Gift of the Magi ~ Mama

After 18 years of marriage, I still don't know what to get my husband for Christmas.  With money as tight as it is, we had decided not to exchange gifts this year and instead just focus on the kids.  Do you think my husband kept his end of the bargain?  NO!  He went out and secretly got me a gift anyway. 

So today, with no money, I was determined to think of the perfect gift for my husband.  I settled on cleaning and organizing the garage for him.  I'm sure it's not the best gift to give but it is one that he has been meaning to tackle for awhile.  All day my boys and I organized, cleaned, swept and made two trips to the dump ... I can finally see some floor space! 

These are the little things that happen when you've been married for as long as we have. 

No Rest for the Weary

The search for a literary agent is back on.  I have sent out a few submission letters with a copy of my synopsis for Aquatica, Tip of the Sword and the first 3 chapters. 

Fingers crossed on both hands ... that one day I will become a legitimate author.  You know, the bonafide real deal, not just when I can find a spare moment. 
Amen!

Mind Map

Update on what's going on in my mind with the underwater relm of Aquatica:
I am creating my own set of vocabulary to write my original story. 

* Neptunium refers to the royal blood line or presence of royal blood in a person.  Creative use of the word Neptunium as it is actually an element from the Periodic Table. 

*Dagon {means half man & half fish} is Neptune's son in my story of Aquatica.  Plus it sounds kind of sinister if you lower your voice and draw out the word.  D~a~g~o~n ...You can do it, nobody's watching you! 

Dagon is believed to be dead but is actually working for Hades and heading up the rebellion to overthrow the mighty Neptune.  The evil Meridian is attacked by a hungry pack of wolf fish at the end of book 1.  By the way 'wolf fish' are real fish...with extra long teeth! 

*Meridian {creative word use} is interchangable with merfolk, merman or mermaid ... I think it gives the storyline an older appeal.  In reality, Meridian refers to the earth's axis. 

*Mystisette {totally, made that name up} is Neptune's daughter.  Now she is the beautiful Meridian that saved the Seafarers in the water cell when they were arrested.  But she will be introduced in book 2 (Beneath the Blade). 

*Portolan Chart and the Holy Stone.  Again, real things with creative word use.  Grammy's secret diary reveals the location of the Portolan Chart and the Holy Stone to the boys as being hidden deep within Fortune Falls in Chattering Cave.  The Portolan Chart is a secret map that leads to two other magic cities simular to Atlantis.  I haven't yet decided what the Holy Stone should do. 

In reality a Portolan Chart was a chart mapping out different ports for sailors back in the 1400's and the holy stone was a sanding block used to sand the deck of a ship.  {its name is derived from the kneeling position that sailors took in sanding the deck.} 

I am working on the name of the two unknown territories established around the same time as Atlantis.  They became safe havens for Meridians wishing to escape the war between Neptune and Hades.  After the destruction of Atlantis, there location was kept a secret for fear that those cities would be destroyed.

Just working out all the main themes before getting underway with the process of writing the story.   

The Fudge is Gone!

One of my sweet neighbors brought over a tray of wonderfully delicious fudge on Christmas Eve.  I couldn't even think of making something this good on my own and now the fudge is gone!  All gone!  Kasey, my 4 yr old, stole the last piece of heavenly delight.  It reminded me of the fudge my mom used to make when I was a kid.  (too bad I can't make it for our family...)

Be sure to remember your neighbors during this season of giving.  I have gifted my most special friends with jars and jars of homemade pickles and homegrown canned tomatoes.  Now that, I can make! 

This summer I made over 100 jars of bread & butter pickles, dill pickles and canned tomatoes.  Enough to hopefully last all year ... until next summer. 

And now I'm making books.  Wild Winter, Book #3 is presently listed as a free promotion through Amazon from now until Dec. 30th.  200 reads yesterday alone!  Too bad no reviews.  Those are hard to come by.  Which brings my mind back to the loss of that delicious fudge ... oh FUDGE!

How does a good author come to be?

Lately, I find myself pondering this very question.  I guess it comes from that endless searching, reaching beyond into the mysterious void and coming back with a tiny piece of something magical that helps us transform our otherwise mundane existence into something grand. 

That's a little deep, given it's just after 11am here on the east coast ...

I will leave you with this juicy tid bit:  I recently read that Stephen King writes over 2,000 words a day!

Rock On!  {Lord knows I can't write that much consistently day after day ... my brain has to reboot after about 5,000 words and take a mental break.}

Creating a New World

In crafting the many facets of my new world ... I also find myself creating a mystery for the Seafarers to solve.  I have been researching various nautical terms to gain greater understanding of everything nautical and re-newed inspiration. 

Lightning

The revelation that has hit me like a jolt of lightning is where my story line was taking me by book 4 to the land of Aquatica.  40,000 words into one story I find the makings of a GREAT story.  I have written a synopsis for a totally new book, a spin off from the Nautical Mile Series - Aquatica, a trilogy ... Tip of the Sword, Book 1. 

This will be a 20,000 word juvenile reader for children 9 - 12 year olds.  I can't believe how this book is writing itself.  No kidding - 17,000 words and counting!  I have been working at crafting the best synopsis I can for this new book and we shall see what happens. 

Wish Me Luck!

Rock'n Russian

Here's to the endless writing and re-writing and writing til your fingers bleed, your eyes blur and your head hurts!

Ow!  Maybe I am like the Russians!!  Too, freaky.  Here's to the hard writers of the world.

Rock'n Roll Russians

For the record, the Russians are blowing the French right out of the water with the stats on my blog!  Way to go.  I wish I knew more about Russian authors.  I think I'm more sympathetic to the lovers not the fighters.  I once read that Russian authors were some of the toughest of the bunch being first and foremost, fighters with real grit & resolve and strong men, to boot.

Way to go! 

