Trailer Trauma: Trailer Park Travails Book 4 by Mary Lu Scholl

3/12/2022

Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Mary Lu Scholl introduces us to the fourth book in her Trailer Park Travails series, “Trailer Trauma”: Life in an over 55 Trailer Park in Florida can be murder. Patty Decker, a socially awkward widow moved in, and her neighbors keep leaving, the hard way. A misunderstood hussy dies and practically everyone has a motive... Patty has solved all the unexpected deaths in her park so far; but there WERE no unexpected deaths before she moved in! She closes in on her suspect, who has no choice but to "remove" Patty from the investigation. Will she live to sleuth again?

I enjoy the author's writing style. This book, and the others in her series, are set in a 55+ trailer park in Florida. I am 55+ and now I live in Florida, but not in a trailer park hopefully anytime soon. I can relate to a lot of what Patty says or thinks, though my filter works a bit better than hers. Her conniving and hijinks make me laugh a lot. Sometimes I want to say what is on my mind just like Patty. Written as a cozy murder, all of Mary's books are fun to read!
I award 4.7 stars!

You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Trauma-Mary-Scholl-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-trailer-trauma https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trailer-Trauma-Mary-Scholl-ebook

You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/MaryLScholl1
https://maryluscholl.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/maryluschollauthor/

My review of the first book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Camper Catastrophe” can be found here: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/camper-catastrophe-by-mary-lu-scholl
My review of the second book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Mobile Mayhem” can be found here:
Mobile Mayhem: Book Two of Trailer Park Travails by Mary Lu Scholl - Word Refiner
My review of the third book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Birds, Bees and RVs” can be found here:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/birds-bees-and-rvs-by-mary-lu-scholl
My review of the second volume in the Nature Coast Calamities, “Big Foot and The Bentley”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/big-foot-and-the-bentley
Tags: cozy, murder, mystery, Florida, pets, dog, cat, neighbors, fiction, action

Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

51 Comments

Mary L Scholl

3/14/2022 10:21:02 am

Fun!

Mark

3/14/2022 03:17:36 pm

Hi Mary! That is how I describe your books! They are fun!
Welcome back, it is very nice to see you again.
We will pick up this interview where we left off in the promotion for 'Birds, Bees and RVs', it can be found in the link just above.
New questions.
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
What is the easiest part of writing a book in general?

3/14/2022 03:41:49 pm

Promotion is hard... You make it easier, though! I think dialog is the easiest part of writing. I read somewhere, a long time ago, that if you write a story, people read out. If you key your characters tell the story (dialog) people identify with and connect with the characters, living the story. Don't know if that's true for everyone, but I get totally wrapped up in their lives. I had one character I had killed and felt really bad about it. So, I went in and gave him an unsavory backstory, changing my plot to do so, just so I wouldn't feel guilty about killing him!

3/14/2022 04:12:35 pm

You are right. Writing a book is hard but at some point, you write 'the end' after all the editing and rewriting is done, then you publish. Promoting a book is a never-ending story. If marketing stops then sales will also. There are over a million books published each year, so getting the attention of readers is quite difficult, they have to see your book before they can even think about buying it.
Thank you for the compliment. I am very far from being the be all and end all of book promoting. I am only one small piece of a huge puzzle.
You are right, readers must be able to identify with the characters. The characters must be believable, a mix of good and bad, for readers to be able to connect with them. Good dialogue and a minimum of narration will go a long way to make that happen. I get involved in your characters' lives also. Not nearly as much as you do, I am sure. But I do relate quite well to the 55+ crowd. I should though, I am 68.
It's nice that you could make that switch in the backstory of that character.
New questions.
How did you celebrate when you published your first book?
What did you buy with your first royalty check?

3/14/2022 06:03:42 pm

My mom took me out to dinner. It was not long after my last husband died - third party publishing.

I think my first totally check was $1.98, so, a cup of coffee? Lol. I do better, now. Not only do I have the eight in this series, but three stand alone, and I produce books for my little sister - she has nineteen and counting...

3/14/2022 06:18:12 pm

That dinner with your mom must have been a little bittersweet with your late husband not there.
Glad you are doing better than a cup of coffee. Maybe you can afford a gallon of gasoline. ;-) I think gas has more than doubled in the last year. $4.49 per gallon, in the Orlando area, for regular grade.
You are doing well with your published library. Traditional publishing has considered the older books as back list and have barely given them any attention for many decades. Just now they seem to be waking up to the possibilities of all the intellectual properties they own or manage. The independent author cannot afford to ignore the older books, they are part of the secret to financial success for the indie writer. Keeping the back list in front of new customers will pay off in the long run. Those that love your books will want to read them all.
Your sister is doing quite well with 19 books. How long has she been writing?
New questions.
Who are your favorite dead authors?
Who are your favorite living authors at this time?

