VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

Here is my weekly report on my 2016 Reading Challenge. I'd love to say I'm on track and reading up a storm, but this would only be sort of correct. I have been reading, but not the book I said I would be starting with... Honeymoon by James Patterson. Currently, I'm trying to finish up a book I started in 2015 but don't read every chance I get. I wonder if I could somehow include this on my list of books to read in 2016? How about read a book you didn't finish in the pervious year (2015)? That works, right? Anyway, I'm planning on finishing up this book and jumping into the reading challenge by this coming week. That's the goal and I'll be sure to update you this time next week on how I did. Let me know how you're doing with this reading challenge or just share some great books you think I might enjoy reading. If they don't fit into my list of books to read for 2016, I'll see if I can come up with a new category for it on the list...

Join Marsha Casper Cook  and Virginia Grenier on January 12 at 4 pm EST 3PM CST 2PM MT 1PM PST when they welcome back Gerard de Marigny. Gerard is the author of the best- selling thriller and adventure series about CRIS DE NIRO.  He has been on the rise since he began his writing career and continues to entertain his fans with new exciting work. He will be discussing writing, publishing and how he comes up with great ideas and terrific stories. If you haven't heard him talk about his career listen in for a fabulous show. Live or on demand - to talk to Gerard  call - 714-242-5259 For more info about the show - and advertising on the show http://worldofinknetwork.com http://www.marshacaspercook.com For more info about Gerard http://www.amazon.com/Gerard-de-Marigny/e/B004KNAJ2M/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1451285049&sr=8-1 Listen to the show at BTR's World of Ink Network http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2016/01/12/special-world-of-ink-...

James Patterson said, "Once you have your original plot condensed, call a friend and share the pitch. Pause for a moment and see if they ask for more. If they do, you might be onto something." Raw ideas may come to you all the time. I know I come across new ideas all the time and daily sometimes. However, not all those raw ideas are worth turning into stories and this is why it is important to take those ideas and work them into a plot or as James Patterson suggests, "Use your favorite raw idea and write a plot down in 3 to 5 concise sentences." This sounds a bit easier than it is and so I'm here to share two of my raw ideas written down into a 3 to 5 concise sentence plot. Let me know what you think and if you're brave, I'd love for you to share a raw idea written down into a 3 to 5 concise sentence plot. Raw Idea #1 Coming of age, paranormal, mystery about a young girl, Kayla, who starts seeing things after the stabbing of her best friend during...

Along with working on my manuscripts and my writing classes, I'm going to take on this reading challenge as reading more than you write is something my all time favorite author Stephen King talks about. So here is the list and I hope some of you join me in this challenge. I can't say I'll do these in order, but I will post my progress every Wednesday. To start, I'll read a book chosen for me through my writing course with James Patterson. With that said, I'll be reading "Honeymoon" by James Patterson.

There are many different methods to get and collect ideas. Every writer has their way of coming up with ideas, but where do these ideas come from? James Patterson says, "The more you know about, the more likely you are to combine things to make an idea that’s striking." I found this to be a fascinating thought as many of my ideas come from my life as I have moved more times than my age. I have experienced many things for only being 40 years old. Yep, I just told you how old I am. However, my ideas don't only come from my experiences in life. I also talk to and ask questions of loved ones, family members, friends, etc. For example, my first published short story was inspired by my dad's childhood. I took three different stories from his youth to write the short story "Flying Upside Down" for the former Fandangle Magazine (see below), which was later republished in Stories for Children Magazine. Story ideas can come from other sources too like a wr...