Blissful Re-Writes

I was recently tasked with writing a synopsis for the Nautical Mile Series.  A synopsis is a plot overview of your story.  It is the action part of the story without all the descriptive frilly words that authors use to tell the story, itself.  I found this to be more difficult than I imagined and of course did it wrong. 

I have since re-written my synopsis gaining greater understanding and appreciation for what a synopsis is and how to write it.  So I thought I'd share what I've learned.

To the author a synopsis is a guide on how to keep your story action packed and a good tool to ensure you stick with your main plot arc with your central character.  And from what I've just discovered, it should definately be written BEFORE you even write your story.  I have used my after-the-fact synopsis to identify gaping holes in my storyline ... which I am in the process of correcting. 

To the agent a synopsis is a selling tool.  It is the blue print to your story and helps an agent quickly and clearly sell the idea of your original story.  A well written synopsis will SELL your book.  It is that important!

If you haven't written a synopsis and you are working on a book, stop right now and do one, perfect it, use it to identify the areas in your storyline that need strengthening BEFORE you waste alot of time doing things wrong! 

I had an epiphany this morning with my characters as a result of working on my synopsis: where they come from, what motivates them, what drives them - and I had a major story breakthrough that will make all the fretting worthwhile.  I can't stop thinking about this revelation (it's that good).  I am getting so engrossed in my story and its many complicated layers.  That I will be happily writing in the wee hours of the morning ... again!

The Plot Thickens

My husband has reminded me that one should not be so caught up in the pursuit of happiness, that they forget to be happy.  C'est vrai.  (my french is a little rusty)  And that brings to mind another notable quote: "Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy." - Guillaume Apollinaire

Of course this is the same French poet that was arrested in 1911 for the theft of the Mona Lisa ... and was later released having convinced the police he did not commit the crime. 

I've often wondered if he did know the Italian, Vincenzo Peruggia, that stole the Mona Lisa for purposes of taking from the French what he believed had been stolen from the Italians.  For you see, Guillaume Apollinaire was Italian by birth.  (C'est vrai, quoi!)

Coffee in the Bottle

Speaking of flashes of insight ... I was driving home yesterday when my 4 year old asked for a bit of my coffee.  When I got home, I jotted out a children's picture book called ' Coffee in the Bottle'.  I could see the whimsical little book gracing the counter at any Starbucks, showing Grandma at her finest! 
 

Coffee in the Bottle

By: Donna D. McCartney

Grandma slipped a little coffee in the baby’s bottle –

Just to see what it would do

It gave him super powers, super strength and super speed –

It’s true!

When Mom told me to watch him – I just watched him go

Running after his dusty cape, as he tried to escape

Grandma says next week he’ll enter the diaper derby

Crawling in record time, crossing the finish line

He’s a pooper trooper dropping bombs here and there

Mom changed his dirty diaper in despair

We all covered our noses as the stink hit the air

Grandma laughed when the baby climbed the tree

I didn’t because everyone thought it was me!

It wasn’t funny when the fire marshal came

I’m the one who always gets the blame

With a baby so strong, something must be terribly wrong

Finally when it was time for bed

He went down without the usual fight

Mom kissed his cheek and turned out the light

Before I go, there is one thing you should know …

Whatever you do, DON’T let Grandma put coffee in the baby’s bottle!

Ok, so I don't know if it will ever become a picture book because I can't draw worth a lick.  And I don't know any illustrators.  But I thought it was a cute idea. 

From The Mouth of Babes

I was fretting this morning about writing a synopsis for my book series in response to an agent request - when my 17 year old son, wrapped his arm around me and said 'chance favors the prepared mind'.  I was dumbstruck.  Of course, those were not his words.  They were the words of famous Frenchman Louis Pasteur, over a century ago.  But Kevin's timely sounding was so perfectly unexpected. 

I don't think I can express how proud it makes me in being his mother.  Kevin - I love you, sweetie.  You're right.  Now there's a flash of insight, seeing my little boy on the verge of manhood - giving me advice! 

Preparation is the key to success in any endeavor.   

Success for the Obsessed Writer

The digital age has given birth to a new kind of life, renewed hopes and dreams that the little guy can still make it in this world.  There has never been a better time than right now to enter the writing industry.  The landscape is changing quickly.  The Internet and e-readers have opened the door to the vast unknown writers of the world. 

That's right, e-readers are one of the FEW businesses to grow and thrive!  Projections show continued growth in the e-reader market until 2015, when sales are expected to plateau.   

If you've got a story to tell, get it out there - do not wait another minute!  For all the behind the scenes action, continue to follow my blog.    

Perseverance

Perseverance is continuing in a course of action without regard to obstacles, difficulties or nay sayers.  I think I will add my name to the meaning of perseverance - you can do the same. 

I, insert your name here, will never give up in my pursuit of happiness, fulfillment or acknowledgement.  The more I remember it is up to me - the clearer my success will be!

Here's to undieing, unrelenting passion in pursuing life's little dreams.   

Cover Design

I redesigned the book cover for Fishy Fall.  I can do it for about $5.  Just purchase a royalty free picture from a site online.  I use bigstockphoto.com, drop the photo into my word document - using the insert photo tab.  Add my text - then take a picture of what's on my computer screen with a little gadget I got for free, an app through snapa shot.  Voila!  Instant cover. 

Granted it's not like Salty Summer, but it's the best I can do right now. 

The covers I create work great on Amazon.com so long as they are 500w x 800h (pixels).  For some reason when I take a snapa shot it reduces the number of pixels.  Barnes and Noble has higher resolution requirements.  I just talked to a local print shop, Roxy told me she could increase the digital resolution of all four book covers for $30 by using her special software.  So I will have that done and get my book covers posted on Barnes and Noble.  You can manipulate pictures at home if you have the right software  ... which I don't.  Barnes and Noble requires 750w x 1000h with a resolution of 72 dpi. 

All that techno mumbo jumbo means you're better off buying a good quality picture to start with, probably medium size.  On bigstock that's $4.99.  Play around with different text options until you've developed your own personal style for your cover.

