Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Friday, December 26, 2014
Friday, November 28, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
Book Trailer: Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women
Check out the book trailer for MANA's latest release: Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women by Cherisa Allen:
REVELATION, RESIGNATION, RESTORATION
To preview the book, Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women, click on the title of the book.
Read our blog post , A Q&A with MANA Author Cherisa Allen .
REVELATION, RESIGNATION, RESTORATION
Read our blog post , A Q&A with MANA Author Cherisa Allen .
A Q&A With MANA Author Cherisa Allen
"We no longer have to live in that dark place where secrets are kept!"
Ms. Allen tells her personal story of overcoming abuse, starting from childhood and continuing into adulthood. Through it all, Ms. Allen earned a bachelor's degree and a Master's of Social Work from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She current ly works as an Outpatient Therapist at a woman's correctional facility. In addition, she is the Owner and Operator of Do You See What I See, LLC? Ms. Allen uses her experience to help women who have experienced all facets of abuse to face the tough issues that prevent them from moving forward with their lives. She is the mother of three children and a grandmother of one.
Q. Is this your first time publishing a book?A. Yes it is; a lifelong dream finally fulfilled.
Q. Why did you title your book, Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women?
A. Actually the title was dropped in my spirit after I began to identify areas in my life that caused me so much pain. I realized that I had a "Revelation" of all those things that kept me in a dark place; now it was time to do something different. The next step was to submit my letter of "Resignation", by this I mean I had to begin to take action, address the situation, do something different – promising myself never to return to that place. Once action was taken, "Restoration" could begin to take place. I began to feel good about myself, I was being put back together, gaining strength and confidence; that is when I gave myself permission to live again.
A. Initially this was not a book. I began writing because God told me I would be the vessel used to tell the story of women everywhere. As I shared my work, a close friend reminded me that I had a story to tell and it was time to put it in black and white. A few months later it took off; every day that I wrote I began to feel a little bit more liberated. I became excited about sharing; a weight was lifted and at that very moment, I knew my sharing would help someone else. We no longer have to live in that dark place where secrets are kept!
A. I would like readers to be inspired, knowing that their past does not define them. I want readers to be encouraged, knowing that their current situation is not their final destination. I want women to pay it forward, no more judging, no more "crab-in-the-barrel" mentality, lifting as we climb because truly we don't know the next woman's story. Let's begin this journey of Self-Love together; LOVING ME, Loving You!
Q. What is your advice to people who may feel intimidated about telling their story?
A. Do not be afraid; do not second-guess yourself. There is greatness inside each of us–inside of YOU. Move forward with a zest and a zeal like never before. If you don't believe in yourself, who will?
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Announcing "Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women" by Cherisa Allen
Ms. Allen shares her journey of overcoming sexual molestation which began when she was a child. In an attempt to cope with the traumatic experience, Ms. Allen turned to alcohol to alleviate her pain. As a young mother, Ms. Allen found herself in relationships that resulted in domestic violence.
Through it all, however, the author managed to graduate from high school with honors, earned a bachelor's degree and a Master's Degree in Social Work. At the same time, Ms. Allen had to navigate the stations of pain and learn to walk down the path of healing. As her life began to change due to her faith and reliance on God, Ms. Allen was able to help other women overcome similar obstacles in their lives.
During a particularly painful time in her life, Ms. Allen tried to commit suicide but fortunately, was not successful. Listen to an excerpt of a chapter from her book titled, "Suicide," read recently at a book signing for Ms. Allen:
In her book, Ms. Allen shares lessons that women can learn and she provides concrete strategies for those who are traveling her former path or know of women who are traveling that path and are trying to find their way out and become a whole person.
To find out more about the book, Revelation, Resignation, Restoration: A Woman's Story of Triumph For All Women, click on the book title.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Sunday, November 9, 2014
MANA Honors Our Veteran Authors
MANA is honored to publish and promote books written by veterans. MANA would like to honor our veterans who have served as soldiers on the field and soldiers of literature:
Mr. Rose served in Vietnam and honored MANA by submitting his work in our 2013 Writing Contest for writers of short stories and other prose. He won first place with his unique collection of short stories, Did You Ever Try to Melt A Lemon Drop: And Other Tales of Life Seen Through Rose-Colored Glasses.
