Guest Post The Inconvenient Unborn

I’m hosting a guest post today by David Carter, author of “The Inconvenient Unborn”, a family drama/politcal thriller. David talks about editing process with us today.

Guest Post

I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to get your work properly edited before the book is put out into the wider world.

Like many authors, when I finished my first books, I desperately wanted to see them in print and on sale, and made the beginner’s error of not having them sufficiently edited. And never believe that it is something that you can do all by yourself. You can’t! Fresh eyes and a fresh brain are always required. I know that can be expensive, but you can always try and network with other authors, and arrange some kind of reciprocal deal.

So if you are a budding writer please don’t repeat my mistakes. Get your work thoroughly edited before you think of publishing. It’s better to show patience and get things as right as possible.

 As for my own current editing process, firstly I read the whole thing out loud. Yep, it gets me funny looks sometimes, but by reading aloud you will be amazed how different the story reads, and how clunky and even downright ugly certain passages sound, errors that never show up in a silent skim read.

Secondly, when I have done that, I put the whole thing away and forget about it, and the longer you are able to set it to one side, the better it will be, and the more changes you will want to make when you start reading again.

One of my books, “The Life and Loves of Gringo Greene”, I actually set aside for ten years, or to be more exact, it slept underneath my bed for that time. One day I took it out again, read a little, changed a lot, showed it to a couple of lady friends, and they all said the same thing: “Get it published”, which eventually I did.

Time is a great reviser, and a great editor too, and it comes back to that patience thing. The more you have, the better the resulting work will be.

Thirdly, in my revision and editing schedule, I have three writers who I cooperate closely with. In short, I edit theirs, and they edit mine, and this works really well. Strangely they often come up with different corrections and suggestions, and that’s cool, for the more people who look at it, and edit, the better the resulting book becomes.

That is not to say that everything ends up perfect, because it doesn’t. Books rarely are. So don’t beat yourself up when someone points out an error in your work. It happens, and it can happen to anyone.

Recently, I read a book published by one of the big four publishers, and on one page alone I found no less than eight errors – and yes, I often remain in editing mode, reading aloud, even with other people’s stuff. It’s just a habit I have fallen into, and you might be surprised to learn that I rarely read anything that is perfect. I repeat, errors are made by all publishing organisations, from the smallest to the gigantic. It happens to us all. If you know a writer who says they have never made a mistake, they are telling fibs.

And all writers get bad reviews too sometimes. That comes with the territory, so develop a thick skin, never get involved with recriminations and arguments. Shrug your shoulders and move on. Write something better is a good response. The whole subject of bad reviews is another story, for another day.

About the Book

Title: The Inconvenient Unborn

Author: David Carter

Genre: Family Drama / Political Thriller

England in the near future –

Though you may not like what you see.

The Cazenoves and the Wilsons don’t get along, leastways the parents don’t – the teenage kids adore each other, but when the oldest Wilson girl falls pregnant, sparks fly.

Donald Cazenove just happens to be Fred Wilson’s boss, but Fred isn’t without influence himself, being the senior shop steward, and the business is struggling anyway, and a strike could play havoc with Donald’s figures.

“The Inconvenient Unborn” is set in England in the near future where after years of austerity, a left wing Labour Party has been returned to power with a huge majority, and they now intend to change Britain forever. They have a mandate. They have conviction. They have momentum.

And then there’s a state visit to Britain by the most powerful man on the planet, Yuri Premakov, the Russian President, and his precocious and very beautiful film star wife, Tamara, bringing gifts of gas and oil and energy, at a price, and he’s scheduled to visit Lymington on the south coast, where most of this book is set.

So who wins out? The Cazenoves or the Wilsons, and what exactly are Yuri Premakov and his vast entourage up to in Britain?

“The Inconvenient Unborn” will take you on a journey you can barely imagine.

Author Bio

I have been writing for longer than I care to remember. Even as a ten year old child I would design my own newspaper and fill it with family news, much to my mother’s amusement when she once found a copy containing a story that she didn’t fully approve of!

 My writing started seriously when I was in business and I was approached to write a column, and that developed into writing columns for newspapers and magazines in many fields, including computing, commodities, farming, property, sport, philately, business and small business, many of which I have actually been paid good money for, and that always brings a nice feeling that never goes away.

 My syndicated online articles have now been read by over 300,000 people across the globe and show no sign of slowing down.

 It was a fairly small step after that to writing books and I have now written more than a dozen, both fiction and non fiction, and I try to write and complete at least one full length book every year.

 Like most writers and aspiring writers I have many more in the pipeline, both part finished, abandoned, or in an unedited state, and finding the time to complete them is always the big enemy there.

