Tag: Moon Affirmations

Oh…Amazon

by eileentroemel, posted in Writing

I had reviews for Secret Past and Moon Affirmations.  I worked my bum off asking everyone to please write a review.  I got an Barbara Ardinger to write one for Moon Affirmations (Thanks Barbara!) and two other people to write reviews of Secret Past.

I was on Amazon the other day (okay I admit I’m there daily) and noticed the reviews were gone.  My first reaction was that something my be wrong with my computer or something I’m doing.  I checked back regularly.  They didn’t come back.  I emailed Amazon.  Their standard response was people take their reviews down all the time.

Of course people take down their reviews.  However, I find it hard to believe that all three of the reviews I had were taken down at once.  I told them this.  They came back with, these people know you – they should post in the discussion area.  My response was to explain that while one of the people who did the review I am close with the other two were not.

I talked at length how I asked Barbara to do a review because she is known in the community that I’m targeting the book to.  While I know Barbara, she isn’t a close personal friend.  Plus she gave an honest and insightful review (which is what I asked for) not a gushing “hey read this book it is fab” review.  They finally put that review back up.

The other review for Secret Past was by someone I know but it isn’t like we are close personal friends.  She’s a librarian and friend of my daughters.  When she was done reading the book I asked her to please post a review and to be honest.  She did so.  And now Amazon has wiped it away like it meant nothing.

I get they are trying to maintain integrity in the reviews.  Here’s the thing.  I’m a newly published author.  Every positive thing – like these reviews – I worked my ass off to get.  They count.  They make a difference in whether someone will buy or not.  I need them to help encourage sales.  If Amazon takes them away, it affects my sales.

I tried calling them and got the excuse that the reviews department doesn’t have a phone line which I call shenanigans on.  I’m going to give it till Monday and if the review isn’t back for Secret Past, I will try calling again to talk to the Author’s Central department and bitch again.

Here’s the thing – if you are reading this and you’ve read my books.  PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE go to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords or wherever and post a review.  Please be HONEST.  If there were things you didn’t like that is okay and normal.  I expect to be criticized.  It is the nature of being an author.  Please post a review on any of my books.  I could really use them and they all help a lot.

If Amazon is being a shithead about it, please go to the discussion area at the bottom of the page for the book and start a conversation about it.  I don’t know if that will help with getting sales but at least it will get information about the book out there and people’s opinions about the book out there.

Defenders of the People

by eileentroemel, posted in Writing

This book is the first in a series and has been four years in the making. I started writing it in 2010 and am still working on the third in the series.

Bear went into the mountains and found himself a woman to love and two kids to raise. After six years of love and security near the small town of Nettleton those two kids – Tof and Bri – have gathered a small group of friends – Benry, Alex, Liza, Molly, and Bic – to aid them in their quest.

Criminals, rapists come to the town and ravage two small girls. Seeing the injustice the friends take matters into their own hands and hunt them down. Bringing the rapists to justice, Tof and Bri risk all they have as they are fugitives from the council and have been for fifteen years.

Setting aside their own safety, they forge forward to defend the people of their small village and other villages nearby. Using their abilities in magic, sword fighting, as archers, and trackers, they bring criminals to justice in the small villages and towns in their small province.

The small group of friends become known as the Defenders. They fight and assist the villages to make life easier and safer. They become the Defenders of the People.

Available on:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/477423

Or at:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NO83MJQ

Coming soon to Barnes and Noble

Check out my other books available on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble:
Moon Affirmations
Moments in Nature
Moments in Spirit
Moments in Life
Secret Past
Wayfarer

Sleep On It

by eileentroemel, posted in Life, Writing

Whether it is about writing or life, my best advice when you can’t get something done is to sleep on it.  I was writing last night and the scene was going but plodding along.  I wanted sharp, witty, argumentative.  I’ll read what I wrote and decide if that is how it turned out but I didn’t feel it was that way.

I talked to one of my daughters last night for quite some time, just chatting about life.  It was a good conversation and when I was done, I realized I wasn’t going to write much more.  I know where the scene is going, could see it in my head even last night but the flow was not there.

