Google Mania

Last week, I pointed out a tidbit about Google Alerts. Another cool article to read by Heather von Doehren , that really breaks down the basics of RSS Feeds is Why Writers Need to Subscribe to RSS Feeds.

One of the RSS Feed Readers she mentions is Google Reader. Let me tell you, I LOVE Google Reader. Reading RSS Feeds can be just as addictive as reading email, but even better. Why? Well it’s just pure reading. Soaking up good info.

BOOK REVIEW | The Hunted

The Hunted
by Mike Dellosso

Joe Saunders returns to his childhood home in Dark Hills to join the search party for his missing nephew, Caleb. When Caleb is found badly injured, news of the boy’s wounds are linked to some ferocious animal at large. Soon folks around town report seeing an African lion on the loose. The police are not amused with this possibility since Dark Hills is located in Pennsylvania, USA.

Google Alerts

Last week on a mailing list, Black Writers Christian Literature (an awesome group of writers), the subject of Google Alerts came up. Now I’m a web developer and I tell you it’s hard keeping up with trends. I’m still trying to get the hang of Web 2.0, blogging and Twitter. Not to include the social network arena (Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace – OMG!).

One thing for sure if you are a writer and have the opportunity to get published, you can’t sleep on the marketing side. You have to be aware of your brand – which is essentially your name or your pen name.

Last Friday, I typed in a few key words in the Google Alert form. It’s been interesting to see the alerts as they float into my inbox. Nothing crazy yet! But I’ve made note of where my sites and name is popping up and that’s a good thing.

Today during my blog surfing, I ran across a really good article on Google Alerts.

Heather von Doehren has a article posted on Relief Journal titled, Why Writers Need Google Alerts. It’s well worth your time to read.

Did You Miss It?

I’m mainly going to concentrate on mystery and suspense on this blog, but I do read other genres as well. I generally love to read Christian Fiction and as book reviewer there are tons of books to choose from whether it’s mystery, suspense, women’s fiction, historical fiction, fantasy etc.

Last week, I ran across some interesting interviews and blog posts related to African American Christian Fiction.

The Damascus Road Authors

If you missed it, let me encourage you to check out the two-part interview with The Damascus Road authors Maurice Gray, Jr., Dr. Linda Beed, Wanda B. Campbell, Lacricia Peters, Jacquelin Thomas and Kim Brooks.

Show vs. Tell

I still have problems with this “show” vs. “tell” part of writing. I received some excellent advice about keeping a notebook around wherever I go so I can jot down words that describe setting, emotions, senses, etc.

Whether you have chosen to write in the first person point of view (POV) or third person POV, a writer has to allow readers to experience events through the character’s eyes, thus encouraging them to keep turning the pages. This takes place by covering all the senses as your write a passage. It isn’t necessary to always include a sense of smell if there isn’t one needed, but if there is food involved, the character’s sensory reactions are important so the reader can relate.

I subscribe to over a 100 blogs through Google Reader. No, I don’t read every one of them, but there are certain ones that catch my attention during my daily scan through the headlines. Camy Tang is running a great series on her Story Sensei blog that I think is worth checking out. Really wonderful examples!

Heartsong Presents – Mysteries

I recently joined the Heartsong Presents — Mysteries Book Club and I have to say I’m really enjoying the book selections. They specialize in cozy mysteries and it’s been a big help to read this genre since I’m attempting to write one.

Subscribers receive four FREE books in addition to the four they receive in their first month’s shipment and there are no commitments to sign.

If you are looking for light-hearted mysteries, check out the details and subscribe at: www.heartsongmysteries.com.