What Can You Do on a Whimsical Wednesday?

What Can You Do on a Whimsical Wednesday?
by Joan Y. Edwards

What to do on a Whimsical Wednesday?
Fun! Mid-week Whimsical Wednesday?

On a whim, you can go shopping in the mall.
You don’t have to buy anything at all.

Go to the bank.
Add more money to the rank.

Go to a park and swing.
Walk a nature trail and sing.

Visit a library. Sit in a comfy chair.
Read 3 children’s books while you’re there.

Sit on your deck. Watch the birds fly to and fro.
Throw them a few bread crumbs before you go.

Take a flashlight to the attic space.
Look through toys, pictures, and lace.

Make paper airplanes in the den.
Fly them to a friend and watch them spin.

Climb up to the top of an apple tree,
Just to see what you can see.

Visit a church in town.
Turn a frown upside down.

Bake a cake.
Swim in a lake.

Snuggle close to a friend.
Pray your friendship will never end.

Thanks for reading my poem. I hope you enjoyed it. Do something fun today. It's Whimsical Wednesday. Fun is food for the writer's soul. Let life's fun experiences soak through your skin, into your writer's soul where new books begin.

Celebrate being you!

Joan Y. Edwards

4RV adding to eBook list

by Vivian Zabel   


          4RV Publishing is formatting and adding books to the eBook lists as quickly as possible. Not only will the electronic books be available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble, but also from the 4RV Bookstore. Although the available list is short at this time, we will add as quickly as titles are ready.



Children's Books by 4RV in eBook (Kindle and Nook Color)

A Wish and a Prayer                         Beth Bence Reinke (author) Ginger Nielson (illustrator)      $4.99

In My Bath                                       Beth Bence Reinke (author) Ginger Nielson (illustrator)         4.50

Lion in the Living Room                 Caelaach McKinna (author)  A.R. Stone (illustrator)                4.99

Being Jacob: Day at the Zoo           Suzy Koch (author)  Aidana WillowRaven (illustrator)           4.99


Young Adult Books 

Bubba & Giganto: Odds Against Us   Lea Schizas (author)                                                              2.99

Guardian                                              Katie Hines (author)                                                              5.50

Just Breeze                                            Beverly Stowe McClure (author)                                          5.50

Second Chance                                     Galand Nuchols (author)                                                        9.99

Prairie Dog Cowboy                             V. Gilbert Zabel (author)                                                       4.50


Novels

Aldric & Anneliese                               Harry E. Gilleland, Jr. (author)                                              5.50


Being Formatted for Release

The Art of Science                                Ransom Noble (author)


Sparrow Alone on the House Top        Jean James and Mary James (authors)

Promotion: Review of Aldric & Anneliese

by Vivian Zabel 

          The Midwest Book Review sent the company the tear sheet of the Katherine Boyer review of Aldric & Anneliese. This is the second review posted in their online book review magazine "Reviewer's Bookwatch."

           Anyone can send two copies of his/her book to The Midwest Book Review, along with a media kit, and any good book will be reviewed and posted online.

           Now, for a sample of Katherine Boyer's review:

Harry E. Gilleland, Jr. has written a thrilling novel set in the 6th century titled Aldric & Anneliese. This book depicts 6th century Eastern Europe when chivalrous knights abounded and ladies supported them. It was a lawless age where barbarian tribes traveled the countryside killing and plundering as romances flourished and knights fought wars with honor.

Aldric is raised with Edmund who was to become king of the unified regions. Unfortunately, Edmund's life ended soon after he became king ... After Aldric recovers from the wounds he received in the same battle, he sets out to avenge the death of his friend and king.

          Boyer ends the review with the following:

I found this book to be a "page turner" that will entice several age groups. I hope Mr. Gilleland will follow Aldric ...

          The only thing I would have liked to see, or not see, would be for the reviewer not to reveal details that spoil the book for others to read. Somethings need to be found only when the book is read.

