Sara Jackson's Blog

"Hi, my name is Sara and I am a writer."

2012-01-24T22:21:00.000-08:00

   Which is exactly what I would say if there ever existed a meeting for writers who are absolutely in love with their craft. Because, let's face it, writing is addictive. I started writing in 2007, but my love of fiction began the day I was born. My parents swear that I was born with a book in my hand. Books have always been a form of escapism for me. I never leave home without one. But since I've started writing, not just fiction but my freelance articles, I've come to the conclusion that I cannot get enough of it. I find myself daydreaming about writing when not doing it.
   Mondays are the only time that I can fully devote an entire day to my writing, since my day job begins on Tuesday. During the week, I diligently work every night from 8:00-10:30 on my writing. Unfortunately I have to get up early to go to work at my dad's dental office, so I'm not always able to work later into the night like I would like to. Once I put the pen and paper away and turn out the lights, I find myself fighting the urge to turn the lights back on and hit the power button on my computer. I have to force myself to lie there and wait for sleep to take me.
   I don't know if anyone feels the same way, but I find it hard to shut off my drive to write at a certain time at night. It's like a drug. Creativity feels good. You are in another world, you're interacting with these people that are so three dimensional to you, and sometimes it's hard to say goodbye. Maybe you had a bad day at work, and writing fiction is your escape out of reality. Well, sometimes I find it hard to shut everything off and leave my world of characters to go to sleep and face reality again in the morning. During the day I find myself wondering, "what is so and so doing?" I can't wait to get home and get my fix.

They're Just Not That Into You

2012-01-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

   Let's face, as writers we experience a certain amount of frustration on a daily basis. Whether it's trying to meet deadlines, tracking down contacts for an article, or trying to get a speedier response from an editor. A good portion of our time as freelancers is spent querying those potential one-time employers, who will let us write for their magazine. But, sometimes, we don't always hear back from those editors. It can be frustrating as Hell. We send our follow-up queries every week like clockwork, never thinking that we are maybe being too pushy, or coming off as needy.
   Just as in relationships, we are left wondering "why won't they call me" (or in our case, "why won't they email me back)? " We begin to question ourselves as writers, and then out comes the chocolate and that quart of Cherry Garcia ice cream. When in reality, there are probably a myriad of reasons why that specific editor hasn't gotten back to us. Maybe what we queried them with doesn't fit the theme of their magazine. Maybe our query got lost in the hundreds of other emails they receive on a daily basis. Or maybe they just didn't like what we had to query them with, and they don't have the common decency to email us back to let us know. I mean, they can at least do that can't they?!
   So, as in the dating world, if you haven't heard back in a certain amount of time, then maybe that editor wasn't worth working with after all. There are plenty of other editors in the literary pool, perhaps one of them will buy your idea.

PREPARING YOUR TEEN FOR THEIR FIRST JOB INTERVIEW:

2011-11-22T23:08:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe that your image conscious, eye rolling, mono-syllabic teen will one day make his or her way into the work force. Though they may act like they don't need you anymore, preparing for a job interview will be one of those times when your advice and previous experience will come in handy.

A good stepping-stone for any teen ready to enter the work force is to become active in extra curricular activities in school or around their community. This will help build their confidence, and get them used to the idea of selling themselves to authority figures.

Your teen's first impression on the interviewer, whether they are applying for a job working weekends or a few hours after school, counts for 55% of their decision on whether your teen gets a call congratulating them on their new position within that company.

Once your teen has settled on a business that they are interested in working for, have them do some research on the position they are applying for. The more knowledge he or she is equipped with, the better their chances of getting hired.

Next you will want to set aside time to practice what will happen in the interview, such as what will be asked, what they should ask, etc. Playing the role of the interviewer, prepare some questions to ask that the real interviewer might. Your rehearsals should cover real scenarios that might arise, including working through situations that may be positive, negative or even embarrassing. Also, help them work through answering those questions that they may have difficulty answering.

Teach your teen to answer the questions precisely, without sounding unsure of themselves. They should begin to learn to believe in themselves, and therefore exude confidence in the interview.

During this time, feedback is essential for your teen. Whether it is praise or constructive criticism, your teen will benefit from learning from their mistakes, and thereby gaining confidence in themselves.

Now that you feel like your teen has mastered the Q&A part of the interview process, it is now time for them to make an appointment with their future employer, and gather the necessary paperwork together. This includes a completed job application, working papers (if your teen is under the legal hiring age), and a resume'.

Since your teen will have had no previous job experience to pad their resume' with, they will need to list those traits, outside experiences or interests that will make them stick out when the interviewer begins looking over their paperwork.

With an interview date looming in the distance, there are some points to go over with your teen to ready them for the actual day. Though one of the things you may admire about your teen is their sense of an individual, free thinking self, you need to help them realize what is appropriate attire and attitude to present themselves with in front of the man or woman interviewing them.

Whether your teen is of driving age or not, it is best to let them go into the interview room by themselves. If you have to drive them, either wait in the car or come back to pick them up. Without you in the room, your teen has only themselves to rely on, and doing something on their own builds their confidence and gives them a sense of independence. It is important that they speak for themselves, without you in the room.

If your teen is of driving age, have them map out a direct route to the place of business, taking into consideration how long it will take to get there. Also, have them arrive 10-15 minutes early. This will give them time to get their bearings and become familiar with their surroundings.

How your teen presents themselves is important, so have them dress conservatively, yet casually, so they are not completely untrue to their identity. But have them remove any piercings, wash out the hair dye, and cover any visible tattoos, as these might make the wrong impression.

Regardless of how your teen acts around you, it is essential they are polite and well mannered during their interview. Some basic rule of good behavior to keep in mind are, offer your hand first, don't sit unless you are asked to, sit up straight, listen, stay focused and don't mumble when speaking. Tell them to introduce themselves by stating their full name, age, and the school they attend, and also by giving a brief description of who they are, and why they want to be apart of the company.

Tell your teen to keep in mind the fact that their future employer will take into consideration their personality, team spirit and willingness to work.

Listed below are some standard questions that will be asked by the interviewer:

1. Why are you interested in working for our company?

2. Why should I hire you?

3. How would you describe your ability to work as a team player?

4. What do you think it takes to be successful in this position?

5. Why are you looking for a job?

Thanks to your rehearsal time, your teen should feel comfortable answering these questions and more. They should have some questions of their own prepared. It is okay at this point for your teen to talk long-term with the interviewer about things such as the pay scale, bonus and advancement opportunities within the company. This shows that they are interested in a long-term relationship with the employer and are eager to be apart of the team. Though your teen may be eager to get the job, it is necessary for them to state what days of the week and hours in which they are available. The last thing you want for them to do is excitedly accept a job, and then struggle with not being able to fulfill their end of the bargain by having to miss a lot of work, thereby compromising their employment. Now that the interview is over, your teen will need to ask when they can expect a decision to be made.

Once your teen receives a call back with a date in which they can start, there are some ground rules you will need to set in order to maintain some balance between school and work. They should know that their schoolwork is their number one priority, and that their new job must not interfere with or compromise that.

Whether he or she may know it or not, your teen is gaining valuable experiences that will guide them later on in life. They will learn responsibility and the importance of hard work, what it is like to be depended on, and what it is like to be apart of a team.

The Ins and Outs Of Copyright Law

2011-11-01T17:50:00.001-07:00

Seeing your name in print for the first time can be a life affirming experience. You've accomplished what many in your field dream of - you are now a published writer. Setting out to make a living as a freelance writer and/or author, you will want to learn all you can about copyright laws and how they pertain to your writing.

When you submit your writing to magazines, newspapers and even websites, you automatically hold the copyright, until you are able to reach an agreement to share the copyright under specific terms with the publisher or editor to which you have sold your work to.

5 Ways Copyright Law Protects Writers:

1. Prevents others from illegally using your copyrighted materials.

2. Keeps your writing safe against theft.

3. Recognizes the writer of the written material and no one else.

4. Provides legal help for both corporate and individual copyright infringement.

5. Prevents plagiarism, or any unauthorized use of written material, including public display or distribution.

Once an understanding has been reached over who owns the copyright, you will next need to know the "usage terms" of the agreement of the conditions agree upon between you and the publisher. These terms may list either an exclusivity or non-exclusivity clause, in which the publisher may request that your writing not be published elsewhere (exclusivity), or you may be granted permission to publish your writing in another venue (non-exclusivity).

Publishers of magazines, newspapers or websites relies on certain rights in order to be able to publish, reproduce and distribute your writing, so therefore, requires your permission before they can proceed any further. It is important for writers to fully know the meaning of “usage terms” before submitting their writing for publication, so that they will be fully aware of any transfer of rights, compensation or changes to the writing.

Six Ways Usage Terms Help Writers:

1. Provides provisions during publication.

2. Helps writers choose the duration of their content.

3. Come to an agreement in terms of compensation for published articles or stories.

4. Release from clear-cut legal responsibility.

5. Rules of commitment.

6. The transfer of copyright between writer and publisher.

While you already know that copyright is your right to claim ownership of your writing, thus protecting your writing from theft, or illegal distribution. You as the writer also have the choice to grant authorization through "use rights." Doing so does not affect your ownership of the copyrighted work itself, unless you sign away "all rights" or "work-for-hire."

Some publishers may be under the assumption that if no rights are bought, then they aren't using any of them. So, here is a list of rights that publishers can acquire from writers:

1. First North American Serial Rights - You as the writer are giving permission to a publication the right to publish your work for the first time only in North America and Canada.

2. First Rights - You are giving the publisher the right to exclusively print your work as "first use." Electronic and non-traditional publications usually are the ones to buy these rights.

3. One-Time Rights - Gives publishers the non-exclusive right to use your writing only once. You have the ability to sell this right to more than one publication at a time.

4. Reprint Rights – You can only sell reprint rights to other publications once you have sold First North American Serial Rights. A downside to selling reprint rights is that it will most likely bring a lower price, and the original publisher will ask to be credited alongside the second publication of the material.

5. Electronic Rights - Encompasses all types of electronic publication from CD-ROM to websites. If you were to sell electronic rights to one type of publisher, you could possibly lose the rights to sell to another non-electronic type of publication.

6. Subsidiary Rights - When your writing has been published in the form of a book, the publisher holds the right to sell your material in other formats such as film, audio and electronic rights.

