How are you???

Please let me know what you’ve been doing during the Stay-at-home order where you are! Emails so far range from “I can’t focus so I’m sleeping a lot” to “I’ve written an entire novel and reorganized my 2000 square foot house.”

I fall between those two extremes. One of the most powerful and unforgettable blogs of encouragement I’ve read in the past few months wrote, “It’s okay if you’re not okay.”

Those six words were like an epiphany for me. Initially, I wondered what was wrong with me – I struggled to focus and giving up, tackled the closets and the file cabinets. I shredded tons of stuff that needed it, found clothes that will better suit others, and found the little pocket knife I lost while moving in December. That about describes March 17 – April 1.

It was an April Fool’s Day that didn’t happen. But I read that blog. And laughed for quite a while. I brought up an old short story, worked about an hour on it, filed it in a new file with a new file name, and took a nap. When I woke up, I didn’t feel guilty about that nap. It was okay if I wasn’t okay. And a nap helped.

I’ve learned in a different context how to take care of myself – and that’s been a gift. I did complete the final draft of the next Amazing Grace story – KEEPING FAITH. Daria and I cooked up the wacky idea of thanking our fans for their faithfulness during this long wait for new book with a short collection of our short stories – the ones that either won awards or were published many years ago. So, that’s coming together nicely and will be launched on July 4! For a mere $1.99!

The WC Publishing team came together and got Nick Marziani’s new novel published and launched on May 31, an appropriate day to launch a Catholic Christian action-adventure novel! We decided to launch despite all the reasons why it might not be a good idea – is there any time better than the present one? Maybe – or maybe not.

I’ve learned about the wonders of Draft2Digital (thank you, Jack!) and have jumped on the Indie Bookstore bandwagon and now shop at BookShop.org for my books (thanks to IBPA!) Our business model has changed to take advantage of some of these more advantageous platforms and for our authors, I suspect they’ll see more sales and just maybe, by working together and sharing those victories with the world, we’ll save the Indie Bookstore. And, we’d better. 

I’m still taking a short nap almost every afternoon. I swim for a half-hour in the morning at the community pool, have breakfast and work until noon. I take a break – focus is still a challenge many days – then I go back to work. I have resumed keeping my tasks written down on a calendar where I can see them and mark them off – but  not so many I could never get them done. Being home is now helping me to be far more productive at the company and my writing.

So, I hope that even though the world may be opening up again, you’ll be careful and take care of your mind and your body. Laugh much, hug your loved ones when you can and if you can’t visit, call them – often. Wash your hands and wear your mask when indoors with people.

Set yourself free of the expectations that you’re too cool to get caught up in all that’s going on in the world. That you’re too strong to be affected. That you “should have” gotten more done in the past three months. Kiss that “should have” goodbye and remember, “It’s okay to not be okay.”

Writers write – that’s how we stay sane. I’m not at all convinced that it matters what you write, just as long as you write some, every day.

Stay well and I’ll see you next week! And don’t forget – let me know what you’ve been doing, or struggling with, okay? Email me at nancy@NLQuatrano.com. I send you a big virus and germ-free hug! 

Nancy Q.

FOOLS’ JOURNEY: The Showdown by Nicholas A. Marziani Jr.

NEW RELEASE FROM WC PUBLISHING, an On-Target Words Imprint

In this sequel to Holy Fool, Holy Father, Marziani continues the journey of the young Jesuit priest turned pope just a few weeks after an apocalyptic-like solar flare has crippled the world. Financial systems have crashed, all communications are down, and an evil entity, calling itself “I AM” is raising its ugly head in the holy city of Jerusalem.

Pope Misha’s prophetic foresight, a gift he credits from God, has allowed the Vatican and the majority of Catholic seats worldwide to maintain communications through the archaic means of short-wave radio frequencies. They struggle to help their regions with food and shelter. Without working electrical grids worldwide, mankind is catapulted back hundreds of years to a time when families survived solely on their own wits and the church enclaves rely on the generators and provisions they stored in preparation of just such an event.

From the Vatican to the Holy City, Pope Misha, his celebate soul-mate Anastasia, and a faithful troupe of protectors and believers journey to confront the being called I AM. Their mission? To halt the progress of a “new world order” that promises to strip mankind of its humanity and perhaps even its eternity in the guise of healing a world gone mad.

Join this Jesuit pope and his entourage in a most epic journey to not only save souls but to inspire generations to come to watch faithfully for the return of the Lord of Lord and King of Kings. And to be wary of the antichrists along the way.

Available in paperback and eBook formats wherever books are being ordered.

Kindle and eBook versions released May 21, 2020

Print versions to be released on May 30, 2020

PS Don’t forget – when you read a book, consider posting a review of what you enjoyed for other readers at the site where you purchased the book. Comments about any WC Publishing books can be forwarded to Info@OnTargetWords.com.

