suggested -- find the corner pieces, find the straight edges, do the top, bottom, and sides, etc. But the answer really is: The first things you do is pour out all the pieces on the table, and then you sort them out.
Now when writing an article or articulating an idea write -- without any thought to form or structure. Pour out all your ideas for the piece into your computer. After that, rearrange your thoughts. Print a draft copy so you can refer back to particular phrases after you start changing the sequence of your original thoughts. This simple puzzle idea really helps keep one on track.
The technique of clustering to record the first flush of unorganized ideas about a subject helps to quickly jot down fleeting thoughts about people and places.
All stories must have conflict -- good versus evil, a triumph over a problem. Always ask yourself -- what's the conflict in my story. How did my subject overcome it?
Research, research, research information you wish to include in your story. Even in fiction writing, when using any historical incidents, be sure they are accurate. There is nothing worse than a writer including in their work inaccurate historical references that can easily be dismissed by the reader, who may then do the same with your work.
Before you sit down to write, make sure (as much as possible) that all distractions have been eliminated so your creativity isn't disrupted. Always wear comfortable clothing; have something to drink nearby (ex. water, juice, coffee, tea...no hard stuff please) so you won't have to stop working to quench your thirst. The same applies to snacks and/or lunches -- if you're working through.
So what if after all of the above, you can't get past the first three chapters of a novel? Don't despair. Put it aside and start something else. Perhaps they weren't meant to be a book on their own, only short stories, or, those chapters may come to fruition in another novel and at another time.
After printing out the first chapter, because everything always looks different when actually printed in black and white, re-read it, make corrections and changes in red (so it can be seen easily) then re-type, with emphasis on smoothness and continuity. Before going on to the next chapter.
When all the chapters have been written, edited and printed out, and your story or book is finally complete, re-read the entire project making changes as you do. Re-type and repeat the process until you feel comfortable with what you have written before you let anyone else see or read it. Because if you get hung up on a sentence or section, so will the reader.
After my critic's have commented on my work and I have made the suggested changes and all seems well, I send it out to publishing houses and/or agents and wait. I try to keep three copies of a story out at one time. When rejections arrive, I immediately send my work out again to the next name on the list. But that was before I acquired an Agent. Still, I always keep duplicates of my work. Copies have been known to go astray before (and even after) reaching the editor's desk.
The most important factor to remember is, keep positive and keep writing. Perseverance will win out.
Good Luck And Best Wishes.
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
Monday, July 23, 2007
My Book Trailer
Hi,
I have been working off and on for several months on a book trailer for all nine of my books. But I haven't spent every second of every day on it. I think I've gone as far as I can with it, but I'm waiting for my son and daughter to let me know what they think before I go public with it. At the moment, I haven't any music to go with it, and have been thinking of what music I would like to be able to use. I would love to use one of Chris Daughtry's songs. But I wouldn't know how to go about asking Clive Davies for permission, or have the money I am sure it would cost to do so. Anyway, I wouldn't know which one to choose...but it would have been nice.
I've been working on a new novel...it started out as a novella, but is now a novel...the tentative title is The Odessey. Whether that is what the final outcome will be...I can't say as yet. I'm still working on it and wonder where it will all take me...I have an idea for the ending, but it hasn't materialized yet. Well, tomorrow is another day.
Elena
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
I have been working off and on for several months on a book trailer for all nine of my books. But I haven't spent every second of every day on it. I think I've gone as far as I can with it, but I'm waiting for my son and daughter to let me know what they think before I go public with it. At the moment, I haven't any music to go with it, and have been thinking of what music I would like to be able to use. I would love to use one of Chris Daughtry's songs. But I wouldn't know how to go about asking Clive Davies for permission, or have the money I am sure it would cost to do so. Anyway, I wouldn't know which one to choose...but it would have been nice.
I've been working on a new novel...it started out as a novella, but is now a novel...the tentative title is The Odessey. Whether that is what the final outcome will be...I can't say as yet. I'm still working on it and wonder where it will all take me...I have an idea for the ending, but it hasn't materialized yet. Well, tomorrow is another day.
Elena
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Blog Name Change
Hi, All:
I just changed my blog URL to elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com. I thought the older version was too long and could be a hindrance, therefore the change. Frankly, I didn't know what else to change it to other than what I did.
Elena
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
I just changed my blog URL to elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com. I thought the older version was too long and could be a hindrance, therefore the change. Frankly, I didn't know what else to change it to other than what I did.
Elena
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Readers' Station Anthology
Coming Soon: Journeys of a Lifetime
Anthology - from the Readers' Station
Contributions by Elena Dorothy Bowman, Bryn Colvin, Nikki Leigh, Dorice Nelson, Nora Peterson, Ginger Simpson, Donna Sundblad, Angela Verdenius, and Anne Whitfield
There is an interesting combination of fiction in many genres and unusual non fiction titles. There's a little bit of something for everyone. More information will be posted soon by the publisher, Write Words, Inc., Cambridge Books and ebooksonthe.net.
Visit the Readers Station at: www.readersstation.com
Thank you,
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenabowman-scifimysteryromanceauthor.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
Anthology - from the Readers' Station
Contributions by Elena Dorothy Bowman, Bryn Colvin, Nikki Leigh, Dorice Nelson, Nora Peterson, Ginger Simpson, Donna Sundblad, Angela Verdenius, and Anne Whitfield
There is an interesting combination of fiction in many genres and unusual non fiction titles. There's a little bit of something for everyone. More information will be posted soon by the publisher, Write Words, Inc., Cambridge Books and ebooksonthe.net.
Visit the Readers Station at: www.readersstation.com
Thank you,
Elena Dorothy Bowman
************************************
Journey to the Rim of Space and Beyond
http://elenadb.home.comcast.net
http://www.myspace.com/elenabowmanauthor
http://elenabowman-scifimysteryromanceauthor.blogspot.com/
e-mail: elenadb@comcast.net
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The Novel "Pearl" by Newt Gingrich
I just completed the novel "Pearl" by Newt Gingrich. I had heard that the book was based on historical fact with some fiction thrown in. Also that it was from a Japanese point of view as well as American. I will say that I was intrigued by the way the book was written. Newt did a great job in describing how the Japanese felt, and their determination to be considered an equal to the rest of the world, even if it meant deceiving others to accomplish their goal. I knew what happened at Pearl Harbor in 1941, and how that attack affected our nation, however, I found the book very interesting and learned a little more about what led up to it. What was surprising to read was how the Japanese felt that attacking Pearl would help them achieve their goal. They had hoped that it would not lead to war but to their higher standing in the Pacific. To their dismay, it didn't turn out that way, but since they had made the first strike, they believed the destruction of our Navy would lead them to complete victory over the United States. This is the first book of the series and it starts long before the attack and ends with it. Book 2, from what I've heard picks up at that point in this series. I highly recommend to anyone interested in history to read this book.
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