Character Interviews: Chrissy Matthias

Name: Chrissy Matthias. Well, Christiana, if you want to be exact.

Significant Other: None, but God's keeping me content.

What is your strongest belief? It's possible to be happy in just about any circumstance.

How do you like to spend your time? With people. I don't care what we're doing, but I have to be with people. (I don't think you understand. It isn't just that I want to be with them. I have to. Otherwise I go a little loopy. You don't want to see that.)

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Anywhere and everywhere possible. The moon! Think how exciting that would be!

What is your favorite food? I have to pick just one? Oh boy. Well, chicken lo mein is pretty spiffy.

Describe yourself in one word: Carefree. Not always, but it's my goal. Not because I don't think anything's worth concern, but because I know God's taking care of it on His own.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? Just about anything, really, but I'm partial to Christian contemporary. Jamie Grace is a favorite...if you've ever heard her song Hold Me and it didn't bring a smile to your face, there's something wrong with you. Sorry to be blunt, but it's how I feel.

Favorite color? Green! It's so bright and cheery and natural.

Do you like pets? I like other people's pets. They can be the cutest things ever. I wouldn't want my own. Once I have to start cleaning poop and pee, they lose several points off their adorable factor.

Jonathan...what do you think of him? You just get right to the point, don't you? He's a good friend, and I admire him. I look forward to getting to know him more. Sorry if that's not the answer you were hoping for.

How did you meet Mical? Our parents were at a party, and they stuck us in the same room with instructions to entertain each other. Haha!

Have you ever thought about becoming a teacher? When I was little, that was my dream job. I'm not sure why, but I've moved on since then. Do you think I'd be a good one?


Chrissy, Mical, and Jonathan can be found in the novel, Shrouded Jewels.

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Questions courtesy of Bonnie and Kateri. Thank you!

Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Grammar Day: Parentheses

Grammar is a tricky subject. With all the rules and exceptions, how can a person keep track? I can't answer that, but I can help with little pieces here and there.


Today's Topic: Parentheses


Ever since I learned how to use them, parentheses have had a special place in my grammar-loving heart. (Yes, I know I'm silly.)


Spelling: Parentheses refers to both (), while parenthesis refers to one (. Now you have some useless knowledge to share at your next party.


What's the point? Parentheses are used to separate additional information from the rest of a sentence or paragraph. I like to think of them as side-thoughts. They are connected to the topic, but not perfectly.

We went tubing (our boat sprung a leak) last week.

Punctuation: When the parentheses are part of the sentence, the period goes outside, no matter where the parentheses land.

I enjoyed the tour (mosquitoes and all).

When the parentheses are a separate sentence, the period goes inside.

She said she liked it okay. (Okay is her word for 'not at all'.)

It is almost always possible to avoid using parentheses. I use them in informal writing, but for many pieces I leave them out. This is, of course, personal preference.


I love to learn; let me know what I'm forgetting!

Have a grammatical question? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to learn the answer--and have your question featured in an upcoming Grammar Day post! I'm here to help and encourage in any way I can.

Visit my website to learn more about me, my books, and my proofreading services, or join the Rivershore Books Writing Forum for support from fellow authors.

Still want more? Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter!

Behind-the-Scenes: Book Formats

My brother refers to my novels as never-ending projects, because when I say, "I finished my book," that's not the end of the publishing journey. All that means is that the writing and editing portion is done.


What else is there? Formatting. Oh, and more formatting.


Both my novels (Shrouded Jewels and Forgotten Memories) are available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats. By the time I'm actually done with a novel, I have reformatted it five different times. Six, if you count both hardcover versions--but those are (thankfully) very similar to each other.


Paper Size and Margins


Before I put even one word on paper, I adjust Word's normal settings to fit my book. Since I start with paperback, I change the size of the pages to 5 x 8, and adjust the margins according to CreateSpace's guidelines (for mine, .75 inside and at least .25 outside, top, and bottom). 