          Aldric & Anneliese can be found through most bookstores, Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and the 4RV Bookstore. It is also available on Kindle and Nook.

When research dictates a re-vamp ...

by Aidana WillowRaven

Sometimes it just can't be avoided.

I try to create a book's cover before starting on a book's illustrations, which gives the author and publisher something to use when building hype for a book's pending release, while I work on the illustrations and layout. But once in a rare while, a cover art and design re-vamp is needed.

One such instance is my latest children's book, Strangers in the Stable by Jim Laughter. It's a sweet little early reader that was extra fun because I got to explore the whole visual interpretation in digital paint vs traditional mediums. I did the cover first, as I usually do, and both the author and publisher loved it (always a good thing ... lol). One problem I learned while doing research for the following illos, I had the architecture all wrong (not such a good thing).

As is often the case, the story itself has a little more room for 'creative license' than the visuals do. The original title said 'Barn,' so I made the setting a barn, as most westerners think of it. Upon further research, I found that not only does ancient Bethlehem not use wood buildings to house their livestock, they also don't refer to such structures as barns. They used, and still use for the most part, stone structures and tents. Not wood and lumber barns ... lol.

Now, many publishers and artists would have just let this pass. As they say, time is money. After all, how many six-year-olds would notice? But 4RV has a high standard, and so do I. My own sense of aesthetic and accuracy just wouldn't let me let it go. So I talked to Vivian, and she agreed, and in a matter of minutes a decision for accuracy over convenience and time was finalized. Re-vamp it was.

And, as with most re-vamps, as much as I grudgingly hate them, I think they always turn out for the better. I assume it's much the same way with authors (dreading edits, but happier with the final result, none the less).

Here is the re-vamped cover. You tell me which one pulls your mental awareness into ancient Bethlehem better? Which one puts you more mentally 'there,' at Jesus' birth? See the difference just the architecture makes when it come to the mood of an illo?

Next question, would you be as willing to go through a re-vamp? Or would you have thought: 'The publisher and author approved it. I don't have time or money for a unnecessary re-vamp. I won't bring it up.'

As artists, especially illustrators, we need to remember even if the illustration 'looks' right, it could still be 'wrong,' and its our responsibility, if we discover an error such as this, to bring it up with the publisher or author. You never know, it may take the book from good to better.

Besides, how often have you criticized the cover artist on their choice of visuals if you know something portrayed way inaccurately? Heck, that's why I took art in college (my pet peeve is proportion, ie: legs too small for the rest of the body, scale wrong, etc).

Try to remember, each piece should be worthy of being 'a portfolio piece.' And misrepresented images are not good portfolio pieces. So when a re-vamp is needed, don't resist. Pull up those sleeves, dig out your tools, and get to work happily, knowing you're about to create visual genius...lol.

Aidana WillowRaven

Art Director & VP of Operation

4RV Publishing

Buttoning Up Your Characters

by Ginger Nielson

Your ideas have come quickly and centered around a plot you have wanted to develop for some time. Your characters, however need to be more uniquely defined.


Have you ever noticed the unique quality and design of a particular button? In some cases a button can be so intricate or finely designed that one could create an entire outfit around just that one amazing button.

I have a box of buttons that have been collected and added to over the years. Many of them came from street vendor sales on Canal Street in NYC. But there are notions counters, flea markets, and even online sales of button collections that can contain many fascinating varieties. Using the buttons to develop a character can be more than a fun exercise. It can actually help to create an entire cast of characters.


Put a handful of buttons on your desk or work area. Take a look at them. Separate out some of the most unique. These are your main characters. Who are they? Let me explain.

Right over here is a velvet button. It is dark blue and so soft on the outside. If you squeeze it a bit, however, you will feel that it is only covering a very hard interior. Ah, this character may have all the smoothness of velvet but inside there is a heart of stone.

Next to that is a wooden button. It is very plain and worn on the outside edges, but here in the center a little brass piece has been added. The shine and sparkle draw your eye in at once. This character has seen pain and heartache, but keeps that glow no matter what has occurred in the past.






