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What a lovely cover. Congrats!

Morgan--perfect cover, with one of my favorite colors. Celia

Gorgeous cover!!

Very nice, Morgan. I like it. Great job by, Stephen!

Gorgeous cover. Kudos to you and Stephen.

Wonderful job on the cover. It's always so exciting to see a visual introduction to a story, something to invite us in. Well done!

Beautiful cover. Congrats, Morgan!

Love the cover and the book don't sound too shabby either.
Carol

Great looking cover, Morgan!! I know you are pleased. Stephen did a super job. Now, sell lots of books!!!

Love it!

Love the cover. It is nice and clean looking. Well done!

Nice cover!

Glad you all like it!

Morgan Mandel

great cover, Morgan. It's very atmospheric and intriguing.

Maggie

Very nice! Evocative and mysterious.

Morgan,
what an eye catching cover. You must be tickled pink!
Smiles
Steph

I love the cover! It's really eye-catching.

Congratulations! So it's the lady who's forever young?

Looks awesome! Good luck!!!
DL Larson

It's an interesting cover. Who is the shadow woman? Why is she in the desert? It'll draw in readers.

Very nice, Morgan! And like Celia, I love purple. Here's to many happy sales for your solitary woman!

I tend to make notes at chapter and scene breaks, although I usually start with tracking "Day 1, Day 2," etc. Then, if I need it to be a weekend, or a Monday, I'll go in and adjust.

Unless the day of the week is essential to the plot, I don't pay attention when I'm reading. (Which is probably why I have to force myself to make notes when I'm writing).

I've worked from home for ages--days were tracked by Hubster's schedule. Now that he's retired, our landmarks are "It's Garbage Day" or the like.

Terry
Terry's Place
Romance with a Twist--of Mystery

I know what you mean. If I don't have something special going on for a couple of days, I sometimes forget what day it is. Some days sort of feel like Groundhog Day too! I never heard if it was a book before the movie.

Morgan,

For each book, I keep track of the day on a calendar. It helps me avoid messing up my time in the story. Now in real life, it's a different story. Since I stopped working, I often can't remember what day it is. Going to church on Sunday is practically the only thing that helps me differenciate between weekend and weekday.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has days that blur together. Now that I take my son to preschool, when I pull into the parking lot, I check out the other parents and kids to be sure I recognize them. I just know one day, I'll take him to school on the wrong day!

The day of the week may not matter, depending on the story. But the writer should know, and make clear, when time has passed. Terry's idea of making notes for chapters and scenes is good--too bad I usually do it after the fact, when trying to untangle time lines.

From Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, “It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.”

Marian Allen

In the opening paragraphs of my WIP, I mention what season it is. The readers don't know what exact day until a bit later in the chapter.

I rarely know what day it is either, but I make sure my readers know what month and time of year the story takes place, and early on. After that, I sometimes keep it vague. But for myself, I have it all plotted on a calendar.

keeping track of time throughout the novel and in your head simultaenously HARD for many of us right-brained people. I suspect Time as a concept, even a linear idea, is easier for some to keep track of than others both in life and especially in our fiction. I am always struggling with what time is it in the story -- even an historical tale that relies on being exact about a given time period. As in the launching of Titanic. Even though there are certain moments in time we know this happened, and that happened, we are still filling the the spaces between the known moments, fleshing them out.

As to first paragraph, first page time is an element as important as letting us know WHO we are following, whose story is it anyway? WHERE in time and space we are (unless there be a very good reason to conceal same). These opening moments set the reader's feet on terra firma. These establishing shots (film script term for it) ground the reader in a scene that helps greatly to suspend disbeleaf.

Rob
Dead On Writing

This is something I need to keep track of better while I'm writing. As it is now, I usually have to go back sometime during the editing process and recreate my timeline and that's a pain. Also, then I can't always tell whether the amount of time passing is realistic or not. So good reminder!

