tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31152765457420053032024-03-13T09:52:01.099-07:00Christy DorrityChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-5469467864608875442012-01-25T10:55:00.000-08:002012-07-08T14:02:23.544-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDbX8GF0gCE/TdWIelyF7MI/AAAAAAAAA6I/-FB-8LGkrgY/s1600/Christy+Sepia.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zDbX8GF0gCE/TdWIelyF7MI/AAAAAAAAA6I/-FB-8LGkrgY/s320/Christy+Sepia.png" width="257" /></a><br />
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Hi! My name is Christy Dorrity and I am a writer. I write about what I love, Irish dancing, cooking and stories for young adults. You will find a little bit of all of it here. Enjoy your stay!<br />
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<br /></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-35307281312827756902012-01-24T13:56:00.000-08:002012-07-24T12:54:31.080-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Family, reading, writing, cooking, and Irish dancing make me happy. You will find a little of everything here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am a freelance writer and author. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My articles have appeared in </span><a href="http://www.feisamerica.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Feis America Magazine</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://mag.diddlyi.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">DiddlyiMag</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. I write for my local newspaper, The Syracuse Islander, and I recently had an article accepted for the children's </span><a href="http://www.lds.org/friend" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Friend Magazine</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.
I accept requests for book reviews. Feel free to email me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054R6T6S/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwdearestdre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217153&creative=399701&creativeASIN=B0054R6T6S" target="_blank">The 2011 Book Blogger's Cookbook</a> is now available on Amazon. It's a labor of love that combines tasty reads and adventurous treats. Enjoy!</span><br />
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</div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-4265734454310094712012-01-19T09:08:00.000-08:002012-07-24T12:54:31.128-07:00iBooks for Authors makes ebook publishing easy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you guys seeing what I am seeing? Today <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2399075,00.asp">Apple announced</a> a new app for anyone who wants to create an ebook called iBooks for Authors. It is available in the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibooks-author/id490152466?mt=12">app store</a> right now for free. You must have a Mac running OS X 10.7 Lion in order to use it.<br />
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I downloaded the app this morning and it is amazing! User friendly for newbies and those who are pros, this app lets you import media, make slideshows, imbed charts and tables, place 3D images and more. It has templates to get you started and from there your imagination is the limit. The program allows for an interactive glossary.<br />
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Last night my husband and I were discussing my latest WIP, a non-fiction book on Irish dancing. We both agreed that instead of self publishing it on Amazon like we did <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054R6T6S/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwdearestdre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217153&creative=399701&creativeASIN=B0054R6T6S">The 2011 Book Blogger's Cookbook</a>, that I should draft a proposal and send it out to publishers. After seeing what iBooks for Authors offers, I am rethinking my publishing route. My book is full of Irish dance terminology and multimedia, such as dance demos. <br />
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What do you think of this program? Are you planning to use it?<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-54349908895672985362011-12-31T08:15:00.000-08:002012-07-24T12:54:31.249-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is your book on KDP select?</td></tr>
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This month has been an interesting one as far as my self-published <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054R6T6S/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwdearestdre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217153&creative=399701&creativeASIN=B0054R6T6S">cookbook</a> is concerned. <br />
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I started out the month with a trickle of sales that has been typical now that my book has been out for more than 6 months. Then I decided to enroll my book in Amazon's new <a href="https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/KDPSelect">KDP select</a> program. KDP select is a service that allows Amazon Prime members to borrow one book at a time for a month for free. </div>
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It's certainly about time! It's so easy to transfer the digital files that I figured it was only a matter of time before someone came up with a lending library.</div>
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So, anyways, authors can enroll their ebooks in the program with the promise that they won't publish their book elsewhere for 90 days. As an incentive, Amazon offers 5 promotional days for the author's book. You can read more about the program <a href="https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/KDPSelect">here</a>.</div>
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Sounds good to me, especially since I haven't gotten around to publishing on other sites such as B&N or the Apple store. So I set my book to run for free for two days early in December. I couldn't believe how many people began buying my book. I literally reached thousands of sales in those two days. </div>
