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​book reviews

The Stash by Sandra Sperling

10/2/2022

63 Comments

 
Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Sandra Sperling introduces us to her latest romantic suspense story, “The Stash”:
People have fantasies about finding buried treasure, but for Sarah Altman it becomes a reality when she convinces herself that it isn't really a crime to appropriate a large stash of money hidden by a meth dealer after he has a car accident. Every dollar will likely add to the time he spends in prison, so she chooses to be a good Samaritan and relieve him of the burden. Already contemplating a divorce, Sarah realizes that the money will allow her the freedom to do so with financial security---so long as no one learns she has it.

Deputy Nate Carlson has been giving protection to the dealer in exchange for a share of the profit from the meth. He's severely injured, but before he dies, he manages to tell Nate where the cash is buried.

Sergeant Frank Devich, Nate's widowed brother-in-law, questions Sarah, triggering a mutual attraction. Frank doesn't recognize her as the young woman he'd left with a broken heart years ago, and he's determined to have her. Sarah, however, resists involvement.

Nate soon discovers that only Frank and Sarah had easy access to the Minnesota gravel pit where the stash had been hidden. 

​Desperate for money, he will do anything to get it 
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This is a marvelous story! I love it. The stash is a suspenseful, romantic comedy or is it a comedic, romantic suspense story or is it a romantic, suspenseful comedy? Whatever! I can’t figure it out, but I do know this is a lot of fun to read!
I loved the action and the dialogue. Sarah is strong, sassy and sharp as a tack! I wouldn’t want to have a battle of wits with her. I really like Frank also; he is steady as they come, committed to his job and he is thinking ahead. Nate is a couple of fries short of a happy meal, but he tries hard if mainly in the wrong direction.
Good story and lots of fun! The Stash gets 5 stars from me! 

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You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/The-Stash-Sandra-Sperling-ebook 
https://www.goodreads.com/-the-stash 
​
I reviewed another book by the author:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/elisabets-will 
www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/control-by-sandra-sperling 


You can follow the author:
Twitter: @sandysperling3 
https://www.facebook.com/sisuforever 
http://sandrasperling.com 

Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction.
63 Comments
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/3/2022 11:29:30 am

I'm eager to hear your questions!

Reply
Mark
10/3/2022 01:24:35 pm

Welcome back to the Word Refiner channel. We talked last during the promotion for Elisabet's Will, a link just above. This interview will continue the conversation we started in the previous interview. Let's get started.

First question.

What is the inspiration for writing The Stash? It seems a much lighter book than Elisabet's Will. Though both had some funny moments and comedic dialogue.

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/3/2022 02:09:33 pm

An actual incident inspired the book. I searched for fossils a couple times a week at a gravel pit owned by a second cousin of mine, where I found the ammonite described in the book at the top of a gulch. When I walked out of the pit, a strange car came racing in, nearly crashing into me. The driver roared back out, a look of manic hatred on his face. I wondered if he were running from the cops and speculated about the incident, thus creating the story you read.

Reply
Mark
10/3/2022 03:22:44 pm

I can't recall a recent interview where the author was inspired by an actual incident to write a story. I think that is very cool! A little bit scary the way that guy looked at you, also. You applied the tried-and-true question to that experience, 'what if...?' It seems most stories start at that point.

New questions.

How much time passed from when you got the idea to write your book; then actually starting to write the book?

How long did it take you to write the first draft?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/3/2022 04:24:21 pm

I recall writing the basic bones of the story in a notebook, and it took over 20 pages. The first draft was only about 150 pages, at which time the characters came alive, and the plot was solidified, although the ending was elusive. I entered several solutions, knowing it would come to me as I went along. I estimate that it took about three months to finish this.

Reply
Mark
10/3/2022 05:56:22 pm

That is pretty quick, around three months. Most authors take longer to write a book.

Your planning really paid off in my mind. It seemed that the characters were always planning and working toward a goal. Sarah had lots of problems to overcome, actually laundering the money physically and financially, what to do about Frank appearing in her life so dramatically, she wanted to divorce her husband and how to get away from him. Frank was concerned about closing a case, retiring and how to deal with the attraction he felt to Sarah, among others. You did really well with all of the moving pieces of the plot in this story.

New questions.

How much research did you have to do?

