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Oh, Boy! We’re back with Vivian Zabel!

I want to start out by letting you know that I had a choice between an article, Writing for Children, by Vivian, or this interview. Well, having an author/publisher on hand, I just couldn't pass up the interview.

So, today, we have 7 questions about life, writing and publishing that Vivian candidly and generously answers. For those readers out there who may be suffering with debilitating and chronic illnesses, and for women in general, Vivian is a source of inspiration. With determination and effort we can accomplish amazing things. Okay, you men, don’t feel left out, that goes for you too!

Now on to the Interview:

1. I was surprised to read in one of your interviews that you have a serious illness. I know the affects of dealing with an ongoing health problem; it slows you down to say the least. How do you manage running a publishing business, and what’s the most difficult thing?

Some days are more difficult than others, especially when I’m having trouble sleeping. Then I’m not only in pain but am extremely tired. However, I’m also extremely determined.

2. Were you ill when you started 4RV Publishing? If so, what made you decide to take on such an undertaking?

I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus since I was quite young. I decided that I would have as full a life as possible any way, for as long as possible.

3. What do you think about authors who self-publish?

Authors who are self-published are hurting themselves in a way, because self-publication has a bad reputation. Yes, some good, well-written books are self-published, but the problem is that too many poorly written, full of errors books are self-published all the time.

I don’t have an answer, either. However due to the fact that authors don’t have many options when the major publishers go mainly for already-famous people as authors, whether they can write or not, 4RV tries to fill the gap between self-publishing and vainly presses and the “big boys.”

I wish we had the funds to put out more of the good manuscripts submitted.

4. What advice would you give to a writer who is about to self-publish?

Oh, my, that’s a rough question. Any writer about to self-publish needs to be sure
1. the book is extremely well-written
2. the book has been professionally edited at least twice
3. a good marketing plan is in place


5. What’s the most important tip you could give a writer who is just starting out?

First, know how to write, including knowing correct grammar and mechanics, and be willing to continue to learn.

6. Do you think that some writers are just not cut out for writing for children, or do you think anyone can learn the craft?

I don’t think everyone can learn to be a good writer, but all can learn to be better writers. Writing for children does take a special talent and desire, though.

7. What are some of the writing tools (books, courses, etc.) that you’ve found helpful, or that you think would be helpful to others who are just starting out or want to hone their craft?

All through the nearly thirty years I taught writing, I attended workshops, clinics, and classes to improve my writing. I still attend writing conferences and classes. One is the Muse Online Writers Conference, an intense week of working on writing at my computer (http://www.themuseonlinewritersconference.com). Another is the yearly OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation – http://owfi.org) writing conference with sessions to help authors.

I read and learn from writing magazines, such as The Writer and Writers’ Digest.

Thank you, Vivian.

Wow, what wonderful insight from an accomplished author and publisher. I’m sure this advice will be a huge help to our readers, especially those starting out and those headed for the self-publishing road. Thank you so much, Vivian, for being our guest this tour.

Here are Vivian’s links for you to learn more:

To get a copy of Prairie Dog Cowboy:
http://tinyurl.com/5s4uqw
http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Store-Books.html

You can also find it at local book stores and Barnes & Noble.com

Website: http://viviangilbertzabel.com

Blogs:
http://VivianZabel.blogspot.com (Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap)
http://vzabel.multiply.com (Vivian’s Site)
http://viviansmystery.blogspot.com (Vivian’s Mysteries)

Thank you, Vivian, for being our guest this tour; it's been an honor to have you here!

Well, that's it for this month's VBT - Writers on the Move tour. If you're a writer/author and would like to learn more about our cross-promotional group, you can email me at: [email protected].

Also, you can still be the winner of our Mystery Site Giveaway. Stop by the members' sites and leave a comment. A list of our members is on the right sidebar here, or you can visit the VBT - Writers on the Move blogsite for the list.

Talk to you soon,
Karen

It's VBT - Writers on the Move's September tour and it gives me great pleasure to present Vivian Gilbert Zabel. Vivian will be my guest today, and again on Thursday, September 3rd. Just as a note, Vivian also goes by V. Gilbert Zabel. Today, we’ll learn a little about Vivian with a short bio and we’ll also take a peek at one of her juvenile books, Prairie Dog Cowboy.