My daughter's schedule seems to be my best way of keeping track of days. Since I haven't written any fiction, I can't say anything about timelines in writing. In our non-fiction story, the timing and days were absolutely crucial. Fortunately we had kept a diary and also had emails which we had sent to help us reconstruct the exact dates.

In my writing, I keep track of the seasons better than the actual days.
DL Larson

Hi Morgan,

I have to know what day it is on my outline. In my golfing story, for instance, my lead character plays in a Ladies Nine Hole Golf League on Wednesday, so I better not forget to put her on the golf course on Wednesdays!

Great post!

Maggie
On the Nickel coming March 16
www.maggietoussaint.com

I did a book signing at our local library (actually went to three libraries), before which I did a short presentation to my target age group about writing. I engaged them in writing their own response to a sentence that I started, and we had a great time.

I write a mystery series about an antique print dealer who solves crimes -- so I've done signings at antique shows. (I'm an antique dealer myself, so that helps!) This year my new mystery, Shadows of a Down East Summer, includes the diary of a young woman who posed for Winslow Homer in 1890, so I'm workng on a couple of signings/talks on Homer in art galleries, and in a 19th century inn that is one of the settings in the book. Libraries, for sure. And, of course -- book groups are great!

I held my first book signing at our church bazzar. My friends say that craft fairs are good for them too.

I had a book signing once at our church, but I gave the proceeds to the church. Another time I held a huge party at my place, cooked dinner, and invited all my friends. Instead of bringing a bottle of wine, they bought my books.

As an RVer, I've held a booksigning at a campground, and plan to do more when another book comes out. I've also done a couple at libraries.

I have done a signing at a large, regionally well known independent bookstore, and another at the Tucson Festival of Book which was held on the UofA campus.

I found the campground idea refreshingly original, and I really like the confectionary store for its romantic nuance!

Library talks, writing groups, craft and book fairs, being willing to sub for a speaker who can't make it, coffee shops, art galleries, recreation centers, Inns, I've done all of the above.

Marilyn
http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com

I plan on trying the grocery store. Other writers have had success there.

I've tried a pharmacy - didn't do too good there, a PowWow which went well on several occasions, and book stores that have been iffy and good, depending on the circumstances. Organizations have been a great outlet and so have book clubs. Craft shows are okay and libraries are usually pretty good too, although it's good to remember folks at a library are used to reading great books for free!
DL Larson

Every week. I set up goals in January, which I review each quarter. I write a weekly to-do list, which I share at my writer's forum - http://profwritersconnect.forumotion.com/forum - and then I check things off as I go. It's a great motivator.

Cheryl

I set goals for myself every month and then make daily and weekly lists for the actions to do to reach those goals. The monthly goals are all related to the three new year goals I set in January. Sometimes I meet them and sometimes I don't but I am more productive if I stick to the list.

My 2 cents worth.

Terri

I tend to set outrageous goals for myself. This year, I want to write 50,000 words monthly. Haven't been able to meet it yet, I've been so consumed with promotion. Sometimes it's hard to keep those goals, but I'm afraid if I set them too low I won't push myself hard enough.

I think I'd be too discouraged if I set 50,000 for a monthly goal. I barely can keep in schedule as it is.

Today I've been bad. Went to Fitness Class, which is a healthy thing to do, but then went to a movie with the DH and ate lots of buttered popcorn, which negated the healthy thing.

Morgan Mandel
http://facebook.com/foreveryoungbook

I used to not set goals, not really expecting anything other than enjoyment out of writing. But then I started setting deadlines for myself (rather than daily word counts for fudge room) to complete things. This has seen me through to writing a novel and now will help me make sure I get done editing it by the end of this month.

My goal and usual output is 5 pages of double-spaced copy a day. I don't feel right if I fall short but sometimes it's not possible. I'm working on three novels at the same time, so if one's not going well I switch to another. I think a lot of writers do the same thing.

