* GUEST * MARGO DILL * AUTHOR * FRIEND * BOOKS * PRIZES *

* It's Major League Baseball's All-Star Week *

I'm happy to have Margo Dill as my guest blogger today. Margo and I met when I attended my first writers conference in 2007. She was the Missouri Writers Guild conference chair that year and in charge of a huge production. She was so kind and helpful to a very green, unpolished, untrained, in-awe-of-the-entire-experience, writer -- yours truly! We became fast friends, partly because we're authors, but also because we have the same sense of humor, and in my book..... that's everything! Margo also helped edit my memoir and she didn't just fix grammatical errors; she suggested different things that I mostly agreed with! If you saw us standing next to each other, we're quite a unique sight. Anyone who remembers an old cartoon strip named Mutt & Jeff will know what I mean. J 
(I'd be the short one!)


Margo is here today to share some thoughts on books, and writing, and fictional characters, and she also brought along some fabulous PRIZES! So, without further ado, Margo, take it away.....

~~~~~

 

The other night, I couldn’t sleep. There was a storm; my daughter crawled into our bed; then our power went out, which made me worry. So I grabbed a flashlight and a book I had been mildly interested in, Beautiful Oblivion by bestselling author Jamie McGuire, thinking it would put me right to sleep.

WRONG!

Turns out, McGuire drew me in with her hero and heroine, both twenty-something flawed, delightful people trying to figure out love and life, and I couldn’t put the book down. I stayed up past 5:00 am, trying to finish it. I couldn’t figure out why I had been so drawn in.

My mom (I know it’s my mom, but just bear with me) said the same thing about my second novel, Caught Between Two Curses, which is a young adult novel with love, magic, and baseball. She read the whole thing in one day, and the only reason this makes me a bit happy is because it took her weeks to finish my first middle-grade novel, Finding My Place (if she ever really did finish it!). So what was it about my YA novel that made her stay up all night? Why did I stay up reading about people 20 years younger than me?

 

My mom’s theory is these books take us back to our youth, something about the characters makes us connect with them and reminds us about ourselves. I think she’s on to something here. Most readers have connected with Julie, my 17-year-old main character trying to figure out love and what sex has to do with that while also breaking a curse that’s been on her family for decades. But a couple haven’t, and those reviews have read something like: “Margo Dill is a good writer, but I didn’t like Julie and wished she wouldn’t be so stupid.” OUCH! But these readers didn’t connect with her, so that’s okay.

I checked reviews on Beautiful Oblivion—most were 4 and 5 stars, but she got a few bad ones and most people just didn’t get the characters.

So is that what draws us in? Characters that remind us of ourselves in some way? I think this is probably true for 95 percent of readers—think about books that are a series—most of the time a book is part of a series because a good writer has created a remarkable character, and readers want to know MORE about this character. I can name a hundred (I won’t, Becky would kill me), but think about it: Harry Potter, Alex Cross, Mma Ramotswe, Katniss Everdeen, and so on.
 

So here’s to the characters we love—whether we write them or we read them. And hopefully if you have a chance to check out Caught Between Two Curses this week during the All-Star Sale and Contest (details below), you’ll connect with Julie, just like my mom did.



Margo Dill

 

Thank you, Margo! And now bloggers, please continue to read all about Margo's very generous sale prices and FREEBIES!

 

DETAILS: Margo’s book, Caught Between Two Curses, is on sale this week thanks to baseball’s All-Star Game!

You can find out all the details about the sale here (http://margodill.com/blog/2014/07/10/all-star-week/),

but basically, the e-book for KINDLE is on sale for $1.99 (July 16-17) and $2.99 (July 18-19).

An autographed copy of the print book is available for $5.00 off the cover price--$6.95. 

