November Bootcamp for Novelists

UPCOMING CLASSES – Don’t Miss the Last Classes of 2011!

November 4 to December 3

2-B DYNAMIC PLOTTING

Some people believe that stories come from a magical realm and simply float down to some lucky writers. But could it be possible that given a character with a goal who faces conflict that you can give them situations that make your story sing? This course shows you how.

  1. The Story Question
  2. Four Act Structure
  3. Eight Major Plot Points
  4. Making It a Page Turner

FEE $28 – LATE REGISTRATION UNTIL 11/10

ENROLL NOW

November 11 to December 9

1-P THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS

Learn how to hook the reader, build reader empathy and use emotion to your story’s best advantage. A must-take class on how to grab the reader and keep him reading until that last page. You will use the beginning of your novel in the exercises. In this course we discuss:
  • Understanding emotion and bonding
  • Purpose
  • Beginnings, Middles and Endings
  • And much more!

FEE $28

ENROLL NOW

Great Reviews for So West, So Wild Anthology

Check out the following reviews for the Sisters in Crime, Desert Sleuths Anthology, titled So West, So Wild. There are 20 writers who have contributed to this anthology, which features stories about the Southwest. I also have a story included titled The Princess Guardian.

Lesa Holstine’s excellent site Lesa’s Book Critiques features this one: http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/2011/08/sowest-so-wild-by-desert-sleuths.html

Suspense Magazine review: http://damnedinsatiablethirsteternallanguor.blogspot.com/2011/10/sowest-so-wild-desert-sleuths-sisters.html

The anthology can be purchased at the Desert Sleuths Website: http://www.desertsleuths.com/Anthologies.html

How to Get Your Novel Published

I never thought my hobby as a paranormal investigator would lead to a novel titled, The Ancient Ones. But it did. Or that I would get a publishing contract only 8 months later. But I did.

Lucky? Perhaps. But I believe it helped to incorporate my interests in Native American history, including Indian ruins and petroglyphs. And mix in metaphysical elements, including astral travel, reincarnation, Reiki, the dark arts and the talents of a Native American shaman for a different sort of paranormal novel.

The road to publishing is never easy! For those trying to get published, consider joining groups in your genre or area of expertise. Since I’m fascinated by mysteries, I decided to focus on only short stories and novels combining the paranormal and mysteries or thrillers. Sisters in Crime has been a great organization to help me fine tune the craft. They have great monthly speakers at the Desert Sleuths chapter in Scottsdale, hold annual WriteNow! Conferences and sponsor a monthly writer’s critique meeting.

Mysteries not your cup of tea? There are many other local and national organizations to help you in your chosen genre. The complete list of writers associations can be found online at http://www.ebookcrossroads.com/writers-associations.html.

1.       Historical Novel Society
2.       Horror Writers Association
3.       Poetry Society Of America
4.       Romance Writers Of America
5.       Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
6.      The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
7.      Western Writers Of America

Have you completed your manuscript and are ready to begin the process of finding an agent or publisher? So where do you begin? In addition to joining other writers groups and organizations, the following websites are great resources that helped me. The first is Predators and Editors – http://pred-ed.com/. This site lists literary agents, attorneys, editors and book publishers to name a few. I went alphabetically through the list and submitted to the ones that were considering the paranormal genre.

The other website is Publishers Marketplace – http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/. For a small fee of $20.00 per month, you receive a daily newsletter. Track deals, sales, reviews, publishers and agents. You can also receive a free, shorter version of Publishers Lunch.

I went through about 65 agents before sending to publishers. It’s not advised to send to both at the same time since agents work with a variety of publishers. And you may be submitting to an agent who works with a publisher you’ve also submitted to. This creates confusion and may result in your manuscript not being considered.

Finding an agent or traditional publisher requires just as much patience as the writing process itself. The primary piece of advice that helped me and that I kept hearing throughout completion of the manuscript – write what you know about. For me, this involves my fascination with the paranormal, metaphysical and archaeology. If you heed this advice, it will be reflected in your writing and will translate through to your audience!

How can you get your manuscript published? Join a good writers critique group. Join organizations focusing on your genre. Hire a great editor. And most importantly, don’t give up!

2011 Desert Sleuths Anthology

Murder and mayhem western style.

