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​book reviews

Wicked Mist (The Haunted Book 3)                      by Bibiana Krall and Veronica Cline Barton

10/16/2022

77 Comments

 
Multi-volume and multi-genre authors Bibiana Krall and Veronica Cline Barton introduce us to the third volume in the The Haunted book series, “Wicked Mist”:
Welcome to Wicked Mist, Book 3 (The Haunted Series) Filled with Urban legends, ghosts, haunted houses, magical realism, and supernatural themes. This year it's all about the mist!
Travel the world and enjoy a collection of luxurious, award-winning, short stories with a paranormal edge from the writing desks of Bibiana Krall and Veronica Cline Barton. This 'spirited' anthology is guaranteed to give you the shivers and keep you reading late into the night with heady doses of mystery, haunted imagery and psychological suspense. Catch up and read Hearth Fires, Book 1 and Tangled Webs, Book 2 and prepare for an intense ride to places unknown.
Diamonds & Ashes by Veronica Cline Barton (California Coast)
The seeds of greed reap their reward...

Witch by Bibiana Krall (Mackinac Island)
An Island adventure in Michigan becomes an alternate history lesson, after a young woman discovers something treacherous lurking in the water…

Area 58 by Veronica Cline Barton (#SomewhereInNevada)
Somewhere in Nevada Everything you thinksh you knowsh ish about to changshe.
Devil's Breath by Bibiana Krall (Columbia)
Beware the wrath of a beautiful and mysterious woman taking over the streets of Medellin.

One man at a time...
Unrequited by Veronica Cline Barton (England)
Don't go breakin' my heart now, boys...

What does your garden grow?
Ningyo by Bibiana Krall (Japan)
A troubled spirit wanders beyond the forests of Mt. Fuji, hoping for their chance to avenge a brutal murder.

Will good or evil prevail?

Thanks so much for reading! Enjoy the bonus pages with bespoke cocktails and savory appetizers to help make this a wonderful and spooky Halloween!

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I love this newest book in The Haunted series. Wicked Mist keeps the reputation of these writers and series spotless.
The different stories set in different cultures give us a spooky glimpse into other parts of the world. These stories are not extremely gory and I like that a lot. I have also enjoyed Barton's other writings in the cozy mystery genre.
Witch by Krall was the creepiest story for me and I loved it.
Area 58 by Barton gave me the most pleasure and still creeped me out. It has a sci-fi bent to it and is pretty funny also.

Which story is your favorite? They are all good and not to be mist! 😉 

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You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Mist-Haunted-Book-3-ebook 
https://www.goodreads.com/-wicked-mist 
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/wicked-mist-krall-barton 

Here is the review of Hearth Fires, the first book in the series:
www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/hearth-fires-the-haunted-book-1-by-bibiana-krall-and-veronica-cline-barton 
Here is the review of Tangled Webs, the second book in the series:
www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/tangled-webs-the-haunted-book-2 
 
You can follow the authors:
https://www.twitter.com/Bibiana1Krall 
https://www.bibianakrall.com 
https://www.amazon.com/author/bibianakrall 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/bookem channel 
https://twitter.com/VClinebarton 
https://www.veronicaclinebarton.com 
https://myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries.com 
https://www.facebook.com/myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries 
https://www.amazon.com/Veronica-Cline-Barton 
https://www.goodreads.com/author/Veronica_Cline_Barton 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/#Bookem 
 
Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the authors’ introduction 
77 Comments
Bibiana Krall link
10/17/2022 04:10:58 pm

Thank you for the amazing book review, Mark! As far as a favorite that’s tough to say.

Veronica and I had a running bet about a few of them, but the dark satire, Area 58 has really made an impression which is cool because it’s Veronica’s story and quite a departure from her normal genre.

I still remember the first time I read it. Speechless and grinning like a lunatic. We are having fun and making out readers happy. To me that’s the real success. Thanks again for your kind words about Wicked Mist. Truly appreciate it.

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Veronica
10/17/2022 04:32:07 pm

Thanks for the Area 58 snaps, Bibiana! The scariest tale in our collection goes to you with Ningyo! I'll never look at a doll in the same way again, LOL!

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Bibiana Krall link
10/17/2022 05:14:33 pm

It was my pleasure Veronica! Really loved how you changed the entire feeling and genre just by making the character who they weee and of course what they wanted… so good! I appreciate the compliments for Ningyo as well. I’m still scared of dolls too. Lol.

Veronica link
10/17/2022 04:26:57 pm

Thanks so much for the book review for Wicked Mist, Mark! It's our 3rd year of writing our haunting tales and it's become a Halloween tradition of sorts for us, LOL. We both love this season of scary and sharing out book tricks and treats with everyone.

Halloween is coming... 💀🌹

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Mark
10/17/2022 05:07:03 pm

Welcome back to the Word Refiner channel! I count it a real privilege to have you both here.

I love this collaboration you two have going. I have seen more than one collaboration fall apart after one book and that is sad because there is so much potential when writers work together, their talents are multiplied, not just added sometimes.

Let's talk about the synergy between you two.

How did it get started?

Has it all been online or have you two finally met in real life?

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Veronica
10/17/2022 05:22:13 pm

Thank you, Mark, it's good to be back!

Bibiana and I have been blessed to have such a great collaboration with our scary tales, plus we're pretty good friends too!

We met on Twitter years ago and started reading each other's books. One day we decided to call each other and soon were planning to meet up in person. I'm in southern California and she's in Georgia, so it took a bit of planning.

We met in person the first time in January, 2020 and again in March at the Winchester Mystery House. It turned out to be the final trip for quite some time--the world shut down with the pandemic!

Since that time, we're pretty much talking every day. Three years, and 3 books--we've come a long way!

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Bibiana Krall link
10/17/2022 05:32:36 pm

We have met in person. Thrice now and we were hoping for four, but next year definitively as there’s a mystery conference we both plan on attending.

We have slightly different versions of how and when, but Veronica tells it best. The Mansion and two, cushy chairs at about six a.m. downtown Savannah turned into a think tank for creativity.

The pandemic changed everything and forced us to make some really tough decisions. Keep creating or wallow and be afraid.

The Haunted Series in many ways is the brick wall around our imaginary moat. Everything we noticed or thought about was fuel for the anthology and that honesty and communication has been priceless, personally as professionally.

It’s been terrific and I’ve learned so much from being part of a team. I’m grateful.

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Mark
10/17/2022 06:18:30 pm

Wonderful, I definitely sense there is more than a casual collaboration occurring here. The pandemic was hard on so many, a lot of authors suffered the loss of contact with their muse because of all the social unrest and uncertainty present. The friendship between you two has been tested and made stronger because of all that stuff. I think your friendship is the reason why you work together so well.