As with most women raising a family and working, Vivian put her writing careen in slow gear until she retired. Then, after almost thirty years of teaching, she devoted her time to writing. It seems this is the trend of women in today’s society; one career ends and another is picked up. Ah, the power of us women! But, this is even more of an accomplishment for someone suffering with rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus. To steadily move forward while handling serious chronic illnesses is quite an achievement since at times just living with a chronic illness can be a full time job. Well, Vivian is not only a published author of short stories, poems, and novels, she also created and runs 4RV Publishing. Vivian is certainly a testament to determination, perseverance and strength.

Vivian has three juvenile books and one mystery/suspense (with a touch of thriller) novel under her belt and today we’ll take a look at one of the juvenile books: Prairie Dog Cowboy. Just the name alone sounds great; it makes you want to shout: Giddy Up! Here’s an impressive review:

Prairie Dog Cowboy by V. Gilbert Zabel

Time passes so quickly and history is getting rewritten all the time. So much of our heritage is lost with those changes. It is refreshing to see a slice of reality portraying the daily life of 1899 Oklahoma in V. Gilbert Zabel's latest literary work, "Prairie Dog Cowboy".

Buddy Roberts is but a small boy at the start of the story. It isn’t clear right away why his mother is set against the child. Although he has an older brother, he's tending to the cattle at the age of five, all alone with only his dog to keep him company. Buddy is a mindful child, doing what needs to be done, even at such a young age, hoping some day to grow up to be a cowboy. Instead of him and Patch doing the work on foot, he dreams of herding cattle on horseback someday.

Neighbor rancher Caleb Hyman is impressed with Buddy. He wonders, too, why the child works hard while his older brother, Jake, is doted on and spoiled. But, Caleb can see the man that Buddy will become, encourages him, and teaches him to rope. Once Buddy can rope a prairie dog, Caleb promises he'll give the boy a job on his ranch. Not an easy thing to do, but Buddy works hard to reach his appointed goal.

Through the years, Buddy becomes a part of Caleb's family, a friend of Caleb's twin sons, and the unknowing object of affection for their younger sister, Katie. Life begins to take a turn for the better as he approaches manhood.

"Prairie Dog Cowboy" is a testament of a time when life was hard, but people weren't afraid of hard work. The day-to-day occurrences represented are an accurate telling of the time, history that should not be lost. Teens and young adults can learn much from this story and I, for one, am thankful that Ms. Zabel has documented this slice of American history.

Reviewed by Jena' Galifany
Author, Editor, Reviewer
http://jenagalifany.bravehost.com

I love juvenile books that weave accurate history into their stories; it’s such a great way for children to learn without realizing they’re actually learning. And, as the reviewer, Jena Galifany, mentions, it’s a wonderful means of preserving our history.

Be sure to check the links below to get your own copy of Prairie Dog Cowboy today:
http://tinyurl.com/5s4uqw
http://4rvpublishingllc.com/Store-Books.html

You can also find it at local book stores and Barnes & Noble.com

To learn more about Vivian Zabel and her books you can visit:

Website: http://viviangilbertzabel.com

Blogs:
http://VivianZabel.blogspot.com (Brain Cells & Bubble Wrap)
http://vzabel.multiply.com (Vivian’s Site)
http://viviansmystery.blogspot.com (Vivian’s Mysteries)

Please be sure to stop by on Thursday, September 3rd, we'll have an interesting interview with Vivian Zabel.

Oh, and don't forget, VBT - Writers on the Move has a monthly Mystery Site. By leaving a comment on the members' sites during the tours, you may be the winner of a wonderful book or a guest spot on the VBT - Writers on the Move blogsite.

Talk to you soon,
Karen

In VBT - Writers on the Move's never ending goal to take it up a notch, we added a GREAT new option to the monthly Mystery Site Give-away: the winner can choose between a copy of the Mystery Site Host's book OR a One Day Guest Spot on the VBT blogsite where you can promote yourself and/or your book.

For you authors out there this is a great opportunity for visibility!

Each month, on the 1st and the 3rd, we post for our tour; and each month we have a different Mystery Site. Just visit during the tour and leave a comment on our members' sites and you may be the WINNER!

And, don't forget, you can be a part of our marketing/promotional group. To learn more about VBT - Writers on the Move you can email Karen at: [email protected].
Please put "KR - VBT" in the subject box.

Talk to you soon,
Karen

We're back with Heather Paye for the 2nd part of our VBT - Writers on the Move tour. Today we have a number of questions that Heather happily answered for us. So, lets get to know this young author a little better:

You seem to be a very determined and confident young lady. Where do you think you get this from and does anything get you down?

