I am pleased to announce the publication of a unique math book written by John Carlin: Don't be Baffled at Binomail Blvd. & Algebra Ave.! It is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lulu, and Smashwords, starting at $9.99 (ebook).
Amazon (Kindle and Paperback)
Barnes & Noble (Nook)
Lulu (Hardcover)
Smashwords (Other ebook formats)
I edited and Rivershore Books published this book.
Would you like to see your book in print? Contact me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to talk about your project, or visit www.rivershorebooks.com to see your options.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Character Interviews: Linda Johnson
Name: Linda (Leelee) Johnson
Significant Other: Frank stole my heart pretty quickly. So I married him. I'd say he's pretty significant.
What is your strongest belief? There is good in all people...some just like to hide it.
How do you like to spend your time? Playing basketball in the park is probably the most fun I could imagine.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I have some friends who moved to Wisconsin. I'd love to see them again.
What is your favorite food? Anything from The Diner.
Describe yourself in one word: Joyful.
What type of music could you listen to for hours? Classical piano. It relaxes me.
Do you have a favorite flower? I was never all that interested in flowers, except to say, "Oh, that's pretty." So, I probably do, but I couldn't tell you the name of it.
What prompted you to play basketball? Dad used to play it with Ella and me. I loved it; she didn't.
Do you enjoy talking to Joe? Yeah. He's funny!
What is one of your favorite things to do? You're going to get sick of this word, but...basketball. Swing dancing can be fun, too. It depends on your partner.
Do you enjoy going to the Friday night galas? Usually, yes. There are a lot of good memories there.
What do you like about The Diner? Besides the food? The atmosphere is peaceful and energizing at the same time...and the people truly care.
Linda (Leelee), Frank, Ella, and Joe can be found in the novel, Forgotten Memories.
Questions courtesy of Kateri 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.
Significant Other: Frank stole my heart pretty quickly. So I married him. I'd say he's pretty significant.
What is your strongest belief? There is good in all people...some just like to hide it.
How do you like to spend your time? Playing basketball in the park is probably the most fun I could imagine.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? I have some friends who moved to Wisconsin. I'd love to see them again.
What is your favorite food? Anything from The Diner.
Describe yourself in one word: Joyful.
What type of music could you listen to for hours? Classical piano. It relaxes me.
Do you have a favorite flower? I was never all that interested in flowers, except to say, "Oh, that's pretty." So, I probably do, but I couldn't tell you the name of it.
What prompted you to play basketball? Dad used to play it with Ella and me. I loved it; she didn't.
Do you enjoy talking to Joe? Yeah. He's funny!
What is one of your favorite things to do? You're going to get sick of this word, but...basketball. Swing dancing can be fun, too. It depends on your partner.
Do you enjoy going to the Friday night galas? Usually, yes. There are a lot of good memories there.
What do you like about The Diner? Besides the food? The atmosphere is peaceful and energizing at the same time...and the people truly care.
Linda (Leelee), Frank, Ella, and Joe can be found in the novel, Forgotten Memories.
Questions courtesy of Kateri 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.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Grammar Day: Dialogue Tags
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: Dialogue Tags
If you've read any of my stories, you know I enjoy using dialogue. Formatting aside, my first drafts tend to look more like scripts than novels. (I've tried writing scripts, though, and couldn't do it--or simply wasn't motivated to. Go figure.)
Spelling: Both dialogue and dialog are accepted (that is, they're both in the dictionary), but dialogue is more widely used in North America. Since I'm in North America too, that's what I use.
What's the point? Dialogue tags help the reader keep track of who the speaker is. Imagine a book where none of the dialogue had tags. While each character ideally has their own way of talking, that would still be a confusing read!
Today's Topic: Dialogue Tags
If you've read any of my stories, you know I enjoy using dialogue. Formatting aside, my first drafts tend to look more like scripts than novels. (I've tried writing scripts, though, and couldn't do it--or simply wasn't motivated to. Go figure.)