 Ideally, I would like to find a literary agent who could assist me in taking my writing to the next level, so if you are out there and you like what you see and read then do please get in touch.

 Besides writing I sell books for a living and currently have more than 10,000 titles in the house and please don’t ask me where they all are because the simple answer is that they are pretty much everywhere!

 I am currently working on a new Inspector Walter Darriteau novel and after that I may go back to writing a sequel to Gringo Greene, though ordinarily I prefer to write something completely fresh, rather than revisiting old ground.

 It always amazes me that someone like Lee Child can write book after book featuring the same character and similar adventures, though all best wishes to him for he has been incredibly successful.

Website: http://www.davidcarterbooks.co.uk/

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Book Excerpt from Jack Canon’s American Destiny

I’m hosting an excerpt today for a political thriller named “Jack Canon’s American Destiny”. Enjoy the excerpt!

Book Excerpt

Sandy, come here a minute. We haven’t had a chance to just sit and talk for a while.” She came over and sat close enough I could smell her perfume.

“What is it, Jack?”

“That’s a nice scent; what is it?”

“Oh you noticed. It’s Clive Christian; I got it at Neiman Marcus. I just thought I needed to treat myself.”

Taking off one of her gold hoop earrings she laid her head sideways, on the couch back cushion, “I thought of you when I picked it out.”

“Sandy, it’s going to get crazy around here.”

“That’s nothing new, Jack. That’s part of your charm; it’s always a Three Ring Circus around you.”

Sandy turned to look up at me, her big eyes enhanced by a smoky eye shadow, “Jack, I feel like I don’t belong anywhere but with you.”

I felt guilty – she was so perfect, so deserving of love. “This can’t be everything you had planned for your life, what did you want? I mean when you were younger?”

Sandy looked straight into my eyes and without her saying a word, I imagined what she was thinking. If our lips so much as grazed a passing touch, would that ignite a fire of passion that would have us tearing at each other’s clothes?

She looked away and spoke in a whisper, “People who love us as friends would never forgive us as lovers.”

“Sandy, you know I need you to keep an eye on the Senate staff when I’m on the road.”

“You can always count on me, but don’t think it’s not going to cost you. I’m still going to tease you every time you’re back in town!”

I laughed and Sandy shot me a look, like… “You just wait mister!”

“Tell me honestly, Jack. On the road, have you ever had any close calls?”

I took a deep breath. “I was weak many years ago and might have fooled around a bit, but never a relationship. None of the women had any substance. That’s why I need you so much; you understand. Be my friend; look out for me. We’re a team and we care for each other.”

Sandy emboldened, “How can you be so strong, Jack, aren’t you ever tempted, I mean with us?”

“Sandy, you’re beautiful and talented and I love everything you are to me, but I think of my wife and my girls and pray not to be.”

No longer able to contain her feelings, teary eyed, “Can you imagine? I love my work because you’re here and I get to be with you…”

I leaned to her and spoke into her hair, “I promise you’ll find someone. We’ll always be best friends. I’ll always care for you.”

We just sat there for five minutes. Then breaking the silence, Sandy asked, “Jack, do you remember the day we first met?”

“Sure I do…close your eyes… imagine this girl pops in through the door of a rented store front, our eyes met and my heart stopped… I remember she reminded me of Marilyn Monroe the way she looked in the early years in soft focus. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.”

Sandy moved towards me and gently rested her head on my chest, “That was me, Jack.”

“Yes and I remember a black and white pencil skirt and a white blouse. I thought, ‘this girl must have her own personal designer creating clothes just for her.’”

Sandy never tanned and her soft white cleavage overflowed whatever she wore. It wasn’t a stretch to tell her a designer could be so inspired.

There was a knock on the office door, the door opened slightly. Tip was calling in through the opening, “Jack, may I have a word?”

“Sure Tip, come on in.” Tip walked into the office, came around the corner and took a seat in the chair nearest the couch where I was sitting. Sandy adjusted herself, quickly moving her head to my shoulder.

“Jack, I didn’t realize you were busy, I apologize, this subject matter may not be something…”

I said, “Tip anything you need to say can be said in front of Sandy.”

“He’s right, Tip,” Sandy said, “Jack could pull his gun from the wall safe and blow your brains out right in front of me. I’d stuff your dead corpse into a sack and clean up the mess. Jack is my life and I’m alone in this world without him.”

Tip said, “I like that about you. But really, Jack, what I’m going to say is sensitive.”