National Memo Day

ID 85511840 © Roberto Giovannini | Dreamstime.com

 

ALL writing doesn’t have to be work!!

Tomorrow, May 21 is National Memo Day. Putting sticky notes on the bedroom doors of your kids (or the doors of your neighbors if they’re friendly), in the lunchbox of your spouse or roommate who has to leave home to work, or writing a memo to encourage or celebrate a co-worker or employee ALL count!

How colorful can you make your memos? How creative can you be in getting them to their intended target?

Some other fun commemorative “days” include May 25 which is National Wine Day, May 26 which is National Blueberry Cheesecake Day, and May 28 which is International Hamburger Day.

So – maybe use these fun ideas to create a “theme” in your home while so many are still at home and break up the ho-hum of being home so long!

I’m excited to save some of that wine and pair it with the cheesecake!

And, speaking of writing a memo – I’m delighted to announce that my New York friend and author, Lucy Kirk, has released her debut spy novel, THE POISON FACTORY!

I highly recommend this action-adventure featuring spy Dektora Raines. Get your copy at BookBaby, B&N, Amazon, or wherever you get your books! And don’t forget – post a review, too! 

See you next week! Keep reading and writing.

Nancy Q.

Good News is Good For Us!

Well, it turns out that viewers, readers, and consumers may be forcing a much-needed change in “news” production. It would seem that not only do we need a break from the bombardment of hard and sad news, but we also desire a reason to be hopeful. Now, that’s a marketing conclusion I can certainly get behind – as a reader AND a writer!!

You may have noticed many major news outlets closing out their program with a short clip that makes you smile, makes your heart feel better. Why? Advertisers are the canary in the coalmine on this – they discovered viewers are more likely to react to an ad that proceeds and follows a positive news piece. Voila!! Enjoy the article!

*************

Another thing that readers are supporting is developing alternatives to Amazon for book purchases. Those of us who have been supported by independent book stores need to get behind them and this new – and successful – launch of BOOKSHOP.ORG, a place where readers can buy their books online and support the indie book stores who are members!

Brick and mortar shopping may be a good ways off for many with the pandemic upon us. To think it will be all cleared up and a thing of the past any time soon is not realistic. Enter the online bookshop, an eCommerce site that allows us to buy our books with a small discount and the sales benefit the brick and mortar stores!

Amazon is a logistics company. They ship food, OTC medications, diapers for young and older, furniture, and a gazillion other things. Book shipments went to the bottom of the list with this pandemic. And that left room for the dynamic BOOKSHOP.ORG to make its debut.

Jerry, owner of the Cloak and Dagger Book Shop in Princeton NJ is one of the brick and mortar shops that carry my books. He reached out to me about this and asked me to research it and if I could, help get the word out. Anyone that knows me at all knows I’m an advocate for keeping our small book stores alive and well! And, like anything else in life, that takes a cooperative effort. They sell our books – let’s make sure we help when we can to support THEIR stores! Both online and the brick and mortar.

BSO has earned over a million dollars for the stores in sales over the past 5 weeks. No, Amazon hasn’t a worry in the world, but it sure is nice to know that we’ve still got options in terms of book delivery. Authors can even sign up to be affiliates and help the shops and themselves.

“Independent bookstores are the lifeline of the intellect. They have to remain strong, especially in difficult times like these.” –Stephen King

“Indie bookstores are the bedrock of our business. My bookseller pals have supported me from my first little novel WHEN YOU WERE MINE all the way through my first New York Times Bestseller, IN FIVE YEARS. Now, more than ever, I want to make sure the stores we love will be around to welcome us home once this is all over.” –Rebecca Serle

See you Wednesday!

Nancy Q.

Support Your Local Indie

Laughter IS the best medicine –

Me: Alexa what’s the weather this weekend?

Alexa: It doesn’t matter – you’re not going anywhere.

Sticking together has perhaps never been more important than it is now, and will be over the next 6 – 9 months. There are ways to support our local bookshops and authors. Publishers Lunch included this information in their newsletter last week. And consider buying gift cards for upcoming birthdays, virtual graduations, and holidays.

https://lunch.publishersmarketplace.com/2020/03/reference-supporting-booksellers-in-these-dark-times/

The New York Times had a wonderful article on reinventing the book launch by a group of debut authors. Being creative and keeping our eye on the positive will be what powers us through the current and upcoming challenges! Check it out!