For hardcover I use Lulu, but if you find a cheaper option, please let me know! My goal is always to offer my books at the lowest possible price. The typical trade size of hardcover is 6 x 9, so that requires adjusting the page sizes once more. (I wait until the paperback version is finished to begin this.)


Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords (which will make your book available in various ebook formats, including PDF for computer viewing) require regular formatting: 8.5 x 11. That is Word's default size, so you may find that selecting the entire document (ctrl+a) and copy/pasting (ctrl+c, ctrl+v) into a Notepad, then copy/pasting into a new Word will be simplest. This will strip all the formatting, so if you rely on italicizing as I do, changing the size in the current document is better.


Fonts and Sizes 


The fonts and sizes are personal preference. The following is what I use:


Content: 10 pt, Bookman Old Style
Chapter Titles: 20 pt, Garamond, italicized
Title: 45 pt, Garamond, italicized
Title page, 'by': 16 pt, Garamond
Title page, author name: 20 pt, Garamond, italicized
Thank Yous (cover models and photographer): 10 pt, Bookman Old Style, italicized
Copyright Information: 9 pt, Bookman Old Style
Acknowledgments & Dedication: 10 pt, Bookman Old Style
Page Numbers: 14 pt, Garamond
Headings: 14 pt, Garamond, italicized

If you're skipping print, as many authors do, the fonts and sizes in ebooks do not transfer. Ebook readers often give the reader the option to change the font, color, and size to fit their own preferences. Stick to 12 pt, Times New Roman or another system font to avoid complications.

Section Breaks


Regardless which format you use, section breaks are important. These start new pages, and can change the headings and page numbers from one page to the next. They are a complex subject, and this post is already long, but there are helpful guides available on CreateSpace, Smashwords, Kindle, and Nook.


Page Numbers and Headings


Ebook formats do not have page numbers or headings, since devices don't read based on page.


Special to Ebooks


Since ebook formats are clickable, you'll want to create a linked Table of Contents. There are handy instructions for how on Smashwords, Kindle, and Nook.


What Formats Are There?


I said above I reformat my novels six times.

1. Paperback (CreateSpace--which is connected to Amazon)
2. Hardcover, casewrap (Lulu)
3. Hardcover, dust-jacket (Lulu. The only difference between this and 2 is that the author bio goes on the dust jacket instead of in the last pages of the book.)
4. Kindle (CreateSpace has a helpful link for this once your book is in paperback, but you can also access it directly on Amazon.)
5. Nook (Barnes & Noble)
6. All other ebook formats (Smashwords)

My belief is that the more options I can give readers, the better, but it's up to you how you'd like to do it.


Yes, it's a lot. No, it isn't never-ending. I am happy to say I am done, really and truly, with both my novels. You can be, too.


Not sure where to start? Read about why I chose CreateSpace.


Formatting can be frustrating. I'm always here to answer questions. If you're at the point of giving up, I would be happy to format your book for a small fee. Visit Rivershore Books to learn more, or email me for a personalized quote.

Character Interviews: Joe Blake

Name: Joe Blake

Significant Other: Isn't it obvious? Ella's the girl for me.

What is your strongest belief? True change is possible, but requires time and patience.

How do you like to spend your time? Give me a good-sized kitchen and access to a pantry and fridge, and I'll be content for hours.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I'm rather enjoying the atmosphere in Backus. I think I'll stay here a while.

What is your favorite food? Uncle Bruce's milkshakes are unbeatable.

Describe yourself in one word: I try to be funny. Yes, I realize that's five words, but I never was a rule-follower.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? Jazz will never cease to make me smile.


Does the word glitter make you want to put it (glitter) on people? ...I'm going to say no. As tempting as that would be, I have a feeling there would be a lot of angry people on my trail.

If you got to travel back in time which time period would you pick? 0 B.C. Or whenever it was that Jesus was born.

Explain your answer to the above question about why you picked that time period. Can you imagine seeing Jesus grow up? I can't, either, but I'd like to.

Name one of your favorite authors. Mark Twain is a funny man.


