Wiesner, Karen

First Draft In 30 Days: A Novel Writer's System for Building a Complete and Cohesive Manuscript

Average customer rating:

Okay, if you like making word processing templates yourself
Useful Book, IF you want to Outline your Novel in Advance
BRINGING ORDER TO THE PROCESS
Really, I wouldn't bother
Finally....

First Draft In 30 Days: A Novel Writer's System for Building a Complete and Cohesive Manuscript
Karen Wiesner
Manufacturer: Writers Digest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fiction | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

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No Plot? No Problem!: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days
Plot & Structure: (Techniques And Exercises For Crafting A Plot That Grips Readers From Start To Finish) (Write Great Fiction)
Dialogue: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Effective Dialogue (Write Great Fiction)
Write Great Fiction: Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint : (Techniques and exercises for crafting dynamic characters and effective viewpoints) (Write Great Fiction)
The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile

ASIN: 1582972966

Book Description

Many aspiring and experienced novelists toss out hundreds of pages (and waste valuable time) before they have a workable first draft of a novel. With Karen Wiesner's book, those days are over. In this guide, readers will find:

-A systematic method for completing a detailed first draft in just thirty days -Sure-fire methods to reduce time-intensive rewrites and avoid writing detours -Comprehensive, detailed, and interactive worksheets to make the process seem less like work and more like a game

Flexible and customizable, this revolutionary system can be modified to fit any writer's approach and style.

Customer Reviews:

Okay, if you like making word processing templates yourself.......2007-02-18

You need to decide whether you write from the seat-of-your-pants or whether you are a planner. This book is for planners. Buy No Plot, No Problem if you are the other sort.

Okay, you're a planner. Should you buy this book. Well, it doesn't cost much and it has a decent system. Other systems to look at would be the Marshall Plan, the Weekend Novelist or The Novelist's Bootcamp.

I would recommend How to Write a Damn Good Mystery to either sort.

What's wrong this book? The most important parts of this book are the worksheets. They are printed in the book. You must copy them and write on the copies in long hand or take the time to reproduce them all using your word processor.

I myself would rather spend my time writing. In this day in age there is not reason why I should not be able to download the worksheets in electronic format. I would even settle for paying more for them; however, the publisher gives a lame excuse that doesn't cut it--basically, they just don't want to do it.

Here's the excuse from the author's web site:

Q. I just got my hands on the book a couple of days ago, Karen, and I'm in love. What I do wish...that I could order a CD with all the forms instead of having to copy or remake them. I know they all existed as forms on your computer...and I know Writer's Digest does CDs with its Writer's Market. Any possibilities there? Also, it occurred to me that you might want to do online workshops...and you could include the forms in the workshop if you don't have copyright or permission conflicts.

A. Since my background is with small press and electronic publishers, one of the first questions I asked Writer's Digest Books was about offering 1) an inexpensive workbook that included only the worksheets, so they could be re-used easily for each new project, and 2) printable order forms on my website. The first suggestion wasn't possible--this isn't something WDB does normally. As for the second option, I was told that since the worksheets are one of the most valuable aspects of the book--the heart of it, it's not really feasible to put more than three of the worksheets on my website. I chose the most frequently used ones or the most intensive, so those are the ones available on the website now. Please be aware that it's illegal to distribute or put these worksheets on any website. You may make copies for your own use, or download them to you computer for individual use.

Useful Book, IF you want to Outline your Novel in Advance.......2006-12-28

There are basically two types of fiction writers. There are the ones that thoroughly outline the book in advance (Dan Brown did a 200 page outline of the Da Vinci Code before he wrote the book) and those that essentially make up the story as they go along (Stephen King and Dean Koontz are examples).

If you're like me, outlining is a must. I'm a very structure-oriented person, and I like to plan things out in advance. So for me, FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS is a very helpful book, because it is essentially a manual on how to do a highly detailed outline of a novel. This is probably the best handbook on novel outlining that I have ever read.

The problem with outlining, however, is that it is difficult to reduce every work of fiction to the same type of outline. Karen Wiesner is a romantic suspense author, so her outline template works mainly for novels in that genre. Her approach will therefore not work if you're writing something different (a literary novel, a comedic novel, etc.)

So this book is great if (1) you like outlining and (2) plan on writing a book in the suspense/thriller genre. If you don't fit these categories, then this book will probably be of little practical use.