Thank You, Captain Adrian Massey
Captain Adrian D. Massey has served his country with two deployments in Iraq. And he continues to serve. He is the voice for himself and other soldiers in A Soldier's Poetic Response: A Slice of His Life.
Dr. Straham has now passed. However, his service to his country can never be forgotten. He has made a lasting impact on so many with his work, A Collection of Prayers By An Alpha Man.
For the month of November, MANA is calling for manuscripts written by military veterans. If you want to have your manuscript published, contact MANA today at info@marketingnewauthors.com or call us at 734-975-0028.
To preview the books, click on their titles.
A Call For Manuscripts From Military Veterans
This month, MANA is calling for manuscripts written by military veterans. If you are a military veteran and want to have your novel published, contact MANA before November 30. This MANA MONTH is dedicated to our veterans who have served our country. As an author of a work of fiction or non-fiction, you will receive a 20% off the cost of any MANA self-publishing plan. MANA has plans to meet every budget. We can also customize a plan for you. To get the discount:
1. Choose a self-publishing plan on MANA's web site. MANA can customized a plan to meet your budget.
2. Visit the MANA Month to make your $250 non-refundable down payment.
3. Submit your manuscript in a Microsoft Word file via email to: info@marketingnewauthors.com.
4. MANA will review your manuscript and contact you.
So, get started today. Get the discount, get your work opublished – ebook or hard copy! It's your choice.
Now, you are on your way of becoming a published author. Thank you for your service.
Questions? Contact us at 734-975-0028 or email us at: nfo@marketingnewauthors.com.
Friday, October 31, 2014
November Is National Novel Writing Month
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| Image Courtesy of National Novel Writing Month |
Friday, October 17, 2014
Presenting Podcast of Poet Elesia K. Powell, MANA's 2014 Poetry Contest Winner
Ms. Powell recently gave a lecture at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. We posted a recording of her presentation that we hope you will enjoy. Ms. Powell's quotation of the poem, Sacrifice/For the Fallen-And those that die tomorrow comes 17 minutes and 7 seconds (17:07) into her lecture.
Sacrifice/For the Fallen-And those that die tomorrow
Elesia Powell
Surge the wave of murderous intent. Genocide/Homicide coupled with the hunt for your head. Skittle carrying N]]]]]]] disturbing the peace.-Travon Martin-Rampant Johnsons’ swinging in white chicks.-Oscar Grant-Mongrel makers of the common sort.-Eric Garner-Sick to death of your poor black/rich black-Nicholas Heyward Jr.-ignorant/educated black. Why are you still here?- Look at the teeth on that beast.-Patrick Moses Donismond-He’ll sell for a mighty price.-Amadou Diallo-Call for the Patty Rollers(Patrolers) my boy got away.-Malcolm Fergurson-Two days labor lost, cotton rotten on the vine. -Ousmane Zongo-Make me a buck when I get him back.-Tim Stansbury-Never mind, I’ll breed em’ myself.-Sean Bell- Spit in your cup, sooner than pick you up. Want you under my feet where you belong.-Romarley Graham-Poking out your black chest.-Tamon Robinson-Don’t you dare lift your eyes to look at me.-Kimani Grey-I’ll lock you up and swallow the key.-Kendrick Johnson-Now, pay me for your labor.-Jordan Davis-You lazy brute.-James Byrd-Too docile to ever conquer me. Have/will crush the head of your unborn/born seed.-Gang/Bang-Bang-Thank god for Thug life. Go and sing your songs. Carry your signs. March a march-Garrick Hopkins-and march a march again.-Carl Hopkins Jr.- I still own you. Mind my mind and coon to my tune/toon, or watch me tax your black/you better ask somebody. Hire you out to war- fields and shoot you in the back. Your righteous indignation fazes me not. I prey, and watch you pray, as I devour your offspring.-Timothy Russell, Ervin Jefferson, Orlando Barlow, Arron Campbell, Victor Steen, Steven Eugene Washington, Alonso Ashley, Wendel Allen, Travares McGill, John Crawford III, Mike Brown…Et al.
Click on the title of the book to preview, Sweet Ache: Poetry of the Soul
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Bowker Report: Self-Publishing Continues to Grow In The United States
Writers have more publishing options today than ever before. There was once a time when writers sent their manuscripts to large publishing houses in hopes that the company would publish their inaugural novel. While this remains true to a certain extent today, more writers are choosing to self-publish their own works than face possible rejection from large publishing companies.
