A Medieval Warrior for Girls

03/25 By Leave a Comment
Medieval Warrior for Girls by Victoria M. Johnson

Faire Play: Barbie-Compatible 3D Printed Medieval Armor
by Jim Rodda / Zheng3

I just had to share this awesome prototype with you. It’s a kickstarter project that I supported because I think it would be cool to see little girls playing with this Medieval outfit on their Barbie dolls. Let their imaginations run wild, let the girl power be reinforced, let the dragon-slaying fun begin. Play time will never be the same! Go Medieval Warrior! http://kck.st/PsBeYK  Check out the video below to see her in action.

It’s not too late to support this awesome kickstarter project !

Filed Under: Creativity, inspiration Tagged With: , , , , ,

Balancing Act for Writers

01/28 By Leave a Comment

Do you ever feel like you are standing on an unsteady surface trying to balance what’s in your heart versus what’s in your brain? I know you do! I can’t be the only who feels this way sometimes. I believe this balancing act is especially tricky for writers because we deal with matters of the heart (emotions) in our writing and we also think (analyze and create) while we’re writing. Some of us have a demanding internal editor looking over our shoulder and we need to find ways to keep that editor away while we’re spilling our hearts out. I say, shake that editor off and keep going… keep writing. Who was it that said write with your heart and edit with your brain? I don’t remember, but these are wise words. They suggest a great way to keep your balance.

balancing act for writers by Victoria M. Johnson

Photo by John Salvino

I teach writing classes a few times throughout the year and one thing I impress upon my students is the idea of not censuring the muse and completely freeing their creativity. They accomplish this by giving themselves permission to write a crummy first draft. It takes practice but eventually they stop editing as they create. It’s a wonderful thing to get to that point and results in deep explorations, wonderful surprises, and more writing. Of course our first drafts need editing eventually, but the brain can work that out later. In your first drafts let the heart say what the heart wants to say. It’s a balancing act that we as writers can learn and enjoy rather than struggle with.

 

 

Filed Under: inspiration, writing Tagged With: , , ,

How To Write Your Novel In Two Weeks!

01/02 By Leave a Comment

New Workshop by Victoria M. Johnson

Register online NOW!

How To Write Your Novel In Two Weeks! workshop by Victoria M. Johnson

Register online NOW! 

SATURDAY, March 29, 2014

ONE DAY ONLY

Bio: Victoria M. Johnson is a published author and filmmaker, both writer and director of four short films and two micro documentaries, and she served as assistant director on a feature length horror film. Her published works include The Doctors Dilemma (Avalon Books), the nonfiction work Grant Writing 101 (McGraw-Hill), and a collection of short stories as an independent publisher. Her poetry, published this year, appears in the online journal, When Women Waken, and two print anthologies, Red Wheelbarrow and Song of Los Gatos. Victoria is an energetic speaker at workshops and conferences, and she hosts a blogtalk radio show.

Discover techniques to write fast and get your first draft written in two weeks.  Learn how to prepare for the two-week event, how to execute during the two weeks, and how to fine-tune your masterpiece.  For beginners or pros, this is an exciting and motivating workshop that will help you improve your storytelling skills.  Don’t waste years trying to get your novel written.  Learn secrets to avoiding writer’s block and write your novel once and for all! Registration is $64 and small materials fee.

Filed Under: Book, writing Tagged With: , , , , ,

Local Author Day

12/02 By Leave a Comment

I’m thrilled to be participating in Local Author Day along with seven other authors including Jana McBurney-Lin, Steve Sporleder, Betty Auchard, and Erica Goss.  With a line-up like this it is sure to be a fun and entertaining event.  This 1st Annual author reading and signing event is free and it’s scheduled at 11:30am – 1:30pm.  This is one you don’t want to miss!  I hope you will join us on Tuesday, Dec 3.

Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Avenue, Los Gatos, California 95030 | (408) 354-6891  For more info: Click Here

Local Author Day at Los Gatos Library

I’ll be reading an exciting passage from my romance novel, The Doctor’s Dilemma.  Each author will have ten minutes to present and we’ll have Q&A after everyone reads.

Filed Under: Book, writing Tagged With: , , , , ,

Top 10 Signs that You’re an Author Entrepreneur by Beth Barany

11/15 By 4 Comments

Top 10 Signs that You’re an Author Entrepreneur by Beth Barany

You’re a creative writer, a novelist or short story writer, or maybe you write novellas, too. In any event, this article was especially written with the fiction writer in mind. If you write creative nonfiction and use the tools of story telling in your work, you’ll probably relate to these signs as well. If you’re any other kind of writer, I’m sure you’ll find some value here too!

