Elect Hillary Clinton on December 19

Elect Hillary Clinton for president on December 19 when the electoral college places their vote.  I  don't make it a practice to discuss  politics but this is so very important.  I strongly feel that those of us that don't want Donald Trump as president - MUST at least do something to let our voices be heard.

PETITION
https://www.change.org/p/electoral-college-electors-electoral-college-make-hillary-clinton-president-on-december-19?recruiter=634036274&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink

Hillary has 2 million of the popular vote and it's still rising!  This petition below has 5 million votes on it and counting. Won't you sign it if you feel you're not happy with the election results?
  Let us all try to change the course of this election and remove the bigotry and fear-based views of Trump.
I find it interesting that Trump kept saying at his rallies that the election was rigged.  Did he know something?

Please help and share. If you don't agree with me that's fine...we all have a right to our own opinion and views.

Happy Thanksgiving to all

PETITION
https://www.change.org/p/electoral-college-electors-electoral-college-make-hillary-clinton-president-on-december-19?recruiter=634036274&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink

Literary Journals

I'm Back! Feeling somewhat refreshed but I still need more time off!. As I promised from my last post I wanted to share with you two publishers.
 I came across a literary journal that publishes fiction, poetry, and art. It's called Hungry Chimera.

I also want to add another journal that looks interesting. It's called The Rush. From what I understand it is a fairly new literary journal and they pay!. Looks promising you may want to check it out. They accept multiple submissions and their guidelines are reasonable.    
https://therushmag.submittable.com/submit

Have a nice Halloween..... If anyone tries these journals please share your experience.

Keep on writing

Tired-On a break

Tired and  on a break!.  I have been going crazy these past few days and I have not touched my computer let alone worked on my book.

I am sure many of you have done the same thing. How frustrating it can be when you KNOW you need to write but can't find the time.

I have read where YOU MUST write every day but life has a way of sidetracking you. So I have decided to just cancel this week and start again.

 My next postI will let you know of another publisher looking for manuscripts without an agent.  My book is already published on Smashwords and has been distributed to other retailers. I am optimistic that I may have more success with Smashwords than Amazon. I shall see.

M.A. Courtney  The Invitation

Barnes& Nobles
Kobo
Apple
Inktera
OverDrive       To name a few.  I will see how successful I am with Smashwords.

Have a wonderful day

Publishing-Small Press

Publishing-  Small Press. As I promised in my last post I am sharing with you
a publisher accepting submissions. 2LeafPress is a small press publisher that accepts submissions from authors without an agent.

Their genres  are fiction, creative fiction, and poetry.  They publish in paperback, hardcover, and electonic.,

They publish novellas, short story collections and novels to name a few. They are new to the contemporary scene and may be worth it to check out their website.

As always. if you give them a try please come back and share your experience with us.

Until my next post.....Keep on writing.

The Invitation on Smashwords

The Invitation is now published on Smashwords
  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/668344

I am excited because I believe publishing it on Smashwords gives me more exposure than Amazon and it allows me to track my free sample downloads which Amazon doesn't offer.

I also like the many features it offers authors and guides toward marketing.  So please check out my new book and I would love to hear from you.  I will gladly reciprocate the favor.

In my upcoming Blog post, I will provide a link to another publisher looking for book submissions.


Have a great day

Keep writing

Authors- Publishers looking for Manuscripts

Attention all authors! Publishers looking for manuscripts.
We authors are always looking for a publisher that will accept manuscripts without an agent.

Well I wanted to share two with you:

Angry Robot- A sci-fi and fantasy publisher. They are part of Walkins Media LTD and they offer advances so check them out on their website.

Cedar Fort- Is open to all genres and also will consider publishing reprints.  They also offer advances.

As I receive more info on publishers I will share them.  I am excited to publish my third book
The Invitation  on Smashwords.  I have a good feeling about them and I am optimistic that I will do better with them than Amazon.  I don't care for the return policy that Amazon has.

Until next time...Keep on writing and share if you have tried one of these publishers and the experience you had.

New Release- The Invitation

NEW RELEASE  The Invitation.

