The Write Blocks

Call for Relief Society Articles

2011-12-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

If you're a writer, this might be the chance you've been looking for. Author JoLyn Brown is collecting personal stories about the goodness/joy/blessing that Relief Society has been in our lives. Here's a quick blurb from her blog about what she's looking for :

"They don't have to be obvious miracles (though those would be great too,) but think about those times in your life when a kind word came at the right moment, when a prayer was answered by a friendly face, or when you were able to see clearer for a service you gave. The greatest miracles are often the simple things, each leading to another in a chain reaction."

If you have a story and you'd like to contribute, check out the rest of her post here.

Christine Bryant--What She Did Right: Emotional Honesty

2011-11-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Debut author, C.K. Bryant, has just released her first novel in the "Crystor series." Because I enjoy imaginative, paranormal novels (though I'm not much into vampires and werewolves), I was really quite interested in reading this novel. The good news: I was not disappointed.

Book Description:
When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira’s life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she’s falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive. BOUND is a heroic tale of true friendship, infinite sacrifice and untamed love.

As you can tell from the description, there are many intriguing elements in BOUND that kept me reading, but what most captured my attention was a tiny plot line about Kira and her mother. I won't "spoil" your read by revealing it here, but suffice it to say that Bryant's emotional honesty felt so real that my heart broke alongside Kira's.

If you like YA paranormal novels--or imaginative sci-fi for that matter--you ought to check out BOUND by C.K. Bryant.

National Family Week--Launching My New Book

2011-11-17T08:55:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving week is National Family Week. To celebrate, between Monday, November 21 and Saturday, November 26, readers can buy the ebook version of The Hidden Kingdom at the promotional price of .99 at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. The print version is 6.99, but if readers want to purchase an autographed copy from me during that week, I will provide free shipping within the United States. Just go to rondahinrichsen.com for more details.

Suspense-Building Decisions

2011-11-12T23:08:00.000-08:00

Today, I'll share a post from my blog, Suspense Secrets:

The main character of every story, no matter the genre, must have a goal he or she is trying to achieve or there is no story. I emphasize the word trying because that is the key to the suspense. Without effort, characters may have bad things happen to them, but if they simply defend against those obstacles, they appear dull and passive. Interesting characters, on the other hand, choose a path and deal with the tightening noose that follows. For example, if Pinocchio hadn't gone looking for his father, he wouldn't have been swallowed by the whale. And if Frodo, in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, hadn't decided to trust Spiegel instead of his best friend, he wouldn't have been lured into the spider's den.

Even worse, we, the audience, wouldn't have been on the edge of our seats, wondering how--or if--the character was going to get out of his peril.

FIVE INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS--BY David Farland

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

So, I’ve been asked to talk about five things that my novels must have in order for me to feel that they’re successful. That’s a brilliant question.

1)      Every tale needs an interesting setting, one with unexpected depth and richness, that transports a reader.  Ever look at the fifty bestselling movies ever?  They all take you to another time or another place.  Some of them, like Star Wars, even do both!  The same is true of bestselling novels.

2)      My story needs characters that people care deeply about.  As an audience member, I don’t necessarily need to “fall in love” with a character, but I must be able to empathize, put myself in his or her place.

3)      Each story I write needs characters who act on their impulses.  By that I mean, my characters can’t sit around and just think about saying and doing the right things, they have to confront any problem thrown at them.  They have to go out and change their worlds.

4)      My story must have fascinating twists.  As an author you have to constantly be thinking, “I know what other authors have done with stories like this, but where else could this go?” Then you have to take the reader there.  You want your novel to be novel, unique, unlike any other.

5)      Ultimately, each story needs to make the audience see the world in new ways.  When my reader closes a book, I want them to realize that no matter what harrowing things I’ve put them through in fiction, they feel wiser, energized, and more capable of handling whatever it is that life throws at them.

See David Farland's new Writing Tips blog at www.davidfarland.com

Find out about his new book at www.nightingalebook.com

Spooktacular Blog Hop

2011-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Christmas is Coming! Wahoo! I know, I know, it's really almost Halloween, but if you're anything like me, you're already thinking about what you want to give your loved ones for Christmas or even purchasing them. So, for this Spooktacular Blog Hop, hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer and The Diary of a Bookworm, I am offering a great gift for the early reader in your life. Actually, for this blog hop only, I'm offering TWO of them. That's right. Two lucky winners will win a free Kindle versions of my latest release, "The Hidden Kingdom (A Chapter Book)." It is book #1 of my series Heroes of the Highest Order.

From the backcover (print version will be available soon):

The dark enemy never rests, but neither do the Heroes of the Highest Order.

A magical playground whisks Dan and Page into the Hidden Kingdom where a skinny giant quickly registers them for hero training camp. There, they learn they must gain skills and earn treasures by travelling back in time and walking in the footsteps of a real historical hero.

If you'd like to read Chapter 1, click here.

To enter my drawing:
+1 Mandatory entry: You must follow this blog and leave a comment telling me so. Also include any of the following entries in your comment.
+1 Tweet what I am offering on this blog hop.
+1 Facebook what I am offering on this blog hop.
+1 (Honor system--grin) Share the blurb for my book with someone else and tell me who you told (i.e., child, friend, mother, etc.).
+1 Subscribe to this blog by email.
Total: 5 possible entries!

And that's it! Merry Christmas--er--Happy Halloween. :)

12 Books in 12 Months--Author Michelle Erickson

2011-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

That's right! This amazing author has accomplished what to me seems like an impossible goal. And guess what? She's here to tell us about her journey and her latest book, Pic Jump. Welcome, Michelle. Please tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Utah, transplanted to Idaho after I married the best man in the world for me - he's exactly what I needed.

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing since 7th grade, but didn't really make the decision to write professionally until a few years ago.

And yet, when you did decide to write professionally, you went all out. In fact, you are a writing dynamo! You've just completed your goal of writing and publishing 12 books in 12 months.

I didn't really make up my mind to write 12 in 12 until I already had 2 books out there and I thought: go for it! I had no idea what I was getting into or I wouldn't have made such a rash announcement! I will not be doing it again anytime in the foreseeable future. It involved a lot of re-writing while writing new books.

Please tell us a little about your writing process, including how you're able to write so much so quickly.

Here is my writing process pared down to bare bones: Dream, Desire, Discipline, Determination, Destination

1) Dream: you need a fantastic idea that really rings the dinner bell on your salivating creative side

2) Desire: write like your life depends on it (I take Sundays to 'cool' off and de-stress)

3) Discipline: treat writing like a business

4) Determination: rewrite as needed

5) Destination: to reach where you want to be as a writer, repeat above steps for 10 -16 hours a day, six days a week for a year (this is how I did it so 'quickly')

Whew! I've had quite a few weeks of day and night writing, but an entire year? It makes my head spin just to think about it. But with all that writing, I can't help but wonder, are you a plotter/outliner, or do you write by the "seat of your pants?"

I'm a little of both, but more 'seat of the pants' because my characters seem to take me for a ride regardless of where I tell them they need to be. I had one particular character that never seemed to be where I wanted her to be (I wanted to kill her off). That character had so much chutzpah to her, she had me rewriting entire chapters! P.S. She STILL isn't dead! She will be featured in other books.

Where do you get your ideas?

5 Blanks was based on a dream, Klaus was just my love of Christmas exploding out of my head and onto the computer nearly as fast as I could type, Pic Jump was a branch off the plausible/impossible ideas I had while writing 5 Blanks, and the 9-book epic Chest of Souls came from a story I told my oldest daughter when she was a little girl (it was originally sci-fi and bears NO resemblance to the story I wrote).

What genre do you write in? Are all your books in that genre?

I've written at least five genre's. Historical fiction (short story) Post-apocalyptic science fiction, Epic Fantasy, Romance-Fantasy, and Speculative

What is your favorite genre to read in? Any favorite authors?

Whatever catches my fancy. I've read over 50 books in the first month after I was finished with my 12.

Favorites? I like so many authors, I can't choose just one. I've literally read thousands of books over my lifetime.

Holy cow! When you go for a goal, you really go for it! What's on your horizon now? Any new goals?

My new goal is to catch up on all the things that took a back seat while I was driving down the creative writing highway at 200 mph. While I play catch-up, I'm working on a paranormal romance (Hallows Gate), a fantasy trilogy (Sky Signs), and a ten-book series that I've been considering for years (Heart and Soul).

Please tell us about your latest book.

The final of the 12 is titled Pic Jump. It won a Readers Favorite award in the Romantic Suspense category and is now nominated for the Whitney. Pic is about a woman that falls in love, marries the man shortly after they meet, and on their wedding day, they are in an accident that leaves her in a coma.

She is granted the ability to transfer from one set of printed eyes to another and has to save a little girl named Emma armed with nothing more than her wits and a Barbie head.

The first third of the book is the romance (I had to give Pic what she wanted before I mercilessly ripped it away from her). The last two-thirds are the suspense which has children in peril and Pic unable to physically help while they are chased by a mercenary hired by terrorists.

While writing the book I had to take frequent breaks and continue to remind myself to not kill the antagonist (but I REALLY wanted to).

Any writing advice?

One thing that has really helped me: Buy a small digital recorder for those times when genius burns and record the flavor of your thoughts.

Thank you very much for taking the time to visit with me today, Michelle. If you'd like to learn more about Michelle, you can find her at www.12n12.blogspot.com. Right now, she is also giving away a copy of each of the books that won awards this year to three lucky winners who can choose Ebook or soft cover on www.iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.

The Hidden Kingdom (A Chapter Book) on sale now!

2011-10-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

My early reader ebook is just now becoming available on amazon, b&n, and smashwords for the great price of $2.99. I've also started a new website for Heroes of the Highest Order and an easy, one-page website for R.K. Hinrichsen. Also, did you know you can read ebooks on your computer without an e-reader? Both Amazon and Barnes and Noble offer that option, and I really appreciate it. :)

Free Sample: The Hidden Kingdom, Chapters 1 and 2

2011-10-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

THE MAGIC PLAYGROUND

Speedy Dan glared out the car window. The playground Mom had parked next to was nothing like the one he used to play in before his family moved. This one had only two tree swings, one merry-go-round, and a slide with four steps.

Worse than that? It was way too small. Dan would never be able to run faster than the wind, faster than lightning, even faster than a superhero before he reached the back fence.

Mom took her hands off the steering wheel and looked over her shoulder at Dan. “Your sister’s almost at the slide. Don’t you want to go with her?”

Dan squirmed within his seat belt. “Not really.”

“Are you sure? Your dad and I used to love to play here when we were kids,” Mom said.

Dan slipped his hand into his pants pocket and squeezed the hard, gold medal. “Fastest Boy in Mrs. Peabody’s Class,” it said. He’d won it last month before school ended.

“I’m sure,” he said.

Mom sighed, opened her car door, and stepped outside.

Dan watched her through the window. Any minute now, she would call Page back, and the three of them would return to the house where Grandpa lived before he disappeared. It was the same house he and his family now lived in.

Mom glanced down at Dan. “You’ll like it here,” she said.

“No I won’t,” Dan said.

Mom cocked her head to one side. She smiled the way she did when she hid a Christmas or birthday present behind her back. “Try the swings first, Page,” she called to Dan’s sister. “They’re amazing.”

Page turned and waved.

Dan undid his seatbelt. He opened his door. “What’s so amazing about the swings?”

Mom smiled her secret smile again. “You’ll have to find that out for yourself.”

“Oh, all right.” Dan climbed out of the car.

“Race ya, Dan!” Page called. She started running.

Dan ran too. Within seconds, he zipped past Page and jumped onto the first tree swing.

“Take care of your little sister,” Mom called.

Why? They weren’t going anywhere. “All right,” Dan called back. He then pushed his air-light sneakers into the sky.

Page jumped onto the tree swing next to his. She kicked off her sandals.

“Look! I’m higher than the other trees!” Dan said.

“So am I,” Page said.

“Now I’m higher than the Rocky Mountains.” Dan pumped his swing higher, but when it also went faster, he gritted his teeth. He clenched the swing chains.

“What’s happening?” Page yelled.

“We’ve got to jump off these swings!” Dan said. Then he jumped.

Clouds whisked past him. Wind whooshed like the inside of a hollow tunnel. The playground . . . then Mom . . . disappeared.

THE HIDDEN KINGDOM

Dan landed on his stomach with his face pressed flat against the ground.

“Are you all right?” Page whispered.

Dan moaned. He wanted to say, “I don’t know. Are you?” But his mouth was full of dirt.

“I think so,” Page said. “Nothing hurts.”

That’s weird! Dan thought.

“What is?”

Dan spit out the dirt. “Page?” he thought again. “Are you moving your mouth when you talk?”

“No,” Page answered. “Are you?”

“No. All I do is think the words and you hear them.”

“Same with me. Cool, huh?”

“Cool. And strange. Have you opened your eyes yet?”

“Nope. I’m afraid to look. When we jumped, I couldn’t see the playground anymore.”

“Me neither,” Dan said. “Let’s both open our eyes at the same time. Okay?”

“Okay. On the count of three. One . . .”

“Two. . .”

“Three,” they said together. Both opened their eyes.

“Where are we?” Page said.

Right in front of them, Dan saw a tall, rocky mountain. It went straight toward the sky.

“I don’t know,” he answered. “Mom said we would be surprised. Do you think this is what she was talking about?”

“Maybe.” Page frowned.

“Your voice is wobbling,” Dan said. “Are you all right?”

“I feel like I did the first day I went to Kindergarten.”

That’s how Dan felt too—all scared inside—but he didn’t want his sister to know. He wanted her to think he was brave. So he looked over his shoulder away from her.

“AAAAAAAH!” Page screamed. “We’re on the edge of a mountain!”

“Don’t look down!” Dan grabbed her hand. “We’ll be all right. Let’s climb away from here.”

Inch after inch, Dan and Page climbed up the face of the rocky mountain until it flattened into a large, green field. The grass was sprinkled with tiny gold and purple flowers.

They crawled a few more feet into the field then stood. Safe again.

Page squeezed Dan’s hand tighter. “Are we still in the Rocky Mountains?”

Dan looked around him. He saw a circle of sharp, jagged mountains with a valley in the middle. The mountains were covered in thick, moss-like grass and lots of tall, bushy trees.

Some of the trees were dark green. Some were deep red. And some were bright gold. A shimmering castle stood on top of the tallest mountain on the other side of the valley.

“I don’t know where we are,” Dan said.

“You are in the Hidden Kingdom,” said a gravelly voice.

A Video Interview

2011-09-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

Last May, while I attended the LDStorymaker's Conference, Tristi Pinkston interviewed me about my novel,Trapped, and about my latest WIP. I've included it in my sidebar, but since this is the first time I've seen it, I'm also posting it here. The producers/editors did a great job, don't you agree?

The Hidden Kingdom Coming in October!

2011-09-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

Cover art by Deirdra Eden Coppel.

Yes, I love writing romantic suspense novels, so don't worry; I will continue to write them. In fact, stay tuned for more information on my third novel. :)

BUT. . .

I also love writing for children. Much of my earlier career was dedicated to that genre, and during that time, I had an idea for a chapter book series for ages 5 to 8. It fascinated me. Not only that, young people are amazing and have the power to become Heroes of the Highest Order, so I combined those two ideas and voilà! My series was born.

And what's a children's book without a bit of fantasy lined with educational elements? You know the saying: "A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down?" Hey, it works for me. :)

So with the growing interest in ebooks, I decided to introduce "The Hidden Kingdom" to the world. Book 2 will soon follow. They will be published under the name R.K. Hinrichsen so I won't confuse suspense fans.

Here's my current draft for the back-of-the-book blurb:

A Magical Playground.

Powerful treasures.

