Meet Ted, Storyteller Supreme

Courtesy of www.writersofthewest.com

Did you know that western books are the most borrowed genre from libraries? Yep, so put on your Stetsons, pull on those chaps, don't forget the spurs and get ready to read some wonderful writing from top class western writers.I was thrilled when asked to join a group, who are reviving the Western genre and I heartily agreed to become a member. The group are called Writers of the West and more of what this outstanding collection of writers has to offer can be found at the following link  www.writersofthewest.com 

This week I introduce you to Ted Atoka, a man of awesome writing talents. He hails from the US and has written in many genres but it is through the Writers of the West that I first met this wonderful man. His novella, Come Sundown, under the auspices of Writers of the West  is a story about The Horse Trough Saloon, in Oklahoma. The saloon is being threatened by ruthless investors from Las Vegas, but what they haven't bargained for are the local townsfolk giving them a fight to protect what is theirs.
Come Sundown is available in both ebook from Amazon.com and Amazon .co.uk , Lulu and in print from http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Ted_Atoka

Courtesy of Amazon.com

Ted has many short stories, novellas and books to his credit, he is a natural storyteller and when it comes to writing about everyday relationships, the man is a master. He connects the reader to his characters in a warm and subtle way that makes you the reader a part of the story.

For a more intimate setting why not pop over to https://www.smashwords.com/interview/TedAtoka and see what the man has to say for himself and why not visit his website and connect with this top class writer at http://tedatoka.weebly.com/

“Writers of the West” brings some of the best contemporary penslingers in fiction, offering up western storytelling based on just about every other genre you can imagine......all focusing on the original superheroes—cowboys, cowgirls and people of grit who tamed the wild west, or died trying."
Courtesy of WOW website

Guilty and Welcome !

I am guilty, it is agreed. I was speaking with my writing friends and we were chatting about social media. It was an interesting discussion about how often we should be on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Linkedin to name a few. I personally feel it should be a disciplined approach that one should take when dealing with the Internet. I deliberately took December off from all 'net related stuff and am glad I did so. I had a hectic November with my A Bakers Dozen launch night and also partaking in NaNoWriMo. So with family returning for the festive season I had enough on my plate to keep me busy and to focus on them was my priority.
But what about your followers and fellow writing friends was asked of me in horror at my actions? Well I am sure their lives continued just fine I answered. But the look of sadness I received was heartbreaking for me. So for all my lovely new followers (and thank you for doing so) on Twitter I am sorry for not welcoming you individually, please accept this apology with the genuine good heart it is given with. Also my other net friends I will be back to read all about your bits n pieces too.
But I do feel there is life outside the 'net and balance is what it is all about. Do you really want to know what I had for dinner and breakfast or if I'm wearing blue or pink socks? I thought not. But when something happens that is interesting then I shall tell you all about it I promise. Am I forgiven?

HEAR MY INTERVIEW

I was recently interviewed on my local radio in connection to my writing and my collection of short stories that is in the bookshops. It was a wonderful experience and those at the radio station were so welcoming. So follow the link below and listen to me chat to John and Charlotte. While at the bcr92.6fm site, listen to other excellent podcasts available.
http://www.bcradio.ie/index.php?option=com_melody&id=89&view=audio&Itemid=83

New Cover for my Ist Collection

Here is my new cover photo for my collection of Short Stories, A Baker's Dozen. When I published this collection last Autumn, the original cover photo was commented upon and so I took on board what my readers said and hey presto, my new cover photo! It is available as both paperback and as an eBook from Amazon and Smashwords. The paperback version is available from me and it is also in local bookshops from this week onwards. I am really thrilled at this new development.

Another Site I Found Interesting

While browsing through the usual mountain of writing related sites and blogs I came across this site. It looks like there is a lot of good information on it and although I only skipped and jumped my way around it, there may be something valuable for you there.
The link is as follows http://literary-devices.com/

Time is running out !!