The Desert Sleuths Chapter of Sisters in Crime offers 20 exciting tales. Everything from old-time shootouts to modern day forensics, noir to comedy can be found in the compelling anthology. Walk on the wild side of the SouthWest, as Arizona celebrates its centennial year. Hang up your spurs, kick back and enjoy!

Click on the link below to order any of the Desert Sleuths anthologies:

http://www.desertsleuths.com/Anthologies.html

Here is a review by Debe Branning, Arizona Haunted Sites Examiner, of the Ancient Ones.

http://www.examiner.com/arizona-haunted-sites-in-phoenix/a-visit-with-the-ancient-ones

History and Hauntings of the Southwest

Where do you find underground passages, Indian ruins, Stonehenge-like monuments, an alternate dimension and ancient petroglyphs of the solar system?

You can find all of these elements, which culminate into the adventure of a lifetime for Lorelei Lanier, psychic medium, and the Arizona-Irish Paranormal Research Society, in Lori Hines’ first paranormal mystery novel titled The Ancient Ones. Published by Aberdeen Bay, it is the first in the trilogy and is available in print and kindle format through Amazon.com.

Since the main characters are investigators, Lori partnered with Sonoran Paranormal Investigations (SPI) in Phoenix to lead ghost hunts of the places featured in her novel. The first book signing and ghost hunt took place at the Triangle T Ranch in Dragoon, Arizona on May 28th. The ranch, owned by Linda Kelly, has been featured on an episode of Psychic Kids. According to Linda, “guests, visitors and staff have all experienced unusual phenomena, including three men playing poker in the dining hall, an Indian princess riding through the property on a horse, a Hohokam woman, and the spirits of Cochise and Geronimo.”

Established in 1922, the ranch boasts a colorful and exciting past. In 1929, it came into the hands of Metta Tutt and was named the Triangle T for “Tutt”. Since then, the Triangle T has been the site of many historical events. It was the center of intrigue during World War II. The subsequent rumors that high-ranking Japanese officials were detained at the ranch were recently confirmed by award-winning author Jane Eppinga, after years of exhaustive research and the lifting of the 50-year moratorium on classified information. Details of the incarceration of the world’s “most wanted” war criminals are available in the library at the Triangle T.

Located adjacent to the Amerind Foundation archaeological research center and museum specializing in Native American cultures of the Southwest, the Triangle T Guest Ranch is rich in its own Native American History. Apache Chieftain Cochise and his band used the ranch as a summer camp for many generations. The ranch also holds a centuries-old sacred ceremonial location among the boulders, complete with petroglyphs and rock carvings.

The Triangle T hosted the ghost hunt, which took place from 11:00 p.m. and lasted until 1:30 a.m. with guests from Phoenix and Southeast Arizona roaming the property to try and get a glimpse of the past. One of the teams had an experience within the lower dining hall, hearing footsteps on the outside stairway that goes to the roof, though no other teams were in the area. And it sounded as though a person were walking on wooden stairs, though the steps had been covered in cement. Could it have been a spirit going about their lives in another dimension, crossing with the curious in our dimension?

Historic Vulture Gold Mine

Discovered in 1863 by Henry Wickenburg, Vulture Mine was one of the Arizona Territory’s richest mines and it was still producing, at decreased levels, until World War II. Today, this ghost town provides visitors with the opportunity to see a genuine vision of what life was like in an old west mining town. Many buildings remain intact and there is also a fair amount of mining equipment to see, as well as an old schoolhouse, the assay office, the dining hall/saloon, old blacksmith shop and power generating station.

Vulture Mine’s wealth allowed the camp to blossom into a self-contained town by 1880. Along with roughly six boarding houses, the town boasted a cookhouse and mess hall, a blacksmith shop, several buildings associated with the mine, stores, offices, saloons, and even a school. By this time there were about three hundred miners and their families living in town. Vulture City peaked with a population of about 5,000 residents. Owner after owner would face many challenges turning a profit with the mine over the next several decades as the main gold vein was lost. However, the mine was not officially shut down until 1942. Throughout its lifespan, the mines at Vulture City officially produced upwards of two hundred million dollars in gold.

Due to all the spiritual activity, Vulture Mine is one of the favorite places for paranormal teams throughout Arizona. Actual paranormal experiences from visitors, staff and investigators include a floating head at the ball mill, children’s voices at the schoolhouse and on the playground, a man standing in front of the bunkhouse, smells emanating from the old dining hall and physical encounters with not-so-friendly ghosts inside the assay office.

