WHAT NOT TO ASK

I'm thrilled to have Mark Koopmans' here today.

He's the author of Revival: The Donald Braswell Story - How a Tenor Lost his Voice, but Found his Calling.
If you've been following his tour, you know it's all about writing a memoir. 
Today he's sharing another important tip. 
Take it away Mark.

Aloha,

“What not to ask when writing someone's memoir.”

That’s the question posed by Yolanda, who’s ever so kind in letting me pitch my tent on her blog as I continue the Tour for REVIVAL – The Donald Braswell story.

The most important lesson I learnt—the hard way—was the writer and the subject clearly need to define the time period of the memoir—as opposed to the lifetime story that is normally a biography.

Donald has such a wonderful, inspiring journey that I initially thought the reader would “need” to know about his early years.

However, Donald’s main story revolves around the period that starts before he attends Juilliard until a little after his appearances on America’s Got Talent.

Eventually, I Freddy Krueger-ed  10,000 words, and months of hard work editing became a nightmare on my street…

But, once the cuts were made, the story flowed much better and I relaxed… and the rest is history…

So, define the time period of the memoir, and then build up a professional relationship with the subject who needs to understand several interviews and many, many follow ups (via email, or in person) will be needed before the first draft is complete.

Donald was great in granting me unparalleled access to his folks, folders and fond memory banks, but I’m sure I drove him a little batty with my random questions that came up while I finished early drafts, and the editing process really began.

Oh, and don’t not ask the difficult question(s)—and do learn how to politely prod. Sometimes the best information/memories Donald provided came as he answered one “simple” question that opened up another door to his inspirational story.

Do you have any tips on memoir writing?

Thanks again Yolanda. I really appreciate you letting me stop on by!

Tomorrow, I’ll be tearing it up at Dianne Salerni’s blog.

(Dianne wants more specifics about the challenges of writing memoir when it’s time to edit…)

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Five years removed from his 1990 Juilliard graduation, Donald Braswell is set to be “the next Pavarotti.” Braswell’s successful career ends, however, not with a standing ovation at Carnegie Hall, but alone, lying in a dirty ditch.

Following the hit-and-run accident that steals his voice and future, the “Texas Tenor” struggles with depression and despair—until the night his daughter, Aria, is born. Understanding this new and immediate life change, Braswell fights to relearn how to speak, sing—and share this gift of second chances with others.

Working as a plasterer, a car salesman, and many jobs in-between, it takes thirteen years—and a musical miracle—for Braswell to battle back and sing on a professional stage. His dreams and ambitions collide with a tired and angry crowd when he auditions for America’s Got Talent. For his family, his faith and his entire future, can the Rocky Balboa of the operatic world find the courage and strength to win just one more fight?

CLICK HERE TO READ A FREE CHAPTER.

PURCHASE LINKS:

·        Pen-L Publishing

·        Amazon

·        B&N.com

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY:

Mark Koopmans is originally from Ireland. After working in Holland, Spain, France and England, he won his U.S. “Green Card” in 1994, and is an American by choice since 2003. Koopmans began his writing career with a feature for a regional magazine in California. Since then, he’s worked as a staff writer for newspapers in Florida and Texas. Koopmans is also a proficient blogger and is working on his next book, a novel. Koopmans lives in Virginia and is a married, stay-at-home dad to three active boys under the age of nine. He writes at night.

Find his blog at markkoopmans.blogspot.com.

SINGER BIOGRAPHY:

Donald Braswell II is an American actor, classical crossover tenor and composer. Braswell was on a fast track to become an internationally acclaimed opera singer when he suffered a car accident in 1995 that made him unable to speak for almost two years. After that, he lived a quiet life outside of the spotlight until his appearance on the 2008 season of America’s Got Talent where he was a Top 5 finalist, which gave him another chance at a career in entertainment. Since then, he has entertained audiences both internationally as well as shore to shore in the United States in concerts, television appearances, inspirational speaking and radio. He boasts an international fan club with fans from over 25 countries.

Braswell has reentered the world of music by singing in concerts starting with the Symphony of the Hills in Kerrville, Texas in June 2009. He performs a variety of musical genres ranging from pure classical repertoire to soul to mainstream pop. He engages people of many cultures by singing in various languages outside of English, including Spanish, Italian, Neapolitan, French and Russian. His concerts are generally multilingual, and he has performed pieces that are themselves in more than one language. Some of these include: Mario Frangoulis bilingual version of “Nights in White Satin” (Italian title “Notte di luce”), originally by The Moody Blues; “The Prayer”; and Andrea Bocelli’s “Vivere” (English title “Dare to Live”). His other non-English repertoire includes Aqustin Lara’s “Rosa” (Spanish), Mario Frangoulis’s “Vincerò, perderò” (Italian) and the Neapolitan standard “O sole mio”.