BRINGING ORDER TO THE PROCESS.......2006-11-30

First Draft in 30 Days, by Karen Wiesner, presents an orderly approach to the potentially messy process of creating a novel. Whether or not you ever actually write an entire first draft within thirty days, Wiesner's format provides a track to run on, to help get organized. It's an opportunity to satisfy the left brain's need for structure and organization, so the right brain can romp and play.

No doubt, some readers will cringe at the 30-day approach. As novelists, we often lack deadlines, self-imposed or not. This is a potential pitfall, as the time absorbed in the completion of any task tends to expand to the time available.

Some writers may worry that the resulting formatted outline may not really qualify as a first draft. Rather than be turned off by the whole concept of outlining and organization, use the portions that work for you and ignore the rest.

And if you're like me, you occasionally end up with a manuscript that "needs something." Wiesner outlines a process for using First Draft in 30 Days to troubleshoot a manuscript and get back on track. This by itself is worth the price of the book.

Really, I wouldn't bother.......2006-08-13

I don't think Karen Wiesner's plotting techniques can be applied to any piece of fiction worth reading. All you need to do is flip to worksheet 15 to see how flawed her system is. She recomends plotting out with short-term goal, thwarting of short-term goal, character reaction. This leads to a very choppy, jumpy piece of fiction. What's worse is that the "real life examples" (she takes published, popular books and uses them to fill out her worksheets as examples) don't even work with her system. There's a bunch of blanks with The Lovely Bones. And she encourages her plotters to fill out every part of the worksheet using detailed instruction-- but in the real life examples each part is rarely more than a sentence! Her instructions are confusing. Her worksheets are confusing. Her examples are confusing.

And even the books she cites as examples do not use the formula she has laid out for plotting. No book has that much reaction. Thank goodness. It would be an awful bore to read!

Save some frustration and read Evan Marshall's workbook instead.

Finally...........2006-05-14

FINALLY a system that's comprehensive, workable, and successful. "First Draft in 30 Days" is not the typical blah, blah, blah scenario of most supposed writing guides (and believe me, I've read them all).

I completed my manuscript a year ago, have been submitting to agents, have had some interest, yet knew that something just wasn't working with the manuscript.

In less than a week, I've narrowed down the organizational issues. By the end of June, the manuscript will be cohesive and salable--thanks to "First Draft in 30 Days."

Wish I could have read a book that was so instructive years ago, but since "First Draft in 30 Days" was only recently released, I'm thrilled to have it in my creative little hands now.

Thanks to "First Draft in 30 Days," I'm well on my way to publication!

Electronic Publishing: The Definitive Guide, 2003 Ed (Electronic Publishing)

Average customer rating:

From Print Publishing to Electronic Publishing
Single most important resource for e-publishing
Legwork is done for you here
One of the sources of info and advice on e-publishing
Landmark reference

Electronic Publishing: The Definitive Guide, 2003 Ed (Electronic Publishing)
Karen S. Wiesner , T. A. Stone , and Marilynn Byerly
Manufacturer: Hard Shell Word Factory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Weave Your Web: The Promotional Companion, 2003 Ed

ASIN: 0759937621

Book Description

*Fully updated, revised and jam-packed with even more information! Features: ¨165 royalty-paying e-publishers included ¨Non-subsidy vs. subsidy essay ¨E-what?, including brief history of books timeline ¨New! History of e-publishing ¨Why sell your book to an e-publisher, advantages and disadvantages ¨Exhaustive technology and exploration of the medium ¨Libraries and e-books ¨22 common myths of e-publishing (and the facts) ¨How to choose a quality publisher ¨At-a-glance e-publisher matrix (96 e-publishers included) ¨E-publishing groups ¨Updated statistics on the medium ¨Updated annually

Customer Reviews:

From Print Publishing to Electronic Publishing.......2003-06-18

This is an excellent resource properly subtitled as "The Definitive Guide." As a print publisher of sixteen years, I wanted to learn about electronic publishing and spent hours on the Internet wading through the various, and often conflicting, information. I purchased a copy of "Weave Your Web" by Karen Wiesner and after reading it decided that I had to have her book on Electronic Publishing. Everything you could possibly want to know is covered in this book. I especially like the way she details the 22 common myths of e-publishing and gives her opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of publishing in this manner. Once I read this book, I no longer felt like a novice and am slowly converting some of my print titles into e-books. If you purchase this book, you will save much time and frustration. Although we have different viewpoints on subsidy publishing and the role it plays with all publishing firms, if I could, I would give this book a rating of ten.

