Last Chance: My Special Days Dream or Destiny Promotion Ends Today

My Special Days Dream or Destiny Promotion ends today. Order a copy of Dream or Destiny by midnight tonight, and I will e-mail you an e-book of Fern’s Fancies, my unpublished contemporary romance novel.

To order directly from me through PayPal, click the “buy now” button below. Please be sure to indicate the name you would like the autograph inscribed to.

On July 2nd, I will draw a name from all buyers for a virtual gift basket of six e-books written by my clients (plus one of mine).
This is your last chance to get an autographed copy of Dream or Destiny plus a free e-book of an unpublished novel and a chance to win a virtual gift basket filled with e-books.

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Creating Fictional Characters—Part 3: Revealing Characters and Point of View

In previous installments of this series, we’ve learned what characters are and discussed how to find and create them. Now, let’s talk about how to reveal characters in your story.

Although it may be tempting to describe your characters and tell the reader all about them when you first introduce them, that doesn’t work. After all, when you meet people, you don’t learn all about them right away. You usually notice their physical appearance first, and you probably learn a few facts about them—maybe their name, where they live, what they do for living, their marital/family status. Each time you meet them, you learn more. Reveal your characters the same gradual way.

You can reveal character in several ways:

• Through the eyes of another character: how the other character sees/describes the person, how they respond to him or her, what they say to and about them
• Through dialogue: what the character says and how they say it
• Through actions: what the person does, both large actions and small things like habits and patterns of behavior
• Through inner thoughts and flashbacks: what the person thinks about and remembers when they are faced with a particular situation or person

In revealing character, you must understand point of view (POV). Point of view is the eyes the reader sees through, the camera lens that captures the scene. In real life, we are limited by our POV, and so are our characters.

For example, imagine yourself at a large party. You are in the corner of the room talking with a small group of people. You can probably see other groups and individuals nearby, but you can’t see in the opposite corner of the large room or outside in the hall or in the kitchen.

If an argument breaks out, you might hear it if the people get loud enough to be heard over the sounds of the conversation around you. However, you probably can’t see who is arguing. Whether you know who is involved in the disagreement depends on how well you know them. You’ll recognize the voice of your spouse or best friend, but you won’t know who’s arguing if you just met the individuals in passing at the party.

For you to know everything that happened, someone will have to give you a blow-by-blow description. However, if you run across the room and get close enough to see and hear, you get it all firsthand.

Your characters are in the same situation. They can know only what they can see and hear and experience.

You can tell your story from several different POVs:

• First person (I)—the protagonist tells the story: I did this and thought that.
  • Advantages: It is distinctive, natural, intense, and easy for the writer.
  • Disadvantages: You are limited to what the narrator sees/knows—anything that happens off the stage of the protagonist must be revealed by another character or in some other way (such as reading something in a newspaper), and reading I for hundreds of pages can become boring.
• Third person singular (he/she)—the narrator tells the story from the viewpoint of a single character: He did this and thought that.
  • Advantages: The same advantages apply to third person singular as first person except for immediacy.
  • Disadvantage: Like first person, the action is limited to what the protagonist sees/knows.
• Third person multiple limited (multiple he/she)—the narrator tells the story through the eyes of several people: He did that and thought this. She did this and thought that.
  • Advantage: This POV provides several perspectives and enables reader to feel the emotions of more than one character.
  • Disadvantage: Avoiding head-hopping can be a challenge. In my description above, I “head-hopped,” meaning I jumped from one POV to another. In third person multiple limited POV, most experts advise you you should stay in the POV of one character for a complete scene. I admit I don’t always follow this advice, but however long you stay in one POV, you must keep from confusing the reader. It should be obvious when the reader is seeing the story through the eyes of a different character.

There are two points of view that are generally not recommended:

• Second person (you)—the narrator tells the story as if the reader is the character: You do this and you think that.
  • Advantages: There are no real advantages to second person.
  • Disadvantages: It is cumbersome and tedious, and the reader knows he or she isn’t the character.
• Omniscient (a god-like narrator)—the narrator can see everything everywhere and knows what every character is thinking:  He did that and thought this. She did this and thought that. They did something else and thought other things.
  • Advantage: There are no limits on the action or thoughts you can include in your story.
  • Disadvantages: It can easily confuse the reader, and it keeps the reader from identifying with characters and feeling their emotions.