One of the things I like about Wicked Mist and the previous books are the varied locations and points in time used as a framework for the stories in each collection. Were these structures planned or did it just happen in the first book?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/17/2022 07:05:03 pm

Agreed. It’s been tough all around. I think realizing early on that it was important to say busy in a positive way was helpful. A point on the map so to speak. We purposely added these amazing geographical destinations because we missed the freedom of travel and the newness of exploring. It was always a hope that others would find joy in the unique flavor of place and time, not to mention the immersive aspects when you throw in a few jump scares. It’s been amazing, I’m so glad we’ve continued to write this series along with our separate and quite different projects. It’s a way to celebrate autumn and have some fun.🎃✨🎃

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Veronica link
10/17/2022 06:31:13 pm

Thanks, Mark--our collaboration and friendship has been life changing and I'm extremely grateful to have it!

We made a decision with the first book, Hearth Fires, to include different places around the world in our stories. Travel was pretty banned during lockdowns, so we decided to share parts of the world we knew as travelers in our stories.

'Haunted tales that take you places' has been a tagline used for each of the collections. It gives readers a chance to experience a locale in an unexpected way, LOL. I love it though--mental travel is the best--no lines or delays!

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Mark
10/17/2022 07:28:07 pm

I remember now how bad the lockdowns were and everyone was afraid if a person coughed or sneezed in public.

The geographic locations were brilliant and timely! Travel is fun or at least it used to be, before the pandemic.

Let's talk about the stories a little bit.

Veronica, you wrote Diamonds and Ashes and there was so much I loved about it. I have lived in California, San Francisco and down the peninsula a little bit. I grew up around airplanes most of my life.

Where did the inspiration for this story come from?

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Veronica link
10/17/2022 08:04:37 pm

Thank you, Mark! Diamonds & Ashes had a lot of meaning to me and brought back memories of our trips. We've traveled down the coast of California along the PCH and 101 Fwy many times over the years. I love the coastal views and we've visited many of the towns. It's amazing once you get out of LA, San Fran, or other big cities and visit these coastal towns, it's as if you've been transported to another time and place.

You have the local eateries and shops, people seem to know one another, and you get a taste of small-town community spirit. However, just as Miss Marple has observed many times in her village of St. Mary Mead, human nature--the good, the bad, and the ugly often rears its head.

It is said tragedy brings out the best and worst in people. I truly believe it, especially when the tragedy involves a death in the family. The gloves come off, and people start fighting about who gets what.

Diamonds & Ashes is built around this scenario, with a touch of revenge and supernatural elements coming into play.

As for the plane, I started my career as an engineer in the aerospace industry--I love the technology aspects!

It turns out, many people have their ashes spread out over the ocean by pilots flying small craft--it's an actual business. I can't think of a better end, personally! Just watch out for the birds, #JustSayin...

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Bibiana Krall link
10/18/2022 04:09:58 am

Diamonds & Ashes transported me to the California coast as well. For some reason I always envision Mendocino? I’ve only been away from the cities a few times when I’ve visited, but the unique flavor was captured beautifully by Veronica.

I don’t give spoilers, but the karmic and spooky twist at the end felt deeply satisfying to me. It’s a feeling we don’t often get IRL.

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Mark
10/18/2022 08:10:29 am

The Pacific Coast Highway is a beautiful trip. I have driven parts of it also.

I agree, Bibiana, the ending was very cool and creepy! Karma doesn't work the way we think it should at times, no doubt.

Next question.

Bibiana, you wrote the Witch. That was the scariest story of the bunch for me.

Where did the inspiration for that story come from?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/18/2022 08:35:57 am

Yes, the PCH is amazing. Sometimes you go around a curve in your car and can’t believe how gorgeous it is. Veronica nailed it!

Witch had its first seed when I was visiting a family member who owns a house on Lake Huron and that morning was foggy and really kind of weird. I was thinking about taking a walk in the woods and then decided to swim and do sauna runs back and forth, because the lake is always cold.

What ended up happening though was the fog or mist was shifting and changing and kind of scary when there was a patch of clear water and the white out just an inch above my head in the water. It got my imagination going and when I read about some lesser known history of Mackinac Island, it made a scary baby that turned into this freaky story. 🎃👻🍁

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Veronica link
10/18/2022 09:04:52 am

Very, freaky and puts a whole new spin on visiting Mackinac Island for me! 👀 What I enjoy so much about Bibiana's writing style is her ability to fold in folklore, local history, and landmarks into her stories. She definitely puts the chill into a room or setting!

Bibiana Krall link
10/18/2022 09:28:07 am

Thank you so much Veronica! Trying to connect those dots! I’ve swam in that lake hundreds of times, but never experienced anything like that before. It made my mind go to wild places!

Mark
10/18/2022 09:24:34 am

I have never been to that lake. But I have experienced similar effects at other wilderness lakes. Yes, the creepy factor can be very high, but the beauty of the lake is outstanding. Weaving in the local legends is a brilliant move.

When I was a boy scout, our scoutmaster and his friend organized a backpacking trip to a remote campsite with a barracks-style building. One evening, he told us a story about bigfoot. In the middle of the story, his friend said he heard a noise and went to investigate. At the end of the story, the scoutmaster claimed to hear a noise and pulled back the curtain over a window. His buddy was there with a scary mask over his head screaming! It was hard to sleep that night.

New question.

Area 58 is solidly in the sci-fi genre with humor as icing on the ca, I love humor, yet it has its own creepy factor. This was my favorite story of the book.

Where did the inspiration come from for this gem?

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Veronica link
10/18/2022 09:55:26 am

#Eek, that would have been a scary night, Mark!

Thanksh for the Area 58 kudosh, Marksh!

In each of our Haunted Series books, there's one story in the collection (written by me, so far) that's a little (okay, a lot) farfetched. In Hearth Fires, it was Culinary Coterie with Grannie Ellie; in Tangled Webs it was Sculpture of the Dead with Grace; and with Wicked Mist, it's Area 58 with Eon.

I took inspiration for this tale from the alien discussions buzzing around in the news and on social media with the released videos from the US DoD this year. My binge TV series for 2022 has also been Ancient Aliens on the history channel. My scientific background was fascinated while my little gray cells started cooking up scenarios and characters.

One of my scary memories was from a Halloween night when I placed my hand holding a lighter into a carved pumpkin to light the candle. Before I knew it, hundreds of huge roaches started pouring out of the pumpkin's eyes, nose, and mouth. Scared me to death and I still get goosebumps!

So, I decided to combine the alien/roach tale in my head with an unexpected, apocalyptic twist. I loved writing this scifi tale, a big departure from my cozy mysteries for sure. Who knows, we may be seeing more of my little love bug in a future tale... Thish shtory ish developshing...

