For Halloween: Charlotte Isn’t the Only Writing Spider

Courtesy LA Times, Descanso Gardens and Carolyn’s Aging Files

Halloween Is the Time for Celebrating Writers—Spiders Included

 

Charlotte Isn’t the Only Writing Spider

 

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson, writer of fiction, poetry, and

the HowToDoItFrugally Series of Books Writers Depend On

 

 

A few years ago, administrators and docents of the lovely Descanso Gardens in the foothills of the San Gabriel where I live shared the story of writing spiders everywhere including the colorful orb weaver (you might know her from her bright yellow spots, her eight graceful legs, and her beautifully constructed notebook which she often constructs in gardens big—like our famous Descanso—and our own backyards. Today her job (and she is ashe/her/them/they if she is dressed in yellow) is to remind literature lovers and authors that the author of Charlotte’s Web might have been writing a story of fiction for writers but he was probably inspired by real writing spiders. Perhaps one he knew personally. Perhaps one he had read about. It’s hard to know because spiders (and other inspirational beings) are seldom credited.

And I want to remind readers and writers that the quality that makes great literature of any kind is how it reflects real life. Nature. Including human nature. What makes it great is that magical quality that attracts and—dare I use the the word ensnares?—so completely it becomes known as a “classic.”

Our orb weaver is a welcome guest in our yard. Even though she is about an inch long, she helps us keep harmful insects away. Her notebook is very tidy; hers is the one most artists emulate when they reproduce the delicate, magical web used for most everything a spider does. It’s her bedroom, kitchen, the nursery for her cocoons, her home. It is as intricate as longhand so museum curators, scientists and…mmm…writers call her and her relatives “writing spiders.”

 

Note: This article might be re-inspired. I found a column titled “California Classroom” in the Los Angeles Times—all nicely yellowed by time. It was inspired by spiders in their lovely public gardens and found its way to the clipping notebook (real paper!) I keep of articles about my fellow writers.

 

More About the Author 

Carolyn Howard-Johnson read E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web to her children when they were very small; it never occurred to her that one day she would appreciate that book on many levels beyond a lovely story with lessons to teach. She is now the author of a Modern History Press Series that began in 2004 with The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't, now published in its 3^rd edition as a hardcover, paperback, and…an e-book! One of the books in that series is even available as Audio! Author White would never have believed in possibilities like that for his lovely characters, his lovely story. Find Carolyn’s series on Amazon’s newly offered pages for series at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T. That Amazon feature is one of the #TheFrugalBookPromoterTips she shares with writers so they’ll know that Amazon offers a similar page to any e-book series that appears on their website. Happy Halloween to all.

 A Little About this Blogger’s Publishing Journey: 

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. 

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). 

In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Fantasy or Sci-Fi - Which is It?

 

 

Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Writer

I’ve always loved fantasy, so it’s a natural fit that I like writing it for children. 

But what exactly is fantasy, and how does it differ from science fiction?

FANTASY

The simplest way to explain fantasy is that it doesn’t exist in the real world. Your imagination is the only limit when writing fantasy. This may be why I gravitate toward it.

If a story has supernatural or magical elements, it’s fantasy.

Fantasy allows you to delve into all sorts of topics, even difficult ones, and it comes across in a more digestible way than realistic fiction.

For example, in my chapter book, "Walking Through Walls," the main character, Wang, joins the Mystical Eternals and learns how to walk through walls.

In the sequel (still in progress), Wang has the choice to morph into a dragon at will or get another incredible ability.

Another example of fantasy is talking animals. This type of fantasy can have the protagonist going off on a journey alone or with friends. A children’s writer couldn’t have a child do this in realistic fiction as it could give the child dangerous ideas. There are lots of topics that can be introduced using talking animals.

In my picture book series, The Adventures of Planetman, the protagonist has supernatural vision and can fly. One of his friends has super speed, and the other is super strong.

These scenarios couldn’t possibly exist within the natural laws of our universe as they involve supernatural elements. 

With fantasy, the writer can create new worlds and new beings. It can rain meatballs. There can be magical fairies and wizards. Science and realism are not factors.  

Think of Superman, The Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter.

SCIENCE FICTION

Science fiction is also out of the ordinary but is based on scientific principles. The elements of the story can exist within the natural laws of our universe. The scientific basis helps explain the extraordinary things that go on in the story.

These stories usually involve future scientific elements, such as space travel, aliens, time travel, and environmental catastrophes.  
 
