Review of Milledgeville Misfit by Anitasbooks.com

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MISFIT written by T. L. Gray

Posted on March 16, 2012 by needie in books
MILLEDGEVILLE MISFIT

needie's tiara score

written by T. L. Gray

How would you feel if you were living in a big city like Atlanta and suddenly you were forced to go live in a rural town with a not-so-great reputation?  In T. L. Gray’s story a car accident occurs which forces a young girl named Juniper, but better known to her close friends as Junebug, to move to Milledgeville, Georgia where her closest relatives, whom she has never met, reside.

While she is there she gets to know a group of children that the reader is left to choose and to determine for themselves their state of existence.  It is especially fun to read about our local area being written about in MILLEDGEVILLE MISFIT.  While you are reading you are left feeling as though Junebug is someone that you could be friends with from down the street or that lives next door.

The author’s writing is very imaginative and creative. T. L. Gray even adds an educational tint to the book as she teaches the characters Biblical scripture, manners, and even gets down to the nitty-gritty of the English language to what a metaphor is. Of course as these things are explained to the book’s characters the reader is reaping the benefit too.
The book is scary and you will find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat as well as looking over your shoulder and being sensitive to having a chill.   You will  quickly turn the pages to discover what adventure or trouble Junebug will get into next.  At one point Junebug is led to do some important research at the library and finds that newspapers sometimes can be very revealing and horrifying.

I believe that a young person who likes ghosts and haunted houses would find this book extremely enticing. This book certainly stretches the imagination of the reader and leaves them pondering Milledgeville’s reputation as a “looney-bin.” I suggest that young people will enjoy reading and seeing how Junebug’s malady leaves the adults confused and out of the picture for the most part. And you have to read every single page if you want to find out if Junebug has a love interest or not.     This book is an exciting and fun read and rates 5 tiaras for the young adult reader.  Just remember to watch out if you’re reading it when you are home alone or at night with a flashlight under the covers. Boo!

Inspiring the Isolated

Writers spend a majority of their time in isolation, most often locked away in their own little world - spinning, weaving and working on perfecting their craft as they translate the stories they’ve been given into written form.  While this new digital age has opened a portal into simulated interaction with the rest of the world at the touch of button, it has also brought another level of separation.  No matter how much access we have to people online, writers still need a balanced interaction of physical contact with the human race.  How else are we to observe human relations in order to translate those reactions, behaviors and expressions in our characters on the written page to our readers?  

It’s one thing to suppose something; it’s quite a different thing to know.  When I’m reading a story, I can usually tell when the writer had in-depth and intimate knowledge of what they wrote, from one who only supposed how things.  It’s okay to suppose, especially in a fantasy format, but it’s best to know all you can to give your work a feel of authenticity. 

There’s a huge difference when I’m talking and meeting people face to face at book-signings, club meetings, speaking engagements or just out in public, than when I meet someone new on the internet.  I can see body language and real reactions, not just words written across the screen.  Don’t get me wrong – I’m excited when I receive a fan letter, meet or connect with another author who shares the same interests, or come in contact with people in the industry doing their jobs.  But there’s still a level of disconnect between us that doesn’t compare meeting face to face. 

Keep doing what you’re doing; keep plugging away and working hard on completing the goals in front of you, but don’t forget to set some time apart to mingle with your peers.  If you know a writer that’s been out of sight for a while, reach out to them.  It’s so easy to become lost in that isolation. We need one another, and not just to learn from, but also to support, encourage and inspire.  While we can do some of that with our keyboards, the best inspiration comes with a smile.

Till next time,

~T.L. Gray

Puppet or Puppet Master?

Who do you aim to please the most?  Who essentially has control of your mouth, your fingertips and your mind or emotions? Who truly pulls your strings? Do you think you're in control?  While we may control the muscles that move our mouths and fingertips, there is an influence in our lives that controls mostly what we say, do and write.  Still don't believe me?

