CALLING ALL AGENTS

My Latest Book - The Rainbow's End - ISBN 0982459521
When I registered at www.authonomy.com, I submitted five chapters of my two Amish books - Christmas Traditions (ISBN 0982459513) and A Promise Is A Promise (ISBN 0982459505). I didn't do this to work my way up to the authonomy desk, like the other writers, so Harper Collins might take a look at my work. I did it to get reviews to use on Ebay and Amazon. I wanted to give prospective buyers an idea about what others thought of my two books to help them make up their minds about buying my work.

I was thrilled with most of the reviews I got from that website and used them. Three writers tried to be constructive. One didn't realize that I'd already self published and gave me tips on which publishers to try. She thought I should be picked up if I'd get the right publisher interested in my work. One wanted me to put the whole book on authonomy so she could see how it ended. I admitted to those two people that I was already self published. I'd like them purchase the book to see how it ended. Another one (from England which is where quite a few of the submitters on that website live) picked apart the first chapter of one book to make the story read the way he'd write it. He might have been right about the list of phrases he made of my writing style "errors" not working in a book written for England's readers so I can't fault him for his criticism. He was trying to help me. I don't mind constructive criticism if it's advice that I need to take to make my writing better. However, the other English reviews I received were great so my writing went over well with those who like American Amish stories. Since then I have sold one of my books to an UK customer.

I wonder what editors would think of my books. The revisions have be to their liking and in the publishing world, they are considered the experts, but one of my book buyers said about my work, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." I ask my buyers to send me a review of my books. I have a whole list of reviews from buyers who like my books the way they are and their email addresses to notify them when I have a new book coming out. I have to be doing something right in my story telling when I write a story that suits me. That means I self publish a book that I'd buy for myself. Now I'm sure that's a book that wouldn't suit mainstream urban readers, but my target is Midwesterners, country folks, Christians and people who want an entertaining, humorous suspense or romance that isn't filled with violence or vampires. The idea of self publishing for me is to find out who and how many of those readers like me. So far I'm pleased.

On authonomy, authors rate each other. That means for every review I got I had to read someone's work in return and review it. That takes hours. I wasn't always reading material that I'd buy but responded with a critique that might help the author. To get the reviews I wanted for my books, it was worth the effort and time. I even got some advice on how to get up the ladder in the website so the publisher would notice my books.

I hear all the time now that self published work, if it's selling, might be of interest to a publisher. Several years ago after I thought I had queried all the small publishers that would accept a query without an agent and was rejected, I got a list of agent email addresses and emailed around 200 for Christmas Traditions. Of the ones that bothered to answer, some emails come back with an automated reply. A few others said they liked my idea, but they had as many clients as they wanted to handle. Months down the road, I was still receiving emailed rejections. That's why I was surprised when an agent searching the internet writers sites for new clients emailed me about her interest in my Amish books on Authonomy. That was the good news. Bad news is she used my Yahoo email address in October. I lost my home page about then and didn't try to reinstall it again until February. When I found the email, I emailed the agent with my excuses and said I'd like to hear more but didn't get a reply. When I looked up the agency, that agent wasn't listed now. I take that to mean that fate may have intervened in my favor this time.

So take heart all writers out there wanting to get published. Publishers and agents may be coming to us. Submit a portion of your work to writers sites and blogs so the work is out there for publishers and agents to see. Wait patiently while you keep writing books and submitting. Out of the blue, you might find an email from a publisher or agent just like I did. Maybe you'll be luckier than I was. My latest Amish book is going to be out in late March - The Rainbow's End (ISBN 0982459521). So I'm CALLING ALL AGENTS to keep hunting. I and a lot of other talented authors are waiting for your email.

Editing Your Own Book

Last summer, I gave away copies of my latest book, "A Promise Is A Promise" ISBN 0982459505 at my high school reunion to 22 people. My husband and I had a delightful evening, reminiscing with my former classmates. One of the men at my table happened to be a former neighbor when we were growing up. We rode the same school bus. His family bought gas at my parents filling station.

