Managing the Online Distractions: A guest post by author Kevin Morris

Linzé: It has been a while since we had a guest post about Time Management on the Broomstick, so it is my pleasure to welcome my online friend, Kevin Morris to the Broomstick today. His post is about that one thing that seem to drive us all to distraction, the internet. Thank you, Kevin!

I have happy childhood memories of browsing through books in the school library. On finding something of interest I would take a seat and read, undisturbed for hours. In those bygone days the only interruption likely to disturb my reading was the entry of a fellow pupil or teacher.

Kevin and his guide dog Trigger, being kept company
by their friend Brian

Today, as a writer I am faced by a myriad distractions. The beeping of texts arriving, the sound of another email landing in my inbox, all of these serve to distract me from my work. It is extremely tempting to respond to that text or check the email sitting unopened in my inbox.
To avoid wasting time by giving in to such distractions my mobile is turned off and email programs closed, all of which helps me to concentrate on the matter in hand, writing!
It is frequently remarked that the successful author needs to engage via social media with potential readers. This entails utilising blogs, Twitter and other forms of communication. I agree that blogging and other types of social media are a wonderful way of building up and cementing a following. However your blog or other communication tools can, if not kept in check become an end in themselves, rather than a means to an end. It is incredibly easy to spend hours blogging or reading other people’s blogs and before you know it half the day is gone with not a single word of that novel or short story having been written.
I confine blogging to specific times and my writing of fiction to a designated slot so as to avoid the above difficulties. I have seen it argued that writers should not use the internet while writing so as to avoid the distractions of the online world. I, personally do use Google while writing but only to ascertain the correct spelling of words, word definitions or other details of direct relevance to my writing. I don’t own a dictionary, consequently online works of reference are essential to me.
I work full time and write during the evenings or at weekends. On returning from work I am frequently tired, consequently the time spent writing is limited (balancing a full time occupation with being a writer is by no means easy)!

As I said at the beginning of this piece, the world of my boyhood offered far fewer distractions than today’s technologically advanced society. In some ways the past was, I feel sure an easier time to be a writer, free as it was of the distractions of mobiles, emails and other interruptions. However technology should be a servant rather
than a master. We can turn it off and in so doing greatly enhance our productivity both as writers and in other fields.

Author Bio
Kevin Morris was born and brought up in the city of Liverpool. Having obtained a BA in history and politics he went on to gain an MA in political theory.
Kevin has lived and worked in London since 1994. He has a full time job and writes during his spare time.  Kevin has produced 4 collections of short stories together with 1 longer work, Samantha.
Kevin shares his home in Crystal palace with Trigger, a lab/retriever guide dog. Being blind Kevin uses Jaws (software which converts text into speech and Braille) to write using a standard Windows 7 computer.

Connect with Kevin online
Kevin’s blog - http://newauthoronline.com/
Kevin’s Amazon US author page 
Kevin’s Amazon UK author page
Twitter - https://twitter.com/drewdog2060_

Featured Book: The Eyes of Gold Rise by J Minerva Davis

Synopsis

The world of Szurane is halfly a comedic adventure, and halfly the commentary of the inanity of GM and tabletop experiences.  While Eyes of Gold itself is told as an endearing, first-person story through miscolored lenses, the setting itself was designed by the author over thirteen years ago and used as a ten year, custom setting and system. Follow the perspective of Rumea and her unfortunate band of miscreants on a fate-twisting adventure that includes everything from battles with demon kings to men in dresses. Rumea Donoma isn't a hero. In fact, she's globally received as an evil wizard. She isn't entirely sure how she's gathered this reputation, but she's pretty sure the journey she's on isn't going to help her get rid of it...

During its peak, Szurane had 300 users and the author, then-GM, J Minerva Davis saw crazy things in her days from players and ensured she served them their insanity back.  Eyes of Gold is a hilarious misadventure with characters designed as amalgams of recurring archetypes and re-tellings of favored campaigns, villains, and ten years of story-telling experience. On a core level, one doesn't have to be a gamer to appreciate the series.  You only need senses of humor and adventure. RISE is the first book in a promised trilogy to be released by Wolf Paw Publications.