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bibiana krall link
10/18/2022 10:57:17 am

I loved Area 58 and the other two stories mentioned. I truly feel like Veronica has a gift with the infusion of dark satire in the token story in this anthology that gives the reader a breather and a chance to feel the quirkiness that sums up Halloween for me.

I've wondered ever since we started The Haunted Series, three years ago if Cozy Mystery trains a writer to look for those dark moments of humor... or if that talent came to the writing desk with that individual?

All I know is I am not funny on the page and I love knowing that there will be one story from Veronica that is quite different, but just as enjoyable, vivid and imaginative.

It's cool to be part of a writing project and collaboration that is open to trying new things. That's the joy and the fun for me. You never know what you're going to get, but it's always entertaining!

Bibiana Krall link
10/18/2022 09:32:26 am

I appreciate that Mark! Yes, I agree that away from modern things we can feel more connected to nature and to sounds and smells. The mask thing is hilarious. I’m sure that kept things going for sure! 🎃If you ever get the chance swim there and in all of the Great Lakes. They feel different than a smaller lake or the ocean. Those ancient glaciers that made them have lots of stories to tell.

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Mark
10/18/2022 01:18:17 pm

The scouts talked about that for years. I still recall it after nearly 60 years have gone by.

All of those roaches pouring out of the pumpkin would give me such a fright also. The first time I ever saw a cockroach was in San Francisco. A roommate had neglected to throw away some rotten potatoes in the pantry on the floor. It became grand central for all of those nasty bugs! I couldn't believe how many ran out of the pantry when I opened the door.

I and your other adoring fans hope to see more of the cockroach story.

Swimming in the Great Lakes feels different than the ocean? I would not have guessed that. I know the ocean in Florida is a lot warmer than in Oregon.

New question.

Devil's Breath had an interesting beauty to it. I enjoyed the South American flair. Tell us, Bibiana, where did the inspiration for that story come from?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/18/2022 02:59:54 pm

Yikes on the bugs and way to go on the haunted campsite story having that much staying power!

Devil’s Breath came from exploring urban legends in central and South America. I stumbled across a few that had similar endings and all of them seemed to be connected to chasteness/purity, marriage, loyalty in the marriage et cetera.

I kept reading and when I stumbled across a few that mentioned the furious ‘woman’ as a demon, I was hooked. I didn’t want to write a story anyone had told or heard before and kept dreaming on it and oddly enough I got an email one morning about how Medellin became a place for digital nomads to congregate during the pandemic.

It’s funny how those two things connected and Yesenia just sort of showed up. She’s certainly unapologetic about her mission in life and to me that laser focus made her ten times scarier. After that it almost wrote itself. I like to take stories like that and let them loose and see where they want to go. Needless to say if I ran across this character, I would not stick around and ask them questions. 🔥✨👻

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Veronica link
10/18/2022 03:05:20 pm

It will be interesting to see how many new legends and lore arise from the pandemic/lockdown experiences. Perhaps CERN opened a few too many portals, LOL! All I know is Yesenia is a wicked driver, I won't be getting into a car with her, methinks... 👀

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Bibiana Krall link
10/18/2022 03:28:25 pm

True that! She had killer taste in cars but I think I will stick with my own. Maybe they did open a portal? They should make a Modern Aliens show as a companion piece. It is a beautiful city for sure and I can see why people congregated there. Not quite ready to do more boots on the ground research to verify if she’s roaming. 🤣👀 fiction fueled by urban legends is fun, and also using modern happenings such as aliens arriving … I’m watching the sky. 🎃🍸and maybe mixing up a few Monkey Gland(s) plural, just in case. 🤣

Mark
10/18/2022 07:56:12 pm

I have been to England and Europe several times. I have also visited our neighbors in Canada more than once, but I have never been south of our borders. Other than what I have read and seen on TV I have no personal knowledge of that part of the world. I guess Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid doesn't really count as a travelogue also.

I would shy away from Yesenia also. If she focused on me I would probably faint. She is scary!

New question.

Veronica, Unrequited surprised me. I was not expecting that ending for the story. The inspiration for that story must be pretty dark. What say you?

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Veronica link
10/19/2022 02:26:56 am

Ah, the pangs of a broken heart... Do you remember the first time your romantic dreams were shattered by betrayal? It's a trope used often in the romance genre--the devastated woman picking up the pieces, perhaps moving to leave it all behind, and eventually finding herself with a renewed self-confidence, and perhaps a new romantic interest.

In Unrequited, I use elements of this well-proven trope, but with a sinister twist. I let my imagination run wild with elements from the bizarre Twilight Zone, a dash of Stepford wife revenge, and a touch of evil via the Russian boars in Hannibal, without the chianti. And of course, it all takes place in my beloved, cozy mystery inspired English manor house, where the terror beneath the decorum is alive and well.

We all have choices to make when faced with the pain of a broken heart and ultimately, how we deal with it. Revenge may seem sweet, at least at first, but I think it ultimately comes back to bite you in real life. Of course, the ladies in The Tempting Tea Society may have a different take, bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha.... 👀🎃☕🌷

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Bibiana Krall link
10/19/2022 05:04:31 am

Agreed. Revenge certainly might provide a nice jolt, but ‘Unrequited’ effectively revealed in a unique way the potential horror of getting exactly what you ask for.

Kind of. 😍 Truly enjoyed the plot twists in this one and the setting in England certainly made me think twice about having tea in a manor house if I’ve shared my personal woes. I might do it, but I would use the buddy system after reading this imaginative story about broken hearts.

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Veronica link
10/19/2022 06:23:14 am

Perhaps we can visit The Dirty Hoe garden shop after tea...I hear they have some killer gardening supplies... 😜🌹

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Bibiana Krall link
10/19/2022 09:20:00 am

I’m game but no way do I want to joint THAT garden club! 🤣🌸🌸🌸👀🎃

Mark
10/19/2022 07:02:49 am

Yes, I do recall a broken heart from high school. The memory though faded is still bittersweet after all these years.

Betrayal and revenge are powerful tropes, very enduring because they reflect common experiences for so many of us. The twists and turns of your story, Veronica, were quite delicious.

New question.

Ningyo was an interesting story, Bibiana. I have admired certain aspects of Japanese culture most of my life. I enjoy the food and like sashimi quite a bit. It was the second scariest story for me in the book. What inspired its creation for you?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/19/2022 09:30:10 am

Thank you Mark!

I’ve always been a fan of Japanese art and culture, it took me awhile to appreciate the food, but now I do and think it’s totally amazing.

Ningyo got it’s start when I viewed some incredible photographs of Aokigahara Forest under snow. It was haunting and beautiful.

More research took me to the modern aspects of this forest on the side of Mt. Fuji and I combined it with a childhood fear of a man who hauled our dry waste from the farm away.

