Mood Writing

The above quote really described my writing process. In a previous post, I wrote about being a ‘plotter’ or a ‘pantser’. I’m a ‘plotter’ and need to know the direction of my story.

That doesn’t mean I am strict or regimented in my writing. I like to see where my characters want to take me–and often they surprise me–but I can gently lead them in the direction of my plot. Otherwise, my stories tend to wander around too much.

When I write my fairy stories, you can be sure that I have pictures of Ireland on my computer and a nice cup of tea steaming at the side of my laptop.

When I write about Guinness the Therapy Dog, I like to watch him as he plays with his sister, Lucy. A lot of the time, he’s laying on the floor at my feet or resting his chin on my leg as he begs for a nice petting session.

I get inspiration from everything that’s around me. Hopefully, that flavors my writing and helps with the general mood and descriptions for you, the reader.

Try to write today! Sonja

It’s the Week to Smile

There are certain things that trigger us to smile. They are unique to each person. Mine are above, including Guinness the Therapy Dog, balloons, and dogs I meet around town.

What makes you smile?

It’s important to smile. It not only help you feel better, but lightens and elevates the moods of those around you.

Today is the day to smile. Sonja

Audiobooks v. eBooks v. Paper books

How do you like to read a book? I use all three of the above formats. When I drive around in my car, I’m usually listening to an audiobook. But I have to be careful about which book I choose. If I get bored, I tend to tune out the audio. If it’s a complex story, it’s best if I read it as an eBook or a hard copy. I tend to lose track of plots and characters if I listen to a complex book.

I keep my e-reader in my purse. That way, if I get caught in a long line during an errand, I can pull out my book and read until I get to the front of the line. It’s a much better use of my time than standing around and watching those around me getting frustrated by the wait, although that can be fun, too. I read hard copies at home unless I can get it as an e-book.

Before I bought an e-reader, I was a confirmed hard copy book lover. I like the weight of a book in my hands and the act of turning the page. However, I am a convert to the e-book! It’s light and handy to have hundreds of books on my tiny reader. I download books from the library, which is a nice feature!

Tell me how you read your books! Sonja

Countdown deal starts today!

Special pricing of the ebook for The Fairies of Carlow: The Outsider begins today! Use the link in the left margin of this web page, or search for my name on Amazon.com to go to the ebook. The special pricing will populate automatically.

Today is the lowest price. It will go up tomorrow and return to full price on November 18, 2019.

I hope you take advantage of this pricing.

The Fairies of Carlow: The Outsider is Book 2 of The Fairies of Carlow series and continues the riveting and heartfelt saga of the fairies that inhabit the Kingdom of Carlow. Princess Morgen (do not use her full name!) is from the neighboring Kingdom of Meath and has been raised on stories of the failings of the Carlowian royal family. She believes the barbarian king rules a hostile land; however, her father has arranged her marriage to the royal prince as protection against the marauding Red Caps. She is horrified by the edict and cannot imagine living her life tied to a heathen such as Prince Stephen. Does she face a cold and forbidding future, or will Prince Stephen defy his reputation and provide Princess Morgen with the love and support she craves?

I hope you take advantage of the price cut. Sonja

The Voyage

(c) 2019

I am pleased to announce the working title for my first picture book: The Voyage. This tells the story of one of America’s preeminent families as it travels through Europe and finally lands on the eastern shore of the American Colonies.

The Wing Family landed in Boston and lived at Plymouth Colony before settling on Cape Cod.

I can’t wait for you to read about the Wing family! Sonja

Prepare Yourself!

Special pricing is coming! On Saturday, November 16, 2019, I have arranged for a discount on my e-book of The Fairies of Carlow: The Outsider. The special pricing will be in effect for 24 hours and will increase incrementally until it returns to full price on November 18.

I hope you take advantage of this opportunity and read the story of Princess Morgen and her adventures as the intended of the crowned prince of Carlow. She finds a healthy respect for herself through her challenges, that range from the easily solved to one that is difficult to surmount. I’ll give you a hint: it involved those terrible Red Caps. I’ll write a post soon about these dastardly creatures and the havoc they wreak.

Enjoy your special discount. Sonja

#Books

Photo by Jaredd Craig on Unsplash

Books are a portal to a world outside your imagination. The best ones transport you, make you think, and/or give you friends that can survive inside your head for years.

I know I can rely on Nancy, George, and Bess to be at my side during adventures; Elizabeth helps me prepare my daily tea; and, Marianne to go with me on flights of fancy and romance.

I love to read books that transport me.

I hope my stories do that for you. Sonja

Young Readers Day

Photo by Jyotirmoy Gupta on Unsplash

Today is a fun holiday that is close to my heart. I love my young readers and enjoy hearing from them. I write my chapter and picture books with them in mind.

What is your favorite book?

Have fun reading! Sonja

It’s Veterans Day

Fly your flag! It’s time to honor our nation’s veterans.

Originally, called Armistace Day, Veterans day is the day to honor those who have served in the military.

It is observed on November 11th of each year because that date is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistace that ended World War I. It was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor the veterans of all wars.

If you’re wondering about my grammar, Veterans Day is officially written without the apostrophe.

Did you now that the Mayflower Compact was signed on November 11, 1620? There was a small group of Americans who lobbied to have the holiday renamed Mayflower Day to honor that occasion.

I hope you fly your flag to honor U.S. veterans! Sonja