#amwriting

Books Worth Reading This Summer

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 9 Comments

There is nothing quite like reading a good book. I especially love those that pull me in on page one and don’t let go. So, if you’re looking for something to read, check out my latest reviews on the Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchinson and The Girl in the Ice by Robert Bryndza. You can read my reviews here, or Amazon and GoodReads.

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And, for all my reviews, follow me on Amazon.

What about you? Do you have a favorite book to share?

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram.

Predictable? Maybe

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 9 Comments

The Daily Post Prompt: Unpredictable – “behaving or occurring in a way that is not expected.”

Not likely; most who know me will tell you I’m very predictable. I keep my house clean enough one would think the Queen of England was visiting. My kids will tell you I can never keep their Christmas or birthday presents a secret, and I’m an obsessive planner and list maker.

My husband would say, besides being the most opinionated and challenging woman he’s ever met, I have no sense of direction. My sisters will tell you I’m an uncompromising conservative, among other things, but I’ll leave those adjectives to your imagination. Yet, I’m a complete fly-by-the-pants writer – go figure.

To be honest, they’re all correct – to a point. I’ll admit preferring the known to the unknown.Predictability gives me a sense of safety in a world that’s growing increasingly uncertain and unsafe by the day. Give me a map, my lists, instructions, or detailed plans any day. I’ve had my share of unpredictability, and I don’t like it.

However, I’m open to other opinions and words of wisdom, see for yourself:





What about you? Are you Predictable?  I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram.

The Recurring Nightmare

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 4 Comments

The Daily Post Prompt: Nightmare

The sound came from far away reaching deep into her dreams. She twisted underneath the covers and listened for the disturbing sound. A frown creased her brows.

There it was again – louder. The temperature in the room rose. She tossed from side to side and kicked at the covers. The chilly night air mingled with the sweat covering her body. The sound grew more frantic. She groped for the comforter and pulled it to her chin, shivering.

A whimper escaped her lips. Oh my, God. It was the baby. Get up, get up. Her heart pounded against her chest as the cries tore at her heart. Kicking the covers to the floor, she called out, “I’m coming.”But, she couldn’t move. She thrashed against the force keeping her in place.

“Honey, wake up, wake up.” The firm touch and steady words of her husband broke through the fog, and she opened her eyes.

“You’re having a nightmare,” he said.

“Let me go,” she said pushing at his hands. “The baby’s crying.”

He held her in place. “Look at me, look at me.” She stopped struggling and turned to him. He shook his head, no. “It was a nightmare.”

Tears flowed from her eyes. “It was real. The baby was crying. I heard it.” Her whispered words faded into the night.

He pulled her to his chest.”I’m so sorry, honey.”

“Oh, God. What did I do?” Choking sobs filled the silent room.

“Ssh, it’s okay,” he said, stroking her hair; it was all he knew to do.

 

Care and Feeding of Beta Readers

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 4 Comments

Stephanie Snow’s post, Care and Feeding of Beta Readers, could not have come at a better time. I’m currently working with a few beta readers on a story collection I’m in the process of self-publishing. Her tips are excellent. Give Stephanie a shout out at Bare Knuckle Writer and as always, I’d love to hear your comments.Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood,  Pinterest,  Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram.

bareknucklewriter's avatarBare Knuckle Writer

Writers Tears DO: give thematically-appropriate gifts.

DO give them a properly formatted, grammatically-correct, spell-checked manuscript.* It’s annoying as hell to wade through someone’s poor grammar to try and understand their story.

DON’T respond to critiques about poor formatting, poor grammar, misspellings, or misused words with “that’s just how I like to do it.” That’s fine if you’re journalling just for yourself, but the second you give someone a manuscript to read you’re on their time and you owe it to them to follow the rules of engagement. Also, you sound like an entitled twat.**

DO include any relevant reference material. Maps (especially for alternate world settings) and glossaries are useful for understanding some stories.

DON’T foist your whole world-building bible off on them so they can be awed by your genius. They won’t be.

DO offer compensation. Some don’t want it, but you should still offer. It doesn’t have to be money…

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