Here's to a Wonderful Holiday Season!

Hello, Overlord fans.  Another holiday season is upon us and like everyone else, we’re all gearing up for the sales season.  However, I’m not going to give you the big sales pitch this year.  Many of you have already purchased my books and I thank you so much for being a loyal fan and follower of mine.   Instead, I’m hoping that you can help spread the word about my works to your friends, families, co-workers, and acquaintances, especially those that you think would like my books the most.  There’s always someone else out there that hasn't heard of The Overlords but might be interested if they knew.

Speaking of spreading the word, please inform those same people with children that I visit local schools and libraries, holding children’s writing sessions, science fiction and fantasy workshops, and mentor seniors with their senior projects.  I can’t be everywhere all the time and trying to contact these institutions can be a daunting task.  Your help will enable me to someday meet that young, aspiring author and help them get their writing career off the ground.  All of these things help me to pay it forward and little by little these simple acts can bring on greater things.

I wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season, full of happiness and cheer.  And if the winter becomes long and cold, snuggling up near the fireplace wrapped in a blanket to keep warm while enjoying Harrison’s adventure isn’t such a bad thing, now is it?  J

Welcome Horror Writer, Gary Frank!

Overlords fans, as promised here's the very first horror writer to visit our blog.  Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to Gary Frank.  Gary and I met several years ago at NECON, a horror writers convention that's held at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI every July.  We both clicked after meeting each other, with our love for sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and The Beatles helping us form an instant bond.  We both enjoy hanging out on the quad, enjoying a "few" cold ones, saugies, and interacting with our fellow NECON campers.  Gary was also kind enough to be a host for one of my stops on my Overlords Blog Tour.  OK, enough with the introductions!  Here are a few things you need to know about Gary:

Mike:  Hi, Gary.  I’m very excited to present the very first horror writer to my Overlords fan base.  We’re going to do an old fashioned interview, ok?  With that said, here we go!

Mike:  Gary, please introduce yourself to my Overlords fans with a little information about you and where you’re from.

Gary:  Hey, Mike. Thanks for the interview! Well, I've been breathing for over 40 years and writing for over 30 and have two published novels from Medallion Press. I come up with short stories every now and then, dabble in poetry, but mainly stick to writing novels. I currently live in north New Jersey, but I come from Flushing, Queens, New York.

Mike:  What are you working on these days and what’s the current status of that project?

Gary:  I had been full throttle on a complicated ghost story called Passing Strangers for most of the summer, getting about 45,000 words down and then abruptly stopped. I’m looking at that book again and also a novel based on ancient China, tentatively titled City of the Pearl Dawn.

Mike:  All your work is predominately horror.  What drew you to that genre?

Gary:  I really loved Robert McCammon's Stinger and Usher's Passing and early Dean Koontz like Phantoms. I had actually started writing science fiction and fantasy, but was always attracted to the supernatural. For a while I was writing short stories in all three genres, but around 2002, I took my fiction novel, Insert Title Here, that hadn't found a home and decided to make the antagonist "something other than human" and Forever Will You Suffer was born. Three years later I sold it to Medallion and I just stayed in horror because it's a much more emotional genre than science fiction or fantasy and that makes it more interesting to explore.

Mike:  Have you created any characters that have truly scared you?  If so, which ones?

Gary:  None that have scared me, but a number of people who read Institutional Memory (my second novel that takes place in a possessed corporate office building) have told me they no longer work overtime in their office by themselves.

Mike:  For those of you who don’t know, I met Gary at NECON several years ago and found that he’s also an accomplished musician.  Did you ever have any plans to connect with Paul McCartney and hit the road as a rocker???

Gary:  Funny you should mention Sir Paul. I had been taking lessons from a South American guitar teacher who was teaching me Spanish guitar and as a 12-year-old boy, all I wanted to learn was rock. The day I brought the sheet music to Yesterday to her was the beginning of the end of our time together. I have played at local cafes, but never hooked up with the right people to really get into the band/bar scene.

Mike:  What makes Gary Frank tick?

Gary:  I have a clock similar to Flava Flav's that I wear inside my chest.

Mike:  Any upcoming projects we should now about?