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I set two more of my promotional days for December 27 and 28th to catch all of the people who received Kindles for Christmas. My sales skyrocketed again and my rankings on Amazon shot sky high. With the new lending program I am seeing a steady flow of people borrow my books (Note: authors are promised a cut of the lending, although it will be interesting to see what that actually turns out to be. Basically all authors will split an allotted amount dedicated to the lending service monthly).<br />
Update: Each book loaned in December of 2011 earned $1.70. That's almost as much as I make when someone purchases the book. </div>
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There are many skeptics out there that say I have to take a loss on those freebies, but I am not paying Amazon to promote my book and you could argue that thousands of people now know about my book who didn't before. And since <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054R6T6S/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwdearestdre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217153&creative=399701&creativeASIN=B0054R6T6S">The 2011 Book Blogger's Cookbook</a> is part of a series, I am hoping a few of those people will purchase volume 2 in 2012. </div>
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So what is happening with my book now that I am off the promotion? In two days my sales are ten times what they were before my book was free. Word of mouth and getting the book in front of people is key. Even though my sales rankings initially fell further than they were before the promotion, my statistics are way higher now. I am thinking it's due to the cross promotions such as the "customers who bought this also bought:" banner.</div>
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What do you think about Amazon's KDP program? Will you promote your book with it? Will you join Amazon Prime to borrow books?</div>
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<br /></div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-70630778977462409312011-12-13T13:51:00.000-08:002012-07-24T12:54:31.326-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eVzqT8-GFmY/TufIp86qSlI/AAAAAAAABMk/OHdMBr4I6n8/s1600/bbcb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eVzqT8-GFmY/TufIp86qSlI/AAAAAAAABMk/OHdMBr4I6n8/s320/bbcb.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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Now you can read The 2011 Book Blogger's Cookbook for free! If you have been thinking about purchasing this fun and unique cookbook, now's your chance to take a peek and see if you like it.<br />
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Not only that, but between December 15th and December 17th you can download the cookbook for free for your viewing pleasure forever!<br />
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Click here to download it to your Kindle now!<br />
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A few more bookish items for your consideration:<br />
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Nightingale by David Farland is now out as an app for the iPad. I've had a chance to preview this enhanced ebook and it is fabulous! The comic style art, soundtrack and internal links combine to make an experience like none I've yet to see. You can also purchase it through Amazon here.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-46220656860024985172011-10-04T14:52:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.145-07:00Upcoming releases, reviews and giveaways, featuring Nightingale by David Farland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nightingale by David Farland</td></tr>
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There are some exciting books coming out in the next few months. <br />
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Kersten Hamilton has <a href="http://www.dearestdreams.com/2010/11/tyger-tyger-by-kersten-hamilton.html">Tyger Tyger</a> coming out in paperback and the sequel, In the Forests of the Night releases this month. I loved Tyger Tyger and included it in The 2011 Book Blogger's Cookbook review <a href="http://www.dearestdreams.com/2010/11/tyger-tyger-by-kersten-hamilton.html">here</a>. Look for my review of In the Forests of the Night soon. <br />
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I'm so excited to tell you about a riveting book that is coming out in print and through the Apple App store as an enhanced ebook. I had a chance to read Nightingale by David Farland and I highly recommend it.<br />
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Nightingale will be released on October 15th. I'll be posting a review, an exclusive interview with the author and a giveaway. Stay tuned because you are not going to want to miss this one! If you are a book blogger and would like a chance to read Nightingale, send me an email.<br />
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Josi Kilpack has a cozy mystery coming out for Fall titled Pumpkin Roll. It's a fun read and the cover is scrumptious, just ask my puppy. He chewed on the signed ARC that Josi sent to me--ARGGG! Watch for a review coming this month. Josi has some great giveaways going on at her <a href="http://josikilpack.blogspot.com/2011/09/ipad-contest-wanna-enter.html">blog</a>.<br />
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Other fun books coming out:<br />
Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick (the third in the Hush, Hush series)<br />
The Death Cure by James Dashner (Maze Runner #3)<br />
Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon (review here)<br />
The Scorpio Races by Maggie SteivfaterChristyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-48627207565445823302011-09-26T12:26:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.158-07:00Book signing, Amber Argyle author of Witch Song<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber Argyle, author of Witch Song and Christy Dorrity<br />
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</tbody></table>On Saturday I ran over to Barnes and Noble in Layton and met Amber Argyle, author of <i>Witch Song. </i>I<i> </i>had a chance earlier this month to review an ARC of the book and do an interview for an article that ran in the <i>Syracuse Islander</i>. <div><br />
</div><div>Amber is way fun and I feel like I already know her. I think all of us bookish people are that way. I love it when authors are excited and energetic about their books and looking toward the future in publishing, like Amber is. </div><div><br />