3/14/2022 06:57:22 pm

She writes Christian Children's Art Books. She's an artist as well, so she illustrates them herself. She's a chaplain, and loves animals, so her 25-35 page storybooks are pretty quick and easy for her to write and for me to publish.

Hmm, the authors no longer with us would probably include Tolkein, Frank Herbert, Arthur Clarke.

Alive would have to include Piers Anthony, Nora Roberts. Stephen King...

Looking at my list, I lean pretty heavily toward sci-fi, fantasy with some horror. How is it I write humor? Piers Anthony would be closest to me, with his satire!

3/15/2022 08:12:53 am

That is great for your sister. She is able to combine two different mediums into a product she loves to create.
I love those authors, Tolkien, Herbert and Clark. I would add Asimov and C. S. Lewis. Lewis was a prolific writer in multiple genres of fiction and non-fiction. He is probably best known for "The Chronicles of Narnia", but he has also written a sci-fi trilogy, "Out of the Silent Planet". The protagonist was modeled after his good friend J. R. R. Tolkien. I enjoyed reading it.
Your other favorites are quite popular. Science fiction is my favorite genre followed closely by fantasy, but horror is something I don't read much anymore. I think I overdosed on Lovecraft a long time ago.
New questions.
How many times did you rewrite the first page, the first chapter of this book?
Do you have a “favorite” filler word or two that you have to keep taking out of a story, like “just” or like “like”? 😉

3/15/2022 09:19:23 am

Actually, you encouraged me to investigate CS Lewis and I read several things of his last year. I especially enjoyed a collection of short stories.

Pretty much my first chapter doesn't change. Usually it introduces a new character or two and defines the newest drama. I write a lot in my head before I ever start typing.

The filler words, *sigh of exasperation,* when I'm done, I hit "find" and evaluate each use of "So."

I used to do the same thing with "said." Dialog is close to my heart, though. I try very hard to make sure the reader usually knows without being told WHO is speaking - not ALWAYS possible. In addition, I feel like I'm not doing a good enough job defining a character's attitude or the situation if I have to explain the tone of voice ,"wryly, "excitedly," "angrily."

You'll have to tell me if you think I hit a good balance there of informing and letting the reader intuit. I have had compliments on my dialogs, but they still cause me angst!

3/15/2022 12:09:06 pm

I forgot I did that. Thanks for letting me know.
A lot of writers use so frequently and many of the instances are unnecessary. We use filler words a lot when we talk with others, therefore it seems very natural. But reading dialogue is different and needs to be cleaner and smoother to not put the reader out of the spell. You did a good job with your dialogues; they were smooth and flowed well. I don't recall an instance of not knowing who is speaking.
All of your care and attention to detail has paid off. I think it's good to not spoon feed every detail to the reader. Common actions don't need an in-depth or blow-by-blow description. The reader will fill in the material without thinking about it and thus will be more engaged in the story. I think you have a good balance.
New questions.
What was the earliest experience that made you realize that you could influence and change lives with the power of writing?
Do you have any Easter eggs hidden in your stories that only close friends or family members would recognize?

3/15/2022 12:43:56 pm

I'm always pleased when a professional says I do a good job, thank you!

The power of writing! When I was little (and still, if the truth be told) a book sometimes made me cry. (The Giving tree, The Velveteen Rabbit) I never questioned that my own emotions could be influenced by what I read. When I started writing and letting others read it, mostly people would smile and pat me on the head. That made me feel good.

Then I wrote something sad and someone cried. Wow! That really brought the power of the pen home to me. I have decided I prefer making people laugh, but that is just as powerful. If someone remembers a line from one of my books and laughs again - years later - I will be pleased.

Easter Eggs, I never heard them called that before! I'm not sure if I could call them that. There are a lot of familiar phrases from my late husbands, for example. Many of the scrapes Patty gets into, most of the scenes she causes, I can describe in excruciating detail because I've been there, done that. Maybe that's why I'm having trouble ending the series - I'm still here and still causing trouble.