Not too far in the distant past, I sat in a room full of writers and listened as a particular writer read a portion of their work.  I saw the words that had been read caused a plethora of responses, some positive and some negative; some with admiration while others with disgust.  But what was even more clearly observed, was the presence of censorship and political correctness taking hold of mouths and clamping down on fingertips (the inability to write).  The only truth that escaped was a brief flash of facial expressions that revealed what their mouths or fingers refused to acknowledge. This was supposed to be a time when writers presented their work before their peers to receive an honest critique.  Yet, I've rarely ever seen that happen.  I've mostly witnessed false accolades, puffing of pride and disdain with a smile spread with the same tenacity as politicians gearing for a campaign.  While we seek the approval and praise from our fellow artists, there are only few who can handle receiving true and honest critique, and even fewer to can give the same. Many claim to have thick skins, but only few really do.

Also not too far in the distant past, I have sat in room full of Christians and listened to one particular person speak about a particular scripture and their interpretation of the meaning.  Again I could see the different responses by the other Believer’s, some positive and some negative; some with admiration while others with disgust.  Just as clearly as with the writers above, was the presence of censorship and religious political correctness taking hold of mouths.  Yet, their faces revealed the true opinions that refused to escape their lips.  The church is also a place many of us goes to seek the approval and praise of our fellow Believers, yet there are only a few who can handle receiving an honest truth, and even fewer who can give the same.  Offenses are easily made and given in this atmosphere where it should not.

I’ve often struggled with trying to reason out for myself why anyone would easily hand over their freedom of opinion or ability to question the status quo to someone or something else.  While there may be many reasons for doing so, there really isn’t any excuse.  You can lay blame at the feet of politeness, a desire to not offend, being a peacekeeper, not wanting to upset the apple cart, etc.  But, I still believe that the truth is always the best policy, even if it hurts.  I refuse to believe a lie helps anyone for any reason.   Perhaps because for so many years I forced to lie to hide the abuse that went on behind closed doors, lying has left a bitter taste in my mouth.  Perhaps because the only real help I’ve ever received in my life was from people who were brave enough, and cared enough about me, to tell me the truth, especially when it hurt. 

I often come across to many people as being brash and brazenly bold, without much restraint or sympathy.  People are most often offended because I speak my mind, whether in agreement or disagreement.  I’ve been told I come across as cold, unfeeling and judgmental.  It’s not that I don’t show emotion, I just don’t allow my emotions to rule my decisions.  Most often, as a matter of fact, I make my decisions contrary to my emotions, because I know my emotions are just that - emotional responses.  Emotions lie.  Emotions exaggerate. Emotions change. Emotions confuse the truth of matters.  But, don’t mistake me – I have emotions. My feelings get hurt, my pride gets trampled and my heart breaks just like everyone else.  I’m compassionate; I just show my compassion differently than most around me.  I don’t hate people, but I do hate a lot of stupid (mostly selfish) decisions and messes that are made, especially when they made out by emotions. 

My ultimate priority is to be true to myself and the plans I’ve made.  I have a great faith in my God, and through His love for me, I’ve learned to love myself.  That was the hardest lesson I’ve ever had to learn.  In that love, I’ve also learned to respect myself, trust myself and be true to myself and my dreams, and have cut the strings of society that try to control and censor me.  So, when I open my mouth to speak, it is to please the person I’ve become, not to please those around me.  I’m not afraid of someone else’s opinion, critique, acceptance, rejection, understanding or support; only my own. At the end of all things, we all stand alone.   Therefore, I’m free to speak – knowing it’s the Truth that sets me free. 

Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
 

The Hope Thief

One of my biggest pet peeves, which if you’ve followed this blog long enough you’ve heard many of them, is people who like to take short-cuts.  You know who I’m talking about - people who want all the rewards in life without having to do any or much of the hard work required to get there; the quick-rich schemers, the short-cut takers, the hustler, the entitlists and the lazy.   But even that – in and of itself – is not what really quirks me, but when these same people try to lead others to walk down the same path – promising quick prosperity and success, which they cannot guarantee.  When these followers fall, their hope falls with it, making the leaders - thieves of hope.

What did the old proverb say?  “Whoever causes the upright to go astray in a dishonest way, He himself will fall into his own pit; but the innocent will inherit the good.” (Proverbs 28:10)  You don’t have to be a Biblical scholar to see this at work in the world.  I see it every day in one form or another, and it breaks my heart.  Not because of the innocents who get duped, but it’s the perpetrators who hurt themselves more than anyone else. 