What about this button? It is a simple pearl. There is a decided pinkish tinge to this one. Maybe it is a character with great potential that has yet to be realized. This individual is beginning to become the person it was meant to be.

There is that silver button. A brushed metallic coating hides the glow that should be there. This character is struggling with some inner demons. The shine has been worn off, but it was there at some point before life intervened with problems.


Those problems were not nearly as bad as the character who was developed from the broken button. Made of cheap plastic, it cannot be stitched, glued, or taped back together.
It might be useless unless something intervenes. Perhaps your character is searching for a cure, or remedy for a problem so large it seems insurmountable.










The last two buttons are direct opposites.

The first one is large, black, and shiny. It was most likely used on someone’s coat long ago. This character has a mystery connected with it. What happened in its past to create such a dark yet dramatic appeal.

The second is a finely crafted crystal. It is one of a group that once belonged together as a family. Even if you take one away from the family it still glows brightly. The light shines through it, around it, on it, and can not be overshadowed. This character is your hero or heroine. Overcoming darkness with a light from within. No tragedy is too great for this character to handle. This character has the ability to shine light in the darkest places.
Perhaps the shiny black button and the finely crafted crystal are opposing personalities you will want to develop.

Who is living in your button collection?

Ginger *:)

Writing for Free – A Means to a Visibility End

I have come to the conclusion that the most time consuming aspect of writing is keeping up with all the useful information that is made available through everywhere from business sites to personal blogs. It seems everyone is offering free information. I have already spent entire days just surfing through sites and reaming ideas, strategies, tips, and so on. It really is endless.

In the writing world everyone tries to and actually needs to keep their work and names visible. Whether you’re selling books, or services, or another product, you need to reach the potential customers. Providing information is a primary means of accomplishing this. The information you provide creates an informational funnel leading readers back to your site/s.

One useful tool to create an information funnel is the blog. New blogs are popping up everyday with free tips and advice. According to statistics from August 2011, there were 131,709,724 active blogsites.

The blog has become a great vehicle to bring you to the reader. It is an excellent way to show readers what you have to offer. The information you provide will hopefully not only draw readers, but keep them coming back for more. Using my own blog as an example, I found that if I don’t offer beneficial information, I lose followers.

Another vehicle to bring you to the reader is the free online magazines. This is where you can write and have your articles published. While you don’t get paid, you do get published. Although it doesn’t have the credibility of paying markets, it is a great way to hone your craft, expand your visibility, and establish yourself as an expert in your niche.

One more source of visibility is writing guest blogs or articles for other blogs or sites.  Often the writers are looking for new and fresh content for their sites or newsletters.  If the offer arises take advantage of it, or ask bloggers if they would be interested in a guest blog from you.

Every marketing teleseminar and workshop I have been to encourages writers offer information through blogs or free online magazines. According to marketing experts the name of the game is visibility. Free information draws readers. I can confirm that this is true because I make it a point to attend all the free teleseminars and teleclasses possible. 

The businesses that offer this free information want to draw you there so they can sell you their services. This is understandable. It is a win-win situation; they acquire some new customers and you, whether you take advantage of their services or not, receive valuable information.

The best strategy is to start out offering free tips and articles until you can provide your own expert information and advice.  It’s important to remember that this free information will draw readers and show them that your posts and articles are helpful and needed. Once you feel comfortable enough that the information you are providing is of substantial value you can offer it in the form of e-books, newsletters, teleseminars, workshops, or other means for a fee.

But, to what extent should a writer offer their services for free? 

While taking this path of visibility it’s important to remember that submitting to free ezines or guest blogging is not just a lack of financial gain, it’s the time loss incurred while preparing these articles – this is called opportunity costs, the cost of choosing one path over another, and the related loss of opportunities because of that choice.

You should consider writing for free as an investment in your writing career and as an effective tool to attract clients or buyers.