Gary:  Necon E-Books will be bringing Forever Will You Suffer and Institutional Memory out as eBooks soon. Institutional Memory will hopefully be sometime in November or December and Forever Will You Suffer will most likely be in early 2014. I have a short story, Devil Women From Mars coming out in Michael Knost’s Red-Neck Zombies From Outer Space anthology. I’m not sure exactly when that’s coming out, so we’ll call it sooner than later! And of course, the two novels.

Mike:  Care to talk about your radio show?

Gary:  Ah yes, the radio show. The Rock Labyrinth. 40+ year of classic and modern metal, prog, alternative and good, solid rock. The music runs the gamut from King Crimson, ELP and Rush to Metallica, Priest, Sabbath and Maiden to Shinedown, Evanescence, Black Tea House and Lilly Rouge to Dream Theater, Pinnacle and Spock’s Beard to The Cure, Bauhaus and Sisters of Mercy. Something for everyone! The show is every Monday night at 9pm eastern US time at www.shmusicmedia.com. 

Mike:  OK, time for some quick ones, ready?  Favorite movie?

Gary:  Star Wars

Mike: Favorite food or dish to make?

Gary:  One of my recipes: Tortellini with ground turkey, onions and peppers.

Mike:  Favorite place you have ever visited?

Gary:  One place? How about a few: Beijing, Hawaii, Cape Cod, Arizona, Colorado

Mike:  Favorite music band?

Gary:  The Beatles

Mike:  Favorite book, and no it can’t be one of yours!

Gary:  No way I can do one book! The Affinity Bridge by George Mann, Peaceable Kingdom by Jack Ketchum, The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury, Stinger by Robert McCammon, The Greyfriar by Clay & Susan Griffiths, Mr. Hands by Gary Braunbeck and several dozen more I can’t think of!

Mike:  Gary, thanks for being a good sport!  Is there anything you would like to leave my fans with?

Gary:  Thanks again for interviewing me. Look for Forever Will You Suffer and Institutional Memory coming out in the next few months from Necon E-Books. Dark Territories is an anthology I co-edited with Mary Sangiovanni and is available through Amazon. Drop by www.shmusicmedia.com on Monday nights at 9pm (eastern US time) for The Rock Labyrinth. I’m on Facebook if you want to say hello. I’ve got a blog called Writing Through Hell and my website is www.authorgaryfrank.com! Lastly, keep an eye out for news in 2014 about the new books.

Gary, it's been my pleasure having you here to day.  Here are links to Gary's books -- be sure to pick up a copy or two, they make excellent reads as well as awesome Christmas gifts!

Dark Territories: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Territories-Gary-Frank/dp/097923462X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383155561&sr=1-4&keywords=dark+territories

Unfortunately, both books are out of print, but are available through Amazon’s marketplace. Here are the links to the books:

Forever Will You Suffer: http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Will-Suffer-Gary-Frank/dp/1932815694/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383151326&sr=1-1&keywords=forever+will+you+suffer

Institutional Memory: http://www.amazon.com/Institutional-Memory-Gary-Frank/dp/1933836407/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383151409&sr=1-1&keywords=institutional+memory

Nonnie Jules is Writing Again!

Hey Overlords fans, once again my fellow author and huge Twitter supporter, Nonnie Jules, has another book coming out today.  Nonnie and I have traded guest blog postings in the past and just yesterday I was on her blog for the last day of The Overlords Blog Tour: Seven Blogs in Seven Days.  Here's everything you need to know about DAYDREAM'S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE'S FRIEND:

DAYDREAM'S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE'S FRIEND Book Intro!

Blurb:  

"She was one horrible mess.  Always looking over her shoulder, avoiding becoming too friendly with the neighbors, never letting her kids out of her sight for fear of human monsters lurking around corners, waiting to cause them harm.  That anxiety stemmed from her own childhood memories.  Always fearing  that someone would recognize her face, she kept to herself and didn't go out much.  And when she did, no matter the season, she wore some kind of hat or covering on her head, enough to shield her face.  HE had done this to her even though he was dead now.  

Walter never understood why she was such a loner, avoiding  people as much as she could, and just being extremely anti-social outside of the house.  Houston was originally her home, not his, yet she didn't even want her own family and friends to know that she had returned.  The only person she found herself able to really open up with was him.  And although she tried to make him feel otherwise, he knew that there was still a huge wall up that even he would never be able to see over or climb.

Marisa had a secret and if it was ever discovered, it could cost her her life and her freedom."

