Book Release Today: When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee!

When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee has been officially released! In addition, I will be participating in a Blog Tour in 2 weeks! I will definitely keep you posted on the blogs that will be featuring me. 

To purchase my latest book, click here. Hard copy and digital copy are available! 

Thank you all so much for all of your support! I know there has been quite a gap in time from when my first novel was published. Life got crazy. Really crazy. But, thankfully, I have been able to find my peace...just as Janine does in my latest novel. 

I am beyond thankful for those who have stood by me and encouraged me over the years. The acknowledgement page in my new book outlines in a bit more detail some of the things I have learned since the release of my first book, Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Star.  

Today is an exciting day for me! Thank you for sharing in my joy! 

Book release: November 3rd!

Well, hello all! Good news...the release of: When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee is just around the corner!
I worked closely with my publisher to get it just right for you to read. From content to cover, it is ready to go!

Twinkle, Twinkle Christmas Star is an Inspirational Fiction genre, but this book will simply be fiction in genre. It takes many twists and turns that make it something for everyone. Who doesn't enjoy a great story about self transformation and discovery?

Thank you for your support and interest in my work. Stay tuned for more updates! In the meantime,check me out on my website, on Amazon and on Good Reads!

You can also check out my other passion at: www.mytastenc.com 

Choosing a cover for my book...

Let me begin by saying that fall is on its way and for that I am thankful! Autumn and winter are my two favorite seasons. I love cool breezes, falling leaves and pumpkin spice EVERYTHING!!

Now, back to the issue on hand...choosing a cover for my book. When Life Gives You Lemons, Drink Coffee is still on schedule for its October release. I am currently working on picking out the cover. I want something in neutral, warm tones...with a coffee house theme, of course. My publisher send me several covers to choose from and I am 90% sure I have it pinned down to one in particular...but, I think there need to be a couple of small tweaks in order for it to be just right.

It is an outside view of a quaint coffee shop. There are a couple of outside tables with a lady sitting at one, enjoying her coffee of course! The colors are shades of warm browns and deep oranges, which I like a lot.

I have completed my acknowledgement and about the author page. Oh, and I have art inserted onto the first page that was drawn by a very talented young artist who happens to be my sons best friend! I am super excited about the release of this book...can you tell?

I am hoping to schedule a couple of local book signings as well. Thank you for all of your support : )

Story and plot, YouTube, new website...a jam packed post!

Story and plot...are they the same or different?
The answer is...drum roll please....

They are...DIFFERENT!

I recently wrote an article describing the difference between story and plot. Here is a taste of what was written:

Story and plot are actually two different things when writing fiction. Here is a brief, but simple list of ways they are different. By understanding the differences, you can write a better book.
Story is emotional.
Plot is physical.
For example: story is to a character feeling sad as plot is to describe a character crying.

Simple examples of each:

Click here to read the rest of this informative article about story and plot!

One of my favorite articles is the one I wrote about Creating space to write your book at home.
I have been thinking about creating a YouTube channel to help aspiring writers. In addition to writing tips, I would also include my other loves...baking and running! (It's a good thing I have the running with all of the baking I do!)

I have recently completed my new website! It seems like it took FOREVER, but I wanted to be sure I included everything in order to make it successful.
Author: Deanna Martinez-Bey

Update on the writing course

Some days are definitely easier than others when it comes to keeping up with my school work! Sometimes I sit at my computer and knock out a lesson or two in no time and other times it is a struggle to focus on one chapter within a lesson!

Nonetheless, it is coming along well. I am on point with my lessons. I am learning so many new tips. I have learned about story structure, plot templates, character development, viewpoint, tenses and setting so far. All of it has been interesting and helpful.

I also continue to work on my next novel, in addition to the one I have in with my publisher. There is a lot going on at my house! I'm not only an author, but a wife and mom as well. My family keeps me on my toes!

Something I am learning is that following your dreams takes a lot of hard work. A lot of late nights. A lot of support from my husband! It would be a million times harder without his support.

Is there a second draft?

Technically, yes, there is a second draft when you are writing a book, but not really. That probably sounds confusing!

Today, I wrote an article about WRITING YOUR FIRST DRAFT. I talk briefly about what the first draft is and what to do after your have written it. Here is a sample:

If you are reading this article, it means that you are a writer or want to become one. Congratulations on following your writing dreams! So many people desire to write and never get around to actually doing it.

Let’s talk about the first draft of your book. What is the first draft? It is the original manuscript. You may be thinking… Now that I have written my book it is ready to be submitted to agents and publishers. Well… hold on just a minute. 

Do you want to know what to do next? Click here...

Brushing up on my writing skills!

It is official...I am registered at a local college to continue my education with an advanced fiction writing course! It feels amazing to have the support of my husband to press forward in my writing career! I have always wanted to go back to school and finally, after all of these years it is possible. 

Sure, taking care of a teenager and a baby makes things a little harder, but it will make me work even harder to be sure I succeed. 

My husband supports me like no one ever has before. This man pushes me to do what makes me happy and encourages me to work on what I enjoy. I used to day dream about how I wanted my husband to be and then years later he popped up! It just goes to show you how powerful our thoughts truly are! 

My class starts in about 8 days and will continue for approximately 2 months. I am in the process of getting it all ironed out as far as double checking with the school to make sure I am good to go.

You can also follow me on Facebook: Author: Deanna Martinez-Bey