VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

You're sitting at your desk, staring at a blank sheet of paper or a blank word document on the computer screen. You actually want to write, but just can't bring yourself to it. You have no clue what to do with your characters next, and they don't seem eager to tell you. Or perhaps you have a deadline, but you're aimlessly typing random letters on the page, none of which seem to make sense, and you're getting more and more frustrated as every minute passes. That deadline that you have in two weeks seems to be coming round very quickly and, at this rate there is no way you are going to make it! Whether you are experiencing this for the first time or for the hundredth time and you're at a loss as to what you should do, don't despair. You can consider yourself as having a case of writer's block or being stuck in a rut; it can and does happen even if you haven't been neglecting your work. Other writers experience this too. Your muse needs to

Join Host Virginia S Grenier on the World of Ink Network Mondays for the Author Spotlight show on October 3, 2016 at 8pm EST - 7pm CST - 6pm MST - 5pm PST. The Author Spotlight show brings readers debut, best-selling, award-winning authors every Monday. Host Virginia S Grenier will not only talk to our guest author about their recently released books but also what the inspiration is behind the book and much more. Our Guest This Week Will Be: Mona Haynes who is a wife, mother and grandmother! She has over 25 years experience in early childhood development. Mona enjoys working in the ministry with her husband who is a pastor. She loves her family and friends three dots. You can learn more about Mona Haynes at http://www.halopublishing.com/3f-h/mona-haynes.html 10/03/2016 06:00 PM http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2016/10/04/world-of-ink-author-spotlight-with-mona-haynes Today's sponsor: Halo Publishing, Int. Learn more at http://www.halopublishing.c

World of Ink Network is happy to announce their debut show Sunday Reads. It will air every Sunday at 8pm Eastern. Join Host Virginia S Grenier on the World of Ink Network Sunday for the Sunday Reads show on October 2, 2016 at 8pm EST - 7pm CST - 6pm MST - 5pm PST. Sunday Reads is a live book review show every Sunday with Host Virginia S Grenier. She will share her thoughts on the books she is currently reading, as well as, touch on literacy. Authors, publishers and experts in the field of literacy may guest on the show. Grenier will also share an information or tips to help build better readers in our homes and community. 10/02/2016 06:00 PM http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2016/10/03/sunday-reads-on-the-world-of-ink-network Be sure to follow us on our blog, Facebook and Twitter. Also, look for all our World of Ink Network hosts on Facebook and Twitter. The World Of Ink Network has endeavored to create radio shows geared toward excellence in the reading/p

Welcome to the Featured World of Ink Network here on BlogTalkRadio. The World of Ink Network brings you shows each week on topics such as books, writing, author interviews, self-help and much more. Join the discussion Friday, September 2nd when Host Virginia S Grenier chats with picture book author "K" Stone about family Christmas traditions and her latest picture book, "Santa's Secret Wish." The call in number is (714) 242-5259 You can listen to the show on September 2nd at 12 noon Eastern - 11 am Central - 10 am Mountain - 9am Pacific or on demand once the show airs live. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2016/09/02/woi-author-interview-special-picture-book-author-k-stone "K" Stone has a background in early elementary and middle school education and is a teacher of young minds. Stone was awarded 1996 Teach of the Year from Chesapeake Public Schools. She strives to strengthen families by sharing fun practices that will i

Join Virginia S Grenier and World of Ink Network for a special show on Global Diplomacy on June 30, 2016 at 1pm EST - 12 noon CST - 11am MST - 10am PST. Listen live or on demand at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2016/06/30/woi-speical--global-diplomacy-through-student-exchange Today's Show: FLAG is a Not-for-Profit Tax Exempt Organization, established in 1989. FLAG is Granted as an Official Sponsor Designated by the United States Department of State since 1990. Accepted for Listing in C.S.I.E.T.'s Advisory List. FLAG's vision is to promote global understanding and world peace by providing families and youngsters from across the globe with the best intercultural experience friendship can buy. Our Guests Will Be: Mazi Cunha, FLAG's founder and a former Brazilian exchange student, he founded FlAG along with his American host mother (since retired). Mazi, along with current Executive Director Marc Moralez, has a dedication and passion for stud

In my most recent class with James Patterson, he addressed writer's block and the things keeping those who want to write from writing. I find I don't get writer's block, and even Patterson made the comment he is immune to it. Those who tend to get writer's block in my opinion (which isn't too far from Patterson's) focus on getting one thing completed and, therefore, find themselves stressing about what isn't happening instead of moving on to something else. For example: focusing on writing an individual chapter, scene, character sketch, blog post, book blurb. The problem is most writers don't move on and come back to whatever it was holding them up. Instead, they stare at the black screen, page or whatever hoping the words will come. If you can't relax the mind, how can your muse honestly come forward? It can't. So move on. Write something else, go for a walk, get some chores done around the house, call a friend, get something to eat or drink