What were the major topics?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/3/2022 06:31:24 pm

I read a great deal, both fiction and non-fiction, so I pick up a lot of information that way. I had to do a little research on meth, and a little more on the Catholic religion, which came from my friends. Most of the rest came from things I'd done. A lot of stuff I just made up.

The first draft did go quickly, but the second, which was close to 400 pages, took 13 months. That involved fleshing out the characters and the story. It takes time to give characters favorite foods, perfumes, music, cuss words, etc., and make them consistent with their personalities.

Reply
Mark
10/3/2022 07:49:26 pm

That is what imagination is for. To fill in the gaps and make a pretty package. That amount of detail makes for realistic characters.

New questions.

Do you have character bible or sheet for each character, for all of the details you mentioned?

Do you base your characters on people you know or have met, or is it easier to just invent them completely?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/3/2022 08:06:36 pm

I have a file on each character, noting all the most important facets of their taste in clothing, favorite foods, pet peeves, birth order--just about everything. Also, it contains a secret they have kept and will never tell anyone.

I often start with a person I know, both in looks and an irritating gesture or something. Then I have fun creating the rest of their story. It's a lot of fun 'getting even' with an individual I dislike, and when the story is done, the negative feelings I had for them are lessened.

Reply
Mark
10/4/2022 09:03:43 am

A lot of authors create files for characters, especially when they are writing a series. Those that don't run a great risk of making mistakes in eye color or other things. I have caught mistakes like that more than once. The idea of the secret is genius! It provides a source of motivation for the character.

Some authors do that, and it is a popular meme among authors. A few even admit to it.

New questions.

Going back in time, did you do any kind of creative writing, even back in grade school?

How early was it that you realized how powerful words can be?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/4/2022 09:46:43 am

I wrote a play in grade school, which involved dancing on a stairway.

My parents had to take me to a funeral when I was between 3-4, which I don't remember. Evidently it made a great impact on me, since Mom told me that I had lined up chairs for her, my uncle and another person and then stood on a bench and gave them a sermon, using the usual words of warning to all who were still walking the earth. She said that I'd even imitated the warble in the pastor's voice, causing merriment in the trio sitting in front of me. Clearly it triggered my ability to recognize humor in the worst of situations.

Reply
Mark
10/4/2022 11:23:23 am

That play sounds cute and something like Ginger Rogers would perform. She was an amazing actress and dancer.

Great story about your oration. Children can be great mimics. Once while mom was driving the station wagon, from the far back seat I imitated a police siren and my mother pulled over. She was not happy when she realized that no police were in the vicinity.

New questions.

A lot of new authors struggle with finding beta readers. Because, after the first draft is done, fresh eyes and feedback become very important.

Do you have alpha-readers and/or beta-readers to help you smooth out a lot of wrinkles before publishing? If you don’t, why?

If you do, how did you find them?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/4/2022 01:31:13 pm

Yes, I do have beta readers. Reading friends are usually thrilled to be asked, or at least they pretend to be. Anyway, I tell them not to worry about pleasing me or hurting my feelings with their judgements--I just want the truth, so the book can be better. Usually, I have three or four readers. They almost never suggest any big changes but pick up where I haven't made the timeline clear, say I need a more common word or point out 'their' instead of 'there' type of problems. Two told me about a clear lack of foreshadowing, which I was grateful for!! For The Stash, I had two writers, a newspaper editor(deceased), a poet plus an excellent wordrefiner who gave me sharp advice.

Reply
Mark
10/4/2022 03:54:34 pm

You are blessed. Some authors struggle to find beta readers. I have a list of beta readers, and other people who provide various services to authors, I have found on Twitter on my two Twitter pages, @wordrefiner and @MarklSchultz1. The lists can be found by clicking on the 3 dots under the banner picture. While there is a bit of overlap, the newest additions are on the second account, the first account has many more on it.

My pleasure to help.

New questions.

At what stage in your writing process do you bring in the readers?

Do you give them an e-version like a PDF or a hard copy you printed?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/4/2022 04:33:54 pm

They get the manuscript after it's done. I've given them both paper and electronic versions of the stories.

Reply
Mark
10/4/2022 08:14:50 pm

Very good. Some authors engage the beta readers early in the process and some prefer to do so later in the process. As long as you are happy with the results and the book is published, that is what counts.

New questions.

Do you ask questions about anything in particular in the manuscript or do you let them comment on whatever they find?