3/15/2022 02:35:26 pm

You are welcome.
I agree, laughing and crying, as expressions of emotions, are similar. Both can bring a good feeling even if different kinds for different reasons. Emotions are powerful. I used to avoid Hallmark movies. I felt there was always something more entertaining for me to watch or do.
In the last few years, I have watched quite a few Hallmark movies with my wife. These shows are pretty entertaining, even when my eyes start leaking or sweating. ;-)
I love how much you and Patty, your alter-ego, are alike. I am also concerned about how much I agree with Patty, I have thought of myself as a people person, in the past.
New questions.
Do you have a hidden message in your writings for a particular person or group?
What is the message, moral, or takeaway that you hope people will get from reading your book? Is there more than one?

3/15/2022 06:06:31 pm

You made me laugh out load and go find my mom to read her your last comments. She watches Hallmark, and sometimes I join her. But, what made me laugh was that you were questioning your agreement with Patty! I think everyone has a little Patty in them, it's just entertaining to hear her being inappropriate or rude when we're too inhibited... Giggle...

The only message I might try to include on a regular basis is that you never know what else is going on in someone's life. I try to keep several side-stories going that explain or mitigate the different characters' reactions.

Really, though, I aim at just entertainment.

I'm considering a new series, a "brozy," the main character will actually meet Patty and they'll overlap.

3/15/2022 06:30:23 pm

Good, my turn to provide a little entertainment for you and your mother. It's a new world for me.
I agree, we all have a little bit of Patty in us. It seems to be standard equipment.
That message is important. The more society becomes polarized the greater the need for humor, empathy and consideration for others. The last few years have been brutal for so many.
A new series is a good thing. Though I am not sure what 'brozy' means. My guess is that Patty finds a kindred spirit and they hit it off, whether the other person is male, or female will make for some interesting situations. Especially if they cross paths more than once.
New questions.
Do you believe that a good book will sell itself?
Do you think good marketing can overcome the limitations of a mediocre book?

3/16/2022 08:03:27 am

I recently saw a definition of an up-and-coming genre. It is a cozy mystery with a male main character. Same other requirements: small setting, mystery, minimal sex, blood, with a masculine element. It will be a significant challenge for me.

My own books are far from literary masterpieces, and there is a veritable mountain between me and the number of readers I would need to be an unqualified success. So, I believe mine to need sales attempts. I think there are very many excellent, perspicacious books moldering for lack of recognition.

I do believe hype and marketing can make a huge difference to a mediocre book. Two I'm thinking of in the past few years were frankly very poorly written but took the world by storm. One was by a past president and I barely finished it. Patriotism alone required I reach the last page. Another was an international heroine. I hold nothing back from her courage and my admiration for her, but couldn't someone have spent a little time organizing and helping her present her story? Both books, I'm certain sold millions of copies before anyone actually read them...

3/16/2022 08:19:46 am

Okay, brozy mysteries sound interesting. I am looking forward to them.
There is a mountain in your way, it is caused by a million books being published each year. Unless a writer has a huge fan base it is very difficult to get a book noticed by the reading public. Marketing and promotion need to be a constant activity. At least an hour a week, more if possible. There is a cost of course, less time for writing and other activities.
I hope you are putting out a newsletter and building a mailing list. I also hope you sell your books on your website. Just a couple of things that in the long run will grow your number of fans.
Famous people writing books, do sell a lot of books. Even if they are thrown together. The name recognition alone guarantees that.
New questions.
What is the biggest fallacy about writing that would help aspiring authors?
Some authors go to great lengths to get inside the heads of their characters. Some create a biography, find photos that match the picture in their head, fill out psychological profiles. What do you do in that regard, if anything?

Mary L Scholl link

3/16/2022 12:56:46 pm

My marketing is not what it should be. I use Amazon ads with a positive effect. Camper Catastrophe is 967 in ghost fiction and holding its own. It is also the only one of the series I advertise, but all the rest show good read-through. I haven't figured out the e:mail list thing, or a newsletter... I have about a dozen names in my e:mail list. Around 400 follow my Facebook Author Page, though. I finally set up a shop there. I'm getting better about posting.

I always thought I needed an agent. Even today I am amazed at the number of aspiring writers who are convinced it is necessary. I try to spread the self-published word as wide as possible and have helped several get started.

I have created a spreadsheet with physical characteristics for the characters because I discovered readers care about consistency! Their backstories and personalities are easy because I care about them. (Even the ones I kill.) I was actually accused once of making Patty "too nice" in a book! He wanted to know where the obnoxious woman he liked went! He hasn't complained since then... That was Mobile Mayhem.