</div><div>We had a nice chat and she signed my ARC and gave me a book mark. I gave her a copy of the newspaper article about her. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I told Amber what I've been telling those who ask about my fiction WIP lately, that I'm putting it aside while I work on a non-fiction book proposal. It just about kills me to talk about it and I die a little each time. But it just feels like my ideas need to sit for awhile as I hone my writing skills in other ways. I think it's the right thing to do, but my greatest goal is to be a full time fiction writer. </div><div><br />
</div><div>My biggest pet peeve is when published authors tell me that the first novel I write will be crap. I think I have a pretty great idea for a story and I don't want it to be crap. I think that's why I want to wait a bit and write crappy other things first. </div><div><br />
</div><div>What do you think? Any advice for me? Have any of you felt this way?<br />
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</div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-58319709320031894212011-09-21T16:49:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.280-07:00Writing lessons learned from my junior high self<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ0rV5vgEDU/TnpOD7ccETI/AAAAAAAABHU/cYToiWN8rTs/s1600/writing-pen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJ0rV5vgEDU/TnpOD7ccETI/AAAAAAAABHU/cYToiWN8rTs/s320/writing-pen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the weekend I pulled out a box of stuff my mom saved for me from my junior high and high school days. Among the boring report cards and candid photos were some short stories and writing exercises, mostly from my seventh grade year when I had an English teacher who encouraged my love of creative writing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back then I wanted to be an author. I'm not sure what made me decide that being an author for a living wasn't a viable option, but I didn't pick up writing again until I was pregnant with my 5th child, almost 20 years later!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I read through the stories I chuckled at the ways I introduced my characters ("My name is Sharon and I have dirty brown hair and green eyes. Now you know about me."), the vague titles that had nothing to do with the story ("Bacon, Tomato, People Sandwiches"), and the wild and crazy ideas I had (living in a house made out of a cloud and 'super than super glue'). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But when I was finished, I gained something I never expected: self-confidence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First: sometimes I wonder if I really am creative or if I just steal everyone's ideas and jostle them around. In reading the stories from my childhood, I am confident that I can come up with creative ideas on my own. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Second: it seems that lately I worry so much about how my writing sounds and am constantly editing myself to the point that I am frozen and cannot write. Back then I didn't worry what anyone thought of my writing and--hey--I actually wrote pretty good stories. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From now on, when I sit down to write my novel, I am going to let the words come freely, try not to edit as I go and trust that my ideas are just as good as anyone else's. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you ever feel that way? What do you do when you get frozen by fear of writing?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-45463276020894629072011-08-19T12:57:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.137-07:00Upcycling Book Crafts from an un-crafty me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMZp1kZkbwU/Tk6_uJcmwdI/AAAAAAAABFk/VcVjy6du1Ww/s1600/Frisky+at+the+fair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMZp1kZkbwU/Tk6_uJcmwdI/AAAAAAAABFk/VcVjy6du1Ww/s320/Frisky+at+the+fair.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
I am not much of a scrapbooker or crafter. But every now and then I get the urge to create something with my hands.<br />
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My fourteen-year-old sister is at the Wyoming state county fair this week, showing her lambs. I found a retro children's book called Frisky at the Fair and immediately thought about the cool upcycling books that I've seen around. <br />
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I've taken apart the book and cleaned it up a bit, inserted scrapbook pages to hold photos of my sister at fairs with her lambs and created some neato envelopes to glue inside. Now I just need to get ahold of some recycled blank paper to put in-between the original story pages. I'll have it bound and my sister will have one of the only crafty things I've ever made as a keepsake.<br />
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I'm entering this craft into a giveaway from a friend I know from high school. Head on over and check out Candice's <a href="http://candiceashmentart.blogspot.com/2011/08/craft-art-challenge-giveaway.html">Artsy Challenge</a>. She's way more artsy than I!<br />
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Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-78220778263548542702011-08-19T12:51:00.001-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.406-07:00Upcycling Book Crafts from an un-crafty me<br />
I am not much of a scrapbooker or crafter. But every now and then I get the urge to create something with my hands.<br />
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My fourteen-year-old sister is at the Wyoming state county fair this week, showing her lambs. I found a retro children's book called Frisky at the Fair and immediately thought about the cool upcycling books that I've seen around. <br />