Do you reward the alpha/beta readers in any way particular?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/5/2022 09:12:26 am

I give them free rein, sometimes asking a question when a certain passage or action is questionable in my mind. I pay the beta readers back in kind, with being their beta readers, retweeting their books, sometimes making ads to praise them. I mention them on the 'special thanks' page in my novels. Also, I write reviews, although I don't think I'm very good at that---yet. And I buy their books!!!

Reply
Mark
10/5/2022 10:48:58 am

That sounds like a good way to go. You are very nice to buy their books also. Many authors gift their beta readers with a completed copy of their book.

New questions.

Do you have other writers you connect with, as in a critique group or support group?

How many critique group members show up for the meetings usually?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/5/2022 10:58:55 am

No, no critique group, although my cousin who is also a writer, and I exchange views and occasionally whimper, whine and snivel to each other about the problems involved in the work. It's a great way to vent, and we have absolute trust that anything we say will never become public.

Reply
Mark
10/5/2022 01:58:03 pm

Wonderful, that trust is so important! Having at least one comrade in arms is a great help. Some writers, in small towns feel lonely.

New questions.

What is the most important thing you learned from publishing your latest book?

What are three things, that you wish you knew before you wrote your first book?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/5/2022 03:27:19 pm

I learned NEVER to give up, especially if you are certain you have a good book. I first wrote this book when we lived in Minnesota, and submitted it numerous times. Every few times it was rejected, I reworked it, cutting out about 2000 words, making the chapters shorter--one was 23 pages long, and that is not the current style--and using more violent verbs. Instead of: 'She placed it on the table with force.', I wrote things like, 'She slammed it down, sloshing coffee all over her white jeans.' I continued to get rejections, so I saved the manuscript in a closet, along with a thumb drive, and wrote other stories. After moving to Kentucky and publishing four other books, I dug it out and read it, knowing that it was the best thing I'd ever written. The thumb drive was faulty, so I ended up typing the entire thing into my current computer. Ugh!! It was a bit out of date, but rather than modernize it, I added a chapter at the beginning, in the current time, and followed the suggestions of three intelligent beta readers. Then a WONDERFUL wordrefiner proofed it, and I knew I had a winner. So, NEVER give up.

I can't remember any specific things that I'd have liked to have known before I started, but a realization of how very addictive writing is would have been helpful. Knowing that it takes as much effort as a full-time job would also have been nice to know. And, I truly wish I had spent some more time teaching my husband how to cook a few meals other than grilled cheese sandwiches and fried eggs!

Reply
Mark
10/5/2022 05:50:30 pm

Not giving up is so important! Millions of people have wanted to write a book, many of those never take the first step. Some will write a few pages and make the mistake of comparing their very first draft to published books they have read; discouraged they bin everything. Some will realize they know nothing about writing a book and might check a how-to book from the library or buy one. Many of those will give up before they finish the book. So, not quitting is an important necessity!

It was an honor to work with you on this book, I really enjoyed it, all four passes.

Nwe questions.

Do you have a hero, real or fictional?

Are there any books you like to read more than once?

Reply
Sandra Sperling link
10/5/2022 07:39:54 pm

Frodo.

There are numerous books I'd love to read again. One of the best I've read in the past couple of years is THE INSTITUTE, by Stephen King. I have read it twice and will again in a year or so. NEVER, by Ken Follett is great, as is A MENTOR AND HER MUSE, by Susan Sage. M.K. Alexander's steampunk series is another compelling read. The list goes on . . .

Reply
Mark
10/5/2022 07:43:21 pm

I would have to include Samwise with Frodo. I don't think Frodo would have made it without Samwise Gamgee. He is an excellent choice.

Of the books you have mentioned, I have only read Sage's "A Mentor and Her Muse". I have reviewed it elsewhere on my website. Find it easily with the search box below.

New questions.

Do you write notes by hand or on the computer?

What is the most valuable piece of advice you have ever received from another writer?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/5/2022 08:16:53 pm

I always take notes by hand, and write the sort of outline that way too.

Before I began writing in earnest, I sent Dean Koontz a fan letter, mentioning that I wasn't sure which genre I would write in, since I read books in so many of them. He wrote back a full-page letter with the following advice. 'No matter what genre you choose, write first to please yourself'. So I do.

