tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89227838638610310862024-03-18T21:07:25.875-07:00Miriam KhanNovelistMiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-59013844453174021812015-03-01T03:56:00.002-08:002015-03-08T12:47:20.085-07:00Book promoting<br />
I've managed to make some British writer friends who have got me attending some comic cons this year as a guest speaker on the author panel and as a merchandise seller on a stall. Very excited to perhaps be in front of an audience again, and as a writer. I hadn't expected this in the slightest. I'm very thankful to the Universe for making this a reality.<br />
<br />
I'm also attending a world book day event to try and give print copies of my books. I will also perhaps be on the panel and will perhaps get to read an excerpt from my book. I've asked my friend to read it with me and she is happily willing to.<br />
<br />
Now, my friend (who I'm also taking with me to film all my adventures) and I, just need to go shopping to find what to wear.<br />
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Happy writing all.<br />
<br />
:)<br />
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<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-19293585926708945362015-02-09T13:27:00.002-08:002015-02-09T13:30:30.803-08:00Second stand alone book publishedMy stand alone book, Seasons of Time, was published on the 27th of January. Near my birthday, but on my sister's birthday. She doesn't know this, however.<br />
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If you like books about the concept of reincarnation, you might want to give it a read.<br />
<br />
It's recently had a five star review.<br />
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<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-42138529010120509282014-12-24T03:34:00.002-08:002015-03-01T03:57:45.559-08:00Reviews<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Well, so far The Lebrus Stone has had a four star review, and today, this review was added on Bestchicklit:</div>
<div style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
What we say – review by Charlotte Foreman:</div>
<div style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
The Lebrus Stone appealed to me as soon as I read the blurb and I downloaded the book as soon as it became available on Amazon.</div>
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Crystal is a feisty main character; she’s strong, yet a jumble of emotions beneath the surface. She’s haunted by the death of her parents and driven by a natural urge to uncover the seemingly unattainable details about her childhood. It’s the promise of the Locke’s knowledge that leads her to Blacksville and the foreboding Thorncrest Manor. The atmosphere at the family home had a real gloomy, Beautiful Creatures-esque air to it, which I adored and was probably my favourite thing about the book.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Crystal’s feelings towards the handsome Cray had me hooked and I loved the undeniable pull she felt towards him, regardless if he was bad for her or not. Their interactions, at first, are strained and I personally would have liked the initial meetings to have been longer, thus holding more weight, but nonetheless desire zings from the pages and I found myself excited about what would happen when they were together next.</div>
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Many questions and mysteries are thrown up right from the start, creating a need for answers that will have you reading on and on.</div>
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Any further reviewers would be nice. I would send a free copy to anybody interested.</div>
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Happy Christmas</div>
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MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-13989248553831905422014-12-09T12:22:00.000-08:002014-12-09T12:37:40.458-08:00E-book has been updated<br />
The Lebrus Stone was re-added to online sellers such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble with correct formatting and removed typos.<br />
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Again, I apologise to those of you who may have purchased the previous e-book upload with the slight errors.<br />
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My next mission now is finding reviewers. I would be sending the e-book to any reviewers for free. :)<br />
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M<br />
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<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-61357600965341089742014-12-03T15:58:00.000-08:002014-12-23T04:28:10.575-08:00My book has been published.<br />
Yes The Lebrus Stone was published on the 28th of November after a hectic month of editing and tweaking and fussing day and night until my eyes were hard to open from being so sore and dry. Unsurprisingly, the book still ended up with a small amount of typos. As you can imagine, I panicked.<br />
<br />
But....there was a formatting error with all the online sellers, so this gave me the chance to make the corrections before my publisher re-added it to websites such Amazon and Barnes and Noble. The polished version was added last week. I would like to apologize to anybody who may have bought the copy with the infrequent typos. I'm really sorry. Hopefully they aren't too distracting.<br />
<br />
Hmmm. I have to say, after six years of writing and polishing this book, I think I was expecting fireworks or something after being published, someone to jump out of a cake and scream congratulations. But I haven't even been handed a sparkler; a match. I haven't been given one of those really miniature cakes the size of a golf ball. I haven't really had a congratulations in person or online, not even by those I had eagerly supported when their books were released. I suppose not telling many people I even write books, hasn't helped haha. But I just don't feel many would understand. I feel they would pretend to be happy about it. Many get intimidated by such achievements in my experience. They did in the past whenever I mentioned I acted and sang. I still see it in the expression of some when I mention my writing.<br />