Christmas Special

I will be running a 'Christmas Special' on Wild Winter, Book 3.  From today until the end of winter that book will be on sale through amazon as an e-reader for only .99!  I decided it was fitting for the season.  I've included a letter from inside Wild Winter to give readers an idea of what the book is all about.       

Dear Reader,

Wild Winter has you discovering friends, family, and fun.  Tag along with the McCartney boys as the sailing season comes to an end, as boatyard blues turn into Christmas bliss, and find out how Capt. Black Bear loses an eye to the fearsome silver claw, Calico Jack. 

Sail around with Kyle to Blueberry Ridge and meet Lone Feather, a ghostly Indian with a mysterious warning.  Come along for the ride, but watch out for a pirate’s revenge.  Be sure to pick up your adventure pack and start dreaming of a bubbly paradise.  Join the McCartney’s with a cup of hot chocolate and snuggle under a blanket as you relive the fantastic tales with your crew.

Catch up with Kevin, Triston, and Kyle in the fourth book, Secret Spring, as the mystery of Grammy deepens and the boys discover a piece of their heritage.  Travel to the depths of Aquatica and meet a real king.  Take a seat around the Circle of Trust and become an Aqua Defender.  If you think you’ve tamed the sea and conquered the wind, then you’re in for a surprise!  Every magical, salty adventure will keep the pages turning. 

Happy Reading!

Spit and Polish

With a bit of elbow grease, I have polished up the home page of my website to reflect a more diverse flavor.  I've made a few changes here and there to give the site broader appeal.  I still have a few more changes in the works to get the site properly dressed up.  Trying to keep my eye on the BIG picture.  Little details really do make a big difference! 

I found a stamp from the 1950's showing the Chesapeake Bay and posted in the upper right corner of my home page.  I think that 'Nautical Mile' has a bit of duality in the name.  It refers to the journey that my readers and characters must make, so the stamp fits on many levels.  Come along on my magical journey, you'll find yourself sailing away with the McCartneys.     

International Delight

My website at  http://www.nauticalmilebooks.com/ has seen pretty steady traffic.  It's been up and running now for about 2 weeks.  Already - visitors from 7 countries around the world have stopped in for a peek.  I've also had visitors from 18 states, right here in the good ole USA!  That's fairly impressive, considering it's with almost no advertising to speak of.  I think the wonderful results are due to my online friends and family.  In fact, this blog regularly has visitors from 13 different countries!

Did you know that France and Russia are having a secret battle?  Every day when I check my stats for this blog ... the leaders change place.  The United States is first with Russia and France running neck and neck!  I have been rooting for France.  C'est la vie.  While my husband has been rooting for Russia.  Hey Roman, Brent says "hi".

Never underestimate the power of the internet ... it has the power of a pen at the touch of a button.

The pen is mightier than the sword. Behold
The arch-enchanters wand! - Edward Bulwer Lytton, 1839

Aqua Defenders Unveiled

I just added a new tab to my website for Aqua Defenders, unveiling the connection to water conservation and my stories.  Imagine ... an elite conservation force of tens of thousands of children spreading the word and doing good!  That's my vision.  I posted several really cool pictures on my site of creatures from the Chesapeake Bay.

Remember every book purchased helps the environment.  I am donating a portion of the proceeds to the Chesapeake Bay Trust.  Be sure to pick up your copy of Salty Summer or download any of my books as an e-reader - so you too can join in the fun!

Unique Critique

When everything has already been done, from inter-planetary travel to exploring ancient cities - both real and mythical, from martians to mammoths, kings with possessed rings, a boy wonder with a wand, and so many other things. 

What do author's do that really makes their story one of a kind, when every story imaginable has already been told? 

A great author writes their story connecting the dots in a unique way, adding their own original flavor to everything they say. 

The Hopeful Author Continued ...

Did you know ... that Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the movie, was financed by Quaker Oats for the sole purpose of promoting a candy bar that would last forever?  That's right!  Quaker Oats hoped to enter the chocolate candy bar business and was sold on the idea of using a movie to make their candy bar a household name.  Movie producers worked with Quaker Oats who put up a million dollars in 1970 to turn the book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, into a movie on a mission.

The name of the candy bar was cleverly inserted into the movie's title for better recognition.  The scary tone of the book was softened, much to Roald Dahl's dismay.  The evil foe Mr. Slugworth was concocted by movie producers since the book had no true antagonist.

Quaker Oats released the Wonka Bar to coincide with the release of the movie.  However there was a problem with the candy bar formula and the bars soon melted.  They were quickly pulled from the shelves.  The Wonka Bar's life was short lived, while the movie has endured over four decades!

Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and several other children's books, has attributed his success in writing to conspiring with children AGAINST adults.

Moral of the story, when common interests collide, the results can be uncommonly good!  I hope to use a simular strategy by aligning myself with those of common interests.

The Hopeful Author

Did you know ... Dr. Seuss was born Theodore Seuss Geisel on March 2, 1904 in Springfield, MA. After attending Dartmouth College and Oxford University, he began a career in advertising. His first children's book "And to Think I saw It on Mulberry Street" appeared on the market in 1937 (after being REJECTED by the first 43 publishers)!

This little known fact is listed in the special features section on my DVD of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Imagine being rejected 43 times and then turning into a sensational writer where decades later, an entire month is dedicated to the master. He turned nonsensical gibberish into genius code talk and was as good as GOLD!!

Okay here's the inspiring part ... back in 1937 Dr. Seuss was rejected 43 times before finding someone that would help him bring his vision to life ... how much harder is it today to find someone that will help you bring YOUR vision to life? Food for thought.

Moral of the story - don't ever give up! If you have a dream or vision, find someone to help make it a reality.

Making Everything Beautiful

I love this time of year every.  As I look down the road, Christmas has come to every door on the street.  Single candles on the sill, wreaths rocking on the door knocker, ribbons and bows curling around the stair wells, and lights in the yard ... it looks like Christmas is on the way! 