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I've taken apart the book and cleaned it up a bit, inserted scrapbook pages to hold photos of my sister at fairs with her lambs and created some neato envelopes to glue inside. Now I just need to get ahold of some recycled blank paper to put in-between the original story pages. I'll have it bound and my sister will have one of the only crafty things I've ever made as a keepsake.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-72327263192073932532011-08-11T14:35:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.341-07:00Should you hold your own virtual book launch tour?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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So how do you know if you should host your own virtual book tour or if you should hire a professional to do it for you?<br />
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Ask yourself:<br />
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1-<b>Do I have a significant number of contacts who will helps promote my book? </b>Ideally, you will have collected contacts naturally as you connect with other authors, bloggers, and book reviewers. If you don't have a few hundred contacts (not counting your mother, your dentist or your book club members) who have an audience that will be interested in your book, your launch tour might not reach those who would read your book.<br />
<br />
2-<b>Do I have time to set up, maintain and follow up on the tour?</b> It takes a few weeks to set up a tour and do it right. At least an hour per day of the tour will be spent promoting the tour itself, and there will be more time spent on thank you's and following up with participants and helpers. <br />
<br />
3-<b>Am I organized and professional in my communication with others? </b>The way you handle yourself reflects on your book tour and will ultimately jade the perception of your book. If you can't be nice to others, or you are terrible at returning emails, you may not give the impression your book needs to succeed. <br />
<br />
If you find that you would rather hire someone to handle the book tour for you, there are many online services available. Here are a few:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tristipinkstonbooktours.blogspot.com/">tristipinkstonbooktours.com </a><br />
<a href="http://booktour.com/">booktour.com</a><br />
<a href="http://virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/">virtualbooktours</a><br />
<a href="http://www.virtualbooktourcafe.com/">virtualbooktourcafe</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-53429938253391498082011-07-22T09:30:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.231-07:00I Need Friends Friday<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7toANRiTp_M/So4nSjRvdBI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Y_qJXuxYkMc/s320/FriendsFridayBanner.jpg" /><br />
Today I get to be on<a href="http://www.sarahmeden.com/2011/07/i-need-friends-friday-christy-dorrity.html"> I Need Friends Friday</a> with the lovely <a href="http://www.sarahmeden.com/2011/07/i-need-friends-friday-christy-dorrity.html">Sarah Eden</a>. Every week she interviews a different friend about, well nothing. It's kind of like Seinfeld--it's funny but when you think about it, there's really nothing profound going on. Sarah and I discuss why Irish dancers wear curly wigs, her repeat appearance as the emcee at LDSStorymaker's conference next year, and admire the lovely portrait she drew of me.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-63436497575522017502011-07-20T10:14:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.305-07:00Last day of The 2011 Book Blogger's Cookbook launch tour<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgSmM6gde4o/TfEwzG6FsoI/AAAAAAAAA94/K4VVR7BxugY/s1600/homePageDevice.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Today is the last day of <a href="http://www.dearestdreams.com/2011/06/2011-book-bloggers-cookbook-launch-tour.html">The 2011 Book Blogger's Cookbook virtual launch tour</a>. <br />
<br />
This whole self-publishing and virtual launching experience has been so much fun and I have learned tons! I am planning on blogging what I've learned in detail, but for now, I'll just say it was a blast, oh and a lot of work. I haven't even written a single word in my fiction WIP since April!<br />
<br />
If you haven't entered the <a href="http://www.dearestdreams.com/2011/06/2011-book-bloggers-cookbook-launch-tour.html">Kindle Giveaway</a>, today is the last day. And if you haven't had a chance to look at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054R6T6S/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwdearestdre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217153&creative=399701&creativeASIN=B0054R6T6S">The 2011 Book Blogger's Cookbook</a>, it's on sale for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054R6T6S/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwdearestdre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217153&creative=399701&creativeASIN=B0054R6T6S">.99 at Amazon</a>. <br />
<br />
Thanks to all of you wonderful bloggers and authors who participated in the <a href="http://www.dearestdreams.com/2011/06/2011-book-bloggers-cookbook-launch-tour.html">blog tour-</a>-you rock!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-80493250233665253312011-07-09T14:04:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.561-07:00Google+ Why we all should join.<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nAMg731-mAs/ThRmEBLQDKI/AAAAAAAAAxM/ra5xxnG56hg/s400/Google%252B_Apps.png" /><br />
So I'm playing around with Google+. I am still trying to figure it out. <a href="https://plus.google.com/102941024878425628144/posts">Here's my Google+ profile </a>if you want to follow me.<br />
<br />
Even though it's still in beta, I like it better than Facebook already. It's super easy, intuitive really, and I love the fact that I can share content with different groups of people. For example, my writer friends might not want to hear about my two year old's bodily functions, but my mom might get a laugh out of it. I can easily follow someone's feed simply because I want to read what they say and doesn't make me feel like I'm a groupie--more like I'm a subscriber. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://inkygirl.com/inkygirl-main/2011/7/9/why-im-loving-google-perspective-of-a-writer-illustrator-mus.html">Debbie over at InkyGirl </a>has a fabulous <a href="http://inkygirl.com/inkygirl-main/2011/7/9/why-im-loving-google-perspective-of-a-writer-illustrator-mus.html">post</a> that tells what Google+ is all about, why it's great for writers and some tips for newbies.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-54466920562559890292011-06-30T13:06:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.257-07:00Blogging for IrishCentral.com<a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/5-reasons-to-irish-dance-as-an-adult-124702473.html"><img src="http://5mfi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Irish-Central.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