Training from historical heroes.

The dark enemy never rests. But neither do the Heroes of the Highest Order!

Is that enough of a tease?

Suspense Secrets

2011-09-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Since I write a lot of suspense, and since I've been studying up on the subject, I thought I'd start a blog where I not only share some of my own tips in relation to how to build suspense, but I also collect and post other articles on the subject. My blog is just getting started, and my first post is a link to information on how Hitchcock created suspense in The Birds. Here is the link: SuspenseSecrets.blogspot.com.

How To Improve Your "Showing": Delete Thought Words

2011-09-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a great post by a fellow writer with ideas that can help us improve our "showing." :)

Delete Thought Words--From Melissa J. Cunningham

"Our readers aren't stupid. We don't need to tell them what the mc is always thinking. If you describe the scene well, they'll get it. I write mostly YA and teens especially don't like to be told what is already obvious. It takes practice folks, and learning what to look for, but is vital to your writing. . . That means: DELETE thesewords from your story as much as possible. Thinks, knows, understands, realizes,believes, wants, remembers, imagines, desires, loves, hates, Is and Has. (and a hundred others in all their tenses and forms). . ." Read the entire article

I'm Self-Publishing a Children's Chapter Book!

2011-08-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

That's right. Within the next few weeks I hope to e-publish Book One of my chapter book series, "Heroes of the Highest Order," on e-book. I've hired Deirdra Eden Coppel to create the cover. I'm really excited about it and will post the cover here soon. :)

Powerful Woman Award (Marketing?)

2011-08-07T15:17:00.000-07:00

I just received this award from writer and artist, Deirdra Eden-Coppel. Isn't it beautiful? She created the award herself and is not only giving it and others away to other bloggers, but whether she knows it or not, I believe her service is also a wonderful marketing strategy. Think about it. Not only has she found a way to showcase her abilities, but she's also led others to her blog, encouraged others to follow her, and developed a stronger relationship with her readers. Thank you, Deidra, for both the award and the idea. I only wish I could copy them. :) But alas, I can't draw . . . :))

Tristi Pinkston's Latest Book

2011-07-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Author Tristi Pinkston is excited to announce the release of the third novel in her Secret Sisters Mysteries series.

Titled Hang ‘em High, this novel takes place on a dude ranch in Montana. When Ida Mae’s son invites her to come for a visit, of course she brings Arlette and Tansy along with her. They are expecting to spend the week looking at horses, avoiding the cows, and making amends in Ida Mae’s relationship with her son. What they don’t expect is to be stuck on the ranch in the middle of a blizzard and to be thrust headlong into the middle of a mystery.

***

Help Tristi celebrate her new novel in two ways. First, come participate in the two-week-long blog contest, where you can win a book nearly every single day! All the details are up on Tristi’s blog.

Second, come to the book launch!

You are invited to an

August Authorama!

Saturday, August 13th

Pioneer Book, 858 S. State, Orem

12 – 4 pm

Games, prizes, balloons, face painting,

and Dutch oven cobbler

prepared by world champion cook

Keith Fisher.

Authors Tristi Pinkston, J. Lloyd Morgan, Cindy Hogan,

Nichole Giles, and Heather Justesen

will all be there to sign books.

This is one book launch event

you will not want to miss!

A Blog Award

2011-07-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

Becki Clayson, a good friend of mine, gave me this sweet award and asked me to list seven random facts about myself, so I think I'll list "sweet" things:

1. I went camping this week.

2. I think I'm a bit too addicted to chocolate.

3. I love the combination of fruit and chocolate, especially in ice cream.

4. I love babies' sweet smiles.

5. I love to hear my daughter's laugh.

6. My favorite sounds are my children talking and laughing together.

7. My husband. :)

And now for the challenge. If you can think of seven sweetly random things about yourself that you'd like to post, take this sweet award then pass it on. Oh, and if you'd like to tell me you've "won," leave me a comment. I'd love to check out your post. :)

TRAPPED IN COSTCO

2011-07-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

I've said this before, and I'll probably say this again, but I love how my book titles fit with this statement. :) Anyway, as the title suggests, TRAPPED is now in some Utah Costcos. I'm signing books in some of them throughout the month of July, so if you'd like a signed book, now's your chance! :)

A Conference Winner!

2011-05-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

Last week at the LDStorymaker's Conference, fellow author, Rebecca Shelley won a copy of TRAPPED as a door prize. She writes fun adventures for children. Click here to check out her books.

Winner!

2011-03-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

We have a winner! Congratulations, Brandi. You won a copy of TRAPPED. :)

Lucky Leprechaun Blog Hop

2011-03-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

That's right, everyone, this is your lucky day! As part of this amazing giveaway hop, I am giving away a free copy of my second novel, TRAPPED. US or Canada entrants are eligible for either a paperback copy or a Kindle version from Amazon. Entrants outside the US or Canada are eligible for a Kindle version from Amazon.

THE BOOK:

Blurb: A twenty-three year old wakens in the night to find a thief in her home, only to discover she's actually caught in a deadly trap of evil traditions and a horrifying family curse only she can end.

Setting: Salzburg, Austria & Tampa Florida

Lead: Emi Warren

Romantic Lead: Daniel

Daniel's Lookalike: Patrick Dempsey

Genre: Paranormal Thriller

THE CONTEST:

Entering is easy.

MANDATORY for one point: Follow this blog and leave a comment telling me so. Also, please leave your email address and whether or not you want the paperback or Kindle version.

Additional Points:

+1 In your comment, tell me who Daniel's lookalike is.

+1 In your comment, tell me what deadly trap Emi is caught in.

+3 Read Chapter One of TRAPPED and in your comment, tell me what blue item--part of the shrine--Emi found on top of her mother's bedspread after the thief disappeared.

A total of 6 points possible! Good luck!

Here's a list of the other participating blogs:

The Unpredictable Marie Higgins

2011-02-24T00:17:00.000-08:00

Please welcome a new friend and author, Marie Higgins. Although I first "met" her through email shortly after she received her first contract with Walnut Springs Press, the first time we spoke face to face was at a Black Friday book signing at Reflections of Utah in Brigham City, Utah. At that time, I learned not only a bit about her as a wife, mother, and employee of a nearby business, but also that she is a very prolific writer. I'm quite amazed by her ability to crank out a novel in a few short months. Or was that weeks?

So, Marie, please tell us about your latest book. Who is your publisher?

My latest book is called, Hearts Through Time. My publisher is Walnut Springs Press. It’ll be released some time in March 2011.

When a beautiful woman claiming to be a ghost from 1912 appears in Nick Marshal’s new office and begs for help in solving her murder, he’s intrigued enough to consider her plea. A scandal that rocked Hollywood almost destroyed his law practice, so taking on a client who insists she’s dead seems a good way to refresh his career. The more history he uncovers, the deeper he falls for the ghost. Abigail Carlisle believes Nick is her heart’s true desire, but how can happily ever after happen when she’s already dead?

Oooh. Sounds interesting. How long have you been a writer?

Funny story about this…I never knew I was a writer, even when I was a writer. lol In junior high, I liked to write poems that were in story form. I even won 2nd place in a contest. When I was a senior in high school, I wrote a skit for my Young Women’s group for camp. We won the award for “Best Written”. A few years later after I married and had my kids, I loved to write skits for my church. They were performed and judged, and I won “Best Written” and “Funniest”. Still, I never thought about being a published writer. lol Secretly, I was writing romance, though. Finally I got brave enough to have someone read it. That’s all it took, and I was encouraged to try my hand at submitting stories. What fun!

What genres do you write?

I’ve been told for years to pick a genre and stick with it until I’m an established writer. For some reason, I can’t do that. My favorite genre is historical (Colonial, Regency, Victorian, the Old West), but I’ve also written romantic comedy, mystery / suspense, paranormal, and recently, I’m trying my hand at YA fantasy. Go figure…

What is your favorite book or who is your favorite author?

My favorite author of all time has to be Kathleen Woodiwiss (although Judith McNaught is a close second). My favorite book has to be A Rose In Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss, because that was the book I read that made me fall in love with romance.

My blog is about writing, so to help my readers, what is one writing skill you consider to be your best, and how did you develop it?

Oh, this is a hard one. I enjoy fleshing out my characters (so-to-speak) and making them real. I enjoy writing adventure and complicated story lines. I also enjoy ending my chapters with a hook! But I think what I enjoy most of all is figuring out those twists in the story that will shock the reader.

How did I develop it? Hmm…well, I write my stories to lead the readers to believe one thing before I throw in a kink later in the story that is totally opposite. All my twists have a reason, and trying to figure out where in the story to fit this all in is the trick. I don’t ever want to be called one of those authors that write ‘predictable’ stories. Sure, my stories are predictable because my characters will fall in love, have a dark moment (where they break up), and then the story will end with a Happily Ever After. But…it’s how they get to those spots in the book that is NOT predictable. It’s my goal to keep my readers on their toes! I think I’ve accomplished this with my next release, Hearts Through Time. This has a bunch of genres mixed into the plot: contemporary, historical, romantic comedy, suspense, paranormal, and time-travel.

Oh, I happen to think I’m pretty good at teaching 3rd person point of view. I’ve given several workshops on this subject, too.

Great! Now, will you please share your favorite something with us. Something like a favorite recipe, activity, childhood memory, game, etc.

One of my favorite memories is when my husband and I took a trip to South Carolina. We stopped in Charleston for a few days, and I had to take some plantation tours. The first day we were there, we went on a Colonial tour, which was fun, but I wanted plantations!! We grabbed a bunch of flyers and since we were limited on time, I could only pick two. Well, the first one we visited was amazing. As we drove through the grove of trees, something looked vaguely familiar – until I realized the plantation we were visiting was the same one where North and South was filmed (with Patrick Swayze). I was in hog-heaven, let me tell you! I could have cried with happiness. Come to think of it…my eyes did get a little misty a time or two. (dreamy sigh) What a wonderful memory!

I totally agree.

Ronda, thanks so much for the interview. My readers can find me at my blog – http://mariehiggins84302.blogspot.com or on Facebook.

Tristi Pinkston: A Note on Developing Characterization

2011-02-18T23:15:00.000-08:00

I'm fortunate to have Tristi Pinkston here today. I first met her at a Storymaker's writers' conference. She taught a class on voice, but one of the things I remember most about her presentation was her emphasis on our individuality. Like I've mentioned before, part of our value as writers is our individuality, and I loved hearing that conviction in her, too.

But today, she's promised to tell us a little bit about herself and about how she has developed her skills in characterization.

Welcome, Tristi! Please tell us about your latest book. Who is your publisher?

My latest book is titled "Dearly Departed," and it's the sequel to "Secret Sisters." It came out just this last January, and I published it through Walnut Springs. In this installment, Ida Mae infiltrates a nursing home to investigate a suspicious death. Oh, and she gets her very own motorized wheelchair, too, which is awesome.

How long have you wanted to be a writer?

I honestly do not remember a time in my life when I didn't want to be a writer. Some of my earliest memories are of writing little stories in very bad handwriting.

What genres do you write in?

I started out in historical fiction, which I love and always will love and will go back to writing someday, but for right now, I'm focusing on cozy mysteries. I'm having so much fun with them, and it's a completely different world from history. I've needed to get my brain humming along a new track, and this has been great for me.

What is your favorite book or who is your favorite author?

You do realize this is the most difficult question to answer, right? Well, it is! I would have to say that "I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith is one of my very favorites, as is "Peace Like a River" by Leif Enger. I love Ann Rinaldi, Dee Henderson, Terri Blackstock, L.M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, Catherine Marshall, Juliet Marillier ... um ... how long is your blog? I could go on ...

My blog is about writing, so to help my readers, what is one writing skill you consider to be your best, and how did you develop it?

I think I'm pretty good at characterization, and I'd say I developed that by reading books that demonstrated it and by watching movies to observe the character's cues. By watching people and taking note of what they do and how they do it, you can strengthen the characterization in your writing.

Please share your favorite something with us. Something like a favorite recipe, activity, childhood memory, game, etc.

I'll share several favorites!
Favorite beverage: ice water
Favorite colors: mauve, burgundy, country blue, sage green, plum
Favorite childhood memories: visiting my grandparents, playing with my pet rabbits, making my own Barbie clothes (I was actually quite talented) reading Heidi and Alice in Wonderland over and over again.

Thank you so much for sharing a bit of yourself with us today, Tristi. We really appreciate it. :)

The 2011 Storymakers' Conference

2011-02-13T19:06:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in my last post, the Storymakers' Conference is coming May 6th and 7th. Or, if you want to attend Boot Camp, that'll be on the 5th. In case you haven't heard, it'll be held in Salt Lake City, and the Storymakers have some great speakers/teachers coming, including Larry Brooks, Becca Stumpf, Sara Crowe, Marcia Markland, and Sara Megibow. You can get the full list and other details--including information about the First Chapter contest--by clicking here. This is truly a great opportunity, folks. I hope you can make it. :)

The Conference is Coming!

2011-02-12T20:37:00.000-08:00

The Conference is coming. The Conference is coming. . . Yes, the LDSTORYMAKER'S Conference is coming in May, and this year, as an attendee, you have the opportunity of earning more points in their amazing contest. From Jaimie Theler, conference chair:

"The grand prize for the contest is a 30 page manuscript critique by literary agent Sara Megibow, and the other prizes are reserved dinner seats at a table with agents Sarah Crowe and Becca Stumpf, our keynote Larry Brooks, and James Dashner. Since James isn't participating in Storymakers much lately, it might be your best chance to visit with him. :)

As you can see, it's definitely worth your time to enter. The only requirement to enter is that you will attend the conference. All the details can be found here.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Attention Library Lovers!

2011-02-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

February is Library Lovers Month, and I'm celebrating. If you purchase a copy of one of my novels, MISSING or TRAPPED, during the month of February, send a copy of your receipt to my email address at rondagibbhinrichsen@gmail.com, and I'll enter you in a drawing to have a free copy of TRAPPED sent to the library of your choice.

Authorpalooza in Sandy, UT

2011-01-31T13:18:00.000-08:00

Over 45 authors, including moi, will be signing copies of our books at the South Towne Mall in Sandy, UT Barnes & Noble AUTHORPALOOZA on Feb. 5 from 1-4 p.m. Some of the other authors you'll see there are Brandon Mull, James Dashner,Jessica Day George, Lisa Mangum, and Michele Bell. Lots of fun, lots of authors, lots of books. I hope to see you there. :)

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award

2011-01-24T08:12:00.000-08:00

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award

Now Accepting Submissions

The 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award entry period is now open. Enter today!

Each Grand Prize winner will receive a publishing contract with Penguin, which includes a $15,000 advance. All Entries can be submitted through the CreateSpace platform and must be received no later than February 6, 2011.

Up to 5,000 Entries will be accepted within each category. Don't miss your opportunity to win - submit your Entry today!

Read more about the Contest.

Report--Write Night

2010-12-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I mentioned I was going to attend a 6 hour write night with other authors where all we did was write. Four authors, including me, attended. I began the night on page 113 of my WIP and I ended at 119. So, in six hours, I wrote six pages. It doesn't look really great, but for me and considering what I completed, I feel pretty good about. Sure, I wish I'd written more, but actually, during that time I:

1)--Skipped over a section that required research I'd left at home--frown. I wrote a one sentence description of what needed to happen and then moved on.

2)--My writing was fairly bare-boned. I knew I'd need to flesh it out more later, but because I was trying to get as far into the story as I could, I just plowed forward.

3)--I wrote the bare bones of an entire chapter and began the second.

4)--While I did have a basic outline of events that still had to happen in the full novel, I hadn't yet created chapter outlines which incorporated the POV character's chapter goal. So some of that time was taken in more fully outlining 2 chapters. That information, alone, speeds my future writing.