Review:

"I couldn't put this book down! Every chapter that I read kept me on the edge of my seat, excited about what was to come in the next chapter.  I want more...so hope there's a sequel! Lifetime Television...watch out for DAYDREAM'S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE'S FRIEND.  You're going to want to turn this script into a movie!"- P.J. Soemer, Book Lover

Trailer:

http://youtu.be/qbUK3XQ5-dA

BUY LINKS:

Nonnie's Book Store

Also on Amazon (Coming to Amazon as an eBook, Saturday, November 9, 2013)

If you're interested in keeping up with this Nonnie, please check out the links below!  Thanks for joining us on this collective 25 blog BOOK INTRO!!!

CONTACT:
General Blog
Parenting Blog
Nonnie's Book Store - Signed Copies & more
Twitter:  @nonniejules

BOOKS:
"The Good Mommies' Guide to Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters,"
100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can't Help But Love!
www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP62O56
www.createspace.com/4355124

TRAILERS:

"THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE ..." 

"Daydream's Daughter, Nightmare's Friend" 

The Overlords Blog Tour: Seven Blogs in Seven Days

Hello, Overlords fans!  Starting Friday, November 1st I will be embarking on my first ever blog tour.  I'm hoping to spread the word about The Overlords and Self Publishing Insight to my blog hosts' social network, hopefully reaching thousands of new fans.  I'll be discussing some very interesting topics that will reach all walks of life, especially in literary circles.  Listed below are the host blogger, the topic for the day, and the associated link.  The links will go live on the day of the blog stop, so check back here to review previous blogs if you missed them. Please forward this link to anyone you feel would benefit from the day's content.  Thanks!

November 1:  Shelf Pleasure -- "Science Fiction vs. Fantasy: Are They Really the Same?"

November 2:  Draegon Grey -- Author and Character Interviews with an exciting Overlords trailer.

November 3:  Shirley Slaughter -- "Teach What You Know"

November 4:  Gary Frank -- "Horror and The Overlords Connection"

November 5:  Taylor Fulks -- "Are You Talking to Me? Figuring Out the Point of View"

November 6:  Mike Malone -- Two Guys Talking Baseball

November 7:  Nonnie Jules -- Overlords and Self Publishing Insight Interview

Thanks to all my wonderful hosts for supporting me on my blog tour.  I hope everyone learns a little something that helps them get one step closer to completing their project.

Offerings from SelfPublishingInsight.com

Attention writers, teachers, librarians, and anyone else that's interested in moving their writing career along!  Mike and Jon at Self Publishing Insight have been busy streamlining a catalog of offerings to help get your next book into the public's awaiting hands.  As you know, Mike is very busy presenting "The Concepts of Writing and Publishing", mentoring high school students, and visiting libraries and schools, but he's always available to take on new challenges.

Take a look at our list of offerings:

The Concepts of Writing and Publishing

This workshop focuses on writing, in particular creating characters, settings, plot points, and the Four-Pass Editing Process, as well as self-marketing, self-promotion, social networking, eBooks, and much more. Question and answer time provided.

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, anyone who wants to self-publish their works

Length: 2 hours
 

Social Networking, Self-Marketing, and Self-Promotion

This workshop is for authors looking to promote their work in the ever-growing field of social networking, self-marketing, and self-promotion. Cutting edge technology is focused on in this workshop, including utilizing the Internet to its fullest capability. Websites, social media sites, newsletters, email distribution, blogging, YouTube, and much more are discussed in this highly attended event. Question and answer time provided.

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, intermediate authors, anyone interested in how to promote themselves online

Length: 2 hours
 

Writing for Beginners

This workshop is geared toward the new writer, as well as someone that might need a nudge in the right direction. Content of this workshop takes a closer look into creating characters, settings, plot points, and the Four-Pass Editing Process. When finished with this class, students will be able to apply what they have learned and get their book to the point of publication. Question and answer time provided.

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, anyone who wants to understand writing/writers/their mindset better

Length: 2 hours
 

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Adventure Writers Workshop (Session Based)

This workshop is geared toward those writing Science Fiction and/or Fantasy novels. Beyond general writing techniques, this class digs deeper into world and universe creating, mythologies, character development, and genre specific items. Question and answer time provided. Specific discussion of each attendees work included.