I am trying Smashwords self-publishing for the first time.  The site is fairly easy to maneuver and I like the features.

This book is a romantic fantasy with challenges, obstacles and time travel.

It is a novella and I am excited about it.

I am now beginning to start on my fourth book something different from the other three.  This book has witchcraft and some very interesting characters in it.

I will keep you updated .

Keep on writing and as always send me an e-mail or comment I would love to hear from you.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted-  I posted my first chapter of  Another Lifetime on my tumbler page.  Please visit it and let me know what you think of the first chapter.

macourtney-writer is my username.

You can leave a comment on my Blog or on Tumbler.

Thank You
M

Free Kindle- Another Lifetime

Free Kindle- Another Lifetime!    Available 9/14-9/16.

Please leave a review after you have read the book...I would appreciate your opinion.  If you had read my previous Blog post. It gives you a little preview about the journey Nora Campbell treks along with her challenges and obstacles.

Would YOU make the same choices?

Enjoy..and please leave a comment or review.

Thank You
M



https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I24RVCA

Nora Campbell

 Hi,
My name is Nora Campbell from the book-   Another Lifetime.
I wanted to introduce myself to you and give you a little background about myself.  I am an independent woman who has struggled with a wandering husband.  Listening to his convincing charms just lead down the wrong path.

I always yearned for love and a family like everyone else but it was always elusive.  I love nature and enjoy dealing with herbs and their marvelous healing abilities.

I enjoy hiking and that is where my adventure begins.  Who would suspect that I would be drawn into discoveries that no one could possibly imagine!.


Until next time-

Stay tuned.........

Read Free On Kindle

Hi All,

If you have kindle Unlimited you can read free!...why not go over to Amazon and download my book?.  As a subscriber, you can read it.

Please also leave a review or comment. Amazon, as well as myself, love reviews.  I certainly would appreciate it.

https://www.amazon.com/Another-Lifetime-Finding-another-world-ebook/dp/B01I24RVCA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471703551&sr=8-1&keywords=another+lifetime++M.A.+Courtney

Reviews, Comments, Opinions

Reviews, Comments, Opinions.  A simple request yet many people don"t know how to write one!

It has come to my attention that  the reason many readers won't leave a comment or review is they don't know how!

I am here to tell you that is is quite easy.  Just write honestly what you think!  Of course don't be vulgar or rude..... just say what you thought of the book.

It needn't be long just a few words can mean a lot.   Most writers myself included prefer an honest review or comment  it actually helps us with our writing.  So you are really doing us a favor.

So be kind...and leave a comment. review or an opinion.

Thank you

Indie Publisher

Hi All,

Here is the new indie publisher I had mentioned

in one of my previous posts.  Lakewater Press.    I came across it and wanted to share it with all my fellow writers,

They started in 2015 and little is know about them except that they accept all genres of fiction and non-fiction.  They have a small editorial staff and you can check their personal preferences. They do ebooks and print.

I personally have not tried them but if any of you have or will please share your experiences.  As always please leave a comment if you are inclined to.

I am finishing my third book and continue to market Another Lifetime on Kindle

Until next time...Keep writing!

New Publisher

Hi to all writers,

Well, here is my update on the new publisher Pronoun.  I made a mistake and hadn't removed my book from Amazon first before submitting to them.  And of course, they did disclose that the book cannot be on another publisher's site.  So they refused to publish it.

Now to be fair they did give me the opportunity to remove it from Amazon and then re-submit the book to them.  Upon seeing that it was removed Pronoun said they would publish it.  They wanted the distribution rights which is understandable.

Instead of removing it I changed the book cover and decided it will remain on Kindle.  I have had some sales and I didn't want to upset the apple cart so to speak.  However, I plan to publish my other book on their site  that has not been published.

That will teach me to re-read the guidelines.

So here is the link with the new cover.   Another Lifetime

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I24RVCA#nav-subnav

My next post I will post a new publisher to add to your list.  This publisher is new and began in 2015.
So stay tuned.

As always if you feel inclined to leave a comment I would love to hear from you.

Kindle book- Another Lifetime

Hi all,
 My kindle ebook   Another Lifetime  will be available shortly.  This is published on the new site

and they will be sending me the link shortly.

