Stop Press: I’ve Been Short-Listed

Yay! I’ve been short-listed!

For more information, please click through to my other blog. I’m almost out of space, here…

https://margaretlynettesharp3.wordpress.com/

A New Review : AMELIA’S CALL

I’m thoroughly delighted to announce a new review of Amelia’s Call has been posted on Amazon.

Thank you, Catrina!

Here it is!

4.0 out of 5 stars Choices faced July 27, 2013
By Catrina M. Rudd
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
A new bride and new groom wear the rose colored glasses of love, lust, and excitement until the vows are done, and they believe the world is theirs. This is a story of what comes after ‘I do’.

Amelia faces hard choices that change her rose colored tint. Challenges force her to evaluate everything, as is the case for every marriage. Her decisions make or break their future, and leave the reader wondering in reflection.

Ms Sharp has really brought the reality of life to the forefront in a manner that is truly compelling and emotional. This is an excellent story, and I strongly suggest picking it up.

http://www.amazon.com/kindle-store/dp/B00DLYLK4M

Watch This Space…..

Birds fly, fish swim, singers sing, and writers write…..

These past weeks I have not been idle.

In fact, I have been working in something quite new and exciting!

In the beginning, I wondered if I could actually do it.

Half-way through, I was still wondering….

But now I have a fait accompli!

Watch this space!

Self-publishing: Read about my Journey

Those of you who have read my blog consistently would have an inkling of some of the high-points in my life as a do-it-yourself  author. The actual publication of my seven titles, and many positive reviews thereof , figure highly on my list of pluses. But they are certainly not the full story.

So I was delighted when the popular Australian rural fiction writer Nicole Alexander invited me to talk about my venture into the world of the self-published.

Here is the link : http://nicolealexander.com.au/2013/05/3337/

Enjoy!

My Goals For 2013

I’ve recently read the list of writing goals of the lovely Rachael Johns, http://rachaeljohns.wordpress.com/2013/01/02/goals-for-2013/ , and have inspired to list my own.

1. Finish revision of my seventh title: that which I talked about in the previous post.

2. Collaborate with my husband/editor Ronald Sharp over the next stages, including the details of the cover’s design.

3. Think about the next title.

4. Blog about those things in life that engage my interest: nature particularly: and include examples of one of my other loves, photography.

5. Write Letters to the Editor, particularly of our local newspaper.

6. Read widely.

 

Again, I thank Rachael for the idea for the post. Isn’t is a good idea to stop, focus, and plan ahead?

The Next Big Thing

The delightful and talented Emily Wheeler has just honoured me.  I’ve been tagged;  tagged for The Next Big Thing! How lucky that I have a W.I.P. So, what do I do? Why, reveal some intriguing facts about my forthcoming title: AND nominate five other worthy writers.

1. What is the working title of your book?

Fortunately, that’s been decided. But, I would like to keep it under my hat! Suffice to say that those who read the forthcoming review of  my sixth title, ‘Long and Short Australian Stories’ by Shelleyrae at Book’d out will find it out. 🙂 A hint: it has musical connotations.

2. Where did the idea come from for your book?

Well, it’s a collection of Short Stories and vignettes: and I guess I just take little bits and pieces out of life as I’ve seen it, either through personal experience or through the eyes of others, and work out situations that could result.

3. What genre does it fall under?

I’ve already spilled the beans: it’s a collection of Short Stories and vignettes. While romance figures prominently, there are several human interest tales: all set in modern Australia.

4. What actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Impossible to answer, since there are just so many people to portray!

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Given its nature, that one is unanswerable. All I can say is, these are studies of relationships.

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Along with all its stablemates: 25 Stories of Life and Love in Australia :A Taste of Life and Love in Australia: The Essence of Life and Love in Australia: Reflections of Life and Love in Australia: 60 Questions, Insights and Reminiscences: and Long and Short Australian Stories: this volume will be self-published. We like the total control this brings.

7.How long did it take you to write the first draft of your book?

I can give only an approximate answer: that being about six months. Winter ills slowed me down!

8. What other books would you compare your story to within the genre?

A tough question! People tell me my books fall into a different category to most. All I can think of is that, in common with the tales of James Herriot, they are mostly vignettes, and are relatively clean.