Feis America Magazine and IrishCentral.com are merging to bring the best of Irish dance information to the Irish-American community. <br />
<br />
I am excited to be a blogger for the adult Irish dancers. Each month I will be highlighting adult dancers, professionals, health issues and new products. <br />
<br />
My first blog post went up yesterday, and although they don't have my picture and bio up yet, it's still fun. Check it out:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.irishcentral.com/story/irishdance/go-feis--the-irish-dance-blog/5-reasons-to-irish-dance-as-an-adult-124702473.html">5 Reasons to Irish Dance as an Adult</a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-31590988078248641972011-06-23T14:08:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:30.944-07:00John Locke becomes first self-published author to enter Amazon's "One Million Club"<img src="http://damesofdialogue.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/john-locke-photo.jpg" /><br />
<br />
John Locke has sold over one million copies of his books on Amazon. While that is a feat in itself, the amazing thing is that John Locke is self-published. His strategy is to sell his books at .99 even if his percentage as an author is lower. <br />
<br />
Locke now has an <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056BMK6K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwdearestdre-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B0056BMK6K%22%3EHow%20I%20Sold%201%20Million%20eBooks%20in%205%20Months!%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=wwwdearestdre-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0056BMK6K&camp=217145&creative=399373%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">ebook</a> out that details how he marketed his books. From the looks of the ratings and reviews, this is a must-read for anyone who wants to self-publish and therefore must be their own marketer. I'm going to go get my copy...Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-61428851388248574532011-06-23T13:48:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.296-07:00Pottermore offers exclusive Harry Potter ebooks and audio booksJ.K. Rowling makes a new announcement for fans of Harry Potter. It will be interesting to watch the way she markets the ebooks and how they are available.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/i5DOKOt7ZF4?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-83298102742025506102011-06-09T13:52:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.657-07:00The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook Launch Tour June/July 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgSmM6gde4o/TfEwzG6FsoI/AAAAAAAAA94/K4VVR7BxugY/s1600/homePageDevice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QgSmM6gde4o/TfEwzG6FsoI/AAAAAAAAA94/K4VVR7BxugY/s1600/homePageDevice.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><br />
Stop by a different blog each day between now and July 20th and enter to win great prizes.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Grand Prize Giveaway</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Kindle, Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6"</span> (the kind without the ads)<br />
<br />
Plus Five Copies of <em><a href="http://www.bookbloggerscookbook.com/">The 2011 Book Blogger’s Cookbook</a></em><br />
<br />
All you have to do is leave a comment on this post or any of the great blogs that are participating. Then, if you want more entries into the contest, tweet, facebook, or blog about the cookbook and leave a separate comment telling me what you did. You can say something like: <strong>Win a Kindle at the launch tour of The 2011 Book Blogger's Cookbook http://tinyurl.com/3vurm3a #bbcb </strong>Winners will be drawn using random.org on July 21st. <br />
<br />
Tour <span style="color: black;">schedule</span>:<br />
<br />
June<br />
<br />
13-<a href="http://josikilpack.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Josi Kilpack, author of Lemon Tart Culinary Mystery series</span></a><br />
14-<a href="http://leosdungeon.com/the-dungeon/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Lisa Mangum, author of The Hourglass Door series</span></a><br />
15-<a href="http://middleoftheroadreviews.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Danielle and Christy, Middle of the Road Reviews</span></a><br />
16-<a href="http://ataleofmanyreviews.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Julie, A Tale of Many Reviews </span></a><br />
17-<a href="http://soniagensler.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Sonia Gensler, author of The Revenant</span></a><br />
20-<a href="http://www.thelateinergangbookreviewspot.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">David Lateiner, The Lateiner Gang Book Review Spot </span></a><br />
21-<a href="http://www.jaymorr.com/blog/?page_id=437"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Jason Morrison, Jaymorr Photography</span></a><br />
22-<a href="http://www.anovelsource.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Stacy, A Novel Source</span></a><br />
23-<a href="http://alvor-daretodream.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Laura Bingham, author of Alvor series</span></a><br />
24-<a href="http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Katie, Mundie Moms Book Reviews</span></a><br />
27-<a href="http://luxuryreading.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Vera, Luxury Reading</span></a><br />
28-<a href="http://www.tyngasreviews.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tynga, Tynga's Reviews</span></a><br />
29-<a href="http://www.squeakycleanreads.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Melissa, Squeaky Clean Reads</span></a><br />
30-<br />
<br />
July <br />
<br />
1-<a href="http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Susan, Bloggin 'Bout Books</span></a><br />
5-<a href="http://thestorygirlbookreviews.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Lorren, The Story Girl</span></a><br />