#10: You notice the bestseller’s list in the newspaper and online.

You track the New York Times, USA Today’s, your local newspaper, and Amazon’s bestsellers’ lists and day dream about having your book on the list.

Secret: Author entrepreneurs think big and aim for the top.

#9: You’re fierce about protecting your writing time and get upset or cranky or [fill in the blank with something not fun] when you don’t get your writing time in.

Creativity is a habit and when we go off our good habit we don’t feel right. Okay, I’ll speak for myself; I do get cranky, and a little bit snippy to my husband. (Good thing he’s a writer too, so he gets me. But still! Sure sign I need to get back to my writing routine if I start snipping at him.) As a good friend once said to me, “You need to work on grand projects, otherwise, you get crabby.” What could be more grand than creating whole worlds in novel form?!

Secret: Successful authors are productive.

#8: You have a million story ideas a day.

Okay, maybe not a million, but lots. I’m working on one story and another clamors for my attention. My system is to note the new idea in my journal, or if I’m at my computer, in Scrivener (a cool and affordable writing tool). When I’m really on fire about a new idea, I’ll take the time to research and document my findings and story ideas.

Secret: Author entrepreneurs say YES to the creative flow, and know how to manage their time and focus.

#7: You know what you want and you go for it.

Let me get more specific. You want to be an author and make money from your books and other creative ideas and be able to sustain and grow your income.

Secret: Author entrepreneurs create goals and plans and know their numbers. Practice setting goals. Actually do it. Revise your goals as you go. Review them regularly and update them as needed. Numbers can include how much money you want to make, how many books you’d like to sell, and how may clients you’d like to serve.

Admission: Writing goals? I’ve done that, after over 22 years of practice. Growing a business? I’m relatively new at it, having run my business for just 7 years. Managing the numbers is a big growth area for me right now.

#6: Other people’s success encourages you to work harder.

When I go to my monthly Romance Writers of America meeting here in the San Francisco area, I am so inspired by the success of my colleagues, and go home with renewed focus and determination.

Secret: Success leaves trails. Who is successful in your specific genre and what can you learn from them?

#5: You’re coming to terms with how art and commerce intersect.

In the last few hundred years a myth has arisen especially in Western culture that art and commerce are like enemies and don’t even speak to each other. Yet, there has been a growing awareness in the business world that they need creativity. And now with the burgeoning DIY market for all artists, and most definitely authors, we’re seeing how we need the skills of business – sales and marketing most specifically – to succeed in this new world. I see learning these skills as an extension of what it means to be an author today. Just like we learned editing and — OMG — writing a synopsis, we can learn how to sell and how to market. Because, guess what, we creative writers already have some of the most highly prized and useful skills needed to succeed, which brings me to our last few signs that you’re an author entrepreneur. So read on!

Secret: Successful author entrepreneurs see the creativity in business and the business in creativity.

#4: You like to think of excellent ways to do harm to your lovely characters.

You are a novelist, or a short story writer, or somewhere in between. You daydream for a living, and not only daydream, but scheme and plot and think up marvelous ways to surprise yourself and your readers. That type of thinking, called lateral thinking in the business world, is key to your work, and to your success.

Secret: Apply lateral – creative — thinking, to how you can best market and sell your books.

#3: You’re in it for the long haul.

It takes, ahem, a while to write a novel. Yes? Even plays, short stories, screenplays, and novellas take time. Writers I know who have finished at least one book (Congratulations!) are persistent, keep going even after long breaks, and see things through to the end of the book.

Secret: Author entrepreneurs persevere.

#2: You finish books.

This point bears repeating. And leads up to the Secret:

Secret: Successful author entrepreneurs finish their books.

And the #1 sign that you are an author entrepreneur: You take risks.

Being a creative is risky business. You put your vision and dream out there for all to see.

Secret: Author entrepreneurs risk and risk again, growing and evolving with the times, trying new things, experimenting, playing, and enjoying the ride.

Do you see yourself in these signs? Share below. I’d love to hear from you!

Guest post: Top 10 Signs that You’re an Author Entrepreneur

Author, speaker, and author’s coach Beth Barany

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Beth Barany is the editor and publisher of the Author Entrepreneurship Magazine. She’s an award winning YA fantasy author, keynote speaker, and author’s coach. A certified Creativity Coach and a Master NLP Practitioner, Beth brings to her work with authors a deep experience and understanding of the creative process. Beth lives in Oakland, California with her husband, bestselling thriller author and speaker, Ezra Barany, and together they enjoy their two cats, watching movies, and travelling to the big cities of the world.

More about her products and services to help fiction writers create successful and sustainable careers at: BethBarany.com.