We recently added to our outdoor decorations.  We received several handmade pieces from some dear friends.  A beautiful lighted nativity scene that used to grace a 102 year old widow's yard now sits peacefully glowing in ours.  We miss you very much Ms. Lola, Kyle sends his love!

Our handmade snow family, reindeer and sleigh also sit out on the lawn.  I think Christmas inspires creativity.  For the past few years - we have been steadily adding to our collection.  Brent wants to add a lighted sailboat, one day ... but for now I think we're done.  That's a project for next year.  

See the glow?

A Peek Into Dark Dawn ...

First couple of paragraphs in Chapter 1, Dark Dawn, Book 5

Black shadows loomed in a sea of darkness.  Wind blew the heavy tree branches outside as leaves swung in the breeze.  Bits of light shone in from the street lamp and a tiny speck danced around Dad’s model boat sitting on the mantel of the fireplace.  The clock in the McCartney’s living room ticked back and forth.  Tick, Tock, Tickety, Tock … Tick, Tock, Tickety, Tock.  Kyle tossed and turned in his bunk bed.  Beads of sweat rolled off his brow.  His blonde hair was matted in thick chunks across the top of his head.  His bed shirt was soaking wet.  He fought with his blankets in his sleep.  “Mom!  Mom!” he shouted from some distant land.  “Save me!  I can’t keep my head above the water!” he cried.  “Mom, don’t let go!” he pleaded.

But for all his tossing and turning, little Kyle didn’t wake from his dream.  Water poured in all around him.  It filled his room to the ceiling and spilled out the edges of his bedroom door.  The water gurgled and churned as Kyle gasped for breath.  He went under.  An Irish Sea Sprite, named Maeve, swam in from the darkest corner and took Kyle by the hand.  Her blue hair floated around her.  Her sea green eyes locked on Kyle. 

“Kyle, please try to remember.  You have Meridian blood flowing thru your veins.  You are always welcome even in the stormiest of seas,” she spoke though her lips did not move.  She calmed his frightening thoughts and worst fears.  Kyle’s clenched fists relaxed and he let go of the crumpled sheets.  Maeve’s gentle words soothed Kyle’s tired mind. 

“The Aqua Defenders need you.  You are the one hope to end the war.  R~e~m~e~m~b~e~r…” her voice trailed off and Kyle was back in Aquatica. 

King Neptune was bidding farewell to the Aqua Defenders sitting around the Circle of Trust.  “May the tides be with you on your journey home,” his deep voice echoed.   

Maeve sat reading a bit of parchment as a Ray Rider stood by her side.  Delphina, the oracle, wrapped her arm around Kyle, leaned over and whispered ever so slightly in his ear.  “You must know that your compass is invaluable.  For it will point you in a direction to the nearest Meridian and even assist you with finding Aquatica on your own, should you ever need to,” Delphina’s golden eyes flickered in the shadows.  “And lastly, your belt will fight valiantly - should you need protection … wear it always.” 

With a whoosh, Kyle found himself in his bed.  He opened his eyes and looked around and fell back into his pillow.  He reached down and touched the buckle of his electric eel belt.  Its green eyes shimmered in the darkness.  He smiled.  Wear it always … also meant wearing it to bed.  He was safe.  He rolled over and grabbed his trusty bear, Capt’n Black Bear and went back to sleep.      

Diggin' In

Alright the phone is turned OFF, the fax is turned OFF, kids are back at school and I am hunkering down to work on my book.  I've totally re-written the first chapter of book 5 and now I'm finally happy with the mysterious picture it paints.  That's not to say there won't be more revisions to it ... but it is truer to the story that's in my head.     

Each one of my books builds on the other books in the series.  But they are also a book unto themselves.  I've caught the readers up through a dream sequence at the beginning of the story which is somewhat frightening to Kyle (in the book).  My 9 year old, actually loves this chapter.  Whenever I see him close his DS, I know I've got his attention!  I started reading and the DS closed!! 

So that's not a fool proof plan for critiquing my work, but it is an observation of mine. 

I am trying to 'recruit' other young readers to help me critique my work.  The editor's son at Spin Sheet Magazine actually wrote the book review that will be appearing in their December edition.  It's online.  I thought that was just so sweet, having the 11 year old son of the editor write the book review!  

Check it out!

The gravy on top!

I've had my PC for a little over a year.  Before that I used the phone or actually hand wrote a note.  Needless to say, I didn't keep in contact with everyone all that well.  I recently sent holiday emails out to all my friends, some of which live overseas ... didn't occur to me that Thanksgiving is an American holiday!  Boy do I feel foolish.

Here's my husband's holiday joke:  What do you get if you cross a turkey with an octopus?  Drumsticks for EVERYONE!  :-)   

Revised Query Letter

I've revised my query letter, trying to summarize my vision for The Nautical Mile Series.  I think adding a bit more about the story line and what I hope to achieve will shine through this revised letter ...

Revised Query Letter:

Sam,

The Nautical Mile Series is a story struggling to be told.  It is one that is baptized in water, shrouded in mystery and as old as salt itself.  It begins unassuming enough with a simple tale about a family and four brothers in Salty Summer.  Readers meet the McCartney boys and follow them on one nautical adventure after another.  Characters grow in depth in Fishy Fall, where Kyle stands out as the little hero that could.  The plot thickens in Wild Winter as Kyle is hailed as the water child after meeting a ghostly Indian with a strange and mysterious warning.  A new beginning beckons in Secret Spring as Kyle is transported to the king’s court to meet the Aqua Defenders.  Mysteries trapped under a million gallons of water, finally surface in Dark Dawn as the boys discover their grandmother’s hidden diary and Kyle investigates the Rise of the Stinging Nettles.  Mirror Image shows the other half and in doing so, reveals the totality.  This story totally flips, giving readers a glimpse at an age old battle between good and evil.  The Nautical Mile Series is just beginning, so hop onboard for a ride! 