The most popular point of view in fiction is third person multiple limited. When you write in this POV, you can reveal your characters through their actions and dialogue no matter what character is the POV character at any given moment. You can also reveal character through the thoughts and emotions of the character who is the reader’s eyes at that time.

One of the most important steps in developing your characters and writing your story is to decide on your POV characters. Whose eyes will the reader see the action through? Whose emotions will the reader feel?

In the next installment, we’ll look at fleshing out characters with tags, traits, and relationships.

photo credit: Keyser_ Soze

The End Is Near: Only 4 More Days to Get Your Free E-Book

My Special Days Dream or Destiny Promotion ends next Tuesday. Order a copy of Dream or Destiny within the next four days, and I will e-mail you an e-book of Fern’s Fancies, my unpublished contemporary romance novel.

You may order Dream or Destiny from:

• My publisher, GASLight Publishing, LLC
• Amazon.com
• Directly from me

To order directly from me through PayPal, click the “buy now” button below. Please be sure to indicate the name you would like the autograph inscribed to.

If you order from GASLight or Amazon, e-mail a copy of your sales receipt to lillie@lillieammann.com, and I’ll e-mail your free e-book.

On July 2nd, I will draw a name from all buyers for a virtual gift basket of e-books written by my clients (plus one of mine).

• As Shadows Fall by Grace Anne Schaefer
• The New Day Dawns by Grace Anne Schaefer
• On the Wings of the Wind by Patricia Eytcheson Taylor and the Reverend Doctor James Taylor
• Some Monument to Last by James Doughty
• Spring House by David Bowles
• Stroke of Luck by Yours Truly

Many readers have told me Dream or Destiny is on their to-buy book list. Don’t miss this opportunity to get an autographed copy plus a free e-book of a contemporary romance novel and a chance to win a virtual gift basket filled with e-books.

Sign autograph to

Interview: Wendy Burt-Thomas

My guest today is freelance writer and editor Wendy Burt-Thomas. I didn’t know Wendy until she contacted me about her blog tour for her book The Writers Digest Guide To Query Letters
(reviewed in my last post). I’ve learned she is a very talented and entertaining writer, and I know you’ll enjoy her visit here.

Lillie: Welcome to A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye, Wendy. What led you to write a book on query letters?

Wendy: I’d been teaching “Breaking Into Freelance Writing” for about eight years. In the workshop, I covered a lot of what is in this book: writing query letters to get articles in magazines, to land an agent, or to get a book deal with a publisher. Since I’m a full-time freelance magazine writer and editor with two previous books, this was incredibly fun to write because it didn’t require tons of research. I was lucky enough to receive lots of great sample query letters from writers and authors that I use as “good” examples in the book. I wrote all the “bad” examples myself because I didn’t dare ask for contributions that I knew I’d be ripping apart!

Lillie: Can you tell us a little more about the book?

Wendy: In addition to the ins and outs of what makes a good query, the book covers things like why (or why not) to get an agent, where to find one and how to choose one; writing a synopsis or proposal; selling different rights to your work; other forms of correspondence; and what editors and agents look for in new writers.

Lillie: I enjoyed the book because of your entertaining writing style and humor. I didn’t expect that. How did that come about?

Wendy: It was really important to me that the book not be a dry, boring reference book, but rather an entertaining read (while still being chock full of information). I was thrilled that Writer’s Digest let me keep all the humor.

Lillie: What is the most important thing you want readers to take away from The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters?

Wendy: I want them to understand that while writing a good query letter is important, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can break it down into parts, learn from any first-round rejections, and read other good queries to help understand what works. I also want them to remember that writing is fun. Sometimes new writers get so caught up in the procedures that they lose their original voice in a query. Don’t bury your style under formalities and to-the-letter formatting.

Lillie: Your book is broken down into several kinds of query letters. Tell us a little about when and to whom a writer needs to send a query letter.