To sign up for the next issue of the Author Entrepreneurship Magazine go here: AuthorEntrepreneurship.com.

To get fun tips on creative writing from other creative writers, visit Beth’s blog, Writer’s Fun Zone: WritersFunZone.com.

Check out Beth’s courses for authors:

Bestseller Weekend Beth Barany

Check out Beth’s books for authors:

     Overcome Writers Block Beth Barany

To learn about Beth’s award-winning fiction, go to her fiction author site.

Author Entrepreneur Magazine Beth BaranyBeth loves staying in touch via the social media channels:

Facebook

Twitter     LinkedIn

Pinterest    Instagram

 

Filed Under: Guest Blog, inspiration, writing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Authors for Literacy

09/19 By Leave a Comment

I am participating in this massive author’s event. Please join me to meet and mingle with dozens of authors and hear your favorites read from their books. I’m scheduled to read at 10:15 am so arrive early!  Even if you miss my brief 15 minute reading, I’ll be in the Main room at my assigned table until 2:00. There will be poets, fiction and nonfiction authors and many genres represented.  Also two special guest speakers will talk in the afternoon. 

At 2:00 P.M., everyone will take a seat in the main auditorium to hear from Belva Davis, Never in My Wildest Dreams, with questions, and at 3:00 P.M. we will hear from Dr. Joy De Gruy, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, with questions. You don’t want to miss this spectacular FREE event!

Authors For Literacy - Victoria M. Johnson reading and signing

100 Authors for Literacy is sponsored by The Northern Central Neighborhood Association to benefit the Martin Luther King Essay and Poetry Contest.

Saturday, Sept 21, 2013

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Martin Luther King Center, 725 Mt. Diablo Avenue, San Mateo, California, 94401

Filed Under: Book Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Guest Interview with Nonnie Jules

08/30 By 2 Comments

Guest Interview with Nonnie JulesNonnie Jules is a mother, a wife, dog-lover, avid book reader and author.  She lives in Louisiana on a huge strip of land, which she refers to as a “farm”, even though they’re not milking any cows or feeding chickens there.  Her daughters are total animal lovers so you can imagine all the creatures that share their home, inside and out.  Nonnie began writing as a child but only recently decided to take it very seriously and write for a living.  Although she hasn’t earned quite enough to take a vacation yet, she is truly optimistic about her writing future.  So now that you know that part, let’s begin the interview.

 

Q:  Tell us the name of your books and also give us a little background on them.

A:  My first published piece is entitled “THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS”, 100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can’t Help But Love!  I have two very exceptional daughters, one adult and one teenager.  Now let me go a step further to say that they are truly as close to perfect as any human could be.  They are respectful, kind, honest, caring, loving, God-filled… every possible attribute you can imagine, they embody it and I am so proud to be their mother.  Whenever someone new meets either of them, they turn to me and ask the same question:  “How did you do it?”  Since I get the question so often, even more so now that they are older, I thought “why not put how I did it into a guide so that everyone could do it?”  And so, “THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE…” was born.

“DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND” is my first hand at fiction and although I am enjoying the journey because I’m learning so much, it has been challenging to write, on so many different levels.  First, it’s set out of Houston, TX so I had to travel to research the place and that caused me to be away from my family, which I don’t enjoy at all, EVER.  But the work had to be done. I’m still fine tuning it so that when I feel its ready for release, it will be a book you won’t want to put down until the very end.  You can read an excerpt of it here at: Watch Nonnie Write.

Q:  What inspirations do you draw from for your writing?

A:  I usually pull my inspiration from real life, things that are going on around me and in the world.  Things I hear about and things I see.  I like to take information and put a new spin on it, or add more to it so that it has a more dramatic effect on the reader of the work.  Sometimes that’s easy to do, sometimes not.

Q:  How much of your time is devoted to writing?

A:  Literally, writing has consumed my life and my world.  It’s really all I have time to do now.  I think when I decided to become an author, I didn’t imagine that it would take so much of my time, and so I decided that I would put out two books almost back to back, without knowing how hard that would be.  Because, when you write and the book is published, that’s not the end of it.  I was writing a book, and then marketing the book, then started writing another book in the midst of promoting the first book.  Whew!  I’m exhausted just typing all that!  But Victoria, I read your blog post on using an egg timer to get things more streamlined and to manage your time better.  I will use that tip from here on out because it is very easy to get caught up in spending time on these social media sites.

Q:  Who is the main character in “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND” and what is her story?