Reply
Mark
10/6/2022 08:09:49 am

You are not the only author that starts with handwritten notes. Many authors have notebooks filled with notes and ideas. I have recommended to many authors that they keep a separate book for ideas only, that way they don't have to search through a lot of notebooks to find an old idea.

Receiving a reply from a famous author must have surprised you quite a bit. I bet you still have that letter also. His advice still stands. Not every author can say they received advice from a world-class writer.

New questions.

What has been the biggest surprise in your writing journey?

You have published a number of books. You are writing more. Are you writing anything strictly for your own pleasure, not necessarily planning to publish it?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/6/2022 09:23:53 am

I wrote a book before I read anything about doing so. Reading one made me realize just how many steps were involved in the process and very nearly made me quit. Then, I figured it was like eating a huge ham--you ate it one slice at a time until it was done, then you threw the bone out for the dog.

I often write to clarify my thoughts and solve problems. I don't write with the idea of making a book, but what I write very often turns into one. I take a great deal of pleasure in writing about human motivation--how so many are kept secret, never acted upon--and what's behind Mona Lisa's smile.

Reply
Mark
10/6/2022 10:58:21 am

You are smarter than the average bear. So many quit when they compare that first draft to a finished book they recently read. You have grit, to quote that famous philosopher, R. Cogburn.

Writing to sort through ideas sounds like a good solution. Yes, human motivation is a mysterious subject and different for nearly everyone. Beside the general of wanting to be loved and accepted for who we are, each person takes a different path to reach a personal goal.

New questions.

What are common traps for beginning writers?

Can you describe the demographic of your ideal reader? Who is the person most likely to buy your book?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/6/2022 02:05:49 pm

Writing with the stilted grammar you learned in school, which is absolutely accurate, but lacking in pizzazz. Writing what you know.

My ideal reader would be a 30+ woman who is married, widowed or divorced. I write about strong women who have reasonably strong moral values, but sometimes cross the line--just a little--when it comes to legal matters.

I'm always surprised that both men and women in their twenties and up enjoy reading my books.

Reply
Mark
10/6/2022 04:09:58 pm

You are right. While it's pretty important to follow most of the rules of grammar, engaging the creative side is very important also. Grammar serves to provide a common foundation for communication between writer and reader.

Many writers don't know who their ideal or primary reader is. This lack of focus can be a problem sometimes, it can make it harder for readers to connect with the book.

I fall into that category of men who are twenty and up, way up at 69, in my case. I enjoyed your book a lot. I really enjoyed Sarah's ingenuity in laundering the drug money.

New questions.

Do you have an item or a routine you consider to be your writing lucky charm?

What is your writing Kryptonite and how has it affected you?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/7/2022 09:18:49 am

My lucky charm is a black pencil with colorful frogs printed on it. I use it to start every manuscript I scribble down.

Kryptonite. There are many ways to answer that. The mineral was discovered in a mine in Serbia, and my cover designer is Serbian, so her work could well be considered an almost magical addition to my books. Kryptonite is considered to be tough, so maybe it's a synonym for sisu. It's also supposed to be poisonous, which makes me think of the poisonous characters my books all have--politely called antagonists. Or it could refer to a super writing ability. And it could also refer to . . .

Reply
Mark
10/7/2022 01:04:17 pm

A very special pencil! I love frogs, in high school, my nickname was toader or toad.

Great associations to the word kryptonite, but I was thinking of Superman and how fragments from his birth planet Krypton were poison for him.

New questions.

Have you thought about publishing a story on Vella, Radish, Wattpad or one of the other episode-based publishing platforms?

Do you struggle with writer's block, if so, how do you overcome it?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/7/2022 01:17:05 pm

Episode type things are good, but once I've worked on something, I don't want to go back and do more of it. Maybe someday.

So far I haven't suffered from writer's block, but I have times when I just don't feel like writing, so I take a couple of days away from it. That's when I kick a trail to the laundry room so I can wash long neglected quilts, curtains, and grubby throw rugs. I bake cookies, wash windows, etc. but after about two days, I'm tired of the domestic chores and escape back into my novel.

Reply
Mark
10/7/2022 01:57:56 pm

The episode things are interesting, Amazon has its version also. But not everything is sunshine and roses, here is a blog cautioning about some landmines an author doesn't want to step on: The Predatory Contracts of Serial Reading/Writing Apps https://writerunboxed.com/2022/06/24/reading-between-the-lines-the-predatory-contracts-of-serial-reading-writing-apps Copy-and-paste link or hit the search box below.