Wendy: The short answer is regarding when to send queries is, whenever the guidelines say to. Smaller publications may not have writers’ guidelines, or may allow you to just send the completed manuscript. As a general rule, the larger the circulation, the more likely they’ll want a query letter. There are exceptions for special sections. For example, Family Circle might not require queries for things like reader tips, short personal essays, funny kids’ stories, etc. If the guidelines don’t specify to whom you should send your query, send it to someone farther down the food chain, like an assistant editor. The top editor on the masthead probably never looks at query letters because they’re too busy managing the entire publication.

With books, you’ll also be following the agency’s or publishing house’s guidelines. Some will say “send query” or “query with synopsis,” while others will say “send first 30 pages” or “send proposal.” Choose the agent or acquisitions editor that represents your genre. Don’t assume that your query will be forwarded to the correct person.

Lillie: Why are query letters so important?:

Wendy: Breaking into the publishing world is hard enough right now. Unless you have a serious “in” of some kind, you really need a great query letter to impress an agent or acquisitions editor. Essentially, your query letter is your first impression. If they like your idea (and voice and writing style and background), they’ll either request a proposal, sample chapters, or the entire manuscript. If they don’t like your query letter, you’ve got to pitch it to another agency/publisher. Unlike a manuscript, which can be edited or reworked if an editor thinks it has promise, you only get one shot with your query. Make it count!

I see a lot of authors who spend months (or years) finishing their book, only to rush through the process of crafting a good, solid query letter. What a waste! If agents/editors turn you down based on a bad query letter, you’ve blown your chance of getting them to read your manuscript. It could be the next bestseller, but they’ll never see it. My advice is to put as much effort into your query as you did your book. If it’s not fabulous, don’t send it until it is.

Lillie: There’s an entire chapter in the book about agents. Do you think all new writers should get agents?

Wendy: Probably 99% of new writers should get an agent. There are lots of reasons, but my top three are: 1) Many of the larger publishing houses won’t even look at unagented submissions now; 2) Agents can negotiate better rights and more money on your behalf; 3) Agents know the industry trends, changes, and staff better than you ever could.

Lillie: What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Wendy: Seize every opportunity – especially when you first start writing. I remember telling someone about a really high-paying writing gig I got and he said, “Wow. You have the best luck!” I thought, “Luck has nothing to do with it! I’ve worked hard to get where I am.” Later that week I read this great quote: “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” It’s absolutely true. And writing queries is only about luck in this sense. If you’re prepared with a good query and/or manuscript, when the opportunity comes along you’ll be successful.

I’ve been a mentor, coach, or editor for many writers, and I know the most common reason that good writers don’t get published is poor marketing skills. I see so many writers that are either too afraid, too uniformed, or frankly, too lazy, to market their work. They think their job is done when the write “the end” but writing is only half of the process. I’ve always told people who took my class that there are tons of great writers in the world who will never get published. I’d rather be a good writer who eats lobster than a great writer who eats hot dogs. I make a living as a writer because I spend as much time marketing as I do writing.

Lillie: What was the best thing about writing this book?

Wendy: Writing the “bad” query letters. I’ve read – and written! – so many horrible ones over the years that it was a little too easy to craft them. But misery loves company and we ALL love to read really bad query letters, right?

Lillie: I’m sure my readers will want to know more about you and your book. Do you have a blog and/or Web site?

Wendy: To learn more about me or my three books, visit www.GuideToQueryLetters.com. If you have a writing-related question, you can also post it on http://AskWendy.wordpress.com.

Lillie: Is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t asked?

Wendy: I think it’s encouraging for writers to know that this is actually a great time to be a freelancer. Many companies can’t afford to keep full-time writers/editors/PR creatives on staff, so they’re turning to independent contractors. In the eyes of an employer, they don’t have to pay health, dental or 401K, so even a higher hourly rate is worth it. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a full-time freelancer, this is a good climate to try it!

Lillie: Wendy, thank you for visiting. I’m sure I didn’t ask everything my readers want to know so I hope you’ll check in during the day to answer questions.

Wendy: Absolutely! I appreciate you having me here today. It’s my pleasure!

