Spread the Word!

★★★★★ "Riveting! Had me from start to finish."

Here's a great picture sent to me by an amazing reader (Daron Blanche) who admitted that there are times when he just gives up on books that don't keep/hold

his attention. He just skims through them, quickly, hoping he'll find something in the plot or the overall concept that keeps him interested. That is until he heard about then bought TWISTED!

I'm happy to know that TWISTED captured and held his attention so much so that he couldn't put it down! 🙂 My favorite line of the review is, "Had me from start to finish."

This has been the constant comment for TWISTED since it's release. Which is the kind of books I like to write...ones that keep you interested/capture your attention.

The countdown is on, for Book # 2 of the Encounter Series - NO MERCY! And, if you haven't joined our Mailing List, "What's Holding You Up?" We have so many awesome things coming between now and the release of NO MERCY. Be the first to hear about new books, cover reveals, special content and more. Plus, you'll be eligible for special giveaways exclusively for subscribers!

Sign up at: https://www.carlalanublishing.com/mailing-list

How to Commit to Your Writing

As January 2020 comes to an end, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you that have contacted me about writing ideas. Also, I'm excited to know that I've had direct contact with five people who have accomplished their dream. They actually published their first book in 2019. A huge, major accomplishment!

Congratulations to those of you who are in the process of writing your very first manuscript. Also, there are scores of you who are thinking about it. Unlike those of you who have already started to write your manuscript, the one's who haven't, I'd say to you..."WHAT'S STOPPING YOU?" Push yourself! Get started! That's what I did when I first started my writing career. Getting started means you have to come up with a story that captures and holds the readers attention. A story that keeps your readers on the edge of their seat without boring them or putting you to sleep during the writing process. Trust me, I've read my early writings where I couldn't get past the first 3 or 4 pages. If the story bores you, it will bore your reader, too.

Gather your thoughts... This is definitely not an easy task! Temporary distractions such as; confidence and self-doubt makes getting started and staying focused not so easy. Knowing what you want your story to be about versus putting it on paper can be just as intimidating as it is hugely challenging. There's no simple solution and what ever you...don't ask another author for advice. (The good ones will not step into this trap).

Your story is about you!

So, zero in on your first chapter, make it captivating with an edge of the seat beginning instead of a fold your arms, sit back in your seat sleeper, creeper.

There will be a point where your thoughts will stop flowing. I went over my first manuscript everyday for a two months before I was satisfied it was where I wanted it to be. There were paragraphs and chapters that I thought I loved but after going back over them, I found myself in constant rewrite mode. If your story, as it is written, doesn't capture your attention, delete what you don't like and start over. Just remember to file those deleted passages in another file for future reference.

Finally, you a completed manuscript. Yet, fear of rejection causes you to think twice about forwarding it for publication, take the chance and send it out. Prior to sending it out, do your homework, make a list of the top agencies. Of course, you'll have to decide which agencies and how many. And, yes...they have numerous best selling authors on their list. Even if you convince yourself that they may not be interested in your work, have faith in your story, in your writing skills and ability.

Finally, you can always self-publish. This is your choice or you can take a chance on seeing your dream of being a published author/writer become a reality. The only thing stopping you from being successful is YOU!

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY

As we turn the pages of our history, since America began many women, boys and girls of all nationalities and walks of life have been committed to the freedom of America. (Lyrics from this paragraph ONLY are from Barry White's Song America) The history of Black achievement and involvement in America, was not done quickly. It is not a quick one-time reminder, FOR ONE MONTH, of who we are or what we've done as "FREE" Americans to support the American Dream. We can be counted upon to do our part. Be it business, sports, the arts, music, motion pictures, dance, poetry, fashion, invention/discovery, agriculture, entertainment, law enforcement, engineering, academics, outer space, clergy, civil rights, politics or the U.S. Military, etc., Black People have and will continue to be an integral part of American Society Although February is recognized as Black History Month, We can't be content to wait around for February for people to recognize who we are and what we've accomplished. Those short 28 days of February that we share with Valentines Day doesn't even scratch the surface of our historical accomplishments and achievements. Black people are making history every day, right now. Let's not wait to be notified/reminded that it's time to celebrate what's been, has been or is being accomplished. Black History...is an every day of every month of every year accomplishment that "WE" ourselves should not be afraid to take part in and promote. However, in closing this is just a reminder, y'all, DON'T FORGET, REMEMBER...the history of Black People in America is a marathon. It's a generational journey across time that was not done quickly. Recognizing our accomplishments to America good or bad, is not a quick lesson just so we can move on. DON'T WAIT, DON'T HESITATE...PARTICIPATE!!!