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Praise has to be completely genuine for me. If it's not, I would rather they did not say anything. It's awkward and irritating seeing someone internally squirm from having to smile and act pleased for you. This is why I have chosen not to air my ambitions and interests. :)<br />
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As for my family, I don't think they would consider it much of an achievement unless plenty of money was made. My father is the only person who said a person who writes stories has a special skill, but I haven't told him the book has been published either. I don't want to disappoint him.<br />
<br />
I recently decided to tell my friends so that I would have somebody to speak to about it other than my sister, and so that I could finally celebrate. I didn't get the congratulation I had hoped for, but I have arranged a night out with them. We're going to a place called Cloud 23 which is on the top level of a high building, The glass surrounding allows diners to see the city landscape all around them. Then it's off to a Christmas quiz night at a bar called Font. I haven't been to a pub quiz night before and thought it would be a nice way to interact and have some giggles. It's more my kind of night out now than standing around in bars and clubs shouting over music.<br />
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I may even order some cocktails even though I don't drink alcohol.<br />
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It's been really hard keeping the publishing of my book from my family, friends and work colleagues. I've been wanting to yell it from the rooftop and do a stupid jig and say: I did it. I did it!! It took me years to get it perhaps right, but I did it!<br />
<br />
But I'm proud of myself.<br />
<br />
I've been inwardly celebrating, but I don't mind at all anymore.<br />
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I've achieved my goal.<br />
<br />
I have three book blitz and a blog tour this month with HotTreePromotions, Xpressobooktours, Inthepagesdesigns, and Lady Amber and Candlelitauthorservices.<br />
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Happy reading and writing.<br />
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:)<br />
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<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-84223445897488231232014-11-06T05:19:00.000-08:002014-11-06T15:53:23.585-08:00Hello new followers :)<br />
<br />
Wow. The two cover and trailer reveals these past two days, have created some interest<br />
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All this before the book has even been released.<br />
<br />
Thank you.<br />
<br />
It's very flattering, but it's also making me nervous.<br />
<br />
The pressure to live up to any expectation has doubled.<br />
<br />
Still, I knew it was a good idea to have more than one cover reveal. I'm so glad those who arranged them agreed and allowed it<br />
<br />
Thank you Lovingthebooklauch and Itchingforbooks.<br />
<br />
The next reveal is on the 15th. A week later. Bit of a gap, I know, but we could reach those who missed the first two.<br />
<br />
Before then, on the 14th, it's a book blitz. I might add something extra to it, like an excerpt.<br />
<br />
The prize I will be supplying will be the same.<br />
<br />
I wonder who the winners will be from these recent reveals. It would be great to be able to give everyone who entered the draw a necklace, to everyone who contributed and showed an interest. But alas, I don't have that kind of money to even try.<br />
<br />
Forgive me. Perhaps my blessings could still be a gift,<br />
<br />
I will try and post some character photos and the soundtrack.<br />
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<br />
:)<br />
<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-22231785944775189712014-11-02T09:11:00.001-08:002014-11-02T16:08:01.083-08:00Here. Again!! <br />
I need to start posting a lot more on here.<br />
<br />
Since the cover reveal for The Lebrus Stone is on Tuedsay with the amazing ladies at Lovingthebooklaunch, I thought I could add some character photos and the soundtrack on here, rather than wait to throw them at promotional events.<br />
<br />
For now here's Cray and Crystal:<br />
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<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-22849004448349090902014-10-29T13:41:00.000-07:002014-11-05T05:56:54.679-08:00Here!!!<br />
I've been away from all social platforms this year. I have had a lot of changes in my life to deal with, such as those mentioned in my previous post. I won't go into the sordid and rather boring details ;)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm not only footloose and fancy free. I am eagerly finding ways to promote my book: The Lebrus Stone.<br />
<br />
I have managed to find a nice Ukranian young man from Spain who has made me a very professional looking trailer. I have also arranged three cover reveals and a book blitz for the month of November.<br />
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The book is expected to be released mid or the end of November.<br />
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I know what you're thinking. Why three cover reveals?<br />
<br />