Buy Links   Amazon  CreateSpace  Barnes & Noble  Signed Paperback 

Excerpt
“Dragons?” Serena furrowed her brow. Something was on her mind, but she didn’t seem to know how to speak it. “...When did the dragons go to war?”
“During the two great demon wars.” Minerva spoke up only marginally from her spot at the foot of the bed. Tentatively, tiredly, she took a seat. “The rubies only experienced one massacre. It sounded like you were recounting the southern battle during the first Demon’s War. That’s the last anybody heard about the Talons, at least.” She knew a surprising lot for a weak willed child.
I hiked my brow, but decided to reserve more personal questions for later. I stayed on topic. “How long ago was that?”
“Somewhere between four and five thousand years ago.”
I rubbed my forehead. “And how long do dragons live?” I was trying to will my headache away, but it wasn’t working.
That made her thoughtful.“I don’t know... I think the oldest dragon right now is almost four thousand years old, but Lord Genbu doesn’t deal with him. Says he has the crazies.”
At four thousand years, the eldest known dragon was senile. Then we had a Zento that was at least that old, if my vision and her data was correct. My head was swirling, and not just from the flashback. “Genbu would know if Zento was an elder dragon, right? They’re big holy-men and all.”
Minerva shrugged, head tucking beneath her shoulders. “Maybe.” I could tell that her information was dwindling, and she was quickly becoming nervous.
I had a nagging feeling things were about to get a lot more complex. “I think we need to have a talk with Zento.” I stood.
Minerva turned after me. “I don’t remember anyone named Zento, but... I do know one thing. The Ra’Alish were, among the sapphires, as the Krin are to Rubies. But... I thought they all got killed by the early Sanguinarian.”
Hand on the doorknob; I paused. “Ancients...” still, one thing concerned me. “So... how is it that the dragons keep getting wiped out? That’s not exactly an easy thing to do.” They were knights and messengers of the divine, creatures that lived thousands of years. Short of demon dukes, there wasn’t much a dragon had to worry about.
“...The Dragon Slayer.”
The door opened, and Zento stepped back in. The room went quiet, but he’d certainly heard a few words as he entered. 
He didn’t seem to take much notice.
“Oh! She’s awake. I don’t think you would have ever lived it down in the underworld if you died. Slayer of the demon duke, felled in a tower of toys.”
The entire room was staring at him. I narrowed my eyes. “Zento... we need to talk. And this time, you aren’t running away.”

Author Bio

J. Minerva Davis, born Janelle Marie Davis entered the world in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Currently living in Texas, she has had her own odyssey in life at the fresh age of twenty-seven, having been at the highs and lows and writing poems in the walls of homeless resource centers. A domestic violence survivor, this mother of three has refused to relinquish the dream of her thirteen-year project. Eyes of Gold began as simple, mindless doodles in middle school and has evolved through many phases and faced destruction by her aggressor. Repeatedly rebuilding her pride and joy potential series, she feels each destruction has allowed a stronger and more refined rebirth as she battled into maturity.
She has many more projects at her fingertips, such as Godsblood which is under business planning by Jerry King after referral by producer-rapper 8ball; stay tuned for word on a potential TV or web series. Pre-release, her cult following (largely from her old gaming group) pushed her into the semi-finals of the United Indie Book Blog contest amidst 430 nominations.  She has been featured on the Raz n Dark Podcast, the TSRA hall of fame, and Literary Promotions. All this, with her first officially published book hitting the shelves on 17 September 2014.

Connect with Minerva online:
Facebook www.facebook.com/jminervadavis

Creative Journaling - The Beginning

by Linzé

Welcome to my new weekly series on Creative Journaling!

Do you know how long people have been keeping journals? I have been keeping a journal from a young age, and while those have long since been relegated to ashes, I continue to keep up the practice as an adult.

But the journals we keep today are not exactly the same style as those from long ago. Modern day journals are more about personal thoughts and experiences, whereas those from the earliest days were not. They did include personal observations, but about the world around them, transactions people engaged in, and of the world during their travels. Their observations had been directed outside of themselves, if you will.

Today, or since the Renaissance to be more precise, our journal entries have been directed more inwardly. Of course, the world and its problems and joys impact on us, but our observations are no longer about being a pure observer. These historical journals have taught researchers a lot about that time.

So what will our journals today tell future generations about the people we are today?

So what makes creative journaling different from keeping the kind of journal we are all used to?

You know the kind where you pen your gripes and pains and frustrations with the world at large. Or slap yourself on the back for a job well done. You know that thing that you hide from everyone, because it has all your innermost thoughts and secrets, that are meant for your eyes only.

The answer is simple: nothing. There is no difference.

Whatever your reason for keeping a journal, whether it be for yourself, your children, or anyone who wishes to learn about your life experiences, the creative journal will not change that.

It enhances the experience for you as the writer, and your reader, if you are so inclined.

Creative journaling adds a visual dimension to the traditional journal. You might ask what the difference is to the doodling that have filled your journal pages in the past.

In the creative journal, those doodles are not time wasters, they become part of your entry of that day.

Artists have been using their skills to create their entries in a pure visual way, as it is the way they best express themselves.

Whether it be a pencil drawing of a person they met that day, or a watercolour miniture of a particularly beautiful sunset that touched them, the visual artist is the prime example of keeping a creative journal

To my mind, however, there can be so much more to either the artists’ way or the traditional way of keeping a journal.