I opted instead to go to sleep.  This morning I woke up and not only do I know where the current scene is going but I also know how the over arching plot is going to end.  Interestingly I even know where the next book is going to start (at least right now).

Being so involved in a story is always fun and a bit tiring.  Sometimes I feel like conversations going on around me are intruding on the story and I just want them to stop so I can go back to writing.  At the same time, I know I need that time away from writing to decompress.

I’m sure if I talked to some science geek they could tell me that the chemistry in the brain (or whatever) is what helps the creative process.  Here’s what I know, if I’m living a story like I have been, I need to sleep on certain aspects to create a good story.  It gives my brain – my inspiration a chance to catch up with the story I’m typing.

On a Roll

by eileentroemel, posted in Writing

Even though I wrote till almost five in the morning, I got a lot done yesterday.  I got all the errands organized so Ken could take care of them.  I got coupons organized and grocery lists made.  He went to the post office.  I got bills paid.  I cleared off a card table that has been in my office for years.  I cleared off some of my desk (it is still a mess).  I got a book published.

Then I crashed and burned.  I was going to take a nap but was too wired to nap.  I was going to write but I was too tired to write.  My evening was just blah.  Ken and I watched a couple episodes of West Wing.  I opened up my current story and knew where I wanted to end but not how I was going to get there.  As I normally do, I just moved to something different.  I putzed a bit with a couple of stories but nothing really clicked.  I ended up doing more reading / editing than anything else.

At eleven I gave up and tried to go to sleep.  Laying in the dark, I can’t say I thought about anything in particular.  My mind wasn’t overfull of things as is normally the case when I can’t sleep but I couldn’t sleep.  At midnight I called it quits and opened my computer to work on writing.  I wrote a scene and a half before my brain said enough.  It was two in the morning and I slept pretty good until six and dozed until nine.

I’ve been working on writing.  I got descriptions written for Defenders of the People.  I got a cover created and worked on production.  I have a couple of steps left but I’m in wait mode on them.  In my head, I think I know the next few scenes for story that I’m working on.  As my legs are getting sore and tired, I’ll probably hit the recliner shortly and work on it.  I have over 21,000 words in this story which is nearly half written as they are smaller novels.

I’ve heard nothing but grumbling from Vicki over when I’m going to get this one done.  I’m enjoying working on it but I also have ten other projects to work on as well.  It’s been a productive weekend and I’m hoping I can keep the ball rolling and work on writing .

Wayfarer

by eileentroemel, posted in Writing

During a period of insomnia, I wrote two stories in about five weeks.  Wayfarer is a short novel set in the future in space.  Here’s the description:

Adara Stone youngest pilot in the Interstellar Planets Union survived one ship’s destruction only to be treated like a jinx.  Being half human and half Wayfarer, she’s always been set apart.  Captain Decker Flannery thinks she’s too young, too solitary, and too sexy to be on his ship.  He needs a third pilot so he has no choice. 
At twenty Adara has flown in service for seven years in everything except the Manu service.  The Pritchard is an investigatory ship that helps keep the peace.  Adara covets being in space and the Pritchard.  She loves the feel of the ship in her hands. 
Adara finds friendship and validation as a pilot aboard her beloved Pritchard.  Along with her fellow pilots, Lisa Sorenson and Jack Norris, she flies the investigators where they need to go.  The three explore worlds and become fast friends.  From bar fights to taking on Barion Battleships, they work well together to keep the Pritchard and her crew safe. 
Captain Flannery doesn’t like his youngest pilot.  She’s a mouse.  When she flies, she creates magic in space but she is argumentative and insubordinate.  Flannery finds fault in every action but at the same time finds himself drawn to this quiet, strong young woman.  He doesn’t like other people touching her and he finds himself protective and attracted. 

One emergency after another draws the pilots, Commander Hal Beltzon, second in command, and Captain Flannery into a tight knit group willing to fight and die for each other.  Adara’s past puts her and her crew in danger.  She fears her “jinx” will harm those she’s come to love but they love her and are willing to fight to protect her.  In the end, Adara finds a home and a family.