A new analysis of U.S. ISBN data by Bowker, the official ISBN Agency for the United States and its territories and Australia, shows that the number of self-published titles in 2013 increased to more than 458,564, up 17 percent over 2012 and 437 percent over 2008. Print titles were up a very strong 29 percent over 2012, indicating the format’s continuing relevance to self-publishers. While self-publishing continues to grow, the pace appears to be normalizing after several explosive years.
Beat Barblan, Bowker Director of Identifier Services, said the company's "general conclusion is that self-publishing is beginning to mature. While it continues to be a force to be reckoned with, it is evolving from a frantic, wild-west style space to a more serious business. The market is stabilizing as the trend of self-publisher as business-owner, rather than writer only, continues."
Bowker's analysis also found that print books have strong value to self-published authors and help authors to read a broader audience, often through independent bookstores. Publishers, media companies and individual authors have also set up online bookstores to specifically promote and sell their books on the Internet.
Friday, September 12, 2014
A Little Child by Della Frye
Poem from Della's Writings, A Senior Citizen's Poetry and Short Stories. Preview at: http://marketingnewauthors.biz/dellas-writings-a-senior-citizens-poetry-and-short-stories/
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Empowered Women Small Business Owners Do More Than Just Survive—They Thrive!
Statistics report that most businesses, owned by men or women, have less than a five-year professional life (U.S. Department of Commerce, 2010, Oct). Small businesses owned by women have a shorter life span. Why is that? There are some basics that any small business owners must fulfill, such as being able to do just about every task employees do. However, why do women have more obstacles than men when it comes to running a business?
There are challenges that have been the kryptonite for women small business owners. Let's examine a few. To continue reading, go to: http://easternmichbbb.tumblr.com/post/96617220754/empowered-women-small-business-owners-do-more-than-just
Thursday, September 4, 2014
MANA Announces Three New Book Releases!
MarketingNewAuthors.com (MANA) presents three new books by for your reading pleasure:
Della's Writings, A Senior Citizen's Poetry and Short Stories by Della Frye
To preview the books, click on their titles. To discover other books that MANA has to offer, visit MANA's website http://marketingnewauthors.biz and click on "List of Publications" in the menu.
Della's Writings, A Senior Citizen's Poetry and Short Stories by Della Frye
Author Della Frye created a collection of short stories and poems. Each one teaches lessons that both adults and children can learn. The section, Short Stories for the Young and Young at Heart are stories that even children will enjoy. The poems cover every facet of life and some have been put to music. There are poems that convey, The Special Love & Strength of the Mother and Grandmother, followed by The Sorrows, Hopes & Joys of the Heart. Every work in this collection is memorable and well worth the read.
Killer Toe by Anthony Witcher
Killer Toe is a major character in author Anthony Witcher's fictional narrative based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The narrative carries a theme of right and wrong regarding love and redemption. The main female character works in a morgue. She is experiencing personal pain due to a bad breakup with her boyfriend. She remains unconsolable over the breakup and cries frequently at work. Her constant sobbing is heard by the Toe of one of her morgue patients. After hearing her story about the breakup, the Toe, which comes to life on its own, has compassion on her. In time, the Toe plays a key role in teaching a significant lesson on how to treat others in relationships. One cannot find peace until Killer Toe gets its way!
The 2 of Me: Preparation for Separation by Sarah McChristian
Sarah McChristian takes her readers on the spiritual journey that changed her into the person she is today. The author describes a point in her life where she realizes her two identities which she describes as a "physical me and a spiritual me." She was not satisfied with the "physical" side of her life and explains how events in her life caused her to see herself as a person "with whom" she was not pleased. It wasn't until she became aware of God's "Law of Love," that the she began to see her "spiritual" side. The author describes her spiritual change which came as a result of her continuing "to satisfy my hunger for truth." The 2 of Me is a roadmap for readers who are going down a life path that they want to change. To preview the books, click on their titles. To discover other books that MANA has to offer, visit MANA's website http://marketingnewauthors.biz and click on "List of Publications" in the menu.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
MANA Announces The Launch of Its New Website
MarketingNewAuthors.com (MANA) has a digital makeover and we're inviting you to take a look. We are launching our new website at http://MarketingNewAuthors.com. Visit our website and discover all the services we have to offer. Click on the menu bar at the top of the Homepage to see what is offered under those headings, that include:
1. !0 Most Recently & Popular Publications
2. MANA's List of Publications
3. Services offered by MANA
4. MANA's Publishing Plans
5. Business Consulting for Woman-Owned Businesses
6. Private Tutoring -MPEC
7. MANA Writers' Group
8. The MANA Sunset Newsletter
9. MANA Blog
10. MANA Minute
MANA is more than just a self-publishing company. MANA offers unsurpassed, unique, and unparalleled self-publishing, marketing and distribution services and more! Visit our new website today at http://MarketingNewAuthors.com.