5)--One of the other authors said we talked a little more than they usually do. I wonder . . . since this was my first time, was that my fault? And yet, that communication really helped me.

6)--I learned I'm not the only one who writes, pauses for varying lengths of time, then writes again. So validating!

As I said before, I only wrote 6 pages, but this morning, I got up early and filled in the missing information for that first chapter. After adding and subtracting--editing!--I'm now at page 121 and ready to move further into the next chapter. Still, that was only 2 pages in about 2 hours. Looks like I average about a page an hour. I wonder how I can break past that?

Overall, I feel the write night is quite beneficial, especially during days filled with hard-to-find alone writing time. In fact, I'd really like to go to the next one which is scheduled for 12 hours--noon to midnight. I wonder how I can make that one happen.

Write Night

2010-12-20T22:21:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try something new. A friend of mine has difficulty finding uninterrupted blocks of time to write, so she has created a write night where she and other writers go to a predesignated place for about six hours on one night out of every week. She swears by it, saying it's the best way she's found to get her writing work finished. So, with the holidays bearing down on me while I'm anxiously trying to write my latest suspense novel, I've decided to give it a try. I'll let you know how it goes. I hope it proves successful, because I'm on page 113, and my goal--unrealistic?--is to finish it by January 31. That means I'll have to write faster than I ever have before.To help me reach that goal, I've created a fluid outline of the entire book, but even so, I'm worried I won't be able to reach my goal. But if I don't try, I already know the answer, right? Wish me luck. :)

TRAPPED'S BEEN NOMINATED

2010-12-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

Hi! I recently received an early Christmas present! TRAPPED has been officially nominated for the Whitney Awards in the speculative fiction division. Yay! And thanks to everyone who nominated it. I really appreciate your support. :)

What Carole Thayne Warburton Did Right--Humor

2010-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Authors try to capture their readers' emotions. Before reading Sun Tunnels and Secrets (provided by the publisher), I concentrated on creating grief, fear, and joy in my stories, but now I realized humor is not only an effective, writing garnish, but it's also a powerful "tunnel" to emotion. Who hasn't laughed so hard they cried? Or cried so hard they laughed? My point is, humor has the power to connect stories to their audiences, and Sun Tunnels and Secrets is filled with that power.

Case in point, Warburton's protagonists are more than people, their characters. By "characters," I mean they're the slightly "off," yet truly lovable people whose unconventional antics make life a bit more enjoyable. We all know them. They're kind of like the nosy yet too daring Sadie Hoffmiller in Josi Kilpack's culinary mysteries.

Sun Tunnels and Secrets incorporates other humorous elements as well. In fact, it reminds me of a zany cross between the movies, Driving Miss Daisy and Pure Luck; it's filled with laugh-out-loud humor (one sister refuses to die in Tremonton, Utah, because she can't stand the thought of a certain mortician laying her out),wild coincidences that somehow make sense (finding a naked, dead man out in the middle of nowhere who just happens to be able to help solve a long, lost family secret), and age-old insights that can only be taught with gentle wit (I'll let you pick these out for yourself.).

And now for the blog tour and contest:

We are giving away THREE copies. One lucky GRAND PRIZE
WINNER will win a beautiful pot by Carole (who's also a
talented potter)!Blog tour runs from December 1st--December 9th.

Want to win a copy of Sun Tunnels and Secrets? It's easy.
1. Visit the fabulous reviews (listed below) and leave a comment letting us know why you're excited to read Sun Tunnels. Remember to include your email address.
2. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you'll receive an additional entry.

November 30
Alison Palmer--Tangled Words
and Dreams

December 1
Braden Bell--Braden's
Blog

December 2
Danyelle Ferguson--Queen of the
Clan

December 3
Jewel Adams--Jewel's Best
Gems

December 6
Tristi Pinkston--*Trisit
Pinkston

December 7
Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen--The
Write Blocks

December 8
Diony George--Diony George

December 9
Marsha Ward--Writer in the
Pines

Good luck!

Finding Rose by Stephanie Humphreys

2010-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's blog tour time for Whitney Nominee, Finding Rose by Stephanie Humphreys. The tour runs from November 22-December 3, and we'll be giving away THREE copies!

From Walnut Springs Press: To qualify for the contest, check out the fabulous reviews and leave a comment letting us know why you're excited to read Finding Rose. Remember to include your email address. If you tweet about the blog tour, or post about it on your blog or facebook, leave the link in the comments section and you'll receive an additional entry.

From the back cover:

On his deathbed, Rose Sterling's father asks her to consider Miles Crandall as a suitor. Then Rose is sent to live with an uncle in Spring Creek, Montana, far from her carefree life with her family in Utah. Miles is returning to his hometown of Spring Creek to set up a medical practice, so Rose is certain her being sent there is a setup. Yet Miles doesn't seem interested in her, and after Rose falls ill in Montana, he seems content to act as her physician and friend. When Rose captures the attention of Miles's younger, flamboyant brother as well as the town sheriff, Miles retreats even further from any attempt at courtship.

How can Rose honor her father's last wish if Miles doesn't even try to court her? Will she have the courage to put her heart on the line and fight for the one she really loves?

My Review:
I'm going to begin by making an observation that has nothing to do with this book, simply because I really want my posts to be something readers can learn from. With that said . . .

As both a writer and a reader, I've learned that reviews, contests, and even the finding of a publisher are very subjective experiences. Simply put, if a book isn't the reader's "cup of tea," then he or she will likely disregard it or give it a bad review. Not easy for the author to take. I know, I've been there. But the truth is, there are also many, many other readers who love what that same author has written. He or she may even become that reader's favorite author. The trick for us as authors is to find those readers. Sort of like finding friends. Or spouses. :)

But with Finding Rose, one of the things I liked most about it was it was a lot like a Hallmark Channel movie; it was a gentle romance about two people who grew into love. My novels are fast-paced, so Finding Rose was a pleasant change for me. I also loved Miles, the romantic lead. It took me a little while to warm up to him because I initially didn't think his character fit his profession, but the more I read, the more I liked him and the more I hoped he'd show up on the page--a good thing in a romance novel. So if you like quiet romances, give Finding Rose a try. Author Stephanie Humphreys just might become one of your new, favorite authors.

To read more about Finding Rose and to have more chances to win a copy, check out these reviews:

November 22
Tristi Pinkston--Tristi Pinkston

November 23
Alison Palmer--Tangled Words and
Dreams

November 24
Taffy Lovell--Taffy's Writing

November 29
Jenn Wilks--Jenn Wilks
Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen--The
Write Blocks

November 30
Amanda Thomson--Maybe Mandi

December 1
Sheila Staley--Why Not?
Because I Said So

December 2
Valerie Ipson--Valerie Ipson

December 3
Christine Bryant--Day
Dreamer

Angela Morrison--What She Did Right

2010-11-23T08:07:00.000-08:00

I recently had the priviledge of reading two romantic, YA novels by Angela Morrison: Taken by Storm and its sequel, Unbroken Connection.

From the back cover of Taken by Storm:

Leesie Hunt's Unbreakable Rules:

No Kissing (at least not of the French variety) . . . No Sex (hah! not even close to happening anyway) . . . No Dating Outside the Mormon Faith (what would be the point?) . . . ABSOLUTELY No Falling in Love with the Wrong Boy (wold ruin everything)

Leesie thinks she has her whole life planned out: get into the school of her dreams, write her poems meet the perfect guy, and settle down. Then she meets Michael--a boy whose parents were killed in a diving accident during a terrible storm.

Michael is drowning in tragedy. And all Leesie wants is to save him. With each day, her heart hurts more. Could it be perfect Leesie is falling from grace? Or is she just falling in love?

But if Leesie gives in to temptation, who is going to save her?

What She Did Right:

One of the elements I loved most about these two novels is the way Morrison defined her characters, allowing us to discover their personalities the moment we look at the page. Like many romance novels, Taken by Storm and Unbroken Connection are told from the main character and the romantic lead's points of view, but Morrison took this technique up a notch by giving us Michael's point of view through what he writes in his dive logs (he also uses "i" instead of "I"--very unique!) and revealing Leesie's POV through her poetry and her online chats. Sooo cool.

Another great thing about this technique is it immediately makes a "connection" with Morrison's YA readers who chat, often write poetry to express their emotions, and try to differentiate themselves from the crowd. Which brings me to my next comment.

I recently attended a class where David Farland said Stephanie Meyers planned to--and did--write a book about sex, and yet it had no sex in it. That is a close description of Morrison's novels, only without the vampires and danger. In fact, both characters are obsessed with their physical desire for each other while at the same time trying to control those emotions. Like the classic conflict of man against self, sometimes they fail, but most of the time they redeem themselves and succeed. Yay!

If you'd like to learn more about these books, read the third book in the trilogy as the author writes it, or contact her, visit her website at www.angela-morrison.com.

Happy Reading!

Thanksgiving Blog Hop

2010-11-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

In honor of Thanksgiving and because I want to thank you for your support and interest in my work, I am participating in this amazing, week long blog hop. It begins today, November 17th and runs until November 28th, 2010.

Each blog is offering a contest for a book related prize to their followers, so for YOU I am offering a free copy of my first novel, MISSING.

To enter, you must be a follower of this blog (If you're not currently a follower, you can follow now) and leave me ONE comment detailing all of your entries at the bottom of this post.

Each step earns one entry.
1) Required: Follow my blog, The Write Blocks.
2) Join my mailing list by emailing me at rondagibbhinrichsen@gmail.com and writing "Subscribe to Mailing List" in the subject line.
3) Subscribe to this blog.
4) Tweet, Facebook, blog, or otherwise announce my giveaway.

The winner of MISSING will be determined by random.org.

THANK YOU
and
HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!

Thanksgiving Blog Hop coming November 17th!

2010-11-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

In honor of Thanksgiving and because I want to thank you for your support and interest in my work, I am participating in this amazing, week long blog hop. It begins Wednesday, November 17th and runs until November 28th, 2010. Book related prizes will be offered to followers on each blog. The winner of my contest will receive a copy of MISSING. I hope to "see" you there. :)

See my sidebar link to the Thanksgiving Blog Hop for more info.

Divine Intervention

2010-11-09T22:24:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, I read a great book I think everyone should read. It's Divine Intervention by Helen and Randy Hall, and it's the true story of how the Halls' survived a should-have-been-deadly plane crash in Arizona. The tale alone is fascinating, but even more importantly, it is inspirational. Divine Intervention reminded me of not only how much Heavenly Father loves us, but also how much--physically and spiritually--we take for granted.

Thoughts on Plagiarism

2010-10-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

With all the hype going around about JK Rowling and plagiarism, I thought I'd write a quick note. I hope every author knows that while exact words and the work as a whole are copyrightable, ideas are not. I don't know anything about Rowling's situation, but I will say whenever someone claims plagiarism, I'm quite skeptical. I believe ideas are just floating around in the air, waiting for someone to snatch onto them. Case in point:

A few years ago, while I was going through a lengthy submission process for MISSING, I came across a blog where commenters were given the opportunity to submit a book idea to the blog owner. I decided to look over those comments and discovered that someone I didn't know had written out an idea for a book that was very similar to MISSING. So similar, in fact, that the main characters had the same names--though different spellings. I was shocked, to say the least, concerned that maybe someone had already heard about MISSING and was using it, and worried enough that someone might think I'd actually stolen their idea, I changed the name of one of my main characters. To this day, I fear that whoever wrote that comment has heard of MISSING and is angry with me. And yet I had no connection with them or their "idea." It was actually about five years (or more) between the time I began writing MISSING and the day it was published.

Let me reiterate. Ideas are not copyrightable. Neither are they exclusive to one person. So, as soon as that great idea comes to you, use it. Don't wait. If you do, someone else is bound to grab it's twin or sextuplet out of the sky and cash it in.

Where I'm Posting . . .

2010-10-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. It's been a few weeks since I've written here, but I wanted to let you know that's not because I haven't been posting somewhere. I've actually been a guest blogger on other sites and I've posted two articles on My Favorite Things during that time. Today, I'm a guest blogger for Anne Bradshaw with a post titled "Dreams and Writing: An Invaluable Connection." If you're a dreamer like me, you ought to check it out.

September Drawing

2010-10-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Monica of Orem, UT. She won my September "Join My Mailing List" drawing to have a copy of TRAPPED sent to a library of her choice. She chose the Orem Library, and I am currently working on getting them a copy of the book. :)

Donna Hatch's Queen in Exile: What She Did Right--Characterization

2010-09-27T21:38:00.000-07:00

I am currently writing a new novel, but I am also trying to increase my ability to create sympathetic characters, or in other words, characters that readers can relate to. In doing this, I've studied not only effective techniques, but I've also watched for those techniques in other writers' novels. One of those novels is Donna Hatch's Queen in Exile. First, from the back cover:

Rumors of war hang over Princess Jeniah's peaceful country of Arden, a land that shuns both magic and warfare. Following a lifelong dream, Jeniah forms a telpathic bond with a revered creature called a chayim, who is prophesied to save her kingdom. But when a Darborian knight comes upon Jeniah with her chayim, he sees only a vicious monster about to devour a maiden, and he slays the beast.

Devastated by the loss of her chayim, and fearing that her own magic is evil, Jeniah doubts her destiny. When an enemy invades Arden City, they slaughter the people, storm the castle, and execute the entire royal family except the princess. Rescued by the knight who slew her chayim, Jeniah is now heir to the throne of Arden and the only hope for freeing her people from tyranny.

On the run and hunted by enemy soldiers, Jeniah must place her life and the fate of her kingdom in the hands of this trained killer. Torn between embracing her destiny as queen of Arden, and her love for a mere knight, she must ultimately rely on her magic to save herself and her people from death and tyranny.

Two of the most basic techniques authors use to create characters that readers can identify with are 1) to show the character "petting the dog" and 2) to give them a tragic situation readers can sympathize with. While these are basic methods, authors must find a way to make them feel unique to their stories. Donna Hatch not only did this very well, but she also included them in the first few chapters of her novel.

First, her character reveals her kindness by petting the dog, or in this case, a magical and rare beast called a chayim. In Donna's own words:

"Jeniah continued to extend her hand until it finally touched the long, square muzzle, finding the golden fur softer than she expected. the chayim closed his mouth and uttered a noise much like a purr."

See? She simply petted the animal, and yet since this is a romantic fantasy, Hatch used a fascinating animal and a unique, legendary situation to make it memorable.

Second, the tragic situation. In Harry Potter, we find Harry orphaned and living in a cupboard with his neglectful aunt and uncle. In my latest novel, Trapped, Emi is a sheltered young woman whose father "died" when she was a baby and whose mother keeps such a tight hold on her that she hardly has her own life. In Queen in Exile, after the romantic lead kills Jeniah's chayim, Jeniah finds herself caught up in a world of war and betrayal in which her entire family is killed and she is captured. All tragic situations? Yes. And as readers, we yearn to see the characters' wrongs righted and their lives restored to a happily ever after.

Overall, Queen in Exile is an intriguing story, but Hatch's characters . . . well, lets just say it's been several months since I read this book (which I received from the publisher), and yet I still remember Jeniah. And her knight. :)

AUGUST WINNER

2010-09-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

The winner of my "Join My Mailing List" during the month of August drawing for a copy of TRAPPED is Kathy of Vernal, Utah! Congratulations!

