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.