I’d have to say I get my determination from a little bit of both of my parents.. My confidence probably comes from my mother as she is always encouraging me to do my best, and assures me that I am.

Does anything get me down?

Yes, there are a few things that get me down. Being a 15-year-old published author things are basically black and white, either people judge me and think that I am incapable of publishing a book, they’re jealous, some people even get to thinking that ANYONE can publish a book that it’s “so easy”. Other people are completely and utterly astonished, and happy for my achievements. So, it’s really black and white for me, there is no in between as an author, which can get quite frustrating. And so, I guess my answer is: people’s judgment of my age, and not my stories, or not my abilities really gets me down. And it really doesn’t sound like something too bad, but it can get really upsetting for me and people just close their eyes and refuse to believe anything. So, it’s hard.

Tell us a little about your family life.

Well, I have lived in Arizona my entire life, and I know this place like I know no other, and it will definitely always be my “home”. But right now, it’s 106 degrees, and I’m looking at the like for the next few weeks, probably more, plus 60% humidity, so right now I’d really like to be somewhere else, Montana maybe? *laughs* Other than the heat, Arizona is really a wonderful place to live, quiet and full of beautiful scenery.

I have always been homeschooled, along with my three other siblings. Right now I’m really starting to see how useful homeschooling can be with my writing career. Say, for instance, I would have to do a book signing early in the morning, being homeschooled I could do this book signing, and then I could complete my school work later in the day. So, it’s really convenient.

What’s a typical day for you?

Typical day… let’s see… I wake up around 8AM, check my emails and do all of my necessary work on the computer (I can’t say exactly, since it varies from day to day), I eat lunch and then complete my school work.. By this time, it’s usually around 3PM maybe, then I finish up my work on the computer (if necessary, which it usually is), I eat dinner and then go for my evening walk which also includes playing with my little brother. Then I use the rest of the night for my writing, editing, or reviewing, depending on which I need to do. Most of the time I’m multitasking, such as right now, I am typing on my laptop, playing with my iPod, and watching TV. Lol

When you told your parents you wanted to publish your book what was their initial response?

Well, it wasn’t quite as awkward as you make it sound. It was really just a gradual thing, I started writing, and my mom was reading over my shoulder, and I don’t remember her exact words, but it was something along the lines of me getting my book published, and it was mostly a jokingly, but I kept writing, I think I was about 10 years old then. But, what really caused my book that is currently published to be published was a contest that I entered it’s called NaNoWriMo, you may have heard of it you may have not, it’s where you attempt to write a 50,000 word novel in one month’s time. And I managed to do just that, well, a few weeks after the contest; I found out that all winners received his or her first proof copy of their book for free if they use a certain publisher. So, I decided there to get my book self-published, I mean, why not?
So, I guess my answer to your question would be excitement, we were all excited.

I know you’re very involved with your writing, but what do you do for fun?
Watch movies, read, play video games, listen to music, and I would say play keyboard, but it recently broke, so right now I’m having piano withdrawals.

Who’s your favorite writer? And, what is your favorite genre?

My favorite writer, and my role model is definitely J.K.Rowling, with Nora Roberts coming up closely behind. My favorite genre is definitely fantasy, anything with drama, and a little bit of comedy, mild romance is good too; I have a wide variety of books that I like to read.

What advice would you give other young people who have a desire to write?

Read, Write, Research, Revise, Learn! READ a good variety of books, learn about what you like and what you don’t, it’s a rule that I’ve heard quite a few times myself, and it doesn’t require very much thinking, just read, it helps! WRITE what you know, and what you love, writing about a subject (fictional or non-fictional) that you don’t know about doesn’t work very well… ever.

RESEARCH good writing skills, publishers, publishing techniques, learn everything you can about publishing. It’s necessary, and it makes the process go a lot smoother if you don’t have any/many bad surprises, research anything and everything you can get your hands on, from writing, to publishing, revising, how to write query letters, how to market your book after it’s published, everything. REVISE everything you’ve written, I usually revise my work around 9 or 10 times, seriously, I know it sounds like a lot, but it is definitely necessary, I recommend a minimum of six rounds of editing. LEARN everything you can about grammar, keep it sharp. When I first started writing, I used no punctuation, I did not make paragraphs, and just about every word was misspelled. I worked to learn just about everything I could about writing a proper novel. I’m still learning proper writing even now, but look, I’m using punctuation, and nothing is misspelled. *laugh*

How has your personal faith and beliefs influenced your story?