A discussion was started with this man and his wife about my book writing. I admitted I wished all my books were better edited. I've had some editing help over the years and constructive criticism from a former teacher which I greatly appreciated, but I hated to always ask her to help me. I'm sure when she first offered she thought I might write one book and no more. The task of editing a book is a large one for anyone who didn't expect to get paid for their efforts. Anyone who volunteered to edit one of my books could expect to find I liked to write books so the editing isn't going stop with the next one. That is if the volunteer editor wants to read another book and another and another. That would be up to the volunteer.

Out of the blue after the reunion, I received an email offer from the classmate's wife to edit my next book just for the privilege of reading it because she likes Amish stories. (Soon to be released "The Rainbow's End - Nurse Hal Among The Amish - Book 2 . Now for me that is an offer I couldn't refuse. A fresh eye. I feel as if a writer editing his/her own work is like a doctor treating himself or a lawyer defending himself. Not a good idea. When I read my work my brain reads the words the corrected way I know it should be and skips over the editing errors. Putting a story away and going back later does help find some mistakes. For me reading every other chapter works. That takes the story out of context so I'm reading the sentence structure more for errors rather than the story. Printing the story out to look at hard copy helps but ink is an expense. Takes most of a cartridge to print every manuscript. Even that doesn't help me catch all the mistakes, because I am too close to the writing. However, I'm thinking giving someone else a hard copy to edit is worth the cost. I can afford a cartridge for that. I mailed a hard copy to my new editor right away.

I just got the manuscript back and the simple errors are so much easier to see once the correction is pointed out. I looked through the manuscript and can't believe I made such mistakes. I emailed my new editor a thank you for the great job she did. She said she'd be glad to read the next story for me. I emailed back that the next book was a western sequel and not Amish. To my amazement, she emailed that she didn't care. She likes my writing so much that she wants to read any book I write so send them to her. She says my writing is as good as Cindy Woodsmall and some of the Amish writers. What a compliment!

I find editing errors in almost every published book I read that experienced editors working for a publisher skipped over. I see the errors because I'm looking for them. Along with that, I watch sentence structure and the way a story is put together. All that is a learning experience for me. Does it take me longer to read a book than it would most people? It sure does, but watching how other authors write helps me become better as an author.

Editing by a professional is expensive. An expense that can leave a self published author in the red if the book doesn't sell well. If I was well known and selling lots of books, I wouldn't mind taking that expense off my income tax, but I have to get to that point first. I'm not there yet. I've heard of authors that spare no expense to self publish their work, go in debt and don't sell enough books to pay the debt. I didn't want that to happen to me.

That doesn't change the fact I feel bad because of the mistakes in my book. I mention it to my book buyers once in awhile. Usually, they tell me that they are reading the book for the content. I write so well, they are absorbed in the story. They don't notice editing mistakes while they are finding how what happens to the characters. One buyer brought one of my books to my attention. She thought I might like to know my editor missed four typos. I emailed her an apology with the explanation that I did my own editing. She was in awe that I could write a book that was that well done. I appreciated her comment. Still I stopped print on that book and reedited it to get rid of those four errors. Made me feel better.

Preparing For A Book Sale

Reposted from 9/2009

I want to send a Happy Birthday wish to the website publetariat.com. The web team is looking for contest entries from blogs that fit their criteria which is listed on the website. For self published authors or anyone thinking about self publishing, this is an excellent site to learn about our craft. Topics on the main page are written by people who already have experience in the publishing field. Topics include how to write, design a book, tips on publishing, how to sell a book and much more. Self published authors need all the help they can get. Keep track of the articles on this site. Treat what you read as a tool to make you a better author from writing to sales.

Tuesday was my usual blog post day. I had an entirely different post written, but I got distracted. Things happen for a reason. I truly believe that. This morning I found an email. It was from the publetariat web team inviting me to enter in their contest. They had posted the following entry on the main page last fall, thinking that what I did to prepare for a book sale might be of help to other authors. So this is the blog post that I chose for their contest. If you want to enter, deadline is March 6 at midnight PST. Entry is free.