Single most important resource for e-publishing.......2003-03-19

"Karen Wiesner's ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING is undoubtedly the single most important resource for anyone-author, editor, publisher-with an interest in the future of publishing. I can't recommend it enough."
--Brian A. Hopkins, Bram Stoker Award-winning Author

Legwork is done for you here.......2003-03-19

"...Wiesner provides an honest portrait of the state of e-publishing as we know it (so far), giving us the skinny on standard formats, copyright protection, and distribution... After opening arguments about the pros and cons of electronic publishing, the book turns into the e-publishing equivalent of Literary Market Place with 125 pages dedicated to listings of e-publishers, including web site addresses, contact information, submission guidelines, payment terms and distribution methods. The section on book promotion contains low-cost promotional ideas worthy of perusal by both electronic and traditional authors, such as Internet interviews, live chats, exchanging banner ads, issuing on-line press releases, organizing contests and special events, e-serials, promotional bookmarks; and other ideas so unique the chapter could potentially be worth its weight in gold... If you're thinking seriously about learning more about e-publishing, most of the legwork is done for you here."

--The Writer Magazine

One of the sources of info and advice on e-publishing.......2003-03-19

"Wiesner's book, first published in 1999, remains one of the best sources of information and advice on getting your book published by a royalty-paying e-publisher."
--eBookNet Undiscovered Gem

Landmark reference.......2003-03-19

"If you want to be published by an e-publisher, or are wondering if maybe the "e-" route is the way to go, this book is for you. In this updated version of her landmark reference text, Ms. Wiesner outlines everything an author needs to know about the e-publishing industry in her first section, starting with the differences between vanity, subsidy, and traditional publishers, then discussing the technology used for ebooks, advantages and disadvantages to e-publishing, and common misconceptions about e-publishing along with the facts to set people straight. The major bulk of the book, however, is an alphabetical listing of all non-subsidy, royalty-paying e-publishers, along with interviews from the editors and publishers about what types of books they want to buy. There is also a section at the end of the book about how to use the Internet to promote your book after you've sold it. If you read the book on a computer with an active web browser, it contains hotlinks to all of the publishers, organizations, and resources listed in the text. Using the power of HTML links in this way is a good thing."
--Science Fiction Romance Newsletter

Average customer rating:

Chilling
Superb!
Shades of THE WITCHING HOUR!
Compelling!
Highly recommended!

Sweet Dreams
Karen Wiesner
Manufacturer: Hard Shell Word Factory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

Romantic Suspense | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books

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First Draft In 30 Days: A Novel Writer's System for Building a Complete and Cohesive Manuscript

ASIN: 0759938512

Product Description

Someone has unleashed an ancient evil bent on destroying Cassidy Christopher by eradicating the women he loves, one by one. . .

Customer Reviews:

Chilling.......2002-07-02

One year ago in Plover, Wisconsin, Maddie Christopher had been attacked by a serial killer known as the "Sweet Dreams Killer". People believed his name to be Natas Sivel. He killed mainly women. His victims' bodies were crushed, the heart drained of blood, and not a single outside wound. He almost had Maddie. But her father, Cassidy, saved her in time. While Natas was too weak from the battle, the police imprisoned him...away from the other prisoners. Now, one year later, the killer escaped!

Natas Sivel was really a demon. He was kept buried, asleep, under an oak tree called The Protector, in a music box. But someone hated Cassidy Christopher enough to dig it up and release the demon held within. The demon's sole purpose was to destroy Cassidy, the property owner, by destroying the women he loved.

Maddie and Cassidy had a psychic connection. Cassidy's friend, Officer Kevin Sheridan (who had been first on the scene with Maddie a year ago) called it "hocus pocus stuff". The only other person with a connection to the Christophers was Maddie's best friend, Robyn Warren. When the demon went after Maddie again, she called Robyn. Robyn got Cassidy to go to his daughter while she jumped on a plane and flew toward them.

