The Mystery of M...

February 7, 2012

2012-02-07T19:59:00.000-08:00

Have you ever taken time to watch the sunrise? I don’t mean just wake up with the sun shining through your window, but wake up early enough to enjoy God’s special painting that is new every day?

I glanced outside this morning when I had finished my breakfast and WOW!!! The sunrise was spectacular with all the clouds. In the space of a few minutes the sky changed from shades of blue with bits of pink, to bright orange and deep red. It really looked like the sky was on fire!

What things in God’s creation do you most enjoy? The sunrise? Flowers?

February 1, 2012

2012-02-01T20:16:00.001-08:00

A Fedora or a motorcycle helmet? . . . What intrigues you most about a book? Is it the cover? The short synopsis on the back? Maybe a sketch just inside the front cover? Please send your comments. What intrigues you?

January 29th, 2012

2012-01-29T06:58:00.001-08:00

How do you develop a character throughout the book? This might sound challenging, but it is really quite simple. You can develop your own characters however you want, but again how do you develop them?

I went to the Viennese ball last night in Balboa Park. It was a fun night of meeting people I haven’t seen since last year’s ball and also introducing myself to new ones. I’m sure glad I don’t live back in the era where girls aren’t supposed to talk to strangers at dances. Back then a women could not dance with someone she had not been introduced to, but now the women can even ask the guys to dance.

Developing a character is like getting to know a new person for the first time. When you introduce yourself, you don’t reveal everything that very first time. You usually talk about what you have in common and go from there.

When creating a character I have found it helpful to write out the character’s physical description as well as his or her likes and dislikes, favorite food, etc. That way it will be like someone you are getting to know in a real friendship.

January 13, 2012

2012-01-13T18:05:00.000-08:00

My friend reminded me of something the other day. She asked, “When you do have time to write? Do you do it in the evenings? And mostly on weekends?”

That is a really good question. The answer is this: Any length of time can be used to write. Even if you only have five minutes you can get a short section read or review what you worked on last time. It really works quite well! This is one thing to keep in mind regarding every aspect of your life, not just writing!

January 10, 2012

2012-01-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Take a few minutes and look around you. What do you notice right away? Your notebook and pen are next to your computer. Maybe you have the newspaper nearby, a mug of tea? Now look again, look for more detail. What do you see now? Maybe you see that the objects in the room make funny shadows on the wall. The light in the room reflects off you window. Do you notice any smells? Fresh baked cookies? Sweet smelling flowers? These are the kind of things that writers notice. You can write a book with no describing words at all, but will you keep the readers attention? Maybe, but you want them to be able to see exactly what you see.

Here is an example:
“I’m sitting in the family room typing away on my computer.”

Okay, that’s not very descriptive, how about this?
“Shari now sat on a stool at the kitchen counter typing away on her computer, her long dark brown hair pulled back in a bun. She tried to update her blog as often as possible, at least once a week. As she paused to think, she rearranged her right foot on the next stool’s rung, her left toes holding their place on her stool. Shari had just finished a long workday at the office and had changed into more comfortable clothes when she reached home. Now she wore her blue corduroy jeans, a t-shirt and zip-up sweatshirt, fuzzy brown slippers kept her feet warm.

Which would you rather read?

January 3, 2012

2012-01-03T20:34:00.000-08:00

When you read do you usually:
… Sit at a table
… Read in the car
… Relax in an easy chair
… Read in bed
… Sit outside

This is an interesting poll. I have used each of these places for one reason or another. I love reading. If there is a book you need to read quickly it might help to sit up straight at a table. The table is also helpful if you want to eat while you read. Reading in the car is a great way to pass the time, unless you are one of those people who gets carsick. I hope not! Relaxing in an easy chair is a great way to relax, maybe with a cup of tea or coffee. If you are tired though, you might find yourself waking up a few hours later with only one or two pages of your book read. Sitting outside gets you out in God’s creation. What could be better? If its too sunny however, you will want to find some shade so you don’t go blind reading those bright pages in your book.