About the Book

Title: Jack Canon’s American Destiny

Author: Greg Sandora

Genre: Political Thriller

It’s the steamy summer of 2016 in Washington, D.C. just days before the Democratic National Convention. A long and painful recession has left ordinary Americans suffering, spawning the hottest Presidential Contest in history. Jack Canon, a man born into privilege, a witness to great social injustice is going to be President of the United States–no matter what! Desperate and corrupt, the leader of the free world orders a hit to slow him down. The plan backfires–the wrong people are dead–a manhunt points to the unthinkable–The President of the United States.
Rewind one year, Jack’s focus on redistribution of wealth and energy has made him powerful enemies. Once his friends, Rogue Billionaires, Oil Sheiks, the Mob, all want him gone. The current President wants him alive–thinking he can win against an unabridged liberal. A Universal Raw Nerve of wealth vs. poverty is exposed becoming a thrill ride as deep machinations of espionage, geo-politics and deception, even murder play out. Kind and charismatic, Jack’s just naughty enough to have you falling for him like one of his loving circle of loyal friends. Of course he’s flawed, a dedicated family man, faithful to one woman, but in love with two. Is it his fault his best friend is impossibly jaw dropping beautiful? Think the crime and passion of the Godfather meets the romance and innocence of Camelot. A story that could spark a movement, a book that can seed a revolution. A heart thumping climax so shocking you’ll pull the covers and draw the shades! One things for sure, through all the drama and suspense, you’ll be pulling for Jack!

Author Bio

I’m originally from the Portland, Maine area and lived and worked there for years before moving to Southwest Florida. I am currently working on the sequel to Jack Canon’s American Destiny – which will be titled Jack Canon Clean Sweep. The sequel will be available in about three months.
My Dad and Mom were artists, my father painted and my mother wrote poetry and loved to garden. Most Saturdays we loaded up the 1970 Chevy Impala to trek to a one man show somewhere or other. I took a different track graduating with a business degree; owning and operating an Award Winning Franchise Fitness Center. Currently a professional manager I am living in Florida with my beautiful wife and children, and following my passion.

Some of my other projects include a children’s book called Sammy the Sea Turtle – about an infant sea turtle taken from his nest the night he was to find his way to the sea. Sammy lives with the family until their son – the boy who took him, graduates from high school. On that day Sammy, backpack in tow – begins the long journey home.
My second project in the works involves angels – a man during a visit to Bar Harbor Maine encounters an angel; quite accidentally, he is told – she was not supposed to make him aware of her existence. Only three others have ever seen the real thing. Naturally he falls hopelessly in love with the beautiful creature.

Links for purchase

http://amzn.com/B00BOE5KW4     for kindle

http://amzn.com/1939383250        for paperback

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jack-canons-american-destiny-greg-sandora/1114757963?ean=9781939383259  Barnes and Noble

Author Interview Greg Sandora

I’m interviewing author Greg Sandora today, the author of political thriller “Jack Canon’s American Destiny”.

1) How long have you been writing? I have been writing novels for the last three years. Before that I liked to write short stories about things remembered.
2) Is Jack Canon’s American Destiny your first novel? If not, please tell us a little about your first book. Jack Canon’s American Destiny is my first. I have recently completed the sequel, Jack Canon’s Women of the House, which will be released by Itoh Press in November 2013.

3) Tell us about Jack Canon’s American Destiny. 

Jack Canon is going to be President of the United States–no matter what!
It all starts when Jack is ten years old, on a missionary trip to Africa.  He is forever marked by the inhumanity he sees there. As he comes of age he realizes politics is the only way to make meaningful change happen and help those less fortunate. We meet Jack again during the campaign of 2016 in Washington, D.C. and follow him and his loyal friends through to the Democratic National Convention and beyond.  We find a long and painful recession has left ordinary Americans suffering, spawning the hottest Presidential Contest in history.
     Desperate and corrupt, the leader of the free world orders a hit to slow him down. The plan backfires–the wrong people are dead–a manhunt points to the unthinkable–
Rewind one year, Jack’s focus on redistribution of wealth and energy has made him powerful enemies. Once his friends, Rogue Billionaires, Oil Sheiks, the Mob, all want him gone. A Universal Raw Nerve of wealth vs. poverty is exposed becoming a thrill ride as deep machinations of espionage, geo-politics and deception, even murder play out. Jack is kind and charismatic, and just naughty enough to have you falling for him like one of his loving circle of loyal friends.
Of course he’s flawed, a dedicated family man, faithful to one woman, but in love with two. Is it his fault his best friend, Sandy, is impossibly jaw dropping beautiful? We see Jack through his friends and the lengths he will go to help someone in need. Thinks crime and passion meets tender romance and innocence. All leading to a heart thumping climax so shocking you’ll pull the covers and draw the shades!