I'm happy to say that I finally finished the one book holding me up from starting this challenge and "Honeymoon" by James Patterson as my first book from the list (suggested book to read by friends, spouse, etc). Okay, so I guess I should give some feedback on the book I just finished reading...right? Well, this was an easy read, and if I had carved out some time one weekend, I might have been able to finish this novel in one day. It's a fast moving storyline and one I enjoyed reading not only as a reader but also with an author ear. What do I mean by this? "Honeymoon" breaks the POV rule we are heard when it comes to writing as a first-time or even as a seasoned author. I was surprised to find both 1st person and 3rd person point of view alternately throughout the book. Kid you not. It was well done, and the transition between the two different POV's was smoothly done. A true master. What I liked about the book was getting into the both the pro

In a lot of the writing groups and conferences I've been to the topic of research has come up from time to time. There are many different opinions on the subject, and many will tell you research is only necessary when you are writing about something you know very little to nothing about. But is this really the case and if it is, does your writing suffer from not doing research all the time? After writing many short stories and picture books for young readers, my opinion on doing research might be very different from yours. I have always felt research is critical no matter how much I know or don't know about a certain subject. There is always something I learn each time, even on topics I know a lot about as things are always changing, and changing fast sometimes these days. However, I thought I was just one of the weird writers out there feeling this way until I took a research workshop with James Patterson, who had this to say about research. "Research really he

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--guest

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

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

Welcome to BTR's featured World of Ink Network. On today's Stories for Children show, listeners will get to meet Christa Pierce, a 24-year-old author and illustrator making her literary debut with Did You Know That I Love You? , published by HarperCollins, which Publisher’s Weekly calls a “sweetly assuring ode to unconditional love” and Brooke Shields raves, “I can't wait to read this to my girls. It so sweetly exemplifies the countless ways in which love is given.” The show will air live on Monday March 23rd at 4pm Eastern - 3pm Central - 2pm Moutain - 1pm Pacific Did You Know That I Love You? was originally written as a letter to her mother during a difficult time in their relationship, offers a heartfelt story about the importance of expressing your feelings to those you love. The World of Ink Network is more than just a blog talk radio show network, it also offers writing and marketing help. You can learn more about WOI at http://worldofinknetwork

Welcome to BTR's featured World of Ink Network. Today, Wed. March 25th (6pm Eastern - 5pm Central - 4pm Mountain - 3pm Pacific) on The Families Matter show, the hosts will be chatting with author Ingrid Bencosme, a former schoolteacher, about her interactive book for children, TEETH FAIRIES. TEETH FAIRIES is a new, interactive book and doll set celebrating a child’s tooth loss process. From the age of about 5 to 12, the average child loses twenty baby teeth. That’s a lot of visits from the Tooth Fairy! This process is an exciting and sometimes stressful time for both children and parents. This is a fantastic tool for moms and dads to help their kids get excited about losing their teeth and wanting to take care of their dental health! You can find more info at  www.teethfairies.com Learn more about the World of Ink Network and its hosts at http://worldofinknetwork.com Tune in Live or On-demand at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/worldofinknetwork/2015/03/25/woi

Welcome to BTR's featured World of Ink Network. Today, Monday March 23rd (4pm Eastern - 3pm Central - 2pm Mountain - 1pm Pacific) we have Acclaimed Director Alejandro Monteverde as our guest. He will be chatting about his newest movie LITTLE BOY (starring Kevin James, Michael Rapaport, Jakob Salvati, Emily Watson, and Ali Landry, and is produced by heavyweight TV and movie producer, Mark Burnett). Set during the height of World War II, the film centers on a little boy, Pepper Flynt Busbee (Jakob Salvati), who is willing to do whatever it takes to end World War II so that he can bring his father home. Through his struggle, Pepper learns lessons of morality, such as the value of self sacrifice, how to face the town's bullies (at times hilariously depicted), the importance of racial equality, and many lessons in between. This heartwarming family film expertly captures feelings similar to those recognizable in so many great American movies. Website http://li