Linda Weaver Clark Book Release Party

2010-08-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

A word from Linda: I have written five historical romance novels but have changed to mystery. The writing process between romance and mystery is quite a change with a completely different mind set. It’s so different from telling a love story. With romance, you plan out the plot around the meeting of a couple. As you write, you develop some sort of charisma between the characters, making the reader feel excited that one day they're going to hit it off and fall in love. You, as the reader, know what the outcome will be. But with a mystery, the reader is in the dark. The author has to come up with a plot that no one knows about until towards the end of the story and hope they haven’t figured it out. In a mystery, you may or may not allow your reader to know who the bad guys are, according to whether it’s just a mystery or mystery suspense. Do you know the difference between a mystery and a mystery suspense novel? In a mystery, when a knock is heard at the door, the reader doesn't know who's behind it. With mystery suspense, the reader knows who's behind the door and yells to the heroine, "Don't open the door!"

Anasazi Intrigue is the first book in a mystery adventure series called “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.” It’s about a devastating flood that takes out several homes in a small town, the importance of preserving ancient artifacts, and a few puzzling and mysterious events. Julia is a reporter, and when she finds out about a possible poison spill that kills some fish and neighbor's pets, she has a feeling that something isn’t quite right. Before she realizes what is happening, Julia finds out that this incident is much bigger and more dangerous than she thought. With dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants chasing John and Julia, they have their hands full.

Artifact theft is a very intriguing subject. That’s why I call it the Intrigue series. In my research, I found that archaeological thievery is becoming more and more of a problem every year. Did you know that looting is only second to selling illegal drugs? While researching the second book in this series, Mayan Intrigue, my eyes were opened to the problems they have in southern Mexico. When an ancient ruin is discovered, it doesn’t take long for thieves to take it apart. The reason why is because the Mayas used astrological alignments when planning their city. Looters have learned the layout of the Mayan cities so they know where to dig. With this knowledge, they can loot a sacred temple in a few days. I also found that artifact theft in Mexico has been taken over by drug dealers from Columbia. In other words, since organized crime has taken over, there is also an increase of violence.

Mayan Intrigue will be released on August 30th and I’m having a week long celebration with a book give-away at my Blog at http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com/. Mayan Intrigue is about the discovery of a priceless artifact that puts Julia’s life in great danger. While on assignment for the newspaper, John and Julia try to enjoy a romantic vacation among the Mayan ruins, but when Julia accidentally comes upon a couple suspicious men exchanging an item, she quickly turns and leaves but it’s too late. Before John and Julia realize what's going on, they find themselves running for their lives through the jungles of the Yucatan. To read an excerpt from each of my books, you can visit http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/.

Why We Read: VICARIOUS EXPERIENCE

2010-08-24T22:59:00.000-07:00

We read for many reasons, such asto gain knowledge or to escape the everyday pressures of life. But as an author, what also concerns me is 1) what makes a novel catch fire in the hearts of modern readers, and 2) how can I meet that requirement?
Through study and observation, I’ve concluded that novel readers mostly seek a vicarious experience. David Farland seems to agree for he’s described this concept, at least in part, as the physical responses people have to the novel. Reader’s endorphins react, he details, to the obstacles, emotions, and climax of the story.

Which leads to my next question. If vicarious experience is key, then how do I as a writer, create that experience? In answer, I’ve looked to some of my favorite writers and I’ve determined that at least three elements are critical: mystery, detail, and restraint.

Take Stephenie Meyers, for example. Not because I enjoyed her Twilight series—which I did--and definitely not because I crave vampires—for I absolutely don’t—but because Meyers has the ability to make her stories come to life, to make readers feel as if they are living in the moment, and to give life to her words in such a way that they jump off the page. She knows how to create vicarious experiences.

For instance, consider Twilight’s revelation scene when Edward allows Bella to figure out who he is. There in the restaurant, the reader already guesses Edward is a vampire, so that in itself creates mystery and nervous emotion—suspense--in the reader. Then, throughout the discussion, Meyers incorporates tiny details that describe how the couple responds to each other as well as a sense of Edward’s physical restraint. The following few sentences, alone, depict what I mean, but as you look through that entire section of the book, you can see numerous, similar examples:

“I scowled, but nodded. He moved his hand out from under mine, placing both of his under the table. But he leaned toward me.”

If you’re anything like me, you’ll notice both your heartbeat and breathing kick up a notch just from the memory of that scene or from the sentences I’ve quoted here. That’s vicarious experience. So that’s what I work to create in my own writing. Have I succeeded? Only you, my reader, can answer that question.

"Sweet" Romance Giveaway!

2010-08-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

Our sweet romance group on goodreads has reached the 400 member mark! To celebrate, we're holding a giveaway and 19 prizes are up for grabs, including a copy of TRAPPED. Just click here for the details.

Giveaway Scout

2010-08-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Because I frequently post book reviews along with a contest, and because many readers love freebies, I decided to add the Giveaway Scout to my blog. They automatically scan thousands of blogs to bring you the latest blog giveaways, sweepstakes and contests.Their lists update every hour, and if you subscribe, you'll get notified by email when a new giveaway is published.

TRAPPED REVIEWS

2010-08-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

With my blog tour in full swiong and misc reviews popping up around the web, I've begun a review list in my sidebar. If you like supernatural thrillers, you ought to check out my reviews. Here is the latest from The Book Whisperer:

As one of only two books that Hinrichsen has published I am very impressed about the quality of this book. I found it to be a very entertaining read that was not at all what I had expected. As a new author naturally the novel incorporated moments that I was able to clearly recognize that I was dealing with a new writer; although impressively it was few and far between. Her character and story line were very original, and the detail to which she wrote without overloading the story had me on the edge of my seat. This is an author that has definitely proven her abilities, and I look for her to have a very promising future in the writing world. With the number of books I have read it is hard to find a novel that totally Blind Sides me. It was truly appreciated and enjoyed.

MY BLOG TOUR

2010-08-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen the info about my blog tour, here it is. :) Enjoy!

A Forged Letter, A Golden Vial, An Ancient
Curse...

Filled with family secrets, intrigue, and romance
the blog tour (August 9-August 24) for
Trapped by Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen will have it all.We will be giving away THREE autographed copies!

All you have to do is leave a comment
(along with your email address if it isn't on your blog profile)
and answer the following question.

Which Austrian city would you most like to visit?

The more blogs you comment on the more entries you'll receive.
All comments must be left by midnight MST on August 27 to be eligible.

Her expression remained somber, but excitement crept into her voice. You are the Firstborn She...You must go to them.

You want me to act as bait?

Not bait, Emi. A spy. Our Trojan horse.

When Emi Warrin wakes one night to find a thief in her mother's house, she has no idea the intruder has planted a trap - a mysterious letter that will change her life forever. Lured to the Austrian Alps with Daniel, the man she loves, Emi is thrown into a perilous, mafia-like world of feuding families and a devastating curse that spans generations. As the Firstborn She - the only firstborn female in hundreds of years - only Emi can free her family from the curse
that will soon afflict her as well. But for Emi to break the curse, she must delve into evil designs.

As Emi struggles to understand her destiny as the Firstborn She, she learns that everything isn't as it seems and that all choices have consequences. Can Emi break the curse before it's too late?

August 9
Ali Cross
Heather Gardner

August 10
Jewel Adams

August 11
Mary Greathouse

August 12
Lynn Fowlstone
Christine Bryant

August 13
Valerie Ipson
Sheila Stayley

August 16
Deanne Blackhurst

August 17
Connie Hall
C.S. Bezas

August 18
Kimberly Job
Tristi Pinkston

August 19
Karen Hoover
Nichole Giles

August 20
Alison Palmer
Jessica Williams

August 23
Joyce DiPastena
Laurie Lewis

TRAPPED BLOG TOUR

2010-08-08T21:35:00.000-07:00

It's finally here! Just as my Costco tours for MISSING are winding down, my blog tour for TRAPPED is winding up. My first stop will be at FIRE AND ICE. Actually, I met Heather at one of my recent Costco signings and we had a fun conversation, so there just might be a few surprises in her review. We'll all just have to wait and see. :)

Along with reading the bloggers' reviews, make sure you leave a comment and answer the Austrian question. 3 autographed copies of TRAPPED are up for grabs!

Good luck!

Mailing List Winner

2010-08-01T20:50:00.000-07:00

Throughout the month of July, I held a drawing for a free copy of TRAPPED for those who joined my mailing list while I was signing copies of MISSING in area Costcos. July's winner is Lori Snell of Crossfield, Alberta, Canada! Congratulations!

I will be holding a similar contest throughout the month of August, only this time it will also be open to online subscribers. So, if you'd like to join my mailing list and be entered in my August drawing for a free copy of TRAPPED, please email me at rondagibbhinrichsen@gmail.com and write "Subscribe to my Mailing List" in the subject line.

Thanks, Congratulations, and Good luck!

CHOCOLATE ROSES by Joan Sowards and Audience--WHAT SHE DID RIGHT

2010-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Love chocolate? Love Jane Eyre?

Then you're going to love the blog tour (July
26-August 6)
for Chocolate Roses by Joan Sowards.

My take:
Like every novel I've reviewed, authors like Joan Sowards have done multiple things "right" in the creation of their works. However, because the purpose of this blog is to help writers in their quest for better writing--myself, included--I try to focus on and teach through one especially well-done aspect of the book. In the case of Chocolate Roses, A Jane Eyre Parady, I've chosen audience.

If authors hope to sell their work to readers, they must keep their core audience in mind. Notice, I said "core" audience. Far too often, new writers believe their work is written for all people and all ages. This may be true to the extant that an elderly neighbor down the street may like your book just as much as the child in your son's classroom did, but the majority of your readers will likely come from one certain age group and/or sex. For instance, as I've been doing book signings for MISSING over the past month, I've learned that while a few men have read and enjoyed my novel, most tend to like non-fiction. That fact tells me that if I ever want to write something that will primarily sell to men, then I should look to non-fiction.

How does audience apply to Chocolate Roses? Chocolate Roses, as I already mentioned is a fun, modern parody of the classic novel, Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre is one of my all-time favorite stories. I've read it several times, referred to its plot structure in my writing, watched various movie versions countless times, and I own the book. Yes, I'm a Jane Eyre fan. But, and here's the key, I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE who has read and/or watched it. In truth, if you're female and if you like classic romance, there's a good chance you've seen and enjoyed at least one movie version of the story, which makes you one of Sowards' target audience. Along with that, you'll likely give the book a try simply because you love Jane Eyre so much. I know I did. That's the power of keeping your audience in mind. But, even better, after I picked Chocolate Roses up, I wasn't disappointed. And neither will you be. :) Here are some of the reasons why:

1) I loved the direct quotes from Jane Eyre at the beginning of each chapter. Sometimes I liked them because they added insight into Soward's modern story, and sometime I liked them simply because they reminded me of my favorite scenes in Jane Eyre.

2) I enjoyed Sowards' humorous writing style. A parody, of course, should be humorous, but I found this novel especially intriguing because the humorous style was in such opposition to Charlotte Bronte's mostly dark, gothic story.

3) In Jane Eyre, Rochester is the brooding, sinful, "Beast"-like character that only Jane can tame. This cliche character is highly romantic and often expected in modern romance writing, but Sowards has given readers an honestly good hero to love. He's one who will be good because he chooses to be good. One who the heroine, and reader, can trust will always be there, no matter what comes. To me, that's a romance that's not only delicious--it's satisfying. Sort of like chocolate roses. Grin.

We have two great prizes up for grabs!

Win either a copy of the
book (2 winners) or this fabulous apron created by Joan!

All you
have to do is leave a comment (along with your email address if it isn't on
your blog profile) and answer the following question.

What's your favorite type of
chocolate: white, dark, or milk?

The more blogs you comment on the
more entries you'll receive.
All comments must be left by midnight MST on August 8 to be
eligible.

July 26
Nichole Giles--Random-ish by Nichole
Joyce DiPastena--JDP News

July 27
Deanne Blackhurst--Annie Speaks Her Mind
Tristi Pinkston--*Tristi Pinkston

July 28
Taffy Lovell--Taffy's Candy
Alison Palmer--Tangled Words and Dreams

July 29
Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen--The Write Blocks
C.S. Bezas--For the Love of the Written Word

July 30
Sheila Stayley--Why Not? Because I Said So!
LDSWomen's Book Review

August 2
Kerry Blair--Now & Here
Marsha Ward--Writer in the Pines

August 3
Kaylee Baldwin--Kayle Baldwin
Amy Orton--Amesbury Reads

August 4
Anna del C.--Anna del C. Dye's Blog
Laurie Lewis--A View from the Other Side

August 5
Valerie Ipson--Of Writerl Things
Anna Arnett--Insights and Ramblings from Anna Arnett

August 6
Lynn Parsons
Danyelle Ferguson--Queen of the Clan

Chocolate Roses can be purchased from Deseret Book, Amazon, and of
course your local LDS bookstore.

Janie Rose Whitaker's world revolved around her chocolate shop until
Roger Wentworth and his young daughter moved into the apartment across from Janie's. Anyone would think Roger fit the mold of the "perfect" guy, but
soon Janie discovers secrets that could keep them apart forever. Though she
resists getting involved in Roger¹s complicated life, they are drawn
further into a bittersweet relationship.

You will laugh, cry, and crave chocolate as you read this LDS parody of the
classic novel Jane Eyre.

Summer Treasure Hunt Ends!

2010-07-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to check out who won each day throughout the month of June and into July, click here. The winners are announced at the end of each clue. Congratulations to all those who won!
Until next year . . . :)

MAILING LIST CONTEST WINNER!

2010-07-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to everyone who entered my June mailing list contest! The lucky winner of a copy of my new novel, TRAPPED, is Bonnie of Centerville, UT! CONGRATULATIONS!

A Quick Writing Tip

2010-06-20T23:16:00.000-07:00

Because I'm so busy with marketing both MISSING and TRAPPED right now, I haven't had a lot of time to write about writing on this blog, which is it's main purpose. So, I thought I'd atleast give you this tidbit of "advice": As you move forward with your writing career, HOLD ONTO YOU. Very likely you have a reason you write and/or a message you want to move forward with your writing. If that is so, infuse your writing with it. I don't mean you should end every manuscript with "the moral of the story is . . ." I mean, let your message come through in your stories. For instance, one of my biggest writing goals is to encourage people to act on and increase with the goodness that is in them. As such, my novels contain main characters who not only fight for right but also rely on their inner goodness to overcome their challenges.

Another important part of "holding onto you" is to recognize and use the innate writing talents you already have while working on those you may be weak in. I believe every writer already has something they do well, so if you're good with plots, let that shine in your stories while you try to improve your characterizations, thematic developments, or settings.

Again, HOLD ONTO YOU. The world needs you.

TRAPPED contests

2010-06-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

I've been busy signing copies of MISSING in Costcos throughout the past couple of months and it appears that trend will continue through the summer, but I wanted to let you know Linda Weaver Clarke interviewed me on her blog today and offered a free copy of TRAPPED in a week long contest. She asked some fun questions. If you'd like to read her interview and check out her contest, go to her site at http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com/.

Also, don't forget I'm holding my own contest for a copy of TRAPPED to those who subscribe to my mailing list during the month of June. You can find the details at the top of my sidebar.

Happy summer reading.

Awakening Avery Review & Contest Reminder

2010-06-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

From the back cover:

"You're depressed," the doctor declared.
"Ya think?" is author Avery Elkins Thompson's sarcastic response to the astute diagnosis for the malaise that set in following her husband's untimely death. Avery's carefully controlled world is imploding, and her adult children fear they are losing her too.
"You're just a shadow of the person you used to be...We'd gladly give you up for a while if it meant getting you back."
Avery can't write, and questions about their father's death leave the family mired in pain. "We need a healing place," her oldest son tells her, suggesting she find it on Anna Maria Island, Florida, a former family vacation spot.
When Avery returns to Baltimore to sell the family's waterfront condo, she meets rodeo-ers-turned-real-estate-brokers Teddie and Rider Davis, and Avery's quiet life will never be the same again.
The Davises help arrange a short-term house swap with widower Gabriel Carson from Anna Maria, whose overprotective parenting has resulted in two self-centered, twenty-something daughters. Avery and Gabriel are in for the summer of their lives as they step into one another's messy, complicated worlds.
Still, venturing out on her own again is challenging for Avery, whose experiences at the Ringling's magnificent Ca d'Zan mansion, and with the quirky characters she meets there, eventually awaken her to truths she has long forgotten - that as crazy as life can be, it is possible to laugh and love again.