An example of science fiction is Batman. All his abilities are from gadgets that are based on science. While some of them may be a bit far-fetched, they are in the realm of possibility.

Just think of all the gadgets and inventions created that are based on movies, books, and even articles. It’s astounding.

Driverless cars.
Holographic images.
The submarine.
The rocket.
The cellphone.
The taser.
The smartwatch.

Science fiction movies include: 

World of Worlds
Contact
Altered States
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
The Matrix

Sci-fi books:

The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
Contact by Carl Sagan
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
The Children of Men by PD James

A MIX

A mix of fantasy and science fiction is just that, a mix. 

In these stories, there are elements of sci-fi and fantasy. An example of this genre is Star Wars.

While Star Wars easily falls within the sci-fi genre, it also has elements of fantasy, such as a force field. Although, in 2015, Boeing patented the first-ever force field to protect against shockwaves. 

But even with the force field coming into existence, Star Wars also has lightning bolts from fingertips and levitation. These elements are pure fantasy.

So, if you’re writing sci-fi or fantasy for children, are you sure which it is? 

Sources:

https://hellogiggles.com/8-technological-advancements-inspired-by-books-movies-and-television/
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/ten-inventions-inspired-by-science-fiction-128080674/
https://historydaily.org/was-dick-tracey-the-character-who-invented-the-smart-watch/2
https://www.mic.com/articles/113466/boeing-just-patented-a-force-field-right-out-of-star-wars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

 

 

 

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach with clients worldwide. If you need help with your children’s story, please visit Karen Cioffi Writing for Children.  

Karen also offers:

HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A 200+ book that will help you start or finish your children’s book

PICTURE BOOK, CHAPTER BOOK, MIDDLE GRADE COACHING
Four to twelve-week coaching programs.

FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4-Weeks / 8 Sections / Instructor Guided Self-Study Program
 
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MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Writing: What Areas are You Strong In? Weak In?

  

 Contributed by Children's Writer Karen Cioffi

Writing is different for every writer. 

Some find it easy to merge their chapters seamlessly. Others find it easy to craft that ‘just right ending.' 

Other authors find it easy to jump right into a story, writing a grabbing beginning. 

No matter what aspect of the story, there will be some writers who can breeze through it effortlessly while others  struggle. That’s the nature of writing.

I find it pretty easy to start a story. I can create a beginning that jumps into the action, which is what most stories need, especially children’s stories. 

But… I can find it challenging to end my stories. I have no idea why. I can start it and bring it along toward an ending, but then I fizzle out. My endings can initially be weak.

I first noticed my weak spot when I submitted a chapter book to 4RV Publishing. I pitched the story to the publisher during an online writers’ conference. The publisher allowed me to submit a synopsis and the first three chapters of my manuscript. Unfortunately, my submission was also lacking, but that’s another story.

The editor who read the chapters and synopsis liked the storyline but was confused about my ending in the synopsis. As I mentioned earlier, I can struggle with my endings. In spite of that, the editor recommended that the publisher request the manuscript so they could look it over. They advised me to edit it first and work on the ending. I created an entirely new ending and sent it to a professional editor for review and editing.

It’s funny, but I think that at times, there are forms of inspiration that can take us where we don’t usually tread... that help us overcome our obstacles or mountains. 

In the case of my story, “Walking Through Walls,” I came up with a pretty good ending that tied everything together and provided a surprise. I worked on this story for around two years, and finally, when it counted, I found the right path for the story to take.

We writers must pay attention to our writing weak spots and work on them. I was fortunate that an editor and publisher looked beyond my weak points and gave me the opportunity to improve my story. This is not always the case.

So, what’s a writer to do?

Well, the very basics are simple:

1. Make sure you’re part of a critique group that includes both new and experienced writers. The critique members can help you overcome the hurdles. 

2. If you have to, write a few different scenarios in the section you’re having trouble with to help you open up. And if you’re still having trouble with your story, put it away for at least a week, preferably more, and then go back to it. It’s almost like magic; you’ll see it differently. And listen when inspiration comes knocking!

3. Read a lot of quality books in the genre you’re writing and even copy sections of them word-by-word. Make sure to include recently published books by top publishers. This is a trick to get your brain to think and write ‘good writing.’ Please note that this should only be done for practice purposes. Never, ever use someone’s work as your own.

4. Practice your writing—hone your craft. My endings have improved through working and practice. This is why there’s a saying, “practice makes perfect.” Well, if not perfect, at least much better!

5. If nothing else works, hire a developmental editor or ghostwriter to help rewrite the sections you’re having difficulty with.

