Let the Countdown Begin!!

I'm excited and nervous. The illustrator working on Stellar Reclamation will be done on June 30th. Knowing that in a few weeks, I will be self-publishing my first book is...Wow!

Self-publishing is a huge step and must be done correctly. In order for those of us that choose to venture down this road to succeed, we must set a high standard. The same we expect from a tradionally published book. Right?

I will keep you updated!!

I pray your writing journey is going well.

Keep at it.

Blessings!!

So Much To Do!!

Hey!

Well, I've heard back from the beta readers. Guess what? They loved my children's Sci-fi story! They gave me some wonderful feedback and caught a few typos that slipped by me. I cannot thank them enough.

What now?

I have a lot of work to do - website, preparing the manuscript for self-publishing, etc.

If you have experience with self-publishing, I'd love to hear about your journey.

Keep on writing!!

Blessings - Kimberli

First Draft Finished!!!

What's Happening?

My writing journey is going well. I pray yours is, too.

At the moment, I am waiting to hear from the beta readers for my Sci-fi story. Heartbreaking sadness has happened in several of their lives, so I am not pressing to get it back. Life and healing is more important.

In the meantime, I've just finished the first draft of my current WIP (Whisper Willows). I LOVE the characters in this story. I'll tell you more about them some other time. :) I think I mentioned before that this book is also designed to help struggling readers and will be an ebook.

I've already jumped into the second draft. During this draft, I'll work on adding more details, adjusting some scenes that need more work, etc.

So, what are you working on right now? :)

Keep on doing what God has called you to do!!

Blessings - Kimberli

Children's Sci-fi with Beta Readers

I have given several people a copy of my manuscript to give me their honest opinion. It is taking a while as they all have very busy lives. I am so thankful they are willing to do this for me. They are a blessing!

I also have a friend who is an exceptional artist. He has offered to take time out of his busy schedule to try and come up with some character sketches. I'm excited to see what he's done.

All of these things take time, energy, and patience. When people selflessly give of their time to help you with your project, please remember to pray for them. It's not easy.

I must admit that I'm very excited about going through the self-publishing process. That may change later on, but I am blessed to know many who have gone through it and hopefully they will help. :)

I'll keep you updated.

Keep writing!!! Finish that manuscript BEFORE you begin edits!!!!!

Blessings - Kimberli

First Round of Edits are Completed!!!

Hey! Guess what?!

That's right. I finished the first round of edits for my easy-to-read children's Sci-fi chapter book.

Now I search for a young beta reader to tear it apart. :)

Let the search begin!

Blessings - Kimberli

So...What's Been Going On?!

It's time for an update!

What's been happening with my writing?

Let's see...

I've been done with the third manuscript for the Shayia's Adventures series. It has been sent to the publisher. While that story was in critiques, I had started a children's Sci-fi story. It's another easy-to-read book. It is almost done going through critiques. I will be self-publishing it sometime next year. I'm excited about it. I've never gone through the process, but hear a lot of good things from other writers. I've also begun working on a children's dragon story. It is coming along SLOWLY. :)

I still get excited when I'm writing. Do you? :)

I hope you are keeping up with whatever you're called to do!

Blessings - Kimberli

Hello! :)

Oh my! February was the last time I posted....SORRY! :)

So, what's been going on in my writing world, you ask? Let's see....

1. I've finished the edits for the third book in the Shayia's Adventures series. Now I wait to hear from my publisher.

2. The Lord has given me several new story ideas to put in my journal. I'm so excited to work on them.

3. I've had the awesome and humbling opportunity to critique some great stories. (If you're not in a strong critique group, please find one!)

4. I'm working hard on my WIP (work in progress), which is another easy-to-read book. However, it's a little bit more challenging length wise. The books in the Shayia's Adventures series had 16 chapters. This sci-fi story will have at least 35. They are very short chapters, though.

Well, there's probably more, but with my memory... :)

I pray you are working hard on whatever you are called to do.

Blessings - Kimberli

Finding My Place

When the Lord first gave me the dream for the very first story in the Shayia's Adventure series, I didn't know it was going to be written for children that struggled with reading.

It was when I began to work on the outlines that He impressed on my heart to play my part in making a difference with helping children develop a love for reading.

I knew the first book could be so much more, but the Lord had a plan and I wanted to be a part of it. It broke my heart to watch my own son struggle and I knew he was not alone.

The Shayia's Adventure series is comprised of condensed stories with short chapters. As young readers work their way through each book, it is my prayer that they will be encouraged to challenge themselves with more difficult books, but first, they must take that initial step and this series will help.

My new book (a sci-fi) will also be designed for easy reading. This book will have really short chapters, but instead of 16 like my first books, this book will have 35. Now, can you imagine the joy and sense of accomplishment a young reader that struggles will have after completing a book with that many chapters. That's exciting!

I don't know how long the Lord will have me write these types of books, but for right now, I have found my place. I'm blessed to be a part of nurturing young readers.

Have you found your place?

Blessings - Kimberli

Let the Edits Begin!

