A Review of The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King - My Favorite Selections

Since childhood, Stephen King has propelled my imagination to foreign places, delivering horrors that keep on giving. If you are like me, you have a lifelong relationship with Mr. King...well, at least with his stories. Granted, few can say they actually know him, but I am okay with being one of his constant readers as long as he keeps writing. 

I find it comforting that even with all his accolades, King states that he is an amateur. In his opinion, writing is something all writers can consistently improve on. A story is never truly finished as long as the author is alive and eager to perfect his/her art. I'll try to keep that in mind whenever I'm working on a story that has me on the ropes in a choke-hold.

So he's at it again...

The title alone and accompanying artwork is enough to invite me in and once I'm there, his stories carve into my subconscious, navigating  busy junctures, leading me into a boondocks of endless possibilities. This time he's taking me/us on a bazaar of bad dreams. I have no expectations and yet, I playfully whisper, surprise me. 

Mile 81

For the record, I'm not a fan of driving on the highway, the concrete dividers inspire nightmares in and of itself.  At times, it can be a scary place; even when you're at the wheel. All it takes is one wrong move by you or a distracted driver and anything, everything can go wrong. If the odds are in your favor,  you walk away with minor abrasions or you're carved into by carnivorous metal that somehow graduated with a PhD in Creative Butchery in a matter of a millisecond.

In Mile 81 we're introduced to various characters that vie for our attention. I have a healthy imagination, but the story didn't seize my fear. Christine had teeth; the antagonist in Mile 81... Well, I'll let you decide for yourself. The characters, specifically the teenagers were interesting, but with short stories, it's hard to get to know the characters, much less care about what happens to them.  I started to care when Rachel and Blakey came into the story line.

To his credit, King delivers jokes you can enjoy for years to come. Often, it comes to mind when you’re trying to get a joke or jab in. That's why I read his stories; he keeps me entertained even when I don't particularly like a story.

Premium Harmony

Life can become redundant for couples and even more so when they’ve been together for 37 years. Still, I enjoyed the depth of the couple’s interaction in this story. Ray and Mary spend most of their time disagreeing than loving  and appreciating each other until the couple goes for a ride and stop to pick up a treat for their niece in a dilapidated part of town.

Life is strange like that; one minute you’re going toe to toe and the next, you're staring at the mirror wondering if it was all a dream. I like this story the most. It just goes to show you that sometimes getting a good scare is not necessarily the best form of entertainment; being able to sit back, and appreciate the deeper meaning of a story can be equally gratifying.

So, what's the verdict?

This collection did  not inspire bad dreams, but if you are a fan of King's body of work give it a try. 

Either way, I enjoyed the book and I think you will too. 

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"There are times when life is shorter than a waltz, so dance—damn it, dance!" - Mila A. Ballentine

Creating Memorable Characters That Can Potentially Leap Off the Page by Mila A. Ballentine

 

 

Creating characters that leave an impression on the reader whether it is a good or bad impression is what every author strives for, but getting readers to care about the characters is not an easy task. The author must give the reader a reason to care about what happens to the character. Otherwise, the character meets his or her demise on page eighty-nine and the reader turns the page without giving it a second thought.

Characters should leave an impression on the reader to the point that they question themselves. Would I have done the same thing under those circumstances? What would I have done differently? The question that emerges is, “How can a writer go about making the reader care?”

 I will use a non-literary example—the goal is after all to make your characters realistic. First, I must ask… do you know who Caylee Anthony and Elizabeth Smart are? It is safe to say that most of us do. Why is that? The media and law enforcement play a crucial role in making the public aware of when a child goes missing. An Amber Alert is issued; local news stations and their affiliates show pictures of the missing child. On some occasions, parents and law enforcement make a plea to the public in the hopes that the child will be returned unharmed. They also keep the public informed when there are new developments in the case.

Whether we intend to or not, viewers begin to care about finding said child, even when they are in another state. It is important to mention that we all respond to the same situation in different ways. As a writer, you have to ask yourself, why should readers care? Once you have found the answer, write a story with that in mind.

Write as if the character was fighting for air and the only way he/she could make it to the surface is for you to make them believable—so believable that the reader has no choice but to invest in their journey. It should illicit emotions that are reserved for inopportune moments; make them connect on the slightest level in a way that they can relate to, whether it is love, hate, abandonment, abuse, or fear. We are all affected by something. All you have to do is find the common ground.