Let it be known that I'm not one of the experienced writers that usually make the main page. Most of what I do as a self published author is by a try and fail method then I work on improving the next time and keep going. My blog tells about my life and publishing experiences and describes the books I've written. What did surprise and delighted me was the publetariat email states that my blog entries get a respectable view count. I recently read that the blog title needs to be interesting just like the title for a book. The title sparks readers interest and gets them to explore the post entry. Perhaps, sparking interest is what I've done right.

Preparing For A Book Sale

Friday, Civil War Days begins in Belle Plaine, Iowa. I'm going to sell my books in the park on the fringes of North versus south battles. So am I ready?

I've watched the weather forecasts. Looks like perfect days for having a table full of books outside. To help the customers visually see what kind of books I write, I made place cards that states the genre to place by each pile of books. It would be a good thing if the wind wasn't too strong, or I will spend time chasing those place cards down. Also, the bookmarkers I printed that list my inventory and address for future reference.

I've been doing a mental list in my head this morning. It has taken a lot of preparation for this three day event. I've got an aluminum folding table left over from my craft sale days. (Those craft sales are where I learned some salesmanship.) An Indian blanket for a table cover, doesn't go along with the Civil War but in that century. Dressing in a pioneer dress and wearing a bonnet should give me some attention. (How did I come by a pioneer dress and bonnet? I revamped a dress and sewed the bonnet years ago when I volunteered at Usher Ferry in Cedar Rapids. I was spinning in a one room log cabin as the woman who lived there. When visitors came in, I had to tell them about my life. It was fun to act the part.) I still have my money box from craft show days (a small fishing tackle box). It's perfect with a top divided shelf for change and the bottom for bills. I bought a mesh folding chair with a canopy top so I wouldn't have to sit in direct sunlight. Haven't had it out of the bag to see if I can set it up. Every time I buy something in a bag or box that needs put together, I've found it a struggle to put the object back in the bag. So guess I'll wing putting the chair together in the park after I have the table set up.

After some fall house cleaning, I found a four by four poster board upstairs to use for a sign to lean against the table. This advertisement shows that I am a local person. That might help get me some interest if not sales. So I printed large banners and tacked them to the poster board. The sign reads Keystone Author Fay Risner - Book Sale - Featuring - Ella Mayfield's Pawpaw Militia . On each side of the Book Sale line was a blank space so I put a picture of my book cover on one side and a Confederate Flag on the other. That definitely states which side of the war I'm on. Figured I might as well join. You can't hear it in my writing, but I have a southern accent. That would be a dead give away if I tried to join the Union forces. They might shoot me for a spy.

I have no idea where I am to set up. The man I talked to said I could be by a building where reenactors sell their wares. Guess someone will point me in the right direction.

Friday is the day the schools bring students to learn about the Civil War. I wanted to be a part of that education. Besides, a presentation will go along with my book. So I made up another poster board. While the reenactors will be talking military feats, I will be discussing Bushwhackers and Jayhawkers. A time line of the border war between Kansas territory and Missouri is on the poster. A large Missouri map dominates the board with stars for important places and Vernon County drawn in so the children can see where my history comes from.

I won't have anyone to watch my table and I don't know how far it will be to the concession stand. I baked an apple cake. That will be meals and snacks plus I'm taking a large container of ice tea.

My husband isn't so sure all this stuff will fit in my small car. Best be prepared. Today I pack the car just to see how is the best way to fit everything in. It will be good to have that much done. I'll have to get an early start to be set up before 9 a.m.

No matter what, this will be a fun experience going back in time amid the smell and explosions of gunpowder, war cries and crowd appreciation of the battles. Lincoln will give his Gettysburg Address, a church service will be held under the open sky and much more. I can't wait to get there.

