A facelift for "Sincerely, sad dad"

I've been debating the issue for months. Do I let "Sincerely, sad dad" continue in its downward spiral to nonexistence, or do I make some drastic changes (physically) to reel in some new readers? I'm on the path to choosing the second option. With a new photo from one of my favorite photographers, a new title, and a new pitch on the back cover, the book is all but ready to order. This morning I plan to complete the process by ordering a proof copy of the paperback so that I can verify my changes are accurate. With book in hand, I'll be able to see if the font is correct and make the final decision that this is truly the way I want to go. I feel pretty confident with my choice, but there is something tugging at me questioning whether or not this will actually "fix" the problem. I only want to do this once. Since book #3 (I just thought of a title option for it this morning!) will be coming out some time this fall, I want to be sure the other books are aligned too, which means they'll be part of my subtitle, "A Kody Burkoff Mystery."

When I first started writing, I had no idea where it would go. I didn't plan to write a series. I didn't even plan to write a second book, much less a third. Now though, it just makes sense. Kody is a fun character who has the potential to meet some very interesting people. The possibilities are endless.

Young Authors, Young Artists Conference

I had the pleasure of spending my Tuesday with a few hundred aspiring authors and artists, one of which was my lovely ten-year-old daughter. I've been interested in going to the conference for a few years now so I jumped at the opportunity to chaperone. Who cares about the kids! I wanted to learn a few things.

The keynote speaker, Katie McKy, was eccentric and inspiring. She has led an incredibly adventurous life and I look forward to checking out her work. Her message to observe and listen to all that happens around you was well received. I mean, what better way to get great writing material? The environment and people nearest us are a story waiting to happen.

The first session I attended with my daughter was quite a disappointment though. The author spent most of the hour telling the students about his books and the family members that he used to create his characters. He distributed a handout that he didn't explain how to use and told the kids to start crafting a story. They were boggled, and so was I. To top it off, at the end of the class he asked the kids to help him finalize the plot of his latest book. Um, I don't think so.

Session two and three were MUCH better. The authors engaged the students and made being creative fun. Every idea was a good one and nothing was too crazy to be included in the discussion. That's the way to keep a child excited about writing!

I didn't leave empty handed either. If and when I teach another creative writing class, I have some new ideas to try. I'm already looking forward to going again next year.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming. That's what I'm doing these days. With book #3 out for review and not much time to write because of all the end-of-the-year school activities I've signed myself up for, I spend whatever time I can thinking of different story ideas. One idea is a baseball-themed, coming-of-age story for boys between the ages of nine and twelve. I think it might be fun to switch things up a bit before I take Kody on another adventure. I'm also hoping to get an idea for a YA book since that genre is all the rage now. I'll be sitting at a middle school book fair for a few days this week and I can't think of a better place to get inspired. The library certainly isn't where all the action is so I'll have to eavesdrop as much as possible. Hee hee!

I'm also brainstorming ways to get Sincerely, sad dad more attention. My latest idea is to re-release the book under a different title and with a different cover. The story isn't as sad and dark as I currently make it out to be. I'm not sure what this change entails exactly, but I figure whatever I come up with is worth a shot. I only want to do this once though, so I can't  screw it up!

Newest book's pitch

Here's the back cover pitch I've been working on the past few days. It takes me a while because it works best if I write some and then set it aside. I just repeat that until I feel good about it. Right now, I feel good about this:

Kody Burkoff, a small-town ghostwriter specializing in the memoirs of everyday people, has a new client with a secret to hide, and it has something to do with a missing person from the early 1970’s. With her interviewing skills in top working order, Kody vows to help Evelyn Smith create a memoir of her life before marriage and children, while listening for clues to this mystery that her client says will never pass through her lips. Kody’s curiosity and Evelyn’s refusal to back down to her past and relinquish control of her future combine to reveal more than the person's ultimate destination. More secrets are exposed and Kody is once again left wondering if her amateur sleuthing is to blame, or if it is truly something to celebrate. In Evelyn’s case, it might be a little of both. The truth is what she has always known, yet never been able to grasp.

Now, on to choosing a title!

Another wonderful book club

I spent yesterday afternoon discussing my first book, "Missing Maggie," with some marvelous women at their monthly book club meeting. I have to admit, I was nervous. My palms were sweaty and it wasn't because it nearly hit one hundred degrees outside. Once I entered the building though, and met the host and a few of the other ladies, my nerves calmed. It was also helpful to see a familiar face. Thanks, Judy!

After I introduced myself and told them why and how I became a writer, the conversation took off. It was invigorating to hear that they liked my work and that "Missing Maggie" inspired them to think of their own memories that they had yet to share with anyone. I mean, why don't we share more funny stories about our childhood with our own children? Is it because they don't ask? Is it because we might get embarrassed? I firmly believe that our own "stories" are book-worthy material. Not everything has to be fiction. I include a lot of personal events in my writing.

I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to meet with these fellow readers and lovers of literature. It's  also just fun to sit and chat with a group of women. So thank you, ladies. I had a lovely afternoon!

Mothers are encouraging

Happy Mother's Day! I've had a great day with my kids and husband. Their gift choices were spot on too. I will now be able to run in some sparkly new shoes and smell wonderful afterward because I received not one, but three bottles of bubble bath. That sounds like a lot, but I do enjoy time in the tub with a good book. What mother doesn't?

Speaking of mothers, I have one of the best. She has that "Well, why not?" attitude when it comes to trying new things and exploring new possibilities. This was especially helpful when I started writing...and then publishing. As scary as it all seemed to let others read my work, she was an encouraging factor. She never once doubted my ability. She never said, "It's possible you might fail." The idea didn't even cross her mind. Her positivity, along with everyone else's in my family, keeps me going. They keep me going in writing and in life. I can only hope they feel the same about me.

Book #3 is out for review

Finally! I've been trying for weeks to get a draft copy of my third book in the hands of my trusted reviewers. Life and my other obligations have gotten in the way, leaving me no time to write. A writer with no time to write - sounds like a problem. This draft is 4500 words longer than my past books and I'm very happy with that because my goal was to extend the word count and prolong the ending. If you've read my other books, you know the endings are fast and furious. Well, not this time. I guess I'll see what the others think.

Can I tell you how appreciative I am of my reviewers? They are the best. They point out the flaws, even the ones I know are there, but am trying to hide. They tell me what they don't like, what they don't understand, and ask what my reason is for including a character nobody sees the purpose in. They also freely underline sentences that make them smile or paragraphs that remind them of someone in their life. Above all else, they are encouraging and they believe in me. What more can a writer ask for?