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Mila A. Ballentine is an award winning, best-selling mystery writer who enjoys writing Historical, Crime, Paranormal, and Science Fiction mysteries for a general audience. When she is not writing, Mila enjoys learning about other cultures, traveling, and doing anything that allows her to put her creative energy to use.

How to Fix or Avoid Image Display Issues When Submitting a Webpage Filtered File to KDP

Microsoft Word can be an author’s best friend… at least until the message “document cannot be saved” appears. When that occurs, your removable disk or hard drive maybe full, deleting unnecessary files may cure that. I've read KDP's format guidelines, it is extremely helpful. It has given me more control over the format that I choose. KDP has also played a crucial part during my writing process, but at times, it feels as though we are in a one-sided relationship.

If you’ve ever used Microsoft Word or KDP, you can relate. This time around, I decided to use images in my document to add elaborate font. Everything was going great, until I tried to view the uploaded file. The images were not visible. Instead, there was a camera icon with an error sign displayed where the images should be.

What did I do wrong?

My fly was open. I didn't zip the file! When a webpage filtered document is created it creates a folder automatically, but it also separates the images and other aspects from the text.  If you open the folder, you'll see numerous files inside. The images are separate and that's where the problem lies. It was a frustrating moment, but I was determined to fix the problem.

'Operation Fix It' commenced!

 

 

Code Name: Goosfraba

 

Task: Create a Zip Folder.

Okay, so you have saved your eBook as a webpage-filtered document. 

 

What's next?

Tutorial:

 Note: This tutorial is not for beginners.

 

First, you'll need to...

 

Access your document folder.  

 

 

1.  Create a folder.

 

 

Right click in the 'open' dialogue box  

 

of your document folder. 

 

Note: There is more than one way to do it. The same is true for the other steps

 

provided in this tutorial.

 

 

Select New. Select Folder. A folder is created.  Give the folder a name. Press

 

the enter key on your keyboard.  You are the proud parent of a new folder.

 

2.   Next, 'add' the document to the folder. 

 

Note: (Practice with a dummy document first. Once you've got the hang of it you can use the actual file.)

 

Use the Drag-and-Drop method to add the file.

 

 See how here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/moving-and-copying-files-by-using-the-drag-and-drop-method

 

 You've created a folder, named it, and added the interior file to the folder.

 

 

 3.   Next, Right click on the folder. Select send to . Select "compressed 'zipped' folder."

 

You have a zip folder.

Upload it to KDP . 

Preview the document to verify that the images display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Purple Pen Unpinned

  

I've written about the editing process before and it's always an interesting topic to explore, after all it's a part of the writing process that is inescapable.

For the past few months, I've been working on the sequel of Thin Skin Soul Pinned and now the editing process has begun. I often wonder, why can't a manuscript be written perfectly the first time? Well, that would be too easy. The writer would have less bruises from the journey. Simply put, the trials of editing gives us personality like the remnants left to remind us of a brawl, scars. We can find and sometimes lose our creativity or build confidence in our craft. Writing  is a chore and editing can arguably be compared to taming a wild boar. A lot goes into the process, but it takes more than creativity, a distinct voice, good penmanship, and discipline to make a story work.

It's important to unleash your inner fierce, explore different art forms to help you fine tune your own. Write. Don't restrict yourself to topics your comfortable with. Arguably, some of the best music came out of the 60s through the 70s and there's a reason for that. They sang of joy, pain, and love like they were drowning in it and made the listener feel whatever they were musing about.

 

There are many tools out there that can make the editing process easier, but  I'd like to highlight one in particular, www.paperrater.com.

It's a free program that may improve  the quality of your work. For example, if you are writing for a certain age group, you can select that option before submitting the text for analysis. It  can also help to  highlight the incorrect usage of words.

 

  Cons: They screen for robot usage. Pardon the static interference while R2D2 stares blankly at the screen on my behalf.

"Editing can be grueling, but it can also be rewarding, especially when you're able to make something that's potentially good better."~ Mila A. Ballentine

Guest Post Your Way Into The Spotlight!

I am happy to announce that I am accepting guest posts starting in February 2014.

• Do you have helpful tips that you'd like to share with other writers?

For example: Formatting tips for Amazon, Barnes & Nobles or Smashwords that include PowerPoint, video instructions or screen captured pictures.

• A cover reveal with blurb for your new release?

I am accepting: Mystery, Paranormal Mystery, Crime Mystery, Dystopian, or Science Fiction.

Did I hear a resounding Yes?