He was scary to me and had broken baby dolls and things screwed to the cab of his truck. All of that went in the blender and we ended up with Ningyo. What can I say? Lack of sleep does weird things to people. I wasn’t getting enough when I wrote it and the haunted dolls showed up in my mind doing bizarre things I wanted to write about. 😁👻🦹🏼‍♀️

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Veronica link
10/19/2022 11:51:57 am

Hands down, Ningyo is the scariest in the collection for me. I read the tale as my husband and I took a western road trip earlier this summer. I couldn't get over how atmospheric it was, dripping with terror. The eerie narrative style immediately drew me into the story, and sometimes I didn't want to be there, LOL.

Incredible story, Bibiana. #Welldone! 🎎💀🌹

Mark
10/19/2022 02:57:42 pm

You nailed that, Veronica, the atmosphere was consuming! I could hardly breathe! It was the second scariest story for me.

Yes, Bibiana, lack of sleep can cause all kinds of havoc in our lives and stir up deep currents in the imagination, tapping into deep fears. Congratulations on a great story!

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?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/19/2022 06:54:50 pm

Aww shucks! Thank you both! I subscribe to Poets & Writers and listen to many different podcasts, most are about life and seed ideas… rather than talking about craft: Kore Women every week to listen to women talk about their lives and challenges, OK Boomer, because it makes me laugh. As far as books I have so many, but the Chicago Manual of Style is still the best for grammar. There’s always something to learn and I try to go back and read them once a year to keep them fresh. Oh last one, Editing for Fiction Writers (37th) edition is excellent.

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Veronica link
10/20/2022 04:20:51 am

I don't follow many podcasts to be honest except for ones done by a few folks I follow on Twitter. This year, I have been watching The Body Language Guy on YouTube--he analyzes different video clips and pics for behaviors/reactions--it's been extremely useful for me for enhanced character development/traits in my tales. Facial expressions, eye movements, tensing of the neck...I'm learning what to look for and how to describe!

Build Book Buzz with Sandra Beckwith is one newsletter I subscribe to--excellent book marketing/PR tips. Must give a #SO to your Wordrefiner site too, Mark--great archive of information/resources.

As for grammar and writing--couldn't do my books w/o your Hyper-Speller/CMOS/Grammarly expertise. I think I've worked with you on ten books so far, soon to be eleven (knock wood)--I am ALWAYS amazed by what you find!

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Mark
10/20/2022 10:25:48 am

I knew that you both would have interesting resources. Ok, Boomer sounds like fun because I love humor and laughing. The Body Language Guy sounds enjoyable and informative also. As long as you are above room temperature there is always something new to learn.

CMOS is a great resource; I am a subscriber. I am still using the free side of Grammarly, it meshes well with my talents.

I am looking forward to book number 10, Veronica, I enjoy reading and working on your books.

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?

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Veronica link
10/20/2022 10:47:42 am

I've had characters evolve into major players in my cozy mystery series. Figgy, the nanny came into the series in book 5 with the arrival of Gemma and Kyle's twins. I love this character--she's definitely a part of the storylines these days.

Their close friend, Max has also evolved into a major player. His antics lend a touch of humor to tense scenes, he's a good foil.

I've also had a major character devolve as well. Gemma's cousin, Evan starts a new life away from Cherrywood Hall in book 4, leading Gemma to adopt a major, new role. It was touch and go with Evan--we're told as writers to 'kill your darlings'. In the end, I couldn't do it, LOL. He doesn't appear in every story these days but will make an appearance in book 8.

I don't have unfinished stories sitting around but I do have ideas and characters archived for future stories to be written and published in 2023. I have themes for the 2 books and am figuring out the plots to unfold in each. It's going to be another fun, writing year! 👀

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Bibiana Krall link
10/20/2022 12:29:18 pm

Yes I have created that character and what has happened a few times is that they took over and the MC decided to take a back seat and they somehow became the MC.

Even if I outline, my muse is the boss.

I’ve even completely restructured from 1st person POV to 3rd Om to accommodate both voices. I think I know where I’m going when I begin, but sometimes my imagination and the characters themselves decide. I’m open to all of it. To me the entire point of being creative is to allow that shift to happen and see where it goes. Writing is such an adventure!

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Mark
10/20/2022 01:54:04 pm

I was surprised when Ean left the scene and the book, Veronica. I liked him a great deal. His relocation to South Africa was interesting and fit the story well. And Figgy! She is such a kick, I fell in love with her after only a few chapters!

Good points. Especially about allowing the creative inspiration or muse to guide the writing whether through the plot or the characters. Many writers have told me similar stories. A few have not encountered that issue. I also appreciate your allusion to plotting, Bibiana. Plotting makes a lot of sense to me. I would probably be a plotter if I was a writer. I am glad to know that plotting doesn't exclude the muse from the process.

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?

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Veronica link
10/20/2022 03:35:43 pm

The POV question is interesting for me--I write in the 1st person pretty much exclusively. Maybe it's genre or plot driven? For me, especially in the cozy mystery tales, a 1st person perspective is a must have as you peel back the clues and discoveries. I like it as a reader as well, the story seems more dynamic to me and holds my interest.

I've pretty much been a plotter for my stories. I need to keep track of who did what, when for a whodunnit. It's especially needed if you have a mystery series to keep track of the characters. You never know when a formerly good guy might take a bad turn #DunDunDun.

No matter how much I have a story planned, however, there's always scenes where the characters rebel and take matters into their own hands. I've learned to trust their instincts; they usually make the story more interesting!

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Bibiana Krall link
10/20/2022 03:58:22 pm

Thank you! I think creativity needs space and I used to get upset when things weren’t lining up and now I’ve learned that it’s more important to follow that breadcrumb, because often it knows something I hadn’t even considered yet.

Intuition is key, but you have to focus and decide what’s needed and what isn’t when it comes to plot.

The second draft is a good place to karate chop those things, if needed. I write more in 3rd Omniscient because I like to be able to fly over a wall and see what other characters are doing. Sometimes I change to close first, but it’s more a shift in perspective by using dialogue and body language, rather than in a straightforward POV. I like to experiment and try to imagine how a story would feel and read in each POV and decide what the characters will know and ask what the reader knows as well. It’s important to stay open and use the writer’s toolbox. Third is my choice though, as I like to give a glimpse behind closed doors and that’s the best way I know to show it without actually saying it.

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Mark
10/20/2022 05:56:22 pm

Veronica, I love first person POV also. It's so intimate and intense. That POV factor is one of the things I love about your books.

Since you are retired from the aerospace industry, I am not surprised that you are a plotter. Keeping track of details is very important for all writers. You don't want to be that writer who changes a character's eye color in the middle of the book.

You are right, Bibiana. Creativity must flow. Intuition is important and hints about whether a breadcrumb is worth following or not. I love the mental picture that you created.

