Carmen DeSousa

As soon as I wrote that title, I was reminded of the age-old rule of querying that if chapter one in your book isn't the best chapter, it should be. Ugh ... really? Do you buy that? I don't! Yes, it should grip the reader! But if it's really the best chapter, why would I read the rest of the book, since it'll all be downhill from there? In my opinion, a series is the same way. Yes, the first book better be darn good to make readers want to buy the next one. But let's face it, if it's the best one, you aren't really doing your job with character development. I find this true with sitcoms. I can't count how many times I've watched a pilot and said, "Eh ... I'd rather read", or my son tells me about a series that's been out for years, and I've never heard about it. I watch the first one, and I'm hooked. Why? Because I have to know what's gonna happen next. Because I fell in love with the characters I

Get ready to hear the characters come alive! Romance, Suspense, Mystery, and a Great Southern Drawl... You Betcha!  If you're one of the three hundred thousand readers who've already downloaded She Belongs to Me , you can add the Audible version for only $1.99! Of course, you don't have to listen to it, but trust me, once you try Audible, you'll want it for all your books. Why??? You can start reading your Kindle while you sip your coffee, then when you have to run around doing errands, slip your earphones into your Smart Phone, and pick up where you left off. I especially enjoy listening to a great book while I'm shopping at Wal-Mart. No screaming kids, just a smooth, seductive voice whisking me away to another time and place. Ready? Click here for the full book description and more info how to download FREE and how to add the Audible app! Amazon Amazon Worldwide Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my musing

Reviews are like tipping… You’ve already paid for the pedicure, hair style, meal, valet, book … whatever, but that extra something is what makes that person’s day. No tip or a one-star review could mean that the person did nothing right at all Ten percent or a two-star review could mean that the person did their job, but not very well Fifteen percent or a three-star review could mean that the person did their job, but didn’t offer anything special, didn’t go out of their way to stand out from other persons in the same profession Eighteen percent or a four-star review could mean that the person did everything they were supposed to, went out of their way to connect with you. Twenty percent is that coveted five-star review. This person did everything they were supposed to do and then some. You connected, you're coming back, you're bringing your friends! And also like tipping … just because you get a FREE or discounted meal, does

Occasionally, I run across a post that reads something like... 'How to write more realistic characters...' I know everyone won't think that my characters are real, but that's okay ... they're real to me and 97% of my readers, because they are real. Why??? Because I refuse to read posts on how to write realistic characters. Instead, I watch people ... EVERYWHERE.  I pay attention to EVERYTHING they do while they eat, shop, talk, fight... That's how you write realistic characters! Get out of the house, out from behind the computer, and People Watch!  Just sayin'! Now, get back to reading, writing, or people watching. Me, I'm trying to write as much as I can this week before I go back for surgery next week. While I was gone last week, I took plenty of pictures and notes while people watching. Now ... I get to write!  Until next time, happy reading and writing, friends! Carmen Thank you for stopping by my place and reading my mu