Welcome to The World of Ink Network on Blog Talk Radio. Today's show is The Writing Mama with award-winning author and host Virginia S Grenier. The Writing Mama show will air live at 6pm Eastern- 5pm Central - 4pm Mountain - 3pm Pacific Our speical guest author today is Lawrence Elliott. His passion is to teach the laws of life in a practical way. Presently, he volunteers teaching junior high school boys the word of God, in a group called the Christian Boys Movement. Additionally, Mr. Elliott volunteered teaching ‘at risk’ high school boys, the principles of life at a special institute designed for them. Our host will be chatting with Lawrence Elliott about his recent book, Practical Proverbs for Everyday Living , published by Halo Publihsing, Int. This book gives the reader keys to unlock the mysteries of life in a simple, but yet profound way. The proverbs will assist you with avoiding unnecessary problems. The principles in this book will teach you how to

Welcome to BlogTalkRadio's featured World of Ink Network. Join Virginia S Grenier and Marsha Casper Cook on Wed. Feb 25 - 9PM EST - 8 PM CST - 7 PM MT - 6 PM PST - It's all about the dream! It's going to be a great show with their guests, RJ Jeffreys, Melissa Keir, Arnold Rudnick,Kelly Abell and Joanna Lee Doster. On this special WOI: What Is Success show, you'll get the latest news about the 2015 Oscars who won, who lost, who cried and who laughed at the 87th Academy Awards ! Missed what happened and want to get the whole scoop? Visit http://oscar.go.com/ to get 2015 Oscars highlights from the red carpet to winning speeches! Listen in and have some fun! We invited you to post comments and questions in the chatroom. The World of Ink Network brings you show topics such as books, writing, interviews, self-help, empowerment, families and much more. For more info http://www.worldofinknetwork.com http://www.michiganavenuemedia.com Listen live or

Welcome to BlogTalkRadio's featured World of Ink Network. Today on the Stories for Children show, host Virginia S Grenier will be chatting with Author J.E. Thompson about his books, Revelation and Deliciously Dark Tales. J. E. Thompson began his stormy relationship with writing at age fourteen when his English teacher nominated his short story for inclusion his school district’s writing competition. With the joy of success, and the sourness of that first submitted story’s subsequent failure behind him, he puttered on and off, writing fiction stories, non-fiction articles, and commercial copy for years. In November 2003, he accepted the NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month) challenge to complete a fifty-thousand word book in one month. That rough draft, after myriad revisions, edits, rewrites, edits, revisions, professional editing, rewriting, eventually emerged as his first book, Revelation . Revelation is the first book in a trilogy that chronicles fif

This is The Writing Mama Show on BlogTalkRadio's featured World of Ink Network. This week host Virginia S Grenier will be chatting with David W. Smith of the Amazon Best-selling adventure series Hidden Mickey. David Smith has published over 300 articles, books, and publications over the past ten years. He has been a Keynote Speaker for the National Honor Society; he received "Speaker of the Year" for the USPTA several times. He also worked at Disneyland in Southern California which inspired his novels, Hidden Mickey as well as his non-fiction work, "In the Shadow of the Matterhorn." Find all of David W. Smith's books at http://www.amazon.com/David-W.-Smith/e/B002WDKU44 We invited you to post comments and questions in the chatroom. The World of Ink Network brings you show topics such as books, writing, interviews, self-help, empowerment, families and much more. Follow us at http://worldofinknetwork.com Listen to the interview live

Every New Year, people sit down and write out their resolutions on the things they want to happen over the next year. The lists can be long or short, it doesn’t matter. We all have done it, but how often do you complete the goals listed? Rarely in my case; so I spent all of January doing more than just writing my New Year Resolutions, I spent time thinking about what I really wanted to see happen in 2015 and then took it a step further by listing ways to make those things happen. I also looked long and hard at the things I have been working on and doing. I evaluated each of them and the ones that weren’t taking me where I wanted to be I dropped off my list of things to work on in the New Year.  Once I was happy with the list I had, I began looking at my time and seeing if there was enough time in my week and daily to work on each item. In some cases…I didn’t. I was right back to reworking my list and making sure I was putting goals in the right priority. A few things at the

This is the What is Success Show with hosts Virginia S Grenier and Marsha Cook. This week the hosts will be discussing New York Times Best-selling books "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed and "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner; along with the movie adapations on both books. We invited you to post comments and questions in the chatroom. Host Marsha Casper Cook is the author of six published books and 11 feature-length screenplays, and a literary agent with 15 years of experience. Marsha founded the literary agency Marcus Bryan & Associates in 1996 and achieved signatory status from the Writers Guild of America (WGA) within two years. In that capacity, she has represented more than 100 screenwriters and authors, and has also optioned books to movie production companies. Marsha has spoken about her work and the craft of writing to a wide range of audiences including bookstores, schools, museums and local cable and will continue to speak to the media. Auth