Other locales included in The Ancient Ones include Wickenburg, Bisbee and Tombstone in Southeast Arizona, and Sunset Wupatki National Monument north of Flagstaff. It contains true facts pertaining to Native American history, Arizona history and the metaphysical.

The Ancient Ones cover blurb:

Lorelei Lanier is adjusting to the powerful connections she has to spirits. Unfortunately, her medium abilities are only the beginning. While working a dark arts case with the FBI and the Arizona-Irish Paranormal Research Society, she discovers she is the reincarnation of Annie O’Shea, the original owner of the Texas Canyon Ranch where the mystery unfolds. And Lorelei’s astral abilities that saved her from a mine three years ago are becoming stronger upon discovery of an extinct, ancient race of people.

Underground tunnels, Stonehenge-like monuments, petroglyphs of the solar system, an alternate dimension and hidden Indian ruins—clues discovered in Southeast Arizona pertaining to the ancient ones existence. But Lorelei has much more to worry about than the supernatural. She is struggling with her feelings for fellow investigator Ian Healy. Pagan and Wiccan, it is Ian’s ability to heal with his eyes that captures her heart.

Two mysteries, one in Southeast Arizona and the other north of Flagstaff, soon culminate into a new reality for Lorelei Lanier. Will she be prepared for what the ancient ones have in store?

2011 Desert Sleuths WriteNow! Conference

Desert Sleuths WriteNow! 2011 Conference. “WriteSTRONG: A Writer’s Workout” will be held August 20, 2011, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. in the Webster Auditorium at Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008. Registration $75, $80 at the door.

There will be professional editing sessions with Carol Test, $15 per submission. Featuring multi award-winning, bestselling authors Sophie Littlefield , Kelli Stanley and Juliet Blackwell. This will be a high-energy event designed to whip you and your writing into shape. Visit the Desert Sleuths Website for details.

Where to Find The Ancient Ones

Where do you find underground passages, Indian ruins, Stonehenge-like monuments, an alternate dimension and ancient petroglyphs of the solar system?

You can find all of these elements that culminate into the adventure of a lifetime for Lorelei Lanier, psychic medium, and the Arizona-Irish Paranormal Research Society, in Lori Hines’ first paranormal mystery novel titled The Ancient Ones.

Check out the following link to find out where to find The Ancient Ones – available in stores and gift shops in Metro Phoenix, Southeast Arizona and Wickenburg:

http://lhauthor.wordpress.com/my-novels/list-of-stores-that-stock-the-ancient-ones/

The Ancient Ones on Sale at The Astrology Store!

There is a limited amount of copies of my first paranormal mystery novel, The Ancient Ones, available for sale at The Astrology Store in Glendale!

The Astrology Store
5731 W. Glendale Ave
Glendale, AZ 85301
Main Tel #: (623) 463-6286

I am working on getting it into other bookstores in the valley. If you are in the area, feel free to stop by and ask for a copy!

Lori Hines, author

The Ancient Ones – Available on Amazon.com

My first paranormal mystery novel, titled The Ancient Ones, is available on Amazon.com via the following link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608300528/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aberbay-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=1608300528

Cover Blurb
Lorelei Lanier is adjusting to the powerful connections she has to spirits. Unfortunately, her medium abilities are only the beginning. While working a dark arts case with the FBI and the Arizona-Irish Paranormal Research Society, she discovers she is the reincarnation of Annie O’Shea, the original owner of the Texas Canyon Ranch where the mystery unfolds. And Lorelei’s astral abilities that saved her from a mine three years ago are becoming stronger upon discovery of an extinct, ancient race of people.

Underground tunnels, Stonehenge-like monuments, petroglyphs of the solar system, an alternate dimension and hidden Indian ruins—clues discovered in southeast Arizona pertaining to the ancient ones existence. But Lorelei has much more to worry about than the supernatural. She is struggling with her feelings for fellow investigator Ian Healy. Pagan and Wiccan, it is Ian’s ability to heal with his eyes that captures her heart.

Two mysteries, one in Southeast Arizona and the other north of Flagstaff, soon culminate into a new reality for Lorelei Lanier. Will she be prepared for what the ancient ones have in store?