7. Worldwide Rights - Gives the publisher the right to sell your book as a translation of languages in all countries.

Understanding the importance of copyright, you will next want to register your work.

Registration is inexpensive – only $20 per work registered.

Registering your writing is inexpensive - only $20 per work registered. In order to register, you will need to fill out the copyright application and mail it off to the United States Copyright Office, along with a check and a copy of your work. If your work has already been published, you will want to make sure you register within the next three months of publication. Registration of your copyrighted work goes into effect the day the Copyright Office receives your application and payment.

Once you have registered your copyrighted work, you are now able to sue for copyright infringement. Registering your writing within 90 days of publication, you are eligible for statutory damages of up to $100,000, even if copyright infringements have occurred either before or after registration. Registration of your copyrighted work goes into effect the day the Copyright Office receives your application and payment.

An author really owns a bundle of rights, which can be sold or assigned separately to a third party:

Authors Own Rights In The Following Ways:

1. The right to reproduce their work in a fixed form

2. The right to derivative works. Meaning they can take their short story and adapt it into a novel, or take their novel or short story and turn it into a screenplay.

3. The right to sell their work, rent it or lend it out

4. The right to publicly display their work such as on their website, Facebook or MySpace pages

Exceptions To The Infringement Rules:

These rules allow someone to reproduce someone else's work without obtaining the proper licenses or rights to that work.

1. Fair use - states that someone may use the work for a limited time either as a teaching aid or for review and/or critique purposes.

2. Public domain - when copyright law no longer protects a piece of writing.

3. Noncopyrightable Works - includes things such things as facts or ideas, which do not add up to a piece of writing as a whole.

The awareness of copyright and how it works can literally mean the difference between you making a living as a writer, or losing the ability to sell and distribute your writing.

Day Job Blues

2011-10-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

   Like every writer starting out, I have a day job. Though I do consider myself fortunate to be employed by my father at his dental practice. I started working for him in December 2009, but started my freelance career in 2007. I was lucky enough to get published with one of my first query letters, and have been writing pretty steadily ever since for other publications.
   This past year I've been busting my butt to try and finish my YA novel, "Blood Pressure." I had a fantasy that I could finish a rough draft by this summer and have it sent out to agents by January. WRONG! I'm only on Chapter 9, and think that I will have to scrap the idea. Maybe not, I'm hoping to salvage what I've written. It's not bad writing, it's just a lack of research.
   Anyways, I've finally come to the conclusion that I won't have a book finished any time soon. So, I've decided to quit pressuring myself and focus more on my freelance work. And when the inspiration hits, I'll work on the book. My main goal of course is to be a full-time writer and leave the dental biz. I firmly believe that this is not a pipe dream; that I can achieve and WILL achieve this one day soon.
   My biggest fear is that I can very easily become complacent in my work at dad's and just be happy to do that full-time. The money is awesome and I'm tired when I get home. I sure don't want this to happen. But I'm wondering if this happens to a lot of writers with day jobs, who are making more money there than with their writing.

Am I alone at this? What do you do to push yourself more?

How To Write A Cookbook

2011-10-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

At some point during our lives, we will have amassed a collection of recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. And soon you will have enough 3x5 cards to begin putting together a family cookbook. So, why not go the extra mile and publish it?

In order to get started on your writing venture, you will need to develop a clear concept and let it guide you in the selection of your recipes. Your own personal experiences with food are what is going to make your book stand out among the other cookbooks.

Before gathering recipes from family members and your own personal collection, you'll want to explore what your relationship and personal experiences are with food.

Some questions to ask yourself are:

1. What type of food did the women in your family cook, and what dishes of theirs do you remember most?

2. Does your family have any special food traditions around the holidays?

3. How old were you when you first started cooking, or helping out in the kitchen?

4. What was the first meal you ever cooked for either yourself or someone else?

Now that you've taken your trip down memory lane, it is now time to narrow the themes down to something specific such as holiday recipes, family-style recipes, crock-pot, pastas or desserts.

Since cookbooks are written to show the home cook the steps necessary to duplicate a desired dish, the recipes need to be written in simplified, step-by-step instructions. To make sure you are able to better write out the recipes so that they are easy to follow, jot down every step during the cooking process and then photograph the end result.

Now it's time to get down to the actual writing of your book. There are four parts to the recipe writing process: Ingredients List, Cooking Instructions, Titles, and Introductory Notes.

Ingredients List:

The ingredients and their measurements should be listed in the order of use. Exact measurements should be noted, for example 1 bell pepper, diced. You will want to note anything that needs to be prepared ahead of time such as sauces or piecrusts, and list the separate ingredients for these special sub-recipes.

Cooking Instructions:

Be concise as possible, you're not writing the Great American novel. While preparing a recipe from cookbooks, people only stop what they are doing and glance at the next step, before continuing on. Instead of writing, "Put the flour, milk, sugar and eggs into a mixing bowl and stir until combined." Write, "In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, milk, sugar and eggs."

You will want to be precise as possible when setting up each of the steps. An example would be, "Sweat the onions in a sauté pan on medium heat until translucent." Make sure to give pre-heating instructions when needed before the readers are to start the cooking process such as, "Pre-heat oven to 450º."

For each new step, start a new paragraph, keeping instructions short and to the point.

Title:

If you think about all of the meat, poultry and seafood recipes published each year; the sheer volume can be daunting. This is why it's important to pay particular attention to the qualities that make your fish, chicken or beef recipes stand out. Tell your readers what makes your recipe special from the others like it. For example: "Fish Tacos with Chipotle Mayo," instead of just "Fish Tacos."

Rachael Ray seems to be the only one who can get away with using cutesy titles for her recipes, but it is better to stay clear of the cuteness factor, as it says nothing about your recipe. What adult wants to eat, "Yummy In Your Tummy Chocolate Chip Brownies?"

Introductory Note:

Here is where you need to sell your recipe. Describe what makes it mouth watering delicious. You can also offer up alternative ingredients and special equipment, including mandolins or griddles, and alternatives if the home cook doesn't own one of these gadgets. If the recipe calls for broccoli, tell the reader they can substitute Brussels sprouts instead.

Now that you have your cookbook written, the next step is to seek out a publisher. You'll want to do your research by browsing the cookbook aisle of your local library or bookstore and note which publishers are printing your type of cookbook.

Once you have compiled your list, you can now think about sending out your queries, which will include the following:

1. Cover letter - Here you'll describe in a few paragraphs what your book is about and why you're the person to write it.

2. Concept synopsis - In one or two pages, describe the concept of your book and why it would appeal to a certain audience. This is where your research comes into play; because you'll be able to cite the social or cultural trends your book fits into and give a list of already published cookbooks that are would-be competitors and why your cookbook will beat out the competition.

3. Table of contents - Here you will outline what's in the book, chapter-by-chapter. Chapters may contain appetizers, main courses and desserts or soups, stews and pasta dishes.

4. Sample recipes - This includes samples of recipes and how they represent the book's concept. You should only need about a dozen of these samples to give your future editor a taste of your book.

5. Author's bio - This is where you sell yourself as the reason why you're the one to write your book. Acknowledge your experience with cooking the types of recipes included, and any other experiences as a "foody" such as traveling, cooking contests, or maybe you write reviews for a magazine on restaurants.

A Note On Copyright Law:

Most would be surprised to know that cookbooks, like any works of fiction or nonfiction, is subject to copyright laws. Surprising, since women pass out recipes like their children trade and collect comic books. While the listing of the ingredients themselves are not protected under copyright law, the literary aspect of the recipe itself, meaning any notes of explanation, as in the how-to of cooking the recipe, is subject to the laws of copyright. The only time a recipe may be reprinted without credit is when it has been doctored and reworked so that it no longer resembles the original recipe.

Writing your own cookbook is a wonderful way to keep those special memories that come with the preparation of the food alive. You now have a collection of your family's and your own recipes to pass down to the generations to come. And hopefully others will revel in preparing meals from your cookbook for years to come.

Homemade Chili:

Homemade chunky-style chili in an hour.

Ingredient List

2 lbs ground beef

1 Lg onion, chopped

1 Lg green bell pepper, chopped

1 15oz. can of stewed Mexican tomatoes

2 15oz. cans of tomato sauce

1 cup of water

4 tbs chili powder

1 bay leaf

1 tbs of ground Cumin

2 15oz. cans of red kidney beans (undrained - salt to taste).

In a large saucepan, cook beef. Drain, and then add remaining ingredients. Mix ingredients together. Cover and let simmer for 1 hour. Add beans the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Cook Time - 1 hour

Serving size - Makes 3 quarts

Article in appeared in last month's issue of Writer's Journal 2011

A Word On Pen Names

2011-08-25T20:01:00.001-07:00

Eric Arthur Blair, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson and Mary Ann Evans are the "real" names of some very famous authors. Confused? Maybe this will help - they have written novels under the pen names George Orwell, Lewis Carroll (bet you were surprised by that one!) and George Eliot.

Nom de plume, literary double, alter ego or pseudonym, no matter what you call it, there are many reasons why authors write under a pen name.

A Name That Sells:

Most authors, who adopt pen names, do so because they want a more distinctive name appearing on the cover of their books. John Smith isn't going to sell a lot of crime thrillers, but Mason Storm might.

Some authors may want to hide their gender in order to become more accepted in a particular genre. An example of this is romance novelist Nora Roberts who writes erotic thrillers under the pen name J.D. Robb. While writing her bestselling Vampire Chronicles series, Anne Rice dabbled in erotica with her erotica trilogy Sleeping Beauty under the pen name A.N. Roquelaure.

Sometimes editors and publishers feel it necessary for their writers, who are especially prolific, to employ pen names to avoid overexposure. Writers who write for pulp magazines will often publish stories under a couple of different pen names, to make readers believe that they are reading short stories by different writers.

Perhaps the most famous use of a pen name to avoid overexposure is when novelist Stephen King wrote four novels under the name Richard Bachman, because his publisher felt that his "constant readers" wouldn't buy more than one book from him in a year. But, as only Stephen King is wont to do, he took it to the next level, going as far as to dedicate his 1984 novel Thinner to Claudia Inez Bachman, who was supposedly Richard Bachman's wife.