=============================

Wendy Burt-Thomas is a full-time freelance writer, editor, and copywriter with more than 1,000 published pieces. Her third book, The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters, hit stores in January 2009. To learn more about Wendy or her three books, visit http://www.GuideToQueryLetters.com. If you have a writing-related question, you can also post it on http://AskWendy.wordpress.com.

Review: The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters

The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters
Wendy Burt-Thomas
Writer’s Digest Books, an imprint of F+W Media Inc.
Copyright 2008
ISBN: 978-1-58297-566-5
Paperback, 228 pages, $14.99
Non-fiction

I have a confession to make. When Wendy Burt-Thomas contacted me about her blog tour for The Writers Digest Guide To Query Letters, I thought agreeing to read the book was a noble sacrifice for my readers and clients. I don’t write query letters to aspiring writers to seek editing jobs. My publisher has already expressed an interest in publishing the sequels to Dream or Destiny, so I won’t have to query for those books. But I know many of my readers and several of my clients do need to write query letters, and I was willing to read the book for their sake.

Surprise! I enjoyed reading the book. Wendy has a great sense of humor and uses it well. I expected The Writers Digest Guide To Query Letters to be well-written and filled with excellent information, and it was. In addition, it was an easy and enjoyable read.

The book is worth reading for the examples of “bad” query letters alone, but there’s much more of value. You’ll find advice on how to query an agent—even on whether you need an agent. You’ll learn how to write a novel synopsis or a nonfiction book proposal as well as other forms of correspondence. You’ll know how and when to follow-up on your queries and where to find more information.  Whether you need to write query letters for magazine articles, a nonfiction book, or a novel, you’ll find tips and examples to help you write a better query and enjoy it more.

Compiling Thanks to Commenters

Each month when I post my thanks to commenters, I get questions about how I compile the list. I have answered several times in comments but finally decided to put the answer into a post to make it more accessible.

People often ask if there is a plugin to compile this list. If there is, I don’t know about it. If anyone knows of such a plugin, please let me know. There are top commentator plugins, but I haven’t found one that gives credit to every comment each month.

Note added 10/21/11: I have modified the system slightly and edited the instructions below to show the latest process.

Here is my system:

• I maintain a spreadsheet in Excel throughout the month listing all commenters, their URLs, and the date(s) they comment.
• I update the list every time I moderate comments—it doesn’t take much time each time I moderate, and I have all the information in the spreadsheet by the end of the month.
• When I’m ready to put the post together, I add a column and enter the number of comments. Since many people leave only one comment during the month, it doesn’t take long—I fill in the numbers greater than one, then copy and paste many rows of 1 at a time.
• Next, I sort the list by the number of comments—from largest to smallest and add header rows to break the list into categories based on the number of comments.
• I copy the first two columns of the spreadsheet (commenter name and URL) into the WordPress visual editor (as if posting from Word).
• Then I add the image and opening sentences above the table, and the post is ready to publish.

Using this method I can compile a thank-you post in less than an hour each month, and I consider the time well-spent to show my appreciation for comments.

Creating Fictional Characters—Part 2: Finding and Creating Characters

Now we know what characters are. How do you come up with the characters for your novel or short story?

In Creating Characters: How to Build Story People, Dwight Swain says

You start from a foundation of your fantasies and feelings. Because the character you can’t fantasize and feel with will fail.  … 

In other words, you hunt till you find one whose looks you like … one who fits your private standards.

Sometimes it’s tempting to base a character on a real person, but that’s not a good idea. No two people—or characters—are alike. If you try to create a character just like someone you know, you won’t have the freedom to create the perfect character for your story.

However, using individual traits and characteristics from real people works well. Observe people—at home, at work, in the mall, in the media, everywhere you go. Use what you observe to create composite characters. Ask yourself, “What if …” What if  someone had hair like your mother’s, a facial tic like someone you saw in the office supply store, the voice pattern of your neighbor from another state, and the bubbly personality of a co-worker? And what if that person was a fifth degree black belt in karate?

Make your characters fit your story—people who can do interesting things and still be credible. If you’re writing an amateur sleuth mystery, your sleuth has to have some reason or motivation to solve the crime. Maybe she has an insatiable curiosity, has always been intrigued by a puzzle. Your action-adventure hero needs to have the physical and personal traits to enjoy adventure, or he must have some strong motivation to overcome his limitations.

Real people don’t always act consistently and don’t always know why they do what they do, but they rationalize their behavior. Rationalization provides plausible (but not necessarily true) reasons for actions, in life and fiction. Even when characters’ actions aren’t logical, the characters have to feel they are justified.

Just as in real life, we form dominant impressions of characters based on what we see:

• Sex – woman, man, girl, boy
• Age – young, old, 18-years-old, baby, teenager
• Vocation – doctor, nurse, housewife, bag lady, construction worker, lawyer
• Manner – surly, bubbly, sloppy, friendly, pompous, fun-loving

But if you built characters with dominant impressions only, they would be shallow and flat characters, not the dynamic, three-dimensional characters main characters should be.

In a list of do’s and don’ts for character development, Holly Lisle, author of Holly Lisle’s Create A Character Clinic, recommends:

Do start developing your character by giving him a problem, a dramatic need, a compulsion.

 Now you’re starting to make your character interesting. A woman who is a young lawyer with a fun-loving manner is a stereotype. A woman who is a young lawyer with a fun-loving manner and a hatred of drunk drivers because her parents were killed by a drunk driver who is assigned by her law firm to defend a man accused of drunk driving—that’s an interesting character.

In my novel Dream or Destiny, Marilee Anderson is a business consultant who is strong and confident in her business but quiet and shy in her personal life. She dreads being in the public eye, and, more than anything, she hates being mocked for her psychic abilities. Then she has a dream that puts her in the spotlight in a sensational murder case, a target of media attention and public ridicule for her dream.

The next installment will cover revealing character and point of view.

photo credit: Sweet One

My Special Days Dream or Destiny Promotion Midpoint

The My Special Days Dream or Destiny Promotion is half over. Order a copy of Dream or Destiny before the end of June, and I will e-mail you an e-book of Fern’s Fancies, my unpublished contemporary romance novel.

Not sure Dream or Destiny is for you? Read what reviewers and readers are saying about the book.

Learn more about Fern’s Fancies or read an excerpt.

I will draw a name from all buyers for a virtual gift basket of e-books written by my clients (plus one of mine).

• As Shadows Fall by Grace Anne Schaefer
• The New Day Dawns by Grace Anne Schaefer
• On the Wings of the Wind by Patricia Eytcheson Taylor and the Reverend Doctor James Taylor
• Some Monument to Last by James Doughty
• Spring House by David Bowles
• Stroke of Luck by Yours Truly

You may order Dream or Destiny from:

• My publisher, GASLight Publishing, LLC
• Amazon.com 
• Directly from me

To order directly from me through PayPal, click the “buy now” button below.  Please be sure to indicate the name you would like the autograph inscribed to.

If you order from GASLight or Amazon, e-mail a copy of your sales receipt to lillie@lillieammann.com, and I’ll e-mail your free e-book.

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Thanks to May Commenters

	Thank you to the 195 commenters who left 295 comments in May. I responded to every one of them. Your comments extended the conversation and added value and interest.
Top Contributor (16 comments)
Pat & James Taylor	On the Wings of the Wind
Major Contributor (14 comments)
wilson	Will You Mind
Outstanding Contributors (5-10 comments)
C McCoffee	The Coffee Bump
Andrew	Good Honest Dollar
Sean McRoy	Aided Job Search
Karen Swim	Words for Hire
Significant Contributors (2-4 comments)
Leon Huang	Leon Huang Photography
Renae Brumbaugh	Morning Coffee
rowenalee	Ice Box Athlete
acai berry	Pure Acai
encino	Fact Zoo
engagement rings	rokstok
James	Apex Credit Cards
Jeanne Dininni	Writers’ Notes
Lori Widmer	Words on the Page
Matt Keegan	Matt’s Musings
okinawa marine	Okinawa HDR
Sriraj	Sriraj.org
Sympathy Words and Sayings	Obituaries Help
Terry	Pulse Uniform
ahmed	Doctor’s Heaven
alby	Soft Laser
ambored	I Am Bored
David	David Batchelor
Edward	Seed In
Lyndy	Helmet Camera
Matt Keegan	Word Journey
medelastyle	Ezine Articles
Morgan Mandel	Morgan Mandel
Nick	On Site Heat
Robert Hruzek	Middle Zone Musings
Roger	Liposuction Research Center
Ronnica	Ignorant Historian
Spot	Travel Spot Cool Stuff
Steve	Self Assist Rail
TKA	10 Pounds to Lose
Important Contributors
A Coffee	Maximum Referrals
Alina Padilla	Precise Edit
Altesino	Natural Organic Shampoo
Ana	Gifts I Like
Andrew	Pensito CSP
Andy	Clear Study
Angela	Angela from Aberdeen
Anna	Moja Dieta
Andy	Movers Corp
Andy	Clear Study
anupam	National CPR Certification
Asif	Symbian Smartphone
avent	Benefits of Breast Feeding
baby heartbeat monitor	Baby Heartbeat Monitor
Barb Hartsook	Over Coffee Blog
Barbara Ling	Virtual Coach
Beatriz Kim	Art by Beatriz
Beatriz Kim	Beatriz Kim’s Memoir
Beatriz Kim	The Purple Idealist
Bert	Spiffy Deals
Bill	The Crankshaft Company
Brad	Weber Racing
Brad Shorr	Word Sell
Bretagne Ferienhauser	Bretagne Ferienhauser
Caitlin	Evo Web Hosting
cars	Cars Review
Cath	Cath Lawson
Cathy C. Hall	Cathy C.’s Hall of Fame
cecep	Priangan Daily News
Chandra Wijaya	Chandra Wijaya
chante	n/a
Cheryl	The Canadian Copywriter
Chris	Absolute Martial Arts – St Louis
Chris	Anne Klein Watch Reviews
Christian	My Bowling Games
Cindy	Dress Up Me
Coupon Mom	KeepCash
Crazy Spanish Dude	Rocket Linguist
Daniel	Bad Credit Loans
Dawn Colclasure	Dawn Colclasure’s Blog
Deaneh	Buy Resvaretrol
Detector Laser	DetectorLaser.com
Devon Ellington	Ink in My Coffee
dragon slayer	Dungeons and Dragons
eBook Cover Designer	Ecover Central
Eddie	Desirable Life
Edwin Gato	Free Reverse Number Lookup
elearning	The eLearning Blog
engineering ebook	Mechanical Engineering Ebook
Eric	Brick Labs
Erik	Fabric Shower Curtains
Figgie	Jul I Dannevang
Figgie	Super Gaver
flash chat software	Flash Coms
French Citizenship	An American in France
gagan	Seed In
Games MotionPlus	Wii Motion Plus Games
Gary Sims	Network Attached Storage News
Greg	My Easy TV
Gus	Geschenkewunder
Hanna	Fairy Costumes
Hanna	Plus Size Costumes
Heidi	Savory TV
Hesham	Zebida
Holiday Homes	Cottages for Holidays
imawniumay	EZine Articles: Reverse Cell Phone
Internet Marketing Joy	Dot Com Secrets
Jake	Twilight Audiobook
Jase	All Web Leads
Jason	1 Wedding Source
Jason	Blog Catalog Blog
Jeff	Ezine Articles
Jeff	LeadScribe
Jessie	Vois
Jim	Clear Study
John	Personal Job Search Assistant
John	Ugg Boots
John Dennis	Calculus Tutors
Jonathan	Federal Prison a Comprehensive Survival Guide
Jordan	China Nike Air Jordans Wholesaler
Jonk	Go Limo
Josh	Ezine Articles: Puppy Potty Training
Julian Woods	Male Weddings Rings
Jun	Ilolio House and Lot
Justin	SEO Positions
Keegan	Ben Franklin Plumbing Denver
Kenneth Sena	Kika
Kirsten	Cooking Games
Kuba	Extreem Blog
Kurt	Bali Car Rental
Lance	We Live 2 Care
Lance	Used Cars from Japan
Lea	Absolute Martial Arts – St Louis
Lee	Marriage Helper
Leo	SEORemake
Liz	Moving to Andalusia
McKlum	Press Lancer
makeover games	Dress Up Me
Mandi	Color My Eyes
Marty	The Hot Stickers
mb	Phuket Holiday Hotel
Medical Jobs Australia	Fast Med
Melanie	Moms Who Need Money
Mihaela (Mig) Lica	Online Public Relations
Mike	Philippine Franchise Business Investments
Minnesota Entertainers	Sean Phillips Professional Illusionist
Mira	Amish Furniture Home
Miyaka	California Health Plans
Nancy	Golf Club Wholesaler
Nick	Rocket Italian
Noah Lieske	Aitrade, LLC
Naomi Welsh	Shape 5 Joomla Templates
Nick	Conversational Hypnosis
Nussaibah	Ode to My Tainted Dreams
Oklahoma Wedding Photographer	Oklahoma Wedding Studio
Paul	Money for College Students
Paul	Kitty Items
Peter	Deals Vista
Peter	Forex Robot Reviews
Rados	Empire Beauty Supply
Randy	Child Psychology Articles
Randy	The Prayer Watch
redline9	Redline9
Reza Fauzi	Search Engine Optimization
ribon	PDF Source
Rich Young	n/a
Richard T	Richard’s Palace
Rob	Rakeback Takeback Poker Blog
Robert	DARG Domestic Animal Rescue Group
rohan	Maryland Electrician
Sam	CP24
Sarika	Cure for Hair Loss
Scotsman Ice Machine	NT Ice
Simo	Learn Italian Like Crazy
Stacey Dawkins	How to Get Rid of Blackheads
Stefan	WeboLink
Stephanie	Irish Genealogical
Steve	Hip Hop Discounts
Steve	Money Savings Exposed
Stuart Foster	The Lost Jacket
Sylvia	Auction Mastery
Support Our Troops	Homes for Our Troops
Thomas	Top Web Hosts Reviews
Tom	Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Tom	Tkaniny-firany
Tom Nicholson	Carpal Tunnel Cure
TP	Gossip Blog
Travis Van Slooten	Best Online Storage
treadmill	Treadmill Doctor
True Pet Professional	Contain-a-Pet
Tutoring Service	Premium Tutor
Twyla	Close to My Heart
Val	Zero Gifts
Vanessa	Juicy Couture
wedding favors	1WeddingSource
Wes Upchurch	PressDr
Writers from Home Needed	Self Employment Money Now
Zack	Pay as You Go Mobile Phones
Zula	Buy Tiffany

Happy 3rd Birthday to A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye

Blogging is so much a part of my life that sometimes it seems like I’ve been doing it forever. On the other hand, sometimes it seems as if I’ve just started.

In fact, I started three years ago today. The numbers tell part of the story:

• 566 posts, including nearly two dozen series with 2 to 14 installments 
• More than 8000 comments—I don’t know the exact number because when I moved my blog last fall all my nested comments disappeared
• Almost 140,000 spam comments since I moved the blog in September 2008

But the numbers don’t tell the whole story.

I’ve learned so much from reading other blogs, from researching for my own blog posts, and from interacting with readers in comments. Though it’s hard for me to evaluate, I hope I’ve become a better writer through blogging.

Most of all, I’ve met so many wonderful friends from around the world. I love carrying on conversations in comments. Often more valuable information comes from my readers in comments than from what I write. For example, my post about a way to donate books to literacy programs turned into a fascinating discussion of illiteracy in comments.

I would love to recognize all my blogging friends, but this post would be way too long. And I would certainly overlook someone. Thank you to each of you who read and comment on my blog and who motivate, entertain, and educate me through your blogs.

I’m looking forward to many more years of blogging and sharing cyberspace with all of you.

I’m celebrating my blogging birthday, along my birthday and my wedding anniversary, with My Special Days Dream or Destiny Promotion. Everyone who orders Dream or Destiny during the month of June will receive a free e-book of a contemporary romance, Fern’s Fancies, and a chance to win a virtual gift basket of e-books.

You can order from my publisher or Amazon.com and send me a copy of the receipt to receive your free e-book. Or you can order an autographed book directly from me.

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