UH-OH!! Author’s Guild has rung the alarm for uncontrolled digital lending. Perhaps well-intended (?) it won’t help your book sales any! Check this out and see if YOUR books are being distributed free and without your permission. You can opt out – so be sure to read all the way to the bottom of the article.

https://www.authorsguild.org/industry-advocacy/internet-archives-uncontrolled-digital-lending/

FOND FAREWELLS:

• MWA Grand Master, Barbara Neely, activist turned mystery writer, died at 78. Her creation, Blanche White, was probably the first fictional black maid to solve a murder while working for a wealthy white family.
• Sara Paretsky has reported to our Sisters in Crime family: “It is with tremendous sadness that we tell you that we have lost KATE MATTES, one of the founding steering committee members of Sisters in Crime.” Kate was the owner of the incredible bookstore in Cambridge that was set up in a Victorian mansion. “Kate’s Mystery Books” opened in 1983.
• SIMON & SHUSTER is up for sale. The publisher of Stephen King, Judy Blume, and so many others is part of the ViacomCBS corporation and is not considered essential to the corporate strategy which is putting all its eggs into the digital video streaming basket.

See you next week! Want to share some of YOUR news? Let me know – email me at Nancy@NLQuatrano.com.

 

Silver Linings

The concept that “every cloud has a silver lining” has roots that go back to 1634 when the poet Milton wrote (Comus: A Masque Presented at Ludlow Castle, 1634):

Was I deceived, or did a sable cloud
Turn forth her silver lining on the night?

His allegorical use of clouds and silver linings sparked the use of that imagery in literature forevermore. Writers from that point forward used the phrase or a derivative of that phrase.

However, it was in 1840 – Victorian-era England – that the phrase was coined that we still hear today: ‘every cloud has a silver lining’. It was the result of a misprint in The Dublin Magazine that was doing a review of the novel, MARION, by Mrs. S. Hall. In the novel, Hall quoted the Milton piece, but in the review, the quoted material was misstated.

Per the site Phrases.org.uk, this proverb “appeared frequently in newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic”, from 1853 onward. Sarah Payton Parton (pen-name Fanny Fern), an American writer hired by the Home Journal magazine to write a motivational column, used it often. It was her theme. She became the highest-paid writer in the USA at that time due to her essays.

From her essay entitled, “Nil desperandum!”, the first lines rally readers’ spirits with:

NO, NEVER! Every cloud has a silver lining; and He who wove it knows when to turn it out. So, after every night, however long or dark, there shall yet come a golden morning.

I don’t know each reader’s situation as I write this. But I urge you to not give up, not give in to fear and frustration, but to look about for things to be thankful for. Only those with thankful eyes can spy that silver lining. There’s rescue to be had in reading, whether you find your escape in the Bible, a biography, a how-to, a graphic novel or a bestseller, seek words that will let you rest mentally and physically from the war raging with COVID-19. Many of us find peace and our silver linings in prayer and meditation.

I’ve learned from many writers about the difficulty they’re experiencing in focusing to create. I get it. I share it. And, I’ve found that working in shorter periods of time to accomplish just one task, one page, one chapter, is working better for me. And, I am able to put it all aside for an hour or two when I commit to an online workshop or summit. Learning makes me feel like I accomplished something, so I’m doing some of that every day. I take a few more breaks, but the mental fatigue has lessened. Might be worth a try.

So, in that vein, here is a dynamite offer from Writers Digest’s SCRIPT – a free workshop that’s usually $120. Check it out – the stronger our characters are, in fiction or creative non-fiction, the more readers will love our work. Something to focus on, a goal to have, an exercise to keep your wonderful mind engaged.

https://scriptmag.com/page/strengthen-your-plot-through-character-creation

And, here is the link to an older WD article, that’s still applicable today! 10 Questions You Should Ask Your Characters

Keep reading and writing. Be kind to yourself and everyone you meet. And keep looking for that silver lining. I’ll keep you close in my prayers for peace and safekeeping.

See you next week. NQ

 

Coping with COVID-19 and Authors Boosting Authors

You may not be writing right now and I hope you are not beating yourself up about it. I don’t know your specific situation, but I’ve got a list as tall as Paul Bunyon of things I put on the back burner over the YEARS so I could work the day jobs, write, volunteer, travel, whatever. Now, I’m home. A lot.

So, what’s an author to do? Some of those things I put aside for a really long time I’m now ready to do and some of that is writing. Some isn’t. I find that focusing for long periods of time on the creative side is hard to do right now. My spouse and I share 900 square feet now and he likes his music. My offsite office space has been closed for over two weeks. I can’t write well with music blaring, preferring to create in relative silence. But, when he’s napping I get that quiet time, so that’s when I write.

Despite our recent downsized move, the remaining file drawers need to be cleaned out and reorganized – couldn’t get in them with a shoehorn! So, that doesn’t require quiet to do and when the music is blaring, I sit on the floor in my office with some file folders, label maker, shredder close at hand, and tackle it. I scan and save what I’m moved to keep for my own research or later reference, then shred the paper copy. Why do I need 20-year old resumes? Got me! I scanned a copy and the rest is gone.

