How to propel your author career by Leanne Dyck

Kinematics...kinetics...analytical dynamics...dynamics explains 'how and why things move in the ways they do....There are numerous practical applications for kinetics' -wiseGeek

And because I'm not a scientist, I feel free to use it how ever I wish. In fact, I think I'll use it to describe building a successful author career. 

Theory:  my writing career is fed on positive energy. The more I create the farther I can go.

Testing this theory:  This week I'm creating positive energy by...

Monday, February 10th

Being published:  Have you heard about Sonia Marsh and her 'My Gutsy Story' Anthology?

Well, I did because Laurie Buchanan--yes that Laurie--told me about it. And I voted for her. 

Voted? 

Yes, voted.

I'll get into that. 

Now...

Sonia Marsh writes about her Gutsy contest: 'Every Monday, we shall feature a short story on "Gutsy Living" about something Gutsy you have done in your life'

I wrote a gusty story--Oh, yes, I can--and Sonia has published it on her blog.

You can help:  by reading my story. 

Wednesday, February 12th

Reading my writing:  at the Canadian Authors Association Open Mic Nights.

Readings are limited to 3 minutes. So it will be fast paced and fun.

You can help:  by listening to me

Address:  Alliance for Arts 100-938 Howe Street, Vancouver, B.C.

Time:  7:00 to 9:00 p.m. [doors open at 6:45 p.m.]

Note:  This is the first time I'll be reading in Vancouver. It would be so nice to have people cheering for me. : )

This entire week...

Keeping my pen moving:  I'll continue to work on revisions and work on a short story.

You can help:  By being here. It really helps to have some one to be accountable to. Please know that I appreciate you.

And...

Friday, February 21st to Sunday, February 23rd

Attending literary festivals:  There are two literary festivals during the last weekend in February:  Galiano Literary Festival on Galiano Island and WordsThaw in the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Last year, I attended Galiano Literary Festival and walked away inspired.
This year... Well, this year I'd like to be able to split myself in half. But I think that might be painful. So I was forced to choose. I'll be attending WordsThaw.
You can help:  I'd like to support both of these fine festival. So here's my idea:  half of you attend the Galiano Literary Festival and the other half attend WordsThaw. Sound like a plan?
Here's an article about WordsThaw
Here's my review of the Galiano Literary Festival
Don't worry if you can't follow through on our plan. I'll share my adventure at WordsThaw on February 24th.
***
Next post:  Interview with Sheila Johnston
I meet Sheila Johnston at Words Vancouver. Here's a little more about that. (After clicking the link, please stroll down to Pauline Johnson--A Vancouver Legend with Shelia)

Book Review: Most of Me by Robyn Michele Levy

Buy this book

Back cover blurb:  Robyn Michele Levy was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age forty-three and, eight months later, with breast cancer. With irreverent and at times mordant humour, Most of Me chronicles Levy's life since then dealing with her diverse disease portfolio.

How did I find this book?

Last February I attend the Galiano Literary Festival. After listening to Robyn Michele Levy's author reading, I got up from my chair, marched over and bought her book.

My reading adventure:  Most of Me:  Surviving My Medical Meltdown is a bravely honest book and as such isn't an easy book to read. Robyn writes frankly about the onset of Parkinson as well as how it has changed her. But there are some heartwarming, even funny, moments too--these she shares equally as generously.

At times, Most of Me reads like an instruction manual for those who have been newly diagnosed with Parkinson. For example...

Reviewing the Galiano Literary Festival

I can't wait to tell you about the exciting time I had last weekend.

I live on a picturesque island surrounded by other picturesque islands. Sadly when I travel I usually go to the bigger islands--Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island--or the mainland. Rarely do I travel to the smaller islands. I could. It's available. But I rarely avail myself of the opportunity.

Last weekend was different. Last Saturday I sailed to Galiano Island for the Galiano Literary Festival. 

The ferry left at 11 o'clock in the morning. Once on the island, I followed the signs.

I passed the... 

and made a mental note to return there on my way back to the ferry.

I walked through the gates to 134 Madrona Drive 

passed the...

and into the...

When I arrived the days events were already underway. The keynote speaker, Kevin Chong, had already addressed the audience. The panel (Robert Bringhurst, Annabel Lyon, Mark Leiren-Young with moderator Brad Frenette) was already engaged in a captivating exchange. 

I would, if I could, sail a million seas and climb a billion mountains to listen to authors talk about their work.

Here is what I heard on Saturday...

-screenwriters pay special heed to the audience. Depending on the reception of their work, they may immediately rewrite it.
-Some authors completely disregard the desires of their readers. For them, writing a book is a literary dialogue between their work and the books that inspired it.
-Other authors have had to learn who to listen to and who to ignore. For instance, they might disregard comments like, "I don't think your book is very good, just my two cents." However, they do consider the opinion of someone important to them, such as a friend's mother.

When asked why they submit their manuscripts for publication, some authors explained that they felt compelled to do so. Others mentioned that they considered their work unfinished until it was submitted. Additionally, some pointed out that submitting their work was essential for receiving payment.

Pluto's quote, 'Those who tell stories rule society' was discussed.
The question posed: If you ruled society, which group would you support?
The mentally disabled were championed to a room full of applause.


The need for writers to read widely was stressed.

Following this discussion, I had the pleasure of listening to...

Kevin Chong 

Annabel Lyon 

(I actually spoke with Annabel Lyon.

 I wanted to hung her but I resisted the impulse. 

She was warm and engaging. 

Do you remember when I shared her book Encore Edie?

Well, I asked her to sign my copy.

And she did...)

Robyn Michele Levy 

read from their work.

On the way to the ferry terminal, I paid a visit to the Galiano Bookstore 

Then I sailed over the waters to Mayne Island, my island home.