I will keep you all updated on how well I do with this indie-publisher.   As I have mentioned in my previous post-  I like the fact that it has tracking which Amazon doesn't.   The other features they offer helps authors with their publishing.

Have a wonderful day, don't let the stress over world events get to you....a new world is ahead of us.

Keep writing
Mac

Self-Indie Publisher

New Cover

I have come across another self-indie publisher that I want to share with you all.    I don't know if any of you authors have tried them but I just  have.    It is not easy going  independently and finding a publisher that offers you more than- adding your book  to their millions of other books.

As much as I like Amazon and sold my books through them, I felt they didn't offer me any additional help.   So that's why I began to look elsewhere.

www.pronoun.com

I like the features they offer to a writer.  Various retailers, your own URL, and book page etc.

I just published the book so I haven't set up my page yet.
I will keep you informed on my progress.   If nothing else it will provide you another publisher to consider.

Here is the new cover of my book    Another Lifetime.

  They distribute to several retailers  which I liked- more exposure.  

I will keep you updated on my success with them.  One feature I also  liked was tracking!.    Amazon does not offer that.    And we all know how important tracking is.

I will be releasing the link to my new book soon...so those of you can purchase it on this site as well.

As always please leave me a comment or e-mail me your questions.

Have a wonderful day
MAC

Publisher for ebooks

Hi All,

I wanted to give to all my writers out there a publisher that is now accepting submissions.

Desert Breeze Publishing- A romance, women's  fiction, short story publisher.  

As an indie author, I understand how difficult it is to find a publisher especially who will publish short stories.

Check out Desert Breeze and let me know how you do if you decided to submit your work.  I am still promoting my novella  Another Lifetime. 
 It can be time-consuming and I am trying not to spend money on advertising. 

Want a romantic fantasy story to read?    Buy Another Lifetime   and go along the journey with Nora.      Available on Kindle and on my blog.

Take a peek into Another Lifetime

Here is a small excerpt from my new book on Amazon  Blog.  Another Lifetime.
A romantic fantasy.   Take the journey with Nora and see if you would make the same decisions.

You can easily purchase it via Amazon Kindle or on my Blog and read it on your computer.

The excerpt:

      Always cautious with her discoveries  Nora has a strong urge to make a pot of tea from the plant.    Standing and holding it she nibbles on her lower lip, debating if she should wait until she can get more information, or take the chance and drink it.  She takes the chance and makes a decoction of tea from this intriguing herb.           With the decision made, she gets a pot boils the water, removes the seeds and leaves then places them in the water.   When the water has boiled she pours the hot water over the contents of the herb and lets it sit too steep.
 She can  smell the sweet aroma, it  fills the kitchen with its pleasant sweet scent.         Nora takes a few notes  optimistic, the taste is favorable and she can describe the tea to her potential buyers which always help to sell a product.   Nora waits 10 minutes then strains and pours the plants liquid  into a cup.   The enticing scent is so intoxicating Nora can hardly wait to take a sip, like a youngster in a candy store.
    Nora carries her cup to the kitchen table and places the cup down.   She takes her pad and pen  places it next to her and lifts the cup.  She blows on the liquid so she can sip it without burning her mouth.   Taking a sip, then another  she places the cup on the table.
    Observing the flavor, she finds it delightful and no need to add anything to the brew.   Nora lifts the cup and continues to drink it until  finished.   While seated making notes,  she gets an odd sensation.  
 A dizziness as if she were spinning around.   Her vision blurred she rubs her eyes as if to clear them.  She feels a pulling sensation ...... then it happened……..

Journey to another world

How cool would it be to journey to another world?   Imagine a place that's peaceful and free of the hassles in today's world.

Well, Nora the heroine in  Another Lifetime  experiences just that!.   Imagine escaping into another life and finding love.

But of course there are obstacles and some evil spirits that cause havoc with Nora.  She faces many challenges and hard decissions along the way.

In  Another Lifetime  available on my Blog and Kindle will take you on her journey into another world.  So different from ours today.

Please be kind and leave a review.