Spelling: Both dialogue and dialog are accepted (that is, they're both in the dictionary), but dialogue is more widely used in North America. Since I'm in North America too, that's what I use.
What's the point? Dialogue tags help the reader keep track of who the speaker is. Imagine a book where none of the dialogue had tags. While each character ideally has their own way of talking, that would still be a confusing read!
Punctuation: The punctuation of a dialogue tag depends on where it lands.
In the middle of a sentence, the tag is enclosed with commas.
"She really enjoyed it," Jane said, "but thought the roller coasters were scary."When the tag comes at the end of a sentence, whether or not it ends that character's section of dialogue, it is preceded by a comma, but finished with a period.
"I saw that before," Frank said. "It was okay."
"That is one thing I don't miss," she said.Capitalization: If you're continuing a sentence after the dialogue tag (as in the first example), the next word of dialogue is not capitalized. Also, if the dialogue tag is 'he' or 'she' instead of a name, it is also not capitalized.
Any Exceptions? Sometimes you'll want to end a dialogue with something besides a comma (which is equal to a period). Go ahead and do this. Sparingly. (Notice the capitalization is the same.)
"I heard that!" she said.
"Did you know about this?" he asked.
You can also use action in place of a dialogue tag. This lets the reader know who is talking, while giving a clearer picture of the scene. In this case, the dialogue ends with a period and the action begins a new sentence.
"They told me you weren't coming." She turned a page of her book in disinterest.
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!
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!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Guest Blogger: Poetry
Today we have a guest blogger. I would like to introduce you all to a friend and talented poet, Cateri S.
Poetry
I'm a poet. When I look about the world, the smallest thing can set off a twenty verse poem, that's not a lie, and I know it.
The way it captures the beauty, with imagery and analogies. Like comparing the petals of a flower
To the rain of an April shower.
A charm is there that isn't found
in regular prose
but in poems it abounds.
By this time you may have noticed that this whole post has been rhyming.
And that is the on purpose, not just a glitch of timing. ;)
I could think of no better way,
to talk about poetry,
than in this rhyming play.
But, to be a poem, it doesn't have to rhyme.
Just look at the next poem, I call it Lies:
This, it has no word play.
But it's a poem, all the same.
More modern, yes that's true.
Powerful, and leaves an impression on me and you.
This is where analogies would come along.
See them used in poems, prose, and song.
Little ways of helping the image form in a mind.
Without them, we would be in such a bind.
Another form of Poetry,
which is the most fun one for me,
It's called a Limerick, you see.
Limericks often bring about
a smile that no one can put out.
Here is one I wrote today
About this site where this post shall lay:
As you can clearly tell,
limericks are so very swell!
Now a bit about the plan
That writing poems takes in hand.
Some people take hours
Or days to compose
A little poem or a line of prose.
Some will plan out each rhyme
And go about, just one line at a time.
Others race right through it all
And then re-write it until next fall.
I, on the odd side of things,
Race right through quite happily.
Rarely will I go back and re-do
A poem I have written, that's very true.
I prefer to let the rhymes
Form as the previous leaves my mind.
Then the poem is done in a flash,
And hardly will the verses clash.
That is how I write my poems,
But there's a different formula for prose
(Which I shan't delve into today)
Than writing a poem about a rose.
Before I take my leave and go
There is one more form to show.
Poems can tell stories and tales
About a life, or even about whales.
Take a look at this example.
The lines of story should be ample.
Forgive the length, it was needed
for the story to be completed.
And now to finish off this post,
I'll tell a little more
About why I love writing poetry most,
And don't worry, it shan't be a bore.
To me it's a means of expressing my feelings
In a way that is fairly appealing.
The way the words and imagery
Come together so wonderfully,
It's a marvel.
At least, a marvel to me.
Whether it's a tale of woe,
a lighthearted limerick, or
about some cookie dough,
I hope you enjoyed my whimsical way
Of talking about poems in rhyme.
It was fun the whole time
And I'll do it again, any day.
So, thank you for reading.