Thanks to All-Star week, she is also having a contest with a prize of one $25 gift card to one of 5 restaurants (Olive Garden, Starbucks, Panera Bread, Applebee’s, TGI Friday’s) (U.S. mailing addresses only please)

And a 3000-word free edit (anywhere in the world, English-language only).

Enter to win those prizes on the Rafflecopter form below—no purchase necessary!

Check out more about Margo and her books at: http://margodill.com/blog/

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

* CRAZY? DID SOMEONE SAY "CRAZY?" *

Would you believe I've recently passed the SIX MONTH time period since my memoir was published on November 6, 2013? During those months I've been promoting it like crazy, which is obvious to anyone who has landed here more than once.

 

Crazy? Did someone say "crazy"?

Why, no....I haven't totally "lost it" yet!

I have two more blog stops where friends have graciously allowed me to be the Guest Host. So, in between and after those, I intend to keep my blog posts interesting, informative, humorous, etc...and on a variety of subjects. Oh, and I'll have giveaways from time to time of assorted goodies! Which means I won't be yackity-yacking about my book all the time. (Aren't you all glad? Do I see a standing ovation?)

I LOVE this picture!

 

This was taken in one of those photo booths around 1993 or '94.

That's me in the middle, with a straggly perm and wearing contacts!

I may reveal the names of the two boys at a later date......

“If I told you I’ve worked hard to get where I’m at, I’d be lying, because I have no idea where I am right now.” -- Jarod Kintz

* HEY, I'M A GUEST BLOGGER WITH SAND IN MY TOES *

Sunshine and spring temperatures are timidly showing up here in Missouri, which are so welcome.  But I'm happy to announce I'm visiting a hotter part of the country today

 >>>  I'm the guest blogger over at Under the Tiki Hut! <<<

 

A huge Thank-You to Carol Kilgore for having me as her guest on this Monday in March. Carol is such a kind and generous blog friend, a wonderful author, and a gal who knows where to hang out...at the beach!

So, please hop on over, because Carol always says,

 "So find a comfy chair, give your order to one of the cabana boys, and enjoy the warm sea breeze blowing through your hair. We’re open day and night."

 

 

I promise you'll learn some new things about me. It's not the same old information you already know about me or my memoir! Honest!

 

 

 

"What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn't happen much, though." -- J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye



* SO MUCH TO SAY, SO MUCH TO DO *

Hello and Happy Monday!

 

 

Yeah, it's Monday. So, what do I have to be happy about?! My laptop is still working and I can write another new post! I'm trying to catch up with topics I've wanted to mention for quite some time. (AND, it was semi-warm here this afternoon -- like temps above freezing, and even warmer predicted for this week!)

 

Before I forget, please stop here and read my writer/blogger friend Claudia's beautiful poetry. And leave a comment if you can. (I had troubles, but it worked after I left out my blog address.)

 

I have some upcoming blog appearances that either mention my memoir or are longer guest posts.

 

February 18, tomorrow, I'll be at Elizabeth Seckman's blog. Please stop by and say hello. Elizabeth has an awesome blog, is also an author, and knows how it feels to self-promote books!

February 26, I'll be featured on Women's Memoirs, in a Q&A post. Please stop and leave a comment if you can. Matilda worked very hard getting everything set up for me. The title of it is:

My Long and Zig-Zaggy Road to Publication

Or

So, You Think You're Too Old to Write?

 

March 10, I'm doing a guest post on Carol Kilgore's blog, Under the Tiki Hut. My post there will be different from previous ones.


Date still to be specified The lovely Karen Lange has been patiently waiting for me to answer the questions she sent me ages ago, so I can also be a guest on her blog. Thank you, Karen!

Date still to be finalized Another blog stop happening at Juanita Nobles' blog sometime in April. (I apologize for inadvertently leaving this one out when I first posted it on Monday!)