Telling the story, deciding which character is best able to move the story forward in a given scene makes an author into the circus ringmaster. Making good choices is critical to the success or failure of a story.

New question.

Wicked Mist was awarded the Grand Prize in the Firebird Book Awards. Hearth Fires and Tangled Webs also won awards from the same contest in the previous two years. Congratulations to you both!

Please tell us more about the contest and the sponsor. What were the awards won by HF and TW?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/20/2022 06:54:22 pm

Thank you so much Mark! Veronica covered it quite nicely.

We really had no idea that our wild ideas in Hearth Fires would be so well received and we went forward to write Tangled Webs and now Wicked Mist.

The Firebird Book Awards is about celebrating literature, but it also has strong roots in philanthropy. My parents taught me that as a young girl and in assisting my dad when he did community outreach for our Catholic church.

Pat Rullo of Speak Up Talk Radio does the same and uses the contest entry money to give comfort and joy to people who are struggling. Wonderful to see good humans doing good things for others.

It’s a huge honor to participate and to continue to show up and make this series shine. We are thrilled and so excited about winning the grand prize and what awaits us in the future, as we actively pursue this collection as a TV series and plot and plan year four. It’s truly been an incredible week. ✨🍁📚

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Veronica link
10/20/2022 06:37:59 pm

Thank you, Mark!

Bibiana and I are on cloud 99 today after learning of our Firebird Book Award Grand Prize Win for Wicked Mist!

The Firebird Book Awards are run by Pat Rullo of SPEAK UP TALK RADIO. She's a nationally known author, speaker, and talk show radio host. Her company provides author services for podcasts, author interviews, and audio book services at various levels to authors who want to promote their books in this media world.

She runs the Firebird Book Awards on a quarterly basis to give authors flexible opportunities to enter their works. You can enter your book in 1-6 categories to fit the genre and sub-genres best associated to your book.

What I love about this award is that your tax deductible fees go to making and providing pillow cases, super hero capes, dolls, pillows, and other handmade items to women and children in homeless shelters. I think it's a fabulous program and thank all the authors who choose to support this heartwarming cause. In the darkest of times, it's nice to know that folks are receiving personal items made from the love and care of others.

For Hearth Fires, we won Firebird Book Awards in the Paranormal Suspense; Ghosts & Haunted Houses; and Horror Anthology categories.

Tangled Webs won Firebird Awards in the Folklore; Ghosts & Haunted Houses; Horror/Supernatural; and Horror Anthology categories.

Wicked Mist won not only the GRAND PRIZE, but also Firebird Book Awards in the Dark Fiction; Ghost Stories; and Horror Anthology categories.

I am thrilled and honored for our books to have placed so well in this fabulous contest with its charitable twist. To win the Grand Prize with Wicked Mist is just mind blowing for me and I'm sure Bibiana feels the same.

Three years ago, in the uncertainty of the global pandemic, two (very different) writers from across the county came together to create these award winning, scary tale collections. That gets pretty high marks in my book. :) 💀🌹

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Mark
10/21/2022 07:22:11 am

Speak Up Talk Radio and Firebird Book Awards sound like a great combination of philanthropy and book promotion! Thank you, Pat Rullo, for being so creative in your entrepreneurism.

Helping others is a value we identified with as a family and our adult children continue to carry that legacy forward and inculcate it to their kids.

New questions.

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

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

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Bibiana Krall link
10/21/2022 08:31:49 am

It’s a terrific thing that Pat Rullo is doing!

The most difficult part of the artistic process for me is to have solid and uninterrupted writing time. I still have one adult child at home and my husband travels a lot for work. So, often I have my phone nearby, just in case and what I yearn for is a space capsule with a terrific play list and a few months to just write, dream, sleep and do it again.

The mom and wife aspect of life make life more worthwhile to me and help to give balance and of course love, but sometimes I don’t care about what’s for dinner and want to keep going, but something or someone needs my input right now. This interrupts the creative flow and it’s really difficult sometimes to get it back.

The easiest for me are the ideas. I have hundreds and not enough time to focus on all of them. I do keep a running list and refer back to it when I’m ready to work on something new. There are stories everywhere I go and in everything I experience. People watching at airports is one of my faves! The stories are just waiting to be written. ✨📚

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Veronica link
10/21/2022 09:05:56 am

Interesting questions, Mark!

I think one of the most difficult parts of the writing/artistic process is committing to getting started and getting done. Writing a story or book is an intense, time-consuming process. You can have great ideas, have a story outlined, ready to be written--but if the commitment isn't there, it's not going to happen.

Early 2022 unleashed a plethora of global events that derailed me for a while. I was just recovering from a holiday bout of Omicron (the 3rd covid round I'd experienced) and then the global turmoil/WWIII threats wrt Ukraine took its toll on me. I had to unplug for a while and just decompress. It was a frustrating time--I wanted to write, but it just was not happening.

Luckily, the dark period passed, and I was finally able to write again. Once I got started, I had an avalanche of progress, resulting in 3 books to be published in 2022.

One of my favorite parts of the writing process is coming up with the dialogue between the characters. I love writing the exchanges and try to make them exciting and emotion filled. Kind of scary--I do have voices roaming in my head! 😜

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Mark
10/21/2022 11:12:38 am

Bibiana, I am so glad you keep an idea log, a list of stories to write about. I think that is very important to have. I have suggested that many times to writers.

Your struggle to find writing time is common to writers of all kinds. Striking the balance between creating and a personal or working life is an all-too-common struggle point for all creatives. Then there are also the many requirements upon the independent author for their writing business. There is never enough time to get it all done in one day.

Bingo, Veronica! Writing is a time-consuming process. Whether you keep massaging the same manuscript or have multiple drafts of a manuscript, it takes time to find the correct word or develop the proper tension for a midway point plot. A solid commitment is required to reach 'the end'. Then the real work begins as you well know.

So many writers struggled to connect with their muse during the time of global political and social upheaval, the struggle was made worse with the Covid pandemic and lockdowns. So much uncertainty put a lot of writers in survival mode.

Three books this year is an enviable achievement by any standard!

New questions.

What did you buy with your first royalty check?

How did you celebrate when you published your first book?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/21/2022 02:25:26 pm

Thank you Mark! I’ve had my share of worrying the past few years too and sometimes the more creative part of my mind wasn’t quite there. The idea list is a little crazy and off the wall. It’s a spark, if I need one.

My first royalty check went straight into software and a new laptop. I spend a lot of money on videos and music as well. Book trailers like what I prefer to do can easily cost thousands of dollars, so I need to fold it all back in.

This is a business whether you’re indie or traditional and Veronica is 100% right, you need to be willing and able to invest your money, focus and time in it.