Questions? Contact us at info@MarketingNewAuthors.com.
Friday, August 15, 2014
MarketingNewAuthors.com Joins ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Check out Today Show host Matt Lauer take on the ALS Bucket Challenge!
Have you seen Matt Lauer, Bill Gates and other celebrities having a bucket of cold water poured over their heads recently? It's not that they enjoy feeling cold water on their heads. They are raising awareness of ALS.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. There is no cure and only one drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that modestly extends survival. Veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease.
The ALS Association was MANA's charity for 2013. This year, MANA has designated funds for The Women Veterans Project sponsored by Swords to Plowshares, a community-based, not-for-profit veteran service organization. Through The Women Veterans Project, Swords to Plowshares works to improve its programs, including housing, benefits and health and social services, to meet the needs of women veterans most of whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Have you seen Matt Lauer, Bill Gates and other celebrities having a bucket of cold water poured over their heads recently? It's not that they enjoy feeling cold water on their heads. They are raising awareness of ALS.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Eventually, people with ALS lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. There is no cure and only one drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that modestly extends survival. Veterans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with the disease.
The ALS Association was MANA's charity for 2013. This year, MANA has designated funds for The Women Veterans Project sponsored by Swords to Plowshares, a community-based, not-for-profit veteran service organization. Through The Women Veterans Project, Swords to Plowshares works to improve its programs, including housing, benefits and health and social services, to meet the needs of women veterans most of whom have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
MANA has joined the ALS Bucket Challenge, but we aren't going to pour water over our heads! We are instead making a special offer:
1. For any one who purchases a publishing plan, 10% of the plan's cost will go to The ALS Association and the other 10% will go to the Women Veterans Project.
OR
2. You may accept 20% off the cost of your chosen self-publishing plan.
Another way to help the Women Veterans Project is to contribute to the MANA Blog Continuous Short Story. For every 20 posts of five sentences or more, MANA will donate $10 to The Women Veterans Project. Contribute to the short story by visiting: http://manasunriser.blogspot.com/2014/02/contribute-to-continuing-short-story.html
For more information about The ALS Association's Ice Bucket Challenge, please contact Carrie Munk at cmunk@alsa-national.org.
Call For Manuscripts On Vacations or Travel
Are you a travel expert with tips to share? Can you recommend great vacation destination or do you have hilarious vacation stories to tell? MANA is seeking manuscripts this month in the areas of travel and vacations. If you have a manuscript that you would like to have published, contact MANA by August 31 and receive 20% off the cost of any MANA self-publishing plan.
MANA's self-publishing packages include editing, proofreading, printing, book cover designs, color covers, e-commerce services, an author's web page and digital marketing. We can also tailor a plan to meet your needs if you do not need all of the services included in the self-publishing package. We can also tailor a plan to meet your budget.
Take advantage of this offer by:
2. Go to the MANA Month page to make your $250 non-refundable down payment.
3. Submit your manuscript in a Microsoft Word file via email to: info@marketingnewauthors.com.
4. MANA will review your manuscript and contact you.
4. MANA will review your manuscript and contact you.
Take advantage of this offer to see your dream realized of publishing your historical or non-historical fiction.
Remember, MANA tailors its self-publishing plans to meet the needs of each author. Questions? Contact MANA today at info@marketingnewauthors.comor call 1-734-975-0028.
Offer expires: August 31, 2014
Sunday, August 3, 2014
"Sweet Ache" by Elesia Powell
Surrounded by the beauty of lush valleys,
The tropical breezes blow large green leaves,Exposing the fruit hidden beneath.
I choose the just ripe
Mango, papaya, and star fruit;
I slice them into jars,
The mango and papaya in the center,
The star fruit toward the outer edges of the jars.