My take:
Awakening Avery is a beautifully written story that reminds me of a happily-ever-after version of the acclaimed movie, "84 Charing Cross Road." In that movie, two book-loving characters correspond through letters over the course of twenty years, yet while they obviously grow to care for each other, they never physically meet. Perhaps that is a good thing, since the man in the novel, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, is married, and I would have hated to see any rift come to his marriage. However, I couldn't help but feel saddened by the pen-pal's often poignant situation.

That's why I say Awakening Avery is a happily-ever-after version. In Lewis's story, a man and woman meet, grow together through their later correspondence, and eventually come together again to find joy in their heart and soul union. But Awakening Avery is more than a simple love story. It is also a quiet, yet sometimes insightful portrayal of a woman's self-awakening from grief and creative suppression into a world where second chances at love and personal growth are possible.

Awakening Avery is definitely not a fast-paced, heart-pounding story, but it's charm not only held my attention, but it also continues to touch my heart.

The Contest
As you may recall, this is the last stop for this blog tour & contest. Here's a refresher on how to enter:

We're giving away 3 fabulous prizes.
Two readers will win their own copy of Awakening Avery! Yeah. There will be one lucky grand prize
winner who will the beautiful necklace below. The contest opens June 2 and
will close June 13 at midnight MST.

June 1 Sheila Stayley
Why Not? Because I
Said So!LDS Women's Book Review

June 2 Alison Palmer
Tangled Words and Dreams

June 3 Kimberly Jobs
Scribbled Scraps

June 4 Nichole Giles
Star Crossed
June 7 Deanne Blackhurst
The Book of Deanne

June 8 Tristi Pinkston
*Tristi Pinkston, LDS
Author

June 9 C.S. Bezas
For the Love of the Written Word

June 10 Joan Sowards
Joan Sowards

June 11 Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
The Write Blocks

Entering the contest is easy--all you have to do is blog, tweet, follow, or
comment and then fill out this little form HERE.

1. Follow our reviewers blogs.(1 entry for each blog you follow.)

2. Leave a comment on a
review. (1 entry for each review you comment on.)

2. Blog about Awakening Avery, the contest, or a review. (3 entries
for each blog post.)

3. Follow us on twitter. (1 entry
for each person you follow.)
Walnut Springs Press
http://twitter.com/walnutspringspr
Nichole Giles
http://twitter.com/nicholegiles
LDS Women's Book Review
http://twitter.com/LDSWBR
Sheila Stayley
http://twitter.com/ssdawn2002
Kimberly Job
http://twitter.com/kimberlyjob
Joan Sowards
http://twitter.com/joansowards

4. Tweet about the contest. (2 entries for each tweet.)

5. Post about the contest on your
Facebook. (2 entries for each facebook post or status update about the contest.)

6. Become a fan of Walnut Springs Press on Facebook. (1 entry for becoming a fan.)

7. Anything else you can think of that
will spread the word. (3 entries for every social media site you post
on.) If you mention it on goodreads, shelfari,google buzz, make it your
status on gmail chat, MSN or yahoo messenger let us know. We'll reward your
creativity with entries.

GREAT NEWS!

2010-06-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

I stopped by the bookstore, Reflections of Utah in Brigham City and learned that TRAPPED is currently #2 on their Top Ten Bestsellers Display. AND MISSING has been on the list since it was released in October. It is currently #5! Yay!

SUMMER TREASURE HUNT WINNERS

2010-06-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

We have more winners! However, since it'll be a daily event, from here on out I am going to list the winners at the end of the initial Summer Treasure Hunt posting. Make sense? Just so you know, though, yesterday's and today's winners are:

June 2: a copy of Laurie Lewis's Awakening Avery
WINNER: Barbara Stilwell of Minnesota
ANSWER: The remote into the TV

June 3: a PDF copy of E.A. West's romantic suspense novel, Riley's Mission
WINNER: Judy Cox of Louisiana
ANSWER: An empty wheelchair

Congratulations!

Winners, Winners, Winners!

2010-06-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know I'm a little behind, but I wanted to let you know that there have been four winners, so far.
2--won my drawing on Goodreads.com for a copy of TRAPPED--Jaimie and Meagan (I've already contacted them).
1--(Beverly) won my Orem Costco drawing for a copy of TRAPPED.
And the June 1st winner for our Summer Treasure Hunt is--drum roll, please!

WINNER: Amber Nielson of Vermont
ANSWER: Herself and her people from death and tyranny

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners!
But don't give up hope, yet. There are still more great contests going on right now:

1. Another Goodreads.com drawing for 3 winners to receive a copy of TRAPPED. The deadline for it is June 21st.
2. I am holding another drawing through the month of June for a free copy of TRAPPED. If you'd like to join that drawing, simply JOIN MY MAILING LIST by emailing me at rondagibbhinrichsen@gmail.com.
3. Our Summer Treasure Hunt is in full swing! There's a chance to win a book or some other great prize everyday!
4. The Awakening Avery Blog Tour and Contest is also in full swing. A beautiful necklace and book is on the line!

Good luck and check back often for winning updates. :)

Awakening Avery Blog Tour and Contest

2010-05-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Summer's here and what better way to kick it off than with a blog tour for
Awakening Avery by Laurie Lewis, one of my sister authors at Walnut Springs Press. In fact, Awakening Avery is the perfect, quiet poolside read.

Avery can't cope with the death of her husband and is finally convinced by
her son to return to the family's Anna Maria Island vacation spot. With the
help from some new-found friends, Avery swaps her house with a widower
named Gabriel. As Avery and Gabriel step into each others lives, they begin
a correspondence that leads to spiritual and emotional awakening for each
of them.

We're giving away 3 fabulous prizes.
Two readers will win their own copy of Awakening Avery! Yeah. There will be one lucky grand prize
winner who will the beautiful necklace below. The contest opens June 2 and
will close June 13 at midnight MST.

June 1 Sheila Stayley
Why Not? Because I
Said So!LDS Women's Book Review

June 2 Alison Palmer
Tangled Words and Dreams

June 3 Kimberly Jobs
Scribbled Scraps

June 4 Nichole Giles
Random-ish by Nichole

June 7 Deanne Blackhurst
The Book of Deanne

June 8 Tristi Pinkston
*Tristi Pinkston, LDS
Author

June 9 C.S. Bezas
For the Love of the Written Word

June 10 Joan Sowards
Joan Sowards

June 11 Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
The Write Blocks

Entering the contest is easy--all you have to do is blog, tweet, follow, or
comment and then fill out this little form HERE.

1. Follow our reviewers blogs.(1 entry for each blog you follow.)

2. Leave a comment on a
review. (1 entry for each review you comment on.)

2. Blog about Awakening Avery, the contest, or a review. (3 entries
for each blog post.)

3. Follow us on twitter. (1 entry
for each person you follow.)
Walnut Springs Press
http://twitter.com/walnutspringspr
Nichole Giles
http://twitter.com/nicholegiles
LDS Women's Book Review
http://twitter.com/LDSWBR
Sheila Stayley
http://twitter.com/ssdawn2002
Kimberly Job
http://twitter.com/kimberlyjob
Joan Sowards
http://twitter.com/joansowards

4. Tweet about the contest. (2 entries for each tweet.)

5. Post about the contest on your
Facebook. (2 entries for each facebook post or status update about the contest.)

6. Become a fan of Walnut Springs Press on Facebook. (1 entry for becoming a fan.)

7. Anything else you can think of that
will spread the word. (3 entries for every social media site you post
on.) If you mention it on goodreads, shelfari,google buzz, make it your
status on gmail chat, MSN or yahoo messenger let us know. We'll reward your
creativity with entries.

NATIONAL MISSING CHILDREN'S DAY

2010-05-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

Today I signed copies of MISSING at the Orem Costco on one of the most appropriate days we have: National Missing Children's Day. This day is held in honor of a six-year-old boy who went missing in 1979 on his first day walking to school "all by himself."

Because this was such an important day, I not only signed MISSING, but I also handed out photocopies of Child Identification Kits that parents could fill out and keep in their home. But as it turned out, today became more of a National Missing Children's Day than I could have ever imagined.

While in Costco, I met two women who've been personally affected by a missing child. One was the sister of Kiplyn Davis, the 15-year-old high school student who was reported missing on May 2, 1995 in Spanish Fork, Utah. The other was the sister of Timothy White, the 5-year-old boy kidnapped with Steven Stayner 30 years ago. 14-year-old Steven, himself a kidnapping victim, had fled with the boy, known as "Timmy," and hitchhiked to safety. He was a victim-turned-hero. Timmy's sister also told me of a spiritual experience their family and friends had during those grueling few days that Timmy was missing, and I couldn't help but not only compare it to my character, Stacie Cox's, "guidance" in her search to find Becka, but also feel grateful--TRUE LIFE grateful--for divine intervention. God is aware of us.

Was it a coincidence that I met these women on National Missing Children's Day? I don't know. But what I do know is today is a day I won't soon forget.

2nd Annual “Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig For Clues and Win” Contest!

2010-05-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the second annual “Summer Treasure Hunt: Dig for Clues and Win” Contest! Last year, some author friends put together a month long contest where they gave away a prize a day for the entire month of June. The contest was so successful that we've decided to do it again…only this time we’ve gathered together enough prizes to last through the first week of July! Again, we have something for everyone: romance, fantasy, mystery, suspense, historicals, contemporaries, young adult and middle grade fiction; children’s picture books; and a variety of non-fiction titles. We also have some exciting non-book prizes: a hand crocheted book tote and cell phone case; a book/jewelry combo; a Mary Kay cosmetic assortment; a The Lion, the Witch, and The Wardrobe DVD; and (you aspiring writers won’t want to miss this one!) a free edit/critique for the first 50 pages of an unpublished novel by a three-time published author!

How can you enter to win one of these awesome prizes? Just follow the rules below!

SUMMER TREASURE HUNT RULES:

You can send in an entry for each day’s prize, or only for those prizes that strike your fancy. The rules are simple:

(1) Go to the website or blog indicated for each day, find the answer to the question for that day, then email the answer with your name and AND MAILING ADDRES to jdipastena@yahoo.com. I promise you will not wind up on any mailing lists. This is only to facilitate the receipt of your prize. All entries will be deleted at the end of the contest.

(2) Please send a separate entry for each day and type the day you are entering in the subject line. (Such as: Summer Treasure Hunt, June 1; Summer Treasure Hunt, June 2, etc).

(3) Deadline for each day: Midnight PST

4) The winner will be contacted and announced on the day following the deadline.

All winners will be “drawn” by WWW.RANDOM.ORG.

You do not have to wait until the designated day to enter. You can start sending in your entries right now, or begin entering at any point along the way. And check back here each day between June 2nd-July 9th to read the names of the winners.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Joyce DiPastena at jdipastena@yahoo.com.

And now…let the treasure hunt begin!

June 1
SPONSOR: Donna Hatch
PRIZE: Queen in Exile, (fantasy romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: The princess must rely upon her magic to save whom? (Hint: Look under “Bookshelf” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.donnahatch.net
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Amber Nielson of Vermont
ANSWER: Herself and her people from death and tyranny

June 2
SPONSOR: Laurie Lewis
PRIZE: Awakening Avery (women's fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: Avery's signal that she isn't handling her husband's death very well comes to her when she tosses what into what? (Hint: Look under “books &reviews, then click on the cover to Awakening Avery and read the first chapter)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.laurielclewis.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Barbara Stilwell
ANSWER: The remote into the TV

June 3
SPONSOR: E.A. West
PRIZE: Riley's Mission (PDF: romantic suspense)
QUESTION: Where does Jade sit after she sees Aziz Khadoul? (Hint: Click on “Books” tab, then on “excerpt” link for Riley’s Mission)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://eawest.mcphitty.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Judy Cox of Louisiana
ANSWER: An empty wheelchair

June 4
SPONSOR: Jenna Dawlish
PRIZE: Sprig of Thyme (Victorian romance), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the hero in Jenna's first novel Love Engineered? (Check out “The Library” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.jennadawlish.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Ginny Romney of Arizona
ANSWER: Charles Lucas

June 5
SPONSOR: Rachael Renee Anderson
PRIZE: Divinely Designed (contemporary LDS romantic comedy), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the title of Rachael's second book, being released in August? (Hint: scroll down to Rachael’s “Goodreads” titles on the right hand sidebar))
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://rachaelreneeanderson.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Karin Tillotson of Pennsylvania
ANSWER: Luck of the Draw

June 6
SPONSOR: Linda Kay Garner
PRIZE: Some Secrets Hurt (picturebook), autographed copy, plus a handmade cuddling blanket. This picture book is for all ages. It is simple enough to be understood by a very young child, meaningful enough to appeal to teenagers, informative enough to be helpful to parents, and powerful enough to reach out to a wounded adult.
QUESTION: The only thing worse than finding out that your child is being sexually abused is ____ ____ ____? (Hint: Listen to 5 minute KSL TV interview on the right side of the website or dowload the free Parents’ Guide)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.somesecretshurt.com
INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Laura Lewis of North Carolina
ANSWER: Not finding out

June 7
SPONSOR: Danielle Thorne
PRIZE: (New/Sealed) The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (Widescreen DVD)
QUESTION: In Danielle Thorne's novel, Turtle Soup, what is the name of the marine biologist who inspires Sara Hart to name her deli Turtle Soup? (Hint: read the blurb for Turtle Soup on Danielle’s website homepage)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.daniellethorne.jimdo.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Carol Rainbolt of Arizona
ANSWER: Jack Brandon

June 8
SPONSOR: Larry Hammersley
PRIZE: Lab Partners (sweet 1950’s romance), ebook
QUESTION: What are the first names of the hero and heroine in the short story Lab Partners? (Hint: Check out “WIP Report” post for April 4, 2010)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://larryhammersley.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTIRES
WINNER: Mina Gerhart
ANSWER: Leroy and Jody

June 9
SPONSOR: Linda Weaver Clarke
PRIZE: Melinda and the Wild West: (historical romance, YA and adult), autographed copy
QUESTION: What was Melinda doing when she first met Gilbert and why did he act flustered and then abruptly turn and briskly stride away? (Hint:. Click on “Sample Chapters” tab, then on the book title for Melinda and the Wild West to read a sample chapter.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com
OPEN TO USA AND CANADA ENTRIES
WINNER: Cassandra Cantrell of Utah
ANSWER: She was wading in a stream and her skirt was hiked up showing her legs and bare feet

June 10
SPONSOR: Angela Morrison
PRIZE: Taken by Storm (Penguin/Razorbill 2009), YA romance, autographed hard cover
QUESTION: A legendary LDS author of over 30 books for teens called Taken by Storm, "An amazing story written with a clear, refreshing and creative voice." Who was it? (Hint: check “Taken By Storm” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.angela-morrison.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Diana Donahoo from Illinois
ANSWER: Jack Weyland

June 11
SPONSOR: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
PRIZE: Trapped (romantic suspense with a hint of paranormal fantasy), autographed copy
QUESTION: The first trap Emi Warrin encounters is a mysterious letter. To where does it lure her? (Hint: Read the book summary under the Trapped tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: rondahinrichsen.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Angela Isbell of Utah
ANSWER: the Austrian Alps

June 12
SPONSOR: Anne Patrick
PRIZE: Journey to Redemption (inspirational romantic suspense), free download
QUESTION: What did Royce use to do for a living in my upcoming release, Out of the Darkness? (Hint: Look under the “My Books” link for Anne’s new release, Out of the Darkness)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.suspensebyanne.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Cindy Schuerr of Wisconsin
ANSWER: He played pro football.

