4 books that changed my life by Leanne Dyck

What are the books that changed your life?

Here's my answer...

I can't remember life without a pen. And before that I told stories to puppies and kittens. When I wasn't telling the stories I was listening to them. All this listening and all this writing inevitably lead me to want to write a book.

1st Question:  Can I write a book?

It seemed like an unreachable goal. In a blog post I wrote 'even a short book is over 100 pages'.

So how did I achieve this goal?

By writing one short story after another.

an audio book a collection of knitting-themed short stories

published in 2006

2nd Question:  Can I sell my book?

is a short (approximately 35,000 words) mystery 

set on Mayne Island 

published in 2009

As I wrote the final chapter, I worked on the marketing plan. I envisioned my target reader and devised plans to reach her. These plans included a book launch featuring Mayne Island musicians. This book served as an introduce to the publishing industry. I learned what is involved in the publishing and marketing of books. I sold over 200 copies (through several bookstores and directly to readers). Maynely A Mystery was a Mayne Island best seller.

3rd Question:  Can I find a publisher?


The success of Maynely A Mystery inspired me to take (what I viewed as) the next step--finding a publisher for The Sweater Curse a novella-length paranormal thriller. Novellas are challenging to place. I searched the Internet. Bono Bookstore (imprint of Decadent Publishing) taught me how to work with a publishing house. My writing benefited at the hands of skilled editors. I worked with other authors to develop marketing plans for our books. 

Link to a YouTube video of me reading from this book

4th Question:  Can I build a writing career?

Novelty Yarn taught me that I could write a book.

Maynely A Mystery taught me that I could market a book.

The Sweater Curse taught me that I can find a publisher.

You, dear reader, taught me that I can build a supportive community.

And now I'm ready to work with publishers to build a career in writing.

(photo by Leanne Dyck)

More...

Please click this link for my complete publishing history

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Next post:  July 17th (around 5 PM) 

(a clue from me to you) Logline:  An operation to increase intellect fails, but the experience teaches a man with down syndrome that there are more important things than intelligence. 

The book is... 

(photo by Leanne Dyck)

Picture Books in Canada

'Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable is one of many Children's Literature Roundtables across Canada. We are a varied group of educators, librarians, parents, authors, illustrators and other professionals who meet 5-7 times between September and June to celebrate and promote children's literature. Our programs are varied and offer something to everyone. Children's literature enthusiasts are always welcome.' -quote from the Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable website 

For more information, please click this link and this one 

  Sharing my author journey...

A black blanket, studded with a sliver moon and twinkling stars covered the earth...

Me:  I recently received a review of my cozy mystery.
You:  Hey, I didn't know you wrote a cozy mystery.
Me:  Oh, sorry. Would you like to learn more?
You: Of course!

Maynely A Mystery

(paperback published in June 2009)

 

Blurb 

The last words of her beloved Grandmother send Olivia Weatherington on a journey to Mayne Island, BC. There, Olivia follows clue-after-clue to solve a six-decade-old family mystery.

Excerpt 

“My people, my nation has been coming here from the beginning of time. This is a magical island,” he smiled. “You were lost when you came here but now the island has found you. It will reveal many lessons to you:  why you’re here; who you are; where you came from. Don’t be afraid to learn. These lessons will leave you stronger.” Michael got up and strode away.

Reviews

Peppered with subtle humour, surreal situations and entertaining characters.

Amber Harvey (Mayne Island Aliens)

In Maynely A Mystery, her first novel, Leanne Dyck takes her skill at writing emotionally charged stories from nonfiction into fiction. Her writing about knitting has given her the skills needed to spin a yarn in this new genre.

Donna Druchunas (Ethnic Knitting Exploration)

Rumours of gold, a secret lover, ghosts and other mysteries create a labyrinth of intrigue as Maynely A Mystery traces the lives of the story’s animated eccentric characters. Author Leanne Dyck knows her craft, her audience, and her setting. Her novel provides a voyeuristic glimpse into human character and island life.

Terrill Welch (Leading Raspberry Jam Visions:  Women’s Way)

Maynely a Mystery by author Leanne Dyck is an intriguing book about a mysterious island filled with interesting eccentric characters.  Mayne Island is an island located in the Gulf Islands between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island.  It is an island where time stands still, where hippies can lead their lives how they like and where people tend to find themselves in the silence.  The author lives there and is obviously devoted to her home as she has found herself there.
Young Olivia Weatherington will also find herself there.  She sets out on a journey with her grandmother's ashes and her cousin.  She ends up finding truth, contentment and she finds what was missing in her life for so many years.

Leanne Dyck has a unique way of weaving a mysterious tale. Very enjoyable, quick read. Kathryn Poulin, reviewer

Leanne Dyck's books by Laurie Kay (The Islands Independent)

This article (written by Laurie Kay) was on the front page of The Islands Independent (a newspaper that was distributed to most of the southern gulf islands) on Friday, February 11th (Issue #59)

Mayne author releases second book

Mayne Island's Leanne Dyck plans to store her knitting needles in the very near future as she embarks on her new career as a full time writer. Dyck has just released her second book, The Sweater Curse, described as a paranormal, contemporary thriller, about a young and aspiring knitwear designer who must re-examine her life to escape her potential destiny in hell. Dyck's first mystery, released in 2009 is an exercise in character analysis and intrigue set in the islands off the BC coast. Maynely A Mystery has a 'read to the end feel' that's particularly inviting to islanders who can relate to the unique lifestyle with a taste and thrill of the paranormal woven in.

Though released after Maynely A Mystery, Dyck had actually started writing the darker toned The Sweater Curse first. Along with tossing in a lure of the paranormal, the latter provides readers with another twist; it's an ebook.

Also known as digital books, ebooks are image-based productions readable on computers or other digital devices. Dyck says there are many benefits to being an ebook author including speed of publishing, and world wide readership.

During an online interview with The Islands Independent Dyck added that though Decadent Publishing has the right to publish The Sweater Curse as an ebook, she retains the right to publish her work traditionally, either through a separate publisher or as a self-publish endeavor. Authors are also paid a percentage of the sales for books on line.

Dyck says The Sweater Curse has allowed her to include her thriller within an already existing body of knitting-themed literature. Her recent ebook also lets her explore character in depth yet again, something that is emerging as a keynote element of her style. And like The Sweater Curse, now Maynely A Mystery is available as an ebook.

Dyck is definitely excited and confident about her new career that represents a bold step up in her own character development. She says she keeps daily business hours, a level of discipline not always easy for writers or islanders.