Some of his many compositions can be heard on his recent album We Fall and We Rise Again.

Donald is a testament to the powers of the human spirit in difficult times and he inspires all who come to know him.

Find him at donaldbraswell.com

• REVIVAL, prior to publication, won the award for “Outstanding Memoir” at the 2013 Southern California Writers Conference.

• Braswell finished in the top 5 of America’s Got Talent, Season 3 (2008). Watch his inspiring first NBC audition here.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

Rafflecopter tasks, such as sharing the giveaway, will earn readers entries in a random drawing.

·        GRAND PRIZE (2 winners): Donald Braswell to sing (Happy Birthday/Anniversary) via Skype or phone call. (A unique gift idea!)

·        1ST PLACE PRIZE: Signed Donald Braswell CD/REVIVAL book combo

·        2nd, 3rd and 4th PLACE PRIZES: Signed copies of REVIVAL (by Donald and Mark)

·        5th, 6th and 7th PLACE PRIZES: Signed copies of Donald Braswell CDs

·        8th, 9th, and 10th PLACE PRIZES: Signed Donald Braswell 8x10 picture

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PLEASE CONSIDER TWEETING ONE OF THESE:

·        Love #AmericasGotTalent? Check out this memoir from a Season 3 finalist! http://goo.gl/OR9CVR #amreading #inspiration

·        REVIVAL by @DonaldBraswell w/ @markjkoopmans is now available! http://www.amazon.com/Revival-Donald-III-Braswell/dp/1942428626 #inspirational #book #memoir #amreading #singer

 THANKS, MARK, 
I'M ENJOYING YOUR TOUR

AND LEARNING A LOT ABOUT WRITING A MEMOIR.

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR MARK,

PLEASE ASK.

UNIT AGAINST TYRANNY

O my Lord, my Defender, my Help in peril!

O my Lord, my Defender, my Help in Peril! Lowly do I entreat Thee, ailing do I come unto Thee to be healed, humbly do I cry out to Thee with my tongue, my soul, my spirit:

O God, my God! The gloom of night hath shrouded every region, and all the earth is shut away behind thick clouds. The peoples of the world are sunk in the black depths of vain illusions, while their tyrants wallow in cruelty and hate. I see nothing but the glare of searing fires that blaze upward from the nethermost abyss, I hear nothing save the thunderous roar that belloweth out from thousands upon thousands of fiery weapons of assault, while every land is crying aloud in its secret tongue: “My riches avail me nothing, and my sovereignty hath perished!”

O my Lord, the lamps of guidance have gone out. The flames of passion are mounting high, and malevolence is ever gaining on the world. Malice and hate have overspread the face of the whole earth, and I find no souls except Thine own oppressed small band who are raising up this cry:

Make haste to love! Make haste to trust! Make haste to give! To guidance come!

Come ye for harmony! To behold the Star of Day! Come here for kindliness, for ease! Come here for amity and peace!

Come and cast down your weapons of wrath, till unity is won! Come and in the Lord's true path each one help each one.

Verily, with exceeding joy, with heart and soul, do these oppressed of Thine offer themselves up for all mankind in every land. Thou seest them, O my Lord, weeping over the tears Thy people shed, mourning the grief of Thy children, condoling with humankind, suffering because of the calamities that beset all the denizens of the earth.

O my Lord, wing them with victory that they may soar upward to salvation, strengthen their loins in service to Thy people, and their backs in servitude to Thy Threshold of Holiness.

Verily Thou art the Generous, verily Thou art the Merciful! There is none other God save Thee, the Clement, the Pitiful, the Ancient of Days!

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

—Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Bahá, 218.10–218.18

WARS & BATTLES

Hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

A flash fiction challenge of 100 words or less

The photo prompt copyright  J Hardy Carroll.

FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!

WARS & BATTLES

John fought to come home just for them. When he left, she was pregnant. He knew his daughter, Jenny, only through Mary's words and photographs. He couldn't wait to hold them close. His mission finally ended, he boarded the plane home.

50 years later

         At the cemetery, he watched them play, both so beautiful, unchanging, and full of love for him. He'd survived the war, but a drunk driver on the way to his next drink stole them from him.

He hoped Mary would be glad to hear that he only had weeks left. Cancer would win this final battle.

100 words

Yolanda Renée © 2015

Join the fun here:

**********

This is the last day for

 THE REALMS FAIRE!

Your cheers are still needed.

You have 3 opportunities a day

and many Knights

deserving of your cheers.

THE JOUST

So please take part – for the fun if not for the prizes!

LADY ENIGMATIC 

Wants to thank you for your cheers this week and if you have one more

Huzzah

in you

 she'd love your

consideration today!