3/16/2022 02:05:15 pm

That is great that Amazon ads are working for you. Not every author has the same results. I understand that keywords can make a big difference in sales on Amazon. Here is another copy-and-paste blog link with some useful information:
How to Change Your Kindle Keywords, by Dave Chesson
https://annerallen.com/2020/09/how-to-change-your-kindle-keywords-by-dave-chesson
Check Dave's website for the latest information.
Many blogs have been written about newsletters and email lists. A regular newsletter and a good-sized email list can help an author survive if a preferred sales platform goes down. It provides a safety net because you are not putting all of your eggs in one basket. Especially if readers can buy books directly from you. Autographed books are nice to give to a loved one also.
Facebook is another popular social media platform and now you can sell things through Facebook. That is very helpful, especially if you don't have a website.
A website is quite important. What would happen if you were kicked off of Facebook? That has happened to some authors.
The spreadsheet is a good idea. Some authors use character sheets and they include pictures of what they think their characters should look like. Some are artistic and create their own pictures. Any and every sort of character details will be useful in the long run.
One of clients, Rick Hall, is also a guest blogger. He wrote a blog about a website tool he created to help authors ensure their characters were psychologically congruent. Here is the copy-and-paste link to that blog: https://www.wordrefiner.com/guest-blogs/character-creation
That guy wanted the 'Patty' he knew and loved. What a nice compliment he gave you with his complaint. She seemed real to him and he missed her.
New questions.
Where would your work be if you didn't have real people to base characters in your writing?
Do you have any problems when writing about characters of the opposite sex, why or why not?

3/16/2022 04:23:47 pm

You have such good information available! And it is so great that you share. Thank you!

I know there are ways to capture e:mail addresses when people click on your website. I am website inhibited. I'm setting a goal of this summer to establish an honest-to-goodness website. The ubiquitous "they" suggest giving something away. The crossover book with Patty and Bernie will be it, I think. I just needed to finish it.

It's definitely harder to create a character from scratch... With as much as I've moved (12 cities since I've become an adult) and the number of positions I've held (15 in the postal service and about 10 others) as many employees I've managed (up to 200 at one position) I've really known a LOT of people. Naturally, I've known some a lot better than others, but there is a wide pool to draw from!

Writing the opposite sex. It will be a challenge. I'm hoping to draw from all four husbands and my dad. I never had a son, but I have a son-in-law... I have had stepsons, but they were grown when I married their dads. One stepson and one son-in-law was older than I. That stepson passed away from COVID, and one the stepdaughter married to that son-in-law also passed away from COVID. Tough year.

Wish me luck with my new characters!

3/16/2022 06:04:02 pm

You are welcome. It's my goal to provide helpful information to writers. Between the guest blogs on my website and the hundreds of links on the Highly Regarded Blogs page there is a plethora of information for writers.
The giveaway is a great tool for building an email address list. Each person has to opt in for the newsletter to get the freebie. There are special requirements to be met for newsletter subscribers from Europe. Make sure your website host is reputable. I use Weebly. They have a free side, but it is very limited. I upgraded several years ago and am glad I did. It would cost me a lot more to have a newsletter and collect emails. I chose Weebly because they offered ease of use, drag and drop elements onto the page and then fill the elements. I have no knowledge of web code.
You have an amazing pool of people to draw from for character creation.
I think you will do well writing male characters. I am looking forward to reading the new stuff. Good luck!
New questions.
How do you balance the demands on your time as a writer with personal relationships?
Do you have any other passions or creative outlets to pursue if you didn't write?

3/16/2022 08:43:11 pm

How do I balance writing and real "life?" Badly. Especially the last year or so. I've worked on other projects but hardly written a lick in the past seven or eight months.

Just this week I've started again. The pandemic and it's effect on my family was overwhelming. Normally, though, I'm retired and just work part time for the county - special events. That leaves me time to pursue writing and gardening.

I've done art books for others, and my sister. I knit, make pine needle baskets, cross stitch...