June 13
SPONSOR: Rebecca Talley
PRIZE: Altared Plans (contemporary LDS romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: What is unique about my youngest son? (Hint: Watch the YouTube video Extra C posted on the right side of Rebecca’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.rebeccatalleywrites.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Rachel Stanley of Arizona
ANSWER: He has an extra chromosome/Down syndrome

June 14
SPONSOR: David J. West
PRIZE: Heroes of the Fallen (historical fiction), autographed hardcopy)
QUESTION: What is the name of my favorite author? (Hint: Scroll through David’s June blogs. He promises you’ll find the answer!)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://david-j-west.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Tawnya Mayo of Utah
ANSWER: Robert E. Howard

June 15
SPONSOR: Jennifer Stewart Griffith, author of Choosing Mr. Right and Delicious Conversation
PRIZE: FREE edit and/or critique of first 50 pages of a novel
QUESTION: What is the Japanese word for the hairstyle worn by sumo wrestlers? (Hint: Check out Jennifer’s favorite sumo blog, Sumo Beautiful. Look for Hama Bijin’s April 13th post)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://sumobeautiful.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES as long as the manuscript can be emailed to Jennifer and is in English
WINNER: Tracy Astle of California
ANSWER: Chonmage

June 16
SPONSOR: Rebecca Irvine
PRIZE: Family Home Evening Adventures (non-fiction book of FHE lessons), free e-book on CD
QUESTION: What is the title of the first book written by Rebecca Irvine? (Hint: Read “about me” on Rebecca’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.rebeccairvine.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Tracie Travis of California
ANSWER: Adventures with the Word of God

June 17
SPONSOR: Marilyn Bunderson
PRIZE: The Mark (YA Fiction), autographed copy with a bookmark
QUESTION: In a deleted scene from my book, The Mark, Jon loses a bet to Shae. What does he have to do to pay up? (Hint: Found in post titled "Deleted Scenes From The Mark" dated April 15, 2010)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.mrbunderson.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Karen Haas of North Carolina
ANSWER: Go country line dancing

June 18
SPONSOR: Heather Justesen
PRIZE: Winner’s Choice: The Ball’s In Her Court (contemporary inspirational) or Rebound (contemporary romance), autographed by author
QUESTION: How much did the FBI agent expect John's bail to be set at? (Hint: Click on "My Books" tab, then "read more" about Rebound.)
WEBSITE/BLOG: HeatherJustesen.com
OPEN TO USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Colleen Conklin of Arizona
ANSWER: About half a million

June 19
SPONSOR: Nichole Giles
PRIZE: The Sharp Edge of a Knife (inspirational historical, based on a true story), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the correct title of the humorous anthology I coauthored? (Hint: Look in the right hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.nicholegiles.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Taffy Lovell of Utah
ANSWER: Mormon Mishaps and Mischief

June 20
SPONSOR: Karen Adair
PRIZE: Trendy blue/brown crocheted book tote with matching cell phone case (Check out Karen’s “Diva Strings” website for examples: http://www.divastrings.com/index.html)
QUESTION: Where did Karen learn how to type and what speed did she finally top out at? (Hint: Check Karen’s “Bio” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.kbadair.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Becky Drew of Arizona
ANSWER: I took a class in middle school and my last clocked speed was 120 words per minute

June 21
SPONSOR: Lynn Parsons, co-author of the soon-to-be-released non-fiction book: (dis)Abilities and the Gospel
PRIZE: A pair of hand-knit socks
QUESTION: What are three of the topics I list on the parent page of my website? (Look on “Parent Page” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.lynndparsons.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Karin Tillotson of Pennsylvania
ANSWER: ADD/ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Educational Activities for Home, Transition to Adulthood

June 22
SPONSOR: Kinzie Monroe
PRIZE: Reservations for Two (inspirational romance), autographed CD
QUESTION: What was Maggie doing when she and Carson first met in Reservations for Two? (Hint: click on the “Excerpts” link on Kinzie’s blog)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://kinziemonroe.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Paige Child of Utah
ANSWER: roller blading

June 23
SPONSOR: Michele Ashman Bell
PRIZE: Summer in Paris (YA romance), autographed copy and Eiffel Tower bookmark
QUESTION: What is Michele "dreaming of"? (Hint: found on sidebar above picture of Eiffel Tower
WEBSITE/BLOG: micheleabell.blogspot.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Sharline Mata of Costa Rica
ANSWER: Paris

June 24
SPONSOR: Jaimey Grant and JaysDesign Jewelry
PRIZE: A signed copy of Redemption, a Regency romance by Jaimey Grant, and a 19" hand-knotted strand of freshwater pearls ($45 value) handmade by Jay T Lyons of JaysDesign Jewelry.
QUESTION: Artist Jay T Lyons did a sketch for the cover of an upcoming Regency romance of mine. What is the sketch of and what is the title of the upcoming book?
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://sites.google.com/site/jaimeygrant/jaytlyons
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Cydni Tongish of Utah (please be sure you type Cydni and not Cyndi...I thought it was the latter at first)
ANSWER: A prison hulk for the cover of Retribution

June 25
SPONSOR: Christine Thackeray
PRIZE: Lipstick Wars (LDS Women’s Fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the angel who needs a vacation in my recent pamphlet, “Could You Be an Angel Today? (Hint: Play the book trailer for “Could You Be an Angel Today” on Christine’s home page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.christinethackeray.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Carissa Cantrell of Utah
ANSWER: Gladys

June 26
SPONSOR: Bonnie Harris
PRIZE: Mary Kay Satin Lips Set, Travel Size Satin Hands Set and a set of mineral eye colors
QUESTION: What is the name of my African Gray and African Desert Tortosie? (Hint: Read “About Me” in the left hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Cheryl Snyder of Pennsylvania
ANSWER: Kumba and Digger

June 27
SPONSOR: Teralee Deighton
PRIZE: Cup of Comfort for New Mothers (personal essay anthology)
QUESTION: Name the editor of Cup of Comfort for New Mothers
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.adamsmediastore.com/category/cup-of-comfort-series?r=COC_Bookstore
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Susan Arroyo of Utah
ANSWER: Colleen Sell

June 28
SPONSOR: C. LaRene Hall
PRIZE: Martha’s Freedom Train (middle grade historical), autographed by both author and illustrator
QUESTION: How many short stories has C. LaRene Hall published in the humorous anthology, Mormon Mishaps and Mischief? (Hint: Look in the left hand sidebar)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.clhall.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Chris Okelberry of Utah
ANSWER: 14

June 29
SPONSOR: Sarah M. Eden
PRIZE: Courting Miss Lancaster (Regency romance), autographed copy
QUESTION: In his "I Need Friends Friday" interview, what reason does Edward Cullen give for not sleeping at night?
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.sarahmeden.com/2009/11/i-need-friends-friday-edward-cullen.html
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Teryn Ercanbrack of Utah
ANSWER: "Because I'm a monster."

June 30
SPONSOR: Marcia Mickelson
PRIZE: Reasonable Doubt (LDS Suspense), autographed copy
QUESTION: In what country was author, Marcia Mickelson born? (Hint: Click on “About Marcia” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.marciamickelson.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Patricia Cochran of Texas
ANSWER: Guatemala

July 1
SPONSOR: Kimberly Job
PRIZE: I'll Know You by Heart (romantic suspense), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the title of my current work in progress? (Hint: Look under “My Books” tab)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Archana Subramaniam of Georgia
ANSWER: "A Change of Heart"

July 2
SPONSOR: Joan Sowards
PRIZE: Haunts Haven (an LDS ghost story), autographed copy
QUESTION: What is the name of the town in which the story of Haunts Haven takes place? (Hint: Found on sidebar synopsis of story)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://joansowards.blogspot.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Jobie Marshall of Oregon
ANSWER: Cassidy Springs

July 3
SPONSOR: Margaret L. Turley RN
PRIZE: Save the Child (Reality Fiction), autographed copy
QUESTION: Where can you listen to an audio interview with Margaret L. Turley about her book, Save the Child? (Hint: Click on link at the bottom of Margaret’s bio on her “About the Author” page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://margaretturley.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Heather Parry of Utah
ANSWER: AuthorsRoost.com

July 4
SPONSOR: Joyce DiPastena
PRIZE: Illuminations of the Heart (sweet medieval romance, a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist), autographed by author
QUESTION: Who were gifts usually given to on Epiphany during the Middle Ages? (Hint: Click on “Stolen Christmas” tab and read excerpt from “An Epiphany Gift for Robin”)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES:
WINNER: Lexie Hogan of Utah
ANSWER: small children

July 5
SPONSOR: Cindy R. Williams
PRIZE: Chase McKay Didn’t Get Up Today (Arizona Glyph Award Finalist and Southwest Book Awards Finalist), a snuggle, giggle children’s picture book
QUESTION: There is a picture of Cindy holding two dragons on her website, www.cindyrwilliams.com. The names of the dragons are in the caption below the picture. What are their names? (Hint: Look on the “Book” page)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.cindyrwilliams.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Diane Pollock of Iowa
ANSWER: Thundertail and Sparkin

July 6
SPONSOR: Gail Pallotta
PRIZE: Love Turns the Tide (inspirational romance with suspense), free e-book on CD, with a pendant necklace and matching earrings
QUESTION: Who comes to Cammie O'Shea's rescue after she has a break-in at her unit in Destin, Florida? (Hint: Scroll down to: MORE ABOUT THE BOOK)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://www.gailpallotta.com
OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES
WINNER: Jeanette Jackson of Canada
ANSWER: Vic Deleona

July 7
SPONSOR: Danyelle Ferguson, co-author of the soon-to-be released non-fiction book: (dis)Abilities and the Gospel
PRIZE: A 30 page manuscript edit
QUESTION: Name three of the "special needs" addressed in (dis)Abilities and the Gospel. (Hint: Click on the "Books" tab for (dis)Abilities and the Gospel)
WEBSITE/BLOG: www.QueenOfTheClan.com
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Jacque Stevens of Maryland
ANSWER: autism, Down syndrome, bipolar disorder, memory loss, and more

July 8
SPONSOR: Karen E. Hoover
PRIZE: Sapphire Flute (YA Fantasy), autographed copy
QUESTION: How many bloggers have posted their reviews of The Sapphire Flute? (Hint: Check out the list under “Sapphire Flute Blog Tour” in the right hand side bar and count ‘em up)
WEBSITE/BLOG: http://karen-hoover.blogspot.com/
USA ENTRIES ONLY
WINNER: Paige Ray of California

ANSWER: 41

TRAPPED GIVEAWAYS!

2010-05-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

As you may already know, TRAPPED is now trickling into Deseret Book and other bookstores. It is also available online at Amazon.com and Deseretbook.com (check my website for direct links). However, if you'd like to try your luck for a free copy of TRAPPED, go to Goodreads.com and check out their free giveaways. 5 copies of TRAPPED are up for grabs. There are two different deadlines, though, so make sure you check out both options . Also, don't forget to check back on Monday, for I'll be announcing another great summer reading contest.

IMPRINTS--What She Did Right and Must Have #3: Humanity

2010-05-13T15:22:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Rachel Ann Nunes's latest novel, IMPRINTS, and since Nunes did such a great job with characterization, I thought I would combine "What She Did Right" with a new update to my list of "Must Haves". Gary Provost titled this Must Have as "Humanity" in his "Seven Beacons of Excellent Writing," but I simply refer to it as people.

"Humanity" or "people" means that if you're writing an article or other piece of nonfiction, infuse your information with personal stories about people. Human nature--a reader's nature--is to be interested in other people, their lives, their stories, and especially their CONFLICTS, so using bits of human drama in your writing will draw your readers into your topic.

The same works with fiction. Think about it. While plot points and story events definitely play a roll in catching a reader's attention, it is the character, herself, that captures a reader's heart. It's part of what makes readers love a story; and Rachel Nunes, as I said before, created such a unique, sympathetic character in Autumn, that I just had to use her as an example.

First, Autumn is memorable because she's much of what most of us are not: a barefoot-only, health-food fanatic who was raised by hippies. BUT, the most important parts of Autumn--her caring for others, her personal and spiritual gifts, and her desire to make a difference in this world--are characteristics we can all connect with. All of that, along with Autumn's story, makes her a great character I won't soon forget. More than that, Autumn has given me a new perspective into the hearts of people who seem so different than I am, helping me to pause just a moment longer before I judge another based on their appearance. Thank you, Rachel. Well done!

UPDATES

2010-05-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

I know, I know! I haven't written in a while. My only excuse is I've been really busy with all the announcements I'm about to give you.

1) TRAPPED is now published. My opening night book signing will be at Reflections of Utah in Brigham City from 5-7 on May 6th, just in time for Mother's Day. :) For more information or to read the first chapter of TRAPPED, click here.

2) I've begun to sign copies of MISSING at the Costco in Orem. I will be there several times during the month of May, but MISSING will be there even when I'm not--at a really good price. To see my schedule, click here.

3) I attended the LDS Storymaker's conference last weekend. There were a record number of attendees this year--over 400--and it was, as usual, amazing! A lot of good information and a lot of opportunities to connect with other writers, authors, and publishers--even a few agents.

(Cathy Witbeck--reaquainting with a fellow member of Author's Incognito)

One of my favorite parts was the boot camp because I had the good fortune to lead one of the groups. Here is a picture of me with my new friends.

(Left to right--Donna Fuller, DeNae Handy, Me, Shawna Coombs, Joyce Smith)

One of them, Donna Fuller, even placed second in one of the first chapter contests. You go, girl!

Donna Fuller

That's it for now!

TRAPPED OPENING NIGHT & CHAPTER 1

2010-04-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

My OPENING NIGHT Book Signing party for TRAPPED will be at Reflections of Utah Book Store at 47 S. Main Street, Brigham City, Utah on May 6, 2010 from 5 p.m to 7 p.m.

In conjuction with this event, all those who are on my mailing list and bring in the postcard or coupon I send them will receive an additional discount when they purchase a copy of TRAPPED at the special in-store sales price. To receive your coupon, email me at rondagibbhinrichsen@gmail.com. I will add you to my mailing list and email you a pdf copy of the coupon. See you soon!

Click here to read the first chapter of TRAPPED.

Thoughts on Marketing

2010-04-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

Well before my first novel, MISSING, came out, I began to research marketing strategies. I even bought a very helpful book titled, "1001 Ways to Market Your Books." That's right 1001, and that's not all. In fact, the more I research marketing, the more I've realized that beyond the basics--websites, blogs, facebook, etc.--many different, well-proven tactics can produce good results. The trick is to find those that work best for you and then to do them to the best of your ability.

For instance, marketers know "Word of Mouth" is the best marketing tool out there. The problem is trying to foster it. I started out by putting on my reader hat, and asking myself two questions: "What makes me want to buy a book?" and "What makes me tell others about a book?" I then incorporated my answers into my marketing plans.

Related to fiction, my answer to what most made me want to buy a book was "when I believe the book will be well worth my money because I've read something of the author's that "hooked me" to his/her writing." So, my goal became to build my name through magazine writing while I worked toward novel writing. Along with that, I tried to write the best book I could--initially--because of that all important first impression. You, my readers, will have to judge if I accomplished those goals or not. :)

After MISSING was published, I've tried various things. Some have been more successful than others, but the truth is, they've all had some success. The moral of the story? Do something!