To score points for the Lady, use the words. Lady Enigmatic, Murder, and cutpurse on THE JOUST site by clicking HERE

***************

The winners for commenting on this blog, and chosen by Random.org are

Monday - Sia McKye

Tuesday - Pat Hatt

Wednesday - M Pax

Thursday - Cherie Reich

Congratulations!
Deborah Druker
you won Friday!

all winners of a $5 Amazon Gift Card, and an eBook copy of

Murder, Madness & Love and Memories of Murder.

just for a comment!

CONGRATULATIONS!

THE REALMS FAIRE

Hosted by M. Pax the Faire finishes Today!

Click on the Title and Play the Game!

Riddle Me This ~ Dueling Bards ~ Phasers ~ Unicorn Hunt ~ Who Roams Here? ~ Beware the Vortex ~ VelociRaffle ~ The Hero’s Dilemma ~Stockade Brigade ~ Hall of Doors ~ The Joust ~ Drench-a-Wench/Soak-a-Bloke

Murder Madness & Love

only .99 cents!

Midnight 11 - 13 - 2015
The Realms Faire is over!

DOMINION BY LUCIFER

THE REALMS FAIRE is still underway!

Worthy knights have met on the field of battle

and more Knight's wait for their opportunity to wow the crowds in

THE JOUST.

LADY ENIGMATIC 

had a great day of jousting with

DUBHGLAS THE BRUCE

but the games are far from over

and to win THE JOUST she needs your cheers!

To score points for her, use the words. Lady Enigmatic, Murder, and cutpurse on THE JOUST site by clicking HERE.

THE REALMS FAIRE

Hosted by M. Pax continues!

Click on the Title and Play the Game!

Riddle Me This ~ Dueling Bards ~ Phasers ~ Unicorn Hunt ~ Who Roams Here? ~ Beware the Vortex ~ VelociRaffle ~ The Hero’s Dilemma ~Stockade Brigade ~ Hall of Doors ~ The Joust ~ Drench-a-Wench/Soak-a-Bloke

Meet Lady Enigmatic:

Shrouded in snow and whipping winds, Lady Enigmatic hails from the frigid lands of the North. She may well be small of stature, but thither exists a mysterious power in her. Be it courage or madness, she rides polar bears to practice for the joust. Yet tis not her daring with which my lady defeats most of her opponents, verily by my troth, her tales of murder and intrigue which strikes through to the hearts of men. Although some have said, tis fear of her pet dragon, Maximilian, which hath them quaking in thy boots. Aye, one might wonder if perchance this gentle lady hath an obsession with the dark side, but tis the love of her people, her land, and words that make her a true warrior.

Her Knightly Deeds:

Lady Enigmatic hath assisted a brave warrior in his quest to untangle a labyrinth of rumor and obsession and rescue a beauteous damsel set upon by a mendacious thug. Murder, Madness & Love

My Lady also helped to corral a demon intent on world domination with the aid of this same dedicated warrior. Memories of Murder

Her most recent heroic deed involved obsessive desires, Grizzlies, and her loyal warrior fighting for his life in a quest to prove his innocence. Murder & Obsession

And in honor of THE REALMS FAIRE – Murder, Madness & Love is only .99 cents on Amazon!

If you want to know more about Murder, Madness & Love

Click the HERE!

*****

In Memories of Murder 

a book called Dominion

written by Lucifer

 was discovered

here is an excerpt.
(warning graphic violence)

LUCIFER'S WEDDING CEREMONY

Lucifer or his anointed Lieutenant are the only demons qualified to perform the marriage ceremony. Both the bride and groom must swear allegiance and make a blood sacrifice to the Supreme Leader three days before the wedding ceremony, including a twenty-four hour period of meditation, prayer, fasting, and blood consumption all vital for the spirits cleansing and the minds focus.

The appropriate hour for the ceremony is sunset.

The appropriate date would be any Blood Sabbath.

A toast with the blood of three six-year-old children is vital to ensure the procreation of children.

The wedding ceremony must include the proper attire and witnesses.

"I, (name of the person officiating), declare this wedding a sacred event. 

Hallowed by sacrificed blood, and blessed with fertility through the consumption of innocent blood. (Bride and Groom's names) will bear children for the cause. Their union will help to change the world into a demon's playground. God will be banished, and Lucifer, with his Queen, will reign. On this sacred night, I declare that this union is sanctified by the blood of a virgin, has been demonically blessed, and is the fulfillment of scripture.

The Groom speaks first: I, (Groom's name), take thee, (Bride's name), my demon bride, as my wife, my equal. Other words of declaration may be spoken at the Groom's behest.

The Groom will make a cut just above his heart.

The Bride will wet her lips in his blood.