Time to edit.

The critiques are done and I've started editing the third story in the Shayia's Adventures series. To be honest with you, I'm excited about it. That might change in a few weeks.

Being a part of a ACFW critique group has been a blessing. I can't stress enough how important it is to have others take your story apart. It stings sometimes and you may not agree with all the comments, but it is worth it.

I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I welcome it.

We are praying for this book to be released in August. That will be here before I know it.

I still don't have a book title. Yikes. :)

Keep reading and writing!!

Blessings - Kimberli

Critiques!!!

Critiques are almost done!

The manuscript for my third book is going through critiques and is almost done. Two more chapters and an epilogue left.

I'm so thankful the Lord has opened up this opportunity to be a part of a wonderful critique group. They are a blessing.

When critiques are done, I will begin edits. After that...another round of critiques.

Some might consider these steps boring, but it's so exciting to see your story mature.

I pray those of you that are called to write are writing.

Press on!!

Blessings - Kimberli

Divided

So, I've spent the last several years working on a children's book series. I've become attached to the characters, watched them grow and mature. They are constantly in my thoughts. While the first draft of the third book is going through critiques, I've begun working on a new children's story.

Here's my problem...I can't stop thinking about Shayia and the gang. It's hindering me from getting to know the new characters in my current WIP!

What do I do to keep my mind focused?

What do you do when you work on more than one project? How do you divide your attention so that neither project suffers? If you have any suggestions for me, please share.

As I continue to work through this issue, I'll share with you how I'm doing in case someone else has the same problem.

We must stick together!

Blessings - Kimberli

Have you read my books?

You have?! That's awesome. :)

I would love for you to share what you thought of the stories.

I know several copies were given out over the last few months. Some were given to libraries, schools, and others gifted to young readers.

As readers transport themselves into our stories, we authors are thinking - do they like it?

Therefore, I am asking. If you have read - The Sword of Light and/or Redemption from the Shayia's Adventures series, please give me a shout. I'd love to hear from you.

If you haven't read the two books, here is your invitation to run out and get them (or order online) and start reading!

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Blessings - Kimberli

Books: (target age 9-12)
- The Sword of Light: Shayia's Adventures - Book One
- Redemption: Shayia's Adventures - Book Two

Blessed at ICRS

I had a wonderful time at ICRS even though I was only there for a couple of hours. (Getting there and back home....a different story.) :)

At ICRS, I met some sweet people. Some offered to put my books in their church library and others wanted to gift them to young family members. It's exciting to know my book is being read all over the world. I pray the Lord is glorified.

Due to the short time being there, I was not able to meet other authors. If the Lord opens up another opportunity for me to go next year, I will make sure I meet at least one or two. I did see Ms. Tosca Lee for a brief moment. I was blessed with the opportunity to meet her and Mr. Ted Dekker when they had a signing a month ago in Lincoln, NE.

If you have the opportunity to attend ICRS, please do.

I have a lot of writing and critiquing to do. :)

Happy writing and reading!!

Blessings - Kimberli

ICRS is coming soon!!

ICRS stands for International Christian Retail Show. I've had two book signings, but this is my first big event. I'm nervous. Not so much about the event. It's getting there that makes me jittery. I have to take a plane. A plane!!!

Although I would greatly appreciate your prayers for a safe journey for all, I'd like to ask for prayer for the event. I will be there for two hours signing books. However, I fill has if the Lord wants me to minister to others. I'm not sure who He needs me to minister to, but I want to be prepared.

So, friends, I ask that you please pray for this event and all the Lord wants to accomplish.

Thank you!

If you're going, I hope to meet you.

Let's get some writing done today!

Blessings - Kimberli

So...What's Happening?

It's been awhile. Sorry!

So, what's been happening? Writing and critiquing.

The third book in the Shayia's Adventures series is going through critiques. I still don't have a title. In the meantime, I have started a new writing project. I'm excited to get to know new characters. The story is set in the future. I'll tell you more about it in a couple of months. It's going to be awesome!!

I was also blessed with an interview. Please go check it out!!!

http://fantasyinmotion.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/author-interview-kimberli-renee-campbell/

I hope you have been writing and reading. There are some awesome books on the shelves.

Blessings - Kimberli

The first draft of my third book is finished!!!

I am jumping for joy and praising the Lord!!

A few days ago, I completed the first draft of my third manuscript. The third book of the Shayia's Adventure series. (Still no title.)

I feel like I've been working on it forever.

Thank you, Lord, for being there every step of the way.

The manuscript has been set aside. In a few weeks or so, I will return to it and begin filling in missing pieces and doing some edits. But for now, I am just enjoying the feeling of seeing my project through its first stage. When you write that last sentence, there are so many emotions felt. I was sad, happy, empty, ecstatic...you name it.

I want to thank those that continue to pray and encourage me on my writing journey. You are a blessing.

To all writers – let's get some writing done today!!!

Blessings - Kimberli

THE FIRST DRAFT

So, you have an awesome story the Lord has given you to share with others. What next?