The demon saw the attraction between Robyn and Cassidy. He saw them fall in love. So the demon wanted Robyn, as well as, Maddie. Only their love could save them and put the demon back inside the music box, to sleep.

**** WOW! Here is a dark romance book. If not for the romance, I'd label it Horror! It sent chills up my spine the entire time! Fantastic reading! ****

Superb!.......2001-04-18

"Superb! Karen Wiesner's SWEET DREAMS is a roller coaster ride of breath-catching romance and plunging terror. The book kept me up until dawn and not just because it was an excellent read, but because I was too frightened to close my eyes! This paranormal is both haunting and memorable. Definitely a must read!" -Angelica Hart author of THE GATHERING

Shades of THE WITCHING HOUR!.......2001-04-18

"The evil presence in Sweet Dreams is tangible from page one. The main characters are instantly sympathetic, and we don't need to get inside the head of the bad guy to "get" his motivation. Shades of The Witching Hour--seduction and terror--kept me up for hours so I could get to the end. Karen Wiesner structures an intricately woven tale that leaves one panting for more." -author Natalie Damschroder

Compelling!.......2001-04-18

"What a wonderfully ironic title for a wonderfully put together book. The characters won me over right away. Their pain and their longing is so real, their bravery is almost heartbreaking. I appreciated the way [they were layered]with so many levels of devotion and fear to make them intensely human. The plot is compelling as well. As the demon circles in on Cass and Robyn, the suspense builds until it's nearly unbearable, then explodes into a climax that had me gripping the edge of the laptop and hitting the 'next' key so fast I nearly broke it. I just couldn't wait an extra second to find out how it would work out. And I wasn't disappointed. The ending is entirely satisfying." -Karen McCullough, author of PRISM and Rising Star Award-Winning Fantasy, The Rainbow Bridge,

Highly recommended!.......2001-04-18

"SWEET DREAMS is a tale brimming with thrills, chills, suspense and love. Cass is a man who cares deeply about those around him and will do anything to keep them safe. Robyn is loyal and wants nothing more than to help her friend and her true love. The two work well together against the forces of evil threatening their existence. SWEET DREAMS is extremely well written. The characters are likeable right from the start and come across as very real. The plot was new and refreshing to me and the demon very believable. "SWEET DREAMS is an exciting thrill ride that will keep you up to the wee hours. I highly recommend SWEET DREAMS for everyone who loves non-stop action!" -Carol Durfee for Romance Reviews Today http://www.romrevtoday.com

Falcon's Bend Case Files, Vol 1 (The Early Cases)

Average customer rating:

Falcon's Bend Case Files, Vol 1 (The Early Cases)
Karen Wiesner , and Christine Spindler
Manufacturer: Hard Shell Word Factory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Anthologies | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Series | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0759943710

Book Description

"Bugs" A partially digested body is found in the oxidation ditch at the Falcon's Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant. Was it an accident...or is new Falcon's Bend Investigator Pete Shasta facing his first murder? "Broken Wings" Just 2 months ago, a runaway daughter Keith Pierce never knew he had landed on his doorstep. Seventeen years earlier, Keith Pierce had a brief, intense affair with a woman on the lam. When Keith returns to Kat's hometown of Falcon's Bend to find his daughter's mother, he discovers that Kat disappeared shortly after giving birth to Quinn. Investigator Pete Shasta solves a decade and a half old missing-person case that's about to turn into murder. "Obsessions" A newborn baby is stolen from Falcon's Bend Community Hospital's maternity ward...and Lt. Pete Shasta's only lead is to the Liace Adoption Agency, which set up the open adoption of the unmarried mother's baby. Case Representative Lisa Mercer is as suspicious and defensive as she is beautiful. Pete finds himself breaking the cardinal rule of investigation-never get emotionally involved with anyone even remotely associated with a case. With a kidnapper who seems to believe there's nothing left to lose and potentially everything to gain, and his own uncontrollable feelings for Lisa, Pete's about to learn just how dangerous obsessions can be. "Blind Revenge" For the first 3 years of her life, Lindsay Bronwyn had nightmares about a witch who wanted her eyes. Nineteen years later, those nightmares have come true when she's found murdered on her kitchen floor, her eye sockets empty. Falcon's Bend Investigator Danny Vincent faces the supernatural to get at a chilling flesh and blood truth. "Fixated" Someone has been following new Falcon's Bend citizen Risa Nitzberg for the past few weeks. Victor Brooks, her neighbor from across the street who's become fixated with Risa from afar, steps in when Risa's creepy stalker decides to get up close and personal.