I fill each one with coconut water and sugar.
I want it so sweet
That their teeth will ache,
Like my insides do from wanting you.
I seal the jars and tie them with a bright ribbon
Before I take them to market to sell.
I call it Sweet Ache,
Homemade love in a bottle
with all I have for you
Locked in these jars.
Only the tourists buy my treats.
The natives hear my solitary songs in the night and
Make wide steps around me.
My own voice returns as an echo in darkness,
Sweet Ache I call out,
Homemade love in a bottle.
With each jar sold,
I pray my aching will end.
I return to the valley with Sweet Ache lingering,
Along with the sugar that creases my fingers.
The rain falls on my zinc roof,
Each drop ringing a thousand small bells,
Just a little more sugar.
Sweet Ache.
Poem from Sweet Ache: Poetry of the Soul by Elesia Powell.CLICK HERE to preview the book.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
MANA's Book Review: Teenagers Unlocking Personal Power by Midge Patzer
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| Also available in Spanish |
Midge Patzer loves teenagers. So, knowing that the teenage years are a complex—yet powerful time—Ms. Patzer wanted to help them—and their parents—in some way.
Having raised two children of her own and a high school teacher for 30 years, Ms. Patzer decided to write Teenagers: Unlocking Personal Power.
In her book, Ms. Patzer shares her approach to understanding and guiding teens. According to the Ms. Patzer, her approach actually works and Teenagers: Unlocking Personal Power demonstrates this with case students that she has collected over her many years working with teenagers and their parents.
The key to this success is teaching teenagers that they have “Personal Power.” So, what is Personal Power? According to Ms. Patzer:
- Personal Power is the power that comes from within.
- Personal Power is internal confidence.
- Personal Power is dignified, respectful, and responsible.
"Teenagers are capable of altering and developing their behaviors and their beliefs in a constructive way. Watching teens find and develop their Personal Power is both a joy and a privilege. The self-esteem and self-awareness that accompany Personal Power are just below the surface in most teens. Every teenager has the capacity to uncover his or her Personal Power."If you are a parent, educator, or simply interested in helping teenagers through the hurdles of life, then check out Teenagers: Unlocking Personal Power available HERE on the website of MarketingNewAuthors.com.
Monday, July 21, 2014
A Q&A With Elesia K. Powell, MANA's 2014 Poetry Contest Winner
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| Elesia K. Powell, MANA's 2014 Poetry Contest Winner |
Ms. Powell is an adjunct instructor of freshman composition at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. She graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint with a Master's degree in Composition/Rhetoric. Ms. Powell is also the winner of the prestigious University of Michigan Hopwood Award. The program presents awards each year for creative non-fiction, fiction and poetry.
Q. What drew you into writing poetry?
A. Listening to the Last Poets, Nikki Giovanni and Dr. Maya Angelou, they were my inspirations. Poetry was a form of release as a teenager growing-up in the Bronx. Essence Magazine published an opinion letter that I had written during that time, and I thought that was important, and I kept writing. However, it would be years before I had the courage to publish.
A. I read often, and James Baldwin was one of my favorite authors. Eventually, I fell in love with others as well: Toni Morrison, Gloria Naylor, Alice Walker, J. California Cooper, and Flannery O’Conner are a few.
A. I would like to be a morning writer. I think it would be great to start my days with a few intense hours of creativity, but I find that I often can’t begin to write until after 7 p.m. I have also noticed that once I begin a writing session it becomes difficult to stop, which means I’m up until the early hours of the morning writing. Right now, I’m trying to stay on target toward my goals of completing a collection of short stories, and two works of non-fiction. I don’t actually work on all of these projects at the same time, but they are all at various levels of completion, and I remind myself that I don’t have forever to work on them.
A. Sweet Ache: Poetry of the Soul is a compilation of free-verse poems that I have been writing for a number of years. There are several themes, but I find that it is mostly about the angst and the glory of relationships. There are a few poems, which touch on political topics and scenes of everyday life. The poetry in Sweet Ache is often vivid and concrete, but there are a few ethereal poems as well.
Are You A Poet? Then Why Not Publish A Chapbook?
If you're a poet and want to publish your work, consider publishing your poems in a chapbook format.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Celebrate Christmas in July With MANA!