My nautically themed stories are written for 3^rd – 5^th graders and resemble the Magic Tree House Series in writing style and audience.  At this point, The Nautical Mile Series consists of 6 books: Salty Summer, Book 1; Fishy Fall, Book 2; Wild Winter, Book 3; Secret Spring, Book 4, Dark Dawn, Book 5 (presently being written); and Mirror Image, Book 6 (just a sketch at this point). Each juvenile reader is just over 10,000 words in length.  I envision the series growing to an indefinite number of books, with the possibility of an educational companion series entitled Nautical Know How.  I have also sketched out an entire product line to go with the series.  My mission is to help children discover the mysteries of the Chesapeake Bay in a fun and fantastic way.  My market research has led me to believe there is no other children’s series quite like it on the market and it is being presented as a total package to you.   

Each book is set in and around the Chesapeake Bay.  As you know, the Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and has been the topic of hot political debate.  Water conservation for the next generation weighs heavily on every educators mind.  In fact, the creation of the Mid-Atlantic Elementary and Secondary Education Environmental Literacy Campaign is presently underway.  My stories are woven around various nautical themes but the central theme is that Kyle becomes a water child and a member of an elite conservation force known as the Aqua Defenders.  Every story is wrapped in layers that are both educational and fantastic.   

I have developed a web page at www.nauticalmilebooks.com to showcase my work.  My blog is receiving international attention (nauticalmileseries.blogspot.com).  While the numbers are still low, readers from over 10 countries visit my site.  I am presently sponsoring the Chesapeake Bay Revival Coloring Contest, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust, Chesapeake Conservation Corp, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

In my excitement to be a ‘real’ author, I have made several missteps.  The first book, Salty Summer, was published by Tate Publishing and released October 25, 2011.  After investing a total of $4,000 in publishing the book, I have come to realize that Tate Publishing is not a traditional publisher with mainstream marketing ties.  It seems to be a hybrid self-publisher of sorts.  I uploaded books 1-4 onto Kindle on October 29, 2011.  But in wanting to bring my story to children everywhere, I know that it will have to be published in mainstream media.     

I am including a writing sample for your review.  If you feel this is something that your agency would like to help me perfect and market, please feel free to contact me.      

Wishing You Well,

Donna D. McCartney

PB & Jellyfish

I've been looking up jellyfish specific to the Chesapeake Bay.  There are the sea nettles - the little stinging variety that haunt book 5 during the 'rise of the stinging nettles', lion's mane jellies, moon jellies with pink four leaf clovers inside the bell (those are strung up with rainbow jellyfish to make a bio-luminescent chandelier in Neptune's temple - book 4), mushroom cap jellyfish, occasionally a Portuguese man of war will wander in (bluish/purple balloon like jellies bobbing up and down in the water waiting for its unsuspecting prey), and the very cool cannonball jelly (a large softball shaped jellyfish)  ... I can almost see warriors launching the cannonball jellies through the dangerously dark waters in the heat of battle. 

Nature is full of things way cooler than fiction can ever imagine!  Prepare for the Rise of the Stinging Nettles in Dark Dawn, Book 5!

Comfy?

I'm camped out in the middle of my bed, under two green blankets, trying to move Dark Dawn along.  I'm about half way thru with that book.  I set it aside searching for just the right words.  My goal is to have it completed by January.  I usually get done and let the story marinate for about a month.  Then pick it back up and start with revisions.    

Good Morning!

Happy Thanksgiving

I am making it my solemn vow to be truly thankful for all that I have.  I will not be bitter or remorseful for the things that I don't have, instead I will concentrate my energy on making the things that I do have ... that much better. 

For the family members and friends who are actively engaged in my life - thank you ... you know who you are.  We've held out another year!  We haven't lost our home, Brent is still gainfully employed, and our children are healthy. 

There is still so much to look forward to.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

 

Under the Cover

Alright, an original cover created just for me will cost between $700 - $600 per book.  I don't have that right now.  So I will keep the illustrators information and set that aside, he is on my to do list - but it will have to wait until after the holidays.  Hopefully by then, I will have a better understanding of where my series is going and maybe I'll have that literary agent I've been praying for.  But if not, I am gathering various professionals to help me go it on my own.   

I've been researching how to write my query letter to agents and realized that I've been doing it all wrong!  Of course!  That's how I always do things ... at first.  But I take it in stride, I've given myself permission to make mistakes (as long as I LEARN from them).  So I will throw out my original draft of the dreaded query letter.  Okay (so it's really the 3rd draft) but its still not quite right.

Time to get to work...

Branding

For the cover of book 1, I knew exactly what I wanted.  I wanted the wavy header, I wanted to see the title in white, I had a say in the overall coloring of the book cover and even various little details on the boys, themselves. 

With the covers of books 2, 3, and 4 - I did the best I could with what I could find.  I purchased royalty free pictures and dropped in the text.  Now - I do like those covers, but they are not the same as book 1.  Therein lies the problem.  In creating a BRAND or product recognition, people need to know what they're buying and that it's all related.  But I simply don't have the artistic ability to create something similar, myself.  So I may look into what a cover illustrator would charge me to create original book covers for the rest of my series.

I'll let you know what happens and how that works.  

Creating Focus thru a Mission Statement

Creating focus thru a mission statement.  Yes, that sounds very businesslike - doesn't it?  How does it impact my writing?  Well for starters, it makes things very clear for what I hope to achieve with my series - in one simple sentence.  Everything I do should resonate with this central idea.  My theme, my anthem, my mission statement ... they are all one in the same.   

Here's my mission statement: Helping children discover the mysteries of the Chesapeake Bay in a fun and fantastic way. 

I think that sums it up.  Now I didn't write book 1, Salty Summer, with this as a vision for the series.  But by book 2, I had already decided to do the coloring contest and that's where the idea was born.  Elements specific to the Chesapeake Bay keep creeping in my storyline, whether by design or sheer dumb luck.  And all brilliant ideas are really a mixture of BOTH.  So I am embracing this theme and will use it to give myself clarity.  It is a map for my mind that tells me where I'm going. 