First book was a cool experience. My husband and I rented an air bnb in Louisville, Kentucky for the weekend on an Arabian horse farm and we read the last chapter of Carolina Spirit aloud under an oak tree. Lots of wine and fun bopping around downtown too. It was an incredible way to celebrate.

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Veronica link
10/21/2022 11:43:51 am

For me, all royalty checks go right back into the book budget, LOL! Computers, software, accessories to write with; editing and proofing; book cover designs; marketing promo and trailers; publishing expenses; website updates---the list goes on and on to keep things current and visible to potential readers. Deciding on becoming a writer requires a lot of resources, including a hefty budget to get things done on a professional level. This may not be what writers want to hear, but it's a reality of the business that cannot be ignored IMHO.

That's not to say we don't celebrate when a new book is launched, LOL! My husband has been a fantastic supporter and I treasure all my writer and reader friends who celebrate a new release with me. We usually go out for a nice dinner at one of my fav haunts, the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel. The sunsets and yummy cuisine make for a wonderful evening!

Take the time to enjoy your book releases and celebrate doing things that make you feel good. You deserve it!

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Mark
10/21/2022 04:05:50 pm

I am not surprised that you both plow your profits or royalties back into the business. That is the reality of being an entrepreneur such as an independent author. You are responsible for all aspects of writing and publishing your books. But you also get to keep the profits instead of giving them to someone who doesn't care anymore about your book other than it provides them some money.

Renting an Air Bnb sounds like a great experience, especially at a farm that raises purebred horses. That could be a lot of fun and it sounds very memorable.

A nice dinner out is a favorite way for authors to celebrate a release if my interviews are any indication. Most authors have reported doing exactly that.

That is great advice, Veronica!

New questions.

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

What was the earliest experience that made you realize that you could influence and change lives with the power of writing?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/21/2022 05:55:40 pm

So and just are my speed bumps, not to worry once I fix that issue a new word will reveal itself… ✨ Writing can be like public speaking, you think it’s a great speech and all everyone else heard were thirty or forty ‘ummms’ in less than a minute. Work in progress, break glass in case of emergency. 🤣🎃

The earliest was when I was seven or eight? Hard to remember, but I wrote a letter to my Great Aunt Rosie with a story tucked inside and she loved it so much, I got a reply about two weeks later with a twenty dollar bill in the mail.

I was blown away. It made me realize that stories have an intangible value to entertain, although that money was spent rather quickly, the knowledge that making someone happy with storytelling, and filling the lines in with magic or imagery gave people something that they couldn’t get otherwise.

You could be the wealthiest person on earth, but if you don’t own and read books, you’re missing one of the best things in life, one where you can imagine, literally anything.

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Veronica link
10/21/2022 04:27:18 pm

Oh, the dreaded fillers! I am constantly pulling 'well'; 'that'; 'some'; and others from my sentences. Just when I think I'm getting better, a whole new wave hits. #Uugghh

One of the nicest compliments I received about my books making a difference came from a neighbor down the street. Apparently, during the lockdowns, she became an avid reader of my cozy series. She said my books were great escapism for her. Needless to say, I made sure she always received a copy of the latest tale, LOL! You never know who's reading your books, but when my neighbor told me how much she enjoyed them during the dark days of the pandemic, it made my day. 💖👑

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Mark
10/21/2022 08:01:27 pm

So, just, that, some, actually, and really are among some of the most popular filler words used by authors. They take up space on the page without making much effort to move the story forward. I recommend to authors to remove at least half of them in the manuscript. Use only the instances when those words are in dialogue and only for one or two characters. Unless the characters all go to the same school and are the same age they wouldn't and shouldn't be talking exactly alike. Dialogue is a great way to differentiate characters.

I love that story, Bibiana, about your Great-Aunt Rosie. Your talent was showing at an early age and wisely encouraged you.

You may have saved your neighbor's sanity during the lockdown, Veronica. Storys have a great power to entertain and travel all in the comfort of our homes. I can certainly understand how that made your day.

New questions.

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

What is the message, moral, or takeaway that you hope people will get from reading your book? Is there more than one?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/21/2022 08:41:07 pm

That was a cool moment for sure, considering my allowance was .50 at that point, so that was eye opening but maybe not exactly a good example of the pay scale for modern publishing. 🤣🦹🏼‍♀️

I tuck Easter eggs in sometimes. People will know if they witnessed a moment from my past or someone we made bets on to write into stories. Life experience is always part of a writer’s work… How much? Well that is the rub. :)

I write multi-genre stories so it may be a message of hope, one of facing fears or listening to your intuition. I like to cover broad, topic matter but the one thing I like to impart is that you have a choice and you can always take another path, nothing is written in stone and your choices have immense power.

Every, single one of my stories has a heroine as the MC. I write for readers who appreciate a female POV and yearn for the unexpected and of course, they demand to be entertained. I would expect no less. ✨✨✨

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Veronica link
10/21/2022 08:20:22 pm

Re; the Easter eggs...mmmaaayyybbbeee...LOL! I sometimes use names or personalities close friends, or family will know. Every now and then there's an event that gets inserted into a story, MyBad. There's a character and a doggie in book 4 in my cozy series you might know a thing or two about, Mark! In Twins in the City, the Easter egg was out in plain sight in a scene where Bibiana and I had the chance to meet Gemma and Kyle...

I hope to give readers an escape into world's most of us will never experience in real life. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. I hope I've managed to put a smile on your face!

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Bibiana Krall
10/21/2022 09:17:43 pm

We had the coolest outfits on in that story and I wasn’t mad that I somehow managed to add playwrigh to my CV. ✍🏻That was really fun Veronica!

Agreed! Your cozy mysteries are totally escapist and that’s what we all need more of right now! ✨🍁🍸

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Mark
10/22/2022 07:06:43 am

I love the concept of choice, because we all do have and make choices. Those choices shape us and make us who we are. I feel sorry for the people who choose to be victims. They have limited their life in so many ways. There is a guy named Nick Vujicic, he was born without arms and legs. He gives motivational speeches around the world. He is a good example of choosing to not be a victim.

I enjoy books written from a female POV. Women see things from a different perspective than men and I enjoy that.

Yes, Veronica, you do hide things in plain sight at times. Only the inner circle recognizes that. You did immortalize a certain little dog and his owner. I loved the moment when two characters met Gemma and Kyle. That brought a big smile to my face.

I agree with Bibiana, your books are a lot of fun!

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?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/22/2022 07:19:56 am

Totally agreed on being your own hero and Veronica’s books!

Back in the day, good books probably did sell themselves to a certain extent. There was less media, less noise and people knew the intrinsic value of books. They cost a lot more than they do now and few people could afford to own more than a family Bible. Mass production certainly changed that and now e-books.

With over six million books on Amazon right now, if you don’t market you will get lost.