Joe Blake and Ella Mitchell can be found in both Forgotten Memories and Shrouded Jewels. (Both novels are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Lulu.)

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Interview questions courtesy of Megan and Bonnie. Thank you!


Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Grammar Day: Commas in Lists

Grammar is a tricky subject. With all the rules and exceptions, how can a person keep track? I can't answer that, but I can help with little pieces here and there.


Today's Topic: Commas in Lists


Commas are a complex subject, so there will be a series of posts on them. Today's will be short.


When writing a list of three or more items, commas should separate each item. As a rule, I use the Oxford comma (a comma before the 'and') to avoid possible confusion. 

Red, transparent, and blue.  

NOT: Red, transparent and blue.

How could that be confusing? Consider the meaning of the following sentences.

I'm inspired by my parents, Anne Frank, and Einstein. 

I'm inspired by my parents, Anne Frank and Einstein.

In the first, it's clear the author is inspired by four separate people. In the second...are Anne Frank and Einstein her parents? Unlikely, but in a more realistic example (My parents, Bob, and Mary) the confusion could arise if the second comma is missing.


Final Note: Lists of two do not need commas.

Red and blue. 

NOT: Red, and blue.

I love to learn; let me know what I'm forgetting!

Have a grammatical question? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to learn the answer--and have your question featured in an upcoming Grammar Day post! I'm here to help and encourage in any way I can.

Visit my website to learn more about me, my books, and my proofreading services, or join the Rivershore Books Writing Forum for support from fellow authors.

Still want more? Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter!

Book Summary: Shrouded Jewels

Mical Benson’s father is guarded, so Davey Blake’s invitation to the Benson’s home is evidence of his good character. Still, Mical knows it is the perfect opportunity for him to work his way into their hearts before stealing her father’s great wealth.

In spite of her suspicions, Mical eventually falls into his 'trap'. As they move beyond mutual loathing, they learn that some things aren’t as obvious as they first appear. Everything is working in their favor, but when Davey’s past returns, all he has built up may be lost forever…

This modern retelling of the 1 Samuel 18 Bible story delves into the motivations and challenges Davey and Mical meet on their journey to trust and faith.

Shrouded Jewels is now available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats!

Ebook: ($4.99)

Shrouded Jewels on Kindle
Shrouded Jewels on Nook
Shrouded Jewels on Smashwords

Paperback: ($12.99)


Shrouded Jewels on Amazon
Shrouded Jewels in my CreateSpace store

Hardcover, casewrap: ($24.00)


Shrouded Jewels on Lulu

Hardcover, dust-jacket ($25.60)


Shrouded Jewels on Lulu

You are welcome to purchase paperback or hardcover editions by emailing me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com. I am honored to sign any copies purchased directly from me!

Character Interviews: Jonathan Benson

Name: Jonathan Benson

Significant Other: I know who I would like it to be. No, I'm not going to tell you. She might be reading this!

What is your strongest belief? There's some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for. (I admit, I stole that from Samwise.)

How do you like to spend your time? I don't really have a preference, as long as I'm with people who mutually care.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Backus, just because I like what Davey's told me about it.

What is your favorite food? Macaroni and cheese. You just can't beat cheesy noodles.

Describe yourself in one word: Flexible.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? Irish is pretty cool.


Do you think that you should have your own TV show on re-designing rooms? Haha, I don't know that I should, but I definitely would enjoy it.

If you answered yes to the above question, what would you call it? Room Designs by JB? I'm no good at naming things. 

Do you like the idea of dragons being real? That would be so cool!

What is your least favorite food? Orangutans. Can you imagine trying to eat one of those? Gross.

Describe your relationship with Mical: Complicated. Does that count as an answer? She's a caring big sis, and I love her and am grateful for everything. She thinks I'm still fifteen. Not really, but she acts like it sometimes.

Do you think Davey is good? Of course. I don't know how anyone could think otherwise.

Are you in college? Yes, I'm studying electrical engineering, and am a year away from graduation.