That is a brilliant plan! Quite productive also. Your plan mirrors a lot of the advice I share with writers about getting out of a creative block. Doing some kind of normal activity that doesn't require much creative thinking frees up a part of your brain that will solve the problem subconsciously. Instead of avoiding the problem, some writers tackle the problem and write about the block and why it's there. Some creative individuals always have more than one project in progress so if one is blocked another is likely to be open and the inspiration flows.

New questions.

Do you see an advantage of writing under a pseudonym, why or why not?

Are there any issues that are peculiar to writing this genre that might not apply to other genres?

Reply
Sandra M Sperling link
10/7/2022 02:29:04 pm

I thought about a pen name, and in fact used a different name on my paintings--for privacy. People said my actual name was a good one to use--easy to remember--and so I used it.

I never intended to write a romance, but the story gained a huge amount of suspense and interest when I went with the love connection. All the characters involved had a lot more to lose or gain, depending on what happened. I have written in several genres and find the similarities between them more common than the differences.

Reply
Mark
10/7/2022 04:07:44 pm

The romance added a wonderful dimension to the story, as you say, there was more at stake for the characters. Genre mashup is something you are good at.

New questions.

Are there any writing styles or genres that you disliked at first but came to like eventually?

Do you think reading, watching movies or listening to music help you be a better writer?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/7/2022 06:54:40 pm

I was lukewarm about time travel until I read the Tractus Fynn Mysteries, which, along with a great plot, had great characters, a lot of action, and were unpredictable. By MK Alexander.

Reading is a great educator for a writer. Movies help with dialogue and also help you write description of the visual angle. Wordless music is my favorite to play when I'm writing, although at times it interferes with my thoughts.

Reply
Mark
10/7/2022 07:59:23 pm

Time travel stories are so much fun! That is my favorite subset of science fiction. I also loved the concept in The Dragon Riders of Pern. Last week's promotion was a story about time travel with a surprise at the end. I really enjoyed that story! I am going to have to locate Tractus Flynn and read that.

Reading is a great educator for a writer. I had one author tell me that he didn't read books by other authors in his genre. He was afraid of his ideas being diluted by theirs. He didn't understand there are only 12 to 20 different plots for writers to draw upon. It's how each writer approaches and writes the story that different tales are created. Each writer's voice is unique.

You make a good comment about dialogue and visualizing scenes. I have recommended to many authors to take a screenwriting class or two, because it is a different way of telling a story. A writer can never have too many tools in their writing toolbox.

New questions.

At this time, do you read books for entertainment or just research homework?

What type of book is your favorite guilty pleasure to read or listen to for fun?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/8/2022 12:08:51 pm

90% for pleasure, 9% for research (which is very often pleasurable) and 1% of the dreaded type that instructs you: place tab c into slot s, while at the same time . . . Or one of the favorites from the IRS--If the amount on line 26 is less than the amount on line 29, but more than the amount on . . .

When life gets tense, I prefer reading something from decades ago, such as the 2nd World War era. Biographies are great when I'm feeling isolated. When dullness sets in, out come King or Koontz. Whatever mood I'm in, there are always books to smooth the way!!

Reply
Mark
10/8/2022 01:01:38 pm

Books can alleviate our ills, if only temporarily. Instructions, on the other hand, can make things worse, occasionally. Most of the time they are helpful, but the inscrutability factor can throw a wrench into the process. The IRS instructions are so full of the inscrutability factor it's almost funny; but with penalties and interest no one is laughing.

Many years ago, our son struggled with some learning disabilities. We discovered he liked Legos a lot. We bought him lots of Legos, but he always needed help. I found errors in their instructions. These were wordless instructions, drawings only, yet mistakes crept in. Now, he is a financial analyst working for a multi-national corporation.

New questions.

What were your intentions or your goals when you wrote this book?

Do you feel you were successful in getting that message across to the reader?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/8/2022 01:18:50 pm

I've always noticed how people justify their actions, no matter how high or low their moral barometer is set. The three main characters in The Stash are no exception, and it was a lot of fun to make them all a little wicked and a little angelic. I wrote the book to poke fun at myself, for having the very same traits, and give a nod to others. We're all much the same!