As I said before, their our myriads of marketing opportunities out there, and in conclusion, I'll now mention two marketing ideas/events going on right now:

1) I am not my only marketer. I also try to work with my publisher and their distributor in trying to find ways to sell MISSING and TRAPPED. One example of that, is my publisher offers review copies of my novels to blog reviewers and I try to help them find reviewers. Another example, is their distributor does what he can to get my books into new selling venues. In fact, MISSING is now available at Costco in Orem. For my part, I am willing to go down there to do numerous book signings.

2) Hold a big event. In following this advice, fellow author, Jane Still, has created a large event/goal for herself: to sell 7000 copies of her book, Mother's Daze, in one day--April 21. Click here for details. Besides trying to reach her goal, she's having a contest for those who purchase her book, and guess what? TRAPPED is one of the prizes. You really ought to check this one out. Her book could be just what you're looking for to give to your mother (or yourself/spouse) for Mother's Day.

TRAPPED's COVER IS HERE!

2010-04-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

I just love this cover. It's as beautiful as my character, Emi Warrin, is.

TRAPPED Release Date: May 1, 2010

2010-04-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy few weeks going through edits, updating my website and starting to think about marketing a new novel, but my editor has now informed me that TRAPPED will be released on MAY 1. I thought I'd just keep you posted. :)

MY NEW NOVEL IS COMING OUT IN APRIL!

2010-03-31T20:51:00.000-07:00

That's right! Yesterday, my editor told me they've pushed the publication date for TRAPPED up to April! In fact, it should start trickling into bookstores within a month or so. I'm excited, but I can hardly believe it's coming out so quickly. TRAPPED is the novel that won first place in the League of Utah Writer's Full Length novel contest last fall. It's also a bit different than anything I've ever written before. Yes, it's still romantic suspense--more romance this time--but it also contains a hint of paranormal fantasy. No ghosts, though. :)

Here's a peek:

When Emi Warrin, a sheltered, twenty-three-year-old Florida girl, wakens to find a thief in her room, she has no idea that the "trap" he left behind will eventually lead her and the man she loves to the Austrian Alps. Nor does she know that she's the powerful Firstborn She destined to face a world of betrayal and pagan sacrifice to save herself, her family, and the generations who come after her.

Next peek? I'll have to see what news I get next, but it just might be my cover! :)

School Visits and an Answered Question

2010-03-28T22:34:00.000-07:00

I've been busy doing one of the things I really love, and that's visiting schools and teaching students about writing and "My Path to Publication." It takes a lot of energy to speak to about 100 students every class hour all day, but like I said, I really enjoy it.

As part of my presentation, I have a question and answer session. It's no surprise that the students are very curious about how to get published as well as what happens after you've had a book accepted. Because that has been so interesting to them, I thought you, too, may benefit from a bit of the information I've given them.

In my experience and from everything I've heard from other authors, once you contract with a publisher to publish your book, it becomes a product to them that they want to sell. Since the cover and title are a big part of their marketing plan, the publisher has all control over them. The good news, though, is publishers usually hire knowledgeable people to come up with titles and covers they believe will best sell your book. While this might seem a bit hard to swallow, the good news is I have never been disappointed with my publisher's choices, both in my magazine articles and with MISSING. True, a few changes took me a bit of time getting used to, but overall, my experience has been a good one and I've learned to trust my publishers' marketing departments.

So, a bit of advice. While you're looking at which publishers to submit your books to, look at their current books and see if you like their covers and titles, because once your book is published, it will likely keep both for a long time to come.

One more good thing! I do get to keep my title to my second novel, TRAPPED, which will be published later this year. I'm definitely excited about that, because I have always liked this title.

What She Did Right--Wrong Number and "Relativity"

2010-03-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

First, for those of you who are not yet familiar with Wrong Number by Rachelle J. Christensen, here's the story blurb from the back cover:

When Aubree Stewart receives a mysterious phone call on her way to work, she doesn't know what to think. At first, she assumes it's some kind of prank. But the call isn't a practical joke, and Aubree soon finds herself swept up in a world of danger, intrigue, and murder. With help from the FBI, Aubree races to protect herself and what's left of her family, but the one thing she forgets to protect is her own heart.

As you can see, Wrong Number is a suspense novel with a bit of romance. What you probably don't know, however, is it's also a story based on a premise I wish I had thought of. Why? One, because I loved the idea! But also, because one of the ways writers draw their readers into their worlds and connect them with their characters is by creating situations their audiences can relate to. I know I'm no Einstein, but for today, let's call it the law of "Relativity."

Consider how JK Rowling connected us with Harry Potter. From a distance, we initially see him as a young boy with unknown wizarding power, but as we get to know him, we discover he feels abused, neglected and powerless. How many of us aren't able to relate to those feelings? I'd wager very few.

And then there's Stephenie Meyer's Edward Cullen. From a distance, Edward is a terrifying monster, but tens of thousands of girls have not only related to him but also "fallen in love with him." Why? Not because he drinks blood, but because he's good, strong, and humanly vulnerable. In fact, I'd almost guarantee each of us can relate to him because we have not only based some of our choices on our love for someone else, but we have also wondered about our own ability of "making it" into heaven.

That's why I believe Christensen's use of the law of relativity in Wrong Number is just as effective as those utilized by Rowling and Meyers. I mean, who hasn't answered a "wrong number" phone call? What's more, how many of us haven't been just a bit creaped out by something an unknown caller said? Or didn't say? Or only breathed? I know I have. And I know I enjoyed reading Christensen's Wrong Number. I believe you will, too.

The Preliminary Scrapbox Winner of MISSING is . . .

2010-03-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Drum roll, please . . . TAFFY! Congratulations! Please email me your snail mail address to rondagibbhinrichsen@gmail.com.

An Interview with Rachelle Christensen

2010-03-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Rachelle Christensen is one of our newest LDS authors, and as such, it's my pleasure to introduce her, her new novel, WRONG NUMBER, and a bit about how she writes. Thank you for joining us, Rachelle. It's so good to see you again. First off, why don't you tell us a little about yourself, including something you haven’t shared with any other blogger.

Rachelle: I was born and raised in the small farming town of Rupert, Idaho and I’m a dirt between the toes, irrigation boot-wearing, ponytail flipping in the wind as I drive the 4-wheeler FARM girl all the way!

I currently live in Utah County and I miss those farm days, but I’ve been in Utah now for about 13 years. I’m married to my incredible husband, Steve, and we have three wonderful kids–2 girls and one boy.

Wrong Number is my first published novel, but my second is close on its heels. My nonfiction book, Lost Children: Coping with Miscarriage for Latter-day Saints will be released in May 2010.

Hmm, something I haven’t shared with any other blogger. I’ve written 22,590 words on my current novel, Caller ID, which is a spinoff from Wrong Number and I’m pretty excited about the plot twists happening.

Ronda: Sounds like you're writing up a storm! What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Rachelle: When I have a new story idea and it just keeps bugging me until I stop and write down a bunch of notes. I love to see how the story unfolds as the idea ferments in my mind.

Ronda: Your least favorite?

Rachelle: Revising

Ronda: I think a lot of writers would agree with you on that one. Not me, though. I love to revise--JK, sort of. Actually, for me, revising is like I assume it must be for an artist when he adds that final, finishing hue to his well-crafted sunset; it's when the beauty or power really comes out.

Ideas, on the other hand, seem to be everywhere and yet only certain ones "make it." The premise for WRONG NUMBER, by the way, was an excellent idea. I remember as I read the book, I thought, "I wish I'd come up with this idea!" So, how do you come up with ideas for your novels?

Rachelle: Lots of ways. News stories sometimes tickle my brain and I think…Hmm, that would make an interesting story if… I’ve also been inspired by dreams. Some of my working scenes are from actual dreams I’ve had where I feel like I’m the onlooker taking notes as to what these people in my dream are doing and why. The novel that I just finished writing began from a single sentence that popped into my mind just before I fell asleep. So the ideas seem to come from all over at any time of day or night, so I try to make sure I jot them down before I forget them!

Ronda: What inspired you to write WRONG NUMBER?

Rachelle: I wanted to enter a chapter into the first chapter contest at LDStorymakers in 2007. I came up with the first chapter of Wrong Number, it won second place, and then I went on to write the rest of the novel.

Ronda: Good for you! Along those same lines, you have a number of twists and turns in WRONG NUMBER. How did you come up with them? Do you keep a list or do they, like your other ideas, just come?

Rachelle: It was interesting how the story evolved. I had this idea of what I wanted to happen, but I knew I needed a great conspiracy “theory” to pull it off. I wrote in layers. I kept going back and adding more foreshadowing, red herrings, and all that good mystery type stuff.

Ronda: I'm an outliner. Some of my other author friends write by the seat of their pants. What do you do?

Rachelle: I did have a very rough outline that I worked from and I talked through a lot of ideas with my brother and his wife. They helped me to come up with a believable motive for murdering more than one person. I’m actually trying to do better with outlining and I think it helps. My outlines aren’t set in stone, more jumping off points for how I want the story to flow. I like to have a general idea of the beginning, middle, and end, but my characters usually end up writing scenes in interesting directions.

Ronda: What is your favorite genre? Romantic Suspense?

Rachelle: That’s a toughie! I love pretty much everything except horror. I like to read a wide variety of books from children to YA to adult. I really like a good romance, but nothing too detailed. And yes, I love romantic suspense. A favorite of mine is Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart.

Ronda: I noticed you seem to have a particular penchant for motherhood and babies, and it shows in your book. Is there a reason for that?

Rachelle: Yes, that’s pretty much the stage I’m in right now with three kids ages 6, 4, and 1 yr. so it makes sense that it overflows a bit into my writing. I also think a lot of people can relate also and sympathize with Aubree’s character.

Ronda: Unrelated to writing, what skill do you or others consider you to be best at?

Rachelle: I love music and singing. I’ve played the piano for 26 years and I still enjoy it, although I don’t get to play/practice as much as I used to.

Ronda: Hey, we have music in common. So nice to find a "kindred spirit." If you don't mind me asking, what’s coming up? Something more with music?

Rachelle: I’ve got a few things I’m working on. I’ve finished an inspirational romance that I love, called Wind Song and I’m enjoying writing my WIP-working title Caller ID, so I guess we’ll see what comes up first on the docket.

Ronda: We'll watch for them! What advice do you give other writers who are trying to become published authors?

Rachelle: If you’re serious about writing, attend writers conferences and classes, join a great critique group, read novels in your genre of interest, and write, write, write! Also, learn how to take criticism and know when to apply it to your writing and when to chuck it out the window.

Ronda: Thanks Rachelle. And to my readers, if you’d like to get a sneak peek at Wrong Number, check out her book trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg5X0T59a9E.

Rachelle: Thanks so much, Ronda, this was fun!

The Office Box Giveaway & Wrong Number Book Launch PLUS . . .

2010-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Original Scrapbox has a brand new piece of organizing furniture and you have a chance to win it! Introducing the Office Box...

And we're celebrating the launch of Rachelle J. Christensen's suspense novel, Wrong Number, with a chance to win an autographed copy!

The Office Box was created as an addition to the line of incredible scrapbooking furniture The Original Scrapbox has to offer, such as The Workbox and The EZ View Craft Desk.

THE PLUS: I'm hosting a preliminary giveaway with a copy of my novel, MISSING.

On March 16th, 2010, I'll announce the winner of MISSING. That winner will then go on for the grand prize drawing of The Office Box and a copy of Wrong Number.The Grand Prize Winner will be drawn on March 19, 2010 at RachelleWrites. She will select a winner from the 25 finalists to receive one Office Box (Value $895.00) in their choice of color and an autographed copy of Wrong Number by Rachelle J. Christensen.

Giveaway open from March 5, 2010- March 15, 2010 at 11:59pm Mountain Standard Time.
Open to addresses in the contiguous United States only.

Giveaway Rules:
*You can only enter under one name

* It is possible to win more than one preliminary prize, which means it’s possible to be entered into the grand prize drawing more than once.

*All winner’s addresses must be stateside US addresses

*You must complete the required entry to be eligible to win

Here's how to enter:Please leave details in your comment of how you entered with required links. I'll put all entries into a spreadsheet and use Random.org to select the winner.

*Required entry: You must visit The Original Scrapbox website and leave a comment telling me your favorite item

Extra Entries:

Become a Facebook Fan of The Original Scrapbox
Tweet the contest with linkback in your comment and use the hashtag #officebox or #scrapbox in your tweet.
Facebook the contest with linkback in your comment
Add the contest button(pictured above) to your sidebar with a link to this contest
Follow RachelleWrites
Leave a comment on this blog
Follow this blog, The Write Blocks
Joining my mailing list by sending an e-mail to rondagibbhinrichsen@gmail.com and typing "Subscribe to Newsletter" in the subject line
Following me on Facebook
Following me on twitter.com/RondaHinrichsen

FOR MY CONTEST, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. You will receive one entry per each of the above steps.

To receive 15 extra entries, you must do the following 5 things together on your blog post and please leave a link back to your blog post with your comment (only one comment required, but you must leave a link so I can check your post.) Link back to this contest, so that people know where to enter.

Blog about the contest WITH a picture of The Office Box and Wrong Number in your post and link back to this post, so people will know where to enter.
In your blog post link the phrase "The Office Box " to http://theoriginalscrapbox.com/catalog/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=138
Link the phrase "The Original Scrapbox" to http://theoriginalscrapbox.com/catalog/
Link the phrase "Wrong Number" to http://www.amazon.com/Wrong-Number-Rachelle-J-Christensen/dp/1599553643/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1
Post the Wrong Number book trailer from You Tube on your blog

There are 25 different blogs participating in this giveaway. Each blog is giving away a preliminary prize and a chance to win an entry into the Grand Prize Drawing. Stay tuned for reviews on Wrong Number and author interviews as well!

Here's the list of blogs where you can enter:

The Mommy Files
Cricut Christmas
Little Birdie Secrets
Priscilla Styles
Mommy Mandy
RockinMama
RachelleWrites
Alvor-Dare To Dream
Diony George
Heather Justesen
Queen of the Clan
Scribbled Scraps
Anne Bradshaw
Rachel Rager
Tristi Pinkston
Cami Checketts
Nichole Giles
Wendy Paul
Marilyn Bunderson
Ronda Hinrichson
C.L. Beck: Write Up My Alley
Christine Bryant
Ali Cross
Jenni James
Annette Lyon

*Results of contests are final. Participants will be eliminated if entry rules are not followed correctly.

A New Contest

2010-03-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

First, don't forget about the LOVE YOUR BODY CONTEST. It's still running!

But also . . . Here's a great opportunity I just found through SCBWI. It's the Guide to Literary Agents "Dear Lucky Agent" contest which is held from time to time. The current contest is for those who've completed an urban fantasy or paranormal romance. Check it out here.

My take on LOVE YOUR BODY and an amazing contest!

2010-03-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

I was quite happy when my publisher asked me if I'd like to review Brooke Parker's self-help book, Love Your Body. I had met Brooke as I was leaving a book signing at Confetti Books, and in that few moments, I was quite impressed with her both as a person and a professional. She really knows her stuff.

But . . .
when I read Love Your Body, I was even more impressed, and in some ways, I consider it a godsend. In fact, I frequently work with young women, and as I read Love Your Body, I kept thinking, "Every woman needs to read this book."

Why? Let me start by sharing the copy from the back of the book:

Are you tired of dieting and feeling unsatisfied with your appearance? In this book, registered dietitian Brooke Parker shares secrets for developing a positive body image and creating your own customized eating plan. You¹ll also learn how to replace negative thoughts about yourself with positive, motivating thoughts.

With the tools you master in Love Your Body, the scale, the media, and your "skinny jeans" will no longer have the power to determine your mood or your life!