If The Name Doesn't Fit. Change It:

Some authors feel that their real names either don't fit the genre they are working in or are not appropriate. Take author Pearl Gray, who dropped his first name and changed it to Zane, and changed the spelling of his last name to Grey, because he felt it was better suited for the Western genre.

You would think that Julie Woodcock would want to keep her real name as opposed to writing under the pen name Angela Knight when penning her romance novels, but she chose to change it, feeling her real name was too-on-the-nose.

For No Other Reason Than Just Because:

In some instances, writers may utilize a pen name for nothing more than their own amusement, as is in the case of Edward Gorey, who wrote under different pen names just for his own enjoyment - each one an anagram of his real name.

Daniel Handler wrote under the name of his main character Lemony Snicket in his Series Of Unfortunate Events books, as if they were memoirs based on an acquaintance of the main character.

Gender Restrictions In Selected Genres:

It's hard for this female freelance writer and author to believe, but discrimination still exists in the literary world today. Since the 19th century, women have written under both male and gender-neutral pen names so as to be taken seriously by readers. For example, the widely popular novel Out Of Africa was written by Karen Blixen under the pen name Isak Dineson.

Though the publishing industry is more welcoming to female writers, in genres such as horror, science fiction and fantasy and even mystery, readers will often choose novels written by male authors. Studies have also shown that these same readers will tend to assume that any gender-neutral name is male. Women who write under gender-neutral pen names include J.K. Rowling, K.A. Applegate and S.E. Hinton.

There are other reasons why authors may choose to use a pen name either at the beginning of their career of in the middle of it.

1. The author's real name may be too closely related to that of another author's name.

2. An author who has gained worldwide popularity early in their career may come to fear fame and thereby choose to remain anonymous by using a pen name.

3. If a female author gets married, she may want to continue using her maiden name as a pen name, while legally adopting her husband's name.

Before you choose your pen name, first think of the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

Pros Of Using A Pen Name:

Using a pen name will help increase the marketability and therefore the sales of your book. When choosing your pen name, make sure you choose a first and last name from the first half of the alphabet. Doing this, you will be sure to get your books in a prime spot on the book display and will secure a place for your novel on the top shelves at eye level. It's also a good idea to plan your pen name close to the letters of some bestselling authors. So, if you're a mystery writer, you might want to have your pen name begin with the letter "G" so you'll be situated next to John Grisham or Elizabeth George.

If you are an author who writes politically, socially or sexually charged books, then a pen name will help you remain anonymous or prevent personal injury from occurring.

Some publishers limit their writers from contributing to outside markets, so a pen name will allow you to publish your books under one name and use either your real name or a pen name to get published in other types of markets such as magazines or blogs.

Cons Of Using A Pen Name:

Pen names that seem like they are trying too hard or are too flashy will actually turn publishers off and eventually readers. Using a two-syllable first name and a single-syllable last name seems to be a safe choice. Also, try to avoid last names that rhyme with your first name.

Pen names can sometimes have a tendency to come back to haunt you, especially if you've created an elaborate back-story. In the future, you may have some difficulty publishing other works under your real name, if you use your pen name long past its expiration date.

Issues Of Copyright:

An author may use a pen name on a copyrighted work if the author's pen name is identified on copies of that work. The pen name itself is not protected by copyright.

Whether or not you choose to be identified by your legal name or your pen name, you should clarify this when registering your work at the Copyright Office. But remember that, if you choose to give your "real" name, then it will be made public on the online records produced by the Copyright Office and will be accessible to anyone surfing the web.

Remember, no matter if you are an established author or are just starting out, using a pen name is like starting from scratch and can be particularly difficult to build a reputation. It can also allow you to flex your writing muscles and freely branch out into different genres without having to worry about possibly distancing your loyal readers.

Remembering Ladybugs

2011-08-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

I just finished a book titled Cherished: 21 Writers On Animals They Have Loved and Lost and it got me thinking about my first dog, Lady.

   My childhood was anything but normal, but before my eighth birthday, Lady came into my life to make everything seem worthwhile. I was born with what is called Mid-Facial Dysplasia, and from the age of four years old, started a series of reconstructive surgeries that would help build a bridge for my nose, and more pronounced features.
   Lady arrived just as I was beginning to understand why I had to have these surgeries. I began to understand that my childhood wasn't like that of other kids and sometimes I suffered the consequences of being "different" (even though you could never tell I had surgery). And funnily enough, I was tricked into taking Lady from a friend of my aunt's, who lived on this duck hunting ranch. He told me that they were going to put Lady to sleep, and of course I jumped at the chance to save her. Or rather, as I would soon learn, she saved me.
   My surgeries were never a scary experience. Nothing bad ever happened to make me apprehensive about having another one. My parents have always been my rock, but Lady was the one I could tell my secrets to. Like all dogs, she had that calm, quiet way about her that made everything feel like it was going to be okay. It was like she always knew when I came home from the hospital to not jump on me or be rambunctious around me. She would sit quietly by my bed or the couch and would reluctantly allow my parents near me.
   I spent my entire childhood with Lady who eventually came to be known as Ladybugs. In 1998, she was 10 years old, and little did I know that I wouldn't have her too much longer. In that same year, I had a major surgery called a cranialplasty and my grandfather was in the hospital, dying of kidney cancer. I consider myself lucky to have had her during my recovery from that surgery and to help me through the grief of losing my grandfather.
   On Christmas morning of that year, Lady passed away just as I woke up at the six thirty in the morning. Let me tell ya, that was not a very Merry Christmas morning opening gifts. Later that day, we took her out to our property (where we would soon build a house) and laid her body in a box to buried the next day. God, that was the worst Christmas I've ever had. We couldn't bury her that day because we had like 20 people coming for Christmas dinner. So, the next morning, dad dug a hole over by the creek and we had a little ceremony for her. Now almost 14 years later, I still miss her very much, even though I have had dogs in between then. She will always be number 1.

Mr MaGoo's Shenanigans: Do You Know About FACE Foundation?

2011-08-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

Mr MaGoo's Shenanigans: Do You Know About FACE Foundation?: "Woof! It's been a whirlwind July. Mom and I have been on a book tour promoting our (my) book Real Dogs Don't Whisper . It's been a tail ..."

Storyboards For Fiction Writers

2011-07-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

Whether you are a new author taking the plunge and beginning work on your first novel, in the middle of your second or third rewrite, or are all ready a published author starting on your next book, organization is key to helping you obtain your vision.

Inspiration for stories usually comes to us in flashes, such as a scene, a line of dialogue, or the name of the hero or villain that your story will be based on. And it is your job as a writer to bring these bits of information together into one cohesive piece of writing. To achieve this, some authors have turned to the use of storyboards to help them tackle those difficult storylines or character arcs in their fiction and nonfiction works.

Storyboards are a great tool, whether you are in the planning stages of your book, or are stuck on a chapter.

What you will need to get started:

1. Large, flat surface, either a wall or board of some kind.

2. 3x5 cards or Post-its.

3. Colored pens.

Now that you have what you need, you can begin using your storyboards in a variety of ways.

Keeping Track Of Your Characters:

Major and minor characters introduced at the beginning of your novel can become lost or forgotten halfway through the writing process, if they are not kept track off.

Using your movable note cards and colored pens for each character, you can record each character by their name, a physical description, and their growth as it happens throughout the story. Another way is to divide your 3x5 cards or Post-its up by using one side of your flat surface for your protagonist and the other for your antagonist, using different colors for each.

Whichever way you choose to lay your cards out, seeing your characters spread before you, will help give you a new perspective on the way your characters are developing, how they will fit within the story and how they will play off each other.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Does each character contribute to the plot?

2. Are your descriptions original?

3. Are your characters believable?

4. Is your main character someone your readers will relate to? Empathize or sympathize with? Care about throughout the story?

Asking yourself these questions will help you eliminate weak characters that aren't contributing to the plot. Get rid of character traits that are cliché such as the cheerleader, the Goth, the runaway and the rich kid.

Organizing Plots & Scenes

Whether you are in the middle of your book, or are just beginning to put pen to paper, or rather fingers to keyboard, storyboards can help you organize your plot by dividing each chapter into scenes by writing them down on your movable note cards and then tacking them up on your blank surface in the order you think they should go.

By doing this, you get a sense of the pacing of your novel. With all of your scenes before you and at eye level, you can rearrange them, take scenes out, or add new ones where there are gaps in the plot.

Also, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is a plot line left out for too long?

2. Is there a need for an additional character or characters to help fill a hole in the plot?

3. Is the flow of action for each scene or chapter smooth and able to make sense to your readers?

4. Are there any chapter breaks that leap out at you? Is there enough information at the end of each chapter to leave the reader interested?

5. Are there places where the narrative and/or the character's internal thoughts need to be broken up by action or dialogue?

6. Is there a variety of emotion in every scene?

Getting Your Acts Together

In the planning stages of your novel, you can also use storyboards to structure your story into Three Acts, just as you would if you were writing a screenplay. This is a great way to utilize storyboards if you already have an outline of your plot, scenes, chapters and characters.

To do this, divide your empty space up into three sections. Instead of separating your note cards into scenes and characters, each one will have the following written on it:

1. What the scene is about.

2. Pertinent pieces of dialogue or whole conversations.

3. The characters in that scene, including their names and description.

Once you have all of your cards together, you can begin dividing your scenes into Acts.

ACT 1:

This is where you are going to set up your story and introduce your main characters to your readers. Here is where you will also introduce the Conflict of your story. What is it your character wants and desires? Why? What are they willing to do to achieve their goal? Who are the characters standing in their way? The first act makes up 25% of your story and includes the first 25-30 pages. This is where you need to grab your readers.

ACT 2:

Act 2 makes up the bulk of your story and therefore makes up the bulk of your story - 50%. This is where your readers really become involved in the story and start getting to know the characters and care about them. It is at this point that you will set up scenes for the Subplot and begin introducing the Minor Characters that come into play. This is where the Conflict is further explored and there begins a building of tension between characters.

ACT 3:

This where all loose ends are tied up with the Conflict ending in a Resolution. Act 3 makes up the last 25% of your story. Your readers should be treated to a twist in the plot or a satisfying ending that wraps up all loose ends in a nice little package.

Once you have all of your cards spread out and divided into your Three Acts, you can now assess your novel as a whole. You can see how your story flows, and how your characters grow and fit within the story. You may want to add or remove characters, rearrange scenes, or add to your plot.