Jonathan Benson (and Davey Blake) can be found in the novel Shrouded Jewels (soon to be available on Amazon, Lulu, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords). Davey Blake can also be seen in Forgotten Memories.

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Interview questions courtesy of Bonnie and Kateri. Thank you!


Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or visit the Rivershore Books writing forum to give your input!

Are you an author in need of support? Visit Rivershore Books to learn about proofreading, editing, and publishing options, or email me with any questions. I'm here to help.

Writing: The Inconvenience of a Passion

Today we have a guest blogger. I would like to introduce you all to a friend and fellow author, Gina Marinello-Sweeney.

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            2:30 AM. 

            I rubbed my eyes.  Not now.  It is time to sleep.  But Inspiration tapped on my shoulder like a persistent two-year old, refusing to be ignored. 

            Oh well.  Giving into your child's every whim is bad parenting.  I may not be a parent yet, but I'm an elementary school teacher.  I know better.

            Inspiration threw a fit.

            Definitely not the time to give in.

            With a sigh that was quickly turning into quiet acceptance and a slowly-forming smile, I pushed aside the covers of my bed and moved towards the nearest pen . . .


            Inspiration tends to come at the most inconvenient times.  It is more likely that the idea for a story or the line of a poem will materialize at 2:30 AM as I lie awake at night than during the afternoon of a rather uneventful day.  Although it may be bothersome to get up when clear physical signals indicate that it is time for sleep, some of my best work can admittedly occur at such times as these.

            Even so, I may not completely trust myself at that hour.  I would prefer to look at my nightly ponderings the next day, to determine whether or not my work really was as good as it had seemed at the time.  Re-writing and re-writing is often important.  Yet the first spark of an idea may carry more weight than any re-write or revision. 

            The first moment must be right for it to work. 

            I have found that writing does not come as easily when beckoned.  The worst action that an individual may take is to force himself to write.  Trying, thinking, too hard is not always ideal . . . especially with creative writing.  I once advised my best friend, a fellow writer, “You can’t force it to do anything . . . or it’s gonna laugh in your face,” that, “by thinking too hard, maybe the inspiration slips out of your brain”.  As odd as that may sound, I find it to be true . . . from personal experience.  In those moments where the right word doesn’t seem to materialize or a full blown “writer’s block” occurs, I feel that it is best to take a step back.  This step does not necessarily involve leaving the writing process entirely, but entering another dimension of it.  The imagination can often be stirred by something that may closely resemble meditation . . . a time to think without thinking. 

            Once upon a time, a rather sleep-deprived college student happened to look up at the sky . . . and found herself completely mesmerized by the deep beauty, the profound truth, it held.  While she gazed at this curious, not-so-anomalous anomaly present every day of her life---yet, perhaps, rarely seen in its true quality---an inner peace formed in her heart.  When she later arrived at the library, feeling as if her four hours of sleep had magically duplicated, pen found its owner, and she wrote like she had never written before. 

            Perhaps this is because writing comes from deep within you.  Even with the unknown worlds of fantasy, my favorite genre, the world must not be foreign to you.  They signify what is important to you, what you are, whether you intend them to or not.  And what occurs before you write may often be just as important as what happens while you are writing.  For, perhaps, a sketch of it has already been written somewhere, in the depths of your mind, before you pick up that pen or use the keyboard. 

This ‘think, but also think without thinking’ theory of mine applies more to creative writing than essays and research papers.  Yet it may prove useful to a degree with formal papers.

Some of you may be students.  With school deadlines, it is often necessary to write at a given time.  Yet, even then, I find that it is best to move beyond yourself and the material world in which you live to produce the most genuine writing.  Effective writing is important, but genuine writing makes it yours. 


            Making it yours.

            I have noticed that I often tend to daydream when listening to music; it may call upon my imagination.  Like the "meditational" process described earlier, music may prove inspirational prior to writing and, at times, during the writing process.  For example, one day I was working on a scene from a story that involved a musical composition.  I found that the story of the piano music to which I listened made the story within my story, that of my character’s composition, more real.  Yet I generally prefer quiet while I’m writing . . . to think or, as it may be, to simply immerse myself in the process without thinking too hard. 

The reader might argue that all of this philosophical stuff is fine and good, but that there are still some simple answers to the writing process . . . like the physical action of actually typing, the use of a tool in order to write.  Straightforward and simple, right? 

            Not so.  There's still no simple answer, and the matter is no less mysterious.

            Sometimes I find it best to express myself by typing.  However, with the novel that I recently completed, I often found myself drawn to the more old fashioned way.  In the beginning and final stages, I wrote much of it on Microsoft Word.  Yet, "in the middle",  for some reason, my thoughts seemed to flow more naturally from the pen than the keyboard.  To contradict any possible pattern, the first rough draft of the first chapter, as well as the last, were also penned . . . with a pen. 

            Illogical and archaic, you say!  Indeed, cross-outs can result in a “mess,” but not all “messes” are unfortunate.  Outlines can, at times, prove useful in organizing one’s thoughts.  However, in most instances, I delve right into the writing, unsure as to where it may lead, . . . but that uncertainty makes it all the more fascinating.  Later, when I type up what I have written in my notebook, revisions that I had not foreseen often seem to “jump out” at me as if they had always been there. 

            The truth is . . . there are no rules to writing.  And what is true for me may not be true for you, and vice versa.

            As it is, this was written primarily in a word-processing document, not in a notebook.  However, I randomly decided to print it up . . . and covered it with a delightful mess.  Perhaps there is a ‘method to this madness’.  But, to me, it is a random array of glory, a moment of spontaneity.  This is the inconvenience of a passion, or, better said, The Passion, which I would never choose to relinquish.

            So, do you say yes to 2:30 AM?  You tell me . . .

            Oh, and, yeah, I was that sleep-deprived college student.

- Gina Marinello-Sweeney, around 2:30 AM

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Gina Marinello-Sweeney is a novelist and writer of short stories. As she awaits the publication of her first novel, she is at work on the sequel, as well as the first book in a fantasy series. She is also an avid poet in both the English and Spanish languages. In 2009, she was asked to present some of her Spanish poetry at an international literature conference in Costa Rica. Although unable to attend this event, a presentation of these poems was well received at a local university's Festival of Scholars that same year. Graduating summa cum laude, Gina completed a degree in liberal studies, an elementary school teaching credential, and a minor in Spanish. In her spare time, Gina enjoys producing videos, going to the beach, reading, and traveling.

Character Interviews: Davey Blake

Name: Davey Blake

Significant Other: Still waiting on that one.

What is your strongest belief? God heals all.

How do you like to spend your time? With people... I really don't care what we're doing, as long as we're together.

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Germany, and Ireland, and Japan, and South America, and Israel, and... I love to travel.

What is your favorite food? Caramel rolls, when my dad makes them. I don't make them quite as well as he does.

Describe yourself in one word: Oblivious.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? Acappella singing melts my heart.

Do you like glitter? Interesting question. I wouldn't say I like it. That stuff tends to get everywhere--and then people ask why you sparkle, and it's just awkward.

Why did you take Mical with you to the vault? Honestly, I thought she was joking when she acted like she didn't know about it. By the time I realized she was serious, I kind of got caught up in proving her wrong. I'm embarrassed, now.

What was your first impression of Mira? She is so kind. I don't remember having a first impression, though, except that she seemed quiet. I knew I wanted to get her talking somehow. 

Do you think that Jonathan needs to re-do your room for you? No...I think he needs to re-do my entire house! That boy is brilliant.

How's Backus these days? Same as ever, so I hear. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Davey Blake and Mical Benson can be found in the novel, Forgotten Memories. They are also the main characters of the nearly released Shrouded Jewels! (Watch for SJ on Amazon later this week!)

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Interview questions courtesy of Kateri and Bonnie. Thank you!


Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or join the writing forum to give your input!


Need something edited? Learn about my proofreading and editing business, Rivershore Books.

Grammar Day: Single Quotation Marks

Grammar is a tricky subject. With all the rules and exceptions, how can a person keep track? I can't answer that, but I can help with little pieces here and there.

Today's Topic: Single Quotation Marks

Not to be confused with an apostrophe (which will have its own post in the future), this punctuation mark is used when quoting within a quote.

Where does the period go? If an entire sentence is being quoted, the period goes within the single quotation marks. There is no space between the single and double quotation marks at the end.

"She said, 'We enjoyed learning grammar.'"

When only a word or part of a sentence is within the single quotation marks, the period belongs outside. The period separates the single and double quotation marks at the end.

"He said he was 'confused' but that 'it was okay'."

This rule applies to any ending punctuation mark.

Are there exceptions to when these can be used? Yes. Single quotations can emphasize a word, or denote a title or subtitle. In cases like these, the ending punctuation lands after the single quotation mark.

She wasn't 'thrilled', it seemed, with the choices.

He had just finished reading 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

Keep in mind that many authors (and readers) prefer italics over single quotation marks, in these instances.

I love to learn; let me know what I'm forgetting!

Have a grammatical question? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to learn the answer--and have your question featured in an upcoming Grammar Day post! I'm here to help and encourage in any way I can.

Visit my website to learn more about me, my books, and my proofreading services, or join the Rivershore Books Writing Forum for support from fellow authors.

Still want more? Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter!

Book Summary: Forgotten Memories

Ella became a goal-driven woman before it was fashionable, or even acceptable. In spite of her mother's constant admonitions, Ella rejects the expectations put upon the “young ladies” of the 1950s. Her life will be decided only by her own choices, and she knows exactly what choices to make. She has a job she enjoys and a man she knows she will marry…just as soon as he realizes that as well. Most importantly, she nearly has the resources and certainly the desire to leave the too-small town of Backus, MN, forever.

But all that she has mentally built for her life comes to a swift end when a handsome but off-putting stranger arrives, and stubbornly refuses to leave. Joe starts working her job in The Diner, gains the respect of the town, and challenges all she once believed—and does it with such grace and charm that she almost can't despise him for it.

Fifty years later, Backus hasn't changed much. The Diner remains, the town newspaper, the Backus Blab, continues to live up to its name, and there are still certain people in the town who are wary of strangers. Jane hopes to fit in, but her bustling world in the Twin Cities was far from sufficient preparation for life in this seemingly quiet town.

The talkative Rosie quickly introduces Jane to Backus, creates a position for her on the teen-run newspaper, and enjoys the willing listener she finds in Jane's soft-spoken nature. Still, life in Backus is not as uneventful as it seems, and as Jane begins researching the town's silenced past, she discovers that love, mysteries, and faith cross generations.

Forgotten Memories can be found on Amazon, at my CreateSpace store, or by emailing me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com. I am honored to sign any copies purchased directly from me!

Character Interviews: Mical Benson

Name: Mical Benson


Significant Other: No one, thank you very much.


What is your strongest belief? There has never been a reason for me to believe in something. Everything and everyone has failed me, so why would I?


How do you like to spend your time? Reading, because it lets me forget...things.


If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Anywhere my father couldn't follow.


What is your favorite food? A cheeseburger--when it's cooked correctly.

Describe yourself in one word: Broken.

What type of music could you listen to for hours? Classical piano.

Why do you hate Davey so much? It's not hatred, it's facing facts. I don't trust him, and I would be stupid if I did.

Do you like unicorns? They're not real, therefore I do not like or dislike them.

What does the word, "sullen" mean to you? I don't appreciate the implication in that question.

How long do you want your hair to be? It's fine as it is--shoulder length.

Do you think that you are too good for Davey? Obviously.


Mical Benson and Davey Blake can be found in the novel, Forgotten Memories. Their story is explored further in the novel, Shrouded Jewels--watch for it on Amazon within the next week!

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Interview questions courtesy of Kateri and Bonnie. Thank you!
Want a question answered in a future interview? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com or join the writing forum to give your input!

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Need something edited? Learn about my proofreading and editing business, Rivershore Books.