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, intermediate authors, advanced authors, those interested in examining this writing genre

Length: 4 – 5 evenings (over about a month), 2 hours per session
 

Intermediate Writers Workshop (Session Based)

This workshop is via a group setting in order to discuss different aspects of writing a novel at length. Participants are encouraged to bring up problems they are encountering and to work as a group to resolve issues with their projects. The workshop focuses on creating characters, settings, plot points, and the Four-Pass Editing Process, as well as self-marketing, self-promotion, social networking, eBooks, and much more. This seminar delves deeper into the topics at hand, allowing students to ask more detailed questions.

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, intermediate authors, advanced authors, those interested in examining this writing genre

Length: 4 – 5 evenings (over about a month), 2 hours per session
 

Write & Dine (Session Based)

This workshop combines nightly writing topics and a culinary experience. This relaxed setting brings together writers and food aficionados alike! Plentiful hors d'oeuvres are coupled an intimate setting to discuss the subject of the night in detail. Individual and interactive group conversations are utilized to better grasp the topic at hand. Attendees must be over 21.

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, intermediate authors, advanced authors, those interested in examining this writing genre

Length: 4 – 5 evenings (over about a month), 2 hours per session
 

Writers Retreat

This special retreat gives attendees a setting conducive to channeling a truly positive writing experience. This weekend-long excursion combines multiple writing topics in an introspective atmosphere. Attention will be given to each attendees specific writing, with feedback from the group. Individual break-out sessions with our expert(s) are provided for personal evolution. Attendees must be over 21. This is an overnight event, lodging and some meals included.

Good for: authors-to-be, new authors, intermediate authors, advanced authors

Length: One weekend (Saturday & Sunday), overnight, 10:00 – 4:00, plus a
fun happy hour and dinner on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday
 

One-on-one Writing Consulting

This intensive examination of your work begins with a free consultation phone meeting with our expert. Pinpoint feedback, instruction and customized tips work in conjunction to provide you with the tools and abilities to bring your writing dreams to reality. Discount on publishing, marketing and other related services included!

Good for: aspiring authors, authors-to-be, new authors, intermediate authors,
advanced authors, those interested in improving their writing

Length: To be decided (a minimum of 4 sessions over at least a month) 

Remember, you can always contact Mike or Jon for more information about pricing, presentations, and workshops. If you have an idea for a class or event, let us know and we'll see if we can fit it into a new SPI offering.

Nonnie Jules's Blog Tour Ends Here!

Overlords fans, you might have recalled that a few months ago fellow author, Nonnie Jules, guest blogged here.  Since then Nonnie has embarked on her highly successful "DAYDREAM'S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE'S FRIEND" Blog Tour and I'm happy to say that she saved her best stop for last!  Here's the interview -- enjoy!

Mike:  Hi, Nonnie.  I’m very excited to have you visit my blog for the second time in a matter of months.  Last time you were here you gave my Overlords fans a little information about you and your latest book, The Good Mommies’ Guide to Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters.  This time, we’re going to do an old fashioned interview, OK?   With that said, here we go!

Mike:  Nonnie, please reacquaint yourself to my Overlords fans with a little information about you and where you are from.

Nonnie:  Hi, my name is Nonnie Jules.  I'm the mother of two beautiful daughters, wife of one very loving husband and grandma to many animals.  We live in Louisiana on a strip of land I like to refer to as "my farm".  We don't milk cows or feed chickens here, but if you go looking for horses and the like, you will find plenty of them.  I'm an avid reader and lover of books (the old fashioned kind, you know the ones you can actually hold in your hand and turn real pages) and I like to write from many different genres.

Mike:  How are sales with The Good Mommies’ Guide to Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters?

Nonnie:  Well Mike, of course, any new author who's name isn't J.K. Rowling would probably respond to this question in the same manner...sales could always be better!  BUT, I have to say this, my FIRST book "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE..." has now made it's way onto the shelves of a few Barnes & Noble Book Sellers and that's a big thing!  And I will have to admit, happily, that it's moving on its own merit.  All the stores have had to re-order multiple times because the book is running out the door.  One day soon, I'll come back and share a large number with your readers that will really blow their socks off, but it's doing OK, I must say.

Mike:  Let’s talk social networking, especially Twitter.  For those of you who don’t know, Nonnie has selflessly promoted me and many other authors.  Can you give us some insight in how you have managed to get such a grasp of Twitter?  And, how do you utilize Twitter best?