Any questions please comment or send me an email.....macourt60@gmail.com

Attention...Attention

Attention all!..I have just added my ebook  Another Lifetime on my Blog.  If you want an easy way to buy it this is it!

Available now.  

Please leave a comment or review....I would appreciate it greatly
It's strange how people will but your book, read it and never leave a review,?

So thank you in advance for the review.

I will keep you posted on my other book that I will be publishing soon

Have a wonderful day!

Another Lifetime- On Amazon

Another Lifetime is now available on Amazon Kindle. 

Below is the link.  Relax and journey into another lifetime

and walk the path with Nora.  Discover her passion and fears

while she battles evil spirits.

  

http://amzn.to/29zrbNi

I may make the book available on my Blog......I will keep you posted on that!

Have a great weekend...And please leave a review.

Amazon Kindle- Ebook Published

It's published!!  My ebook will be available  Friday on Kindle.

I am thrilled.  This ebook for some reason had taken longer than usual.

I will soon be posting one or two publishing house links that will publish short stories for those authors who are interested.

I enjoy writing short stories and I understand many authors do as well.

My other book  " The Invitation"    I have completed and I am on the fence whether to self-publish or send it to a short story publisher.

Any thoughts?

Romantic Fantasy

My ebook   Another Lifetime a romantic fantasy will be available the end of this week!     I am so thrilled...

  The editing process had taken some time but as all authors know that is the most time-consuming part of the book.

It will at this time be available on Kindle.....I may publish it on other devices and some print copies.

It is a paranormal love story involving other another world.  I think it can be considered a part sci-fi- fantasy and romance.

I will post a notice when Amazon puts it up for sale.  I would appreciate reviews on the book.

You can email with your questions if you like.


Have a wonderful day!

Another Lifetime

My ebook-  Another Lifetime  will   be released this week!!

Just in time for the Fourth of July.   A good book to read while relaxing.

So keep a watch.....I will send you all a notice when its hits

the market.


Have a wonderful day.

Fantasy Love Story

My new book  Another Lifetime available soon on Amazon is
is a fantasy love story.    Can you imagine being able to journey between different worlds and find a new life!

A life filled with romance, love, and wealth  and of course challenges.

This story Another Lifetime is about just that!.

I will keep you posted on when it's published on Kindle.  I may have it available to purchase on my Blog.

Until then

Have a great day!

Another Lifetime Coming Soon!

I have almost finished my new book.....  Another Lifetime.

It will be published in kindle format and available on Amazon  soon.

I am so excited.  The story line is about a woman who is caught between two worlds.  There are love, obstacles, and spirits,  involved.

I will announce when its hits Amazon and is ready to buy.

I am still waiting for an answer from a few publishing houses about my other book-  The Invitation.   I understand it can take months to hear from them.

So I am being patient.

Until next time.....
 

Creative Writing-Publishing

                                                                                                 

Today I am briefly going to discuss publishing.   I have been in search of a publisher and an agent  this past month. Sadly from my research I have discovered that the majority of big house publishers and agents will not bother with authors who write short stories!

It's not worth their time and of course, money is involved.  So I have decided that perhaps I will go another route- the small independent publishers.

There are many small publishers which  have windows of time for submissions and so far they are closed  .  A word of caution- there are some  you need to be careful with.  I have been contacted by two indie publishers but they offered me nothing!  I would have had to do everything!.  I may as well continue  with  self-publishing .

I have a list of small indie publishers and I am going to contact them. My third book is completed and I would really like to go with a publisher that can offer me a little help.

So to all writers .....I will keep you updated.  If anyone has experience with small publishers please share.

Keep on writing!

Creative Writing-Fantasy

Creative writing is fun! Especially when writing fantasy stories. I get to let my imagination run wild.

The popular trend lately is vampires, science fiction, and  fantasy.  I don't care to write about violence with all the gory details. I prefer to create romantic stories mixed with magic and mind travel.

I currently completed a book with  one of those ingredients. Dimensional travel.

The Magic Herb has also that ingredient while Even Exchange has magic!

To all the writers out there....keep on writing

Happy April!!

Happy April to you all.