Here’s an example:  A writer, more specifically an impatient and undisciplined writer, with a fantastic story idea,  goes out and pays for someone else to edit or ghostwrite their story, and then sits back and reaps the prestige and prosperity of someone elses' hard work.  I see this done on a daily basis.  I don’t pity the editor or ghost writer, because they reap the benefits of their labor by receiving payment for services rendered, but I do pity the writer.  They only hurt themselves by not putting the time, energy and effort into learning all they can about their craft, training themselves to be in a constant state of sharpening their skills and obtaining the experience and knowledge to be better writers.  They rob themselves.  But the kicker, the thing I find abhorrent, is these same writers encouraging other new writers to follow in the same path of destruction.  

Whenever I come across a novice writer with a hunger and desire to be a great writer, I am glad to share what little knowledge and skill I have already obtained, in hopes of increasing their knowledge and skill.  I will work with them, sow into them and spend part of my valuable time to encourage and inspire them.  But I won’t DO it for them.  I won’t rob them of the practice and discipline they need to learn.  This goes for every other area in life, as well.  Perhaps we should spend less time carrying people around who refuse to walk, and spend more time helping those to stand who keep hoping they’ll one day learn to walk.  I believe all things are possible, and that no one who clings to hope is too far gone to receive a miracle.   I don’t mind being a crutch for little while, but I refuse to be someone’s bed.   

Don’t get me wrong – I find it very painful to watch someone fall and then refuse to get back up, burying all hope.  I have to push my emotional compassion to the side and remind myself that walking away is better than breaking my back trying to carry them.  Because trying to carry them in my own strength will kill us both.  What about you?  Do you help others to help themselves or do you do everything for them? If so, aren’t you tired? 

Till next time,

~T.L. Gray

The Perfect Pitch

Now that your novel has been written, edited, critiqued, and edited some more, what’s next?  Where do you go from here?

This really depends on what you’re goals are, and what you’d like to accomplish with your work.  If you only care that a handful of people read it,  and have a desire to keep  100% of creative, marketing and advertising control, then by all means pursue self-publishing or a print-on-demand.  This is all you’ll really need.  However, if you’d like to get your books into as many hands as possible, be represented by a legitimate agent and publisher, then you’re going to need a query letter, a synopsis and one heck of a pitch. 

What is a pitch?  Pretty much, it’s a 30-second sales technique that will catch and hold the eye of potential agents, publishers, reviewers and readers.  It is your story, your novel or your idea rolled up into a one, tiny, fantastic package.

Why would you need a pitch?  30-seconds may be all the time you have to sell your idea.  When you meet, email or mail your idea to agents, publishers, reviewers or readers, you have to remember they’re bombarded everyday with other writers, just like you, wanting the same thing you are.  It’s your pitch that will make you stand out and catch an ear or an eye.  

What is the structure of a pitch?  Living in a template –ready world, we’ve somewhat become lazy with some of the things we do, most often forgetting the purpose behind it.  I’ve read many a query letter that was perfectly formatted, adhered to all the submission guidelines, but fell flat on being witty, authentic and free flowing when it came to the story they tried to describe.  Sometimes being too technical, you lose part of your creativity.  I could give you a step-by-step format for a pitch, but I’d rather just give you the reason and purpose, and allow your creativity to paint YOUR own picture. 

What is the reason & purpose for a pitch?  To tell your story in as little, yet as colorful, ways that will make the Pitched want to know more.   It’s not the whole story - the hook, it’s just the bait.  It’s what catches the ear, the eye and the curiosity that will lead to the hook.  I.e. – for the movie “Jaws”, the pitch was the tag line – “Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water …” That little line said so much.  The rest of the pitch would follow with something like - “… a little coastal town discovers what it’s like to be terrorized by a 70’ft man-eating shark.  A few brave souls face their worst fears as they battle against a beast beyond reason.  Will they be able to save their own?  Or will a killer Great White forever forge a fear of what may be lurking just beneath the surface?”  Hopefully you get the idea.  It’s not about summing up your whole story in a few quick lines – it’s about finding the most compelling element and presenting it in a way that makes the Pitched want to know more.  Then … you make sure you have a completed query, short and full synopsis, partial and full manuscript ready for the asking.

Till next time,

~T.L. Gray