Whichever way you decide to use storyboards to structure your novel, having it spread before you will help you to better visualize your story before sitting down to write that first draft.

Writing Apps For Your iPhone

2011-06-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

   Earlier this year I finally got my hot little hands on the phone everyone has been talking about - the iPhone. And I LOVE it!!!! Now, as a writers we all know that inspiration can strike at any time, or we may be out somewhere, enjoying our surroundings and writing, but what happens when our muse leaves us? Luckily, after a lot of hours perusing the app store, I found 5 apps sure to make my life as a writer much easier.

1. Writing Toolkit ($3.99):
   This app empowers writers to be better at their craft, whether they write fiction or nonfiction. The main page contains 14 icons - Questions, Punctuation, Writing, Plots, People, Places, Things, Scenario, Notes, Dialogue, Prepositions, iPod, Help and Tutorial. So, whether you are a novice or a pro, this app will help you with the mechanics of writing, overcome your writer's block, tips on how to correctly use punctuation, creating new characters and locations, etc.

2. Writing Prompts ($1.99):
   This app includes 500 writing prompts! Shake your phone or swipe your finger across the screen to change the prompts, which includes over 200 scene elements, 50 sketches, 10 colors and over 80 genres to choose from. Find a prompt that you would like to use over and over again? Then you can either text the prompt to your fellow writers or save it in your Favorite Prompts by tapping the text in the lower right hand corner of the screen.

3. Creativity Portal (FREE):
   Features include:
   1. News, articles, and free projects
   2. Prompts for bloggers and writers
   3. Inspiring stories and quotes
   4. Exclusive interviews
   5. Book excerpts
   6. Free printouts

4. WriMuse ($0.99):
   Another writing prompts app that will give you creative writing prompts in either just a few key words or a full prompt. WriMuse puts together a brief outline for a story or scene by combining character, location and a special circumstance. This app includes several hundred MILLION prompts!!!!

5. Storyteller ($1.99):
   This app is for combating writer's block and comes loaded with thousands of character ideas, plot suggestions, story settings, and themes.

Let me know if any of these apps have worked for you and if there are some out there that I may not know about.

Happy Writing Until Next Time!
Sara - www.sarajacksonwriter.com

Blood Pressure

2011-05-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

   Blood Pressure is the novel I am currently working on at the moment. It is a YA novel about a fifteen year old girl named, Denise, who lives with her fundamentalist parents in the small town of Churchill, Maryland. When her best, and only friend, Karen slips her a copy of Interview With the Vampire under the table in their school's cafeteria, Denise is instantly hooked!
   Upon finishing the book, her interest in vampires doesn't stop there, she searches the Internet, looking for any information she can get on vampires. One day she comes across the website for The Children Of the Night Coven - a vampire role-playing game, where the players meet and role-play being vampires. After a month or so of talking with someone known as BlackRose18, Denise finally meets up with the coven.
   What was once a harmless obsession has now turned into a deadly game. Because the Children Of The Night are not what Denise thought they would be and her first night with them was a nightmare. When Denise tries to get out of the group after seeing that they've committed crime sprees, she is in a fight for her life.

   So far I am on Chapter 5. Getting there, slowly but surely. I plan on having a first draft done by late this summer and spending the Fall rewriting it. I've begun listening to audio books, namely Stephen King books, read by the master himself, while writing my novel. It has really helped me get into a rhythm and understand storytelling.

On The Hunt...

2011-04-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

   I've spent the last month writing and rewriting another picture book manuscript that has yet to have a title. It stars Jack the dog, a character from my first self-published picture book from two years ago. Now that I have a final draft, I am now ready to search out a publisher. I've got five publishers lined up to send the manuscript out to.
   Since last February, I have been in talks with a writer/director of horror films who has been helping rewrite my horror script. An email from him a month or so ago, advised me to seek out an agent. So that's what I'm in the process of doing. This week I will be sending out query letters and I can't wait to see what turns up!
   I recently became a featured writer for Starburst magazine and continue to freelance for my usual publications. Though sometimes I feel as though I have taken on too much as far as trying to juggle a freelance career and an author. I feel I'm failing at finishing my YA novel, "Blood Pressure," and keep telling myself that I will finish a first draft by this fall. I hope so.

Below is my first published picture book, "Jack's Dreams Come To Life."

Synopsis:
Failing to find mischief on his ranch, Jack falls asleep under his favorite tree. His dreams, which include a giant squirrel and squeak toys that come to life, provide him with more trouble than he can handle.

www.amazon.com

It's Back!

2011-03-23T09:32:00.001-07:00

My book Jack's Dreams Come To Life is now available (again) on www.amazon.com

Follow the link here http://www.amazon.com/Jacks-Dreams-Come-Life-Jackson/dp/143924281X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300897729&sr=1-2

2011-03-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

   As some of you may know, I cancelled my contract with my publisher for my self-published book Jack's Dreams Come To Life. I've just finished another picture book manuscript, that's making the rounds in my critique group. Once I get the comments back, I will rewrite it and send it out to publishers.
   It's been awhile since I've written a short story, or anything creative for that matter. But I'm happy to say that I finished a brand new short story titled, "Promises Kept" about my grandfather who passed away 13 years ago this May. I'd like to send some of my stories out to literary magazines to see if I can get them published.
   Since last February I've been in contact with Mark Vadik, a horror movie writer and director, and he's been helping rewrite and polish a horror script that I wrote titled, "The Driftwood Massacres." I received an email from him a month ago suggesting I now seek an agent for representation in order to try and sell my script. I know how to find a literary agent, but where the heck do I find a screenwriting agent?
   Then there's the ever present, so-called monkey on my back - my YA novel. I've been in a bit of a rut since February of this year about not finishing the manuscript in time to take it to the San Francisco's Writer's Conference that same month. I've left it alone for a few weeks and have now gone back to it, and am in the process of writing chapter 5. I would like to have a rough draft finished by late summer. Good luck with that I suppose.
   And, of course, to supplement my income, I still have my freelance writing. So far this year I've been asked to write for three new magazines! Rue Morgue, Tropical Fish Hobbyist and Writer's Journal. Needless to say my plate is full and I'm exhausted, confused and in a panic. My New Year's resolution was to finish something, whether that be my YA novel, find an agent and get something published. I know it's only March, but I'm starting to panic a little. As much as I appreciate my dad giving me a job at his dental office, I really wish my income was coming from my writing. But I guess all writers wish that.

Oh well, off to write!

I recently finished 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill (Stephen King's son). If you're a fan of King, you'll love Joe Hill's collection of short stories.

Jackson Andrew S DDS Video - Vallejo, CA - Health + Medical

2011-03-01T20:03:00.000-08:00

Changes Made For The Better

2011-03-01T19:57:00.000-08:00

   As some of you may know, I had self-published a children's picture book titled, "Jack's Dreams Come To Life" with CreatSpace two years ago. It was my first book ever and my first look into the publishing world. At the time, I wrote the fictional story with my dog Jack as the main character, along with my other two dogs, Sadie and Jeep as secondary characters. On April 15, 2010, it became more than a book, it became a tribute to Jack. For this was the day he died after sharing 17 years of his life with my family and I.
   Two months ago I made the hard decision to split company with CreateSpace and cancelled my contract with them. Despite my efforts and money spent on promoting my book, it sold very few copies; despite having had great reviews. I know that what killed the eventual sales of my book was that it was priced at $12.99 for a 24-page paperback picture book on www.amazon.com. The age range was wrong also, listing the book for 9-12 year olds! I asked repeatedly that this be changed and everytime was assured that it was. I realize that when self-publishing you get a bigger percentage of the royalties and that's great for maybe a novel or some other book of great length. But I know that people balked at paying $12.99 for a picture book + S&H.
   Now I am in the process of rewriting the original manuscript into a much more different story. My plan is to find another publisher and home for Jack and his adventures. I am still working on my YA novel, "Blood Pressure" and hope to have a rough draft finished by July.

I will keep you updated on my writing ventures and journey to finding a new publisher.

The Writing Life

2011-02-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

  The Writing Life: Writers On How They Think And Work
   by Marie Arana
   ISBN: 978-1-58648-149-0
   Copyright 2003
   404 pages
   $16.95

   Essays gathered from the Washington Post column of the same name, Marie Arana has compiled a list of our most distinguished and beloved authors, who give us a glimpse into their personal life and more importantly into their life as a writer. Included among the 55 authors are Joyce Carol Oates, Ray Bradbury, Patricia Cornwell and Jimmy Carter, just to name a few.
   If you are a writer or know a writer, then this will become a very cherished book. Not only do you get insight from famous authors, but politicians, journalists, poets and playwrights. These men and women not only have changed the literary world when they've put pen to paper, but they have opened doors and paved the way for future writers. They've written stories, articles and plays that are a part of history. Their opinions and creative minds were and still are an influence on not only their generation, but future generations.

Jamie Lee Curtis: Scream Queen

2011-01-17T11:04:00.000-08:00

Jamie Lee Curtis: Scream Queen by David Grove
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: BearManor Media
ISBN: 1-59393-608-7
490 pages

   I wasn't even born yet when Halloween came out in 1978 and too young to appreciate Curtis' career as a scream queen up until 1981, but that doesn't mean I'm not a rabid fan of hers and her subsequent horror films after Halloween.
   That's why I could barely contain my excitement when I found out that there would be a biography coming out, chronicling her career in horror.
   I have to admit that, when I found out that Grove's book was unauthorized, I was a little skeptic as to how accurate the information was going to be. It turns out that my skepticism was a little premature, because I found the information in the book to be very informative, not only about Jamie, but about all of her films.
   The book starts off with Jamie's adolescence and her struggles with growing up with two of Hollywood's royalty (Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis) and perhaps what was most surprising to me, was Jamie's insecurity as a teenager and young adult. Each chapter focuses on the horror films that she has starred in, how she got the part, the making of the film and the post-production of it.
   The readers gets a real inside look at Jamie's experiences on each of these films and her relationships with her fellow actors and filmmakers. If there is any fault to the book it is the constant repeating of who Jamie Lee Curtis' parents are and how tough it was for her to grow up with such famous parents. The book has a tendency to, at times compare Jamie to her mother, the reigning scream queen, Janet Leigh. Which I think Jamie has dealt with all her life and would probably rather not have a book focus too much on that part of her life.