Flesh and Blood (Gypsy Road Series, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

Excellent!
Intriguing!
Ms. Wiesner did this story so well...

Flesh and Blood (Gypsy Road Series, Book 2)
Karen Wiesner
Manufacturer: Hard Shell Word Factory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Software
ASIN: 1582001111

Book Description

Book 2 of the Gypsy Road Series:

Rod, JoJo, Jon and Blackie--<BR> 4 gypsies on a solitary road...<BR> until love throws a fork in their path.

After risking her heart once and learning to regret it, JoJo Summers finds it necessary to live her life as a paper doll. No emotions, no danger and no pain.

Randy Briggs is the one man who can change her mind, if he can just break down ten years' worth of her defenses. Getting through to JoJo means uncovering the demons in his own past. But Randy believes in true love and intends to make JoJo a believer too. His only ace in the hole is that she underestimates the power of love.

Just when JoJo takes the first step in risking her heart to Randy, her past comes back to haunt her, in flesh and blood. . .and then her heart isn't the only thing she's in danger of losing.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2001-04-18

"Starts off with a bang and keeps you hooked! I found myself ordering out for pizza instead of cooking so I would not have to stop. EXCELLENT!" -- Huntress Reviews

Intriguing!.......2001-04-18

"Ms. Wiesner has crafted a very readable story. The plot and subplots take intriguing twists, keeping the pages of FLESH AND BLOOD turning."

3 Stars ~ Scribes World Reviews

Ms. Wiesner did this story so well..........2001-04-18

"Karen Wiesner has a knack for turning stereotypes around. It's her heroines who've learned life's hard lessons and guard their hearts against love, and the heroes who love and heal them. A refreshing change. Ms. Wiesner did this story so well that I didn't know until almost the very last page how it would turn out."

5 Hearts! ~ Writers Club: Romance Industry News

Electronic Publishing: The Definitive Guide (Disk - PDF)
Average customer rating:

in-depth, well-researched, informative and must-read

the only guide you should look to concerning...epublishing

Platinum rating!

Highly Recommend!

...a wealth of information...

Electronic Publishing: The Definitive Guide (Disk - PDF)
Karen S. Wiesner
Manufacturer: Petals of Life Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 1892745208

Book Description

The Most Complete Reference to Non-Subsidy E-Publishing

+ Listing of over 125 royalty-paying e-publishers

+ Commmon myths of e-publishing

+ Over 300 links to promotional sites

+ Updated Annually

Customer Reviews:

in-depth, well-researched, informative and must-read.......2001-04-18

http://www.writers-exchange.com/ezine/october2000-bookreview.htm Reviewed By Sandy Cummins

Karen is not exaggerating with the title of her book, the information contained within is in-depth, well-researched, informative and a must read for any person interested in the Epublishing Business - whether you are an author or publisher.

Starting with the basics, Karen defines and explains various forms of publication (vanity/subsidy, co-operative subsidy, non-subsidy, self-publishing). These definitions are not merely one-sentence overviews, they are page-long analyses of each publishing procedure.

She then goes on to explain the benefits of E-publishing and the reasons why the print world has forced this new alternative to emerge. We learn the history and origins of E-publishing, the advantages and disadvantages of this new industry and compelling reasons why we should embrace E-Publishing as the wave of the future.

Electronic Publishing is more complex than most of us realise, but thanks to this book we too can become knowledgeable about the available formats, security protocols (for copyright protection), distribution choices, hardware and technological advances in the industry.

This book dispels many of the myths and misconceptions that the average Joe has in regard to e-books. Even many authors have been fooled by bad-press and urban legend in regard to this valuable publishing tool.

Now that we know we want to be a part of this industry, Karen supplies us with a massive list of E-Publishers. She also details their mission, staff, distribution formats, royalties, submission guidelines, turnaround times, web addresses and interviews with the publishers themselves.

Probably the most useful section of the book to any e-author is the massive promotional section at the end. Starting with four philosophies of a successful attitude we then learn the successful actions of promotion. The number of ideas here for promotional activities is huge! With the kind contributions of other authors, Karen has amassed an incredible list of promotional ideas, with step-by-step instructions and any online links that might be required.