Where do you read? Answer the poll at the right.

December 20, 2011

2011-12-20T06:58:00.001-08:00

My book is done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My book is ready for purchase on blurb.com. CHECK IT OUT!

December 17, 2011

2011-12-17T06:17:00.001-08:00

I have been reviewing the proof of my book this week. My book is almost done! This review is a very important link in the process chain, because some of the word spacing and word wrapping is not correct. I would suggest always proofing your book (or any document for that matter) in the form that it will be distributed. One of the “errors” I found was the word “haven’t”. This word was at the end of a line, but the “t” was pushed to the next line. I am glad I am catching issues like this before I have the books processed for my readers.

December 4, 2011

2011-12-04T06:50:00.000-08:00

Inspiration comes from many different areas. Just the other day I was noticing the large pictures that are hanging in my office building. Each of them tells a story, a scene with just a snapshot. The old saying: A picture is worth a thousand words! So how, as a writer do you portray the scene so it doesn’t take a thousand words? With movies it’s easy or at least easier, like the picture you just take a video of it. With a book though, remember to describe each scene as a person would see it in their mind. You want to capture the reader by using as few words a possible, but so they can still see what you see. Remember, you don’t have to portray everything in the scene in the first moment. You can slowly describe the scene as the person is walking down the street (for example). Usually that makes the story more interesting. If you have a complete layout at the beginning of the book, or scene, there will be nothing to discover as the reader moves through the book. Again, think of a movie. Not many movies tell you the whole layout of the town right away. You find out who lives next door or what is across town as you watch the movie.

November 29, 2011

2011-11-29T06:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Readers,

Here is an update on my book. The book is done!!!!! I am just working through the final formatting to get it into book form. Continue to check back here so you will know when the book is available! I'm so excited!

October 29, 2011

2011-10-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hi There,

My book is almost almost ready! I am just designing my cover and then I'll get it out and post again to tell you all that it's ready to go! I am praying that it will be a fun book that everyone can enjoy. I sure have enjoyed the process of writing, editing, and re-writing it. My other books probably won't take a long, because I have learned a lot from writing this one. I also already have a general idea about some of the other books for the series so I think that will help as well.

I have been encouraged by God in that he always has a plan for His children. I don't have to worry as long as I stay trusting in Him. He has a plan, I just don't know exactly what it is yet.

I plan on self-publishing my book very soon so you can be praying for me in this final process.

Thank you readers!

September 13, 2011

2011-09-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

The American Christian Fiction Writer's Conference is quickly approaching. Though I am slightly nervous getting ready to go I know it will be a great experience. I am hoping that the seminars will give me that last bit of confidence and/or ideas that are needed to really finish up my first book. I wonder if I will be publishing this year? I am still thinking I'll self-publish first and then see what happens. Then I can get my book out there and really see what people think about it. I am also thinking about writing an 'elevator pitch'. I would really like something short to say about my book so I can really let people know what my books are going to be like. I am really excited about what God will be doing the rest of this year! We'll see what happens!

Question & Answer Session:

2011-08-07T21:43:00.001-07:00

Interviewer: What type of books do you write?

Shari: I would say Young Adult Mystery/Adventure.

I: How did I get into writing?

S: I remember falling in love with writing in high school. I don't really remember why, but since then I have loved writing. I think even those mandatory papers for school have influenced how I write now.

I: What are some tips you would give to other writers out there?

S: This is a big one. Always carry a notebook with you. I have found that many different events in my life have influenced what I write about in your books. Also, don't be afraid to rewrite, rewrite, and rewrite. As on of my friends said: "The tortoise always wins." You don't need to rush through the writing process of your books, if you take time now it will be well spent.

I: More specifically about your stories. How did you come up with your main female character's name, Chyli. And how is it pronounced?