In creating this as my 'mission' and understanding that there is an educational component that goes along with this vision - I may end up doing some revisions to my stories.  Or maybe this will assist me in creating educational companion books for my stories - not unlike what the Magic Tree House Series did. 

This idea goes hand in hand with selecting my audience and writing specifically for them.  Because your book, any book, is not really for EVERYBODY.  It is for a certain genre, a specific audience and everything you do from conception, to writing, to marketing needs to be geared in the direction of your audience.

I have updated my website to include my mission statement in the header.  It tells everyone that visits my sight exactly what I am writing about in a single glance! 

Brilliant!  {one tiny eye opening moment at a time and it will hopefully make all the difference in the world}

Researching in the wee hours of the morning

I am researching the Wind Gods.  It's really quite fascinating ...  winged gods in various myths conjured up storms, created rolling fog, poured out the rain, and abducted fair maidens.  The four brothers of the wind are always whisking up some sort of mischief. 
         
Their is Boreas - the north wind, usually known as the coldest, most powerful wind, various myths depict Boreas as abducting the king's daughter Oreithyia and later destroying the Persian fleet

Zephyrus - the west wind, was a very pleasant wind and seen as the protector of plants
 
Notus - the south wind is a stormy, dangerous wind especially when sailing, attributed with pouring out rain and creating fog ... he is believed to work with theives by helping to hide them with his trecherous fog 
 
Eurus - the east wind also brought in storms and rain, but was more kind than his brothers Boreas and Notus, his brings in a refreshing rain

I wonder if any of them are specifically known as the 'winds of change'?  And which one is responsible for blowing down 20 trees on my property two years ago.  Okay guys - time to fess up ... who did it? 

Brent 's words of wisdom

If you're following Donna's blog here - thank you. You are one of her readers from over 13 different countries. Send us a line every now and then, I enjoy hearing from far away lands. I served in the US Navy for a number of years and enjoy telling my family about my time spent out in the real world. As you can probably tell I am not, nor will ever be a writer.  That's Donna's job. 

Many fish throughout the sea start their lives right here, so help us take care of our play ground, the Chesapeake Bay.

Maybe I'll stop in from time to time and post again.  Let me know if any of y'all want to chat or just want a few hints to some of the secrets that were put in the books.

Brent

Writing as procrastination?

About 5,000 words into the book about my boys time at Fork Union Military Academy - my husband comes to me and tells me he thinks I am wasting my time, because I am supposed to be developing the Nautical Mile Series.  He thinks that I am using 'Geeks, Bullies, and Global Dictators', that's the title by the way, as a means to procrastinate ... instead of working on Dark Dawn! 

Well, he's probably right.  Shhhhhhhh.  He's always right.  But don't tell him that!  It is the most annoying quality of all and if you have a spouse that is ALWAYS right, then you know what I mean. 

So, I will leave 'Geeks, Bullies, and Global Dictators' sitting in the recesses of my mind for now.  Maybe when he's not around, I'll tinker with the storyline.  I have all the chapters and characters mapped out, as well as the opening scene.  But that's about it.  Now to business at hand .... drum roll please, Dum De Dum ... Dark Dawn, Book 5 in the Nautical Mile Series. 

Oh and good morning.  Get that cup of coffee that's calling to you.  Yes, I can hear it - because it's calling me too!

Seeking Support

Writing is often a lonely task.  And for me, critical feedback is hard to find.  I guess because I turn to family.  Of course they love me and don't want to be overly critical of my work. 

So in striving to create the best storyline possible - I am seeking a mentor.  Someone who knows the business, knows what works and what doesn't.  Does such a person exist?  I don't know, but the search is on.  This could be a literary agent that acts as an editor or an experienced author, both of whom could offer valuable insight into the trade and help me perfect the Nautical Mile Series.

Happy Hunting! 

Contest Deadline Extended

The Chesapeake Bay Revival Coloring Contest Deadline has been extended to January 15, 2012 ... giving schools another month to submit entries from young artists. 

Inspire the next generation of water conservationists and get your school involved in the contest - TODAY!  The contest is open to schools within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (VA, MD, WV, DE, PA and NY).  Wonderful artwork has already been received.  For complete details check out http://www.nauticalmilebooks.com/, you can also preview a 'sneak peek' of the artwork under the photo gallery tab. 

Good Luck!

Ramblings

Lately, I've been surfing other author's blogs to find out just how they write.  I've discovered that we all do it slightly differently.  But you basically have to invest yourself in your ideas and develope them over time to create something new and exciting.

Before I started working on The Nautical Mile Series, I just wrote whatever popped into my head.  Actually Salty Summer, Book 1 - is written like that.  I didn't know anything about main plot arcs, obstacles of increasing intensity, protagonists, antagonists, or voice.  But in writing and reading about writing, I am learning and growing.  Hopefully that growth can be seen while reading the books in The Nautical Mile Series. 

I did a fair amount of research on Greek and Arthurian Legends while working on Secret Spring, Book 4.  I incorporated some of those elements into my story line.  The Circle of Trust is modeled after The Round Table.  Of course, mine has a Sea Horse mosiac in the center and sits in a hidden chamber of an underwater pyramid in Aquatica.  But the inspiration for it came from the Knights of the Round Table.  As did the Aqua Defenders, well they are sort of a blend of Knights of the Round Table and the League of Extraordinary Men. 

Wild Winter, Book 3 - also includes elements from Indian folklore.  A rainbow warrior is summoned when the Earth is in danger.  The character that comes to Kyle, 'Lone Feather' is modeled after this rainbow warrior.

I also like to include enviromental themes into the storyline.  Kyle is hailed as the water child and is sought out by King Neptune to help with the Chesapeake Bay.  The Bay incodentally is the gateway to Aquatica ... the underwater realm of Neptune.  Books 2, 3, 4, and 5 have various natural and fantasy elements fused together for a touch of magical realism.