The suggested promotional activities are ingenious, innovative, practical and sure to increase your book sales!

This book should be recommended reading from all E-Publishing Organisations and I cannot endorse it heartily enough.

Rating = 9.9 out of 10

the only guide you should look to concerning...epublishing.......2001-04-18

Reviewed by: Bev Walton~Porter for Inscriptions Magazine Rating: ****

Hailed as a "...must-own resource" by Publisher's Weekly, Karen Wiesner's guide to electronic publishing is not only definitive, it's the only guide you should look to concerning the e-publishing industry. Wiesner provides in-depth exploration of the industry as well as interviews and hot links so readers can embark on further study.

In her revised version of the book, Wiesner outlines the four major divisions of publishers, as well as a frank discussion of subsidy vs. non-subsidy publishers. For those new to the whole world of publishing, and for those who are somewhat familiar, but who need more specifics about the divisions, Wiesner lists what authors can expect for free or a fee from each of these options and provides an assessment of how the author may or may not benefit from each.

In the first chapter, Wiesner tackles the current state of the publishing industry with sobering frankness. For those of us who have been writing for a while, we have heard the titterings of the shrinking mid-list for authors and the absence of publicity pushing for authors who are less than big-name literary cash cows. In stark terms that pull no punches, she successfully argues why the time for e-publishing has come.

Next, Wiesner introduces readers to the beginnings of e-publishing and then launches into a convincing list of advantages vs. disadvantages of e-publishing. Her points are intelligently made and she demonstrates how e-publishing has been birthed from an atmosphere of writer and reader distrust and blossomed into one where nearly every legitimate writer's conference offers workshops on e-publishing because the medium is building up an incredible amount of momentum.

Wiesner lists the top five author complaints with most traditional publishers and counters with how e-publishers score high marks in these same areas with authors.

For those who aren't quite up on the current hardware used to read e-books, Wiesner introduces you to the latest technology and also discusses the future of e-book reading devices with an exploration of products in development.

Finally, my favorite chapter deals with the myths of electronic publishing and what the facts really are in relation to this medium. Point by point, Wiesner simply blows away all the trite complaints of those who eschew e-publishing. In the end, the firm conclusion is that e-publishing

offers choices for readers and writers alike, and what's more, that e-publishing is destined to remain a viable and, ultimately, successful outlet for quality books.

If you're considering electronic publishing as an option for your book manuscript or poetry chapbook, you need to purchase Karen Wiesner's book. It's not only a wise investment of money and time, it's an investment in well-culled knowledge that will guide you effortlessly

and intelligently through the maze of e-publishing toward a successful and satisfactory author experience.

Platinum rating!.......2001-04-18

Reviewed by Mary Dunne BRIDGES Magazine, Nov/Dec issue Platinum This CD boasts to be the "most complete reference to non-subsidy E-publishing". I couldn't tell you if that's accurate or not, but I can say the CD contains a huge amount of information regarding electronic publishing today, From publishers to promotional websites to general information regarding the publishing world, this definitive guide is chock-full of info. A recommended resource for anyone interested in e-pubbing.

Highly Recommend!.......2001-04-18

"I highly recommend: Karen Wiesner's...Electronic Publishing: The Definitive Guide. This is just the BEST, in my opinion, for anyone who has an e-book or is a Print-On-Demand author. She delivers the 'goods.' This is an excellent energy/money out-lay to anyone." -bestselling author Lindsay McKenna from an interview, http://eppro.homestead.com/letstalk.html

...a wealth of information..........2001-04-18

Electronic Publishing: The Definitive Guide is a wealth of information for authors who are hesitant to venture into electronic publishing. Wiesner begins with a definition of electronic publishing and then focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of epublishers, pointing out the differences between subsidy and royalty-paying epublishers. Various myths about electronic publishing are explained in addition to the benefits of the epublishing industry versus traditional print publishing. An outstanding chapter on the various epublishers and interviews conducted with them saves a new author days of searching the Internet for epublishers to submit manuscripts to.

A potpourri of additional resources for ebook promotion includes examples of a press release and press kit for a newly published ebook. Contributions from epublished authors varied from ingenious tips on how to create a promotional bookmark, excerpt pamphlets, or magnets to creatively designed recipe cards and even wrapped chocolates were used to promote their ebooks.

