novelinspirations.com

Freebies

2009-09-16T14:08:00.000-05:00

Get a free ebook!

Hone Your Research Skills – 7 Tips to Save Time and Provide Direction by Lacy Williams

How to get it: for now, email lacy@novelinspirations.com subject "free research ebook" and I'll send you a free copy.

Online Classes

2009-09-16T13:38:00.000-05:00

January 2010 -
Better Brainstorming: Learn how to focus your efforts and get better results. We'll practice some techniques and you can expect to know your characters/story better by the end of this course.
Accountability: Want to jump-start your writing in the New Year? Spend 30 days with Lacy helping you develop accountability.

February 2010 -
Research Rumble: Learn how to conduct your own "deep research" for your novel. Where do you start? How do you narrow down search results to find what you really need? You can expect to find sources to support your novel by the end of this class!

Payment information coming soon.
The instructor reserves the right to change the class lineup at any time.

Critiquing/Editing

2009-09-16T13:32:00.000-05:00

Priced: by the hour, minimum 1 hour
Projects are accepted at Lacy’s discretion.

SERVICES I OFFER

High-level edit – I'll do a read-thru and comment on your: characters, plot, conflict, premise.

I don't do detailed/line edits. There are lots of great services out there, but my passion is for helping writers create the best plots/characters that they can.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Email lacy@novelinspirations.com with the basics about your work-in-progress (length, genre, what type of editing you are looking for), and I’ll get back to you with a price quote within 48 hours.

Research by the hour/project

2009-09-16T13:30:00.000-05:00

Priced: by the hour, minimum 1 hour
Projects are accepted at Lacy’s discretion. Please submit a WORKSHEET that will help me determine what your exact needs are and what the estimated hours to complete would be. If your project is accepted, one-half of estimated price is required before I’ll begin the project; the remaining balance must be paid before I will release your Take-Aways. Any travel time and expenses related to in-person interviews are priced separately.

Some writers LOVE research. Some hate it. Which are you?

Do you know where to find the resources you need, including your local library, googlebooks, library book sales, people to interview?

Or do you simply not have time to complete both your writing and in-depth research? Let me help!

Topics I've touched on in my own research: Oklahoma history, Wyoming history, historical law enforcement, women in law enforcement, Regency history, English architecture, cowgirls, street children in 1890s & 1900s, expansion of railroad across the West, pirates in 1820s, deafness in England in 1820s.

TYPES OF PROJECTS

• Basic research – verify facts, occupations, household items, words, timelines, weather patterns, etc. for your time & place. WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE: A summary of findings, plus sources used/identified.

• Setting – make your setting richer with details from flowers & plants, historical buildings and landmarks, ethnic and economic facts, regional food & drinks, census facts, myths & regional legends. WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE: A summary of findings, plus sources used.

• Market research – helps you prepare your proposal. WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE: I'll provide 5-7 titles, including: author, ISBN and short synopsis of published books comparable to your work.

• Deep research – I will provide information related to the subject of your choice and go as deep as you want with the research. WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE: A summary of findings, plus sources used.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Fill out at WORKSHEET and email it to lacy@novelinspirations.com. I'll work up a price quote and get back to you within 48 hours.

Brainstorming/Research Combo

2009-09-16T13:27:00.000-05:00

Priced: by the hour, minimum 1 hour
Projects are accepted at Lacy’s discretion. Please submit a WORKSHEET that will help me determine what your exact needs are and what the estimated hours to complete would be. If your project is accepted, one-half of estimated price is required before I’ll begin the project; the remaining balance must be paid before I will release your project documents.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT from the brainstorming/research combo:

I’ll work with you to brainstorm and research to help you develop your novel.

EXAMPLE: character occupations

I will do some light research to get a general understanding of the time period/location/ etc.

I’ll schedule an online chat or phone call with you to get an idea what kind of jobs would best fit your character (this will help me get a clearer picture of what you’re looking for).

Then, I’ll dig deeper and do further research and give you a short list of possible occupations as well as one to two sources for each.

OPTIONAL: Once you’ve selected the profession you want to use in your story, I can do additional research and provide further details of the daily life, duties, real-life examples, etc.

