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--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

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

"Life happens" is a saying I've heard thrown around a lot throughout my life. What does it really mean though? Life gets in the way of your dreams? Really? Isn't it life we are living everyday and aren't your dreams part of it? Does it mean bad things happen so we must learn to deal with it and just keep moving forward? However, isn't that really a road block in your journey through life instead of life itself?    Here are a couple of quotes using this saying:   "Transformation is a process, and as life happens there are tons of ups and downs. It's a journey of discovery - there are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys of despair." Rick Warren   "I believe that we can, in a deliberate way, articulate the kind of people we want to become. We can articulate the culture that we would want to exist in our family, and you can then, as the rest of life happens to you, you can utilize those things to

Join Marsha Casper Cook and "VS" Grenier on November 19th at NOON PST 1PM MT 2PM CT 3 PM EST for their premier show on THE WORLD OF INK NETWORK   when they discuss topics in response to their listeners questions. It's going to be an open discussion and a live chat on Twitter.Over the last five years they have been asked so many questions that have not been answered about writing and marketing and everything in between. It's their turn to talk and to help other authors. They will be sharing their trials and their success on their new monthly show. Together they have built their network and have reached over two million listeners with their blogs,  websites and radio shows. Virginia "VS" Grenier is one of the partners of the World of Ink Network. She is also a Silver Mom's Choice Honoree, Award-winning Author, Freelance Editor, Creative Writing Instructor at Dixie State University Community Education, Speaker, BlogTalkRadio Personality,

Live Radio Show on Wed. November 18, 2015 at 3pm Eastern - 2pm Central - 1pm Mountain - 12 noon Pacific Welcome to BlogTalkRadio's featured World of Ink Network. Listeners will get to meet author Ellen Cromwell and illustrator/artist Desiree Sterbini as they chat about their newly released picture book about a Hopi (pronounced: hope-ee) Indian girl who takes readers through many metaphorical doors to explore the different aspects that make each our lives: family, friendship, culture, education, creativity, and nature. TALASI... A Story of Tenderness and Love exposes children to new experiences as Talasi explores her native world and later the modern culture of the white man while holding to Native American beliefs and traditions. About our guests on the show: Author Ellen Cromwell is the founder of the Georgetown Hill Early Schools in Montgomery County, Maryland and has been an educator of young children since the 1970’s and is the author of early childhood pr

Or do you? Writers write. You shouldn't wait around for inspiration to come. But sometimes, there are days you can't get anything written down. Or you're at a loss for words. You can't think of anything to write. You don't have any idea what to write about. And then you end up believing you're having writer's block. You end up believing it too much, you stop writing altogether. You might even think of yourself as not a real writer. And all because of what? You think your muse deserted you? You think you have writer's block? Think again! You sure as heck don't need inspiration to write! What you do need are prompts to help get your writer's mind working and your hands writing or typing. These prompts are your beginnings; the glimmer; the little sparks that you can shape and fashion into stories, articles, essays and features. You don't need inspiration. All you need is an idea; a spark. And here are a

Vivid and clear descriptions make stories come alive. Concrete and specific details paint a more memorable picture for your reader. Carefully chosen words to describe something or tell a story make your reader use her senses. Not only can she imagine, she can also feel what she's read. As a writer, it's your job to provide a vicarious experience to your reader. The only way you'll be able to do this successfully is by stimulating your reader's imagination. Not by bombarding her with too many details in one go, but by gradually drawing her into your story or essay using descriptions. Avoid abstract and general words. Don't just say that a girl is beautiful. Instead, describe her beauty. Maybe she has large, dark chocolate-colored eyes with long lashes and wing-tipped brows. When using description, you're not working with just one sense, seeing. Stimulate your reader's other senses -- sound, touch, taste and scent. So don't