MANA's Christmas in July is going on now. From July 5th to July 25th, get discounts off of:
Worldwide Evil and Misery: The Legacy of the 13 Satanic Bloodlines by Robin de Ruiter and Fritz A. Springmeir (available in English, Spanish, French and German).
This book is a about the development of a New World Order that aims to suppress the whole of humanity. Are the visible world leaders just mere puppets directed by an invisible power from behind the scenes? Are there invisible hands controlling the world? Is there a conspiracy? Who are the conspirators?
According to the authors, great nations are simply the operating fronts of behind-the-scenes, vastly ambitious individuals who have become so effectively powerful because of their ability to remain invisible while operating behind the national scenery. The authors expose their plans and their ultimate goal of controlling the world!
Unveiled: The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion by Robin De Ruiter. The political and socio-economic chaos that exists at the moment was described 200 years ago in The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. How is this possible? The author of the Protocols must have been a prophet who intuitively must have foreseen World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War.
This book is an attempt to provide some insight and to make it possible for people to act, which is something that is highly needed at this point in time.
• All Children's Books in the MANA Online Store.
Visit our website at MarketingNewAuthors.com. Get a 25% discount and no shipping and handling fees off this promotion if you pay by check via U.S. mail. If you use your credit card, pay the list price and within 5 days, MANA will send you a rebate check that covers the 25% discount and shipping and handling charges.
This book is a about the development of a New World Order that aims to suppress the whole of humanity. Are the visible world leaders just mere puppets directed by an invisible power from behind the scenes? Are there invisible hands controlling the world? Is there a conspiracy? Who are the conspirators?
According to the authors, great nations are simply the operating fronts of behind-the-scenes, vastly ambitious individuals who have become so effectively powerful because of their ability to remain invisible while operating behind the national scenery. The authors expose their plans and their ultimate goal of controlling the world!
This book is an attempt to provide some insight and to make it possible for people to act, which is something that is highly needed at this point in time.
• All Children's Books in the MANA Online Store.
Self-Publishing Discount
Get 25% off any Self-Publishing Plan you choose by July 25th! Use this significant discount to pay for a unique present--a published book or a gift card detailing a self-published plan delivered by December 25th.
Make your dream, or the dream of someone you love, come true by becoming a published author. Either way, celebrate Christmas in July now with MANA!
Questions? Contact MANA via email at info@marketingnewauthors.com or at 734-975-0028. Visit our website at www.marketingnewauthors.com.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
"Help! I'm Stuck In The Middle of My Story! Now What?!”
By The MANA Staff
There’s nothing as frustrating as getting stuck in the middle of your fiction novel and not know in what direction to turn.
Ideally, you should develop a story outline, but not all writers do this because they want to work out the plot as they go along. On the other hand, sometimes you develop an outline but then take the story into another direction.
If you have written yourself into this predicament, don’t panic. Just breathe. Now, step back for a moment and see whether the following advice will help you get out of your hard place.
Bring your story to a boil
In the beginning, you introduced the characters and set up the conflict. So, bring the tension and suspense that you’ve been building from the beginning to a boiling point in the middle of your story.
This is the perfect time to surprise your readers by revealing secrets about your main characters or have your characters experience tragic moments. For instance, you can reveal that your character is having an affair or just found out at 53 years old, that she was adopted, or have one of your characters falsely accused of stealing classified documents from his company and now “shadowy figures” are after him.
Readers love finding out something about the characters that they didn’t already know. The revelations you create may even confirm what readers suspected about the characters all along. If readers did not suspect anything, the exposed secrets will prompt them to either flip a few pages back to see why they “didn’t see it coming” or continue reading to find out what happens next.
Revelations in the middle of your story also give you more material to work with as you move to the end of your story.
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| dfinnecy via Compfight cc |
In the beginning, you introduced the characters and set up the conflict. So, bring the tension and suspense that you’ve been building from the beginning to a boiling point in the middle of your story.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Get Your Books Out Of Those Boxes And Start Selling Them!
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| Photo Credit: Jeremy Bowers Schoen via Flickr |
Are you a published author who's having trouble selling your print books? Are your books still in the same boxes sent to you by your publisher or printer? Have you discovered that after selling your books to your family and friends, it's difficult to sell them to others? If this has happened to you, it's time to come up with a new marketing strategy.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Listen to Maya Angelou Recite One of Her Most Famous Poems "And Still I Rise"
And Still I Rise
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
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