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE

A summary of the generalities of the time period/location. A brainstorming session that will ask pointed character questions and help you get a better grasp of your character(s). A short list (5-10) of possible occupations, with 1-2 sources for each.

WITH OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL RESEARCH: A summary of research findings, plus a list of sources (books and/or websites).

TO GET STARTED

Complete and submit a WORKSHEET (email to lacy@novelinspirations.com) and I’ll work up a price quote for you.

OTHER OPTIONS FOR BRAINSTORM/RESEARCH COMBO

Character backstory – need something in your character's past to create more internal conflict in their "here and now"?

Location – have a general idea of the plot of your story but need an idea for a setting/place that will really make it stand out?

Plot – already know what your character’s jobs are going to be, but need some ideas of plot points that will create conflict for your story? Or having problems with a sagging middle?

Other??? Fill out a WORKSHEET and let me see if I can help with the issue you’re having.

Story Starters

2009-09-16T13:24:00.000-05:00

"I only write when I am inspired. Fortunately I am inspired at 9 o'clock every morning." - William Faulkner

Sometimes as a writer it’s hard to face a new document and blinking cursor. Novelinspirations has something that might help start your engines – story starters.

What is a “story starter”?

A short writing exercise, thought for consideration, quote, or idea to inspire you to “get going” on your writing goal for the day.

I can’t write your story for you, but I can help you find inspiration to keep working.

STORY STARTERS WILL BE HOSTED ON MAIN/BLOG PAGE - http://www.novelinspirations.com/

Brainstorming/Research Chat

2009-09-16T13:22:00.000-05:00

Need some live help with a research problem or brainstorming for your story? Join me for a bi-weekly chat Thursday evenings from 8-9 pm CST. Discussion topics will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

See chat schedule at http://novelinspirations.ning.com/events

Join the chat at http://novelinspirations.ning.com/chat - it’s easy to join if you aren’t already a member of ning

Chat etiquette:

Please follow these simple rules to ensure a great chat:

• Use ? to indicate you want to ask a question;
• Use ! when you want to make a comment;
• Use “GA” to indicate you are done with your question or comment;
• Please be courteous to other chatters. Don’t interrupt. Share ideas.

If you have problems or questions about accessing the chat site, please email lacy@novelinspirations.com.

2009-09-16T13:17:00.000-05:00

novelinspirations quarterly newsletter features news, author interviews, book reviews, writing/research tips, special contest announcements, and more.

To join, visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/novelinspirations/join or send a blank email to novelinspirations-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

October Giveaway

2009-09-16T13:16:00.001-05:00

Win a copy of Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy
Deadline for entry: October 31, 2009

How to enter:

1) Become a newsletter subscriber – visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/novelinspirations/join or send a blank email to: novelinspirations-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to join

2) Send an email to contest@novelinspirations.com using subject line “contest entry – October 2009”

3) Post a comment on any October blog post during the month of October.

NOTE: only one entry per person will be accepted

Disclaimer:

1. No purchase necessary to enter any giveaway given on this website (http://www.novelinspirations.com/). The giveaway will end on the date stated in the posting. The opportunity to play may be affected by local ability to access the Internet at any particular time. The odds of winning depend upon the number of participants.

2. Open to all readers, 18 years or older who are legally allowed to participate in such a giveaway as allowed by their local laws. The giveaways are limited to United States mailing addresses only.

3. Players must submit the required information for each give away which will allow the entrant a chance to win. Entrants will be informed if they are a winner on or after the giveaway end date. Limit one entry per person. Lacy Williams and/or novelinspirations.com are not responsible for: incomplete, lost, late, damaged, scrambled or misdirected entries or other errors of any kind whether human, mechanical or electronic, which may limit a user’s ability to participate in the giveaway.

4. Lacy Williams and members of her family are not allowed to enter the giveaway. Void where prohibited by law. All Federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.

5. Prize(s) will be assigned to those who have been identified as winners.

6. Entrants will be informed at the close of the giveaway if they are a winner, and if a player is identified as a winner, what prize has been won. Winners will receive their prizes via mail after the giveaway has completed and winners have been verified. Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the winner. Lacy Williams assumes no responsibility or liability for any damages, losses, or injury resulting from the acceptance or use of any prize. All prizes are mailed out within 6-8 weeks of announcement of winner.

7. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

Book Reviews

2009-09-16T13:12:00.000-05:00

What kind of books inspire you? For me it is stories with a romance and a happy ending. Even better if the story features a wounded hero seeking redemption. What’s your favorite kind of story?

This page will feature book reviews - a great way to find out about new books you might not have read. It will be updated often, so check back!

novelinspirations.com reviews

A Sister's Secret by Wanda Brunstetter

School's Out and Back to School (YA) by Wanda Brunstetter Kingdom Wars: A Hideous Beauty by Jack Cavanaugh

Beloved Castaway by Kathleen Y'Barbo

A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt

Blessings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

The Restorer's Journey by Sharon Hinck

Chosen by Ted Dekker - young adult fantasy/adventure

Courting Emma by Sharlene MacLaren - historical romance

Beyond the Night by Marla Schalesky - contemporary fiction

Next Door Daddy by Debra Clopton - contemporary romance

A Soldier's Family by Cheryl Wyatt - contemporary romance

My Heart Remembers by Kim Vogel Sawyer - historical

Monster by Frank Peretti - contemporary suspense/fantasy

To Trust an Outlaw by Rhonda Gibson - historical romance

Legend of the Emerald Rose by Linda Wichman - fantasy/historical

A Treasure Worth Keeping by Kathryn Springer - contemporary romance
***

Armchair Interviews reviews:

When Bobbie Sang the Blues by Peggy Darty - a cozy mystery

Sooner or Later by Vickie McDonough - a praire romance

The Bounty Hunter and the Bride by Vickie McDonough - a praire romance

Lost in Nashvegas by Rachel Hauck - chick lit

Faithful Servant: A Memoir of Brian Cleeve - nonfiction

Here for You by Susie Shellenberger - nonfiction

Meeting Her Match by Debra Clopton - Love Inspired (contemporary romance)

Stop Sabotaging Your Career - nonfiction

Mysterious Ways by Terry Burns - western

Split Ends by Kristin Billerbeck - chick-lit

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling by Neta Jackson - contemporary women's fiction

The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang - contemporary women's fiction & historical romance

The Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner - historical romance novella collection

When the Nile Runs Red by Diann Mills - contemporary women's/suspense (fiction)

Sarah, My Beloved by Sharlene MacLaren - historical romance

Wild Rose by Ruth Axtell Morren - historical romance

Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge - contemporary fiction

America's Living History: The Early Years - nonfiction/travel

The Restitution by Marylu Tyndall - historical pirate fiction

The Healing Season by Ruth Axtell Morren - historical romance

The Fire Within by Kathleen Morgan - historical romance

On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang - historical/contemporary romance

Strike the Dragon by Charles Dyer and Mark Tobey - thriller

You Had Me At Goodbye by Tracey Bateman - chick-lit/romance

As High As the Heavens by Kathleen Morgan - historical romance

The Rogue's Redemption by Ruth Axtell Morren - historical (Regency) romance

***

The Christian Suspense Zone reviews:

Bygones by Kim Vogel Sawyer - contemporary romance

Beginnings by Kim Vogel Sawyer - contemporary romance

Interview with Kim at Suspense Zone

So Dark the Night by Margaret Daley - romantic suspense

Interview with Margaret at the Suspense Zone

Bayou Justice by Robin Carroll - romantic suspense

Interview with Robin at the Suspense Zone

Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge - humorous fiction

Dangerous Secrets by Lyn Cote - Love Inspired Suspense

Buried Secrets by Margaret Daley - Love Inspired suspense

What Lies Within by Karen Ball - romantic suspense

Heather by Debra White Smith - romantic suspense

Homicide at Blue Heron Lake by Susan Page Davis and Megan Elaine Davis - Heartsong Mystery (cozy mystery with a romance thread)
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Afictionado Reviews

The Restorer's Son by Sharon Hinck- fantasy

Canteen Dreams by Cara Putman - historical romance, short

On Sparrow Hill by Maureen Lang - historical & contemporary romance

The Rogue's Redemption by Ruth Axtell Morren - historical romance