6-<a href="http://lisettebes.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Laura, Tattooed Books </span></a><br />
7-<a href="http://thebookbutterfly.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Kim, The Book Butterfly</span></a><br />
8-<a href="http://www.braintasiabooks.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Cade, Braintasia Books</span></a><br />
11-<a href="http://cherstinieveen.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Chersti, Literary Life Notes</span></a><br />
12-<a href="http://cmashlovestoread.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Cheryl, Cmash Loves to Read</span></a><br />
13-<a href="http://lafemmereaders.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Eleni, LaFemme Readers</span></a><br />
14-<a href="http://ldswomensbookreview.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Shanda, LDS Women's Book Review</span></a><br />
15- <a href="http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tristi, Tristi Pinkston LDS Author</span></a><br />
18-<a href="http://readthisinstead.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Kathy, Read This Instead</span></a><br />
19-<a href="http://www.stella-exlibris.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Stella, Ex Libris</span></a><br />
20-<a href="http://sueysbooks.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Suey, It's All About Books</span></a>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-75167152035279864442011-06-08T15:59:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.369-07:00Announcing The 2011 Book Blogger's Cookboook!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ2p16A05Kw/Te_-oNkGLPI/AAAAAAAAA9s/UwbdhDxBIWc/s1600/bbcb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ2p16A05Kw/Te_-oNkGLPI/AAAAAAAAA9s/UwbdhDxBIWc/s320/bbcb.jpg" t8="true" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, it's finally finished and on Amazon. It is surreal for me to do a search on Amazon and Goodreads and have my name pop up! Please join with me in celebrating the launch of this cookbook that includes a foreword by Amanda Hocking, author of the USA Today Bestselling Trylle Trilogy and showcases over seventy reviews with links to book review blogs and author websites. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.bookbloggerscookbook.com/">Click here to purchase it.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because it is an e-book, I'm going to take the book on an e-tour. Stay tuned for a post about the book tour dates and stops. </div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-37777488200843404942011-05-20T16:02:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.112-07:00Advertising your ebook--should you spend money?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ivGBeHbvKI/TdbyJaksWzI/AAAAAAAAA6M/L-58fwrCMgk/s1600/ebook640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ivGBeHbvKI/TdbyJaksWzI/AAAAAAAAA6M/L-58fwrCMgk/s320/ebook640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Does advertising do any good in getting the word out about your ebook? Or is the low-cost, high-time consuming alternative of social networking an even better alternative to draw ebook sales?<br />
<br />
As ebooks forge a new path for our future as writers, there is increasing concern about how to draw attention to your ebook and make it stand out above the other great (and not so great) self-pubbed books on the market. <br />
Joanna at <a href="http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2011/01/23/how-to-use-facebook-advertising-to-market-your-book/">TheCreativePenn</a> talks about her experiences using Facebook ads as a marketing tool. She used Facebook ads during her book launch and suggests doing so sparingly. Through Facebook ads you can target specific demographics including geographic location, interests and ages of readers you are trying to reach.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-works-promo-for-ebooks.html">Joe Konrath</a> argues that it does little good to spend money on advertising. He notes that whenever he appears in the media, his sales never see a spike right after. He recommends:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>utilizing your fans and friends to help get the word out</li>
<li>Networking-on facebook, twitter and your personal blog</li>
<li>Sale-periodically put your ebook on sale</li>
<li>Increase your virtual shelf space-put out more books.</li>
<li>Experiment-and learn what works for you. </li>
</ul>Do you plan on publish an ebook? Are you going to spend money on advertising?Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-85161668190507252862011-05-09T20:47:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.662-07:00Love's Secret's Passion satire from Sarah M EdenThanks Sarah for being such a hilarious emcee at Storymakers! What a fun video of you and "hunk".<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="265" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/23341005?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/23341005">Love's Secret's Passion</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user5093264">Stephanie Fowers</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-5146077974321430072011-05-08T11:01:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.195-07:00LDSStorymakers Conference 2011 #storymaker11Phew! I'm still reeling from all of the information I gathered into my brain at the conference this weekend. Thanks to all of the wonderful people who put the conference together and volunteered their time. I had huge breakthroughs in both my novel and my latest projects and I saw so many old friends and made great new ones! <br />
<br />
So were you there? What was your favorite part of the conference?<br />
<br />