A:  Marisa James is the main character and a very good girl.  She stays homes all the time, she reads a lot, doesn’t give the mom any problems at all, unlike her other siblings.   As a teenager, her mom and stepfather are abusing her and every day she feels like she’s living in hell, her situation is so dire.  One day, she decides she’s not going to take their abuse any more and she snaps.  I don’t do spoilers, so you guys will have to read the book for more.  But, I will share the trailer with you here: http://youtu.be/qbUK3XQ5-dA.

Q:  Nonnie, what’s next for you?

A:  Well, after DDNF is released, I will be marketing and promoting both of my books.  I will be spending much time trying to get  “The Good Mommies’ Guide…” around the world, and I plan on doing that by using it as a fundraising tool.  I was recently contacted by a pretty big wig involved with many PTA/PTO groups, who asked if it would be OK if my book was presented to these parent organizations as a fundraising tool?  Of course, my response was YES!  I always knew that this guide would help change the course of the world but I really didn’t know how I was going to make that happen.  But I prayed on it, and literally a few days later I received this phone call about using it for fundraising, and I knew then that GOD had opened the door.  So, if there are ANY organizations OR individuals out there interested in a NEW kind of fundraiser, one with a very nice profit margin, please feel free to visit www.nonniesbookstore.com for more details.  I am on a mission to save our children and “The Good Mommies’ Guide…” is just the beginning of making that dream a reality.

Q:  Well, is there anything else you’d like to share with us before you go?

A:  Oh yes there is!  I have so enjoyed being here today and hopefully you have enjoyed hearing from me.  If you’re at all interested in following the rest of this tour, do visit my site at www.nonniewrites.wordpress.com for the schedule.  If you’re interested in reading good material (that may be at times a tad controversial), do FOLLOW me on my blog as well.  I promise you won’t be inundated with blog posts from my site.  I invite you to also FOLLOW me on Twitter @nonniejules and on facebook under the same.

The advice that I’d offer to aspiring writers is to take your time, write what you love and don’t set self-imposed deadlines because life has a way of stepping in and showing us what to do with our deadlines.  Enjoy the journey and make it good!

If you’re looking for a great BABY SHOWER or NEW MOMMY gift, “The Good Mommies’ Guide To Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters” is the perfect one. Get copies here: Amazon, or CreateSpace or autographed copies at Nonnie’s Bookstore.  This book graces the shelves of some B&N Booksellers and it is simply flying off those shelves!  I hope that readers will take these tips from THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS and actually apply them in their rearing of children.  My wish is that this guide travels around the world and lands into the hands of every person who breathes around a child, boy or girl!  Here is the trailer for the book if you’d like to know more about it:  http://youtu.be/zg15rptFN2g. 

Lastly, I have a wonderful promotion going on thru the end of August.  If you purchase a copy of “THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE…” by the last day of the month, you will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon Gift Card.  Please visit Nonnie’s Bookstore for the details and to register. 

DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND Book Intro!
Blurb:  
“She was one horrible mess.  Always looking over her shoulder, avoiding becoming too friendly with the neighbors, never letting her kids out of her sight for fear of human monsters lurking around corners, waiting to cause them harm.  That anxiety stemmed from her own childhood memories.  Always fearing  that someone would recognize her face, she kept to herself and didn’t go out much.  And when she did, no matter the season, she wore some kind of hat or covering on her head, enough to shield her face.  HE had done this to her even though he was dead now.  

Walter never understood why she was such a loner, avoiding  people as much as she could, and just being extremely anti-social outside of the house.  Houston was originally her home, not his, yet she didn’t even want her own family and friends to know that she had returned.  The only person she found herself able to really open up with was him.  And although she tried to make him feel otherwise, he knew that there was still a huge wall up that even he would never be able to see over or climb.

Marisa had a secret and if it was ever discovered, it could cost her her life and her freedom.”

Review:
“I couldn’t put this book down! Every chapter that I read kept me on the edge of my seat, excited about what was to come in the next chapter.  I want more…so hope there’s a sequel! Lifetime Television…watch out for DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND.  You’re going to want to turn this script into a movie!”- P.J. Soemer, Book Lover

Trailer:
http://youtu.be/qbUK3XQ5-dA

BUY LINKS:
Nonnie’s Book Store
Also on Amazon

Victoria, thank you so much again for having me.  I have had the best time with you and your readers!  I wish you all peace, love, happiness and many great reads!

Daydream's Daughter, Nightmare's Friend by Nonnie Jules    The Good Mommies' Guide To Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters by Nonnie Jules

Filed Under: Guest Interview, writing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

What Will You Do With Your Ten Minutes?