And that's my final say.
-Cateri S.
[all poems and quotes referenced are my own]
Cateri S. is currently a 10th grader and an avid poet. She began writing about a year and a half ago, as the result of a writing assignment for school. She aspires to become a published author at some point in her life. As of now, she is focusing on her poetry, intending to write a poem a day during the school year. In her free time, she enjoys: writing, reading, playing piano, cooking, spending time with family, staying active in the pro-life movement, and learning about her Catholic faith.
Poetry
"From beginning to end
There is a time
When everything I say
Shall come out in rhyme"
I'm a poet. When I look about the world, the smallest thing can set off a twenty verse poem, that's not a lie, and I know it.
The way it captures the beauty, with imagery and analogies. Like comparing the petals of a flower
To the rain of an April shower.
A charm is there that isn't found
in regular prose
but in poems it abounds.
By this time you may have noticed that this whole post has been rhyming.
And that is the on purpose, not just a glitch of timing. ;)
I could think of no better way,
to talk about poetry,
than in this rhyming play.
But, to be a poem, it doesn't have to rhyme.
Just look at the next poem, I call it Lies:
A single crack in the glass
Growing slow and steady
Spreading through and weakening
from the outside in.
Until it becomes too much and shatters there before us.
Sweeping the pieces,
the broken thoughts.
Each piece falls through the fine sieve of truth
A single lie, exposed.
This, it has no word play.
But it's a poem, all the same.
More modern, yes that's true.
Powerful, and leaves an impression on me and you.
This is where analogies would come along.
See them used in poems, prose, and song.
Little ways of helping the image form in a mind.
Without them, we would be in such a bind.
Another form of Poetry,
which is the most fun one for me,
It's called a Limerick, you see.
Limericks often bring about
a smile that no one can put out.
Here is one I wrote today
About this site where this post shall lay:
There once was a blog online
That was so very fine
The interviews sweet
and posts so neat
The author is, simply, sublime!
As you can clearly tell,
limericks are so very swell!
Now a bit about the plan
That writing poems takes in hand.
Some people take hours
Or days to compose
A little poem or a line of prose.
Some will plan out each rhyme
And go about, just one line at a time.
Others race right through it all
And then re-write it until next fall.
I, on the odd side of things,
Race right through quite happily.
Rarely will I go back and re-do
A poem I have written, that's very true.
I prefer to let the rhymes
Form as the previous leaves my mind.
Then the poem is done in a flash,
And hardly will the verses clash.
That is how I write my poems,
But there's a different formula for prose
(Which I shan't delve into today)
Than writing a poem about a rose.
Before I take my leave and go
There is one more form to show.
Poems can tell stories and tales
About a life, or even about whales.
Take a look at this example.
The lines of story should be ample.
Forgive the length, it was needed
for the story to be completed.
Dear Baby
Hi my little baby, Mommy here
Today I got the best news of the year
That you are growing inside of me
I wonder what daddy will think, let's go see
Dear Baby, today you are two weeks old
Not very big yet, but that's foretold
Daddy says to tell you hi!
He's at work now, and I'm baking him a pie
Dear Baby, I heard the most precious sound
Your heart beating, nice and loud!
The doctors say you are doing great
You are so sweet, there's no debate
Dear Baby, now you've reached 8 weeks!
You're as big as my thumb, yet still pretty meek
Daddy and I saw you, too
The pictures are amazing, it's true
Dear Baby, we're picking out names!
Our friends and we agree, it's a fun game
So far the list is long
But we've nixed the name, "Ping-Pong"
Dear Baby, today it is Dad!
Mom and I are oh so glad
We saw your hands, and your tiny feet
I'll admit I cried, it was so sweet
Dear Baby, it's Mother and Father
We've decided you'll never be a bother
You are getting to be so big!
Mom and Dad almost danced a jig
Dear Baby, at 16 weeks old
You're moving around, are you being bold?