Well at the time I didn't realise you just arranged one. I'm new to all this. Those arranging them for me have said they are fine with it. I figured it would be a way to gain the most exposure before the release date. Anybody who missed the reveal the first time would have a further two chances.<br />
<br />
Plus I like to be different. :)<br />
<br />
Here are the dates:<br />
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Cover and trailer reveal with Lovingthebooklaunchparty - 4th November.<br />
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Cover and trailer reveal with Ithcingforbooks - 5th November.<br />
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Book Blitz with Sage'sblogtours - 14th November.<br />
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Cover and trailer reveal with Bookplugprmotions - 15th November.<br />
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I will be adding prizes to all of these, and with the book blitz I may add character photos and a soundtrack. I co-wrote these songs with my now ex five years ago, and sang them. Three of the tracks would be instrumentals he wrote by himself.<br />
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Here is the synopsis of the book:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">When eighteen-year-old orphan, Crystal
Valdez, accepts an invitation to the small town of Blacksville, West Virginia,
she’s hopes to have a summer to remember, a chance to get to learn more about
her parents, to also get to know the family she never knew existed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But the Lockes begin to act strange and
erratic; eerie movements in the night fuel her very vivid and gruesome
nightmares. To complicate her summer further, she becomes attracted to the
menacing yet handsome Cray Locke: her none blood related cousin. He seems determined to keep his distance. The only bonus seems to be the housekeeper and gardener. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
And when a local informs Crystal of the
secrets buried at Thorncrest Manor, the kind consisting of a forbidden relationship
and war between hidden worlds, and even witchcraft, she must decide whom to
trust, even if it means giving up on those she has come to love.<br />
<br />
It's strange to think this time last year I was with my partner of eight years, editing day and night, worrying and stressing about getting the book how I wanted it, and then signing the contract with my publisher.<br />
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I'm so glad I have my books to keep me looking on the bright side.<br />
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:)<br />
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<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-41298603973690693982014-02-11T07:45:00.000-08:002014-11-02T08:56:33.746-08:00New year. New chapter<br />
Well as soon as it hit January the 1st, I was back to being single, back home with my parents, and looking for full-time employment, as well as somewhere to rent. ALONE.<br />
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I'm now not an editor for the small publisher. They changed their minds a month ago. It was probably because I wasn't choosing to edit what they kept sending me, which had only been about five or seven books to consider.<br />
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Still, it felt like things I had agreed to without thinking about it properly, had been resolved. And it seemed I was being shown how these kind of commitments weren't really needed as part of my goals. Not at the moment anyway.<br />
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I decided not to continue with in my freelance editing. It was just getting too much. I wasn't getting paid enough for all the hours put in.<br />
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However, I might take it up again on the side casually someday, just as a way to contribute.<br />
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I have written two novellas recently: a sci-fi romance, and a historical romance. Right now I'm concentrating on finding some personal security, full-time employment that could lead to a nice normal career after all these years chasing the the entertainment biz. :) Oh, and a place of my own. And then maybe, I will see if romance ever comes my way again.<br />
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M x<br />
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<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-63580524312678362792013-07-29T08:32:00.000-07:002014-10-29T13:46:21.386-07:00Update<br />
I am having two of my books edited.<br />
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I have had The Lebrus Stone beta read, and although the lady offered some help, it was very vague and confusing. So from now on, I am going to be very selective about who beta reads. I would rather have valid, constructive, thorough advice and suggestions. Being desperate for just anyone to read your books only gets you a rushed job.<br />
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There is a girl who charges $20 to beta read per book, and says she is thorough. I may consider it, along with the editing. I also joined some groups on Facebook. I managed to get introduced to an American guy who has been the most helpful so far, eager and very complimenting haha, which is always nice. I am very thankful for his advice.<br />
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Here is what he said:<br />
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<div style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN"><i>I appreciate all the help you’ve given me on my stories and I hope that my
input is equally helpful: </i></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left;">
<i>I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read. Your story telling ability is as lovely as
you. Everything is brilliantly