Overall, Electronic Publishing: The Definite Guide lives up to my expectations and I highly recommend it to all ebook authors, whether they have been epublished yet or not. Wiesner's research and efforts in producing this ebook definitely shows and the quality shines throughout. ~ Eva Almeida, http://www.ebooksnbytes.com/

Degrees Of Separation
Average customer rating:

Book 1

A great police procedural

A fast-paced whoddunit!

Degrees Of Separation
Karen Wiesner , and Chris Spindler
Manufacturer: Quiet Storm Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0974408441

Customer Reviews:

Book 1.......2004-12-27

Twin girls are separated at birth and adopted by different couples. The frail twin went to a rich couple, so she could receive any medical treatments she may need. The strong twin went to a poor couple on the wrong side of tracks. Twenty-one years pass...

In Falcon's Bend, Wisconsin, Lieutenant Pete Shasta is thinking only about seducing his wife when his partner, Danny Vincent, shows up at the door about a murder. The body of a stripper from "Danse de Minuit", a gentleman's club, has been found in the park. Pete and Danny soon realize that the investigation will not be a quick. The club has only about a half dozen "dancers". Oddly, they all live in the same house as the club's owner, Andre Trelawney, and his timid wife, Melody. None of the dancers will talk without Andre's permission. They all seem to be either in love with Andre or to loathe him. Andre has the birth certificate of each dancer, showing all to be of legal age. Yet they physically look like minors. Stranger still, the wife is an identical twin of one of the dancers and acts as though she fears her husband. Of course Pete and Danny cannot prove that any prostitution is going on. Nor can they prove the ladies are younger than their birth certificates claim. However, none of the ladies have any solid history before two years ago. None of them has a checking account either. They DO have savings accounts, but all deposits have been made by Andre and there has never been a single withdrawal.

Everyone seems to have a motive for killing the victim. The case is going to be difficult to solve. The worst things are that Andre seems to be extremely possessive of ALL his dancers and Danny is falling in love with Melody. The atmosphere is pregnant with danger and the possibility of another murder is high.

***** Here is a "who dunnit" that will intrigue all mystery fans! It is loaded with twists and turns to keep you guessing until close to the end. Every time I thought that I had figured it out another juicy surprise would pop up. The novel focuses mainly on the case. The subplot, involving Danny, is pretty subtle but seems to round out the novel wonderfully. I can only hope that the authors allow me to visit the town of Falcon's Bend again in the near future. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

A great police procedural.......2004-11-26

Andre Trelawney opens up Danse de Minuit, a classy French club that the locals call a strip joint, in Falcon's Bend, Wisconsin. He keeps his dancers under tight rein with the performers residing under his roof and not allowed to leave the premises without an escort guard.

One of the dancers Teresa is found strangled to death under a bridge in Witmer Park. Police Lieutenant Pete Shasta and his partner Detective Danny Vincent investigate the first murder in town in over a year and that incident was a DUI. They interview Andre who the cops conclude is hiding something although he seems to have an airtight alibi. They talk with the wife of the club owner and follow that up with questioning the surviving dancers (Lacey, Cherry, Deidre, Sugar and Vanessa). The case seems to go nowhere as the detectives dig into the background of the club employees and employer seeking a motive.

DEGREES OF SEPARATION is a terrific police procedural with detectives struggling to uncover who and why. Pete is a fabulous focus to the fine plot as he worries that his second wife will dump him like his first spouse did because he works long diligent hours on the case instead of on her. His partner adds depth with his big city cynical outlook though under thirty (five years in the Big Apple will do that). The dancers have unique personalities and Andre is a way out antagonist who has no apparent reason to kill the victim. Though the twist is obvious and overused, sub-genre fans will appreciate this tense one sitting Falcon's Bend offering.

Harriet Klausner

A fast-paced whoddunit!.......2004-04-22

"DEGREES OF SEPARATION is a teaser-a fast-paced whodunnit with complex characters and an intriguing plot that keep the reader mesmerized and coming back for more until each fascinating clue is stripped down to the naked truth."
--Barbara Colley, author of MAID FOR MURDER

Average customer rating:

Double Delights #6
Karen Wiesner
Manufacturer: Hard Shell Word Factory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 075990605X

Book Description

2 Romances in 1!: LEATHER & LACE: Can a rogue find love with the girl next door? Not if his ex-girlfriends have any say in it! Bethany Briggs is a wallflower who?

