Story Gems
A Writer's Journey
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Get It In Print
CreateSpace is my number one preference when it comes to self publishing. Your book can become available to readers in print, Kindle or audio.
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Print or Kindle Edition - AmazonPsychologist, Jacquelyn Kincaid’s garden estate becomes deadly ground when sex acts in a hot tub fuel a serial killer’s lethal vendetta. In her quest to prove her kid brother innocent of the murders, Jacquelyn fights for his life and finds herself butting heads with the law, all the way up the bureaucratic ladder to the FBI. |
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Self Published - A Smooth Operation
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| Dangerous Presence a Thriller by M. G Cronkite Cover Art by Josh Thornbrugh |
It’s a mixed feeling to reach that final page in your novel and quietly know in your heart you have come to the end of your story. You have loved every twist and turn, every character you’ve created, every scene. But now the time has come to say goodbye, at least for now—to move on and perhaps write a sequel. The time has come to publish—self publish, that is.
And, that’s exactly what I did. Dangerous Presence, my very first novel is now published to Smashwords and Amazon Kindle Direct.
I followed The Smashwords Style Guide, by Mark Coker. I won’t say it was easy. There were times when I found the guidelines confusing. But then I’m not overly techie, either. I worked hard to get it just right, and I found once I had all the puzzle pieces fit together, it was a smooth operation.
I published to Smashwords. It took a few days to be accepted into the Premium Catalog. But once I was, I uploaded my novel to Amazon Kindle Direct and found the process to be easy and quick.
Dangerous Presence:
Psychologist, Jacquelyn Kincaid’s five-acre garden estate becomes deadly ground when blatant sex acts in a hot tub fuel a serial killer’s lethal vendetta. In her quest to prove her kid brother innocent of the murders, Jacquelyn fights for his life and finds herself butting heads with the law, all the way up the bureaucratic ladder to the FBI.
Buy here at Smashwords: Dangerous Presence
Or Buy here at Amazon: Dangerous Presence
This video, which I just discovered, may be helpful to anyone who chooses to format their own manuscript and upload to Smashwords. (part 1 of 3)
This video is chuck full of good info for the e publisher. It also gives you the pros and cons on whether to format your own manuscript to Smashwords or hire a professional (very reasonable) and have it done.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Journey To Rome
A Must Read!
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| Cover Art by Josh Thornbrugh |
L.K. Killian did a wonderful job setting the scene in this historical romance. You honestly feel like you are on a journey to Rome as you get lost in her words. The characters are strong and well-rounded. The author really pulls you immediately into the story with good descriptions and characterizations. L.K. combines complex characters with emotionally compelling plotting, and a delectably sensual romance that you know is blossoming into one unforgettable love story. I cannot believe this is her first book! I am looking forward to many more books from this talented author. M.G. Cronkite
Buy Novel - Click Link:
Journey To Rome: Hadrian and Reisha--Book One
While on a desperate race to reach Rome, General Hadrian and his men - including the mysterious Praetorian Guard, Pailief - are ambushed. Only the help of a beautiful healer saves their lives, but as treacherous repayment, they force her to join their perilous Journey to Rome.
L. K. Killian
Biography
I think a lot of us have a book in our hearts and heads that keeps us company and wants to be written.
When I retired, instead of buying a new car I took a trip to Rome. While there, Emperor Hadrian’s name came up at the Pantheon. This temple to the gods had been built around the first century, and burned twice, but he had his architects rebuild it. I had previously visited Hadrian’s Wall in 2002.
It was as if Roman Emperor Hadrian took over the English romance novel I had planned and made it his own. But I’m not complaining. This novel has been a joy to write. I hope everyone who reads it enjoys it.
I could never have done this without the help of everyone at Writers Village University -WVU.com. I began by completing the F2K class twice, which is free. Another great help to those of us who wish to complete a draft of our novel is NANOWRIMO.COM.
I would be happy to give anyone encouragement if you want to write your own novel.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Self-Publishing - The Beginning Stages
I will be working each day, going through the process of what it takes to self-publish my first novel. I will be learning many new things.I want to publish my work to the highest professional level. It may take some real groundwork, but after I self-publish my first novel, I know it will get easier. I'm excited about this. I will post each step on my blog as I go along. At the present time, I'm gathering my resources. All the information I need is out there, it's just a matter of discovering it.
I'm reading, Let's Get Digital, by David Gaughran. This is one of the best e-books written on self-publishing. You can download this book on your Kindle CloudReader. It's Free. Here is the link:
Lets-Get-Digital How To Self-Publish and Why You Should
In my search for answers, I've come across this wonderful video, The Publishing Process, by Steven H. Jackson. If you are interested in self publishing you can't go wrong here. It starts with the basics and moves right through to the finish line. It is helpful, and I value it.
Right now I am at stage one -- writing the last few chapters of my novel, Dangerous Presence. When I finish, I will jump into the editing stage. See you soon.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
EXCITING NEW BOOK COVER
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| Dangerous Presence a Thriller by M. G Cronkite Cover Art by Josh Thornbrugh |
When Josh Thornbrugh, my writer friend from Writer's Village University, creates a book cover it immediately grabs your attention. This talented man knows how to intrigue you with just the right amount of mystery.
Josh is a science fiction writer. I share a writing group with him at Writer's Village University and have the pleasure of critiquing his chapters in the novel he is writing, entitled, Beyond the Gates of Ovrigmark. Never a dull moment in this exciting sci fi.
The Hemingway Hall group at WVU consists of seven active members, and Josh has somehow found the time to make book covers for all of us. We are so fortunate to have this gifted man in our Hemingway Hall group. Thank you, Josh, and thank you for my beautiful book cover.
To me, the beauty lies in mystery, and of course that's what Dangerous Presence promises. Lots of mystery.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
What I do When I'm Not Writing
This is a painting of Meeka. It's not a new painting but one of my favorites.My latest paintings are of my neighbors, Carol and Tom Smith. I'm also doing a portrait of their daughter, Stacy. I've put them on hold for a while so I can finish my novel.
Now, If I could just learn graphic art I could make my own book covers. That is one of my goals at the present time.
My grandson Jesse is a whiz at photoshop. He says he will create a book cover for me if I'd send him the synopsis of my novel, Dangerous Presence. He's such a Prince. How could I be so lucky.
The problem is, I haven't quite finished the synopsis. Jesse, I'm working on it.


This abstract was created from paint that was left on my pallet from another painting. I never intended for it to be anything other than a place to get rid of my paint. Guess what? A couple of folks wanted to buy it. HA! One never know.
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