3/17/2022 07:44:13 am

You are not alone, Mary. Many authors haven't been able to write for the better part of two years. Political and social upheaval are part of that problem, not to mention the pandemic mess. Fear has infiltrated the lives of so many that the lizard brain has blocked out the muse for many writers. With patience, many writers will be able to resume writing. Being kind to yourself is helpful also.
Congratulations on picking up the pen again. Your fans will be happy to know that a new story is coming.
A part time job is a nice thing to have. I hope you have a good boss. The boss makes all the difference.
Good to hear that your creative side is not dormant.
New questions.
Did you have pieces of the story that were removed from this book? If, so why did you remove them?
Is there a cause you are passionate about?

3/17/2022 08:36:00 am

Removed? Not so much from this one. When I read it aloud, editing, sometimes I find something repetitious or unnecessary. I do a lot of removing as I write; do a scene or chapter, rewrite or cut it. Some characters just don't make it from book to book because they weren't as useful or entertaining as I thought they'd be.

Passions... Gardening, recycling, animals, caregiving. If we can't take care of our young, old, infirm, dependent, what good are we as a people?

You make me think.

3/17/2022 09:48:19 am

I am not surprised you don't cut very much. Your writing style is well developed. It's good for your readers that you aren't afraid to delete a character.
That is a good list of passions, I agree with all of that.
We are shopping for a new dog now.
New questions.
Have you any favorite literary journals or writing websites?
Do you experiment with writing or prefer to stay in the safe zone?

3/17/2022 02:40:32 pm

I like Author Ad School, 20booksto50K. I haven't actually made 50K, but it's encouraging to know there are those out there who DO.

I like to experiment. I've toyed with the idea of an epic poem with a contemporary, middle-grade hero. Still might do that. Of the other three standalone in my library, one is a romance, another is a coming-of-age murder mystery. I don't think it would make a good series, but I would like to do more, there.

3/17/2022 03:05:04 pm

I have heard of the second one, but I am not sure about the first one. I do know there are no truly secret methods but there are new angles to consider at times. Though, the window of opportunity might have already shut by the time the word gets out.
I think writing in other genres is a good idea. Entering short stories in contests can provide some quick feedback as you learn the ropes of the new genre. It is important to beware of bogus contests. Here is another copy-and-paste link for good information of what to watch for: Beware Bogus Writing Contests! Look for These 8 Red Flags. https://annerallen.com/2019/05/beware-bogus-writing-contests
New questions.
Did you have a favorite book or type of book as a child?
What type of scenes do you find hard to write and why?

3/17/2022 05:18:02 pm

Good idea about contests! I'll check out your list and try that, thank you.

Science fiction was my first love after the childhood basics like White Fang, Black Beauty, the Tarzan stories, Nancy Drew...

Hands down i have trouble writing sex scenes realistically. But is at ever realistic? I'll stick to snark :)

3/18/2022 08:06:02 am

Science Fiction Writers of America, @sfwa on Twitter, has a great column on their website, sfwa.org, called Writer Beware. A lot of solid information about scammers who masquerade as publishers, agents, and contests. I have links on my Highly Regarded Blogs page for many of those blog posts. Search for 'Writer Beware'.
I have to agree, sex scenes tend to be unrealistic. This is a classic case where less is more for me.
New questions.
What did your family say when you announced your desire to be a writer?
What do they think now?

3/18/2022 09:13:28 am

I don't think I ever really announced I was going to be a writer, I just always was one - school anthologies, yearbooks, local things. My late third husband just shook his head. Eminently practical, he was. When I had the first two published by a third party and actually had books in hand, it raised a few eyebrows even though most of my family was aware of vanity press.

I have nothing bad to say about the third party publishers. They did exactly what they said they would. I just didn't know enough to know what they were telling me. The expense of editing after their allowed one edit was a surprise. The space and cost saving tiny print and what I consider to be oversize for a paperback was also a surprise.

So, when I republished them, wrote and self-published another, their other eyebrows joined the first ones.

Now, I think they just take it for granted. Although I did s surprise my brother when he realized I had so many on Audible. He's an avid listener and I sent him a promo code for the most recent. Since it's fairly expensive, I'm behind...

I tried self-narration. Yeah, nope. I pay a professional.

3/18/2022 12:06:06 pm

Some people, like you, are destined to write. Many say they have stories that need telling and characters demanding to be heard. Some say they think they would go crazy if they couldn't get the stories out of their head.
Some vanity presses seek to fulfill a writer's desire at a reasonable price, others seek to empty a writer's purse or wallet as much as possible. There is a new variety called hybrid publishers, most of them post all of their charges clearly so there are no surprises. We don't like those kinds of surprises.
Recording an audiobook is not a casual endeavor. Here is another copy-and-paste link or search for audio book below. https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2019/08/07/build-your-own-audio-sound-booth Joanna is one of my favorite bloggers and she details how she tried making her own audio book.
The price for audio books is dropping, Artificial Intelligence is finally a reasonable facsimile of a human. That might be worth looking for if you decide you don't want to DIY.
New questions.
How do you maintain the excitement for yourself? Your passion in writing will impact your readers and those around you.
Do your friends and family members buy your books?