S: The name is pronounced "chili" and it was inspired by a horse I rode many years ago. Not really sure why I used it for the main character's name, but I remember wanting a name that would be unique and special. As I said, the different events in your life can really influence your books.

I: Okay, last question for now, What are you most looking forward to right now?

S: Oh, I would have to say the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference next month in St. Louis. It will be great to talk to the other Christian authors from around the world that are already influencing the reading communities. I hope to learn a lot and have lots of fun as well!

I: Well thank you Shari.

S: You're welcome!

I: And thank you readers for checking out this short interview with Shari Lynn Brown, author of 'The Mystery of M' Series. Feel free to ask her any more questions by sending a Comment on this blog. Happy reading!

April 14, 2011

2011-04-14T21:46:00.000-07:00

I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember. Growing up with a very supportive family around me is something that I will eternally be grateful for. God has given me a life that I wouldn't change for anything. Everyone has dreams, right? I used to really dream about one day getting my books published by Grosset & Dunlap. I think that's because I have really enjoyed the original Nancy Drew mysteries. Will I ever get published by Grosset & Dunlap? I don't know, but I am content with what God has given me so far. A way to get my book out there and then see where He takes it from there. Will my books sell big? I don't know the answer to that either. I just know I enjoy writing and I want others to find their own enjoyment in my books.

Being a strong Christian has influenced the way I have looked at and lived in this world. It also has influenced what movies I watch and even the music I listen to. I want my books to reflect that as well. Yeah, there is a mystery and maybe some romance along with the adventure, but I hope I have created a child/youth friendly story that will encourage and inspire.

March 23, 2011

2011-03-23T05:33:00.000-07:00

I have been writing these blogs to my readers, but what about all you writers out there! Well, let me welcome you to a work in progress! I have been writing for about 7 years now. I started this story with just writing about things I liked to do. I quickly realized that it would become much more than that.

As a writer I have found inspiration for my stories (I say stories plural because I have many more in the works at this time) in the more unusual places. In fact it is a very good idea to have a small notebook with you wherever you go. I have found inspiration while in a restaurant, while driving (though I don't expect you to write and drive at the same time), while riding my horse even. If you are in a place that you can't write something down I would suggest maybe calling someone and telling them a little bit of your idea so you don't forget, or you can make a note on your phone. Hey, with all the Smart phones you can even email the note to yourself!

As a writer you also have to take time out of your busy schedule to write or work on your own writings. Whether you are writing a fiction like me or a biography or anything! You will only get the finished product that you want if you really work at it! Some might think, "but I only have 10 minutes, that won't be any use!" but I say the opposite is true. If you have short bits of time here and there just sit down and get busy writing. Even if you are old fashion and want to make a diagram before you really begin the story.

Talking about old fashion, I still tend to write my first drafts my hand. I feel that my initial thoughts for the stories flow better and I can really get my thoughts down on the page. It's worth buying a larger notebook if that's what works best for you. Try it, you might be surprised!

March 21, 2011

2011-03-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

I just heard from my editors. They are finished reviewing my first story and have sent back their comments! Hooray, I'm one step closer to being published! I am really getting excited. I will now go through the book one more time to make sure it all sounds good from start to finish. I should have my first book published, definitely by August!

This has been a long process. I believe I've been working on this story for about 7 years. Yeah, it has been a long time, but I will enjoy having the story published if I find all the errors before its in print.

Wow! To be in print... That will be an accomplishment! I would really appreciate your Comments on the Chapters that I have included here on this blog. Please take a few minutes and read through the chapters I have uploaded. You can leave your comments at the end of any entry.

Keep checking back, I'll leave a new blog entry when my book becomes available!

December 29, 2010

2010-12-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

I was just noticing that most of my mystery ideas and scenes in my books are things that I have actually experienced. Not to say that all the scenes are true, but at least aspects of those scenes have happened to me or have happened to people I know.