Nonnie:  It amazes me that people think I'm such a whiz when it comes to Twitter.  I am the most socially inept person in the social networking sphere, really I am.  Just as with Facebook, I don't know what I'm doing on Twitter.  I have just managed to teach myself just enough to get by. I may look like a PRO doing it, but believe me, I'm not (I just believe you should look good in everything you do..smile).  I know how to post on both forums and I know how to respond.  That's it, nothing fancy.  It blows me away when people come to me and ask "how do u promote all those people every day?  What kind of system are you using?"  System, you guys think I have a system?  Well, let me disappoint you all...there is no system.  I hand type, that's manually type each of those posts/plugs that you see every day!  Nothing is automated with me.  I just don't know how to even get into that fancy stuff.  As far as how I use Twitter best Mike, I'm actually going to blog about this next week...I like to maximize each tweet, even when I'm saying "hello" to someone, I ensure that it's not a wasted "hello".  You guys will have to drop by my blog next Tuesday to get the full gist of what Im saying here.  So bookmark my blog below!

Mike: You’re a big advocate for mentoring and paying it forward.  Can you describe what you would like to see from your fellow authors in this area?

Nonnie:  Mike, I'm so proud of you and the effort you expend to support and mentor our youth, let me say that first.  But yes, I am a very strong advocate for mentoring, paying it forward and my favorite...CANDLE LIGHTING.  "A Candle Loses Nothing By Lighting Another Candle." This is  truly how I live my life online and off.  If someone comes to you and asks for help, give it.  Willingly.  If there is any way that you can help further the career or goals of another, do it...willingly and without hesitation.  Remember, everything you do comes back to you, so let's make the boomerang return only positive favor in our direction.  I feel so passionate about this topic that I could go on and on and on about it, so I'm going to stop at this for now... always be willing to help another.

Mike:  Any upcoming projects we should now about?

Nonnie: My first novel, "DAYDREAM'S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE'S FRIEND" was due to release at the end of August, but that didn't happen.  Actually, this is the tour I'm on now for DDNF.  We have a new release date of mid-September, so let's keep our fingers crossed and keep me off Twitter so that I can put the finishing touches on the book.  I personally think it's going to be a great read but I may be  a little biased on this topic, so we'll see.  I'm sure you guys will let me know.  Take a look at the trailer here youtu.be/qbUK3XQ5-dA.  You can also read an excerpt from the book here wp.me/P3sUCq-gj.

My children's book "KIRSTEN AND THE BIG BLUE TREE" was put on hold due to illustrator issues, but it looks as if I'm about to have those issues worked out and so it will definitely be out in time for the holiday gift-giving season.  Who doesn't love to give books for the holidays?  I sure do!

Mike:  Now for some fun stuff!  Ready?  OK!  What’s your favorite movie?

Nonnie:  My favorite movie is (anything with Julia Roberts) STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

Mike: Favorite food or dish to make?

Nonnie:  I'm a Louisiana gal so my favorite food to make and eat is seafood GUMBO.

Mike:  Favorite place you have ever visited?

Nonnie:  My most favorite place that I've ever visited would be California.  The people are comical there so I enjoyed it because I always enjoy a good laugh.

Mike:  Favorite music band?

Nonnie:  My favorite music band I would have to say is the Jonas Brothers.  I know it's a kiddie thing but you guys have to keep in mind that I'm a mom of a teenager and a few years ago I had to go to a Jonas Brothers concert and the little girls were into it so much that they made me get into it.  And being a busy mom, I don't know anything about anything except kid stuff, and Disney.  How sad am I?  LOL!

Mike:  Favorite book, and no it can’t be one of yours!

Nonnie:  Oh, but my favorite book is mine!  LOL!  That's no fair, telling me that I can't name my own book as my favorite.  But, seriously, I have always loved and always will love LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott.  That seriously is my most favorite book in all the land.

Mike:  Nonnie, thanks for being a good sport!  Is there anything you would like to leave my fans with?

Nonnie:  If you guys would like to keep up with me and what I'm doing, please FOLLOW my blog WATCH NONNIE WRITE! at nonniewrites.wordpress.com.  There is so much cool information there, that you don't want to miss out on any blog I have coming through.  You may also FOLLOW me on Twitter @nonniejules.