3/18/2022 03:32:21 pm

I have to be happy, or at least content. I don't want to write some of the dark stuff I read. I know one author says he's "not crazy," but I would have to be on some kind of scary edge, and I worry that the power of the pen would take someone with me... Not that I think my usual readers are fanatics, but "Misery" comes to mind...

I learned kind if the hard way who to send books to and who to just tell. I was so excited at first I sent them to everyone I knew. Didn't sell many of those... Then I liked it too family and close friends. It's funny how few of my friends are readers. They wanted a "set" but didn't actually read them. Even some of my family aren't really what I would call readers. I normally have one on Audible (driving, gardening, cooking and go through two or three a week) one on kindle (waiting rooms, standing in line or at home if I don't have a paperback handy and go through two or more a week) and a paperback or two a week for at night (because falling asleep and dropping a kindle on my face or on my cat does not go well.) Anyway, now I send digital versions to people who ask, and give paperbacks only to immediate family.

There are a few friends who are also writers and we buy each other's books. Most of my sales are strangers (recently in the UK and Canada!) or casual acquaintances. Haven't tried Mexico yet, Australia didn't go well...

3/18/2022 04:36:39 pm

Yes, being happy or content seems important to me also. The lack of that these last couple of years is why so many writers have had a hard time connecting with their muse.
I suppose that would be a difficult learning curve. Discovering who among family and friends might actually appreciate having a copy and who might not actually care.
I love the way you are diversified in reading material and platforms. I know a few who greatly prefer audio books. My son-in-law is a truck driver, he can listen and drive at the same time. I cannot do that.
The UK and Canada make a lot of sense being English speaking countries. Australia? No idea.
There are a lot of countries, other than the USA, that teach English as the official language of government and commerce. In many of these countries most of the citizens have only a smartphone to access the internet. For example, Nigeria has over 70 million people on the internet. Still other countries that teach English as a second language. Audio books are an ideal format for so many.
New questions.
What area of your writing has the greatest need for improvement at this time?
Is there a non-writing skill you would like to have that might help you as an author?

3/18/2022 08:56:38 pm

Without a doubt, editing needs improvement! You always find a couple of things I missed - and I do all my own editing, so if they're missed, I did it!

You are far more experienced than I; what do you think I need to work harder on! Serious question, that. I find most people won't tell me honestly, and I really do appreciate helpful advice!

I think all of our life experiences affect our writing. Having said that... I want to sky dive, Zip-line, see the Sahara, paddle a canoe on the Amazon, see a Kodiak bear, see Lake Baikal, and learn to scuba dive. That last isn't going to happen. Claustrophobia. Snorkeling sends me into a panic.

3/19/2022 08:26:14 am

I find spelling errors in almost every book. Once a year I find a book without spelling errors. That average has held steady for the last 6 years. Don't feel too bad. I do read a lot.
The problem is our brains lie to us. For writers, this is a problem. The writer knows what should be on the page, so the writer's brain shows that to the writer. It requires a certain mental rigor to self-edit well.
However, there are ways to trick the brain into seeing the manuscript in a new way. Change the font type, size and color to self-edit. Change the color of the page as well. Read it aloud. Engaging more than one of the senses can be helpful. Read the manuscript backward, one paragraph at a time.
Most authors do appreciate honest advice, constructive criticism.
I cannot think of anything in particular to offer as advice. I did enjoy the plot twist of a different kind of death. I don't want to say more because it would be a spoiler.
I want to skydive also and the other things sound great. I would love to take a world cruise, there is so much to see and do. I also want to tour the country, state by state.
New questions.
On average, how long does it take you to write a book?
What is your next book about and when do you think it will be published?

3/19/2022 11:26:28 am

It usually takes about 4 months. The next one is due in June for an embarrassing reason. A woman I was helping with her self-publishing asked me about draft 2 digital. I decided she was about the fifth person to ask me so I should check it out. I just randomly made up a title and started pushing buttons. First thing I know, it's on presale in about a dozen places and due out in June... Hmm...