Times up kiddies ... got errands to run.  I'll pop in again later.  Bye!       

Whoever you are, where ever you are - Thank You!

Someone recently read Secret Spring, Book 4.  I can't tell you what it feels like to know that your book has been read by someone for the first time.  But that's just what happened.  Somewhere ... someone read my book! 

Before publishing Secret Spring as an ebook, no one (I mean no one - outside of family) had read that book.  It was a secret, transporting the boys to a magical place.

So whoever you are, where ever you are - I hope you enjoyed the read.  And thank you for choosing my book.  I'm truly flattered.  Most people need a brand name to decide what to read.  In the writing world ... I am a little nobody.  One of the vast unknown.  So thank you lone reader, I will share the magic with you!     

Multi Tasking ... Again

I'm reading about writing, while 'A Muppets Christmas - Letters to Santa' is playing behind me.  Kasey ... the littlest McCartney, who is now 4 yrs old, is watching it wide eyed.  But it works because I am a perpetual child.  I never really wanted to grow up.  Who does?  Childhood memories are the fondest!  Hold on to them with both hands.  

Writing, writing and more writing

I decided last night to start working on another book.  A book that chronicles the time my boys spent at Fork Union Military Academy.  This was a trying time for all of us.  But for none more so than Kevin and Triston.  My two oldest boys.  Kevin is almost a man at 17 years old.  Really weird.  Where did the time go?  I blinked and he went from a sweet little baby to a challenging teenager.  And Triston, well I never had him as a baby - he was 5 when I first 'met' him, even still ... he went from 5 to 15 lickety split!

My family is a bunch of misfits.  A mix of rescue animals (both cats and dogs) and kids from 2 families.  I have been raising Triston since the death of my sister.  Tragically she was murdered by her husband ... God rest her soul.  The tragedy of Lacey Peterson happened after her time ... but it was just like that, all the worst parts of it, anyway.  And I am the biggest misfit of all - having come from a broken home, landed in foster care and got stuck in the 'system'. 

This new book ... seems to be writing itself.  I started this morning and already have the first 2,000 words.  I read somewhere about a contest to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days.  I figured if others can do it - why not me.  So that is my new challenge.  To write this novel with my boys in about a month.  I have a great title for the book.  One I can't really share, yet.  Laughing over here because it REALLY, REALLY fits.  For those who read my blog 'The Disavowed' ... you know the back story.  Of course I had to pull down my blog in trying to resolve matters with the school - no money was made there, by the way.  Enough said about the legal mumbo jumbo ... but I still think I can write a hilarious, fictional book about the boys time there. 

I will keep you posted on my progress.

The Saga Continues

So now in addition to everything else, I am starting my search for a REAL literary agent. 

What does that mean?  You may ask.

Well, for those who may not know - Tate Publishing appears to be a hybrid, self-publisher of sorts.  They claim they are a publishing company hanging with the 'big' dogs.  I can assure you ... they are not.  They are a self-publisher disguised as a publisher.

What is the big difference?

A publisher is interested in making money by selling your story.  They design a product, promote it, and then sell it.  They pay the author for the rights to publish their story and so on.

A self-publisher, publishes your book if you pay for their services.  They assist in designing a product, then sell it back to the author.  They make their money off of hopeful would be authors.

Tate Publishing has their fees disguised as a $4,000 'author investment'.  They want to sell my books back to me - so I can hawk them at the corner bar.  (And yes, they really suggested that.)  

What can a literary agent do?

Hopefully, I will get plucked from the slush pile and my stories will be presented to legitimate publishers.  That's what a literary agent can do.  They can break through the barriers and get behind enemy lines.  Fingers-crossed, on both hands, that an agent can assist me in getting a contract.  And here's the big part, maybe one day The Nautical Mile Series will grace bookshelves in actual bookstores.  Maybe, just maybe - kids everywhere will be reading another McCartney adventure!

On to more serious matters

Despite my incredible and unfailing excitement about being published and getting the word out about my book and the coloring contest ... I am beginning to see how disillusioned I was with Tate Publishing (the company that released Salty Summer). 

I have numerous gripes ... many stemming from the editing, production, and marketing of my book.  A few unprofessional professionals - I was beginning to think that everyone who touched my book was in the process of leaving Tate Publishing by the time they got to me.  So it was a frustrating process to say the least. 

And then - to find out that Tate Publishing did not send out a single blurb to any newspapers the week that my book was released!  Not ONE! 

All the chatter on the Internet is a direct result of hard work coming from MY camp.  That includes just me and my WONDERFUL husband (he doubles as marketing rep., chef extraordinaire, dad, electrician and everything in between).

Nautical Nonsense

In my excitement - I inadvertently thought that Spin Sheet was going to put my book on the cover of their magazine!  Well, they are not.  Isn't it amazing how our subconscious selves come out at all the wrong times.  A couple of laughable emails later - details cleared up.  My, my, my - my inner child must be a bit arrogant.  I explained to the editor that I am, after all, 2 parts kid.  I hope she understood how foolish I felt after my initial email!   One more BIG opps ... along the way.  

Here's the scoop ...

I just received word from Spin Sheet Magazine that they will be running an article about Salty Summer and the Chesapeake Bay Revival Coloring Contest in their December 2011 edition.  Be sure to pick up a copy!

Bay Backpack asked me to be a guest blogger.  I submitted a poem entitled: Colors of the Chesapeake and invited area schools to participate in the coloring contest ... that should be out on their blog next week. 

The Rappahannock Record, The Gloucester Gazette Journal, The Local Scoop and J Boat News Blog have all featured articles about Salty Summer and my little coloring contest.  I am thrilled to be getting the word out.

Check out my new website!

I just set up a website ... this was tougher than I imagined.  But I am steadily learning all the tricks of the trade. 

http://www.nauticalmilebooks.com/

Check it out for yourself! 