Two years ago, my husband tore his brand new shoulder holster. He bought it and the first time he hooked it to his belt with the strap designed to anchor it, the strap promptly tore loose of the snap. I tucked the whole thing on the shelf with the sewing kit and never touched it again. Moved it a lot of times, but never repaired it. So, now it’s repaired and in the gun safe. Probably never to be worn again, but at least it isn’t still on my TO BE DONE list. LOL. I’m actually having some fun despite all this chaos – I feel like I’m accomplishing something and I don’t feel that I’m wasting precious time – the gift of time is so very valuable, right?

And while we’ve rescheduled the authors at WC Publishing who were launching first books this Spring, many authors are launching despite this pandemic and all of its fallout. How do you get the word out about your book amidst the busy, chaotic insanity that is our global reality right now?

We help each other. A wonderful side-effect of helping others is that our own anxiety and chaos get toned way down. Another one is that when we help others, we also reap a benefit – that’s the way the Lord designed the universe.

This article by BookBub is a wonderful example of ways we can help other authors. I hope that you’ll find a way to help someone during this chaotic time because I know how much peace you’ll gain from doing that. Be a light: be good to yourself and others, too.  8 Ways Authors are Helping Authors

I wish you good health and blessings galore.

Nancy Q.

MEET LOREN COLDEN: ONE BLACK SHOE

In Alexandria, Virginia ghostly woods (rumored to be haunted) open the story. A winding road leads into a soon-to-be known world of darkness and deceit. The reader is hooked from the first chapter and into the second, the third. At the onset, we meet a prominent character involved in law enforcement and follow his life through marriage, the building of a family, and watch his career advance as his life takes twists and turns, some for the better, some for the worse. Across the states, in California, a couple in love are about to exchange wedding vows. It seems the storyline will progress into a tale of real-life adventures, and it does. Toss in a crazy English mother-in-law who loves to stir the pot and murders popping up elsewhere, the reader travels down roads of twists and turns as well. A mysterious black shoe enters the picture and somehow ties several of the plot’s threads together. The author creatively weaves an engaging style of writing, descriptively elegant and beautiful, even when engaging the reader into graphic crime scenes, acts of abduction, disturbing and dark seduction.

When I read the book I was stunned by the chilling details and horror built into this tale and even though I don’t read this genre, I was unable to put it aside and leave it there. I’ve known this author for some time and knew her latest novel would probably curl my hair but I had no idea. If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers that keep most people up at night, do not miss reading ONE BLACK SHOE. Riveting, fast-paced, and haunting enough to be a Criminal Minds episode! Bravo to Colden and I’m sure there will be more where this came from!

Here’s a sample excerpt from ONE BLACK SHOE:

The crunching of underbrush told the girl the two passed her and separated. Bugs crawled over her. She swatted at them. Something slimy shifted under her hand. Complete silence became her companion for what felt like an eternity. When she couldn’t stand it anymore, she crawled from her hiding place. The moon had traversed across the sky. A drop in temperature came with the early morning. Damp soil and rotting leaves stuck to her torn jeans. Coldness seeped into her skin. The smell of moss was strong. She wiped her hands along her thighs, felt the stickiness of oozing blood, and made her way in the direction she hoped was toward safety.

I Received a Book Excellence Award!

I am incredibly excited to announce that I have been recognized as a Book Excellence Award Winner for my book, STILL SHOT in the Action Category.

To all of you who have offered your congratulations, THANK YOU and I send you a warm Chastity Creek hug!

Out of hundreds of books that were entered into the Book Excellence Awards competition, my book was selected for its high-quality writing, design and overall market appeal.

The book was released in 2016 and is about a Private Investigator and her husband who travel to New Orleans for a family wedding and find themselves up to their armpits in murder, mayhem and a family in deep trouble.  Caught up in a macabre play as fraught with intrigue as Macbeth, the twists and turns will leave you hanging onto your seat!

The book is perfect for action and mystery readers from 17 to 70.

You can get a copy for yourself at Amazon or Barnes & Noble

The next book in the series, GONE IN A FLASH will be released in November 2019. I’ll let you know more about those details as we get closer to the launch date. Thanks always for your support!

Interview with David Baldacci

I promised a weekly blog – and I love you all – so I wanted to post something of value. But NaNoWriMo is added to the normal towering pile of things to complete – so I read this awesome interview in my Killer Nashville Magazine and I know you’ll enjoy it! Have a blessed week!

IN THIS KILLER NASHVILLE INTERVIEW, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR DAVID BALDACCI GIVES US A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT HOW HE MAKES HIS CHARACTERS AND LOCATIONS COME TO LIFE AND HIGHLIGHTS THE DIFFERENCES IN WRITING A STAND-ALONE NOVEL VERSUS A SERIES.