9.Who or what inspired you to write this book?

After a short break form writing, I decided to give it another go: thinking that it would be worthwhile to put together another collection. Several readers: Jeanette in particular: encouraged me greatly. As always, my husband and editor Ron supported me. Where would I be without him?

10. What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?

The diversity of the book, both in content and structure, adds to its appeal. Although most tales are written in the normal way, some are set out as letters: a process which may well excite the reader’s imagination quite strongly.

Bloggers I am tagging.

1. http://authorjennyschwartz.com/

2. http://jaynefordham.com/

3. http://loreleiorion.com/wordpress/

4. http://www.rachaeljohns.com/

5. http://traceyalley.weebly.com/index.html

They’re all awesome!

To my Supporters; Thank You!

The New Year brings with it a time for pause and reflection: a time to take stock of what we have, where we are, and where life is heading.

It occurred to me with resounding clarity that I must say ‘Thanks’ to all of you who have supported me, one way or another. To those who have looked at my posts, left a ‘like’ or a comment: maybe even bought a book or two: I’d like to acknowledge the positive force that your action has given to me.

Where are we, without some kind words to give us strength: to give us hope?

We (potentially) emerging writers want and need signs that we are on our way: that we do indeed have something worthwhile to offer. Much as many of us may enjoy the act of writing, it seems infinitely more rewarding when others read and enjoy the result of our efforts.

So, to those of you who have taken an interest, I say: ‘Thank you’.  I hope that you will continue to find value and enjoyment through my written words.

Happy New Year!

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What I Love about Fiction Writing

Fiction writing is a passion.

It opens up endless scenarios involving characters of my choice. In other words, I’m  in control:  I  can bring ecstacy or disaster.  I can conjure up tales that entertain, strike a chord, or even offer guidance to those in a similar situation.

At another level, fiction writing allows exploration of the scope of language. Evocation is my aim, and within the meaning of words comes the substance of its creation.  Mood, theme, character and location: these pose wonderfully intriguing challenges.

And what a buzz I get  my own work pleasurably engages me! I guess we writers share this reward: it’s the proverbial icing on the cake.

Then, there’s the thrill of learning what others make of it: family, friends, readers and reviewers. The mind-boggling wonder: is it being read ( and hopefully enjoyed) at this very moment?

Finally, to behold my stories packaged as a book: to hold it my hands, and see my name as author: is one of the best moments of my life. Small wonder I love to write fiction!

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What Do I Love About Writing?

What do I love about writing?

It’s the feeling of accomplishment that comes at the end of each section, compounded when the book somehow merges into an entity, and becomes itself.

It’s the glow of achievement when I hold each new edition in my hands, and peruse the brand new pages. The recognition that it’s mine: my words, my ideas; a part of me that, through the mysterious process of writing, has, almost by magic, materialized into something tangible.

It’s the cherished hope that, some day, many people throughout the universe may read and relate to my concepts, and decide that they want to seek out more.

It’s the potential for fulfillment of all my early promise that somehow was swept away by fate.

It’s the chance for  acceptance: of me.

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What’s So Good About Writing?

What’s so good about writing?

I can think of many virtues.

Firstly, the process of writing is both interesting and absorbing. More than most activities, to be effective, it requires concentration:  stimulation of the little grey cells. Its degree of intense focus carries with it, I believe, the potential for therapeutic benefits, since it tends to rule out the mind’s ability to drift back to other, unrelated issues. In other words, if you are overwhelmed by problems, and you decide to write something on a topic without any links to whatever it is that troubles you, chances are you’ll feel better: more relaxed: by the end of it. I base this proposition on personal experience.

Secondly, writing tends to satisfy our urge to create. What’s more satisfying than reading, and re-reading, a page well written by yourself? Doesn’t it tend to foster self esteem? Doesn’t it help you to believe in your own abilities, your own virtue? To love yourself, as some analysts advise?

Thirdly, writing gives us the chance to reach, influence, and perhaps inspire others. Whether it be a serious article, a humorous story,or a piece of poetry, the potential for it to be read by, and therefore connected with, another human being makes it a mind-boggling tool. As someone once observed, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” What a powerful instrument!

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