3/19/2022 12:35:48 pm

That is pretty funny. Hopefully, you will be laughing all the way to the bank. I hope it sells well.
Seriously, I think it's a good idea to learn about other publishing and sales platforms. While Amazon sells a lot of books, quite a few readers refuse to use that platform. So, it's good to be on as many other platforms as possible. Goodreads may or may not count because Amazon bought them a few years back.
More authors are learning about the benefits of being on as many platforms as possible. If all of your eggs are in one basket you are really stuck if the basket breaks. Despite what some might say, not even the Zon is too big to fail.
Having your new book on all of those platforms will help your bottom line. If you like it, get all of your books on D2D.
Here is another copy-and-paste link that might help, note that some of the info may be outdated: Aggregators just might be an author's best friend! https://www.kotobee.com/blog/everything-need-know-aggregators/
New questions.
Have you ever developed a fondness or attachment to one of your characters?
Have you ever killed off a character unwillingly because it fit the plot?

3/19/2022 01:56:50 pm

I do. I have to like my characters or readers can tell, and won't like them either. I even like the villains, and try to elucidate the reasons they are the way they are.

I did kill one character that I had gone out of my way to make everyone like. Then I felt bad and had to write in a back story that made him a little unsavory...

3/19/2022 02:59:26 pm

You prove a good point; we are all a mix of good and bad.
Last year, I read an interesting book where the protagonist was an anti-social psychopath. He was tired of being the best killer in the mob. He found himself helping a target and hated it. It was quite funny.
That was a good solution for the victim. We all like to see justice served, at least on someone else.
New questions.
With sequels, how do you handle the wishes of readers compared to your original ideas?
How do you deal with a difficult section in a WIP? Have you ever read that section out loud to sort out the difficulty?

3/19/2022 05:11:52 pm

Honestly, the only person whoever gave me a critical comment that I could take seriously was the one who said Patty got too nice in the second book. I took it to heart and added extra snark to the next one - and laughed.

I've read out loud for editing, but never thought of it when actually writing. I'll have to try that.

3/19/2022 06:27:30 pm

A good dose of snark, in a book, is great. I love it because I know I can't get away with it as easy in real life. Spoken words are powerful too, especially when directed at someone who cares for you. I have seen how much pain I can inflict on a loved one and regretted every word.
You are already doing that. That is quite appropriate. I do it also, with a difficult passage in a book I am proofreading.
New questions.
Do you use music or some other stimulus to cultivate a feeling within that will help you write certain types of scenes?
Is there any particular time of the day that ideas usually hit you?

3/20/2022 01:51:43 pm

I hope this only comes through once, I thought I sent it last night...

I love music, but need to have it very quiet when I write. Lady summer I spent a week without TV or internet and wrote all of Motorhome Motives.

I think best in early afternoon, usually when I'm out gardening. I've learned to leave myself notes on my phone.

3/20/2022 04:03:40 pm

Just once.
Wow! What a productive week! Quite amazing. Do you think you will take a break like that again? It was a personal writing retreat. If you had gone on an organized writing retreat, you probably wouldn't have got as much written.
You are a lucky writer. Your muse seems to live in a close time zone. I know one writer, whose muse regularly visits her at 2:30 in the morning almost every night. She keeps a pad of paper and a pen on the nightstand.
Our smartphones are very handy that way. Though the word choices that dictation makes are confusing sometimes and occasionally funny. I dictate to my phone a lot because I am a poor typist on the computer and worse on the phone.
New questions.
For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or physical books?
Do you proofread and edit your own books or use a professional?

3/20/2022 07:13:46 pm

I'm SO glad I don't get ideas at 2:30 am. I would never get any sleep!

I am hoping for another solitary week the beginning of June (babysitting my daughter's house and animals, next door so I can still be there for my mom, but am over there quite a bit of the time) and again the beginning of August (Mom takes my little sister to Connecticut to visit her granddaughter.)

I prefer print in most cases. One bonus to ebooks is tapping a word for instant clarification/definition. I've discovered that doesn't work nearly as well on paperbacks.

However, when you drop your smartphone, ereader or tablet on your face by falling asleep, you get bruises and black eyes. With a paperback it doesn't even wake you up...

How about you?