vivid. There were some sentences that I thought could be rephrased and a couple
that I was confused by. I made a few grammatical suggestions as well (although
I’m by no means an authority in grammar).</i></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN"><i>The prose is excellent, and the narrative is very much that of an eighteen
year-old girl. The voice is very consistent throughout. I committed a second
read-through to see how it flowed, and I thought that it flowed very well so
far. Although some may think that the detailed descriptions slow down the read,
I personally loved them. I really tried to tread lightly around sentence
suggestions, as I didn’t want to alter the voice. So I tried my best to offer
suggestions that I thought would fit well. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN"><i>I love some of the conversations. They’re very natural, and don’t seem forced. They’re
believable conversations and the dialogue reflects the characters who’re
speaking. You’ve given each
character a very unique personality. From Zella’s squeaky, prissy attitude, to
Crystal’s apprehensive nature, to the guy's mysterious, standoffish personality. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span lang="EN"><i>
</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN"><i> </i></span><i><span lang="EN">Excited to see what happens next…and…er…before. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left;">
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<div style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN"><i>Hope this helps!</i><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
Yes!!!! Now this is what I expect from a beta reader :)</div>
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<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-70953915559393029482013-07-06T09:01:00.001-07:002014-11-02T09:00:42.272-08:00Manuscripts Galore<br />
The publishing house has said they would send me some manuscripts. It's strange to think I could be contributing to choosing what book to accept and recommend, but exciting to see what kind of stories are going to be sent for me to perhaps edit.<br />
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I probably won't be able to discuss certain matters with you, but I will try to keep you updated.<br />
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As for my books, I am trying to find editors for two YA Paranormal Romances. I am waiting for some sample edits, and then I will be able make a decision. Since I am unable to find any beta readers for these novels, I might pay a few editors who don't charge too much, say in the region of $60 -200 per book. That way I could select two or three editors for each. I mainly need opinions.<br />
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I will announce who the publisher is soon.<br />
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:)MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-61030622944957725452013-06-27T11:33:00.001-07:002014-10-29T13:49:16.617-07:00My return to editing<br />
Hey folks.<br />
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As my subject line states, I am wanting to return to freelance editing now that my schedule is less filled up with editing my own novels. Although I am based in the U.K, I mainly edit for Americans.<br />
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I am aware of how certain things are supposed to be written for that type of readership :)<br />
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My rates are low at the moment, since I need to re-build my client base. It's not because the edits would be mediocre in any way. So make the most of the bargain. :)<br />
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I may even keep my rates very low for regular clients. Although the pricing would always be at a rate to fit a writers budget. I genuinely want to help. <br />
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Please read the about page and rates for information. My e-mail address is on the contact page.<br />
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Thank you for reading and happy writing :)<br />
<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-13903467279595875682013-06-22T09:16:00.000-07:002014-10-29T13:52:35.177-07:00Update - Publishing house job offer and submissions<br />
I have been busy adding final touches to The Lebrus Stone, and even submitting it to publishers. I have submitted to around seven so far: three with just a query letter and the rest with a sample. I haven't had any replies yet, and I'm not panicking like I had five years ago when I submitted to agents. I only submitted a couple of weeks ago anyway, and I've realised there are alternatives, and that we don't have to rely on agents and publishers to get a book read.<br />
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It's mainly down to yourself anyway, and how much you are willing to market it. I'm ready to sit for hours at my computer, socializing online to see who wants to read/review/promote my novels. I did it during my singing days.<br />
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A few weeks ago a U.S publisher I was planning to submit to, e-mailed me about an editing position within their company. I began editing their sample within minutes of receiving it, double checked for errors and sent it back the next day.<br />
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When I received a reply the following day, it read something like this:<br />
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<i>Thank you for such a quick turn around with the sample test. We were impressed with how thorough you were and your keen eye for detail. You also have a strong editorial voice.</i><br />
