Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks

I’ve been going through one of the worst writing slumps of my career and believe me when I say I’ve been through some pretty bad ones. I’ve tried all of my usual tricks. I’ve forced myself to write, I’ve reread the MS, I’ve allowed myself to take a break and still NOTHING! This hasn’t lasted for days or even weeks, but literally for months. *hangs head in shame*

My daughter Keshia, who is also an author, has suggested on more than one occasion that I should take a break from my current WIP and write a short story. I smile and nod thinking, Why would I do that? I need to spend my time working on my novel. (Insert long drawn out sigh.) Crazy Kids…they think they have all the answers.

Not taking her advice, I’ve continued to write chapter after chapter of things I end up deleting, not because I’m being overly critical, but because they are honestly pitiful.

As I whine and complain, she has continued to encourage me to try the short story. Finally giving in—not because I thought she was right—but to shut her up (sorry daughter) I sat down to my computer and pulled up a new document, with new characters, and new ideas.

The story flowed! To an author, those three words are magic. THANK YOU Keshia. I’ll never doubt you again…until the next time you tell me something I don’t agree with. J

If you are a seasoned writer, someone wanting to get their feet wet, or somewhere in between, you might want to give this short story thing a try. One of my publishers, Spencer Hill Press, is taking submissions for short stories dealing with time. You can find more information here.

It's In My Blood

According to wikipedia, on Nov. 22, 1718, Robert Maynard killed the infamous English pirate, Blackbeard. He then tied his head to the bowsprit of his ship for the trip back to Virginia. Upon returning to his home port of Hampton, the head was placed on a stake near the mouth of the Hampton River as a warning to other pirates.

Um, okay, you may be thinking.

“Well,” I say to you head scratchers. “The reason I am bringing up Robert Maynard, is he was my great, great, great, (maybe throw in a few more great’s) uncle, and like him, I do not like pirates.”

Ahh, you might say with the little light bulb going off over your head. 

Yes, this post is about piracy and I want to say a few words about it, starting with... STOP IT!

Seriously people, this is just WRONG. Let me say that I have no reason to believe that any of you are involved in this, (You're way to awesome) but I'm asking each of you to help me get the word out about this huge problem.


It was pointed out to me a few days ago that at least one of my books is being downloaded for free. Did you catch that? FOR FREE!!!!!!!! This is the same book that I worked on for almost 9 months. I then spent several more months trying to get it published. When I found a home for my MS, my publisher then had to produce it, which by the way, takes lots and lots of time and money  Pirated books take money from all of our pockets and if this doesn't stop we won't be able to continue producing books.

Believe me when I say I understand being broke. Broke and I are very close acquaintances. Because of this fact, I have purchased few books in my lifetime.( I know, *gasp*) This was not because I didn’t want them, but because I couldn’t afford them. Like anything else I can’t afford, I have to either do without, or find a LEGAL way to obtain what I want. And there are legal ways to obtain free books.

1.GIVEAWAYS Many authors, myself included, host tons of giveaways. Enter them.

2. REVIEW Many authors/publishers will send you a free copy for an honest review. Ask.

3. PUBLIC LIBRARY This is the easiest solution of all. You can read practically anything for free—legally. Due to my financially challenged bank account, I visit my local library A Lot.

Of course, as an author I wish everyone in the world would buy at least one copy of all of my books, but if you can’t afford it, check with your local library to see if they have a copy. Both of my books are in the library system. This means that even if your local library doesn’t have it, they can get it. Do the authors and publishers a favor and request it. It’s a win win for us all. You get to read the book legally, and we get a sale.

Consider this, If I were to make $1.00 for every book of mine that was sold (which I don't) and IF I sold 100 copies a month (which, I could only hope for) that would leave me making a mere $100.00 a month. Could you pay your bills with that? Yeah, me neither.


Let’s ban together to stop piracy.

Picture also from wikipedia

You could win!!!!!!!

Hey guys, I’m over at J.L. Spelbring's  blog today. Come by, say hi and enter to win a signed copy of Angelina’s Secret.

Still Alive

Hey everyone, I just wanted to check in and let you know that I am still alive. My post have gotten very sporadic lately because I am trying, trying, trying, to finish a hoped for sequel to Angelina’s Secret. ***YAY*** And, due to some vision problems, I have to limit my time on the computer so it’s important for me to make every second count. I will check in and give updates on my WIP and as always, I’m still available for interviews, etc. In the meantime, you can check out my latest review and interview here.

Examiner.com

A while back, a woman by the name of Carol Anne Hunt contacted me wanting to do an article about my experiences of living in a haunted house. The article came out today so go check it out and share it on facebook, twitter, etc. if you have time. http://www.examiner.com/article/another-perspective-on-ghosts-lisa-rogers