Hi Morgan,

I also use 1000 words per day as a guideline when I'm in rough draft mode. When I'm editing, I either use time guidelines (I will work for 2 hours straight without interruption) or scene goals (edit 1-3 scenes per day depending on length).

I find goal setting very helpful. It keeps me on task, and on weeks when it feels like I've done nothing, I look at my word count log and see progress. Every little bit helps!

Maggie
author of romance and mystery
www.maggietoussaint.com

I've never thought of using a daily wod count, mostly, because I wouldn't do it. I guess that's why the university is so great. If it's a homework assignment for credit the writing gets done.

With a project on deadline, if I'm far enough out, I set a 1000 word a day goal, with weekends off. If I fall a little behind, it's not too horrific to catch up. My problem is that if I don't have something on a hard deadline, I don't take my goal seriously and so it's useless!

Without fail, if I set a goal, I never reach it; my brain sabotages me every time! I just try to get in some words--from 50 to 5,000--either a day or week.

I set weekly writing goals for my WIP and deadlines for proposals. I'm without a day job too (but doing some freelance work) so I should probably up the weekly word count, but then I like the feeling of blowing past it. :-)

I honestly get a lot more done if I set goals. Then when I accomplish that goal, I always get a delightful rush, lol.

Yes, on a weekly and daily basis, and I try to be very specific:

I'll write 2 pages of my novel from 9-10am.

Or,

I'll sit now and work on my article for the next 2 hours.

I'm so used to it now, I can't work without goals.

The only two afflictions I have when I'm at the computer for a long time is a) I get sleepy and 2) my back starts hurting. I beat two birds with one stone and go to bed. BTW, your new book sounds absolutely wonderful!

I do take breaks, 15 minutes here or there to throw in load of laundry, grab a snack, let the dogs out, that type of thing. It can actually be distracting when I am not in the flow. When I am really writing well, I don't feel the need for a break so much.

Terri
http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com

I always write several hours in the very early morning (5:00 AM - 8:00 AM) as my "scheduled writing time." I also write when I pass the computer and just feel like writing. That is not scheduled nor counted upon but it occurs quite frequently.

When I am writing a first draft, I can write through the day and night. I completed a 100,000 word first draft in six weeks while working 70 hours a week at a "regular" job. I rarely slept more than a few hours but I wasn't tired until after I had completed the project.

When I edit and revise, however, I want to be at my best because that is the writing that will either be publication-ready or destined for Circular File XIII.

I shopped until I found a chair that has great back support and "seat" comfort. Too many writers I know economize on this writing necessity. I no longer get the backaches and by having the proper height adjustment, I no longer am plagued by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, either.

I also got a keyboard that fits my fingers. Too many of them have keys that look like they were designed for mouse paws, not people hands. I applied bright letter appliques on top of the keys which need little light to shine bright. Eye strain from improper light is another hazard of writers and when letter is big and bright it reduces the number of times I will hit double keys and have to spend all that time backspacing.

The physical act of writing will never be fun. But it doesn't have to be torture. I figure I spent an extra $300 - $400 to have the right equipment. But as a colleague of mine said many years ago, "Margerine covers the bread, but I like butter."

Funny, but when I had a day job I didn't get as many sore muscles. I guess I moved around more, or maybe I wasn't typing as intensely.
When I get really into the flow, I tend to type faster and not pay attention to my posture.

Morgan Mandel
http://facebook.com/foreveryoungbook

I get up and stretch. Sometimes I dance in the living room when no one else is around. When the weather gets nicer I'll walk for a bit.

I have the right ergonomic chair and desk setup so it's easy to sit in front of the computer for hours. I usually takes breaks on the hour.

I've never really thought about this, to be honest. I try to write in different places as well as shifting positions when I'm writing in my recliner at night.

I sometimes take my dog Scamp out for 15 or so minutes, and throw the ball and let her chase it. Especially fun in the snow. She loves it. Gets me a little exercise and fresh air too. Then I'm ready to get back to the writing.