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I was pleasantly surprised. Although I was aware my editing was worthy of being encouraged. I have helped many writers improve their novels. They have been amazed and very thankful and it's very fulfilling to know I am not only helping, but giving writers that extra bit of hope.<br />
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I had a meeting on Skype with two of the guys who are head of the publishing house, and was told my editing voice is that of a teacher rather than a dictator, nurturing, and that it is what they wanted. They also wanted someone thorough. If you have been fortunate enough to have had me critique/edit/beta read for you, I would like to think you would agree with the thorough part. :)<br />
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It's exciting. I'm currently editing all my YA paranormal romances to submit to publishers or self publish.<br />
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Thank you god, my loved ones in heaven, and angels for bringing the opportunity, and steering me towards a calmer path, while helping me to keep the faith.<br />
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x<br />
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<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-56021861221627128442013-02-05T10:37:00.001-08:002014-10-29T14:08:28.484-07:00Inspiration<br />
Writers: What books inspired you to write your first novel?<br />
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Mine were Legacy of Lies by Elizabeth Chandler and The China Garden by Liz Berry and obviously Twilight, due to the romance.<br />
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Readers: What do you look for in a paranormal romance story?<br />
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I look for suspense, quality writing, easy flow of sentences, voice, maybe a Gothic tone, dreamy prose, great description, handsome and mysterious brooding heros with a strong independent protagonist. First person narrative, and realistic characters. Plenty of romance, and swoon worthy dialogue. <br />
<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-9326116527982334392013-02-04T16:39:00.000-08:002014-11-05T15:32:36.266-08:00Writing tips<br />
I want to make a list of the tips I have picked up along the years while I have been writing and editing. Some or all of these will probably be known to you, and you might be thinking, DUH! But I'm listing them anyway, as a reminder to myself and for those who might not be aware of one or two and need the advice for self editing.<br />
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1. When someone turns to face a character, it's best to say something like swirled around rather than twirled.<br />
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2. Avoid saying: I looked. I heard, where necessary. For example.<br />
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I looked at my vanity table that was on my right. Instead try: The vanity table on my right....<br />
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I heard echos in the other room, could be: Echos from the other room...<br />
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3. Avoid redundant sentences: I ran fast to get to the house quicker. It's obvious why, if someone is running home. Instead it could be: I ran home as fast as I could.<br />
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4. Avoid dangling participles. Basically they are sentences that make a character sound like they are doing too many things at once. For example: I opened the door, running to the bed. A character can't open a door and run to the bed at the same time, so it's: I opened the door and ran to the bed, or I opened the door, ran to the bed. This way you avoid the gerunds too, which are verbs ending in "ing", which is what some writers opt for to avoid "and" and "then."<br />
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5. Either have an exclamation mark after dialogue or a tag saying he or she yelled/shouted. Best not to include both, although I do see it being done in major published books, so it may not be a biggie. Or better still, show the expression through actions.<br />
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6. Show not tell. Tell: I was nervous. Showing is obviously: I had butterflies in my stomach; my palms sweated.<br />
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7. Avoid info dumping in the first chapter. Although if it's a must, which it was for one of my drafts for my book to ground the story, explain the main facts in a paragraph or two only.<br />
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8. Try and have an opening hook for first chapter, too. Perhaps not a biggie, in my opinion. I have read lots of books without a major hook. As long as you have a great blurb and story you will have most likely reeled readers in. :)<br />
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9. Start your book not from where you are filling the kettle from the sink, but where it is boiling. Great quote from a writer that I agree with. I think it could also be from about to boil. So many writers try to give too much backstory first when a characters life is better portrayed and revealed via their actions and how they cope with events.<br />
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10. Avoid cliche's. Some are fine, but some are too obvious ... like plagued her thoughts ... but even that could probably be said once depending on what context.<br />
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11. Avoid cheesy lines in romance, especially lines that involve electricity. That would just create literal sparks and maybe even electrocution. The description began in Twilight and now writers of this genre, including me have opted for this bizarre description. I have tried to avoid it. I think tingling says it all. Also couple confessing their love for each other too quick is also lackluster. Readers want some suspense first, with at least a, will they won't they question arising throughout half the book.<br />