Spring is here. well not in the Poconos in PA!. I had snow on the ground and it was a shocker.

I want to thank those of you who had taken advantage of my March buy-one-get -one free book deal.

It was a success!  I may do it again over the summer.

I just finished a new book and plan to go the traditional way of publishing.  I will keep you updated.

I would love to hear from other new and seasoned writers how they are doing with their work.

Until next time-

Keep on writing
M.A.

Buy One-Get One FREE

The Count Down....Buy One-Get One FREE

March 1st begins the promotion.

Purchase THE MAGIC HERB and I will send you the link for EVEN EXCHANGE.

Both romantic fantasy stories with  twists.

After you have purchase THE MAGIC HERB-
Send me your e-mail and the date you purchased it. After Amazons  7 day period for returns, I will then send you the link for the free book.

Please understand there are some that will buy the book then return it after reading it within the 7 day period.

It's not fair to the writer who works hard to create an interesting, entertaining story.

Please leave a review or comment.

Any questions please e-mail me at
macourt60@gmail.com

Buy One-Get One FREE

Buy One-Get One FREE.
Starting March 1st if you buy my book
 THE MAGIC HERB on Amazon  you get one free!.

For the entire month of March, I will be doing this promotion.

How it works:

Buy The Magic Herb then send me your e-mail with the date you purchased it.  After 7 days I will send you the link for Even Exchange.

The reason for the wait is that I want to be sure  no one has returned the book. Sorry- but there are some devious people out there.

Even for $2.99

Fair is fair.

So- purchase The Magic Herb send me an e-mail regarding the date it was purchased and I will send you the link for the FREE download.

Any questions-send me an e-mail
macourt60@gmail.com

  

Creative Writing-What is in a name?

What is in a name?
"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

Shakespeare said that in Romeo and Juliet. Many writers and poets have used that same phrase.
Of course, the meaning behind it is "names are not important only the individuals are".

When writing a short story or novel, I attempt to put a lot of thought into the names of my characters.

I envision what they look like and how they act and then decide on names to match them.

I don't know how other writers chose their characters names but I have found that works for me.

So what is in a name?

I think it's important to the writer to pick the perfect name for the character they are creating.

In my book The Magic Herb- I picked the name Nora as the main character because she was a warm, kind, woman searching for happiness and love. A name like Bettany, Carol, or Monica etc I felt would not convey the troubles and challenges Nora faces in the story.

If you are a writer share how you pick names for your characters. If not, what's your opinion?
I would enjoy hearing your thoughts.


Until next time
Have a wonderful day!

Creative Writing-Editing

Every writer needs to edit their work. It’s not fun at all and very time-consuming, I would say it takes more time to edit than it does to write the story.

Editing, not only is checking for errors but you actually end up rewriting parts of the story.

 Many writers have declared editing as writing a new story line.

But, editing is important and a part of a writers life. 

My new book that I am editing and preparing to send to a traditional publisher has

 consumed most my time. At this point, I wish I was finished!.

I would love to hear from other writers and how they deal with editing and when they

 have finally decided their editing was finished.

That I feel is the hardest decision to make- when is it done?!

Creative Inspiration

Creative Inspiration what is it?  How does it work?

As a writer, I need the urge that pulls me to write.  Creative writing can be a blessing at times or a curse.

You can't force yourself to write- you need the inspiration to do so.

However, when I am engrossed in my writing I can go on and on letting the words flow until I have finished.

Many writers find inspiration in different ways- I love to walk in nature. I find that's where I get my best ideas about stories.

I would love to hear how other writers get their inspiration to write.

If you are a writer-please share how you become inspired to write.

Sneak Preview

Sneak Preview- The Magic Herb....What pushes you to buy a book? Is it the cover? The Blurp in the book?

 My book on Amazon. Take a peek and check it out.

I would appreciate a comment if you feel inclined

M.A. Courtney: The Magic Herb-Preview

M.A. Courtney: The Magic Herb-Preview: Here is a  sneak preview of my Ebook The Magic Herb on sale on Amazon. I have shared  some tidbits about the story in previous post...

The Magic Herb-Preview

Here is a  sneak preview of my Ebook The Magic Herb on sale on Amazon.