• Contact me via the form on this site. Please include a link to a sample of your writing. 

Postscript:

I will post the guest post link on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Tumbler but the writer must be willing to promote the post too.

HUNTED Cover Reveal

M. Pratwell  Biography

M. Pratwell has always been an avid reader and when her friend, Genevieve Scholl, started publishing books she found that she had the urge to write her own novel. She wasn’t sure if she could do even half as well as Genevieve, but she knew she had to try. With encouragement from Genevieve and their other friend, H.R Hyacinth, she sat down with her Ipad and started typing. At first, it was just a jumble of words that made no sense, but eventually she started to form a mysterious story set in her hometown of Rome, N.Y. She fell in love with the characters and was desperate to solve the case.

Unedited Excerpt of Hunted

The ride along the Erie Canal was smooth and pleasant, save for the slight breeze that blew up from the water and chilled her skin. The leaves on the trees moved in silence, acknowledging the presence of the boat as it passed. Elena touched two of her fingers to her temple, sending Mother Nature and the spirits around her a respectful salute. She had boarded the boat to get away from everyone she knew and clear her head, but she was glad that the spirits had tagged along. They calmed her.

She closed her eyes and listened to the gentle lap of water against the bottom of the boat. The spirits might have calmed her, but she still hadn’t decided what she was going to do about her current situation. How was she going to support another human being, if she couldn’t even support herself? How was she going to tell her parents? They’d likely want her to get an abortion, but there was no way she was going to kill the innocent child that was growing inside of her. If she couldn’t give he or she a good home, then she would find someone who could. She allowed a tear to slip down her cheek; giving the child up for adoption would kill her, but she would do what was best for her baby.

The sound of footsteps behind her jerked her from her thoughts. Swiping the tear from her cheek, she spun around to the person who had just joined her. Dark hair covered his head, the ends lightly touching his jaw as the breeze toyed with the strands. Dark sunglasses covered his eyes and an earring glinted in the sunlight as it peeked between the strands of hair. He was handsome, in a non-conventional way, but Elena couldn’t help the unease that she felt as he continued to stare at her.

“You really shouldn’t be out here on your own,” his gravelly voice said. “You could fall overboard and no one would know it.”

Before she could respond, he moved. Elena barely had time to blink before she felt his hands against her shoulders. Her feet came off of the deck and floated in front of her for a few minutes as the railing dug into her spine. She deeply inhaled to scream, but before any sound could escape, his hands moved to her throat to silence her. The pressure he applied was suffocating and Elena gulped for air. The water beneath the boat suddenly sounded louder than it had before; it roared in her ears like distant thunder. She clawed at her assailant’s throat with her fingernails, but to no avail. The block to her airways was making her dizzy and disoriented. She wasn’t even sure if she had made contact as her arms flung about like two fish out of water.

She gave up and waited for death to come, but just as the darkness started to take over, the pressure on her throat was released. She gulped in confusion, trying to relieve the pain in her lungs. Why had he let go? Had he been scared off? Her answer came in the worst kind of answer as those hands grabbed on to her again and pushed her up and over the railing.

Cover Designer: Genevieve Scholl

My thoughts:

Hunted by M. Pratwell is a mystery that has a plethora of suspense and I look forward to reading it. It should be on every mystery lover's TBR list. 

Genre: Mystery 

Hunted Release Date: August 29^th 2013

The Matter of Image

It is important for authors to realize that they are a product when promoting their book. Doing so does not strip you of your humanity but it puts you out in the public sphere. Actors have a publicist to help generate and manage publicity. Their efforts also help guide and control their client’s image. If you are an independent author, you probably do not have a publicist, but you can still control your image. 

Self-control is a major factor when it comes to molding your public image. It entails controlling your impulses, emotions and desires. One should not discuss some things in a business environment. Refrain from discussing religion, politics, and personal finances when interacting with your customers. It applies whether it is a face-to-face contact or on social media.

In the matters of religion, if the person you are interacting with has stated that they seek salvation, then you are welcome to discuss religion but otherwise keep your views out of your business endeavors. It is important to state that this does not apply to authors who write religious novels. By nature, we are all religious. Some people are devoted to activities and others are loyal to a higher power.

We all have political views but it is expected that our views will vary. The failure of one party does not constitute the success of another.  We are apart of the same democracy, so unity is essential to progress. During the last presidential election, the rates of people ‘unfriended’ skyrocketed. Some of the posts were excessive and others were borderline offensive. Unless you are into the concept of the catch and release of a potential customer, be mindful that not everyone will share your views.