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Created On: Wed Mar 04 00:00:00 EST 2009
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Excerpt from book "Specious Nephew"

"Ladies, please excuse me. I want to go to the water
closet before we leave," Jeffrey said, standing up.
"We all should think about that, shouldn't we, Gracie?"
asked Melinda.
Gracie didn't hear her. Jeffrey turned the wrong way
down the hall toward the outside door. Perhaps he didn't know
his way about, but if he didn't know the way to the water
closet, why hadn't he asked? Jeffery Armstrong didn't appear
to be the bashful type to her. She stared at the doorway, waiting
for him to realize his mistake and come back by.
"Gracie, don't you think we should think about leaving
soon? Gracie, are you listening to me?" persisted Melinda.
"What?" Gracie asked absently, not taking her eyes
from the door. It had been too long now. Jeffrey had to realize
his mistake. "Oh, I'm ready whenever the rest of you are." She
rubbed her arms. "I feel a bit chilly. I think I left my shawl out
on the hall table. I'll go get it."
"All right, dear," said Melinda. "Miss Moxie and I'll
wait here for you and Jeffrey."
Jeffrey wasn't in the hall. Perhaps he decided to leave
without saying anything. That would disappoint poor Melinda
if he decided to change his mind about taking them to the barn
dance. Gracie picked up her shawl. She draped it around her
shoulders and started back past the library. Puzzled that the
door was shut, she stopped. No one ever shut that door. She
placed her hand on the knob, giving it a gentle twist. She
pushed the door open a crack and peeked in.
Standing on a chair in front of the book shelves, Jeffrey
pulled a book out of the top shelf. He opened it and flipped
through a few pages. Closing it, he slipped the book inside his
suit jacket and stepped down from the chair. Gracie eased the
door shut as fast as she could and hurried to take her seat in the
parlor. What on earth was that man doing? If he wanted to read
a book why didn't he just say so? He lied about where he was
going. He shut the library door so no one would see what he
did. He stole one of Miss Molly's books, but he didn't know
much about priceless books. That brown covered book wasn't
one of the first additions so why would he want it?
Deep in thought, Gracie flinched at the sound of
Jeffrey's voice when he burst back into the parlor, announcing
he was ready to leave.
"Are you still cold now since you got your shawl from
the hall table, Gracie? If so you best bundle up good for the
ride out to Mr. Orie's farm. We need to get our coats. It'll be
cold tonight when we start home," instructed Melinda.
Gracie glanced at Jeffrey. He stared at her with a
smoldering expression on his face and one eyebrow raised.
"Maybe Miss Gracie hasn't had time to warm up, Aunt
Melinda. When did she get her shawl?" He asked, not taking
his eyes off Gracie.
"Just a few minutes ago," cheeped the little lady.
"Is that right? I do hope youve' warmed up by now,"
Jeffrey said. His voice was icy sounding through tightened lips.
"I'm fine," returned Gracie calmly, thinking some
things never change. Melinda always talked when she should
keep her mouth shut.
Jeffrey seemed to relax again. Maybe he decided she
hadn't seen anything with the door shut. She hoped that was the
case.

Family Mystery Sparks book Idea

Do you recognize this woman? The picture was taken around 1930. She should have grandchildren and great grandchildren. I would love to hear about her life and exchange family pictures.

Have you ever had a family mystery tale passed down through the generations. The story is usually elaborated on along the way. My southern Missouri family had one such mystery in the 1930's.

The mystery was the disappearance of my mother's aunt. Aunt Leona was the sister of my mother's father. She was five years older than my mother. The two of them saw a lot of each other when they were growing up.

It was agreed by the family that Leona was very spoiled. She was born a few years after the other four children were about grown. Her mother gave her baby girl anything she asked for including nice clothes which were the envy of my mother who didn't have nice things.

The mystery took place in the Great Depression. Leona and her mother spent a lot of time making quilts. By the time she was in her mid twenties, Leona had a closet full of quilts stored for her hope chest. When she fell in love with a trucker, her parents disapproved. What they had against him was not clear. Who knows if Leona really loved him or just didn't want to wind up an old maid. Nothing they said could change Leona's mind so they gave her a fancy wedding in their front yard. According to a niece, one of Mom's younger sisters, she wore a lovely white dress and large straw hat which in Depression times was considered expensive.