So, the tips of the day: Pay attention to where your writing weak spots are and work on them. 

And listen when inspiration comes knocking!

Now, back to the title of the post: What's your writing forte? 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

 

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, working ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach (picture and chapter books). If you need help with your story, visit Writingfor Children with Karen Cioffi.

 

You can check out Karen’s books HERE.

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MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.

Series Author Develops an “Ask-For” Promotion Plan That Works

Those of you Sharing with Writers subscribers and visitors who might be familiar with my #HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers will understand why I am so impressed with the method Dr. Randy Overbeck used to launch the newest book in his series--in detail!--so any writer of any genre can emulate it. You might even have been paying attention to my...er...repeated reminders to avidly build contact lists from first day you hear that term. I spend a few minutes every day after almost thirty years tailoring it to be a better marketing list. I started building mine the moment I decided to publish a book. It turns out Randy’s “Ask-For” list depends on his. Pay attention. Print it out. Stow in in your computer where you’ll know you’ll find it.  Share the permalink for it with your writing groups.  It’s all about sharing. With readers. With friends. With fellow writers. Keep reading for details!

Hugs, as always, Carolyn.

PS: Notice how Randy put what he learned from the from professional marketers he hired when he first started publishing, too. That’s a big way to make money spent on PR and marketing a more frugal exercise. I’ve said it before and I'll say it again: If you decide to do that, think of it as one of the best MFA program classes available anywhere. The only one better is first-hand experience you’ve undertaken on your own.  

“A gripping tale of finding justice for a missing Native American teen…Overbeck kept me turning pages well into the night.”

—John DeDakis, author of Fake and Senior CNN Editor for “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” 

Randy Overbeck Shares His “Ask-For” 

Promotion Formula

By Dr. Randy Overbeck 

Red Shadows at Saugatuck Is my sixth published novel, five in the last six years. As I moved from one title to the next, I came to realize that, regardless how good my novel is—or how good I think it is—it would never get much of an audience unless I did something, er rather lots of somethings. As I waded into the literary universe, I learned, much to my horror, that millions of new titles hit the market each year, a veritable tsunami of books readers have to wade through. Besides friends and family, there would not be readers lining up to read my words…and most readers wouldn’t even know my books existed.

                  So I tried several “things.” I hired a marketing consultant for Blood, the first entry in my Haunted Shores Mysteries. And when the publisher launched the first book in my next series, Lessons In Peril, I worked with an international PR firm. They were both professionals. I enjoyed working with them and tried to learn from them. (Oh, in case you’re wondering, I never came close to achieving ROI--return on investment--on either effort.) I’ve also used some less expensive promos such as blog tours but saw little effect on sales.

                  So, when the manuscript was edited and sent off to the publisher, I focused on planning promotion for the launch. Overall, I’m pretty organized and I put together several steps.

First, I reached out to reviewers in the traditional way asking for and got commitments for reviews of the new novel, some using the manuscript as an ARC (Advanced Review Copy) and others with the newly published novel. (I’ve put together a database of about 25 review options.) A few I paid for—but none were expensive—but most were just authors and reviewers I had made connections with. Those reviews started coming through right before the novel was released with more coming out each week.

Next, I emailed podcasters I’d worked with and lined up appearances on their podcasts. Some of these contacts I’ve developed myself and some I met through the PR professionals. Podcasters are often scheduling well in advance, so I wanted to get on their schedule for August-September, if possible.

The third step in my planning involved reaching out to writing colleagues, literary professionals and media contacts for possible guest posts, interviews and engagements. I’ve been very fortunate to have many supportive colleagues and writing friends and I’m not shy about asking them for support. Quite a few were gracious enough to help to help and I’m more than grateful.

Fourth, I put together a list of friends, fans, and readers who’ve been supportive and interested in my writing. I emailed each asking if they would be willing to pass on news about the launch. Nearly all agreed and two days before the actual launch date, I sent them a promo piece complete with links and asked them to share the email with 5 friends.  

Here’s a bit more detail on each step:  

#1 My list of reviewers were reviewers I’ve used before.(I keep an up-to-date database.) 

#2: I’ve worked with everyone on my podcast list and have maintained a relationship with them. (This is a more modest number--about a dozen--and I’m scheduled on eight of those podcasts so far.)  

#3:  A similar list of past contacts, colleagues, bloggers, interviewers or other promo platforms. (This number is in the dozens, maybe 35.) 

