Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

As several others have mentioned in reviews, I too was surprised at the format of this book and just how short a time it took to read. Having read and enjoyed one of Andy's other books which was more full-length, this one was not what I expected. It's a little shiny picture book that outlines the basic principle of the "Butterfly Effect" without really going into much depth. But perhaps that's enough to introduce someone to the concept.
International readers might want to note that the book is quite America-centric.

So this is a brief reminder to be aware of your every action because you never know what effect it might have somewhere down the track. In the book, just a few stories are traced back through history, just enough to get you thinking.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Interview with K. Dawn Byrd

What's your genre and subgenre? Why do you think that is?
I write romantic suspense. I absolutely love suspense and write what I love. However, a little romance doesn't hurt anything!


Do you like to read the same genre as you write? What other genres interest you? Favourite authors?
I do love to read romantic suspense. I like romance also, but only if there's enough tension to make it suspenseful. James Patterson is a favorite. Also, Michelle Sutton


Tell us about your published work, and where we can go to find out more.
I have two books coming out through Desert Breeze Publishing in 2010. The first, Queen of Hearts, came out in April and was their bestseller for the month. Killing Time will release in August. I have several five star reviews for Queen of Hearts on Amazon. Here's my favorite:


"Queen of Hearts by K. Dawn Byrd kept me turning pages so quickly, I rested my finger on the page-turning button the whole time! All the characters are clearly drawn, as are the settings. The main character, Daphne, is very likable and capable, but has her foibles. She's a cub reporter during WWII, gets in over her head in a spy situation stateside, and fights her way past adversity to triumph in the end. This first novel is amazingly well done and could compete with all veteran writers of suspense for quality of plot and structure. The message of faith underlying the story gently reminds readers that faith and prayer are the guiding forces to survival in any and all circumstances. Watch out, suspense writers. K. Dawn has burst on the scene and I believe she is here to stay and to rise as a bright and talented star in the realm of Christian fiction writers!"

What are you working on right now? How's progress?
I'm working on a romance that I've rewritten several times. This one has been the hardest to write yet due to my changing the plot so many times.

Your best writing tip?
Write something every day. Even if you only have fifteen minutes. You'll be surprised at how quickly your word count will increase.


What else are you up to that our readers would find interesting?
I'm planning to attend my first conference ever. It's the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference in IN in September. I can't wait.

How do you deal with writer's block?
I deal with writer's block by getting up and moving around. If I hit a brick wall, I'll jump on my jogging trampoline or sweep the floor. It gets the creative juices flowing again.

Where do you usually write, and is the location important?
Location is not as important as sound. I must have total peace and quiet when I write. For that reason, I am unable to stay in the room while my husband is watching TV.

How have you dealt with rejection in the past?
I've not dealt with rejection much due to the fact that I submitted my early work only to contests. This is a great way to get feedback. I believe rejection to be a way to improve writing ability. Every time I received a negative comment from a judge, I'd take a hard look at my writing and take steps to improve it.

What is your opinion on the state of ebook publishing today, and where do you see it going?
I'm an ebook junkie. I read them on the go on my netbook or Blackberry. I believe the ebook market is exploding and will continue to grow.


Do you plan your stories, or just sit down and write them? Elaborate.
I'm a plotter. I plot for hours before I start to write. I fill out character worksheets too. Even though so much time goes into plotting, I still give my characters freedom to change the plot.

Your advice to aspiring authors?
Write something every day and never, never, never give up! Write for the right reason...because you love it.

Your website or social media profile?
www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=128209963444 (Facebook Christian Fiction Gathering)

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

  • 09:16 I write in church (divine inspiration): I huddle in the crowd standing around meforest-like, branches wavingamidst... bit.ly/9Qxp66 #
  • 18:43 RT: @ImprovEvery: brand new Improv Everywhere video just went live. Star Wars Subway Car: bit.ly/d7VXQm #
  • 23:18 The Lost Genre Guild News for July 14th 2010: Chris Solaas says: Check out a short prequel exc... bit.ly/bLHFxr Sci-Fi & Fantasy Lit #
Posted by LoudTwitter

Monday, July 12, 2010

  • 11:30 @find_ch I have to get it critiqued and polished and submit it somewhere...but dm me your email address if you want a look at the draft! #
  • 11:30 @coolvstar650 I haven't got to that one yet. Sounds good! #
  • 12:05 New Review: The Wolf of Tebron by C.S. Lakin: This book is subtitled A Fairy Tale, and that is what it is. The not... bit.ly/dzZvsF #
  • 19:03 Last week, my post on abuse got a lot of responses. Today part two got none at all. What's with that? bit.ly/bEqB6D #
  • 23:00 The Lost Genre Guild News for July 12th 2010: Karina Fabian says: The July 2010 issue of A Dra... bit.ly/bgzqG2 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Lit #
Posted by LoudTwitter

Sunday, July 11, 2010

  • 23:25 Whoo, I am liking Doctor Who a lot these days! Both new eps I've caught have been awesome :) Never got into it much before... but now! #
  • 23:28 One very happy writer here.Have done another short story this w/end which is actually 4 stories inside each other.Messing with reality,yeah! #
Posted by LoudTwitter

Friday, July 9, 2010

  • 09:52 Anse Vata, New Caledonia: Itchy feet again? Yep, it's your neighbourhood globetrotter reporting in from a tiny cor... bit.ly/dadgOa #
  • 13:43 I uploaded a YouTube video -- Splashdown Books - The First Year youtu.be/9bExVTBQgG8?a #
  • 23:04 The Lost Genre Guild Ray Gun Revival Magazine, Issue 56: Ray Gun Revival magazine celebrates t... bit.ly/987Vyy Sci-Fi & Fantasy Lit #
Posted by LoudTwitter

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

  • 18:11 THE VOICE'S WORDS TO PILGRIMS: As recounted in the history of the Legendary Space Pilgrims, these are the first of... bit.ly/aSNhq2 #
  • 21:09 SplashdownBooks Blog Cars, brick walls, and learning to drive.: I was fifteen years old when I first sat behind th... bit.ly/c9JWyp #
  • 23:00 The Lost Genre Guild News for July 7th 2010: Two new releases this month from Splashdown Books... bit.ly/d11lVU Sci-Fi & Fantasy Lit #
Posted by LoudTwitter