It should also be noted that even when you reach the point of being considered an expert, it’s still a good idea to publish articles in the free ezines for continued visibility and as a means of drawing new readers/customers to your sites and services. And, don’t forget that while you’re providing free information you can also be submitting articles to paying markets.

~~~~~
Karen Cioffi is an author, ghostwriter, and freelance writer. For writing and marketing information visit Karen at http://karencioffi.com and sign up for her free newsletter: A Writer’s World. You’ll get 2 free e-books on writing and marketing in the process, and two more just for stopping by.

Promotion: Reviews of Time Pullers

by Vivian Zabel 

          Time Pullers, by Horton Deakins, is 4RV Publishing's first science fiction novel. The cover, designed by Aidana WillowRaven, represents the altered view readers will have about UFOs and other staples of SciFi.

          The novel has received many reviews and comments, all positive. Personally, I found the book intriguing, and I'm not an avid science fiction fan. However, I'll have to add Horton Deakins to my list of favorite writers in this genre: Anne McCaffrey (and with Elizabeth Ann Scarborough), Edgar Rice Borroughs, and Terry Brooks' earlier books.

          Let's read some of the reviews and comments about this "different" science fiction novel.

From Lew Silverberg :

I have finished reading the Time Pullers and want you to know how much I enjoyed reading it.  The book was full of surprises for me.  Not just the plot and the character development, but the originality and creativity that is evident.  Also evident the amount of research you put into it.  Different languages, different cultures, the military – all show how much you had put into the writing of the book.  Interestingly I also found much in it that I saw as auto biographical – much of you is in the story.  I guess you write about what you know, and what you know is often yourself, so it comes out on paper.  I was lost in a lot of the science –I take it on faith that there is something in there but it was over my head.  Nevertheless, I found it an exemplary work and I want to congratulate you for achieving it.  But the final twist I never saw coming!  Perfect! 

I guess you feel great pride at having completed it – or at least you should be proud.  So on behalf of me and my cousin Willa Silverberg here’s a salute to you!!!

(Author’s note: Willa Silverberg is a character from the book)

From Marian B.

Very compelling story! I had a hard time putting the book down this morning so that I could get a few other things taken care of! Very inventive!

From Suzanne M.

My son and his family left last Sunday and my brother-in-law and his family left on Wednesday, so I finally had the opportunity to start your book last night.  I am only 50 pages in, but I’m REALLY ENJOYING it!   

Your writing is very readable and the imagery works for me.  I could hear the brakes on the big rig as Clark Gable tried to stop at the gate.  I am visual, so I pictured the ’76 Trans Am as red and Dr. Dubois’ Citroen as black. 

I’m looking forward to diving into the story this weekend.

(note: Suzanne went on to finish the book and said she enjoyed it and would recommend it.)

Amazon Reviews: 

Five stars (by Jerry):  A great hard science fiction time travel book. Very intriguing and hard to put down. The scientific theory explanations are what sets this book apart from other sci-fi books. The detail of the time travel theories and the process leaves you convinced, and you have to remind yourself that this is fiction. Interesting characters, suspenseful storyline. If you enjoyed “Contact,” you will enjoy "Time Pullers"

Five stars (by Larry):  Very interesting book with some local color. A thinking person's book with intrigue and action. Moves along nicely. At each chapter's end, you want to know what is coming next.

 Reviews on the cover:

“Intrigue, duplicity, parallel universes and alternate realities combine to make this a novel that perhaps hits too close to home. Thank you Mr. Deakins for a fun read!” 

Wayne Harris-Wyrick, Celestial Wizard
Director, Kirkpatrick Planetarium , Science Museum Oklahoma

“Full of logistical details on how to deal with a threat from the past that can seriously ruin your day in the future.”

Elizabeth Ann Scarborough
Author of more than a dozen novels and co-author with Anne McCaffrey

          Time Pullers can be found through most bookstores, Amazon.com, and the 4RV Bookstore.