   If you are a Jamie Lee Curtis fan or a fan of John Carpenter or any and all horror films of the late 70s and early 80s, this book is great for fans of the genre.

My New Year's Resolution

2010-12-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. The time when you stop to review your life so far this year, before a new one begins. I think as writers, this is a particularly important time for us. This is the time we take stock of our accomplishments, whether it be financially, or based on the number of times you've been published as a freelancer, or how many words you've written towards your novel or short story. But really I guess, we should be grateful for any type of work we are able to finish, or even the fact that we saw our name in print, even if it was just once.

I had a bit of a disappointment this year myself, but have resigned myself to the fact that there is always next year. In September of this year, I signed up for the San Francisco's Writer's Conference, coming up in February 2011. I was in the process of turning a short story that I wrote titled, "Blood Pressure" into a full-length novel of the same name. I guess you can say I naively thought I could finish an entire novel in just 6 months. Turns out I was right, I couldn't. Though I am fortunate enough to work 20-24 hours a week at my dad's dental office, plus the fact that I get time off whenever I want, it still wasn't enough to allow me to finish a novel. So, I had to cancel my hotel reservations and request my money back. I felt like a failure, but am continuing to work on my novel.

My New Year's Resolution is to finish the novel by late summer and start submitting it to agents. I did, however, fulfill one goal, and that was to get published in two new publications, which I did! Tropical Fish Hobbyist and Writer's Journal.

I'd also have a yearning to travel and would love to find a conference that isn't so close to where I live. Boston, or Maine are my two fav picks.

Tell me, what are your New Year's Resolutions?

About Sara Jackson-fReado

2010-11-16T16:07:00.000-08:00

About Sara Jackson-fReado

An Update Of My Chaotic Life As A Writer

2010-11-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

I have to say it feels good to be a busy working writer. Last month, I finished off six articles with three different magazines!! I just signed up for the San Francisco Writer's Conference coming up in February, and because there will be all manner of agents and editors there, I have decided to bust my ass in getting a manuscript completed by then. Impossible you say? Me too! But I think I can pull it off. I've already got 3 chapters done of my YA novel "Blood Pressure." I just finished up an article for American Fitness on Endometriosis and will get started on another article for Feline Wellness magazine. Oh yeah, and I also have to have the revisions done on a horror script by Thanksgiving in order to start sending it out to possible buyers.

Like I said, being a working writer is great and a little tiring considering I do most of my writing at night, knowing I have to get up early the next morning for work at my dad's dental office. But, what would make it even greater, is the fact that I got paid on a timely basis for my articles, instead of having to wait months for the piece to be published and then a few weeks of begging for a paycheck after that. Why must we writers wait so much? I mean, isn't our life hard enough? What, with having to sell ourselves and sometimes even our souls for work.

2010-10-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

An Education In Rebellion by Jake Brown
Copyright: Originally in 2002. Re-issued in 2010
445 pages
$20.00

   Nikki Sixx, rock 'n roll's ultimate bad boy and the ring leader and founder of Motley Crue. The band's definitive history was recorded in the Crue's collective bio, titled, "The Dirt" in 2001. It wasn't until a year later that Jake Brown came out with what fans hoped would be an inside look at their favorite "mad scientist of rock," Nikki Sixx.
   The title promises all the juicy inside secrets of Nikki's life. Crueheads already know Nikki's story, but were hoping for a fly on the wall's view into their favorite bass player's life in and out of Motley Crue. At almost 500 pages, the book should've delivered, but unfortunately, it didn't. The book is nothing but regurgitated facts and interview quotes from Nikki himself and those closest to him. Jake Brown robs from other sources to compile his chronological history of Nikki Sixx.
   Die-hard fans will instantly recognize quotes and facts from such sources as old interview footage, paragraphs from "The Dirt" and Vh1's Motley Crue Behind The Music. This book is total and complete let down to Crue fans. Not only is can the book be construed as plagiarism, but it often repeats whole paragraphs twice in the same chapter to make the word count larger. There are grammatical and punctuation errors all over the place. Each new chapter spends at least a page and a half recapping the previous chapter.
   As a long-time fan of Motley Crue and especially Nikki Sixx, I was sorely disappointed in Jake Brown's attempt at a "biography." If you want an accurate account of the life and times of the members of Motley, read "The Dirt," or the "Heroin Diaries."

Queen Of Twilight Review

2010-10-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Meyer: Queen Of Twilight
Author - Chas Newkey-Burden
Copyright 2010
239 pages
$12.95

   Stephenie Meyer's success is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up a voracious reader in a Mormon household, Meyer never dreamed that one day she would become a bestselling author. Fortunately for her fans, she would one night dream about a young girl and a vampire lying in a meadow and that the vampire sparkled in the sunlight.
   Chas Newkey-Burden's biography gives Stephenie's "Twihard" fans an inside glimpse into the life of this wife and mother of three. Though the book reads like the Reader's Digest version of the author's life, it manages to take us on her journey from woman with a dream to her status as a pop icon among 'tweens, teens, and adults of all ages.
   With only a set amount of pages to tell Meyer's story, Burden has a tendency to waste valuable text on repeated facts, statements and even whole paragraphs at times. Waisted writing space is used up by occupying 5 or 6 pages with reviews of each of Stephenie's books; from different countries even! One or two examples would have sufficed. Since this book is largely dedicated to Meyer's backstory and the road her books in the Twilight series have taken as first a dream, then being on the bestseller's list to finally blockbuster movies, Burden burdens us with a whole chapter on Stephenie's book The Host, which has nothing to do with Bella and her sparkling vampire. The last chapter is devoted to Stephenie's foray into the music video world and her treatment for the song "Resolution" by the rock band, Jack's Mannequins.
   The whole book reads like a twelve-year-old's book report on "Their Favorite Author," complete with summaries of each of Meyer's journeys through different parts of her life and milestones to who she is today, including quotes thrown in for good measure.
   On the whole, the biography is a good read for Stephenie's younger audience who just want to know more about their favorite author.

Angel's Gate Hospice And Rehabilitation Center For Animals.

2010-10-05T22:21:00.001-07:00

Sara Kristine Jackson I urge everyone to donate towww.angelsgate.org. This woman is an Angel herself and should be commended and rewarded for work. My parents and I are making a donation and I ask you to please please do the same.
Angel's Gate Hospice - Animal Hospice - Animal Rehabilitation Centerwww.angelsgate.orgAngel's Gate, Animal reha...

Angel's Gate Hospice - Animal Hospice - Animal Rehabilitation Center

www.angelsgate.org

Angel's Gate, Animal rehabilitation, Animal hospice dying pets Holistic animal care Injured animals Holistic pet care Wildlife rehabilitation ANGLELS GATE Animal Sanctuary,Angels gate

2010-09-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

My grandmother has been one of the strongest women in my life who has continued to inspire and amaze me over the years. Born on October 1, 1918, Midge Smith has survived every type of hardship that life can throw at you. Having made it through the Great Depression, she met he future husband, Norman Smith, who was working as a butcher at the time. The couple soon married before he was shipped overseas during WW2 and stationed in Kwajalein.

After the war, my grandmother settled down with my grandfather and they had two children. My mom, Judy, born in 1948 and my uncle, Jeff, born in 1946. My grandfather turned his passion for cooking into a restaurant located in downtown Vallejo, California called, "Norm's Buffet." With my grandmother working alongside him, they turned the Haufbrau into a booming business, churning out hot sandwiches, mashed potatoes and gravy, and old-fashioned ice cream beverages.

After many years of serving their community, my grandparents sold the restaurant and focused on the next phase of their life together. Papa Norman went in to real estate, while grandma worked for the next seventeen years at the Allergy clinic at Kaiser hospital. In the years to come, they saw their children grow up, graduate college, and start families of their own.

After 55 long years together, Midge lost Norman on May 23, 1998: she was 79 and he was 88. The next eleven years that my grandmother would have to face without my grandfather would prove to be trying to say the least.

In the early millennium, grandma met a woman named Joyce at her water aerobics class. They became fast friends, spending every minute together. A few years into their friendship, Joyce was diagnosed with cancer. After many surgeries and numerous rounds of treatment, the news came in early 2008 that her cancer had metastasized and was inoperable. In August of that same year, grandma had to have her beloved Shih Tzu, Tesse, of thirteen years put to sleep.

On October 1, 2008, my grandmother celebrated her 90th birthday, and just a few short days later suffered a left-sided stroke that rendered her speech garbled, and unable to read, write, or tell time. One week into, what would become a very long recovery, Joyce lost her battle with cancer.

My mom and I immediately began the search for the perfect dog for my grandmother. After weeks of searching for the right match at our local shelters, and coming up empty. There was this constant nagging feeling in the back of both of our minds that it was very unlikely that the animal shelter would relinquish one of their dogs to a 90-year-old woman who lives alone and had just had a stroke. Beth, a generous friend of the family, gave grandma a Chihuahua/Papillion mix named Tinkerbell. From that point on, she was on the road to a quick, but not so easy recovery.

In the months that followed, grandma would undergo speech therapy, along with therapy at home that included puzzles, toy clocks, poetry, and coloring books. These were often times of great frustration and humiliation for her, but made all the easier with Tinkerbell lying beside her or perched on her lap.

Grandma, during this time, would speak out loud around the house as part of her speech therapy. She would often tell us that Tinkerbell didn’t mind if she talked crazy. Whenever my grandmother was having a particularly difficult time with getting her words to come out right, she would take Tinkerbell outside and read “Cat In The Hat” to her while sitting on the front porch. Tink enjoys sitting on the bench and watching and barking at the neighborhood cats that dare to walk on her lawn.

"Tink" has come to fill those long days and nights, slowly healing the pain of so much loss. Adding to this grief was the death of her older sister, Betty in January 2009. Tink has become a permanent fixture in grandma's life, always by her side wherever she goes, even becoming somewhat of a celebrity at various stores around town. “Tink, want to go for a walk?” prompts the raising of her bat-like ears and her scurrying to the front door.

On the rare occasions when Tinkerbell doesn’t get to go, like when grandma goes to the doctor or goes out to a restaurant, she barks like mad from her perch at the kitchen window and doesn’t stop until grandma’s car is out of sight. When she arrives home and says, “Hello” to Tinkerbell, she turns her head defiantly. The cold shoulder act only lasts a few minutes before Tink’s right by grandma’s side again.