Today we painted your soon-to-be room
And Granny's making you a blanket, on her loom
Dear Baby, it's Daddy here
Mommy fell asleep, but no need to fear
Every night we'll sing you a song
Maybe one day you will sing along
Dear Baby, it's Mommy's night
I love you so much, and that's what's right
Daddy and I are waiting for the day
When we can all go to a park and play
Dear Baby, both of us now
You're getting closer every day now
We went to a baby shower
People gave us stuff like clothes and baby powder
Dear Baby, it's been 24 weeks!
Your room is almost ready, just a few more tweaks
We love you so very much, our little dear
We can't wait until you are here
Dear Baby, it's time to celebrate!
You came into this world at 2:58
Our little girl, so small and kind
We named you Rose Madeline! (Mad-a-line)
Dear Rose, tonight we brought you home
Our world is complete, we never want to roam
You are perfect and we are enjoying every minute of every day
Tonight we'll sit together and pray
And now to finish off this post,
I'll tell a little more
About why I love writing poetry most,
And don't worry, it shan't be a bore.
To me it's a means of expressing my feelings
In a way that is fairly appealing.
The way the words and imagery
Come together so wonderfully,
It's a marvel.
At least, a marvel to me.
Whether it's a tale of woe,
a lighthearted limerick, or
about some cookie dough,
I hope you enjoyed my whimsical way
Of talking about poems in rhyme.
It was fun the whole time
And I'll do it again, any day.
So, thank you for reading.
And that's my final say.
-Cateri S.
[all poems and quotes referenced are my own]
Cateri S. is currently a 10th grader and an avid poet. She began writing about a year and a half ago, as the result of a writing assignment for school. She aspires to become a published author at some point in her life. As of now, she is focusing on her poetry, intending to write a poem a day during the school year. In her free time, she enjoys: writing, reading, playing piano, cooking, spending time with family, staying active in the pro-life movement, and learning about her Catholic faith.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Character Interviews: Rosie Tyler
Name: Rosie Knudson
Significant Other: Do I look like I have time for a guy?
What is your strongest belief? Life should be fun! And meaningful. But mostly fun.
How do you like to spend your time? Doing things with Bevin and Jane. And Katty. And Aiden's a cutie. And...oh, just everyone.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Oklahoma. I know that sounds random... but I've heard good things about that place. I'd like to see if they're true.
What is your favorite food? Turkey...stuffing...pumpkin pie... let's just say Thanksgiving food. We should have Thanksgiving all year round. For more than just the food...but the food's a great perk!
Describe yourself in one word: Thilly. (Not silly, mind you. Thilly is sillier than silly!)
What type of music could you listen to for hours? I don't know if I could listen to anything for hours. I'd go a little bonkers. Okay. A little more bonkers.
Do you have a favorite author? You expect me to pick just one? Ha! Oh, fine. C.S. Lewis is pretty great.
What is your strongest belief? Life should be fun! And meaningful. But mostly fun.
How do you like to spend your time? Doing things with Bevin and Jane. And Katty. And Aiden's a cutie. And...oh, just everyone.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go? Oklahoma. I know that sounds random... but I've heard good things about that place. I'd like to see if they're true.
What is your favorite food? Turkey...stuffing...pumpkin pie... let's just say Thanksgiving food. We should have Thanksgiving all year round. For more than just the food...but the food's a great perk!
Describe yourself in one word: Thilly. (Not silly, mind you. Thilly is sillier than silly!)
What type of music could you listen to for hours? I don't know if I could listen to anything for hours. I'd go a little bonkers. Okay. A little more bonkers.
Do you have a favorite author? You expect me to pick just one? Ha! Oh, fine. C.S. Lewis is pretty great.
What instruments do you play? Piano, sort of. When I sit down and do it. Bevin is much better at it because he actually practices.
If you could speak any language, what would it be? Swedish. Then I'd be able to talk to my relatives in Sweden without making them speak English.
Do you enjoy writing for the Backus Blab? Yes, I love it! Silly question, though. Why would I do it if I didn't enjoy it?