The Bride speaks next. I, (Bride's name), take thee, (Groom's name), as my demon groom, as my husband, my equal. Other words of declaration may be spoken at the Bride's behest.

The Bride will then drop her gown from her shoulders, draw blood, cover her nipples with her blood, and then the groom will suckle the life-giving nectar from her breasts.

With blood on their lips, the first kiss will seal their union.

A blood sacrifice with both parties holding the knife and delivering a fatal blow to the heart of the willing participant and then the consumption of that heart will forever sanctify this wedding.

This union, now sanctified, cannot be broken by anything other than permanent death.

This ceremony was taken from the book Dominion written by Lucifer S Reynard.

*****

Huzzah for the Realms Faire! 

And all the gallant Knights!

The Winner of the $5 Amazon Gift Card 

& and eBook copy of both Murder Mysteries
chosen by Random.org

Murder, Madness & Love

and

Memories of Murder

for Monday is

Sia McKye

And for Tuesday is

Pat Hatt

 Wednesday's Winner is

M. Pax

Thursday's Winner is

Cherie Reich

CONGRATULATIONS!

Comment and you could win today!

(All gift cards will be issued after the Faire)

HERO'S

In Honor of our Veterans!

HERO'S

The desire to serve

A calling felt deep

An honor only a few will earn

A job only a soldier understands.

Sacrifice beyond the call of duty

The debt we owe

Gratitude unvoiced

Flags draped and folded

Tears forever shed

A hero saluted.

A nation saved

A country freed

A prisoner released

A dictator dethroned

Our hero's come home!

Please God, let all our hero's come home!

Yolanda Renée © 2015

THE REALMS FAIRE

Hosted by M. Pax continues!

Click on the Title and Play the Game!

Riddle Me This ~ Dueling Bards ~ Phasers ~ Unicorn Hunt ~ Who Roams Here? ~ Beware the Vortex ~ VelociRaffle ~ The Hero’s Dilemma ~Stockade Brigade ~ Hall of Doors ~ The Joust ~ Drench-a-Wench/Soak-a-Bloke

Lady Enigmatic 

still needs your cheers to win THE JOUST

Please give her your support on The Joust page

Just copy and paste these words:

Catching a cutpurse or solving a murder is the way Lady Enigmatic fills her day!

For your reading pleasure an unedited excerpt

from 

Murder, Madness & Love

now only .99 cents

in honor of the 

REALMS FAIRE

Sarah poured a bottle of shampoo on the floor. "See how well you can stand up after you hit this," she said.

A loud explosion told her the front door was down. She scrambled through the window to the first-floor roof.

"Sarah. Come out, come out, wherever you are!" A loud bang heralded the news that the bedroom door was down.

She quickly, but carefully, made her way across the wood shingles to a point where she could shimmy down to the porch roof, and to the ground. She heard him kick in the bathroom door and allowed herself a smile when she realized the other sound was him falling on his ass. Curse words filled the air, and she knew he was at the window, looking for her. 

Sarah stayed low but moved quickly.

Sliding down the support columns for the porch, she picked up several splinters. But bruises, broken bones, abrasions, and a few shards of wood would heal. Once she hit the ground, Sarah planned to run to the knoll and the old oak tree, a new hiding place.

Just as she landed on the ground, he came barreling through the patio doors. She thought of scooting closer to the porch, but she coughed again.

The monster grinned. "Trying to hide? A little difficult with that hack. Come along quietly, such a mess your once lovely wedding dress. If you're good I'll buy you a new one."

He moved toward her. She scrambled to her feet as he jumped from the porch grasping for her. He managed to grab the hem of her dress, but the fabric gave way, and he had nothing for his effort. Sarah was running again, but he was right behind her.

She knew the way despite the dark and raced through the tall grass, but her body was no longer cooperating. Her lungs were inflamed. Her chest hurt with a pain so severe, she could barely breathe. Please, God, not now. Please let me get to the tree, up the tree, to somewhere he can't reach me.

Sarah reached the tree, but, before she could raise herself to the lowest limb, he was on her, tackling her to the ground.

"After all that effort. Tsk, tsk, tsk." He clicked his tongue in disapproval. "Oh, well. Where we're going, you won't need clothes."

He lifted her by her upper arm, held her close, and marched her to the cliff's edge . . .

*****

Read the guest post by J Lenni Dorner

on setting

as character

WEP

*****

The Winner of the $5 Amazon Gift Card 

& and eBook copy of both Murder Mysteries
chosen by Random.org

Murder, Madness & Love

and

Memories of Murder

for Monday is

Sia McKye

And for Tuesday is

Pat Hatt

And Wednesday's Winner is

Mary Pax

CONGRATULATIONS!

Comment and you could win today!

(All gift cards will be issued after the Faire)