4) Why did you choose “political thriller” as a genre for your novel?

I really love the backdrop of the presidency as the seat of power in the world, the story has suspense intrigue and the Crime of the Century. There is flirtation, romance and fun in addition to the thrills, but the backdrop is a presidential campaign.

5) Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Be in it for the long haul, God makes mighty oaks out of tiny seeds. A book is like the seed of a new career. I am learning about marketing and trying to introduce my work to others. My wish is that people will be entertained by my books.

6) Do you have any works in progress you’d like to tell us about?

I would love to tell you about my angel book. Currently, I am working on Gabriella, Guardian and Messenger, Angel of God. A widower, Bo, with two small children meets, Gabby, in Bar Harbor, Maine. Quite by accident, she wasn’t supposed to reveal herself, but in his relaxed semi-slumber state, he catches a brief glimpse. She is not the most powerful of angels, reserved for guarding the outer edges of the earth, but as guardian and messenger, she is sent to do errands for God. After saving someone from a brutal attack – Bo and Gabby embark on a two week motorcycle adventure across America – saving innocents and coming to the aid of those less fortunate people Gabby is instructed to assist. As the two spend time together, Bo not only falls hopelessly in love, but begins to change. He succumbs to temptation just as Gabby must leave the earth. She can no longer protect him. Will his life ever be the same? Anymore and I would spoil the twist. The following is a little excerpt. Bo has been friendly with the neighbor, Jill, who sees he has brought a woman (the angel) home.  This is unedited, I will read and polish this several times before sending it to the editor.  

“Bo, someone’s at the door,” Gabby motioned toward the breezeway.

I quickly walked into the dining room and spied through a side window behind the entry to see who it was. “It’s Jill, my neighbor from next door. She must have seen us come in.”

“Are you going to ask her in? She’s sounds pretty determined.”

“Yes, what’s the rush?”

Gabby raised her brow at me.

“Okay, I’m going!” I answered.

“Maybe it’s because you slept with her, Bo?”

Jill was standing in the doorway between the kitchen and the garage, knocking repeatedly, ringing the bell.

“Hi Jill,” I tried to sound nonchalant.

“Bo, who is that?” Jill asked, upset.

“A friend of mine, I met in Bar Harbor. Why?”

“You brought a girl back with you. I thought you needed time alone!? Just you, Kiki, and the kids. Brittany and I would have come with you,” she offered, quickly tearing up. Now I’m thinking you lied to me, Bo.” Jill took a tissue from her pocket and dabbed her eyes.

Gabby interceded, “Bo, ask Jill in, I’d like to meet her. You know I’m only going to be around for two weeks, think ahead – don’t ruin this.” Gabby pleaded in my head.

“Jill, would you like to come in and meet Gabby?”

“Oh, Bo, it’s Gabby is it? Is she your new girlfriend?”

The two stood face to face just across the center island in the kitchen.

“Hi, Jill, I’m Gabby and no, I’m not Bo’s girlfriend. She’s pretty, Bo!” Gabby added. “I love your sandy brown hair.” Gabby was right, Jill was cute in her way.

Jill held her hand to her shoulder, “You do? Well, yours is beautiful. I used to wear mine long like that. I just cut it last week.” She said, measuring with her hand, “You really like it?” She asked, not sounding convinced.

“Are you and Bo seeing each other?” Gabby asked.

Jill started to answer, Yes, I thought we were…”

I answered over her, explaining, “Jill’s been really nice to us. She’s cooked and had me over. We watch movies and hang out. We’re good friends.”

“Men!” Gabby joked to ease the tension.

“Really, Bo? Is that what you call us? Friends?” Jill sounded agitated.

“Jill, why don’t I make us some coffee, come in and sit.” Gabby tried to salvage.

“No, if Bo had wanted me here he would have asked me himself.” She added, turning to face me, “You drove in on a motorcycle, and hid it out in back of the house, so I wouldn’t see.”

“Jill, I wasn’t hiding it from you.”

“And this one,” she motioned Gabby up and down with her finger, “seated behind you like you were joined at the hip!”

Gabby giggled, “Oh. That seat is too small. Sweetie, there’s nothing going on, really. We’re friends, we just met, Bo, tell her!”

Jill remained silent waiting for me to say something. ‘Bo, tell her! You’re going to blow it. She’s really cute; you’re going to be sorry!’

I took a deep breath, but couldn’t explain my feelings.

“Bo, ask Jill to hang out.”

Everything in my life had changed and I didn’t have the words.