Grandma puts Tinkerbell in a walker with a pouch on the front. With a little tiny head poking out, they make their way along the street where she lives. Stopping to talk to neighbors and anybody who seems drawn to the tiny dog with a big personality.

When not out and about with grandma, Tink likes to spend her time in the backyard stalking the squirrels on the telephone wires, which seem to enjoy taunting her.

On October 1, 2009, my grandmother celebrated he 91st birthday and complete recovery from he stroke. We know and so does my grandmother, that without Tinkerbell in her life, recovery would not have been possible.

About Jack's Dreams Come To Life by Sara Jackson-fReado

2010-09-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

About Jack's Dreams Come To Life by Sara Jackson-fReado

Murphy's Law

2010-09-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I had made the decision to cut back on my freelance writing and focus more on my YA novel "Blood Pressure." The next week I received two article assignments from the same editor of two magazines. I got a "Yes" from two of the queries I sent out a month ago, so there was two more writing assignments. Now, I'm not complaining - not by a long shot, but it just goes to show you that when you're not looking whatever you want finds you. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me that I shouldn't give up freelancing completely. However, I am in a bit of a rush to get a first draft of my novel done by February, because I'm attending my first writing conference in San Francisco. I will be signing up for the "Speed Dating With Agents." This may be a stretch I know, but the story is based on a short story I wrote under the same name.

Twitter page

2010-08-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

www.twitter.com/sarakjackson

About Jack's Dreams Come To Life by Sara Jackson-fReado

2010-08-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

About Jack's Dreams Come To Life by Sara Jackson-fReado

Keeping A Schedule

2010-08-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

I know. I know. The best part of being a writer is not having to answer to "the man" and not having to live by a schedule.

But, sometimes I need a schedule to help keep me on track. So, every Sunday I write out a schedule - listing what I need to do that week. The schedule consists of days to work on my magazine articles, setting time aside to work on either my short stories or novel and making sure I get at least 5 queries sent out.

I leave my schedules pretty loose, meaning that I never set a goal of pages to write or a word count. If I did that, I would drive myself insane and be guilt-ridden if I wasn't able to adhere to this strict a schedule.

Let me know what your schedules are.

Tips And Tricks I've Learned

2010-08-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Three years ago, when I set out to be a published writer (by the way, I was published only a few short months later), I started organizing my research and papers into my "Writing Binder."

The Writing Binder:

What you'll need-

1. Large-ringed binder

2. Dividers

3. Plain paper

4. Folders

I've divided mine up into sections:

1. Payment - where I list what I made from which magazine and how much. Date paid.

2. Contests - where I list which stories I've submitted to which contests. Date submitted and response time. I also include a second piece of paper which lists date responded, story, and whether or not it was accepted. If so, what the amount was.

3. Queries - where I list which queries went to which magazines. Date submitted and response time. Here, I also include a second piece of paper which lists date responded for which magazine. And whether it as a "Yes" or a "No." If yes, the date published.

4. Contests - this is another section in which I will include listings of contests I've found either in magazines, online or in Writer's Market. I take down all the information from these sources and type them up and include them in this section. Each contest is divided into three sub-sections: Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry.

5. Taking the same concept for contests, I apply it to magazines that I've come across. Each magazine is divided into three sub-sections: Consumer, Literary and Online.

6. When I first started out, I wrote a lot of reviews, so I put in a section for Reviews. Here I just added some college-ruled paper.

7. In the back part of the Writing Binder, I've included 3-4 folders. Each folder holds anything you want for misc stuff. My folders hold rejection letters, contest entry forms, old clippings from Opinion articles I wrote for my local paper.

Each year I update the binder. And each year you can go back and look at how you did moneywise, how successful you were with querying and your contest entries.

HOW I EDIT MY FICTION:

I'm one of those writers who still does everything longhand. I don't know, I just like to feel close to my work and be able to cross out, scribble and write off in the margins. Once I've typed something, I print it out and look at it. Now I don't want to rewrite the whole thing again while doing the edits. So I go through with the type copy and with a separate notebook, I will go through and write what I don't want to change in black ink and make all of my corrections in blue ink. So, when I go to type the edited product, I won't have to spend hours at the computer retyping the entire manuscript.

Quoting Virginia Woolf

2010-08-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

"A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction."

Technically I have both, but still feel stifled by my surroundings, which prevents me from being creative. I seem to be stuck writing for magazine, which I love and am grateful to the ones that I write for, but I wish I could churn out creative prose on a daily or weekly basis.

Soon I am to move into my very own home, and somehow I feel that the creative juices will flow then - at least I hope so. By then I will have a "room of my own," and be earning a steady paycheck working part-time at my dad's dental office. I could be lying to myself in order to put off procrastinating the need or want to write. I know I'm losing essential skills in order to cohesively put together a story and make it believable and readable.

Who knows what will happen, but I will soon find out.

Revising Your Work

2010-06-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about the revision process of writing while I was doing it on a story last night. Then I got to thinking about how I wish I could do that sometimes in real life. You know, take stuff out, rearrange characters and settings, and even add elements in to make it better. We know better how the lives of our characters are going to play better than we know the events of our real lives.

What do you guys think?

Updates

2010-06-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

As of a couple of months I've had the opportunity to write more articles for Fangoria magazine just as it changed editors. A great honor for me, since I've been a fan for a lot of years. Recently, I just received my first feature article for the magazine on a film titled, "Hypothermia."

I'm still writing articles for Animal Wellness. Check out this month's issue on Canine Blood Donors.

I recently got a "yes" from the editor of Writer's Journal to write on an article on Copyright on spec.

I'm supposed to have a meeting in the next week or so with a children's book editor to see if we can't get something going with my new picture book "Jack's First Halloween."

Amidst all of this, I'm working on a Young Adult novel that I'm hoping to have finished by Thanksgiving.

Money, Creativity, and Everything Else

2010-05-11T22:21:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile since my last post, so here I am to impart some more words of wisdom related to my life as a writer.

Since September of last year, I've been working four days a week/5 hours a day at my dad's dental office. Though I'm grateful for the opportunity and most importantly - steady paycheck, I'm a little frustrated about my writing career. Okay, I'm VERY frustrated. I've been working pretty steadily for two magazines now for almost a year and love it!! I'm trying everything I know to get my writing out there and keep busy with assignments. But it never seems to be enough. The one magazine I work for is unable to pay their writers now, but I refuse to quit because it's a prestigious magazine in the horror film industry. Maybe money should be the motive for me to quit, I don't know. The hardest about writing is the waiting. We wait to hear back from editors, we wait to get published, and most importantly - paid! I honestly don't know how freelance writers are making a living at it. But I digress. My main concern is that I don't have enough time to land and work on articles and also write creatively. I have several short story ideas floating around in my head. I've got a novel I'm yearning to work on and another children's picture book manuscript that is in desperate need of rewriting before it can be sent out to a publisher. As for my screenwriting (what I went to school for), I've had several promising emails from a horror director that is reading my work and asking me for pitches. I've also sent one of my horror scripts in to a screenwriting contest. So we'll see. Fingers crossed.

Now this is where the advice from fellow writers comes in handy. How do I balance my "day job," creative writing and querying and meeting deadlines for magazine articles? Since I'm making steady, good money, should I give up entirely on my freelance writing and focus on my novels and short stories?

About Sara Jackson-fReado

2010-03-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

About Sara Jackson-fReado

Breaking The Rules.

2010-03-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

It seems like writers are inundated with rules or "guidelines" when it comes to writing, selling, and promoting their work and themselves.

Early on we're taught how to write those eye catching queries that will make the editor sit up and beg for your articles. Well, I've come to learn that some of the rules of contacting editors is true, but some aren't - or at least in my case.

The first is the query letter. Every time I query a new editor, I always work hard on my query. If the editor buys the idea I'm selling them, then the hard part is over. In my experience, I've come to learn that making yourself known loud and clear and often, is a sure fire way to let that editor know you're passionate about working for them and the articles you write.

I've queries editors four or five times in a row with ideas, until they eventually say they'll contact me with something "juicy." And even after being told this, I'll query with something else a few days later and get the gig!

I've learned that, with the editors I work for, I can now just email them and ask, "What do you think about this?" And they'll give me their opinion.

I've seemed to have developed a good relationship with the editors that I work for.

I believe that it should be all business the first time. But after you get to know a certain editor and they get to know you, then it becomes less formal. If you query enough and keep in contact, then they'll realize how passionate you are about the magazine, or whatever it is that you're writing for.

It works for me.

When Writing Can Become Unhealthy

2010-02-15T11:07:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, I'm working on a horror script for a director and producer. I've got to have it done by the end of this month.

I work four days a week at my dad's dental office - five hours a day. I spend at least another 4-5 hours of writing, which I do mostly at night. Which means I go to bed around 11 or 12:00.

I've noticed that I haven't been feeling that great lately and now I know I'm putting too much pressure on myself to write. I feel achy, tired, and sick to my stomach.

Does this happen to new writers?

All Business and No Creativity!

2010-01-31T09:45:00.000-08:00

I don't know if many writers experience this, especially new writers, but I spend more time promoting myself and my writing than actually doing any writing. Now, I have landed quite a few writing jobs that keep me busy. But I feel like I'm doing anything creative. I want to write a novel and more short stories, but just can't seem to find the time. I miss it. But I also love the researching and writing of articles; especially writing for Gorezone, Fangoria and Animal Wellness.

Anybody else feel like this? Does it ever even out so that you can do both kinds of writing?

Self-Promotion Is Harder Than It Sounds

2010-01-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

On July 28, 2008, my picture book for kids ages 3-7 titled "Jack's Dreams Come To Life" available on www.amazon.com.

So far only a few and I mean a few copies have been sold. I've had 15 blogs review it, I've advertised it on websites and in my local paper once. I've gotten it in to a couple of independent bookstores. My marketing package included a 500 postcards to send out and I've send out a 1/3 so far.

Does anybody have any suggestions on how to promote my book better? I'm trying to raise money for my local Humane Society. For every copy sold, I will donate $1.00.

Any help is appreciated.

My Reading List

2010-01-26T17:25:00.000-08:00

By late summer I will have moved in to the house that my parents built for me on our property. And for this special occasion, I have set a goal that involves a very ambitious reading list.

