Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

My Book News & Advocate for the Writing Community ©

Writing Hub -Books, Writing, Tips & more…

November 29, 2017
mandyevebarnett


 

writing-hub

Writing:

My only update is I broke the 25K mark on my new #YA novella – new total 25,684.

There will be a major disruption to my writing this week as I move home. This move has been a long time coming but finally I will have a small house to call my own in the place I have come to love since immigrating from England. In a perfect world I would have loved to have built a tiny house – an obsession of mine, however my new home is a smaller house with everything on the first floor (no more basement laundry – hurray) and a in-law basement suite for guests. It is close to my library, amenities and an easier commute to work.

For the last few weeks I have lain awake at night virtually moving furniture and pictures and visualizing what my new space will look like. The de-cluttering has been cathartic and a lot has made its way to the thrift store. Why do we hoard stuff? It’s not until we have to move it all that we realize it has sat on a shelf or been hidden in a cupboard forever. I admit I have been ruthless and feel lighter for it.

This is a new era for me and I am looking forward to it.

moving-home

How did you cope with moving and how did it effect your writing?

This article was quite interesting. I could not move that often though!

https://www.theweeklyreview.com.au/domain/author-sonya-hartnett-knows-a-thing-or-two-about-moving-house/

Books:  There has been some rather steamy paragraphs in this sequel, surprising but welcome as it propels the main characters forward in their relationship.

Pawn of the Phoenix

Writing Tips:

When freelancing communication is key between you and your client. Be open about any potential or known delays that might extend the project timeline. If your client is fully aware you can come to an agreement and adjust the deadline. Do not hide – be open – an informed client is a happy client.

Freelance Project key points:

  1. Agree on the project price before work begins.
  2. Set realistic deadlines – do not promise what is not achievable.
  3. Establish exactly what your client requires of you and the project outline.
  4. Anticipate push back – do not demean a client’s ideas, discuss them and find common ground.
  5. Ensure you have frequent communication with your client.
  6. Be ready to hand off work in a timely manner.
  7. Be willing to teach a client on how freelancing works and your particular skill set in regards to the project.

What freelance rules do you abide to?

 

Upcoming Writing Events- Add Yours for your Location…

November 27, 2017
mandyevebarnett


events

I am moving home this week so will not be partaking in events for obvious reasons. Although, I am sad not to join in the Christmas story reading at Christmas in the Heartland this year, it has been wonderful the last several years I have attended. My writing group, Writers Foundation of Strathcona County resides at a historical house, Bremner House for the day. A day of arts and heritage activities, vintage tractors, aboriginal and Métis traditions, music and more. 1-4 pm 53452, Range Road 225 Sherwood Park.

CITH2017

Freehand Double Book Launch with Alison Watt and Daniel Griffin

2 roads

27 November  19:00 – 21:00 Audreys Books Ltd.

10702 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3J5
bip

3-2-1 Indie Slam Qualifier and Open Mic

28 November at 19:00–21:00 

The Nook Cafe

10153 97street, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0L4

The Power of Social Media

trio

2 December 13:30 – 15:00

Join Kathleen Smith, Paula Simons and Marty Chan on Saturday, Dec. 2 for a discussion around the Power of Social Media. The trio will discuss how they’ve managed tough situations and issues using social media, and if the social sphere helps or hurts in these situations.

What events do you have on your calendar?

Friday Fun for Writers, Authors & Readers…

November 24, 2017
mandyevebarnett


friday_fun

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Where have you ‘lost’ a book?

departed books

 

 

 

 

plottingHow do you plot?

coffee

Share a joke!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think this one is actually how NOT to communicate!

insult

Writing Hub -Books, Writing, Tips & more…

November 22, 2017
mandyevebarnett


writing-hub

Writing:

I have to admit I have been rather distracted from my own writing recently (the freelance project is going well however). My distraction came in the form of a Netflix series called Peaky Blinders. Set in 1920’s Birmingham, UK the characters, especially Tommy Shelby, are captivating, raw, beautifully portrayed and ‘binge’ worthy. The story lines are inspired and as a writer this is ‘research’ at its best. The costumes, accents, locations and plot twists make this series one that will be remembered and referred to again and again.

Attention to detail makes the series really great and that is what all writers want to accomplish in their work too. We want our readers to envisaged our characters and their setting in vivid imagery. This is accomplished with speech patterns, descriptions, mannerisms and reactions to certain situations.

What methods do you use to bring your characters to life?

Books:

The second novel in this trilogy certainly does not disappoint.

Pawn of the Phoenix

Writing Tips: Marketing Your Book

 

  • Market and promote your book locally, then gradually expand your efforts. Create advertisements, such as business cards, posters and fliers,  that will catch your target audiences’ eye.  As a general rule, promoting your book locally is your best bet – use local newspapers, libraries, open mic nights, local writing groups and book clubs, etc.
  • Create an “elevator pitch”. With this focused message, aimed at a particular person or group you summarize why they should be interested in your book. Your elevator pitch should be no longer than two or three sentences focusing on your book’s selling points—the ones that make it unique and special.

Do you have any marketing tips to share?

 

Upcoming Writing Events- Add Yours for your Location…

November 20, 2017
mandyevebarnett


 

events

I have no writing events of my own this week apart from a web meeting with my freelance client. However, I do have some personal events taking priority.

These are the local events I can share.

What are your plans for the upcoming week?

Mike Bown’s “The World’s Most Travelled Man” Book Launchthe worlds

21 November at 19:00–21:00 Audreys Books Ltd. 10702 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3J5

 

 

 

bipNOV21  3-2-1 Indie Slam Qualifier and Open Mic

Tomorrow at 19:00–21:00 

The Nook Cafe

10153 97street, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0L4

Paul Zits, Deborah Willis & Lesley Battler Book Launch

NOV22  Wednesday at 19:00–21:00   Audreys Books Ltd.

10702 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3J5
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NOV24 

St. John’s Institute

11024 82 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 0T2

CAA AB November Writers’ CircleFriday at 18:30–20:00

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Feel free to share your book launches, readings or local events.
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