Reply
Mark
10/8/2022 02:40:10 pm

I agree. Each person is first and foremost concerned with their wellbeing. We are mixtures of good and bad motivations. Such is the human condition. Stories are told from the point of view of the protagonist, mostly. In every story that is well written, the antagonist thinks they are the hero.

New questions.

Do you ever brainstorm with non-writers and if so, is it effective?

What was the best money you ever spent as a writer to enhance your career?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/8/2022 05:12:19 pm

No, I never brainstormed. I'm a divergent thinker, and usually have more idea's than I'll ever use.

Hiring an editor.

Reply
Mark
10/8/2022 06:15:28 pm

I have had a lot of different answers to that question, your answer is pretty unique in the bunch.

Editors are a very worthwhile expense.

New questions.

Do you subscribe to any magazines, newsletters, blogs or podcasts that enhance your writing career? Feel free to share as many as you would like.

What are your favorite reference books for grammar and writing?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/8/2022 08:06:30 pm

I read THE WRITER, WRITER'S DIGEST AND BOOKLIFE (online) I also read THE WEEK, which has a good book page.

I have several books on grammar, but my favorite two are, THE IDIOTS GUIDE TO GRAMMAR and THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE.

Reply
Mark
10/9/2022 08:09:00 am

You are staying involved in the craft; those are good ways to stay informed.

I have quite a few books on grammar myself, but The Idiot's Guide might be interesting. I recall that they leverage humor in their books frequently.

My primary source for working with fiction is The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition. I have a hardcover and I subscribe to their website.

New questions.

Have you ever created a throw-away character that developed into a major player?

Do you ever put a story aside and come back to it at a later date?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/9/2022 09:19:39 am

I have an identical version of the same book, which is not my favorite reference source. I do unwillingly use commas before 'and'. This tome, however, would made a dandy murder weapon.

If I name a character, they have at least some importance. As of yet, they haven't become a major character.

The Stash was put aside several times, then picked up and rewritten before it finally showed up in its present form. The Books of Abigail is in my hold pile while I contemplate trashing or rescuing it.

Reply
Mark
10/9/2022 10:56:48 am

I am not a believer in the complete necessity for the serial comma. If it will make a difference in comprehension, then I agree with it. Most of the time, it does not aid in any way and therefore I don't use it. If an author I am proofreading for use it, I follow their wishes. For me, 'and' is sufficient almost all of the time. Yes, it would make a handy weapon.

Letting this book sit for a time was very worthwhile. I hope you give The Books of Abigail as much time as it needs. Work on something else, if you need to.

New questions.

Why do most authors write in 3rd person POV instead of first and second POV?

Were you a plotter or a pantster when you started writing? How about now, has that changed?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/9/2022 12:10:07 pm

2nd person doesn't invite the reader to partake of the story, it speaks AT them. The Stash is mostly 3rd person, with three points of view. Frank's mother's thoughts are featured in the omniscient view, since it kept a bit of distance from her being liked too well.

I start out with a page that gives the general idea of the story. Then I begin filling a notebook with names, ages, pet peeves, etc. Because this is subject to change, I'm working on the story at the same time, moving back and forth between pant and plot while the character and setting become visible. Soon, I can hear the character speaking, see the mannerisms they use and crack up at the cuss words they sometimes use, especially the polished ladies. All this is mental, of course. Mostly I'm a pantster.

Reply
Mark
10/9/2022 02:09:41 pm

Thank you for defining that for us.

I like your method and especially the results it brings you. It sounds like you can see the story unfold as if it was on a big screen. It works that way for me, the reader, also.

Most pantsters say they can't plot out or outline the story ahead of time because they don't know how it will turn out. One pantster said he makes his outline after he writes each chapter. I thought that was pretty smart.

New questions.

Do you think you were born to write or did you have to learn the craft?

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

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Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/9/2022 04:14:30 pm

I was born with a strong bent toward creative ventures (painting, photography, costuming French dolls from the 1800's, etc), but I had to learn the finer points of writing by reading.

Proofreading is very difficult for me most of the time. If the story is interesting, I tend to gulp it down too fast to notice errors. If I have read a story about 6 times in a short space, my eyes run across the too familiar sentences, while I'm thinking about something else.