From my earlier post, this is what I did with my day.  I have one more publishing version to go through to have it available on Smashwords, Amazon, and in paper form.  In another hour or so, I hope it will be ready to go in the paper form.  
It has been a good day – a very good day!  
Come check out my books on my web site at eileentroemel.weebly.com

A Night Off

by eileentroemel, posted in Life, Writing

It may seem shocking but last night I did nothing more than watch a movie.  I am at a place in editing that I’m trying to figure out the next step to put between two scenes and none of the other stories I’m working on drew me in.  I didn’t even want to watch tv really but I watched the new episode of Dr. Who.  Not sure how I feel about the new doctor.  After I watched Ever After.  It is one of my favorite Cinderella stories. 

It was relaxing and non-thinking.  The stories that bounce around my head were quiet for a couple of hours.  The Cinderella story is one of my favorites.  The Ever After version of it shows a strong woman not willing to take crap from anyone who overcomes a lot.  Instead of the Prince rescuing her, she rescues him – many times – and in the end they rescue each other.  Plus it is a bit of a sappy love story and I like those.

Instead of working non-stop, it was nice to take a break from constant working but at the same time I feel like my brain didn’t really take a break.  I think I figured out what the scene I’ve been mulling on will be.  I’ve had one story in my head just hanging there stuck in trying to figure out what it wants to be.  It may have developed into a story of sorts – it needs a bit more mulling to see what the overarcing plot will be.  I’ve got the opening dozen scenes but more than that I’m not sure.  Until I am it will probably just stay in my head.

A night off was helpful in giving my brain a break but it didn’t help me sleep any better.  I still woke up several times and didn’t get a lot of sleep. 

While I can’t sleep, I’m just going to keep plugging away.  Right now I have three novels to edit, one to finish (well more than that if I look at all my projects) and one novel to do a final read through before I start production.  The artist is working on the cover and interior pictures.  In addition to all of these, I need to get some time in on marketing. 

So much to do and so little time.  I love almost all of it and even the parts I’m not thrilled about don’t annoy me over much. 

Here are links for all five of my books:

Secret Past

Available on Barnes and Nobles:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secret-past-eileen-troemel/1119169953?ean=9781499159868
Available for sale at:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/426548
Available on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Past-Eileen-Troemel-ebook/dp/B00JL38Z7C/ref=la_B00JL4PEJ8_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398097355&sr=1-1

Moon Affirmations  Daily Meditations Using the Moon Phase to Focus Your Energy

Moments in Nature

Available at Barnes & Nobles:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moments-in-nature-eileen-troemel/1119566668?ean=2940045940085
Available at:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/437602
Available on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Moments-Nature-Eileen-Troemel-ebook/dp/B00KBFOWSK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400077630&sr=8-1&keywords=moments+in+nature

Moments in Spirit

Available at Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/461839
Available on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Moments-Spirit-Eileen-Troemel-ebook/dp/B00MDKBO5A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1407857733&sr=8-3&keywords=Eileen+Troemel

Moments in Life

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/469684
Available on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Moments-Life-Eileen-Troemel-ebook/dp/B00MZ82ERW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1408850545&sr=8-2&keywords=eileen+troemel

Moments in Life

by eileentroemel, posted in Writing

The third book in my poetry Moments series is available!  Moments in life is a collection of poems about life, the good times, the bad times, the funny times, and my odd perspective on all of it.

In this book you’ll find my take on life through free form, acrostic, abstract, haiku, and tanka poems.  The different techniques are interesting to me.  Abstract is interesting because it is about the way the words sound together and how the sound of the words evokes emotion rather than the words in the poem.  The other types I play with because they are fun to try to make something fit a set format.

Mostly, the poems express some connection or belief I’ve developed as I’ve gone through life.  There are nice poems which will make you feel good.  There are some hard poems which will show the harder side of life – well at least the harder side of my life.  Here is an invitation to wander through my brain and see what odd things it comes up with.

If you like what you see in Moments in Life, check out my other two poetry books Moments in Nature, and Moments in Spirit.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/469684

Slush Pile and Editing

by eileentroemel, posted in Writing

I’ve been rereading starts to stories I’ve done in the past.  After I got the poetry book back in shape, I ended up working on one of those stories and it is now a short novella.  It will go in the edit pile.