A few days later, Leona's husband brought her back to collect her closet full of quilts. They left and were never seen again. Did she leave of her own free will? Did he murder her? Was he the bad person Leona's parents feared, and she just didn't want to hear, "I told you so."?

About fifteen years ago, I wrote to the reader to reader column in Capper's, asking if anyone could help me find descendants of Aunt Leona. While I waited for a reply, I began to worry. In today's world, the type of person who might answer my ad or show up to visit as a relative might not be to my liking. What had I let myself in for? As it turned out, I didn't have anyone answer my request.

A few years later, I wrote Specious Nephew, Book two in the Amazing Gracie Mystery Series. ISBN 1438248202 sold on my bookstore website http://www.booksbyfaybookstore.weebly.com or Amazon - author Fay Risner

Let's start with the word Specious in the title. This is the way my mother pronounced suspicious, but I was surprised to find that the word specious is in the dictionary. The pronunciation fits right in with my historical mystery. However, the word tends to give libraries the impression that I misspelled the word. I've seen my book acknowledged in a library notice where in the title the word had been changed to suspicious to help me out.

The premise of the story is that Moser Mansion For Women resident Melinda Applegate hasn't any family close by to invite to a special wedding for the Moser Mansion owner's back yard wedding. So she sends a plea to the reader to reader column. If she has relatives she would like to hear from them.

Unlike me, Melinda gets an answer. A young man, Jeffrey Armstrong, shows up just in time for the wedding. He claims to be Melinda's nephew. She's more than willing to believe him, but Gracie Evans is not. He appears to be a con artist after what little money Melinda has. Gracie tries to warn the Moser residents but not one of them listens to her so she is determined to prove the man is up to no good.

Next week, I'll give you an excerpt to show you why Gracie thinks the man is dishonest.

Corel Print Photo Shop Installation

An update on my Corel Print/Photo Shop computer software. In mid December, advertising came in an email about the software being on sale. I've wanted new software for a long time. The freebie I got in the 90's with my first computer was lacking many of the latest additions this software has. I ordered right away, and the software came soon. To my consternation, the disk wouldn't download automatically. I didn't get the computer book for dummies I asked Santa to bring me so I was on my own.

After some dialogue with a help support person at Corel, she finally thought to ask me if I had a DVD player. The disk is dvd. I found the disk stated that on it, but who looks at the fine print on a software disk. No, my computer doesn't have a dvd player, and I'm betting that a lot of other computers for home use are not set up with one, either. I debated sending the software back rather than have a player installed in my computer. Then I decided to buy an external dvd player online. I might only use it once, but my reasoning was the software was on sale and within my price range at the moment. By the time I added the price of the DVD player that brought the total up, but still only about half what the software usually costs. I really, really wanted that software, but now I own a DVD player I may never have a need for again.

I did ask the Corel support helper if I could return the software in exchange for the download version. Would it install? However, I pointed out that I have dial up and it takes hours and hours to download anything from online. The Helper didn't reply which leads me to believe she expected me to have a problem.

The dvd player is plug and play. I plugged its Y posts into two holes in the portable USB station. The player wouldn't work. After several days of struggling with why, I finally got the brain storm to plug the player in the back USB ports. Not a handy place on the back side of my computer under the desk. Now the DVD player is way to the back of the computer. However, I got down on my hands and knees with a flashlight and plugged the software in. Right away it installed. Why? I emailed my brother that knows about computers. Turns out the portable unit doesn't have the power the USB ports on the back do. Seems I never stop learning about my computer.

To Corel's credit, the company support help does try to talk you through a problem. Once I got the DVD player, my mind was on how to make it work. A week or so later, I got an email from Corel asking me if I was doing all right with the software. They had not heard back from me. I explained the situation, and that I was all set now.

As a tip for other consumers, I said I went back and looked at all the write up on the software and not once was the fact that the disk would be DVD mentioned. If I had known that I would have trouble installing the software I wouldn't have bought it. I am not the only one with a computer that didn't come with a dvd player. I suggested to save other consumers the headaches I had, Corel should put that information in the advertising.