You have until the 26th October to avail of a FREE download of my Ebook, A Baker's Dozen. It is a mixed bag of short stories for you to read on your coffee break or when waiting in a queue. Dip in and pick a story while you wait for your special someone or as you travel to and from work by train, bus or chauffeur !! 
The coupon code you require is WD64U and the link is,
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90709
Reviews and comments are welcome so please do so when you have time, thanks!

Check out this fab new author

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/85666

This author is well worth checking out. His stories tease all the senses with great pace and tension and good storylines thrown in. The Ebook is a collection of stories worth putting in your E-library and for those of you who like the feel of the physical book in your hand, well the paperback version is due out shortly.

My New Ebook, A Baker's Dozen

My new Ebook is available from http://www.smashwords.com/ . Go check it out, it is a collection of thirteen short stories. They deal with everyday issues and how we cope with what life can throw at us. It is a mix of all emotions really. I hope you enjoy it, do let me know please. If you would like to download a free copy until Oct 20th 2011, the code to use is WD64U
The links are * To view my book  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90709
                     *To view my profile https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/marybrad

SUBMITTING GUIDELINES A HELP-SHEET

SUBMITTING GUIDELINES

Firstly, make sure your story is polished and proofread.

The following are general standard guidelines when submitting a short story

• Paper size: A4 white
• Font: Times New Roman, although this is a serif font, each letter is proportional to the space it takes up. Courier New is also a serif font where each letter takes up the same space as each other: the i takes up the same space as the m (used mainly in US market and for novels).
• Font size: 12 (both in Times New Roman and Courier New)
• Spacing: Double spacing
• Justification: Title is centred. Story is left justification, this means Right side staggered.
• Get familiar with the magazines you wish to submit too. Buy at least two copies of the magazine and study them. Go to the website of the magazine and check their guidelines, if it’s not on the website then e-mail for a copy of guidelines.
• Think in advance: Magazines work roughly 12 weeks ahead of an occasion and sometimes more, e.g. Christmas, Valentines, centenaries etc. Submit in time.
• Competitions: Read The Rules

The word count varies for each magazine, roughly one A4 page magazine is up to 800 words. The following are a rough guide for fiction in magazines,

Flash- 1000 words              Short story- 1000-3500                   Serial- 4000-8000. 

Cover Sheet (used for novels and competitions): this page has the Title, Author’s Name, Postal Address, e-mail Address, Contact number and Word count.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SUBMITTING AND LET ME KNOW HOW YOU GET ON!

TITLES HELP-SHEET

TITLES

v     What is the first thing a reader sees when they pick your work to read?

      The title or name of your story. So it is worthwhile putting some thought into it when your work is complete.

 

v     It is helpful that the title you chose is a catchy one that maybe gives a hint of what the story is about.

v     Sometimes the title for a short story is a phrase that has been used in the body of the work. It could be the opening words of the first line or indeed the last words of the story.

v     Try not to use a twist on old clichés or names of films or songs.

v     Try to be original with your choice.

v     Take a blank page and write out the ideas that come to mind. List the names and when finished, pick the one that represents your story best.

v     If you have a favourite author, look at the titles they use for their stories, in what way do the titles and their stories connect?

v     It is not an easy task but worth taking the time to get it right.    

Dialogue Help-Sheet

DIALOGUE:

Dialogue is a conversation between two or more people.

It brings characters to life and adds interest.

Functions of Dialogue:

• Provide information
• Describe place/person
• Create a sense of time
• Create conflict/suspense
• Move the story forward
• Reveal a character’s thoughts

Quotation marks  “ ”

·        Start new line for different speaker.

·        Thoughts are not put in quotation marks.

·        Single quotation marks for quotes from someone/book.

            Quotation marks are outside all that is said

Take Note:

• Be aware of local slang terms, accents, etc.
• It must suit the story and the era the story is set in, (1) A teenager speaks differently from an older person, (2) A northerner speaks differently from a person living in the south.
• Consistency: if you use Isn’t - Can’t, then continue to use it and do not change it to Is not- Can not
• Must listen to how people talk
• Don’t give too much information to your reader, let the story unfold.
• Use profanity and slang sparingly.