In the past, I have written articles on motivation. I used examples of how low one can fall. They may even feel success is not achievable but anything is possible with skill and determination. We all struggle with something whether its health, society, or finances but unless you are in a support group or you are having a conversation with a friend, leave it out of your interaction with potential customers.

Authors have more control over their image than they think. Controlling your image should not be mistaken for being fake. You are molding what matters when it concerns your writing.  The distance between you and your friends on social media is vast. It is unlikely that you may ever meet them. Still, they can sense your nature and they do not need to have a degree in the Communications Arts to figure out that you are not what you seem. Your image is important so mold it in a way that compliments you.

Back Away From The Shoes Review Drawing

 

 

I need FIVE or MORE people  to participate in the 'Back Away From the Shoes Review Drawing.

 Back Away From The Shoes is a Glamazon Fiction Mystery about a young fashionista that's not afraid to take chances, especially when she wants something.

Here's the blurb:

Life was a breeze for Casey Sullivan, a high school student with an eye for fashion, until a joyous occasion was muddied by an altercation she wanted desperately to forget. One would think that working at the Reinhold Detective Agency would have prepared her for these types of circumstances, but scandalous situations were a far cry from being in the midst of a senseless crime.

A welcomed distraction presents itself as Casey’s anguish builds. Casey grabs the opportunity and flexes her detective skills, hoping it will ease her distress, but her endeavor may be chancier than she anticipated. After all, playing detective is a dangerous game that only professionals should play.

 

In exchange for your honest review, you will be entered in a drawing to win this lovely Shoe Wine Bottle Holder. 

Show more

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Here’s the book trailer.

 Rules:

1. Purchase the eBook*: It is available in kindle and paperback format.  You can also download it to your computer as a file.

Purchase link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A9W5JJG/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_h3PRqb1HVPAJ

2. Read, Back Away From the Shoes.

3. Write a review on amazon.com

4. Share it in your ‘Facebook Status.’

5. Post a link to your review in the comment box on this article.  

*U.S Residents only. It must be a ‘Verified Purchase Review.’

*5 or more Participants to validate a drawing.

*** This drawing is CLOSED. The Winner has been notified.***

The Initiation of Astonia: The Life and Trials of Astonia Series

If you’ve lived in or visited New York City, chances are that you’ve already been to Central Park. I went to Central Park to take pictures of a statue for a book cover. During my search for the statue, I enjoyed the scenery, took pictures of sunbathers basking on the lawn, and watched street performers gyrate to the beat of Congo drums.

After an hour and a half of searching, I looked up at the sky and wiped the sweat from my forehead. Towering above me a few feet away in the lawn was the statue. It turns out I had passed the statue twice and did not see it. I took photos and moved on. The peak of Belvedere Castle punctuated the trees ahead. I decided it would be my next stop.

The castle was smaller than it appeared from the ground level, at least the areas visitors were allowed to browse. I strolled out to the gazebo and took in the broad skyline. The lawn below was freckled with people in a constant state of flux. I left the castle and walked down the slate steps leading to the boardwalk. A moss covered pond sat in front of the castle, Turtle Pond. I walked up to the railing and looked over the edge. Turtles swarmed below the perimeter beneath the railing. I fell in love with the pond and its inhabitants; naturally, the pond found its way into one of my books.

Writing the first book in ‘The Life and Trials of Astonia Series’ was one of the most intriguing writing experiences I’ve had thus far. The Legend of Turtle Pond: The Initiation of Tabitha Obrien was inspired by Turtle Pond. The historical paranormal series is set in a time and place unlike our world, enthused with old world charms and peculiar characters that are bound to engage your imagination.  The Legend of Turtle Pond: The Initiation of Tabitha Obrien is available in three formats. You can buy it at the following link: The Journey Begins Here!

The Platter of Creativity, Author Mila A. Ballentine by S.J. Dennery

Foreword:

I enjoy being a quiet storm in a room, but I agreed to do the following interview with S. J. Dennery, a young author who plans to release her debut novel in 2013.  I was thoroughly impressed with the questions she came up with and I have to admit that the high school sophomore made me dig deep within myself to respond to her questions. I look forward to reading her novel when it is released.