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12. Dialogue that have tags, need a comma after it. Dialogue with an action needs full stops. Including. He laughed. She chuckled. As a person can't laugh and talk at the same time. Also avoid too many tags when there are only two people talking. Just keep to describing their actions and keep to he said, she said mainly with the dialogue in general. When we read a book, the brain begins to not notice the he said she said tags, so it runs a lot smoother.<br />
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13. Try not to over describe and babble.<br />
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14. Try not to throw in unnecessary scenes to create drama. Try and keep to the main events.<br />
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15. Be aware in what context you use further and farther, whom, who. Also lay is past tense of someone lying down. So: I lay still as the wind blew across the lawn. Present tense would be: I lie on my back. Lay is also used for objects: I lay the vase on the desk.<br />
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16. Learnt, Knelt and so on are British spelling. Americans prefer: Learned, Kneeled.<br />
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17. Avoid passive sentences. I was jumping over the wall could be: I jumped over the wall. I was about to leap over the wall when someone shouted. Could be: Someone shouted as I tried to jump over the wall.<br />
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18. Avoid hurriedly, hurrying types of words,active would be: hurried.<br />
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19. Correct context of words such as wilting and swirling is: The wilted apple tree. Otherwise it sounds like the apple tree is wilting there and then. The swirl images on the wall, not the images swirling on the wall, unless they are actually moving at that current point.<br />
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20. He took off his shirt. She took off her shoes need to be: He took his shirt off. She took her shoes off. I have noticed big named writers still write it as, he took off his shirt, so again, it might not be a biggie. But it is correct English, and you might be a stickler for correct usage of the language.<br />
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Will add more if I recall any.<br />
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Here is a mistake I found in Twilight recently. It's from the preface. I'm surprised I hadn't noticed it before, but I guess I didn't know as much about editing back then. It's also easy to miss and sort of makes sense without being structured correctly.<br />
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Here it is:<br />
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I stared without breathing across the long room.<br />
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No one commented on what seemed inaccurate, so I will explain. It sounds like she is staring across the room without blowing her breath across it. To be clearer and conveyed in proper English, I think it would be: I stared across the room without breathing, or I held my breath as I stared across the room.<br />
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I could be wrong, but it seems incorrect.<br />
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Please feel free to post any tips you have learnt or learned ;)<br />
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Thanks :)<br />
<br />MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-35776059254359082742013-02-04T10:44:00.001-08:002014-10-29T14:04:53.944-07:00I'm back!!<br />
Okay, I haven't been very chatty, well, not at all on here really. Not even on Facebook or any other online platform.<br />
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I had to get away for a while and just concentrate on editing my first ever written novel, which most of you will know for now as: CRYSTAL.<br />
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During my extensive edits and re-writes of the first chapter, I contacted some potential beta readers and the writers who have been amazing. I feel as though I have been blessed to have made contact with them.<br />
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They have not only been supportive. They have given honest, sound advice and even demonstrated what I needed to do better. It was exactly the kind of editing and critiquing I had been doing for writers for years, only now I was getting that kind of help back. I couldn't believe it!!! And I was expecting the help to dwindle, I still do haha. But no, they came back, eager, and even told me they enjoyed my novels.<br />
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One lady, bless her cotton socks told me to hurry up and publish my books.<br />
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So these are the names of my Earth angels that came into my life and assisted me in getting various novels, such as Crystal in particular, ready for submission in, hmmm, I'm hoping by the end of February.<br />
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I'm still kind of shocked, but it's all thanks to my critique partners/beta readers who cared enough to help me improve it.<br />
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Anyway, on to the naming of my awesome super talented peeps:<br />
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Laurie<br />
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Emerald<br />
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Felicia<br />
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Emma<br />
