Friday, January 15, 2016

Tidbits from JOURNEY TO PUBLICATION: Where to begin...

   I am often asked, "I have an idea for a book, but where do I start?" You're probably thinking the answer would be, "At the beginning." But that's not always the best answer for an aspiring author. In fact, most likely some major preparation needs to be done before you get to the beginning. 
   Some of the greatest books ever written start someplace other than the beginning (ab ovo) of the story; many start in the middle (in media res), and the author fills in the reader about what happened before (mostly through the use of dialogue) and what comes after (usually through the use of chronological action). Mysteries quite often start in media res, as do action/adventure stories. This method serves to hook the reader right off the bat because it creates questions in the reader's mind that cannot be left unanswered. The reader will want to continue reading in order to find the answers to his/her questions; thus, you acquire a new fan. 
   Now let's talk about the preparations you, as an author, should consider before beginning the act of writing. First and foremost, make an outline of your story. I'm not talking about a formal outline here; it can be as simple as just listing the major points and events in order so you have something to help keep things in line when you finally put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). You'll be amazed at how much simpler things become when you have a "crutch" to help you get through the tough parts.
   Remember: you already know what's going on and what's going to happen in your story, but you have to get that across to the reader. And if that's not done in the right order, it will confuse the reader, and he/she will put your book down and probably never want to read anything else you write. Not a good way to increase your fan base!
   Once you have thought about your story long enough and hard enough to put things in order, you'll have more fun writing it. You'll have the anticipation of getting to a really fun part, or a really sad part, or a really exciting part if you know when it's going to happen and what's going to lead up to it. By putting your ducks in a row, you'll enjoy writing more, and your readers will be much more apt to continue reading your books.

Visit www.JourneyToPublication.com to learn about becoming a published author.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

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!


In the Stillness
Happy Creating!

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

The JLB Creatives Groovy Giveaway Is Back! Check it out...

The JLB Creatives Groovy Giveaway is back...with a new twist! We will be providing a link that will be posted on the JLB Creatives Facebook Page and Blog for you to visit, and that's where you'll find the entry form. This year we want our fans to get more acquainted with JLB Creatives and all its imaginative works to offer including our awesome authors.

Each Groovy Giveaway will last 30 days. This one is running January 10 - February 10, 2016. The prize at stake is a $20 US amazon digital gift card! 

Should you be the winner of the gift card, we encourage you to support our fabulous authors by purchasing one of their books from amazon - this is not mandatory by any means, but supporting our great authors is truly appreciated by each and every one of them.  

So here we go...for this month's contest you'll find the entry form at http://www.jlbcreatives.com/#!lisa-andrews/i0hzv Good luck!

Monday, January 11, 2016

Happy Anniversary JLB Creatives Publishing!

JLB Creatives Publishing is 2 years old!

It's hard to believe that it's only been two years since we opened our publishing doors. So much wonderfulness has happened since the birth of this publishing company.

We couldn't be more excited about celebrating this year! Our book list is ever-growing with three new titles already slated for release in 2016.

Let's back up a for a moment. Since our inception we have published and released 19 novels and children's books! Out of those 19, 17 received 5 star ratings from Reader's Favorite, one received a 4 star rating from Reader's Favorite, and another novel came on board as the NIEA winner! We are so proud of our authors. It has not been an easy road - but since when has easy and quality ever gone together? 

In the past two years we have exhibited, showcased our authors' books, and spoken at six reputable conventions. 2016 is bringing more of the same, but on a larger scale. 

We have grown the Pickford Community Library's Young Writer's Workshop through facilitating and hosting "end of the year" soirees. In addition this group has been recognized on local, state, and regional levels, and has become the largest young writers workshop in the state of Michigan. 

Over the time of facilitating the Young Writers Workshop we have created a comprehensive, highly interactive writing program curriculum, "Journey to Publication." 
This writing program has been designed to be effective in a multitude of settings from individuals to groups, and from homeschooling to colleges!

We are elated to be facing year three with several opportunities to present our authors books, speak at upcoming conventions, and provide artistry through our newest division of JLB Creatives, BeaslePunk.

We would love for you to celebrate with us! We invite you to stop by our Facebook page and leave us a comment on the 2 Year post. Because if it weren't for you, our awesome fans and followers, we would have nothing to celebrate. 

Thanks to all of you for your shared enthusiasm and continued support!

Your JLB Creatives Publishing Team, 
Janet (CEO), Dar (Editing), Jean E. (Financials), Connie (Design), and Elise (Social Media)

JLB Creatives

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