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

Now, I am Left To Pick Up The Pieces

A computer virus can be the kiss of death to a writer and for some reason it seems to occur when you’re just about to finish a manuscript. It happened to me with The Legend of Turtle Pond: The Initiation of Tabitha Obrien and with Desolate Terrain. I’d be lying if I said, it wasn’t a terrifying experience. During the mind numbing experience of waiting for my computer to be fixed, I wondered... why would someone create viruses?

Ode to Computer Viruses

Once again you’ve taken me on a wondrous ride only to leave me in the Dead Sea.

Now I’m left to wonder…

What have I done to warrant such aggression from you?

I ask myself, ‘what kind of person creates something that cripples a system simply trying to exist?’

It wouldn’t bother me as much if I weren’t a writer, molding characters for readers to enjoy

but I have no control over characters like you!

Writing stories is easy compared to dealing with your destructive creation

designed solely to maim as many computer systems as possible.

It’s disarming, alarming, especially when it seems to occur when I am about to finish a novel.

They say, Virus Writers do it to prove a point.

 point taken
now please find something constructive to do.

No one’s data is safe until they find a way to stop you!

In closing, I managed to make it through the ordeal but not unscathed. The information on my hard drive was lost but thanks to paranoia, I emailed a copy of my latest manuscript to myself the day before my computer crashed.  This experience has thought me a valuable lesson, to back up my files.

   

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.

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.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to share it with others select the G+ button

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

  

The Importance of a Character's Name

I am an author, so as far as I am concerned, the 
pen is mightier than the sword! I can give or take life with the stroke of a pen. Very few professions have that luxury outside of the literary and entertainment industry. One aspect I enjoy the most is naming the characters.

Author choose names that resonate with them. Sometimes the names of my characters pop up randomly or I let the characters traits lead me to their name. However, there are instances when an author can get away with using odd names. Otherwise, the character names should be easy to pronounce, unless it is a nonfiction book.  On the other hand, sometimes fiction and nonfiction collide.  This was the case in my novel, Thin Skin Soul Pinned a paranormal mystery. The story is a work of fiction, but it is loosely based on actual events.   The character with a questionable name exists, so the peculiar name was used. 

“The name of a man is a numbing blow from which he never recovers.”-Marshall McLuhan

Naming a character is an important aspect of telling a story. In the story/poem Jack and Jill, the story would be less memorable if the character names were Arthur and Ruby. The name you give your character is as important as naming your child. After all, the name will stay with the character for the duration of their lives. Unlike real people, characters do not have the luxury of changing their name. The last thing a reader wants to do is mull over the pronunciation of a name.   

What are your thoughts on this subject?

The Cover MATTERS!

Don’t let the cliché, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover,’ sway you. Everything is judged by its cover, whether it’s an object or a person! The presentation of a product for sale is important.  If you’ve ever been attracted to a particular product while shopping, 9 out of 10 times it had everything to do with the presentation.  However, the contents are equally important, but this article will focus on what’s on the outside. 

I went to a small business workshop a few months ago and the instructor recommended a book by Paco Underhill, WHY WE BUY.   It’s worth the read and it’s available in audio book.  It was helpful and reinforced aspects of marketing that I already knew.  As an independent publisher/author, I devote as much time to choosing a cover as I do to writing.  Without a cover that represents the essence of your story, you are simply nailing your foot in the “No Name Brand,” market.  I think we all have a sense of how people feel about “No Name Brand” products….low grade, cheap, imitation…you get the idea. 

When your cover has the presence of attracting the naked eye, the odds are, they will move in and investigate the product.   If the Blurb grabs them, you caught one! However, you had to get their attention first!  It took two weeks to find the cover for IN THE VALLEY OF MUD AND WORMS, but I knew it was ‘the one’ when I saw it. It represented the character and the story, but you wouldn’t know until you read it. I was not as lucky with finding a cover for NO STRAYS ALLOWED, so I illustrated it myself. The optical illusion tricks the eye to think that something is wrong.  The effect …you move in closer to see if your eyes can correct the error, but there is none. It’s effective because the potential customer interacts with the product.  Finally, the cover for THIN SKIN SOUL PINNED took three mind-numbing weeks to find, but it was worth it! 

You can purchase In The Valley of Mud and Worms at the following link: 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Valley-Mud-And-Worms/dp/097941721X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371073703&sr=8-1&keywords=in+the+valley+of+mud+and+worms

So by all means, judge a book by its cover.  It is something we do unconsciously and it plays a major factor into what we buy.  Also, I could have easily included examples of covers that aren’t the best representation of a book, but it is not my desire to muddy anyone’s hard work. Instead, I will provide an avenue where you can obtain photos that will improve your chances of finding the PERFECT cover!  Bigstock.com is an excellent site and one of the easiest to use.  http://bigstock.com

Marketing a product is not an easy task.  The next time you go shopping, think about why you buy something.  I am interested to hear your thoughts on this subject. 

You can purchase Thin Skin Soul Pinned at the following link: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=thin+skin+soul+pinned