Jill started to cry, “Okay, Bo. I thought you were different.” She turned and ran out the door. Gabby and I watched her through the window, running down the sidewalk to her house next door.

“Bo, you’re unbelievable. You were a jerk just now. Can’t you see that girl loves you?”

“I feel really bad, Gabby, but meeting you…”

“Your throwing something great away and you know I’m not going to be around?”

“I’ll deal with it when the time comes.”

“You treated her callously, Bo.”

“Why do you care?”

“Bo, sit down.” Gabby led me to the club chairs next to the fireplace. Sally and I used to sit across from each other and talk for hours in this spot.

I got comfortable positioning my legs across the overstuffed arm.

“Jill is a wonderful person, Bo. She was there for you after Sally died. She’s opened her heart to you, and given you part of herself.”

“You mean me sleeping with her? She is nice – we were drinking. One thing led to another.”

“You played with her emotions. You slept with her, Bo, out of convenience. Women like Jill only give themselves in love.”

“I didn’t think of it like that, I figured in this day and age?”

“She’s been through a horrible divorce, with a man that cheated on her, and now she feels like you betrayed her, too. Poor Jill.” Gabby made a sad face that made me feel horrible.

“I was going to ask you about Sister Mary Katherine.”

“Bo, you’re changing the subject. Don’t you think you should go over there?”

“And do what, lead her on?”

“Bo, if you don’t, I’ll not think very highly of you. Go over there and make her feel better, she doesn’t deserve this.”

‘I’m falling for you…you’re the prettiest most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen…’ I was cajoling, pleading with my mind. Gabby tuned me out.

“Let your conscience be your guide, Bo.” She spoke aloud, refusing to answer my thoughts.

“Alright, I’ll go over there. Jeez, you remind me of Sally.”

Jack Canon’s American Destiny

Title: Jack Canon’s American Destiny

Author: Greg Sandora

Genre: Political Thriller

It’s the steamy summer of 2016 in Washington, D.C. just days before the Democratic National Convention. A long and painful recession has left ordinary Americans suffering, spawning the hottest Presidential Contest in history. Jack Canon, a man born into privilege, a witness to great social injustice is going to be President of the United States–no matter what! Desperate and corrupt, the leader of the free world orders a hit to slow him down. The plan backfires–the wrong people are dead–a manhunt points to the unthinkable–The President of the United States.
Rewind one year, Jack’s focus on redistribution of wealth and energy has made him powerful enemies. Once his friends, Rogue Billionaires, Oil Sheiks, the Mob, all want him gone. The current President wants him alive–thinking he can win against an unabridged liberal. A Universal Raw Nerve of wealth vs. poverty is exposed becoming a thrill ride as deep machinations of espionage, geo-politics and deception, even murder play out. Kind and charismatic, Jack’s just naughty enough to have you falling for him like one of his loving circle of loyal friends. Of course he’s flawed, a dedicated family man, faithful to one woman, but in love with two. Is it his fault his best friend is impossibly jaw dropping beautiful? Think the crime and passion of the Godfather meets the romance and innocence of Camelot. A story that could spark a movement, a book that can seed a revolution. A heart thumping climax so shocking you’ll pull the covers and draw the shades! One things for sure, through all the drama and suspense, you’ll be pulling for Jack!

Author Bio

I’m originally from the Portland, Maine area and lived and worked there for years before moving to Southwest Florida. I am currently working on the sequel to Jack Canon’s American Destiny – which will be titled Jack Canon Clean Sweep. The sequel will be available in about three months.
My Dad and Mom were artists, my father painted and my mother wrote poetry and loved to garden. Most Saturdays we loaded up the 1970 Chevy Impala to trek to a one man show somewhere or other. I took a different track graduating with a business degree; owning and operating an Award Winning Franchise Fitness Center. Currently a professional manager I am living in Florida with my beautiful wife and children, and following my passion.
Some of my other projects include a children’s book called Sammy the Sea Turtle – about an infant sea turtle taken from his nest the night he was to find his way to the sea. Sammy lives with the family until their son – the boy who took him, graduates from high school. On that day Sammy, backpack in tow – begins the long journey home.
My second project in the works involves angels – a man during a visit to Bar Harbor Maine encounters an angel; quite accidentally, he is told – she was not supposed to make him aware of her existence. Only three others have ever seen the real thing. Naturally he falls hopelessly in love with the beautiful creature.

Links for purchase

http://amzn.com/B00BOE5KW4     for kindle

http://amzn.com/1939383250        for paperback

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jack-canons-american-destiny-greg-sandora/1114757963?ean=9781939383259  Barnes and Noble