In one year's time I hope to finish the following:

All of Stephen King's books published (in order).

The Vampire Chronicles.

Let me know what your reading goals are.

I once read that Stephen King reads 80 books a year. That really is my ultimate goal. So far I've only been able to read between 20-25 books a year. Slow reader I guess.

A Big Opportunity Could Be On The Way...

2010-01-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

I think that's why I have a huge case of writer's block. About four months ago, I submitted my horror script to a well-known horror director. He read it and liked, but said he couldn't do anything with it now. He asked me to pitch him another idea and I did. He liked it and said he wanted me to write the script and submit it to him.

With a month of writing, I'm only on page 22 out of 90. I set a goal for myself to have it done by the end of February. I don't know what I'm going to do. I went to school to be a screenwriter, have written several scripts, but now can't seem to remember how to write one!!

I think that part of my writer's block stems from the fact that this is a big opportunity for me. I found someone who is interested in my work. Is there a such thing as being afraid of success?

Some other possibly good news is that I have another director looking at the first script. I got an email from saying that his producer is going to read it first.

The horror genre is something that I'm in love with. All I watch is horror films. Through my work as a contributing writer for Gorezone magazine, I have made some really great contacts with big names in the horror industry. I've written for Fangoria and Scars magazine. I consider myself extremely lucky, but can't seem to wrap my head around finishing this damn script.

I'm not afraid of the "no" I'm afraid of the "yes."

Updates

2010-01-09T09:07:00.001-08:00

Well, a lot has happened lately since I've written last. I got a full-time gig at the magazine I write for in the UK. I've written more and more articles for Animal Wellness magazine and have been entered on their list of writers!

I'm working on a horror script for Rob Schmidt director of Wrong Turn and Alphabet Killer. I'm in the process of getting a new gig writing for a website that a friend of mine (and fellow writer) has called www.hijackhollywood.com.

But since writing is never a sure thing, I've been hired by my dad to work at his dental office part-time, four days a week. It's okay, the most important thing is that it's steady money.

Sales on my picture book, "Jack's Dreams Come To Life" are slow, so I'm looking into marketing it better. Because for every copy sold, I will donate $1 to my local Humane Society.

Special Offer From Now Until Xmas

2009-11-27T11:39:00.000-08:00

For every copy of my book, "Jack's Dreams Come To Life" sold, I will donate $1 to my local Humane Society and mail you a free bookmarker.

You can buy my book on Amazon.com

There is a link to the book on my website - www.sarajacksonwriter.com

On Writing For Magazines

2009-10-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

I recently picked up an issue of a magazine that just came out - brand new. I read and loved it and quickly emailed the editor with a query, which he accepted. And, in a matter of days I had an assignment, well two actually, I was to do a book review also, along with a 2500 word article. I was then told that they couldn't pay me, but in copies. At first I thought nothing of it, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought, "I can't keep writing for publications that don't pay." So I emailed the editor and very politely told them that I couldn't do the articles without compensation.

I don't know if this was right or not, but I know that I can't keep writing for no money. It's hard enough getting paid as a writer as it is, and nowadays nobody works for FREE!

Did I do the right thing?

Peddling Your Books At Independent Bookstores

2009-10-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

I'm a recent self-published author of a picture book titled "Jack's Dreams Come To Life." And while it is on sale on Amazon.com, I've been trying to get it into local independent bookstores and have succeeded with two so far.

Working two jobs until November doesn't give me much time to go around to the other bookstores I want to go to and peddle it. So, my question is, what do I send to these bookstores to try and sell my book to them?

Never Enough Time...

2009-09-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

I think this is the universal complaint among everybody, doesn't matter what age, sex, race, or what business you're in. Nobody has enough time to do what they want. Including me!!

I have a list of bookstores I want to sell my book to and that means driving. I have a list of nursery schools and daycare centers in which to mail press releases and a copy of my book to for my picture book, "Jack's Dreams Come To Life."

I have four articles due to two different magazines. (Yay me).

Plus, I'm filling in for my dad at his dental office. His office manager fell and broke her tibia and heel.

I've also taken on the job as a web designer and have the unpleasant task of knocking on doors asking small businesses if they want to set up a website.

I'm also working on writing a collection of short horror stories for a book I'm hoping to get published within the next year or two.

Not to mention rewriting another picture book manuscript waiting to be read by a potential publisher.

And rewriting short stories for contests and writing new ones.

Does anybody else ever feel like this! Panicked?

Jack's Dreams Come To Life

2009-09-20T18:01:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd put a synopsis of my picture book here: So here it is.

A dog named Jack, lives with his other animal friends on a ranch. After seeing what mischief he can get himself into, and not finding any, he falls asleep. He dreams of being chased by a giant squirrel. When he falls down a hole, he lands in his toy box, on top of his favorite squeak toys. While playing with the cow, the others (horses, pigs, and ducks) start to grow and move around. Soon all the squeak toys circle Jack and he must find a way out. When he sees an opening, a large duck blocks his path. Jack and the duck try to out bark and out quack each other. Pretty soon Jack sees an opening and makes a run for it. As he does, all the squeak toys vanish in a puff of smoke and a cow sneezing on him awakens Jack. Thinking the cow is his squeak toy, Jack runs inside the house and looks inside his toy box to see if all the squeak toys are there.

Jack's Dreams Come To Life is available on Amazon.com

A New And Exciting Venture!

2009-09-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

I had my meeting tonight at Barnes & Noble with a book publisher. She was very nice and very informative. She assured me that my self-publishing venture really was a bust, but to look at it as a learning experience. She told me to stick with them for another six months and that I was doing everything right. She was very interested in looking at my new manuscript. I will sending it to her very soon!

I know this sounds silly, but I felt very important sitting in the bookstore cafe', drinking coffee and having a meeting with a publisher. I guess I am a "real" writer!

Moving On (and hopefully up!)

2009-09-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

This Friday I have a meeting with a publisher at my Barnes & Nobles. Over coffee we'll discuss my possibility of her publishing my already self-published picture book - "Jack's Dreams Come To Life."

I've been accused of not doing any research before diving into self-publishing. Well, I did do my homework. But, you never know if you're happy with something unless you try it, right? I'm not happy and that's why I'm excited about my new venture with this publisher.

So there it is. And I'll keep you all updated.

Random Musings

2009-09-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit frustrated with my job as a freelance writer right now, but on the other hand, I really can't complain. I've got four articles going at the same time. Two are with the magazine Gorezone (of which I am a regular writer for) and I'm getting to interview the likes of Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, Danielle Harris, and Brad Dourif. Sorry, I think name dropping is rude. But since these magazine don't pay on acceptance, they pay on publication, which means I'm not getting my paychecks for a very long time!! I'm lucky to have such amazing parents, who support me financially and in every other way. I'm eternally thankful to them. They even funded my first book - a picture book titled Jack's Dreams Come To Life, which is available on Amazon.com. This self-publishing endeavor was a gift for graduating from the Academy Of Arts University in December of '09. I knew going in how hard it would be to market the book, but I never really understood how hard. I've done everything I can think of including promoting it weekly on MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, this blog and on my website (www.sarajacksonwriter.c0m). I even got it into a couple of independent bookstores on consignment. A good friend of mine is helping me get the book into Barnes & Nobles. A rare feat for a self-published author. Later this week, I'm sending out the postcards I was given with my marketing package to preschools, and daycare centers. I'll be setting my sights on the libraries next.

I enjoy my life as a writer. It's everything I love - creativity, my own boss, and being by myself.

I guess the money will come eventually. I don't want to or expect to be rich, but I would like to be able to support myself financially.

Does anyone have any advice for me?

Book Review

2009-08-31T21:07:00.000-07:00

The Physick Book Of Deliverance Dane

Katherine Howe

I just finished reading this wonderful book by a first time author earlier this evening. I loved it!

The story follows Connie, a graduate student from Harvard University, researching Colonial history. A dilapidated home, once owned by her grandmother in Marblehead, Massachusetts falls into her custody. While there, she stumbles across an old Bible with a key that holds a small scroll with the name Deliverance Dane printed on it.

So begins Connie's quest to find who this Deliverance Dane is and why her name was found in her grandmother's house. She soon discovers that Deliverance Dane was one of the witches tried and hanged in Salem two hundred years ago for witchcraft. Embarking on this journey into finding out more about the mystery woman, Connie soon begins to learn about herself. When her boyfriend, Sam is suddenly overcome by seizures and forced to stay in a hospital bed, the hunt for Deliverance Dane's spell book becomes even more time sensitive.

This is a great read if you love the conspiracy surrounding the women accused of witchcraft in Salem in the 1600's. The book goes back and forth between Connie's life in the present and the unfolding events of Deliverance Dane's life in the 1600's. And soon, you see how their lives start to parallel.

The Not So Creative Side Of Writing...

2009-08-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

I'm learning that writing for a living doesn't always mean creating vivid characters and mind blowing plots and such, but it means hustling yourself as a one man business to get yourself noticed. I'm not complaining about the success I've experienced in my two short years as a freelance writer. I'm working for my favorite horror magazine and recently was published in a very prestigious horror magazine - Fangoria. I'm also a writer for Animal Wellness magazine. I've made amazing contacts through my horror writing at the magazine with my favorite actors and directors in the horror business. But as I'm slowly starting to learn, sometimes the creative part of writing takes a backseat, to the search for a steady income - which allows us to support our habit of writing creatively.

Does anybody else share this grievance?

Barnes And Noble

2009-08-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who works in Barnes and Noble, who I've known for 7 years. At 80 years old, she's like another grandmother to me. When she heard about my picture book "Jack's Dreams Come To Life" being published, she was ecstatic. One day I asked her how I would go about trying to get it stocked in the store. A few days later, she emailed me and said that she had already sold 5 books and that the distribution manager said that if she sold 12, he would buy 25 books from my publisher. Well, she's now sold 15 and Barnes and Noble is buying 25 books to stock in the store. As some of you know, this is unheard of for self-publishers. I may even be able to do a book signing!

Haunted By Your Own Stories and/or Characters

2009-08-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

Does this ever happen to you? I would love to dive into another short story, but I have one that is almost done, but I'm pushing myself to finish. Not because I dislike, but because I need to MOVE ON!

Does this ever happen to you?