I have shared  some tidbits about the story in previous posts but now I am sharing with you more.

Please leave me a review or comment on what you think.

M.A. Courtney: The Magic Herb-A Fantasy Love Story

M.A. Courtney: The Magic Herb-A Fantasy Love Story: The Magic Herb ...This is a fantasy love story that takes you to another dimension.  Discover Nora's  obstacles and challenegs tha...

The Magic Herb-A Fantasy Love Story

The Magic Herb...This is a fantasy love story that takes you to another dimension.

 Discover Nora's obstacles and challenegs that she faces and how she deals with them.

 A lonely woman, unhappy with her life decides to take a chance and love again in the most unusal way.

Check it out
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015BKBV0G

Writers Page

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00JGX9EJ0

Interested in knowing more about me? Here is a link to Amazon's author page.  Check it out and leave me a comment if you like.

It lists my two books, check them out as well

Have a wonderful day!

Creative Writing- First Paragraph

 The First paragraph in- creative writing
How important is it?
 The first paragraph can set the tone of a story.

It can provide the reader an idea of what the journey through the book will be like. Some books have started out slow but as you continue to read the pace picks up.

Others start off in a rapid pace taking you on what feels like a roller coaster ride through the story, and you have no time to catch your breath.

I prefer to coast through the story a little and let the reader get comfortable, to throw them into a faster pace.  Then slow it down again and add twists until you reach the ending.  I love twists

Every writer decides to take you on the journey through the story either slow or fast or just a steady pace.

Which would you prefer?

Creative Writing- The End

Creative writing-  and the end in a story.  The end can be written many ways but most people that I have spoken to prefer a happy one.

Everyone expects a happy ending. I don't think we will ever become bored with happy endings...we don't mind some challenges in a story or even heartache but ultimately we want a happy ending. We want  that feel good ending that makes us glad that the story ended the way it did.


Personally, I rather have a happy ending...let the story take me on a journey of challenges, love, struggles that's fine but give me a happy ending!

What do you think?

Fantasy Love Story

Do you enjoy reading fantasy love stories?

The Magic Herb is just that!  It's available on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles.

Please leave a comment or review...I would appreciate it.

As I have said in previous posts I always use a part of a person's characteristics in my stories.  So many of my protagonists have similar personality traits of those that I know.

I find it interesting to write that way.

The Magic Herb
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015BKBV0G

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-magic-herb-maryann-courtney/1122675130?ean=2940150836433

Are You In Love With Writing?

Are you in love with writing?. Does writing call to your soul? Is it your passion?

Writing means many things to many writers---some write for the money.

Some write to just express their ideas.

And some write because it calls to them. They have an inner need to write!.

Most writers have a story within them, some will put it to paper and others will dream about it.

I believe you need  that pulling power to write. That's your passion!

It's a need so strong that you can't ignore it.

We all need to find and follow our passion. How wonderful the world would be if we did.

So if you have a story to tell.....do it now!

What Would You Do?

What would you do if you didn't enjoy or like a book you have read.?

Would you write a review explaining why you didn't enjoy it? (As a writer, I would appreciate the readers opinion.)

Would you request your money back and leave no comment?
(I personally believe that is the cowards way out. Well, actually not the cowards way out...just laziness or perhaps you feel your opinion is not worthy.)

When you return an item to a store they ask why you are returning the item...  and you tell them.
 Why not give the writer the same courtesy?

So......what would you do?

Are Refunds Fair To The Writer?

Are refunds fair to the writer?  The topic in this post is a common question among us writers.  As a writer, we work very hard putting an interesting story together and should our hard work be dismissed in an instant if a reader doesn't like the story?

Now, I understand if a reader doesn't care for the story and  they  want their money back but many times they have kept the book for a week which is plenty of time to read it or share it then want their money back.

I don't have a problem returning their money but perhaps not the entire amount. The writer receives nothing for their writing when money is returned.

Amazon lets the customer have it for 7 days then will return their money and the writer gets nothing!

At least the reader could leave a comment or review about the book.

State why they didn't like it.


So....any thoughts????