Average customer rating:

Wayward Angels (Wounded Warriors)
Karen Wiesner
Manufacturer: Hard Shell Word Factory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Romance | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

Regency | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0759944180

Download Description

What do you get with a former wild man who's committed his path to the Lord and a woman who has absolutely nothing to lose? It's either a match made in heaven...or a sure-fire heartache. Gregg Stevens has spent a lifetime making bad decisions, never knowing true love. Stormie Knight, a new Christian, beguiles him with her eccentricities and with her well-kept secrets. But extracting them could shatter both of their hearts, along with the newborn faith of a wayward angel not yet ready to spread her wings.

Vows and the Vagabond [3 1/2 Diskette, HTML]

Average customer rating:

Well written...
Page-turner!
Riveting!
Scribes World Reviewers Choice Award Winner!
EPPIE 2001 Finalist!

Vows and the Vagabond [3 1/2 Diskette, HTML]
Karen Wiesner
Manufacturer: Hard Shell Word Factory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Diskette

Book Description

Rod, JoJo, Jon and Blackie-- 4 gypsies on a solitary road... until love throws a fork in their path

They both want what they can't have--each other. . .

Blackie Scarpacchio has had hard lessons kicked in him from birth, leaving him cynical and afraid to trust in love. Lori Gordon has loved Blackie all her life. After one stolen night with him when she was 19, he'd torn her soul in two when he admitted their relationship was based on vows he'd made to her father.

Five years later, she's come home to discover that absence has made her heart grow fonder of her dark warrior and vagabond. She still believes their love could be destiny if they both reached out for it. Blackie doesn't know how to deal with his own unresolved feelings for this woman. But when Lori starts receiving threats, his protectiveness thrusts him into constant contact... and reborn needs that could either heal him or destroy them both.

Customer Reviews:

Well written..........2001-04-18

"If this were a Harlequin it would have to fit into the Blaze line. In other words, hang on to your arm chair, this borders on erotica. Not because of the love scenes so much as the tremendous age difference and shocking situations. Well written, worth a read especially if you like the steamier romances."

4 Stars! ~ Just Views

Page-turner!.......2001-04-18

"Vows and the Vagabond is a very tastefully written tale of romance which will have you reaching for the Kleenex box in some places - but you'll love every moment of it! Karen Wiesner presents her fans with a delightful page-turner and when you're done, you'll want to go back to read it again! This one's a definite keeper!"

5 Stars! ~ Elena Channing, Midnight Scribe Reviews

Riveting!.......2001-04-18

"Characters so alive they pop out of the page to grab you, a dilemma so delicious it reaches every cavity of your heart: Karen Wiesner, the Queen of sexy romance, has once more written an emotional drama that sizzles with sensuality. Her riveting tale about the healing power of uncompromising love beats all my secret fantasies."

Christine Spindler, author of The Rhythm of Revenge

Scribes World Reviewers Choice Award Winner!.......2001-04-18

"They say "save the best for last." It's definitely true in this case. The last was absolutely the best for Karen Wiesner's Gypsy Road series. This book had me choked up and ready to cry far too many times, and I find myself wanting to pick it up and read it again. (Yes, I know it's an e-book, but it's on my Rocket eBook reader so I CAN pick it up. (Bet you were trying to picture me juggling my tower, keyboard and monitor...) I was right when I said that if Jon was that intense of a character, Blackie would be something else. He was phenomenal. Talk about deep issues! And Lori-she wasn't the pure, innocent heroine we normally get (she was a wild teenager); she was actually easier to identify with and feel for. Karen Wiesner writes deep, gritty characters-- real people--not the usual "perfect" people, and she does it well. Get this series and enjoy it, guys, and I'd recommend getting disk copies rather than downloads-you want these for your keeper shelf!

5 Stars and Reviewer's Choice Award!! ~ Scribes World

EPPIE 2001 Finalist!.......2001-04-18

"VOWS AND THE VAGABOND pits a magnificent hero with a heroine who is everything he wants and needs. A poignant, moving story with a hero to die for." 5 Stars! ~ Affaire de Coeur Magazine

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