The Nautical Mile Series

Salty Summer, Book 1 - is available in print at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.  Books 1 - 4 are also available as e-books available for Kindle and Nook download.

Happy Reading!

Spreading the Word

I am contacting my boating brothers and sailing sisters around the world.  We all share a tie that binds - love of the water.  If I've written to your yacht club recently, read on to discover a salty adventure that's just beginning...

Rolling Waves

Last night I uploaded the first 4 books in the Nautical Mile Series onto Kindle.  Salty Summer, book 1 is in print and now books 1-4 are e-books. 

Salty Summer, Book 1
Fishy Fall, Book 2
Wild Winter, Book 3
Secret Spring, Book 4

I must say I was rather nervous loading the books last night.  As an author, you write and re-write, revise and edit ... the story may never be 'done'.  It takes a certain amount of strength to let a story go.   

Please join me in a little prayer that my books - go, grow and be successful.  AMEN

Extra! Extra! Read ALL About It ...

Things are heating up with our Chesapeake Bay Revival Coloring Contest.  Submissions are already pouring in. 

Students can learn more about the mysteries of the Chesapeake Bay on my blog at captainblackbear.blogspot.com AND try their hand at being a published author at adventuresofcalicojack.blogspot.com. 

Good Luck!!

My Personal Goal

I have been writing off and on my entire life.  Writing is second nature to me.  I love a good story.  Often, I find myself 'tweeking' stories I read to my children by including little tidbits that make the stories more interesting.  I go overboard in helping the kids with class projects.  There is something magical that happens when you CREATE something. 

For many months now, my personal goal has been to try and figure out how to take this thing that I love and turn it into a career. 

Believe me when I say this, it is NOT easy to break into the writing business. 

But it is something that I feel I need to do.  Not just for the financial benefits ... my family needs that too, but because it makes me happy.  Do you remember the good things in life that you let go of because you had to 'grow up'?  Well writing was one of those things for me.  Until my husband, God bless him, kept pushing and pushing me to write a book for our kids.  And guess what ... I didn't write just 1, I wrote 4! 

The stories I've written have brought us together, in a whole new way.  We dream together.  We laugh together.  We seem to be more of a family.

So stay tuned to see if I can turn this thing into a real career.

Chesapeake Bay Revival Coloring Contest

The Chesapeake Bay Revival Coloring Contest is sponsored by the author of the Nautical Mile series, in partnership with, The Chesapeake Conservation Corp, The Chesapeake Bay Trust, and The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. 

The contest is designed to raise awareness to the various conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay.  The contest is open to each state within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and is designed for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.  Children are to create an original piece of artwork that best expresses their interpretation of the Chesapeake Bay and its issues.  Pictures can be drawn on a standard 8.5 x 11 piece of paper. 

Schools can use their own means of selection to pick the 15 pictures intended to represent their school.  Submissions must be received by December 15, 2011 for consideration.  Submission packages are to be mailed to:

Chesapeake Bay Revival Coloring Contest
P.O. Box 757
Lancaster, VA 22503

Pictures will be on display at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum from January - March 2012. 

The winner will receive a $500 gift card to Toys R Us, a signed copy of Salty Summer, a t shirt and $1,000 will be awarded to their present school for conservation education.  Many others will win books, t shirts and gift bags from the Chesapeake Bay Trust.   

Contest inquiries can be directed to chesapeakebayrevival@gmail

Flash Forward!

Dear Reader,

I just have to share some of my great news with you!  I have completed the first four books in the Nautical Mile series. 

Salty Summer, Book 1
Fishy Fall, Book 2
Wild Winter, Book 3
Secret Spring, Book 4 

I am presently working on the 5th book, Dark Dawn.  I hope the series takes off.  I am very excited because the storyline is really getting good.  My boys and I talk about taking our little dream into deeper and deeper waters. 

I also want to share a little bit of news that had me all aglow, yesterday.  My boys had talked me into sending information to various producers.  Yep that's right ... the guys who make movies, and I actually got a call from Universal Studios!  I couldn't believe it!!!!!!!  Not to get too excited, they called to tell me that I had sent my proposal to the wrong department AND that they were forwarding it to the motion picture department.  So it was not a YES or a NO.  But it was definately hopeful, because of all the things they could have done - like mail it back to me or throw it away and never contact me, they called to tell me they were forwarding it to the right department.  I have my fingers crossed that one day, there will be a Nautical Mile movie. 

Blue Soul

Wind blow'n,
   Without me know'n,
      Where I'm going.

         Hear the quiet in the roar,
            Scoot'n away from shore.

               Put'n down the nautical miles,
                  In my sea of smiles.

                     Salty-sweet happy tears,
                        Sailing thru the years.

                           You can share it with me,
                               if you don't mind the sea.

Working Hard

These past few weeks have been down right BUSY!  I've been working with my publisher, Tate Publishing, to get my book completed and ready for distribution. 

I am also cooking up some ideas for classroom activities.  I want to share my love of reading, writing, and water conservation with children EVERYWHERE.  I'd sing it from a mountain top, but you'll just have to just check it out at the following sites:

adventuresofcalicojack.blogspot.com
captainblackbear.blogspot.com

Working in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Chesapeake Conservation Corp, I will be sponsoring a coloring contest.  Complete details to follow, so stay tuned!

Meet the Boys!

Salty Summer

The McCartney boys and their friends dive into the mysterious deep blue.  When the kids aren't racing their sailboats or fishing, they love hearing tall tales and ancient maritime myths. 

Is their grandfather really a pirate?  Are their really mermaids swimming beneath them?  Is there really such a thing as a salt water cat?

As the boys explore the area and listen to nautical legends, they learn that life might just be stranger than they think.  With all the thrill of a swift boat under full sail, Donna whisks young readers off on a series of adventures and introduces them to sailing, fishing, nautical legends and lore.  There's never a dull moment when an ocean full of wonders is waiting!

The days are long, the ocean is wide and it's guaranteed to be a Salty Summer.