~~~



* I'll also be hosting other writers on my blog very soon. If you would like to be featured here, please send an e-mail to the one listed in my profile. (And if we've already discussed your visit, but I've been a bit forgetful, please remind me!) *

~~~

I'd like to know opinions and/or knowledge about:  Kirkus Reviews

 

I just don't understand this. Writers from all over the world pay lots of money -- anywhere from $425 for "standard service" to $575 for "express service" for a review of their books. And what if the review isn't favorable? Has anyone paid for a Kirkus Review, or something similar? Or know anyone who has?

"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do." -- Bob Dylan 

(surely he knows that applies to women, too!)



Guess Who's a Guest Blogger?

ME! Before I thought of asking for VGBs for my blog, I was asked by Linda Joyce to be a guest blogger at hers. Thankfully, Linda is a very kind and patient person, because it took me forever to decide what to write about and keep it within the word limit. But finally last night, I e-mailed my post to her and it will be ready to read tomorrow, Wednesday the 20th at 8:00am CST. So please stop by and leave a comment to let Linda know you were there! Thanks, everyone.

* Note: I've been told that my post is not yet on Linda Joyce's blog. I'm sorry for any inconvenience. I've e-mailed her to ask about it. Thank you, Kathy! It's now 10:00 am CST. I'll add another update when I know more. 

* Okay, there was a minor glitch, but you can now read my guest post on Linda Joyce's blog. Thanks! 10:20 am CST

And speaking of VGBs......my next guest blogger will be Kathy Matthews from Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy. Her post will be here on Thursday, the 21st. I haven't come up with any kind of schedule for my VGBs, so there's no deadlines, etc., if anyone else is interested. I'll just keep using them every few days.

I leave you with 

"Stuff That's Been Keeping Me Busy"

Finishing and submitting my essay to Tiny Lights that was due 2/15.

Sending my memoir online to my local FedEx, to have it printed on both sides of paper, in its new and correct collation. I just picked it up two hours ago, but haven't had a chance to sit down and READ it yet! 

Gathering information about different contests and calls for submissions I've come across, so I'll have them in order and possibly remember to submit something in time. 

And a bunch of other stuff I don't have the energy to type. Geeez!

"The trick to getting things done is to list things to do in doable order." -- Robert Brault

* Gifts From Creative and Delightful Carmelina *

My beautiful "2000 Follower Give Away" gifts from Creative Carmelina! 

I apologize for the delay in getting my photos posted, but I was having problems with my camera. And as usual, the colors don't seem quite right, but if you click on the link above, it will take you directly to the specific post with Carmelina's gorgeous photos.

Carmelina is so creative and talented. She used a dress pattern as gift wrap!

This elegant crocheted starched tea cup set is just beautiful!

Lovely hand crafted floral note cards with envelopes!

Two of my favorite things in the whole world: embroidered flour sack towels!

Charming pink doily and white crochet dish cloth!

~~~~~

and...........

Since Carmelina is such a sweetheart, she included some extra gifts for me!

The above cream colored doily with lovely embroidery in the center.

And....these darling handmade pins!

What a fun surprise when I opened the box brought by the mail carrier!

Thank you again, Carmelina! I will definitely use and cherish my gifts!

* Welcome to my newest follower Maria. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! * 

** One more thing. My first Volunteer Guest Blogger (VGB) will be Claudia Mundell of Claudia's Page this Friday, February 15th. Be sure to stop by! **

"Give generously, live joyfully, love abundantly." -- Unknown

* LOOKING FOR GUEST BLOGGERS *

First, I apologize for not posting my originally intended photos of my beautiful winnings in Creative Carmelina's give-away. Time just got away from me this weekend. Stay tuned, though, because Carmelina even wrapped the items  so delicately and I have pictures of everything!

~~~~

I've toyed with the idea for quite a while to host quite a few Guest Bloggers. I've seen it done on other blogs (and I've been a guest myself) and it's a great way to meet new people. SO...I'm asking for VGBs...Volunteer Guest Bloggers! 

Clip Art

Please contact me by e-mail, not in the comment section. If you don't already have it, it's on my Profile page. Let me know what you have in mind for a post. If I think it will work, you're hired! (well, not exactly hired.....there's no pay involved, ya know!)

One thing I'm not looking for: Anyone wanting to market any goods. At this time, I don't want the posts to be about selling or promoting anything. I want something written from your heart....just about any subject. 

You don't have to be a writer or one of my followers. If you know someone you think would like to write a post and they'd be a good fit, please let them know. And, obviously, if I've mentioned being a guest blogger to you, please e-mail and remind me! 

I haven't decided how many bloggers I'd like, so don't hesitate because you think maybe I've already received too many requests. 

This will help me greatly to keep working on my writing without totally being away from blogging so much. 

 


"Right now I'm having amnesia and deja-vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before." Steven Wright

* Guest Post - Margo Dill *

* I'm very happy to have a guest blogger today:  Wonderful writer and friend, Margo Dill. *

I met Margo in 2007 when I attended my very first writers conference. It was the (MWG) Missouri Writers Guild Annual Conference and Margo was the chair. Talk about feeling surrounded by a multitude of talented writers! I definitely experienced anxiety and felt very out of place! But Margo made me feel so welcome, from my first (and probably really dumb) question. 

And so if you don't know the lovely Margo, you'll be happy to meet her. Take it away, Margo!

~~~~

Facing Obstacles and Winning:  How Finding My Place Became a Book

by Margo Dill

Writing a historical fiction novel for kids is not as easy as you might think--especially when you have some obstacles like I did. The first obstacle occurred on September 14, 2011—three days after 9/11. I was supposed to fly to Baton Rouge to visit my best friend for a few days, rent a car, and then drive to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where my book is set, to do research. Needless to say, I did not fly three days after 9/11; but I did rent a car, against my mother’s best wishes (due to all the rumors of terrorists still planning attacks), and drove to Vicksburg.