3/20/2022 08:01:34 pm

Another week, another book! That is nice! Putting out three or four books a year is great production. That helps to keep your fans close also.
I love physical books, that was all we had since I was a little boy, for many years. Now, with many moves under my belt including one across the country. I only have ten print books. Two of those are Bibles. I prefer my e-reader, it is so convenient to look up words, as you said. It's also easy to note the spelling errors I stumble across in almost every book. I have never got a black eye from reading my e-reader in bed because I don't do that anymore. Now, when I head to bed I am planning on sleep.
I have the night filter engaged on all of my devices, it's easier on my eyes. I do spend many hours every day in front of one screen or another mostly for proofreading.
New questions.
How do you convince readers to write a book review?
What are your thoughts on bad book reviews?

3/21/2022 05:49:26 am

I have a terrible time getting reviews. Fortunately for my peace of mind I take them with a grain of salt. Those that are lavish apparently know and like me. Those that are vicious must have had a bad day. I figure to drop the highest and lowest and find the truth of the matter somewhere in the middle. They are still too few in number, however, since my demographic is not prone to digital reviews, I believe.

If not true, please don't disabuse me of the notion, it's comforting.

I'm planning on offering this crossover book as a blatant bribe for reviews!

3/21/2022 08:09:38 am

Every author struggles with the same issue. Many blogs have been written on this subject.
We have the 'Zon to thank for this problem. Making it so everyone can publish a book has led to everyone publishing a book, whether the book is worthy of being published or not. Now, there is a flood of a million new books published each year. Getting your book noticed is difficult.
I just looked in the back of this book. You didn't ask your reader to leave a review. You should consider doing that. Many authors are doing that. No hinting but a plain and simple request to the reader to leave an honest review. A few authors go further and ask for a review on all of the platforms the reader shops. In that case, the book needs to be available widely.
I think you have the right idea. A bad review isn't always bad, sometimes a flaw is pointed out that can be fixed. Other times it's a troll and that is pretty obvious to most people. A bad review proves that the reviews are not just from family and friends.
Using a book to induce people to sign up for a newsletter is a tried-and-true method to building your fan base. Make no mistake, every author needs fans. These are the people who buy your next book as soon as it comes out, some will leave a review or at least talk about it to friends. This works best if you have cultivated a warm and fuzzy relationship with your fans. A lot of blogs have been written about this topic. Search for promotion or marketing in the search block below.
New questions.
What marketing strategy has had an immediate impact on your daily sales?
Have you thought about doing a book trailer?

3/21/2022 08:49:37 am

My lack of patience reared its head when I changed my covers and started Amazon Ads at the same time. In shoe off all three good advice to not make move than one change in a month or six weeks, or 100 clicks, I did both and sales improved immediately. They have continued to improve as long as I keep up with publishing and paying attention to the ads (starting new ones, retiring old ones.) Releasing audio books helps.

I think I actually did add and upload trailers to some of the books. I should go back and look - I'm glad you reminded me.

I should ask for reviews. I could do that at the same time...

3/21/2022 12:37:50 pm

New covers do seem to make a difference. You are not the only author I have heard of doing that.
Yes, putting up ads is not a set it and forget proposition. Sales need to be watched carefully and adjustments made when there is an unexpected drop. Sometimes a-b testing is required to find out what will work the best at a given time.
Formats are important also. The more the better. Some fans love boxed sets, they make easy gifts, virtual and real. Autographed real copies can be good also. Nice to have available on your website.
Large print books could be good also, considering your demographic audience. Print On Demand might be able to handle that, you would have to do some looking around.
It won't hurt to ask for reviews, many authors do that.
Last questions.
How do you relax when you're not writing?
What is your favorite motivational phrase that keeps you going?

3/21/2022 01:37:45 pm

Gardening, knitting. Woodwork. Cooking. I don't sit still, well...

I do have all the books available as large-print as well. I just set the font at 16 and reformat. They do sell!

Two favorite sayings...

Lord please save me one more time...

And

This, too, shall pass...

3/21/2022 01:55:45 pm

You are an active person. Those are good activities using different skills.
16-point Times New Roman is what I have set as default in MS Word.
I agree with both of those sayings, they are my prayers also.
Thank you, Mary, this has been a wonderful conversation this last week or so. You have been delightful to chat with and I appreciate your candor on a variety of topics.
Until next time, keep on writing.

3/21/2022 04:07:15 pm

Thank you, Mark! I enjoy our talks together each time. I also treasure your reviews and share them often

Trailer Trauma: Trailer Park Travails Book 4 by Mary Lu Scholl

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