The Platter of Creativity, Author Mila A. Ballentine by S.J. Dennery

Author Mila A. Ballentine's originality shines through all of her stories. She is creative, adventurous, and honest about everything that goes into the pages of her books. If Mila were to get lost in the woods, she would use her time wisely. Her instincts would be alert and her creativity would skyrocket through the roof. Mila would write a story on a leaf. Besides Mila being a good author, she is bubbly, outgoing, and extremely shy, but don’t let her coyness fool you.  Her characters are strong, honest, and ready to jump into an adventure without hesitations.

1.      Is there a genre you haven’t written and would like to pursue in the future?

MAB: I would like to write a Western. My father used to watch western movies when I was a kid and I developed a fondness for it.

2.      If you weren’t an author, what career would you be involved in?

MAB: If I wasn’t an author I would be a costume designer. I was once a costume assistant and besides writing, it was one of my favorite jobs. It gave me a chance to use my creativity to the fullest while working on Broadway-style shows.

3.      Do you see yourself writing books ten years from now?

MAB: Ten years from now, I hope to be in a ranch -style home with horses running across the meadow while I write a steamy romance or western novel. At this point, I can’t image my life without writing. It’s my oxygen; I can’t breathe without it.

 

4.       Do you believe people should choose a book based only on the author’s name?

MAB: I think when a reader is choosing a book, they should always explore new authors. It’s important to discover the creativity of others because each author approaches a storyline differently. Imagine if you were the only person in the world to know what a Banana Foster tasted like. Expand your horizon. Do not limit yourself.

5.       How do you get inspired to write a new book?

MAB: I’m inspired to write when my emotions wonder into barren plains; when the deepest level of sleep blesses me with something so intriguing that it wakes me and I write it down.

6.       What responsibilities do you have to take on as an author?

MAB: My responsibilities as an author includes marketing, blogging, illustrator, cover designer and to continue providing stories to build my catalog of books.

7.       What kind of author do you see/imagine yourself as?

MAB: I see myself as a multicultural writer. I try to write stories that appeal to everyone. I use my cultural experiences and that of others to add spice to my stories.

 

8.       What talent do you wish you had as an author that you don’t have now?

MAB: When I have an idea for my covers, it is often complex. I hope to learn more about graphic design. I would like to create covers that compliment the story. 

9.      Do you have any new releases you’d like to tell us about?

MAB: My new release is BACK AWAY FROM THE SHOES. It’s a glamor mystery.  If you love fashion, you will enjoy this book.  Here’s the Blurb and book trailer:

Life was a breeze for Casey Sullivan until she was blindsided by the unthinkable. Working at the Reinhold Detective Agency comes in handy when the worst and best moments of her life collide. She embarks on a quest that turns out to be more than she bargained for.

I am grateful for the opportunity to interview author Mila A. Ballentine. Interviewing her boosted the confidence of an aspiring author. Thank you, Mila for sharing your creativity and ideas with me.

Author On The Scene

Authors gather inspiration for their stories from various sources. However, authors use different aspects of each source to aide them in the creative process. Life experience is one of the most fruitful sources to use when writing.  Traveling to foreign countries and listening to music from other cultures can give an author a new perspective. We can learn a lot about our culture through the eyes of someone from another culture. Movies  aide an author with the creative process. No matter what source an author uses it can be an essential part of the journey.

 Academy nominated movies can be extremely helpful. When I watch movies, I watch them to get a sense of how the video editor creates a product that flows from one scene to the other effortlessly. Though I am sure the video editor would not say it was effortless. It is a difficult task. It requires a keen eye and attention to detail. The same is true for music. In every great song there is consistency or else it will sound disjointed. Music can be magical when it is produced properly.  Traveling can be expensive but you do not have to get on a plane to travel. You can watch the Travel Channel, or read travel magazines. When I travel, it brings out my inner child.  I become curious about everything and want to experience the environment.

A movie director, music producer and an author essentially have the same duties.  They create an experience that touches the audience. If there are hiccups in the delivery, it will muddy the experience. 

ü  It is important to blend scenes by connecting something in the previous scene to the next. If a scene ends with a woman swimming at the beach, the next scene can begin with water running over her head in the shower. Water is the common denominator in both scenes. 

Creating seamless scenes is not easy; it takes time to get it right but the reader will be grateful.

Examples of excellent scene transition:

1. The Color Purple – You will need a box of Kleenex. It is a tragic story but the transitions are beautifully executed. 

2. Everybody’s Fine – It is a thought provoking movie with nice transitions.

3. The Avengers – It is an action packed movie with nice transitions.

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I'm curious...how do you create seemless scenes?