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Mark
10/9/2022 06:50:52 pm

I am not surprised that you are so creative. You are right, writing is a skill that must be learned. Any given person might have a strong motivation and creative impulse to write. They may have talent for writing also, but some of the finer details need to be learned. No one has ever written a perfect first draft or a book that is universally loved.

You highlight the problem that every author struggles with, brain fatigue. Our brain tires easily of seeing the same material over and over. Our brain stops showing the errors to us. It shows us the perfection we desire. I think I have already mentioned the different ways we can trick our brain into seeing old material as new. If I haven't, I am happy to rectify that.

New questions.

What is the easiest part of writing a book in general?

What did you buy with your first royalty check?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/9/2022 07:52:06 pm

Please tell me how to trick my brain into believing the text I'm reading is new. That would help me tremendously.

The easiest part it coming up with the basic idea.

With my first royalty check, I bought books.

Reply
Mark
10/10/2022 08:29:14 am

Here are some ways to trick your brain into not recognizing what you are reading is old material. Change the font size, style and color, change the background color, switch to landscape mode instead of portrait. If you do all of your editing onscreen, then print it out using the aforementioned changes. Read your manuscript aloud, have the computer read it to you. Start at the end and read it backwards, one paragraph at a time. Putting the manuscript away for a few weeks or a couple of months works well also, especially if you work on a different project.

Good choice on spending that first royalty check.

New questions.

How did you celebrate when you published your first book?

How many times did you rewrite the first page, the first chapter of this book?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/10/2022 10:38:21 am

I celebrated by purchasing a set of very costly coffee cups from France, something I'd been lusting after for a long time

The first chapter of THE STASH was probably rewritten about 5 or 6 times. The first sentence took at least a dozen before it satisfied me.

Reply
Mark
10/10/2022 11:04:23 am

That is a nice way to celebrate. Those cups provide a lasting reminder.

All of those rewrites do not surprise me. Authors are told by so many that grabbing the readers' attention on the first page and in the first chapter is critical! TBH, I believe it, keeping the pages turning is the path to success now. If a reader loves the story, they are very likely to tell friends and they might even leave a review.

New questions.

How do you get readers to leave a review?

Do you have a favorite filler word or two that you have to keep taking out of a story, like just or like like?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/10/2022 11:42:40 am

I ask that they leave a review. Maybe I'll put the request on one of the end pages of the books, with some simplified directions (unlike the ones the IRS prints in their tax instruction books) that can easily take them through the process.

Actually, I tend to use the word 'actually' rather more often than it actually needs to be used.

Reply
Mark
10/10/2022 01:51:49 pm

Many authors do that on the last page of the book. I don't know if it does any good, but I imagine that it doesn't hurt. If you don't ask you are unlikely to get what you want. I have followed that rule for much of my life.

Those IRS instructions are notoriously hard to follow much of the time.

I really understand and sympathize, that really makes sense to me, actually.

Last questions.

Do you have a hidden message in your writings for a particular person or group?

Do you have any Easter eggs hidden in your stories that only close friends or family members would recognize?

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/10/2022 02:26:30 pm

There are not hidden messages, but there are some things that a very few family members would recognize and chuckle about.

Reply
Mark
10/10/2022 02:41:04 pm

Family easter eggs are very cute. A lovely way to let them feel part of the inside story, which of course they are.

Thank you, Sandra, you have been a fabulous guest and I love your book. Our time has run its limit and I must bring our chat to an end. Thanks again for joining me on the Word Refiner channel. Until next time, keep on writing.

Reply
Sandra Marion Sperling link
10/10/2022 03:45:33 pm

I very much enjoyed doing this, Mark. You gave me a lot of usable information, which I greatly appreciate. I also thank Grizz, who kept nipping at your heels to keep you moving right along. Take care, and thank you very much! Sandy Sperling

Reply
Susan Sage link
2/23/2023 07:05:38 pm

What a fabulous interview!! Great questions and terrific answers!!!

Reply
Mark
2/23/2023 07:38:52 pm

Thank you, Susan. I am glad you enjoyed it. I think I am getting better at this. Your turn is coming up in a few months.

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"I'm very pleased with all your efforts. Twitter promotion and proofreading were beyond what I expected with a book review. Your suggestions throughout the process of refining both books helped me immensely. I look forward to working with you again."   A.E.H Veenman “Dial QR for Murder” and “Prepped for the Kill”