07/08 By 6 Comments

When was the last time you did nothing?  Ah-ha.  You can’t remember that far back, can you?  Neither could I.  But one day I realized I’d been on this fast mode for so many years that I didn’t know how to slow down.  But if we’re to write creatively we need that down time.  We need to disconnect and enjoy the moment every once in awhile.  If your life is as hectic as mine, I know how difficult it is to truly take a break and live in the moment.  Taking a break sounds too simple a solution but it is the key to stress reduction and living a fulfilling life.  Try carving out a little time for yourself: for your writing, your imagination, and your well-being.  Just a few moments a day is a good start.  Did you know there are 1,440 minutes in a day?  Take ten for yourself.  Enjoy the sunshine.  Take a quick walk.  Admire a painting.  Or better yet, do nothing.  Just relax and clear your mind.  Since I started this practice I feel much more relaxed and more productive.  I hope you’ll try it.  Once you get into the habit of taking ten minutes off each day you’ll find many benefits.  You’ll gain a revitalized spirit with just a bit more energy for your writing.  In case you need more coaxing, here’s a wonderful poster with 50 great ideas for taking a break.  For a free printable copy of the poster below, visit author Karen Horneffer-Ginter’s Full Cup, Thirsty Spirit website. And here’s a great article, Living In The Moment, that includes tips for making every moment count.  The author suggests we’ll feel more gratitude and enjoyment of life.  I earnestly agree.  What will you do with your ten minutes?

What Will You Do With Your Ten Minutes? by Victoria M. Johnson

What Will You Do With Your Ten Minutes?

 

Filed Under: Homepage, inspiration, Life, writing Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Power of Three guest post by Marjorie Bicknell Johnson

07/01 By 1 Comment

Power of Three

No, not a Roman triumvirate; not 3, 9, 27, 81; and not the witches in Macbeth—but the power of three in writing.

The “power of three” in writing means using a series of three words, phrases, or ideas. Using a series of three helps the reader understand what you are writing, helps him or her organize the information mentally, and creates a sense of urgency. Using a series of more than three becomes cumbersome and less easy to understand. Using a series of two ideas simply doesn’t have the same impact.

The number three has a magical importance in cultural and spiritual practices around the world. It’s no accident that the number three is pervasive throughout some of our greatest stories, fairy tales, and myths. It’s no coincidence that some of the most famous quotes throughout history are structured in three parts. It’s no surprise that the rule of three works wonders in the world of comedy—set-up, anticipation, and punch line.

It all comes down to the way we process information. While I don’t pretend to understand why, the brain seems to be hard-wired to group information in threes. We have become proficient at pattern recognition, and three is the smallest number of elements that can form a pattern. Comedians exploit the way our minds perceive expected patterns to throw the audience off track—and make us laugh.

Information presented in groups of three sticks in our heads better than other clusters of items. Orators use the power of three: “Blood, sweat, and tears”; “Friends, Romans, Countrymen”; “I came, I saw, I conquered.” Politicians know the rule of three: “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”; “Government of the people, by the people, for the people”; “Sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish with my country.” Real estate has “Location, location, location”; safety posters advise, “Stop, look, and listen;” movie titles include “Sex, Lies, and Videotape.”

Things that come in threes are inherently funnier, more satisfying, or more effective than other numbers of things. Have you ever wondered

  • What the three little pigs, Goldilocks and the three bears, and the three wise men have in common?
  • Why the three-act structure is the dominant approach to screenwriting?
  • Why three bullet points are more effective than two or four?

Think in terms of three when crafting your content, and you’ll likely end up with a more engaging outcome. If at first you don’t succeed, remember—the third time’s the charm.

Power of Three guest post by Marjorie Bicknell JohnsonBio: Marjorie Bicknell Johnson has a master’s degree in mathematics and taught high school mathematics for thirty years. Her 89 mathematics research papers on topics in number theory—recursive sequences; sequences within Pascal’s triangle; and the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio—have appeared in several academic journals. She has served on the editorial board of the Fibonacci Quarterly since 1963. But research related to Fibonacci numbers doesn’t make good cocktail party conversation, so she started the new century by joining a creative writing class to learn how to write a good story.

Marjorie and her husband Frank, both pilots, live near San Francisco. Marjorie drew upon her experiences as a pilot to write Bird Watcher: A Novel. While visiting Mayan ruins with archeologists, she found that “really good story,” the basis for Jaguar Princess: The Last Maya Shaman. The book was carefully researched and edited; in fact, it placed in the top 50 out of 5000 entries in the young adult division of the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. Both books are available on Amazon. Visit Marjorie’s website at: mbicknelljohnson.com

Bird Watcher by Marjorie Johnson   Jaguar Princess by Marjorie Bicknell Johnson

 

Filed Under: Guest Blog, writing, Writing Craft Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »