Tag: manuscripts

10,000 followers

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog2 Comments

10,000 followers

Hello. I never mention these milestones, but this time I felt I should.

First, I would like to thank the three men that are following me. Never would have achieved this without you. ONLY KIDDING.

I find this achievement remarkable because after two weeks of blogging, I only had one follower Eye-Dancers. By the end of my first full month, I picked up a second follower Carrie Rubin. Thanks to them for their early encouragement.

I have been lucky to make amazing friends who have been with me since the beginning of this incredible journey. Sweet and supportive Aruna @ Roseyevening, a special writer and funny friend John at FictionFavorites, the only blogger I refer to as my sister Diane at LadiesWhoLunchReviews , and a very special gentleman across the pond Derrick at DerrickJKnight.

This post wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of friends who reblogged my work and introduced me to so many wonderful people. John at ByTheMightyMumford, Chuck at TheReluctantPoet, John at JohnCoyote, Jack at HaveWeHadHelp, and Ian at AceNewsServices. They have all played a great part in my success.

When I started blogging, this corner was dedicated to novel and screen writing and humor. Then, I started reading poetry…..

Sadly, the poets that inspired me to start writing poetry are gone and only one remains. Let me tell you, she inspires me today just as she did four and a half years ago. Her work remains fresh, brilliant, and inspiring. Please stop by and visit Holly at HouseofHeart. She may kill me for this, but Holly is the only blogger who ever inspired me to write about her hair TheBeautifulRedhead.

I would like to thank you for your support, friendship, and the laughs. It has been an unforgettable journey. Hopefully, you will stay with me as I continue my trek to publication, dare I say, and find love along the way.

The Lonely Author

❤️

Advertisement

The Pharaoh’s Wife (100 word manuscript excerpt)

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog257 Comments

3933175692_41db7b9d14_z

.

The Pharaoh’s Wife

.

“Can love last forever?”

“How dare you ask me after I’ve watched my Aziza die one hundred deaths?”

Painful memories clicked through Amani’s mind like old time flicker films of the silent era, each heartbreaking recollection reopening ancient wounds.

Angelo interrupted, “I didn’t mean to…”

“I’ve watched her die at the hands of barbarians, disease, slave owners, and the Black Death.”

“Please stop.”

“Time can heal the wounded heart, but it can hurt the waiting heart.”

Hands aching from all of the times he’s buried Aziza, Amani sighed.

“Can love last forever?  Eternity wouldn’t be enough time to love her.”

.

.

Palace guard Amani is cursed to live forever when he is caught making love to the Pharaoh’s wife.  Millenniums later, he befriends Angelo, a cranky Vietnam veteran who searches for his long lost love.  Sharing the story of his five thousand year journey searching for his perpetually reincarnating twin flame, Amani the immortal, learns the true meaning of life from his dying friend.

Originally titled “The Pharaoh’s Wife,” my current manuscript (first draft) is the story of two men, an immortal and a dying man, sharing their tales of love and life.  I am considering “Eternity,” “Forever,” and “A Time For Us” as titles. Thus, it officially remains unnamed.

This manuscript, my notes. and outline, have been registered and are protected by the U.S. Copyright Office (within the Library of Congress). 

 

What actor/actress would play you in the story of your life?

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog224 Comments

Hola. I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who supported me last week through a crazy week of posting excerpts of my manuscripts. Your reactions and comments about my work and ideas, inspired me to plow forward on my quest toward publication.

One interesting thing that did occur; so many people suggested actors to play different roles. That is a game I often play with my family.

When I wrote The Executioner’s Diary, I thought of a younger Antonio Banderas as the perfect actor to play the role of a Cuban refugee turned hit man.  I once mailed him and his representatives a copy of my screenplay; but never heard back from them.

The role of Veyda in Paradox was written for Kate Beckinsale. With the few remaining humans accepting their dismal fate; Veyda is the tough soldier who refuses to believe humanity will become extinct. After watching her gritty performance in Underworld, I wanted Kate Beckinsale as my female lead. (It would also provide Lonely Author the opportunity to meet one of his  favorite actresses. Oh, God, she is so hot. Hey a chimp can dream can’t he?)

So, I ask you.

What actor /actress would play YOU in the movie about your life?

 

underworld

Lonely Author Stress Test

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog108 Comments

Reviewing recent responses and comments from many of his followers, Lonely Author is downright concerned his insanity has become an epidemic. So, it is the perfect time to share this stress test he took several years ago.

Please, look at the photo below. If you see two dolphins in the water, you are perfectly fine. Don’t worry about a thing. Go about your normal routine.

However, if you don’t see two dolphins………………..Houston, we have a problem.

Have a wonderful week.

Keep smiling.

Keep writing.

stress dolphin

Do You Have A Super Power?

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog188 Comments

Yeah, that is my super power. My better half has the uncanny super power of scent (thus Lonely Author bathes regularly. Rubber ducky doesn’t mind).

Today, posting wasn’t in my plans. However, I just read the works of a writer who deeply inspires me. Need to work off some steam, so let’s go.

I am tired of going to the movies and half the choices are comic book heroes. I have always been a big fan of Batman and Ironman, but things in Hollywood are out of control. What can I say, Hollywood has never been known for great originality. Ninety five percent of the great movies were taken from novels. And many of those they screwed up.

Big James Bond fan, too. Always thought Sean Connery was the best, but that was until Daniel Craig came along. His interpretation of a less than perfect Bond, with so many flaws fascinates me.

The best books and movies are usually about flawed characters who have to overcome their fears in order to defeat their adversaries.

Please, someone, anyone, keep me company. Lonely Author needs conversation.

Do you have a super power?

If you could pick one, what super power would it be?

10917855_1533302423604507_9023066283137263704_n

Dear Lonely Author (Advice for Writers, Bloggers, and the Lovelorn)

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog97 Comments

Dear Lonely Author,

I recently married. My young bride is learning how to cook. A month ago she asked me, “What do you think about my rump roast?” I answered her honestly, now I have a sexless marriage. What can I do to win her back?

Signed

Mickey in LA

———-

Dear Laboratory Rat,

When it comes to your bride’s toxic cuisine honesty is the worst policy. Believe in what I say. Lonely Author has completed many chapters of his novels while exiled on the sofa for a lonely evening. Questions about her rump roast or any rump for that matter, should never be discussed. And while we are on the subject of dangerous questions, beware of the infamous do these pants make me look fat? Buy her roses, buy yourself Alka-Seltzer, and next time ask for a second helping.

Signed

Lonely Author

———————————————————————–

Dear Lonely Author,

As you know, I had much success with my Twilight series of novels. So much success, I am intimidated and incapable of writing new books about other characters. What should I do?

Signed

Needing to write fresh Stephenie Meyer

———-

Dear Steph.

I must admit you had tremendous success with your novels. Read and enjoyed each one. However, I am sorry to inform you that I watched the movies (at fifteen bucks a pop). Trust me your vampires weren’t the only thing that sucked. Move on.

Signed

Lonely Author

———————————————————————–

Everyone have wonderful week.

Keep writing.

b44423d3887c071123c5fa241b055851

Do Fiction Writers Live Vicariously Through Their Characters?

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog216 Comments

Yes, I do.

Remember the last time someone acted a bit snarky with you at the supermarket or on line at the local bank. Have you replayed a moment like that in your mind wishing you had said something clever? Well, one of my secondary characters in my manuscript Paradox, his name is Razor, always has a wry remark ready. Yes, and I grit my teeth and shake my fist every time he says the clever line that’s never discharged from my mouth.

Do I Live vicariously through my characters?

YES, yes, yes. I admit it. With no shame or guilt. My characters accomplish all the things that I never could. They lead exciting lives traveling the world, sipping on the finest champagne, making love to the most beautiful women, and most importantly; overcoming every obstacle. And trust me, I make it hard for them!

Andrew Duran the mysterious fugitive with the secretive past; skilled in combat and in bed. Veyda the unselfish warrior determined to save mankind, ready to sacrifice her own happiness to save the world. These guys are filled with such passion. Theirs lives are extraordinary.

So, I admit my characters bring excitement to my life. And why not? They are the most interesting people I know.

Do you live through vicariously through your characters?

d66bc606bafe200ef1509880feec8620

Does Blogging Help An Unpublished Writer

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog285 Comments

Hello, as a new member to the blogging world, I ask myself is this platform useful for an unpublished writer. Having read varying opinions about this, I will offer a few random thoughts about the subject.

First, what negatives can come from blogging (other than carpal tunnel syndrome)? Not knowing how to effectively manage one’s time can be a major setback. Blogging your life away when you could be editing your manuscript, writing the next chapter, or improving your query appears to be the greatest danger. Too many people get caught up in social media and forget the priorities in their lives. If your goal is to become a published author, your writing must come before your blog.

Blogging doesn’t necessarily translate into improved book sales for a fiction writer. I have read reports that state blogging is a huge plus for writers of non-fiction, who have a platform to demonstrate their expertise. Their followers will mostly likely be people interested in the subject matter. A fiction writer can post short stories and have a following, but not all of your followers will enjoy the type of fiction you write, thus no guarantee of greater book sales.

What are the positives? Well, I am trying to use my blog as a platform to introduce my characters. I don’t use excerpts from my manuscript, I write about my characters in other periods in their lives; days or years before the time period of the book. My queries will mention my blog and advise literary agents they can learn more about my characters on my blog.

Having this blog has also forced me to think more about my writing and the marketing aspect of the publishing world. We as author need to wear two hats. writer and salesman. And the first thing we need to sell is ourselves. I admit marketing myself and my work has never been my forte. Hopefully, this will help me improve my queries and my self confidence when approaching literary agents. It can’t hurt.

What do you think about blogging helping or hurting your unpublished work?

a83e296c51158bfa495bb50d4de86b47

Melinda Gordon Conversing With The Dead

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog27 Comments

From September 2005 until May 2010 CBS produced and aired five seasons of the supernatural drama Ghost Whisperer. Jennifer Love Hewitt played Melinda Gordon a young lady with a special gift; the ability to see and speak to Earth bound spirits (ghosts). She helped these lost souls and their grieving families resolve unfinished business in order for the ghosts to eventually cross into the light. Thanks to Hulu, my wife and I have spent valuable (yes, honey I said valuable and typed it in italics) time watching the life of Melinda Gordon.

Figured October would be the perfect time to discuss death. We will be discussing ghost dead not zombie dead (Ha ha, you see I know zombies are in and vampires are out).

Of all the gifts in the world to receive, conversing with the dead is pretty low on my list. Probably comes right after the gift of tooth decay and mental illness.

My apologies to Mitch Albom author of One More Day and The Five People You Meet In Heaven, but other than my parents, I don’t wish to speak to anyone from beyond unless its Bed, Bath, and Beyond. (My wife just bought these wonderful leaf shaped place mats for Thanksgiving. You have to see them). Every week the dead waste their time fighting and complaining with Melinda like Walmart shoppers on Black Friday. And if you believe courtesy and politeness are out of style, the dead don’t bother with any formalities. They are selfish, unforgiving, and cold. Well, maybe we shouldn’t be surprised by the cold part.

The dead don’t talk about sports, politics, or the weather. Even the ghosts of the elderly act strange. No mention of their hip replacement surgery, their rheumatoid arthritis, or cholesterol. And wouldn’t you know it; I have yet to see a smoking ghost. I guess they finally learned that cigarettes kill when they arrived on the other side. At that point, you may as well continue smoking, it won’t kill you again. Hey, Surgeon General we don’t need to see those disgusting commercials that ruin my late night snacking. Trust me, all smokers are going to quit.

On a positive note, if I received the gift of talking to the dead, I can talk to my parents again. My mom would complain about my poor diet. My father would snicker, still writing stupid crap? I told you to study accounting.

Yeah right, talking to the dead. This is one present I will definitely re-gift.

What are your thoughts? Would you like to talk to the dead?

Please note: asking for directions doesn’t count.

Ghost-Whisperer-s4-1-ghost-whisperer-23123592-1024-768-e1394910829224

Praise For The Lonely Author Blog

Published on by thelonelyauthorblog104 Comments

The Washington Post – wtf

The Walking Dead – this is killer stuff

Forest Gump – stupid is as stupid does

Albert Einstein – the difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.

Edward Scissorhands – this guy is a cut up

Donald Trump – ask me about walls not blogs

Hilary Clinton – sorry I deleted the email with my praise for your blog

Han Solo from Star Wars – great kid. don’t get cocky

Tony the Tiger – this is gggggggrrrrrrrreat

Hannibal Lector – this goes well with liver, some fava beans, and a nice Chianti

Plato of Greek philosophy fame – wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.

Fifty Shades of Grey – who’s he kidding? he’s no gentleman. he has my panties.

Jim Lovell of Apollo 13 – houston we have a problem

Conductor on the 2 train – next stop…. publication

The Wicked Witch of the West – I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too

Lord Voldemort of Harry Potter fame- greatness inspires envy. envy engenders spite. spite spawns lies.

William Shakespeare – better a witty fool than a foolish wit.

Johnny Castle from Dirty Dancing fame – nobody puts bloggy in a corner

Fluffy my Cat – meow

Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind – frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.

b0750c5916038b57544f2f75130b0ba4