A Fresh Set of Eyes

Author K. S. BrooksI’m a very literal person. Literally. I get straight to the point, with no hidden agenda or subtle hinting. So why does that change when I write?

This past Sunday, our own Evil Mastermind Stephen Hise wrote about how writing is indeed communicating, and how to prevent a failure to communicate. You may read his post here. He makes excellent points, of course (that’s why he’s the big boss and all that good stuff). But sometimes, you need a fresh set of eyes to ascertain you are in fact getting your point across.

I use two editors – one for grammar, sentence structure, and other technical issues like word repetition, word misuse, spelling, punctuation and story flaws. I use another editor to dig out what I’m trying to say when I think I’m saying it, but I’m really not. She’s my translator…my mind-reader: the person who knows how my mind works and what I’m thinking. She knows what I want to put down on the page. And she has no problem telling me when I haven’t done that. Sometimes it’s ouchy, but that’s okay because she’s my best friend.

I’m lucky to have someone I’ve known since sixth grade as a friend. Frankly, finding someone to put up with me for the past twenty years (shut up – I really am only 36 years-old…for the past 12 years, anyway) is nothing short of a miracle. She is the type of friend who can be brutally honest. I may not always care for the delivery of her critique since I prefer it wrapped in silky smooth Swiss chocolate…but I know she knows what she’s talking about. And it always makes my story, my book, and my writing better. Continue reading “A Fresh Set of Eyes”

Video Trailer: Do not Force it, TAP THE GOOD

A contemporary inspirational book that embraces mystery, humor, philosophy and metaphysics to inspire. There is a big invisible world out there with a mystery that watches us, as we make decisions based on pure illusion. We are all perfect creations of God, worthy of unconditional love for ourselves. However, since we live in a constantly negative bombarded world, ultimate self love is challenging, which mischief undoubtedly hinders us from programming our minds to tap into the inexhaustible good.

Do not Force it, TAP THE GOOD, the spiritual self-help book by Jacent M Mpalyenkana is available from Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. [subscribe2]

Sneak Peek: No More Mulberries by Mary Smith

Today we have a sneak peek of author Mary Smith’s debut contemporary women’s fiction book, No More Mulberries.

No More Mulberries by Mary SmithThe marriage of British-born Miriam and her Afghan husband, Dr Iqbal is heading for crisis. Ignoring his anger at her attending a medical teaching camp as a translator she hopes time apart may help her understand their problems.

When Miriam takes a journey into her past old friends help her realise her own actions may have damaged her relationship with Iqbal – but is it already too late to save their marriage? No More Mulberries is a story of love, commitment and divided loyalties set in Afghanistan from the time of the Soviets to the rise of Taliban.

No More Mulberries can be found at Amazon.com, Amazon UK, Smashwords, WH Smith and Barnes & Noble. Continue reading “Sneak Peek: No More Mulberries by Mary Smith”

Inspired Insomniac: Voices in the Dark by James Bruno

Listen to them – the children of the night. What music they make! ~ Bram Stoker, Dracula

James Bruno
Author James Bruno

My most productive writing comes after the sun goes down. Like some manic ghoul, I type madly away, becoming more inspired as the moon rises and the sky blackens. I routinely write until 3:00 am every evening. If I’m on a roll, I’ll stretch it out till 4:00 or 4:30. I come to life at night. Somewhere in the family tree, there’s no doubt vampire blood.

This routine started out as necessity. Working at the State Department or at one of our overseas missions, of course, I was tied to an 8:15-5:30 (more like 8:15-7:00, or later) schedule. Right after dinner, I’d lock myself away and write and get as much in as possible before midnight. On weekends and holidays, I’d let myself go and succumb to my inherent vampire ways. I owe much to Newt Gingrich. His shutting down the government in late ’96 – early ’97 gave me a precious, uninterrupted month to crash on my first novel, Permanent Interests. I also grew a beard and dressed every day like a fugitive from justice. My wife at first was indulgent, then less and less so as my appearance descended into that of a character from Deliverance. Oh, men! Continue reading “Inspired Insomniac: Voices in the Dark by James Bruno”