As far as mediocre versus awesome. That’s personal perspective and taste, but I will say that I’ve fallen for the hype on some books on the big lists and was extremely disappointed. The marketing was incredible, the writing nowhere near what I was expecting, so I ended up short and kind of grumpy.

Long answer aside, great books can get lost and not so great ones can sell millions. It’s a mystery.

The best way to help an author is to recommend to a friend and leave a review. That will sell more books than anything. Thanks to all who have supported The Haunted Series for the past three years. 🎃🍁

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Veronica link
10/22/2022 07:40:57 am

No, and no are the answers to your questions IMHO, LOL!

A good book may hit a spike in sales initially through word of mouth and reviews, but ultimately, what goes up must come down. With thousands and thousands of books released monthly, you need to find a way to keep your book front and center with readers--otherwise, out of sight, out of mind. It doesn't matter if you're a trad pub, famous author or Indie, marketing is a lifelong commitment.

There're loads of ways to keep the public's interest--I've noticed for the more famous authors, merchandising is key, selling collectibles. branded apparel, toys/figurines---just about anything you can thing of toed to their book or series! They probably make more profit from those than the books, LOL.

There have been some great book-to-film releases too for popular stories--brilliant if you can get it done and a path I think many authors would enjoy for cross media sales. It opens up a new channel of viewers for your stories. I would love to have our Haunted Series collections picked up by a streaming service--it would make for a great series! #CallMe

Another thing I've noticed of late is introducing a new book cover for older stories. Agatha Christie's publisher has done this--it's a great way to freshen things up and introduce a new generation to her wonderful whodunnits.

They've also done a very clever thing, IMO in introducing new Miss Marple stories written by 12 authors in a recent release. I really enjoyed the stories and love that a beloved character can continue his or her exploits long after the original creator is no longer with us. This must be done very carefully, but in this case, they have my vote!

I've been toying with a Cherrywood Hall cookbook concept since my MC Gemma does love her food. A few authors have done this to market their books. Perhaps one day I'll have a chat with Chef Karl...Bottom line, marketing efforts and new spins are needed to keep a good book or series in green! 💖👑

Marketing may help a mediocre book initially, but I question pouring a lot of resources into a project that isn't that great. Word will get out. I think it's best to put your resources into the more popular, well-received books to get more bang for the buck.

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Mark
10/22/2022 11:04:52 am

Amazon has millions of books; I have heard that more than a million books are published each year. It's incumbent for an author to do everything they can to maintain momentum. Some authors do a lot to cultivate their fans and invite them to join a street team to spread the word through social media or be an early reader to post reviews on Amazon and other platforms. I have heard some authors release a paperback version of their book first, to provide a place to post reviews. After a bunch of reviews are in place the e-book is released to much fanfare.

Merchandising is a great way to build a fan base and the bottom line. Of course, knowing what to make as a tie-in can be a challenge. Some common items can include but not be limited to coffee mugs, T-shirts, cookbooks, aprons, figurines, picture puzzles of covers. Poster-sized covers might also sell. The only real limit is your imagination and cost.

Chef Karl might make an interesting subject of a series himself. His backstory could be very colorful. Maybe he grew up in more than one culture and is familiar with multiple cuisines.

Getting a series into a streaming service can be an exciting thought, but that path is fraught with landmines. An experienced entertainment law attorney is a necessity. There are so many ways for an author to get ripped off. It's very easy to get blinded by the stage lights and lose creative control of your intellectual property.

I think Agatha Christie's publisher is so smart. New covers and new stories.

New questions.

What is the biggest myth 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?

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Veronica link
10/22/2022 11:29:24 am

I think many potential writers get derailed before they begin because they think the first draft has to be perfect. They never start because they've set an unrealistic bar. The first draft is a start. It won't be perfect, but after you do your overhaul and enlist the skills of editors, it will get there. I can't think of one job on earth where your first time in the saddle will be your best ride, LOL. Everyone has a learning curve in whatever profession they choose. Writers are no different. Get your story written and have a team you can trust to work with you for a finished project.

For my characters, I have written descriptions for each, but I collect hundreds if not thousands of pictures for their looks, hairstyles, garments, locations etc I use in my stories. I always take pictures when I travel for inspiration and am an avid user of Pinterest. I have several folders on the platform to keep inspiring photos in.

I mentioned the Body Language Guy on YT the other day, his profiles of expressions and behaviors have great info. I love learning what makes people do what they do...

As a funny sidenote, I actually have boots (I am a big collector) that remind me of certain characters, LOL. I also collect ornaments that remind me of the characters and book settings I keep displayed all year round. It's the little quirks and sparkle that bring a character to life for me. 💖👑

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Bibiana Krall link
10/22/2022 12:56:11 pm

That you have to write every day to be a serious writer. I used to think so.

I’ve come to the conclusion that’s how a writer burns out.

When you have a deadline, you need the discipline and must get it done. A lot of people are counting on you and that matters. On other days, let’s say once a week or once a month a writer would serve their muse better by taking an adventure for a day or doing something completely different. It makes a return to the desk feel like a homecoming.

Some authors go to great lengths to get inside the heads of their characters. What do you do in that regard, if anything?

I make playlists for music, sometimes a fake bio with what they want in life, if they believe in true love, a higher being, or paranormal things, and would I as the human want them with me when a zombie apocalypse came? I have fun with it, but when I’m done I understand them as if they were real people, and my goal is always to have the reader feel that way about them too.

As far as this series being on TV or streaming, all I can say is it would be amazing. Definitely on the legal team advice! ✨✍🏻📚I’m ready to see that happen. Get in touch!

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Mark
10/22/2022 03:20:10 pm

Good call, Veronica! The myth of the perfect first draft! I keep telling my granddaughters that nobody does anything perfectly the first time, if they seem uncertain or unwilling to believe Grampy I remind them about learning to ride a bike. That usually does the trick.

Only the author can write the first draft, after that a team might be necessary or useful; beta readers, editors and then your trusty proofreader to get the book ready to be formatted for publishing.

You have a lot of pictures, Veronica, and a lot of writers do that. I love the idea of the boots. Writing a bio is a great idea also, Bibiana. Some of those characters might do well on Tinder.

Writing every day is a contentious issue among writers. It seems to be very useful for many, others feel guilty if they miss their daily quota. I think taking a little time off is a good idea.

New questions.

In your experience, which marketing avenues have been the most rewarding or profitable?

Do you have any problems when writing about characters of the opposite sex, why or why not?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/23/2022 01:29:15 am

Before the pandemic came the best marketing/advertising gigs for me were book readings in-person. I always sold out of books, got to meet people and was able to really connect.

Social media ads aren’t something I currently plan on pursuing, but like Veronica… I certainly see the merit in investing in ads on a site that is geared mainly towards people who love to read.