Well, it might have slightly influenced my story, but not by very much I wouldn’t really say that it is a religious story, a lot of people assume that it is because of the title, “A Gift From Above” but it isn’t really. There is one scene with Celia (the main character) going to church. But, other than that, there isn’t anything else really religious in it. To be honest I’m not quite sure how to answer the question, I guess I would say, I’m a Christian and Celia is a Christian so that its self might have influenced the story. I’m not strongly religious though, so... yeah.

Do you have plans to go to college when you finish your high school courses? If so, what will you major in?

I’ll definitely be heading off to college. I get along really well with computers, so it’s only natural that I do something that they are involved in, my major of choice is game design.

Heather Paye
Student, Author, Dreamer

You can get your copy of A Gift From Above at:
CreateSpace

Amazon Kindle Amazon

And, you can learn more about Heather at:
http://heatherpaye.blogspot.com

That's it for this tour. Thank you Heather for being our guest; with your determination and confidence I'm sure you'll reach all your goals.

The Mystery Site winner will be announced sometime within the next several days, so stay tuned.

And, on August 10th, Stephen Tremp will be the host of VBT - Writers on the Move Viewpoint/Hot topic Segment. Stop by and find out what this month's topic will be about!

Talk to you soon,
Karen Cioffi

Welcome to VBT - Writers on the Move August tour. It’s my pleasure to host the youngest member of our group, Heather Paye. At only 15-years-old, Heather is a published author. It’s refreshing to see a young lady with great determination and confidence.

Lets start with a synopsis of Heather’s book, A Gift from Above.

Celia Meyers gets everything that she wants, but when she requests a sibling and gets it, it's not all that she expected at all. Her parents ignore her, threaten to send her to a "summer camp" and the worst possible things happen to her all of the time. Finally she can't take it anymore, so she confides in her best friend Tommy Hanson, about searching for her long lost nanny Milicent Potter. But when she finds Millie, she learns some disturbing facts that she's not quite sure what to do with.

Celia visits with Tommy and discovers his true feelings towards her. At the ending Celia becomes somewhat of a hero as she saves a young boy in a car accident.

The book starts out when she is 8 and progresses through her life until she is 16.

And now for a wonderful review:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GIFT FROM ABOVE BY H. C. PAYE, April 19, 2009
By Joyce l. Paclik (bellevilleil)

IN READING THIS BOOK IT WAS VERY INTERESTING. IT WAS HARD TO PUT THIS BOOK DOWN WITHOUT PROCEEDING FURTHER. I FOUND THIS READING MATERIAL VERY CLOSE TO THE HEART READING. IT IS A BOOK I WOULD RECOMMEND FOR ALL THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THIS YOUNG WRITER I FEEL WILL GO VERY FAR IN WRITING MORE BOOKS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

You can get your copy of A Gift From Above at:

CreateSpace

Amazon Kindle

Amazon

And, you can learn more about Heather at:
http://heatherpaye.blogspot.com

Please be sure to stop back here on Monday, August 3rd, for an interview with Heather Paye.

Also, don't forget to stop by the other members' sites and leave a comment. You could be the lucky winner of the Mystery Site Give-away!

If you're an author and want to learn more about VBT - Writers on the Move, please contact me at: [email protected].

Talk to you soon,
Karen Cioffi

The 10th of each month, one of our members hosts the Viewpoint segment. This month the host is children's book, Angeline Jellybean, author Crystalee Calderwood and the topic is about authors who self-publish and those who are published with small presses. What is their role in the promotion of their books?

Here is my comment on Crystalee's site:

As a self-published author I can attest to the stigma still attached to this avenue of publishing. I belonged to one writing group and a member actually said self-publishers were cheap and their books were not good enough for the traditional route. This was said generically, she had never seen my book. I was surprised at this rigid view. I do think self-publishers have much more of a stigma attached to their work than small press authors.

While I can understand that there are some authors who self-publish poorly written and unedited work, there are many who use the proper tools to turn out a decent, and sometimes, great book.

But to the question, I think authors need to take charge of their success. That means promotion, promotion, promotion in whatever avenues they can come up with.

I think local and independent book stores should welcome book signings by all authors (after they've reviewed the book and feel it is acceptable). It's a win-win situation, the bookstores have activity and the prospect of sales and the authors have an opportunity to sell. What does the book store have to lose?