The first thing you need to do is outline the story or jump right in and go for it.

Once you've decided your method and your ready to begin, the most important thing to remember about the first draft is...WRITE FIRST - EDIT LATER.

There will be plenty of time for edits. Trust me.

On your first draft, allow the story to flow from the passion in your heart and become tangible. So many wonderful stories are abandoned because we allow ourselves to get distracted and begin editing our work as we go. We start changing and correcting things, and before we know it, the story's dead.

Please don't let this to happen to you.

I encourage you to ignore the editing monster and complete your first draft! You can do it!!!!

Happy writing!

Blessings - Kimberli

MAGIC AND SORCERY

Do I have magic and/or sorcery in my children's chapter book series? Yes.

Does my story glorify them? Absolutely not. In fact, if you read the first book, you will find that it says that magic and sorcery are bad things and not of God.

Now, let's talk about Shayia's sword. Is it magic? No. Shayia's father made the sword following explicit instructions from God. When the Word appears on the blade of the sword, it is the manifestation of God's power.

Let's look at the Word. What about Moses' staff or the talking donkey? Was this magic or sorcery? No. It was the manifestation of God's power.

So, what am I to do when people do not wish to promote the stories the Lord gives me because they feel it goes against their convictions? I'll tell you what I do...I thank them. I must follow my heart as they must follow theirs.

The Lord gave me this children's chapter book series. He gave me the content. I will obey and follow His guidance. When I receive notes from children saying the stories drew them closer to God, I know I have done what I was called to do.

We believers will disagree with one another. It's all right. But, let's guard ourselves from allowing any discord to come between us. Let's glorify our Heavenly Father in all we do!!

Blessings and keep writing!!!!

Author Spotlight - Nick Giannaras!!

Please enjoy my interview with author Nick Giannaras!!!


When did you feel called to write?

When a lady spoke into my life, saying that there were untapped talents that needed to be revealed, I haven’t stopped since.

Have you dealt with writer's block? If so, how did you overcome it?

Hmmm, the main way I deal with it is I sit down with my wife and verbally discuss the story up to the sticking point. On many occasions she has come up with an idea or a tidbit that sparks new ideas for the story to continue. Gotta love her!

Do you find a part of your personality sneaking into any of your characters?

Yes. In my trilogy, Relics of Nanthara, I’ve found several of my traits in more than one character. Odd that it played out like that, but I try to spread the love.

Were there any scenes you found difficult to write? Made you angry or made you cry?

There wasn’t anything too difficult to write. Although the scene of the alliance fleeing Annotin after their confrontation was a bit unnerving as I pictured myself in the scene.

What do you want your readers to take from your book(s)?

I want their hearts touched by what the characters experience
to the point of wanting to change their own lives for the better. Although it is YA, I try not to sugar coat the stories, and I am not afraid to portray real world strife and horror in my stories. It’s not hidden from the kids today, so why hide the truth in words?

Can you share any upcoming projects with us?

Currently, I am finishing up Relics of Nanthara: Dawn of the Apocalypse, Book 3 in the trilogy, and I have several other projects in the works at various stages of completion. One is a Sci-Fi superhero, The Nuclear Fist Chronicles; three take place in Nanthara, The Onyx Tomes (taking place 30 years after the trilogy); Sons of the Trident (most likely a trilogy); and We Came To Die (a mercenary seeking revenge after being left for dead). I also have a historical fiction, Enemy Within The Ranks.

Where can readers find your books and contact information?

For The Relics of Nanthara trilogy, my website is relicsofnanthara.weebly.com. Once the others show, I will either create a separate site or link them.

Author Spotlight - Adam Graham

Please enjoy my Q & A with author Adam Graham!!!

How long have you been writing?


Since I was eight, almost nine years old. Before the San Francisco Earthquake, I was writing Batman-Superman Fanfiction.

Do you find a part of your personality sneaking into any of your characters?

Here and there, probably the clown and sarcastic tendencies are the ones most likely to appear.

Were there any scenes you found difficult to write? Made you angry or made you cry?

I’m working on a Short Story that’s trying to become a novelette and the final confrontation scene was very tough. The story deals with child abuse and I kept wanting to handle the whole thing more clinically. What we finally ended up writing after much coaxing from my wife, was something that packs more of a punch, and did make me cry writing it.

Tell us a little about yourself. What do you like to do when you are not writing? What is your temperament, etc.?

I love old time radio and radio drama in general. Spend a lot of time listening to that and producing podcasts on old time radio.

When creating a character, where do you begin? Do you give them a background even if it may never be mentioned in the storyline?

I really try to get to know the character organically, through telling the story and listening to them. I tried once writing down all the details and I never got through all the details and never wrote the story.

Can you share one or two nuggets of wisdom to those wanting to travel down the writing road?

In modern writing, there are two types of rules: 1) rules that are absolute and hard and fast and 2) things that are a matter of opinion and style but get stated as rules. A good writer has to be able to tell the difference.

Where can readers find your books and contact information?

http://www.dimknight.com