I invite you to take this journey with me. A journey where we explore my take on keeping a creative journal.

A journal that can be used (and explored) by artists, crafters, writers and ordinary people alike.

Oh, by the way - if you subscribe to my mailing list you will get the practical handbook, that accompanies the Creative Journaling for Everyone book, for free when it is available in December. The handbook will not be made available otherwise.

Featured Book: Destiny of Kings by Fiona Tarr

Synopsis
The King is going slowly mad, bewitched by the dark magic and seductive powers of the Egyptian Princess Jezebel. 
Martinez, the King’s general must choose between the life of a young shepherd boy who is like the son he never had or the man who is his King and lifelong friend. 
The One True God has shared a prophecy with the old seer Samuel, while the little Holy man Narayana claims the Universe has called him out of meditation to restore balance. 

Buy links      Amazon

The Story behind Destiny of Kings
Destiny of Kings is an historical fantasy loosely based on the biblical story of David. It follows David’s rise to King, yet there is so much more to the story. It explores faith, fear, control and magic through the lives of some unusual characters; all on their own spiritual life journeys. 
I started writing the story around seven years ago, with the idea that I wanted to write fiction. Basing the book on the story of David just seemed like a good place to start as it gave me the opportunity to challenge people’s thinking on matters of faith. I find the similarities between the worlds vast and varying religions very interesting and it always surprises me that people focus on the differences instead of the thing which are shared by all of the belief systems. This story explores those similarities, finding the grey area when some of the characters believe it is black and white.

The main character of the story is Martinez who serves as King Saul’s General and later King David’s. A large portion of the story is seen through his eyes. Born of mixed blood, he has a unique perspective on what happens around him. With a heavy sense of responsibility and a strong sense of honour, he is a changing force within the story. His character is modeled on all the strong men I have ever known. Those who respect women, honour their families and add value to the world they live in.

Francesca, the Priestess carries the burden of responsibility until her faith is rocked, her heart opened and her resolve challenged.

Author Bio

I am a wife, mum of two boys aged 14 & 22 and a full-time small business owner. I have been writing a number of blogs including a small business tips blog.

Connect with Fiona online

Amazon Author

Twitter: @FionaTarr

Series Review: The Knitting Mystery Series by Maggie Sefton

I can just hear the eyes rolling out there. Knitting? Seriously?
And I going to say, yes! But while there may be a knitting pattern at the end of the book, this mystery sleuth is not one to be trifled with.
Enter Kelly Flynn, self-employed accountant, softball player, property owner and murder investigator.
Sure she knits, but only learns to do so when she moves to Fort Connor and starts a new life.
Meet Kelly's circle of friends who supports her through the good and bad of life and its relationships, to say nothing of applying their considerable combined brainpower (lawyer, architect, therapist, real estate agent, computer programmer, and more) to help her solve murders happening in and around their town.
But real life happens too and the difficulties of the farmers, a down turn in the economy, changes in relationships are brought to life in this very entertaining series.
The stories follow a timeline and I would recommend that you read them in order. And being the romantic at heart, I am forever holding my breath to see if Kelly finds the love that she deserves. :)

A series well worth reading, even if you don't care for knitting! Lots of interesting facts about alpaca farming, wool dyeing and spinning are woven into the story without being just dry facts to make up the page count.

In my book this series deserves 5 stars all the way!

How to Optimise your Guest Post on a Host's Blog

This post was reblogged with permission from Chris Graham @ The Story Reading Ape 

While I cannot speak for other bloggers on this topic, I suspect that similar advantages may be gained by using the following tips and suggestions when invited to appear as a guest on any blog:

1.  Always read any conditions and/or requirements pertaining to the host blog, follow them and check everything before you send your submission. Especially any hyperlinks you provide.  This will minimise any research and correspondence time between you and your host. Some blogs (like mine) schedule their posts in advance (up to two months in advance in my case), so requests to change your article, even only slightly, can be problematic.

2.  Never forget that a guest post is your opportunity to touch base with potential readers, other authors and even possible future friends (WordPress visitors are especially friendly and I have found them to be always willing to help other authors and bloggers, as well as me)

3.  Never, ever consider using a guest post ONLY as a “Buy My Book” advertisement – there are other vehicles you can useto do this, e.g., Book Promos, Giveaway Announcements, Freebie Day Announcements, New Book Release Announcements, Book Tours, etc.
After all, if you are being introduced to a stranger by your party host, or a mutual friend, do you immediately wave your book in front of the new face and scream “BUY MY BOOK” instead of saying “Hello” and allowing a little time to get to know each other a little better?
Of course you can (quietly) mention your books, but only after they’ve got to know you a bit better :)

4.  Never, ever share a personal secret online. Ambitions, hopes, things that inspired or comforted you are OK for public consumption, but never, ever, a personal secret. It could be just as damaging as sharing an embarrassing photo of yourself on Twitter.