My mind is always looking for a mystery, kind of like Chyli. Just the other day I saw something very weird and made sure I wrote down the details. If a scene like that fits in one of my books I'll be sure to use those notes to "juice it up".

As I'm writing this my first book is hopefully in the final stages of editing. I keep saying that my book is coming, but I'm really hoping that it will be published in 2011. It would certainly be an accomplishment. My years of revisions have brought me to this point. Now it is almost here!

I'll make sure to leave the web address and any additional information about where my book will be available. I'll be interested to see how well it sells and is liked. I really have enjoyed this whole process and it has made me a better writer even if my book doesn't become the next best seller.

November 11, 2010

2010-11-11T05:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone! I am just about ready to reveal the second chapter of my book, The Mystery of Medicine. I am really excited about where my writing is going and look forward to hearing your comments. If you haven't already, please read the first chapter below and let me know your thoughts. Please keep checking back for when I post my next chapter.

To see other people's feedback please go to the end of the first chapter and click on "Comments".

You'll be hearing from me again soon!

October 3, 2010

2010-10-03T06:44:00.001-07:00

Right now I'm working on a difficult scene. It's one that I don't really have experience with, speaking from the male main character. I want the scene to sound natural to my readers.

Sometimes I get 'writer's block'. I'll be working through the book, making small edits, then I just can't think anymore. It does happen :). I tend to mostly work on the book when I have lots of time to get a good chunk of it read and edited. If I only work on a small part the book becomes very choppy. Even though I have written the whole book myself I sometimes forget what I have said and what I want to say further on. That is one reason why it is a good idea to have editors and other people to look at the book besides me they can catch what's not really written into the words on the page and help me decide how to make it clearer. Sometimes things are found to be in my mind, but not really written down. I need them in the book or the readers won't come to the same conclusion.

That's what I'm working on, making sure the book has cohesiveness and that no minor character, like the dogs get forgotten.

September 28, 2010

2010-09-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

I am quite surprised at how much detail can lengthen my story. I had come to a point where I put my story aside to work on the others that are following it. I'm writing a series so it was good to decided how exactly the characters were going to mature through the series. I now have a very basic framework that will help me as I am going back over the first book.

I am a lot further from the final product than I thought. Though I still believe that I am not that far off. I really hope to have a final draft by the end of October. Then I will send that to my editor for any final comments or questions.

I have recently heard about ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) it is a really helpful group that I have become a member of. There is an annual conference every year that I might be attending in 2011.

I love to write about things I have enjoyed in my life. That is why I think the book is even harder to get finished. I keep having more experiences that I want to include. Well, those experiences can be included in books future down in the series. The MOM Series is really getting underway and I can hardly wait to see what comes from all my writing. Will I be a famous author throughout the world? An author that only is known in the close area where I live? I guess I will have to wait and see.

More later!

September 25, 2010

2010-09-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

I am working on the final revisions to my first mystery book, The Mystery of Medicine. I have been working on this mystery since 2000. I have had quite a few revisions and it is much better than it was at the beginning. To start with the main character was a circus horseback rider and the horse was Phantom. Starting from that I stepped back and looked at exactly what I wanted to have happen. Well, then I got to thinking that more readers would be able to relate if the main characters had more of a normal life. That's how I came up with the experiences that happen in this book.

Many of my own experiences through the years have shaped this book. From what I learned about in school, to what job I was doing at the time and what I thought would be fun to do someday.

I came up with the idea on the series title by thinking about a couple of different book series that I had read. I was interested to see if I would be able to tie them all in somehow. I think that will be interesting.

My books are a lot like the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys series, with lots of adventure and fun. However, they differ in that I have a girl and boy heroine that meet in the first one and become really good friends throughout the series.

That's all for now readers! I'll keep a constant blog going of my writing. Right now I'm going to get back to my editor's notes and see what other thoughts I can add to make this first book really worth reading.