Thursday, April 23, 2015

Thrusday Prompt: Time Limit

This week we're going to set our muse on fire, we're going to put a time limit on her inspiration. I know, you're wondering how putting on that kind of pressure is going to be a good thing.

Think about it for a moment. When you get an idea you sit and think about it, write a little think about it. Then delete a few lines, think a bit more. Progress is made but really how much? We tend to think too much and that can impede our muse sometimes.

Now, let's try an experiment. Set a timer for five to ten minutes then start to write. I'm sure you'll be surprised to see just how many words you've added to the page. Being on a time limit keeps you from over thinking characters and plot points. You only have time to put words into the story.

You can use timed writing as a stretching exercise before starting in on your main project. Or use it to force through a block. Get some friends together and write as a group. Make it a race, sprint to see how many words you can get in a set time, or who can get the most words.

There are a couple of tools you can use for timed writing. The first is OneWord.com, on One Word you are given a single word prompt and have 60 seconds to write what that word inspires. It's fun and a great way to wake up your muse before working on your main project.

The second is one many might be familiar with. Write or Die, you can use the online version or download the desktop version for more features. Write or Die is more than just timed writing. It challenges you and dares you not to stop writing. You can set a time limit with a word count you would like to write within that limit. Once you click write, it's on. The moment you stop writing, the screen begins to darken in color. After it turns red a horrible annoying sound will start playing. The only way to stop the horror is to start typing again.

There is even a setting for those brave enough, once the screen darkens the annoying sound doesn't play. Instead, your prose begins to be deleted backward one letter at a time. Talk about pressure!

Experiment with different times and ways to challenge yourself and muse using these limits. Have fun and set your muse free.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Spark Your Creativity!

Every Wednesday we offer you a special photo taken by our CEO Janet Beasley to help spark your creativity. Whether you're an author, a painter, a musician, or clay sculpture artist we think you'll find her photos very inspiring!

Love Ya to the Moon and Back!

To view more of Janet's photos visit Janet on Flickr

Happy Creating!

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

GROOVWEEKLGIVEAWAY

Hello fans! Welcome to the JLB Creatives Publishing Blog. You've picked a great day to start following the blog because every Tuesday we post a brand new Groovy Weekly Giveaway here on the blog and on our Facebook Fan Page. Entries are accepted nearly all week long: Tuesday - running thru the following Sunday. Simply visit JLB Creatives Publishing on Facebook  for your chance to enter, or enter directly from our blog. Our Groovy Weekly Giveaway is designed through Rafflecopter and winners are randomly selected by Rafflecopter. The weekly prize is a $5 US amazon digital gift card. And something new...you can now enter once a day and receive 5 chances a pop! There is a mandatory "thing" you have to do to enter for your 5 chances (but not to worry, it's really simple - like visit one of our authors' Facebook page or tweet a tweet), and to sweeten the deal there is no purchase necessary to enter. Be sure to share the fun with your friends. We're looking forward to your entries! Good luck! 

Disclaimer: This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in any way.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's Book Trailer Tuesday! Check Out Book Trailer #3

Hello fans and followers! Welcome to our third of four Book Trailer Tuesdays here at the JLB Creatives Publishing Blog. We are featuring one book trailer every Tuesday for the next two Tuesdays from our author Janet Beasley's Hidden Earth Series. This week we are heading to The Lower West for a rootin' tootin' book trailer like none other. Get ready to experience Volume 2 in author Janet Beasley's Hidden Earth Series, Planet Land ~ The Adventures of Cub and Nash. Enjoy!




        HiddenEarthSeries.com






Monday, April 20, 2015

The time has come for his story to be told: 28 Months of Heaven and Hell by J.D. Karns

Imagine a young sailor stationed aboard a destroyer escort during WWII. Try to imagine the adventures he experiences and the sights he sees, as well as the horrors he endures. In this historical novel you’ll meet this young man and witness the wonders and tragedies with him.

28 Months of Heaven and Hell is based on the true life experiences of Naval veteran Carl Lee Young as shared with his youngest brother. This fact-based account has been fictionalized by author J.D. Karns. It is a story to stir the American spirit. You will be inspired by a young man’s journey to survive a war.


About 28 Months of Heaven and Hell
J.D. Karns' historical novel is based on the actual journal kept by Carl Lee Young while he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII aboard the escort vessel USS Melvin R. Nawman DE-416. Karns has brilliantly woven Carl’s journal entries together with fiction to create an entertaining, breathtaking, and highly factual account of the war from a sailor's point of view. Experience everything from the great typhoon of 1944 to Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and from the atom bomb to the signing of the treaty that ended the Second World War. It is an emotional roller coaster ride between the onboard action and the family back home. The realism of not only the war but also the era has been captured with expertise.


In real life Carl's younger brother, Charles, longed to hear his big brother's WWII story. When Carl returned from the war he promised his little brother that someday he would tell him all about it. That day came recently when Charles began receiving journal entries from Carl via emails, totaling 168. Both Carl and Charles are excited to have their story turned into a historic novel. Both brothers are still living; they share the dream of holding a published copy of Carl's story in their hands before being called to Heaven. Carl resides in Arizona, and Charles resides in Florida. Both are still happily married and, through emails and phone calls, enjoy keeping each other informed of their day-to-day lives. 

Find this great American story at these retailers

Find more great books and authors at JLBCreatives.com

JLB Creatives

JLB Creatives Blog Hosts

JLB Creatives Blog Hosts
JLB Creatives Editor Dar Bagby (L) and JLB Creatives CEO Janet Beasley (R)