Below are some photos and just a sprinkling of the great classes I took and what I learned:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N1B_YPKzre8/TcbB3q5yfqI/AAAAAAAAA4k/hyb3J6Ob8CA/s1600/Devon+and+Christy+Storymakers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N1B_YPKzre8/TcbB3q5yfqI/AAAAAAAAA4k/hyb3J6Ob8CA/s320/Devon+and+Christy+Storymakers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The only thing that is more fun than attending a writing conference is to do so with my husband Devon. We have so much fun writing together! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JItZNj5k-0/TcbCAdm43sI/AAAAAAAAA4s/Rjb8zbcOpQo/s1600/Devonaward.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2JItZNj5k-0/TcbCAdm43sI/AAAAAAAAA4s/Rjb8zbcOpQo/s320/Devonaward.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Devon won third place in the Adult Fantasy/Sci Fi First Chapter Contest. Way to go sweetie!</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGd9XvrblJc/TcbLzBT5V7I/AAAAAAAAA44/d2Fw6mC-m_I/s1600/Bootcamp+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGd9XvrblJc/TcbLzBT5V7I/AAAAAAAAA44/d2Fw6mC-m_I/s320/Bootcamp+group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OesxZB1IDm8/TcbCGzr-VtI/AAAAAAAAA40/TowZhjRP-gQ/s1600/Karen+Hoover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OesxZB1IDm8/TcbCGzr-VtI/AAAAAAAAA40/TowZhjRP-gQ/s320/Karen+Hoover.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My boot camp instructor this year was Karen Hoover. She was great and the entire group of people have great stories! A big shout out to Chas, Robin, Shelly, Jessica, Brenda and Karen! </div><br />
<br />
<strong>From Laura Bingham's YA contemporary class:</strong><br />
<br />
YA's are important for teens because we authors can guide them and give them experiences to help them deal with issues they and their friends may be facing. She gave some great lists that she researched on the internet. For example:<br />
<br />
Top 11 reasons librarians, parents may challenge a YA book:<br />
1-profanity-traditionals and taking the Lord's name in vain<br />
2-sexual activity<br />
3-religion or witchcraft<br />
4-viloence or horror<br />
5-rebellion against parents and authority figures<br />
6- racism and sexism<br />
7-substance use and abuse<br />
8-suicide and death<br />
9-criminal activity<br />
10-crude behavior<br />
11-depressing or negative stories<br />
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<strong>Sarah Eden's Most Informative Class on Description EVER!</strong><br />
<br />
Sarah is funny and just plain entertaining. She emcee'd the whole conference and she had some really hilarious videos! I had an epiphany in her class. When writing description, don't just randomly start describing the surroundings. Pick something that your character would look at and connect with and describe that thing. Ta da! A light went on. (And I won a cool t-shirt) <br />
Thanks Sarah!<br />
<br />
<strong>Josi Kilpack's class on launch parties</strong><br />
The best thing I took away from Josi's class is this: even if you work and sweat to have a book signing or launch and don't sell one single book, you have been meeting people, getting your book in front of people who may tell others or recommend that they purchase your book. It sounds like hard work, but I'm a believer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7v2BSCtMvQ/TcbCEYf3CjI/AAAAAAAAA4w/C3yr239FMbI/s1600/guysgroup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7v2BSCtMvQ/TcbCEYf3CjI/AAAAAAAAA4w/C3yr239FMbI/s320/guysgroup.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch with friends Cody Kirobi, Mark Greer, Dennis Dorrity(hi dad!) and Devon</td></tr>
</tbody></table><strong>Larry Brooks was our keynote speaker. I took his class on story structure:</strong><br />
His master class was a whirlwind. I frantically scribbled notes and will have to take some time to absorb it. He says that our stories need to have a structure before we can begin. I am what he calls a "pantser"--someone who discovery writes by the seat of their pants. Because of that, I am on page 200 of my WIP and now that I know where my story is going (finally) I will have to back and start over. Larry says that if we structure the story first, we won't have to do that 40,000 word exercise. Duh! So easy to see now. <br />
Also, Larry was big on telling the difference between your theme and your concept. The concept should reflect the conflict and propel the reader to the end. Every scene should have that concept in mind. Great stuff here. <br />
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<strong>James Dashner and Jeff Savage gave a class on hooks, as in the hook in your query letter. </strong>James and Jeff are such a funny pair and entertaining to listen to. They suggest that shorter is better when it comes to your hook and make sure it sounds cool. :) The purpose of the hook is to convince the agent or editor to read a chapter. <br />
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<strong>Elana Johnson's class on Query letters</strong><br />
Elana is super nice and gave a great class on query letters. She says that the main reason for a query is to entice the agent to read more. Most of what is in the query should be in the first 30 pages of your novel. And the query should be between 250-300 words long. She broke the letter into four parts and gave advice for each. I highly recommend her<a href="http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com/p/writing-query-letter.html"> blog posts</a> about query letters. <br />
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That's just a skim of what I learned. Tell me about your classes!Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-20212964829933902672011-04-26T21:17:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:30.892-07:00Query letters, cookbooks and a writing conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVTaSF9fEA0/TbeYrHH0y_I/AAAAAAAAA4c/lM4ZnvsBUA4/s1600/cookbooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVTaSF9fEA0/TbeYrHH0y_I/AAAAAAAAA4c/lM4ZnvsBUA4/s320/cookbooks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I've been down for a few weeks following a surgery. It's been hard to stay down, but a blessing too. I've been working on my query and the challenge of sharpening my main plotline down to a point has given me a focus in my novel that I haven't had before. <br />
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Thanks to everyone who contributed blurbs for the Book Bloggers Cookbook! I received over 90 blurbs for the 20 books that I am including. The cookbook is almost finished and I hope to have it up in the Kindle store no later than the middle of May. <br />