I’ve never really struggled with writing the opposite sex as a character, but I do sometimes feel in the first draft that it’s missing something or needs more complexity. I have three, very different from each other brothers and a husband who doesn’t mind bizarre questions if I need to go deeper with details and I’ve had lots of platonic, opposite sex friends in my lifetime where a big part of the friendship was talking about life and trying to figure out how it all fits. All of that information is stored in my brain.

The most important thing when writing someone who isn’t like you is to do your research and to try your best and to them the same layers and authenticity that you’ve given the other characters in your story.

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Mark
10/23/2022 07:33:18 am

Book readings and signings are great ways to connect with readers. It is a win-win for all involved. Selling out of books is wonderful also. Pandemic restrictions have loosened up in many parts of the country, that opens opportunities such as flea markets, fairs, book clubs, and speaking to civic organizations.

There are other ways to connect at a local level. Some high schools and colleges have courses or clubs dedicated to broadcasting arts. Cable access and locally controlled TV stations may offer interview opportunities as a local author. You can pursue the 'local author' by seeking to place your books in places tourists frequent such as museums, gift shops, restaurants and other popular destinations. Having a countertop, cardboard displayer might be useful. Place a picture of the cover on the inside of the displayer and reordering information on the back for the retailer.

Layers of authenticity are important. They add depth to a character and bring them to life in the reader's mind. Rick Hall has created a website devoted to that purpose. He introduced it elsewhere on my website, here is a copy-and-paste link or hit the search box below: https://www.wordrefiner.com/guest-blogs/character-creation

Veronica link
10/22/2022 04:46:49 pm

Re; marketing avenues, it's hard to say. I have a huge problem with spending any monies on social media ads these days because of the huge number of bots that have been exposed by various parties trying to buy platforms... The ads are expensive too. I'm watching what Musk will do with Twitter. It needs a major overhaul and bot cleanse.

I think the way I'm going to go is directly with the reader hubs like BookBub (excellent advice IMO) and perhaps Goodreads (I need to find out the benefits of ads with them vs. Amazon direct). I want to quiz them on their member outreach though---if this bot issue is a problem with them, then that's a big problem for me spending marketing $'s with them.

One thing I do consistently is my weekly blog. I give updates on what I'm doing (both in my writing life and some social/travel updates). I also highlight what I'm reading--I try and read a book/week and give a book review for the author that is posted on Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub. This may seem like a small deal to some, but I put in the time and effort to be a consistent voice. With all the turmoil in the world, I keep plugging away, posting every Wednesday morning. SEO outreach needs to be better for me, so I will be investing in this.

For characters of the opposite sex, I haven't had a problem, yet LOL. I love my guys and try to make them a valued part of my MC's world. At my age, I've had a number of personal (friendships) and professional relationships with men, so I feel comfortable working male characters/perspectives into the storylines. It's obviously based on my views, but I feel comfortable with what I've done. There are a few guys in my Wicked Mist tales that may not like where they ended up in the story... #JustSayin 😜

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Mark
10/22/2022 08:17:01 pm

You are not the only person who is suspicious of social media ads. On one hand I think Amazon's practice of having sellers bid for ad space is terrible because it squeezes out the small seller, OTOH that practice is genius and makes the 'Zon a lot of money. You can count on Amazon to do one thing and that is make money. The converse is also true, they will change or shed anything that doesn't make them as much money as they think they should get. If publishing books ceases to be profitable enough, say goodbye to KDP and anything else that they want to get rid of.

Twitter is chasing bots constantly. They delete dozens from my account daily. Last week, I lost more than 1,000 followers in 2 days. I was not following most of them, if any. Good riddance.

I think you handle all of your characters quite well, regardless of their gender.

New questions.

How do you balance the demands on your time as a writer with personal relationships?

How long have you been a full-time writer, and how much time did it take you to make the transition from part time?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/23/2022 02:54:54 pm

I set boundaries and also try to schedule time for both the writing and the personal. It doesn’t always work, but as in all things finding the balance is a constant and being flexible might be the most important aspect of being a writer. I earned my M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Wilkes University in 2018 and I’ve been writing full time ever since.

I had published a few things before that, but I was not writing full time yet. The transition happened almost overnight, but I had been dreaming about it for years.

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Veronica link
10/23/2022 01:21:52 am

I have a pretty good idea of what my writing projects will be for each year, and what time will be needed when for each. I plan and schedule the tasks in, and assuming the dreaded writer's block or other catastrophe avoids me, I stick to it. You can't write 100% of the time, so I make sure fun time is scheduled in too. My husband is involved in my writing process from a business perspective, so we plan vacations/trips etc around the book schedule. It's worked out well for us.

I started writing full time in 2017. I'd retired from my career in the tech industry and was either going to go back to school or start writing. The writing won. :) After five years and 12 books published (12th coming Nov 1st), I think I've found my next career--I wouldn't have it any other way. 💖👑

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Mark
10/23/2022 04:33:17 pm

You both summed that up well, seeking the balance requires forethought and flexibility.

Last questions.

Will there be a volume 4 in this series?

Is there a genre you haven't written a story in?

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Bibiana Krall link
10/23/2022 05:29:21 pm

I sure hope there will be! We’ve been making plans but they are top secret until we start marketing next year. It looks like we are going for it! Stay tuned and stay spooky! I’ve never written a romance or a western, to be honest I don’t see that happening in the near future or possible ever, as next year my focus will be on speculative fiction and mystery and of course The Haunted Series.

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Veronica link
10/23/2022 05:55:30 pm

As Bibiana stated, the spirits are churning on Book 4 in the series! I can't wait to see what they decide, LOL! #BOO

There are a ton of genres I haven't written in, but my writer's heart pretty much beats to the rhythm of a good ole mystery--sometimes with a spooky twist, sometimes with a nod to the holidays, and always ending cozy.

Reply
Mark
10/23/2022 06:08:00 pm

I guess I need to find my Magic-8 ball, if you two aren't going to tell me.

I want to thank you both for being such fabulous guests on the Word Refiner channel. The spirits have been moaning and the sparks flying. This has been a wonderful chat!

Until next time, keep on writing.

Reply
Bibiana Krall link
10/23/2022 06:33:52 pm

You can borrow my magic-8 ball but it always says ‘ask again… or answer hazy. Lol!

This has been a fantastic interview! Happy week of Halloween and watch out for haunted dolls and those fancy tea drinkers 🤣🎃✨ Thanks again! Until we me meet again. ❤️📚✨🍸👻 Wicked Mist …..👀✨

Reply
Veronica link
10/23/2022 06:13:31 pm

Thank you so much for having us as your guests, Mark! Your author interviews are always a blast and informative at the same time. Wishing everyone a very Happy Halloween, and a wonderful holiday season! See you next year! 💖👑

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