Topics include:

€ Finding a New Relationship with Food

€ Honoring Your Hunger and Fullness

€ Finding Your Own Healthy Balance

€ Creating Healthy Expectations

€ The Inner Dialogue

€ Put an End to Worry

€ Your Body Is a Gift

€ Eliminating the Physical Triggers

€ Destructive Thinking Styles

€ Pampering Activities

. . . and many more.

And now for the reason: Because Love Your Body does exactly what it promises to do: it helps you learn to love your body. Not because it's the next greatest diet book, because it's not (although it does offer a few, very helpful tips that can aid in weight loss). But because it's main purpose, as I see it, is to help us accept and love the physical part of who we are right now. I mean, what woman out there doesn't "dis" some part of her anatamony? And when she does, does she feel happy or sad afterward?

I won't answer that question, but I will say that while there are some editing flaws in the book, there are so many useful tips they can be easily overlooked.

Here's an example of just how helpful Love Your Body was for me. I have an unnamed part of my body, unrelated to weight, that has always disappointed, hampered and embarrassed me, and it's something I can do very little about. However, shortly after reading this book, I was busy with a mundane task when I noticed that "offending" part of me. Usually, such a small event could quickly dampen my emotions, but not that day. That day--and I know it was because I read Love Your Body--I automatically thought, "I'm so glad I have __________. They help me to ___________ and ______________ and ______________." What a break through!

Now, as I promised through the title to this post, my review is also accompanied by an amazing contest. First, notice the dates and blogs of the following Love Your Body blog tour.

February 22 Valerie Ipson
Of Writerly Things

February 23 Nichole Giles
Random-ish by Nichole

February 24 Danyelle Ferguson
Queen of the Clan

February 25 Rachelle Christensen
Rachelle Writes

March 1 Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
The Write Blocks

March 2 Alison Palmer
Tangled Words and Dreams

March 3 Tristi Pinkston
*Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author

March 4 Sheila Stayley
Why Not? Because I Said So!
LDS Women's Book Review

March 5 Cami Checketts
Cami's Book

Now the contest:

We will be giving away 5 copies of Love Your Body: A Diet-Free Approach to Balanced Eating as part of the online book blog tour. The contest starts February 17th and will close on March 5th at
midnight, MST.
Entering the contest is easy--all you have to do is blog, tweet, follow, or comment and then fill out this little form here.

So exactly how do you blog, tweet, follow, etc. Here's how.

1. Become a follower of our reviewers blogs. You can follow one of our reviewers or you can follow all of them. Remember that each blog you follow gives you another chance to win, so why wouldn't you choose to follow them all? But what if we are already following them you ask? Well lucky you, because you get an entry for that too.

Walnut Springs Press
Brooke Parker RD
Of Writerly Things
Random-ish by Nichole
Queen of the Clan
Rachelle Writes
The Write Blocks
Tangled Words and Dreams
*Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author
Why Not? Because I Said So!
LDS Women's Book Review
Cami's Book

2. Post a comment on the reviews.

3. Blog about the contest or one of the reviews. Spread the word. Just remember that the blog post either needs to link to the contest or to one of the reviews.

4. Follow us on twitter. Maybe you use twitter, maybe you don't. But if you do, you should follow us.

http://twitter.com/walnutspringspr
http://twitter.com/brookeparkerrd
http://twitter.com/camichecketts
http://twitter.com/Rachellewrites
http://twitter.com/LDSWBR
http://twitter.com/nicholegiles
http://twitter.com/RondaHinrichsen

5. Tweet about the contest or one (or all) of the reviews. Yep, 144 characters or less is all it takes
to enter.

6. Become a fan of Love Your Body on facebook. Brooke is constantly updating her fanpage with articles, recipes, and helpful hints.

7. Post about the contest on Facebook.

8. Anything else you can think of that will spread the word. If you mention it on goodreads, shelfari, google buzz, or any other social media site, or make it your status on gmail chat, MSN or yahoo messenger let us know. We want to reward your creativity with an entry.

Remember that you MUST fill out the nifty little form Here to be entered.

Good luck!

Great News!

2010-02-25T20:35:00.000-08:00

My second mystery/suspense novel was just accepted for publication by Walnut Springs Press! It's the book I've tentatively titled TRAPPED--the one that won first place in the League of Utah Writer's 2009 Full Length novel contest. Wahoo! I'll keep you up to date as I learn more!

Also, registration is now open for THE Teen Writers Conference 2010. Here are the details:

Place:
Weber State University
Ballrooms A & B
Saturday June 5, 2010
9:00 a.m. -5:30 p.m.

*Attendance is $43.00 with lunch, or $35.00 if you bring your own lunch. Lunch will be the same as last year. Please bring your own snacks or money for the vending machines.

*Keynote speakers will be YA Novelist Janette Rallison (http://www.janetterallison.com/ ) and Horror Novelist Dan Wells (http://www.fearfulsymmetry.net/). Lisa Mangum will be part of the author panel(http://www.lisamangum.com/).

*Parents are invited to attend the Author Panel and Writing Contest Awards (see schedule on website for exact times)

*Registration information available at www.teenwritersconference.com

*Registration deadline May 25, 2010.

I hope to see you there!

And the Winner Is . . .

2010-02-22T12:04:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth Morgan! She won BOTH MORMON MISHAPS AND MISCHIEF and my mishapped copy of MISSING during my 3-fer contest. The moral of the story? It pays to enter more than once. :) Congratulations, Elizabeth.

Check here to learn the winner of the Barnes & Noble gift certificate.

Aspiring Author Contest

2010-02-17T07:28:00.000-08:00

I've just come across a site that's offering an aspiring (i.e., non-published), "classic" romance, writing contest I thought some of you might be interested in. It's an opportunity to showcase your work, possibly get published in the group's "First Flight" anthology, and be in line to win a creative edit of your WIP (work in progress). You can find all details of the contest here:
http://www.classicromancerevival.com/fir...

Good luck!

Must Have #2--Clarity

2010-02-11T13:05:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I began a series of posts that defines my "Must Haves" in writing. Most of them come from Gary Provost's 1984 article, "The Seven Beacons of Excellent Writing," and the first was Brevity. Today, it's Clarity.

At this point in my career, clarity is the Must Have I'm most conscious of. Far too often, I find myself plugging away at my writing, knowing exactly what is going on with my characters and plot, and yet when I receive feedback on it from other authors, I get this question: "Huh?" That response tells me I haven't said exactly what I mean, and I must now go back through the section and rewrite it until it is clear.

To quote Provost: "the good writer makes his meaning as clear as possible. He leaves no room for doubt about what is being read and he is not vague except when he has a good reason (bold & italics added)."

Here are a few clarifying tips:

1. Replace pronouns with exact nouns if appropriate. Instead of writing "He put it over there," write "Tom put the garden hose under the oak tree."

2. Tell the reader right up front who is doing what and when. For instance, don't write a sentence like this as your opening line or throughout your opening paragraphs:

He opened the package, and when he saw what was inside, he collapsed.

Sometimes new writers believe vagueness creates suspense, but the truth is, it may irritate and will probably confuse the reader.

3. While it's important to avoid repetition whenever possible, don't be afraid to repeat for clarification. For instance, if you write "Mom and Susan went to Broulims. She bought some furniture polish," your reader might not know who "She" is. Instead, write your second sentence as "Susan bought some furniture polish." This is also important in dialogue. If you're not sure your reader will know who's talking, repeat the speaker's name as much as necessary.

4. Finally, being direct is okay. Good, even. I don't know why, perhaps it's due to my poetry training or my school, literary, reading studies, but whatever the reason, I sometimes find myself alluding to my meaning, rather than saying straight out what I mean. When I do this, my readers's responses always contain, "Huh?"

Like I said before, that response is not a good thing, and I then know it's time to rewrite. To clarify.

MORMON MISHAPS AND A 3-FER CONTEST

2010-02-06T01:19:00.000-08:00

In previous posts, I've mentioned the release of MORMON MISHAPS AND MISCHIEF by authors D.N. Giles and C.L. Beck because Giles and Beck are my friends, because MISHAPS is such a unique book, and because one of my own, true stories, "No More Baby Steps," is included inside. However, this time I am taking part in their blog tour and now have the privilege of telling you just how GREAT MISHAPS really is.

First, the cover is perfect. Each, laughing, smiling face is so contagious I can't help but giggle whenever I see it. I don't think I've ever had a book's cover affect me that way.

Second, while the stories range from sweetly humorous to down right hilarious, all are unforgettable. Some stories were so funny I laughed out loud when I read them, and I still can't help but chuckle when I think about them--or share them with someone else.

Finally, MORMON MISHAPS AND MISCHIEF is proof positive that we as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--the human race even--shouldn't take ourselves too seriously. Mishaps and mischief are everywhere, and Giles and Beck have captured them. Why not get a copy to share with those you love this year? One of the stories just might be the perfect attention getter for your next speaking assignment.

THE 3-FER MISHAPS CONTEST!
Continue reading to learn how to win one of three prizes.

The Prizes:
1. A $20 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble, hosted by D.N. Giles and C.L. Beck --valid for the entire blog tour (see below).

2. An autographed copy of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief, hosted by myself--valid for my blog only.

3. My own, "Mishapped" copy of my novel, MISSING. After attending an author signing event a few months ago, I discovered the cover of one of my brand new books had shifted wrong in the box and bent in half. So, my loss is your gain!--valid for my blog only.

The Dates:
This contest runs from now until Friday, February 19th, 2010. The winners will be announced on Monday, February 22, 2010.

The rules:
1. You must be a follower of my blog to win. If for some reason you are unable to become a follower, please leave a comment and tell me so. I will enter you anyway. :)

2. You may enter the prize drawing as many times as you'd like on any of the blogs involved in this tour. Those blogs are listed at the end of this post.

3. You will receive one entry for each of the following actions. You must, however, leave me a separate comment for each entry at the end of this post.

A. If you are already a follower or if you just joined let me know--there's an entry!

B. Post a positive review of Mormon Mishaps & Mischief on Amazon, Deseret Book, Goodreads, Shelfari, or other review sites. Then leave a separate comment for each and a link to your review so I can check.

C. Blog about this contest and Mormon Mishaps and link back to the LDS Humor Blog and the Mishaps Website

D. Tweet or FB this review and contest

E. Subscribe to my newsletter: email rondagibbhinrichsen@gmail.com with "Sign me up for your newsletter" in the subject line (if you're already subscribed, mention it).

Lots of ways to enter, so have fun and remember to pick up a copy of Mormon Mishaps & Mischief, and stop at the other blogs on this tour:

Feb 5th Rachelle J. Christensen
Feb 6th Ronda Hinrichsen
Feb 9th Connie Hall: C.LaRene Hall
Feb 10th Cathy Witbeck
Feb 11th Dan Olsen
Feb 12th Danyelle Fergusen

BOOK SIGNING AND A "3-FER" CONTEST COMING!

2010-02-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, February 6th, will be a GREAT day. From 1-4 p.m., I'll be at the Sandy, UT Barnes & Noble "Authorpalooza" event, signing copies of MISSING. I hope you'll stop on by. I'd love to see ya. And if you're wanting to buy your own copy or even a second or third or . . . Even Better! :)

Also, tomorrow, check out my blog. I'll be reviewing MORMON MISHAPS AND MAYHEM and offering chances to win one of three prizes. One of them is a $20 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble!

See ya, tomorrow!

My Writing Must Haves #1--Brevity

2010-01-25T18:19:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago, I posted about how I use lists to help me stay focused on the nuts and bolts of writing. One of the most important of those lists I keep for easy reference on the wall directly behind my computer monitor. I've simply titled it: "My Writing Must Haves," but in actuality, I adapted it from an article I read several years ago by acclaimed author, Gary Provost. It was titled "The Seven Beacons of Excellent Writing."

Because "My Writing Must Haves" list has been so helpful to me, I've decided to write a series of blogs discussing each point on it. The first is Brevity.

Gary Provost began his discussion of brevity (tight writing) with this statement: "When you write and rewrite, don't think about what you can put in. Think about what you can leave out."

Since magazines require writers to say a great deal in very few words, I initially believed this advice mostly applied to that media. However, after Missing was accepted and later as I went through an extensive revision process, I learned that brevity is also important to novel writing. Think about it. Haven't you read novels in which you were at least tempted to skip over sections, sometimes even pages, of an author's prose because it was boring or redundant? I have, and every time it wasn't because the author's story line was boring; it was because the writing was too bogged down with words that didn't carry their weight. So on my list, next to "Brevity," I've written this definition: "include only words that are necessary."

How do we do that? Again, borrowing from Provost, I'll end with three, "brief" tips:

1. Stick to your subject matter; i.e., the specific slant of your article or the goal of your story. Don't wander down unimportant paths or dally in unnecessary information.

2. Begin at the beginning, where the story takes off or where your character's life changes in relation to the plot, and not a moment sooner.

3. Eliminate unnecessary words. I've discussed one way to do this here.

So that's it. Write tight and check back soon. My next post in this series will focus on "Clarity."

MISSING REVIEWS

2010-01-15T16:20:00.000-08:00

The reviews for MISSING are coming in! Here are a few tastes to wet your appetite.

“Great book, thrilling read all the way to the end. And yes, it was worth taking a break from Dan Brown for a couple days. Missing was much more romantic, less gruesome, and easier to read and understand. I can’t wait to see what Ronda writes next.” Nichole Giles

“This is probably the best LDS novel I've read. . . despite the book cover saying it's an LDS mystery, I think it's a mystery that would be enjoyed by any spiritual-minded person, regardless of religion. . . This is Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen's debut novel, and I think she hit it out of the park. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced mystery and would appreciate a clean story to boot.” Ali Cross

“Today, I am feeling a little sleep deprived, and it’s partly Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen's fault. . . I was reading late at night because I made the mistake of telling my teenage daughter how good the book was before I had a chance to finish reading it. She started reading it after school, while I was still working, and I had to wait until I could get her to stop reading and go to bed before I could get it back again. She couldn't put it down either without some parental intervention.” Marta O. Smith

"You will find a little bit of everything in this book: Some romance, loads of mystery, humor thrown in throughout the pages and of course the heartbreak associated with Stacie's past experiences and the utter turmoil shown by the parents of the missing girl. . . I highly recommend this book for readers that love a good mystery, those that enjoy angst in their stories and those that are also looking for a light romance that could/should/may probably does...happen. Sheila

I think I’ll stop there. I don’t want to make you too hungry. Oh, wait! Maybe I do! Happy reading!

Book Giveaway Celebration!

2010-01-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

We have just reached 200 members on our Clean Romance Group on Goodreads.com! To celebrate, we are having a drawing. More than 18 books have been put up as prizes--MISSING included--and all you have to do to enter is to become a member of the group. (A Goodreads membership is required, however, but it's free!) To be part of the giveaway, enter/join the Clean Romance Group (under the group--Books/Literature, then Romance) by January 10, 2010. The festivities will begin on January 11. See ya there!

And the winner is . . .

2009-12-29T16:43:00.001-08:00

Ilean P. Congratulations, you won the $50 gift certificate to Olive Garden.

In Case You Haven't Heard . . .

2009-12-26T22:49:00.000-08:00

. . . there's a great internet service for readers and writers called LDSbookcorner.com. Anyone can stop by, browse their store, and purchase books directly from them. But what I think is the best part of this service is every week, all those who've signed up for their mailing list, receives via e-mail, the first chapter or so of a different book over the course of each weekday. For example, MISSING will be featured this week, beginning December 28th. That means that each day, subscribers will receive a portion of MISSING in their inbox, have the opportunity to read it, and then if they like, purchase it. What a great way to find out if you like a book before you purchase it. Anyway, if you haven't already signed up for this service, I encourage you to do so--soon!