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I can't tell you how excited I am to go to the LDSStorymaker's Conference next week! I have been waiting to go since the day I left the conference last year. What a great wealth of information and people who are willing to mentor those of us still learning the craft. If you are going, stop me and say hello.Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-82369941693054421082011-03-30T06:44:00.001-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.573-07:00Wings of Light by Laura Bingham<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LD8WA_HO5xI/TZJHOKAOLWI/AAAAAAAAA28/lOjcZlBwUrE/s1600/Wings+of+Light_2x3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LD8WA_HO5xI/TZJHOKAOLWI/AAAAAAAAA28/lOjcZlBwUrE/s320/Wings+of+Light_2x3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="219" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Wings of Light, the sequel to <a href="http://www.dearestdreams.com/2011/02/alvor-by-laura-bingham.html">Alvor </a>by Laura Bingham, continues the story of twins Erin and Bain as they discover their roles as immortal alva in a land they never imagined could exist. I enjoyed Alvor and I liked Wings of Light even more. This fantastic story is aimed at middle grade, but will delight anyone who is a fan of such books as the Fablehaven series.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Food to eat while reading: <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dearestdreams.com/2011/03/tasty-tuesday-raised-by-magic-quick.html">Raised by Magic Quick Rolls</a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Read the synopsis <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wings-Light-Laura-Bingham/dp/1599554925/ref=as_li_wdgt_js_ex?&camp=212361&linkCode=wey&tag=somefunamazin-20&creative=380733">here</a>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Read my interview with Laura Bingham <a href="http://www.dearestdreams.com/2011/03/interview-with-laura-bingham.html">here</a>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Bingham has a great imagination. I never know where she will take me--the inside of a shark, flying with dragons, cooking s'mores on a Moroccan beach, or ordering take out from another continent.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The adventure and magic that I loved in Alvor is intensified as Erin and Bain learn what is required of them and search for their missing mother. The scope of the book enlarged, the twins are now involved in the alva kingdom and what their roles will be.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Read the full review</div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3115276545742005303.post-91604456790941083742011-03-28T14:54:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:54:31.675-07:00Do you want to be in the Book Blogger's Cookbook?<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfuwbUd0TBE/TZD_GOOn3eI/AAAAAAAAA2s/EUc7e5HEguA/s1600/YA+Books.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfuwbUd0TBE/TZD_GOOn3eI/AAAAAAAAA2s/EUc7e5HEguA/s320/YA+Books.JPG" width="213" /></a>This is a shout out to all of you wonderful book bloggers.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I am working on a project that I hope you will be excited about.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This April marks my one year blogoversary! To celebrate I am publishing a <span style="font-size: large;">YA book blogger’s cookbook</span> featuring the books I have read throughout the year with companion recipes. The book combines a love of reading and cooking and promotes book reviewers too.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Each book and its recipe will have positive quotes from bloggers who have read the book, along with an interactive link that will direct the reader to the bloggers review site.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you are interested in being featured in the book, please glance over the list of books (below).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Did you read or write reviews for any of the books? If so, please contact me at christy (at) dorrity.net with your name, the name of your review site, and 1-3 sentence positive blurb(s) about the book(s).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Example: “The Revenant is a haunting ghost story with historical fiction and a good dose of hopeless romance thrown in. Twists and turns kept me reading until 1 am.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I reserve the right to include/exclude reviews submitted at my own discretion. I will let you know if your quote(s) and website are selected.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I am excited to collaborate with everyone on this fun project. Please spread the word. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Wings or Spells by Aprilynne Pike</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Shiver or Linger by Maggie Steifvater</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Before I Fall or by Lauren Oliver</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Impossible by Nancy Werlin</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Fable haven series (any) Brandon Mull</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Dark Divine or The Lost Saint by Bree Despain</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Second Short Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Prophecy of the Sisters or Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Mockingjay by Suzzanne Collins</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Maze Runner or Scorch Trials by James Dashner</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Clockwork Three by Matthew Kirby</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Hourglass Door or Golden Spiral by Lisa Mangum</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Revenant by Sonia Gensler</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">False Princess by Eilis O’Neal</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Switched by Amanda Hocking</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Alvor or Wings of Light by Laura Bingham</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack (or later in the series)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Princess of the Midnight Ball or Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Beautiful Creatures or Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl</div>Christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16922871961153388205noreply@blogger.com