What is your favorite memory? A couple years ago, Bevin (my twin) gave me time for my birthday. He gave me a watch, but more importantly he set aside and entire week and told me I could drag him around and he'd do whatever I asked. It was glorious.
Rosie, Bevin, and Jane can be found in both Forgotten Memories (available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Lulu) and Sanisfreeda (FREE on Smashwords).
Interview questions courtesy of Bonnie and Megan. 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.
Rosie, Bevin, and Jane can be found in both Forgotten Memories (available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Lulu) and Sanisfreeda (FREE on Smashwords).
Interview questions courtesy of Bonnie and Megan. 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.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Grammar Day: You're vs. Your
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: You're vs. Your
These mean two very different things, but I can see how it would be easy to mix them. I do it myself sometimes. When I'm writing quickly. And tired. (It's an easy typo to make.)
Your: This is possessive. The item in question belongs to you, not to me, my aunt, or a friend's grandma.
Today's Topic: You're vs. Your
These mean two very different things, but I can see how it would be easy to mix them. I do it myself sometimes. When I'm writing quickly. And tired. (It's an easy typo to make.)
Your: This is possessive. The item in question belongs to you, not to me, my aunt, or a friend's grandma.
Your piece of pizza.
I think I saw your sister at the store.You're: This literally means 'you are'. It usually refers to an action or state of being.
You're funny.
I know you're still eating, but I'm going to paint you anyway.
Final Note: If you find yourself wondering which to use, replace it with 'you are'. If it still makes sense, use 'you're'. If it doesn't, use 'your'. If neither make sense...you've got the wrong word.
She saidyou'reyour cat was dancing. (You are cat? Nah...)
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Book Excerpt: Shrouded Jewels
Shrouded Jewels is available on Amazon, Lulu, the Nook, and Kindle.
“Who are we spying on today?” Mical Benson asked, dropping to her knees on the floor beside her sister. They peered through the blinds of the massive dining room window.
Mira shrugged. “I’ve never seen him before.”
The dark-haired stranger walked up the long driveway to their front door. He was beyond out of place, as he stood next to their manicured lawn and perfectly trimmed bushes. His hair probably hadn’t seen a brush that morning, and his clothes—jeans and a button-up plaid shirt—were more appropriate for a day on a farm than a business meeting with their father.
“Watch,” Mical said. “Dad will shoo him away. I wonder how he got through the front gate.”
Mira didn’t respond.
“Maybe Eduardo left it open.”
“Oh, I hope not,” Mira said, with sudden concern for the security manager’s welfare.
“This being your first offense,” Mical said, lowering her voice in a comical rendition of her father, “I won’t kill you. Cross me again…” She let the words linger.
Mira shook her head. “Don’t joke, Mical.”
Mical returned her gaze to the approaching young man. “Why is he here?” She watched his stride with a touch of—she didn’t know what. “You’ve at least got to admire his audacity.”
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“Who are we spying on today?” Mical Benson asked, dropping to her knees on the floor beside her sister. They peered through the blinds of the massive dining room window.
Mira shrugged. “I’ve never seen him before.”
The dark-haired stranger walked up the long driveway to their front door. He was beyond out of place, as he stood next to their manicured lawn and perfectly trimmed bushes. His hair probably hadn’t seen a brush that morning, and his clothes—jeans and a button-up plaid shirt—were more appropriate for a day on a farm than a business meeting with their father.
“Watch,” Mical said. “Dad will shoo him away. I wonder how he got through the front gate.”
Mira didn’t respond.
“Maybe Eduardo left it open.”
“Oh, I hope not,” Mira said, with sudden concern for the security manager’s welfare.
“This being your first offense,” Mical said, lowering her voice in a comical rendition of her father, “I won’t kill you. Cross me again…” She let the words linger.
Mira shook her head. “Don’t joke, Mical.”
Mical returned her gaze to the approaching young man. “Why is he here?” She watched his stride with a touch of—she didn’t know what. “You’ve at least got to admire his audacity.”
Still want more? Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter!
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