As far as schools go, I think if an author approaches their local schools and starts by offering presentations for free, it could work out well. I haven't taken that route yet, having MS limits what commitments I can make. But, I'm thinking that in the fall I may give it a try in pre-schools since my book is a bedtime picture book.

Check out Cryatalee's Viewpoint at: http://crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com

Be sure to leave a comment!

See you in blog world,
Karen Cioffi

We're excited over at VBT - Writers on the Move. This is our first monthly give-away. The winner will be announced here and at VBT - Writers on the Move. Please stop by so if you commented during the tour, you can find out if you are the winner!

Like I mentioned in an earlier post - it's a book!

Karen

It's hard to believe June is here already.
VBT - Writers on the Move is happy to add some new members to the June 1st Schedule:

Harry Gilleland is hosting Linda Asato
Karen Cioffi is hosting Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Kathy Stemke is hosting Liana Metal
Lea Schizas is hosting Helena Harper
Nancy Famalari is hosting Crystalee Calderwood
Vivian Zabel is hosting Joyce Anthony
Margaret Fieland is hosting Mayra Calvani
Crystalee Calderwood is hosting Dorothy Massey
Joyce Anthony is hosting Marvin Wilson
Helena Harper is hosting Gayle Trent
Dorothy Massey is hosting Anita Yasuda
Liana Metal is hosting Harry Gilleland
Carolyn Howard-Johnson is hosting Kathy Stemke
Virginia S. Grenier is hosting Karen Cioffi
Gayle Trent is hosting Lea Schizas
Mayra Calvani is hosting Nancy Famalari
Marvin Wilson is hosting Vivian Zabel
Anita Yasuda is hosting Margaret (Peggy) Fieland
Linda Asato is hosting Virginia S. Grenier

Be part of our new Mystery Site Give-Away and have a chance to win a prize. This month the prize is a book. Sorry, can't tell you the title, it's a secret. Just visit the hosts' sites and leave a comment. YOU MAY WIN!

VBT - Writers on the Move has a NEW monthly Mystery Site Give-Away!

Each month a group member's site will be the Mystery Site for the virtual book tour. If you visit that site and leave a comment on one of the posts for that tour, you may be the one to win the prize!

The owner of the site will determine which commenter wins. The prize may be an ebook, book, or other great item the site owner decides upon. Each month we will let you know what type of prize will be given away, but we will not reveal any details such as a book title.

Make sure you stop by our members' sites on the first or for their second post of the tour. Just leave a comment and you can be a winner!

Members of VBT - Writers on the Move are not eligible to win the prizes.

This month's give-away is a book!

Tomorrow we'll post the VBT - Writers on the Move Schedule.

See you in blog world,
Karen

I've always loved this little adage: What makes God laugh? Tell Him your plans!

I had a number of things planned for today, including a teleconference with my husband's disability attorney and preparing my blog for the June 1st VBT - Writers on the Move tour. Well, as life often does, things went awry.

I go to an extraordinary acupuncturist who helps control symptoms from Multiple Sclerosis, and this morning I had an appointment. After getting nineteen needles from head to toe, my husband and I go to our car to go home. Unfortunately, the car is completely dead. Okay, not a big deal, we call our auto club. And, here I'll mention the name of the club: BP Motor Club. So, we call at 11:40am and are told it will be about one hour and ten minutes. We wait.

Two hours go by. My husband calls the auto club. "Oh, he's stuck in traffic, it'll be another half hour or so." We wait.

Another hour passes. My husband calls again. "Oh, he's still stuck in traffic, it'll be another 15 minutes." We wait.

Now a half hour passes. Another phone call. More traffic, another 10 minutes.

I call 411 and they give us the number of a nearby towing service. I call and request a tow truck. This will cost us money, but we're both aggravated by now. They tell me that someone will call within a few minutes.

A half hour later, the first tow truck from BP shows up. While he's getting our car on the flat bed I get the call from the second towing company.

FOUR HOURS! Now, it's a little after 3:30pm and rush hour began. It takes 45 minutes of bumper to bumper traffic to get to the auto repair shop. One more half hour to finally get home. What a day.

But, the cup is always half full: I always bring reading material with me no matter where I'm going...well, because you never know. I read half of The Frugal Promoter while we were waiting for the tow truck! The rest of the time I listened to my husband rant and rave.

Now, what's on the agenda for tomorrow?

Karen