Ah, I don't normally have an issue with this. My bladder is my timer and it will make me move whether I am looking for it to make me or not. I guess there are SOME benefits to getting older. lol.

Great posts! I think taking a break is very important for both body and mind!

If I have no other schedule-disrupters, I find I get my best work on NEW material in the late afternoon through bedtime.

Of course, there aren't many days without disruptions, and since we're both "retired" and in the process of fixing up our house, we have no schedules, but are living in chaos and it's tough to carve out the multi-hour slots I prefer to have.

Vacations are supposed to be just that - vacations away from every part of our busy and hectic lifestyles, coming back refreshed and ready to tackle anew our daily chores.

As far as a perfect time to write, I wish I had an answer. A lot of times I get done with writerly things, and discover I haven't worked on my WIP. Sigh.

MORGAN--the perfect time to write? Is there such a thing? I cannot write a word while on any kind of vacation, road trip, or tour. I can only write at home. Best time? Anytime I have the house to myself, be it for an hour or an entire morning. Otherwise, since we're both retired, we spend most of every day in close proximity. We're very close and wouldn't have it any other way.Celia

I know my perfect time to write is in the a.m. I never have the house to myself, but I write anyway. I'm always interrupted, but I just keep right on writing. In the afternoon, unless I'm really on a roll, I do other things. I might do some editing at night, but probably not.

Marilyn

I always plan to write or sketch when I'm on vacation, but rarely do. My best writing time - in the middle of the night when I can't sleep. Total concentration.

When I first started writing, getting up at three in the morning, when the rest of the household were asleep, allowed me to have four hours of undisturbed writing. Also I needed to free my head of the build up of words. Now, five novels (plus other works) later, my body will not allow such enthusiasm. I try to write when I'm not engaged in other things. Being a pair of oldies, the time I spend with my husband is also precious. But, (isn't there always one?) he has his own agenda and priorities, which affect when I can work. I am much slower now. I have lots of 'starts' for new novels or stories but lack the enthusiasm to make that gigantic effort of a new full size novel. Eye strain is a huge problem too. I am incredibly slow and my computer skills are poor. zining
Even so, I take every opportunity to get on the computer. I do have my various blogs to keep up but I have had to let go of following most of the ing sites (they were getting me nowhere) and restrict myself to following just a few blogs.

My perfect time to write is "found time." Those are the days I'm not called to work as a substitute teacher.
My new perfect method is to give myself half an hour before leaving for water aerobics to write just the spoken words for the scene to come.
When I return, I fill in around those words with thought, action, emotion, etc. Two pages can become five or seven or more.
Being a Virgo, it was difficult to allow myself to do this, but now it's part of the routine.

I actually do have a perfect time, and it's like Marilyn said, first thing in the morning. If I can get a good 3-4 hours in before I do ANYTHING else (except make the bed), boy, am I happy camper. Sometime in that window, when I am many miles away, I might stumble downstairs for some nourishment, but other than that I can be lost for the duration.

I figure I will get back to this schedule hopefully once my youngest starts kindergarten. Till then, that time is fairly traded for him climbing up in my lap to "just type one word."

They might be better than those I would type later in the day!

I guess I'm the only one who writes best in the late night hours. I work 2 p/t time jobs, take care of my Mom who has Alzheimers, and have 4 young adult kids, 2 in college, 2 in high school. Oh, and a husband I adore, who is not happy about always having to "share" me with the heros I fall in love with as I write about them! If I get home from work after 10pm, I check my e-mails, then start writing about 11 or midnight. Usually by about 2-3am, I'm forcing myself to get to bed. Then if I get called to sub at 6am, I'm walking into walls and doors all day! But I've always like late a night best. Husband is an early morning person, which I find really weird and twisted! ;-D
I also love to bring my laptop with me when we go camping way up north to the boundary waters of MN...then I write while the rest of them go fishing! Nirvana!