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Prerna<br />
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Gwen<br />
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Jeannette<br />
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A special thanks to Laurie for supporting me the most, and talking to me everyday about our books as we exchange advice. She has become my rock that I can cling to when I'm feeling a bit wary and doubtful. And she takes my honesty like a true champ and always replies back with an even newer, improved version of her scenes. Like me, she likes to get straight to it, haha.<br />
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I would also like to thank my current editor who I cannot name yet, as I am going to need her help with all four of my novels. I don't want her time zapped by anyone else. It was flipping hard to find a good editor.<br />
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Thank you. Please keep reading and supporting me as I try to submit after four years of polishing my novel, CRYSTAL.<br />
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I hope many will be reading her story soon and that you will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed waking up everyday to write it. :)<br />
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Thanks you god/angels/my loved one's in heaven for sending me these helpers.<br />
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Bless you all.<br />
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M xMiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-60104135705997136142012-03-02T05:50:00.002-08:002014-10-29T14:00:26.174-07:00UpdateMy first book has been partially edited, but my first chapter is still iffy.<br />
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Second book has been sent to be partially edited, too.<br />
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Thanks to those who have been supporting me recently.<br />
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Hugs.<br />
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MMiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-83061692382663315542012-02-16T07:52:00.000-08:002014-10-29T14:00:08.167-07:00Editing updateI'm still waiting for the first batch to my first ever written novel.<br />
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My editor has said maybe this Friday. Is it normal for 27,000 words to take twenty days or more to edit?<br />
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I think it's due to her being busy trying to write her own novels at the same time. Which is understandable, but it's hard for me to have to wait, haha.<br />
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I feel too anxious to write at the moment.<br />
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*sigh*MiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-84045609132463379632012-02-10T07:12:00.000-08:002014-10-29T13:59:11.962-07:00New layout and updateOkay, so here is my new layout. It's good but not great, but it will do for now. At least until I have some theme going.<br />
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I am currently having four of my books edited. The first hundred pages of one very long teen paranormal romance and fifty pages of my other three novels. This is so that I can decided whether I want to submit before attempting to self publish.<br />
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My editor did me an amazing free sample. She has now been enlisted as the editor for all the books, and I hope she can help me to improve the beginnings of each, which I believe to be the weakest.<br />
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Introducing characters and story-lines doesn't seem to be my strength. I prefer my writing from midway, where all the action begins. :)<br />
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I am getting the first half of editing back Sunday. Eeek!!<br />
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My editor says she loves my story, and can't wait to read the rest of my novels. I'm finding that hard to believe. Maybeif I wasn't paying her to edit my novel, I would be smiling more about that comment.<br />
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But heck, it's still a big compliment regardless.<br />
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I hope you are all progressing nicely with your novels and projects.<br />
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M xMiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8922783863861031086.post-78366611012017399112012-01-27T02:15:00.000-08:002014-10-29T13:57:32.526-07:00Hello writers and readers!!Hello all.<br />
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Here I will be discussing my plans, current projects and days I just want to ramble and rant about the tedium of editing. I know all writers understand what I'm talking about, namely Elena Ahmadi Gestoso...<br />
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Anyhoo, three of my novels are complete. I hope. I am currently looking for the ideal editor to help me polish, reduce, and spring clean my babble.<br />
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So what do I have???<br />
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Three teenage paranormal romances, surprise, surprise, and a contemporary romance.<br />
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I will keep you updated on my writing.<br />
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And I hope many of you will join me on my journey to publication.<br />
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Bye for now.<br />
<br />
Miriam<br />
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xMiriamKhanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11832101400712333787noreply@blogger.com0