#4.—For the first time, I put together a list of readers, fans, family members, and colleagues who have been especially supportive and asked them simply if they would pass on my “launch” message. (This numbered close to 100.) A few deferred or I had faulty contact information, but almost all--more than eighty--agreed. I don’t know how many actually passed on my message, though I did receive several emails saying they had followed through and I did I notice  a bump in Amazon sales on the date I sent out the e-mails, a bigger bump than the actual launch day.  

[Carolyn’s Note: It is rare than we--meaning anyone who advertises and promotes--can trace sales directly to a specific promotion, so it may be that many of Randy’s noticeable sales spikes) might be from his new list, #4. It has some distinct advantages rarely used in the publishing industry. A big part may be that personal request. It may be that he contacted his #4 list with a second email containing his promotional material.  Taken as an overall promotion, his efforts also probably benefitted by the “Ask-For” model. We humans always respond more easily when we know exactly what is needed. Randy illustrates that perfectly when he says “I’m not shy about asking for support."  And then there’s specificity of that last part. He ASKED for exactly what he wanted. And what about that idea of giving them another idea in his followup mail.  ASKING them to SHARE his launch news with exactly FIVE. There are seeds of a viral promotion here that are known to be effective.  I have a suggestion for your--and Randy’s next promotion: Close your e-mails with something like “I’d love to hear when you send your creative effort out-- with links if possible--so I can give your effort a little more online exposure!”  

ABOUT TODAY’S CONTRIBUTOR

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author, speaker and podcaster. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has mined that experience to create captivating fiction, authoring two series, the bestselling “The Haunted Shores Mysteries” and the award-winning series, “Lessons in Peril.” His novels have won critical acclaim and garnered national awards including Mystery of the Year (ReaderViews) Best Book Award (Chanticleer Books and Reviews) and the Gold Award (Literary Titan) and amassed hundreds of 5-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Dr. Overbeck also hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets and can be heard wherever listeners get their podcasts. He is a speaker in considerable demand, sharing his popular presentations about ghosts and the world of book publishing with hundreds of audiences across the U.S. 

As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences such as Killer Nashville and the Midwest Writers Workshop.

When he’s not researching, writing, speaking or podcasting, Randy enjoys traveling with his wife Cathy and visiting both his far-flung family and the scenic locations around this country, often in search of inspiration for his next great story. 

More info about his novels, programs and podcast can be found at his website www.authorrandyoverbeck.com and randyoverbeck@authorrandyoverbeck.com.

Contact him on social media, too!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrandyoverbeck

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OverbeckRandy/media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorrandyoverbeck/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/randy-overbeck

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Randy-Overbeck/e/B07QQHW7DM

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4825632.Randy_Overbeck

ABOUT OVERBECK’S NEWEST NOVEL: A SYNOPSIS

Darrell Henshaw hoped he was past it all. After all, no ghosts had visited him for years. Instead, he learns his five-year-old-son, Leo has inherited his “gift.” 

Now, they both can see ghosts.

Upon his parents’ insistence, Darrell agrees to drive his young family 800 miles to celebrate his Aunt Gertrude’s 80^th birthday. But, once in the resort  town of Saugatuck, Michigan, their participation gets derailed by the spirit of a Native teen who went missing weeks earlier. When he and Leo inquire about the girl, the locals dismiss their concerns—"Those girls run away all the time.”  Still, as questions pile up and threats grow, Darrell senses they may have stumbled onto something far worse and even more evil than one missing teen. 

Can Darrell continue to pursue justice for the girl if it places his wife and five-year-old son in danger?

 PRAISE FOR OVERBECK’S NEWEST NOVEL

• “One of the finest books ever written! A paranormal mystery that stole my soul and took my breath away.” 5++Stars—N.N. Light Book Heaven
• “Complex and Captivating…mesmerized from the first page to the very last one.” 5 Stars—ReadersFavorite.com
• “Overbeck is a dominant storyteller. A must read book and series.”—Still Moments Magazine
• “Thoughtful, deeply human, and low key terrifying. I recommend it readers who like their readers to feel something, not just guess whodunnit.” 5 Stars and Gold Award Winner—Literary Titan
• "An exciting adventure bristling with suspense…a page turner until the very end.”—ReaderViews.com
• “The mystery and suspense kept the story engaging, not to mention the numerous twists that kept popping up. I can’t wait to read more in the Haunted Shores Mysteries Series and discover what mystery awaits. I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Red Shadows at Saugatuck today!”—The Avid Reader

MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER

 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. 

 Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). 

In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.