5.  Respond to any comments made on the host blog about your published guest article, especially thank the folks who have re-blogged your post, they are helping spread your fame further afield.
Visit the blogs of commenters and re-bloggers, you might like what you see there, become a follower, gain a friend and maybe even appear on that blog in future :)

6.  Share the published blog post in as many media groups you are a part of, not just by re-blogging it, or doing a quick tweet, or even uploading it onto your Facebook page.
Many bloggers (like me) provide as many sharing facilities as their blog format gives, so visitors can share posts they like with their friends (and even their online groups).

7.  Take full advantage of these sharing facilities, not just once or twice, but revisit and use them again and again over a few days or weeks.
Share with your Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ Groups, and respond to any and all comments made there as well, especially thank the folks who have re-shared your article (see point 5 above).

8.  DO NOT SPAM - Overdoing the sharing will have a negative effect on your popularity and your books.

9.  Definition of Spam: NAGGING – i.e., repeating the same thing over and over and over in an almost automatic way till the point is (quickly) reached that you lose followers, friends (and possibly even family)

10.  So how often SHOULD you share? Ask yourself how often you would care to see someone else’s repeated messages, then divide it by two :D
It has been suggested not more than twice per day twelve hours apart and vary the timing by an hour each day thereafter.
STOP SHARING AFTER 12 DAYS – it is now stale and old news – even if you change the introductory headline each time!

So my fine author friends, there you have it.  Good Luck in your endeavours and don’t forget DO NOT SPAM.

Note from Linzé: Please follow Chris over at The Story Reading Ape, he supports and promotes indie authors like me, thank you! ❤ ❤ ❤

Romance in September: The Scent of a Soul by Jennifer Thompson

Fleeing her recent past, Lilliah Woods finds refuge in the anonymity of the present day inner-city slums. As she settles into the seedy apartment she must now call home, she meets mysterious Marek Jamison when he materializes in her doorway demanding to know who she is. From that moment, he becomes a guardian and guide as she gradually discovers his hidden world. As their relationship develops, Lilliah learns of Marek's dark past and of a brothers' quarrel he has been embroiled in for years. The quarrel turns into a larger battle of good and evil, liberty versus tyranny, and the separation of love and lust. With Lilliah as the ultimate prize, the deadly conflict reaches out to threaten her family, and the outcome of the final battle will determine her fate. Lilliah must embark on an unexpected path that teaches her to trust in the man she has come to love, and give of herself as she never thought she could....

Excerpt

Crossing the worn, unpolished floor boards to the windows, Lilliah slid back the curtains to see empty, pale gray clouds cover the sun, adding to her depression. The tears fell, and she let them. She almost considered pushing aside her pride and calling her parents. They had pleaded with and warned her. She had not listened and now she had to face the consequences.

Startled by the sense that she was not alone, Lilliah turned towards the open door. A man stood near it, watching her. His imposing figure boldly filled the doorway, and he stared at her with such intensity that it made the hair on the nape of her neck stand up. He had hair the perfect color of brown—like dark chocolate—and a well-groomed ruggedness about him that made him seem out of place in their surroundings. He looked at her with troubled eyes. She couldn’t distinguish their color because of the shadowing of the room, but they made her feel very aware of herself, from her puffy eyes to her runny nose.

He walked towards her with careful, measured steps. There was no look of malicious intent on his face, but Lilliah wondered if she should be afraid. He looked at her like he had seen her before and was seeing her again after a long absence. He stopped so close to her that she took an unconscious step back and bumped into the lamp, causing it to tip. He reached out to steady it, and her. She quickly moved out of his reach. Some of the intensity left his eyes and was replaced with comprehension that he had frightened her. He stepped back.

They were blue. An unbelievable blue. Deep and dark like a newborn baby’s. Lilliah had never seen eyes like his before and they were the last thing she needed to add to her complicated day. They stared at each other, and Lilliah wondered again if she should be frightened. She calmed her breathing to ask, “Can I help you?”

His voice was deep as he demanded, “Who are you?”

Buy Links:            Amazon         CreateSpace         Barnes & Noble

Book Trailer:        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1elhYzvZiqA

Author Bio

Jennifer Thompson is a native Arizonan whose newfound love for writing stemmed from her great love of books. She enjoys immersing herself in an engaging story and can always be found with a good book close by. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in History Teaching, Jennifer and her husband reside in southern Arizona with their five children. The Scent of a Soul is her debut novel, and with the creative flood gates now opened, she is working on bringing to life other stories waiting to be told.

Online Links:

Blog:  jenniferthompsonbooks.blogspot.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Scent-of-a-Soul/380758868657350?ref=hl

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17160946-the-scent-of-a-soul