|
Tuesday, March 16, 2021
FREE Memoir for Animal Lovers for St. Patrick's Day AND the Day After - Tails and Purrs for the Heart and Soul
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
My Favorite Creative Writing Books - by Lorilyn Roberts
From time to time, people
ask me what my favorite books are to learn how to write. Of course, it depends
on what kind of story you want to tell. There are hundreds of creative writing books penned by
excellent authors, and some of those books may be better than the ones I’m
going to recommend here.
That said, every author has
his or her favorites.
Most of these I’m listing are
books I read when I earned my Master’s Degree in Creative Writing. Considering
how many awards I’ve won, I believe they've helped me and would also help others.
If you have any favorites,
please add them in the comments section below, and I can do an addendum later.
First, I want to add a few insights
on writing (I can’t help myself).
1. Good writing is
rewriting.
2. No matter how many
books you write, writing is hard. You might learn a few things to improve your
craft along the way, but it takes persistence. Don’t give up. Just keep working
at it. Those paragraphs eventually turn into chapters, and those chapters
eventually turn into a book.
3. After writing your
first draft, that’s when the real work begins—editing. I’ve heard many
newbies say they hate editing. Learn to love editing. You will edit many more
hours than writing your first draft.
4. If you are writing
to make a lot of money, you might be disappointed. If you are writing because
you can’t help but write, you are a writer.
5. Read a lot, and
those books that stick with you forever, ask why. Writing is more than just a
mental activity. Writing involves the heart, the emotions, the senses, and the
intellect. Think about what made those books special—and there is no right or
wrong answer. Books are a work of art.
6. Be willing to take
constructive suggestions. In the end, it’s up to you what you do with that
“criticism.” Don’t be defensive. Just say “thank you” and move on.
7. If you write something that changes the world or improves people’s lives, relationships, or perspective, thank God He used you to make the world a better place, and give Him the glory.
Here goes my list of books in no particular order linked to Amazon:
Writing to Change the World, by Mary Pipher
The Elements of Style, By William Strunk, Jr., and E.B. White
How to Write Killer Fiction, by Carolyn Wheat
Writing for Story by Jon Franklin
On Moral Fiction by John Gardner
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
Scene & Structure by Jack M. Bickham (important for fiction)
If you are interested in writing a memoir, here is a link to an award-winning article I wrote:
"Writing a Memoir in Twelve Easy Steps"
I would also recommend you find a writer's group in your area and start attending. I lead the local Word Weavers International in Gainesville, Florida, so if you live near me, you are welcome to join us. There are also many other chapters across the United States as well as some online critique groups. Click on this link to learn more.
If you have any specific writing questions, post them in the comments below and I will reply as time permits.
If you would like to check out my latest book, Tails and Purrs for the Heart and Soul, click here.
In the meantime, happy writing!
Monday, February 1, 2021
Author Phyllis Sather's Book Review of Tails and Purrs for the Heart and Soul Written by Lorilyn Roberts
Reviewed by Phyllis Sather
If you enjoy animals, you need to read Tails and Purrs.
It's perfect for reading
around the fireplace on a cool evening. Wrap in a warm blanket and just enjoy
yourself.
I am so glad I read this
book. It’s a delightful way to get to know the author a bit. Instead of
somewhat boring details, she gives us peeks into her life by introducing us to
her pets. I’ve only had a couple of pets, but I could certainly relate to some of
her stories.
She brings herself and her
pets to life as she tells about their relationship. She’s very open about her
losses and attempts not to love another pet, but as is so often the case, when
you see the right animal your heart just won’t let you hold back your feelings.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Win a Subscription to AUDIBLE + BonusPaperbacks!
Win a Subscription to AUDIBLE + BonusPaperbacks!
CLICK HERE
(2) Winners of Three-Month Audible Subscriptions
Plus various audio and paperback book winners (randomly selected) (randomly selected)
LORILYN ROBERTS HAS SOME FREE BOOKS IN THE FAIR SO DON'T MISS OUT. CLICK HERE FOR A STRAIGHT LINK TO THE FAIR AND ADDITIONAL FREE AND 99¢ BOOKS.
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Book Review by Award-Winning Author Lorilyn Roberts of Lisa J. Lickel's New Medical/Romance Thriller "UnderCut"
UnderCut by Lisa J. Lickel may be her best novel yet. The story begins with a couple who are engaged amid a backdrop of family dysfunction, emotional entanglements, medical intrigue, and dark forces out for revenge. The narrative builds into an engrossing plotline that is driven forward with authentic, engaging characters caught in the crossfire of evil.
The medical thriller never lags, and many themes dealing with complex and relevant issues concerning racial relations, adoption, and family dynamics take center stage.
More subtle topics like the intersection of faith in the midst of suffering add depth and authenticity to the characters.
I also learned more than I knew before about the world of kidney transplants and the need for more volunteers to sign up on the national register.
While the story has a good solid ending, the author left an opening for a sequel, so I look forward to reading the next book in the series if one should follow.
To order from Amazon, click here.
About Lisa J. Lickel
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Sassy Pants Learns to Take Care of Others, by Carol A. Brown -- Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts
Sassy Pants Learns to Take Care of Others is the fourth and final book in the Sassy Pants Series. You do not need to have read the previous books in the series to become quickly immersed in this book.
The language is delightful, appropriate for young kids, and written in such a way that would be fun for a parent to read to a young child, or for a slightly older child (up to thirteen) to enjoy reading on his own.
The tone and affirmations throughout the book reflect great life lessons—the virtues of kindness and caring, the sting of being selfish or insensitive, and the willingness to be taught and become wise.
The illustrations are outstanding and bring to
life the words of the story. Kids will love the artist’s creativity, especially
the facial expressions of the animals.
There is so much to like about the Sassy Pants Series. If you are looking for a great animal series
for kids for Christmas, I highly recommend it.
Your child will love the little Sassy Pants’ pig and the unexpected surprise
that awaits her at the end.
To Order from Amazon, click here
In Carol A. Brown's own words:
In addition to being passionate about reading and writing, I enjoy nature, music, and playing the piano. I also do pottery, knit, crochet, and paint. David and I live in Juneau, Alaska. We have two daughters, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
My current faith assignment is to stay close to Jesus so that I can hear what He says and write it down.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)