I am on a mission to save our children, one by one.  "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS," 100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can't Help but Love! is one of the most powerful mediums to getting that done.  If we all are teaching our children from the same model, the same blueprint, how can we go wrong?  WE CAN'T!  The legacy that I'd like to leave behind for my children, for all children is that of a better, safer more loving world.  But we can all be a part of making that happen.  Here's the trailer if you haven't seen it already: youtu.be/zg15rptFN2g.  So, if you haven't picked up a copy or gifted a copy of "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE..." yet, here are ways to do it:

If you like e-books you can get a copy here at amazon.com/dp/B00CP62O56 for only $2.99.  You can't even get a burger for $2.99 and all it will do is make you fat.  At least when you spend $2.99 on this book, you're helping to save the world and our children.  On Amazon, you may also pick it up in paperback. Createspace.com/4355124 has paperback copies and if you'd like an autographed copy, go to www.nonniesbookstore.com.  This book makes a great baby shower and new mommy gift.  Get yours today!  Ditch the hamburger.

This is the final day of the "DAYDREAM'S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE'S FRIEND" Blog Tour and I couldn't have wrapped it up in a better place so I saved my goodie for last.  Today and today only, I am giving away ONE very special autographed copy of "THE GOOD MOMMIES' GUIDE..." to a lucky reader of the Overlords.  Simply visit www.nonniesbookstore.com to register.  That's all you have to do and the winner will be selected on September 15!  The winner will be posted at NONNIE'S BOOK STORE and also I'm sure Mike will post it here (somewhere).  Good luck to you all!  

Thank you all for having me and Mike, it's always a pleasure.

Mike:  Nonnie, the pleasure was all mine.  And Overlords fans, let's support Nonnie on all her projects by purchasing a book, visiting her blog, and following her on Twitter.  I already am!

The Top Three Ways Kids Can Be Better Writers!

Hello Parents, as well as fellow Overlords fans!  Even if you're not an author, I think that you can benefit from these three little tips to get yourself or your child to write more.  Let's face it, writing is not hard and getting your kids to do it is easy, if you know how!  We have a ton of experience with this area via our years of school and library interactions and the tips below can help your child tremendously!  How can we get this done?  Read on!

Tip #1: READ!  One way I stir my creative imagination is not by writing all the time, but by reading.  Let's face it, sometimes we authors simply cannot write any more at a given time.  Many times I have saturated my brain with battle scenes, monsters, and witty dialogue but enough is enough.  When I feel like I can't write another sentence, I put away my work and pick up that book I've been waiting to read.  Reading immerses me in someone else's world, taking me to a place that I have not personally created.

Parents, when your kids tell you that they don't feel like writing take them to the nearest book store and have them buy their favorite book or the next story in the series that they're reading.  You'll be surprised at how this new story will spark their imagination and get them back to that computer and writing to their hearts' content in no time!  Believe me, if it works for me it will work for them!

Tip #2: Organize  I preach this single point over and over in my workshops and seminars.  The easiest way to combat writer's block and fatigue is to organize your thoughts into smaller more manageable chunks.  If you have many thoughts, try story boarding.  This is what directors do for movies and TV shows.  Simply take a sticky note or index card and write one main idea per item.  When you can't think of anything else, take what you have written and organize them into a timeline.  From there, your story should take a major leap forward and your brain can begin filling in the blanks.

Another way is to create a bullet list of ideas in your favorite word processing tool (Microsoft Word or equivalent).  Again, reshape your list in a beginning to end timeline and you should have something concrete to work with.

Tip #3: Writer's Groups  Believe it or not, we authors are not always right! Sometimes the best way to work through problems is to talk it out with fellow-minded individuals.  Be it a fantasy-centric friend or classmate in your history class, bouncing off ideas on other people fosters deeper dialogue and a better understanding of problems or road blocks you might be encountering.  And students, parents and teachers are very good at listening, especially when it comes to helping their children learn.

For the aspiring authors out there, check your local library or community center for writer's group or book club meetings.  As I always say, we're all in this together and sometimes even the best of us need a gentle push in the right direction.

I hope these simple tricks help your child and yourself when you develop a case of writer's block or burn out.  These simple tricks can get you back to the pen and paper -- or computers for you tech savvy folks out there! -- and write that next great novel!