Going to the city where I set my book was the best choice I made. I left St. Charles, MO planning to write one book; and when I left Vicksburg a few days later, I had a much better story, along with a deeper understanding of how the citizens of Vicksburg had to live in caves dug out of the yellow hills while the Union Army shot at them day and night. I understood just how close the battlefield was to the town and how the citizens were in-between the Mississippi River and the battlefield—right in the middle of the line of fire.

One of the very best resources was COMPLETELY free and easy to access at the Vicksburg Public Library—the vertical files. I actually found a copy of an 1863 Vicksburg newspaper printed on the back of wallpaper and read an account of a mother being killed while fleeing with her children to their cave. Both of these I worked into my novel.

I wish I could say that I came home, wrote the novel, took it to critique group, revised it, submitted it, and got a contract. But that is far from the truth. Obviously if Finding My Place just came out on October 1, 2012, this process took eleven years! From 2007 to 2012, I was waiting for the book to be published—White Mane Kids changed their business model once the economy started to have trouble, and my book got put on hold.

But from 2001 to 2006, I wrote the novel, rewrote the novel, took it to one critique group, moved to be closer to my husband, took it to another critique group, and went to conferences to meet agents and editors. I won’t go into detail about all of this, but I will tell you I LISTENED to the rejection feedback I received, and it made all the difference. (Note: You should always go with your gut on whether or not someone giving a critique is offering good advice. You don’t have to change your manuscript based on a critique. But be honest with yourself—do you trust the person? Does he or she know writing?)

When I sent my manuscript to the agent I shepherded (picked her up from the airport,  introduced her at her talk) for the 2005 Missouri Writer’s Guild conference and she said I needed more layers to my story and main character Anna, I wiped my tears, and my critique group helped me. The manuscript got stronger and better. Then I sent a query to Emily Easton at Walker Company, and she asked to see the whole thing!

Then she wrote me the NICEST rejection and said that my historical fiction book wasn't for the trade marketplace but perfect for the school and library market. So, I started looking into companies that geared their books to teachers, saw a submission call from White Mane Kids, and sent a query.

Believe me, rejections hurt, and I've had my fair share. But I’m so glad that after I wiped my tears—I listened to these experts. If I wouldn't have, I wouldn't be holding my beautiful book in my hands today.

~~~~~

Margo L. Dill is the author of Finding My Place: One Girl’s Strength at Vicksburg, a historical fiction middle-grade novel about 13-year-old Anna Green and her struggle to keep her family together during the Siege of Vicksburg.

To read a summary or purchase an autographed copy (a perfect Christmas present for children ages 9 to 12!), please go to http://margodill.com/blog/finding-my-place  

or  on  Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-My-Place-Strength-Vicksburg/dp/1572494085/

~~~~

(You can also learn a lot more about Margo at WOW! Women On Writing and WOW! Women On Writing - The Muffin)

** Also, for everyone who leaves a comment here, Margo is offering one of two professional critiques/evaluations. There will be one winner and she/he may choose one of the following:

**Professional critique of the first 5 pages of any novel, nonfiction work, or short story

OR

**Professional evaluation of a blog or social media profile with a written summary of what works and suggestions

Welcome to my newest followers Jess*Jessie*Jessy* and Claudia!  I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! 

It's October 1st, So Where's Becky?

Be back soon...gotta get back to writing as many hours a day as I can!

Thanks for stopping by here and over at Jen's blog. 

I'm guest blogging today at Jennifer Daiker's fabulous blog:Unedited

Grab your coffee or tea, stop on by and say hello, okay?

photo taken by Becky: one of my Maxine sticky-notes!

"It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else." -- Erma Bombeck

Let's all go to the beach!

I'd never been a guest blogger before, until just a couple of days ago over at WOW - Women on Writing, The Muffin. And now, I have another guest post to announce.

(courtesy: Buzzle.com)

I'll be on Under The Tiki Hut tomorrow, Wednesday, August 31st beginning at 7:15am Central Time.

Carol has been hosting guest bloggers on Wednesdays, all summer long. Thanks again, Carol, for inviting me to visit your fabulous, "Blissful" paradise!

Please stop by and leave a comment, and see what happens as I sit on the beach and enjoy the view!

** Note added August 31st, 2:15pm Central Time: So far everyone who has commented on Under the Tiki Hut, either likes or loves my newest idea for my memoir title: Blame it on the Crowbar! **
I'm batting 1,000!!

"Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." ~Henry James