It was such a good night for me.  I listened to music.  I wrote.  I edited.  I got through several chapters of the Defenders second book.  I have two more to finish the first round of edits.  It will have to sit for a bit and I made a couple of notes of larger changes I may want to make.  I have to think about them and let them mull.  My biggest question is if I add these proposed scenes how will it add to the story?

I also have another story idea grumbling at me.  It thinks it wants to be a grown up full fledged story but there are too many questions in my head for it to be a story yet.  I’m making it work its way into a story.  I have two characters and several scenes but no overall plot.  Also it would involve world building as it is a science fiction story.  It takes a lot of effort to do that, if the idea wants to become a story, I need more of the world to become clear to me before I settle into writing the characters and scenes, no matter how much they entertain me.

Sleep was nearly non-existent last night.  As I edited I discovered two things.  If I write a scene that makes me cry, when I edit it I will probably cry too.  This makes it difficult to edit.  They were good scenes though and I’ll have to figure out a way to get over the emotion of the scene to get to the nitty gritty of it.  The other thing I learned is that once my eyes start giving out, editing become difficult.  Unfortunately, this doesn’t guarantee sleep.

I put the editing up about 1:30 and fell asleep fairly quickly.  Ken came home about 2:45 from the game.  At 3:30 my eyes popped open.  I tried dozing for a couple of hours but no success.  Ken is still asleep and I’ll work on production of the poetry book.  Hopefully I’m more successful in getting it done today than I have been for the last two weeks.

Hiding Out

by eileentroemel, posted in Writing

Ken is off to Green Bay for a football game with his sister.  She won tickets and invited him.  He was thrilled.  I am as well.  Not because I’m going to a football game – yuck that wouldn’t be any fun for me – but because I will have the house all to myself for several hours.

I’ve had a couple of days of high pain levels thanks to the lovely humid weather.  However, I’m going to push that all to the back and work on projects.  I came home from work today and tried to take a nap.  Sleep still doesn’t like me so that didn’t work.

Projects it is.  I realized I copied over my latest version of my poetry book with an earlier version.  This means I lost several hours of work.  My own fault, I did things in the wrong order.  This means I have to go through and reorder the poems, set up sections, copy front and back material and a myriad of other things – AGAIN.  (Sometimes I just want to kick myself.)

I’m going to work on that.  If I get it all done and can still manage to be on the computer, I will work on the production part of the book.

I’ve been editing the second book in the Defender series I’m working on.  I realized I didn’t like where I ended it.  The best place to end it is nearly 30,000 words later.  This means I’ve got to let go of the idea that I am trying to write the story in a set length.  It means the second book will be about 1 1/2 times longer than the first book.  Unless I decide to change where the first book ends but I like where the first book ends.  It seems appropriate.  Once I start questioning, it is not a good sign.  The question I have to ask myself is am I questioning because I am feeling under confident in my work or is there a problem with the work.

Poetry book first.  Defenders books second.  Editing third.  This is what my plan is for hiding out.

No Errands Equals Lots of Writing

by eileentroemel, posted in Life, Writing

Yesterday I spent a good portion of the day working on my story.  The other things on my list did not get done.  I’d be disappointed but I added 10,000 words to my story and got a general list of scenes that will lead to the end of the book (I think).

Pain level is still high so instead of working in my office today I’ll be in the recliner.  My classical music is on and I’m going to work on my story.  If it goes well I might just finish it today.  I noticed last night that I had discoloration on my left knee and a red spot on my right ankle.  This is a good indicator that my gout is being obnoxious.  I put a heating pad on my ankle and took a second dose of my arthritis medicine.  Today I’ll take it easy and see if that will help ease some of the pain and flaring of the gout.

Like reading a book, I got to a good stopping point last night and opted to try to sleep.  Mostly I was successful.  I actually got a large chunk of sleep.  This usually helps the pain level.

Ken watched football and I wrote.  That will probably be our day today as well.  It felt really good to write for a good eight or more hours yesterday.  My mom and one of my sisters stopped in and then I drove my van to pick something for them that wouldn’t fit in their car.  That took an hour out of my writing time.  I also chatted with one of my daughters.  Maybe there was a bit of balance in my life.