Share your experiences

2009-08-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Writing is unlike most other professions, in that those who enter it, often have very different experiences rising to the top. Some get there faster than others.

I've shared some of my experiences and grievances as a new writer just starting out in previous blogs. Take a look at them and share your experiences on my blog.

Interview With Author Steve Alten

2009-08-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

I recently had the privilege of interviewing author Steve Alten, whose latest book Meg: Hell's Aquarium hit bookstore shelves a few months ago. Steve is a science fiction author best known for his Meg series, which revolves around the survival of the Carcharadon Megalodon, an 18 million year old prehistoric shark that became extinct in the Pleistocene era.

Tell me a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I hated my job and needed a new career. I always felt I could write.

How did the idea come about to write a series based on Carcharodon Megalodon?

In the summer of 1995, I read a TIME magazine article on the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean, and hydrothermal vents, which support an entire eco-system. I married that info to Megalodon, which I read about as a teen.

How much research goes into writing for the Meg series and how much do you leave to your imagination?

Lots of research. The MEG info is all factual; the imagination uses these visuals to scare the reader.

You've done four books in the Meg series so far, with Hell's Aquarium being the latest. How many more books will be in the series or do you know ahead of time?

One more: MEG: Night Stalkers

In Hell's Aquarium you introduced a new ancient species of sea predator - the Liopleurodon. Do you plan on branching the series off with this new creature, continuing the adventures of Jonas Taylor and his son David?

Not branching off, but MEG 5 will be a hunt for the escaped Liopleurodon.

I've read there are plans to bring Meg to the big screen. How far away are fans from seeing their favorite killer shark in theaters? And will you be writing the screenplay?

I wrote a new script, and we are finalizing financing for $150 million budget. Once we select a director, there will be an announcement.

What is your writing process like? How long does it take to finish a novel

MEG novels take 6-8 months; the DOMAIN novels take 12-18 months.

Check out Steve Alten's writing tips at http://www.stevealten.com/writing_tips_intro.htm

Books in the Meg series include:

Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror (1997)

The Trench (1999)

Meg: Primal Waters (2004)

Meg: Hell's Aquarium (2009)

Romero's Ranch Excerpt

2009-08-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Running from the living room to the bedroom, I glance out the dirt-encrusted window and see ten of the living dead crossing the two-lane road. An SUV cruises down the road, then, in a sudden movement, swerves to the left, hitting a zombie in the knees. It flips up like a rag doll, hitting the windshield, before shattering its skull on the pavement. The SUV careens out of control and rolls down the short embankment before landing on its hood in our field.

As I stand with the palms of my hands pressed against the window, I witness two horrific events. One the road crawls the zombie, whose legs have been ripped off; leaving a blood trail like a snail leaves a trail of slime. The small group of zombies that I spotted earlier has now descended on the upturned vehicle. Movement from inside the car tells me that the driver is still alive and trapped half in and half out of the car. I turn away just those things start to claw and bite at the man's arms and face.

Just as I talk myself into taking another look, a gangly kid's face slams against the window. I scream and jump back, nearly dropping the gun in the process. Even though his face is battered, I recognize him as Bobby Jones from my English Lit class. He presses his face against the glass, weakly beating his fists against the window. His sister Kristen, my best friend, shuffles up behind him. Blood seeps from a ragged hole in her neck, staining her clothes red. Her white, eyes meet mine and I swear I see a flicker of recognition cross her face, before she and Bobby move off in another direction.

A sudden wave of panic grips me, as I remember the back door that doesn't close all the way anymore by the back bedroom. I run as fast as I can, but realize I'm too late, when Bobby's outline can be seen behind the door. His outstretched arms push against the rotted wood.

I try shouldering the door against Bobby's body, but it's impossible because Kristen has added to the weight. Starting to tire, I close my eyes, take a deep breath and count to three. On three, I throw open the door, hop back and take aim. I fire off one shot, hitting Bobby in the chest, but he doesn't go down. Aiming a little higher, I nail him the head and he crumples to his knees.

Kristen stumbles over her brother's body, whose blood covers her snarling face. She manages to grab hold of my arm and I jerk it away, causing her to fall forward onto her elbows. She doesn't even bother to try to stand up, but starts crawling towards me. Feeling fresh tears brimming in my eyes, I start screaming out of fear and frustration. Feeling my friend's cold hand wrap around my ankle, I lower the gun, resting the barrel against her tangled, blood-soaked mess of hair.

Whispering, "I'm sorry, Kristen" I pull the trigger.

Her head jolts back, taking her body with it. I drop to my knees and let huge racking sobs overcome my body. I stay like that for I don't know how long, crying into the palms of my hands.

A Slave To The Money

2009-08-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I love my job as a writer and have made great advances in my short two years as a freelance writer and now picture book author. But I am also very frustrated with my lack of funds which is very very little. Though I have made some money, it's not enough for me to support myself on my own. I have a great family behind me, I am very appreciative. I've heard it takes a long time to start making money as a writer. But I guess in the end, my advances in the industry in such a short time have far outweighed any monetary compensation. I am honored and grateful to have worked with so many great editors and writers.

Share with me some of your struggles with writing when first starting out.

New Update On Picture Book

2009-08-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

I was in Barnes and Noble yesterday and found out that I might be able to join their book fair and be one of the authors doing book signings. If I'm too late for that, then they might be able to set me up for a book signing in the store itself. My friend Pat Sellers has sold 6 copies already. One while I was still in the store.

I have a bookstore in Truckee, Lake Tahoe that might want to stock my book and I'll my local bookstores around Napa, Vallejo and Benicia.

The next phase

2009-08-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

I just decided to get started on another picture book manuscript. This time I won't self-publish and I'll try to find an agent. But the good news is that I might have the opportunity to do a book signing at my local Barnes & Nobles. I have a great friend and supporter - Pat Sellers, who I've known for years. I owe a lot to her.

Promotion's A Bitch

2009-08-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

Like all first time authors, I'm beginning to learn that getting the word out there that I have book for sale is harder than I thought. Even thought it's for sale on both Amazon.com and Alibris.com, it's selling the copies that I thought it would.

My next goal is to target small bookstores and beg them to stock my book. I could be a little cynical, since I NEED MONEY! I'm not expecting to make thousands or millions, but I would like enough to feel I accomplished something.

Oh well, keep writing I guess.

Book Series That I've Read and Loved

2009-08-05T19:54:00.001-07:00

I was thinking the other day about all the books I've read in the past 29 years of my life and I realized that most of them happened to be series of books, rather than individual novels.

Series I've Read:

The Clan Of The Cave Bear series

The Vampire Chronicles

The Meg series by Steve Alten (currently reading the fourth installment - Hell's Aquarium)

Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Series

Twilight series

Some individual books that I'm obsessed with are:

Ride The Wind

On The Road

And anything by Stephen King. I love his short story collections.

I once read in his book On Writing that he reads 80 books a year, so that's what I've done is set that goal for myself.

My Guide To Outlining A Story

2009-08-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

I learned how to outline stories in my screenwriting classes at the Academy Of Arts University in San Francisco.

First I start with a CHARACTER LIST - which lists every conceivable description about them: physically, mentally, and emotionally. I write down every last detail that I can think of whether it's pertinent to the story or not.

Next I add my PLOT DESCRIPTIONS - which lists every known feature about the locations geographically.

Then I write a PLOT SYNOPSIS (1-3 pages) detailing everything thing that happens in a nutshell.

And then comes my SCENE LISTS - where I list every single thing that happens in the story. I have headers for ACTS 1,2,3.

I can get a bit anal when it comes to plotting out stories before I write them, but that's because I need a specific guidelines before writing. Otherwise I feel I'm writing blind.

My book is out!

2009-07-31T13:11:00.001-07:00

My picture book "Jack's Dreams Come To Life" is now available for purchase on Amazon.com.

If you are a parent or know any parents, then this book is the perfect book to read to your toddler.

Musings of a new writer

2009-07-21T12:08:00.000-07:00

Four years ago, I started attending classes at the Academy Of Arts University in San Francisco. A year and a half ago, I changed my major from directing to screenwriting. Since last October, I have set up my freelance writing business. Busting my hump six days a week has paid off - I know write for several magazines and am a soon-to-be author of a picture book later this summer. I often think how I went from writing horror scripts and learning the ins and outs of Hollywood, to writing for my favorite magazines? I'm an educated screenwriter and a self-taught freelance writer. Weird huh? I often wonder if the education I got at the Academy was better than the educating I did myself. But I don't think my career as a screenwriter is awash yet, because Rob Schmidt director of Wrong Turn and the Alphabet Killer has my first horror script. My life as a freelance writer may take a turn into writing for a studio. Who knows? In fact, I like not knowing. But what I do know is that, whatever I wrote and whoever I write for, I'm satisfied and happy being a writer. I wouldn't want to be anything else in the world.

Children's Book

2009-07-16T15:26:00.001-07:00

I just got the proofs back for my children's book "Jack's Dreams Come To Life" for the entire interior and front and back covers. Everything looks great.

Articles

2009-07-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

I'm busy working on two articles - one that is due next week. That one is for Animal Wellness magazine and it's on Cremains. The other is for Gorezone magazine on Rob Zombie's The Haunted World Of El Superbeasto.

My Official Website

2009-07-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

I just logged onto my first website to help promote myself and my writings. It looks awesome.

Check it out at www.sarajacksonwriter.com

Tell me what you think.

First Editing Job

2009-07-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by a fellow member of my online writer's group. He liked the way that I critiqued his short story and contacted me about doing a paying editing job for him. Of course I accepted right away. There's even talk about co-writing a script with him.

Picture Book update

2009-07-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

I just got the proofs back for my picture book for the front cover and some of the inside images with the text. It looks really great!

Any advice from self-published authors?

A writer's fears

2009-07-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

What scares you most as a writer?

For me it's unemployment and a blank page.

Let me know what yours are.

Fango Article Done

2009-06-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

I just turned in the second rewrite for my Fangoria magazine article. Very excited. I'm a huge fan of the magazine.

Short Story Finished

2009-06-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

Last night I finished writing and typing my second horror story, "Stranger In This Town." I'll post an excerpt after I've rewritten it.

First Published Book

2009-06-23T12:03:00.001-07:00

Later this summer or early fall, I will be having my first published book hit Amazon.com! It's a children's picture book title, "Jack's Dreams Come To Life."