One Paper Heart e-book on Amazon

 Exciting News

Award-winning romance, One Paper Heart, will now have an e-book

version on Amazon.com to complement its paperback edition.

The e-book preorder goes live June 21, 2025. Click on the following

link to read a synopsis and learn more.

One Paper Heart e-book

Save Big on A Body To Bones

 

Update:  There's bad news and good news.

The limited time sale mentioned below has expired. Sorry.

Good news

The 50% off sale has been renewed.

Sale ends December 15, 2022 so Santa can rest for his

Yuletime December 25 delivery trip.

If you can't remember coupon code QD86Q, don't worry.

 Click here to save big 

The link will take you to the A Body To Bones e-book page.

Save 50% on ebook A Body to Bones for a limited time only at

www.smashwords.com/books/view/1042160.

This private sale is only for persons who enter coupon code

QD86Q prior to checkout. (Ebook may have updated cover.)

Ps, While at Smashwords, check out Donan Berg/s One Paper Heart, a Gold Award Romance.

Click here:  One Paper Heart

Review To Steal a Heart by Jennifer Youngblod

 Review To Steal a Heart by Jennifer Youngblood

Midway through a series, which To Steal a Heart by Jennifer Youngblood is, don’t feel inadequate if you believe you’ve missed something. In the beginning, the feeling gnawed at me continuously.

Calm yourself and enjoy a classic summer beach read. If you add a glass of wine, no problem. If the sweat gleams because you’re lathered in sunscreen, likewise no problem.

Here’s a tip. Don’t count the twists and turns. If you’re put off by the pettiness and selfishness of high society circles, banish the thought. And remember this secret, if a heroine is bashed by an unfaithful or conniving lover in the beginning pages, and that “heel” then dates her former childhood friend, be prepared for revenge and enjoy the next page.

You’d earn a gold star if you believed the outcome was preordained because the ex-boyfriend was named Hector. Yes, the name is Greek. Homer in the Iliad describes Hector as “Breaker of Horses.”

Thus, why wouldn’t the modern day Hector, under the grip of a romance writer, “break” a woman’s heart? You may find additional allegorical references. Go to it.

Reviewer Donan Berg has earned three gold awards for his novels, a romance and two fantasy. He received an advance review copy for free and he leaves this review voluntarily.

Find the Girl, A Fantasy Novel, No1 for 412 Days

 Find the Girl, No1 most popular 412 days

Donan Berg's first fantasy novel, Find the Girl, A Fantasy Novel,

has, on June 7, reached a milestone 412 days as the most popular

novel on AuthorsDen.com, all genres. In fact, on this day, eight

spots in the top ten for most popular were filled by Author Donan Berg novels.

We're prompted to shy away from humble to say there's something special

about his novels, be they fantasy, mystery, thriller, action, or romance?

To explore Eta Dorcas' reality and her time travel new world visit

Find the Girl, A Fantasy Novel 

On World Book Day, Find the Girl, A Fantasy Novel

was featured as Book of the Moment by Caleb and Linda Pirtle.

Their website is at Book of the Moment

Find the Girl, A Fantasy Novel, has been joined by Author Donan Berg's

second fantasy, Lucia's Fantasy World. Now out as a free read on 

Amazon's KindleUnlimited and also available in paperback. Click on

the link below to learn more, including a free chapter read.

Lucia's Fantasy World

Additional clicks on the links below will allow you to check out

five-star reviewed Author Donan Berg novels.

One Paper Heart

Aria's Bayou Child, A Thriller

Alexa's Gold

A Body To Bones

And many more if you visit Author Donan Berg's homepage 

Author Donan Berg Home Page  Here you will find Donan Berg's biography

and a connection to his novels, short stories, writing tips, articles and poetry.

Let the first sentence grab you

 All praise is not homegrown.

Readers, and especially critics, are blown away by a novel's first sentence.

There are classics. Think Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice. 

I ran across an introductory sentence today that impressed me so much I had to share.

In Last Light by J.N. Bake, the opening sentence reads as follows:

"Hell. As I pried my sword from his life-less body, I was sure that's where I'd be going;

that was, if I could actually die."

Doesn't that tell you a lot, yet still draw you in?  It did me. A fantasy? Or, a delusional killer?

Why chose?  You must read on.  I haven't read the entire novel, but I'm intrigued.

I went back to look at my own novels. (Proud to say that the last two have had gold medals bestowed upon them. The first a most popular www.authorsden.com novel for 93 consecutive days.)

Alexa's Gold starts with:  "'Rich men don't date exhausted women.'" Grandma's oft-repeated admonition ebbed into the minutiae of Alexa Hovey's grief."

Find the Girl, A Fantasy Novel starts with:  "Eta Dorcas pressed four fingertips into her right palm's flesh. She feared, if she looked, it could still be there."

One Paper Heart starts with: "The romantic flames of Alicia Danielson's sweet dreams flared into conscious panic."

Different genres please readers in multiple ways. For the author to gain that praise requires the reader to do one thing, i.e., read on with a sense of what comes next. That is, a fantasy, a romance, or a thriller with romantic elements.

It presents a tall order for the author. All readers may not have a critical vision when opening a novel, but below the surface there's an attraction. It benefits the author and the reader.   

Independent Website Honors Author Donan Berg with Firsts

 Independent website www.authorsden.com honored Author Donan Berg on May 12, 2021 with four top most popular ratings for four of his novels.

More than a week later on May 20, 2021, the most popular novels, yes, the top six in reader appeal at www.authorsden.com are written by Author Donan Berg.  They include the below listed four.  Find the Girl, A Fantasy Novel, has been a top pick since April 16. A Body To Bones, his debut paperback novel that recently joined the e-book ranks, like cream, has risen to the top. 

Top fantasy - Find the Girl, A Fantasy Novel

Top mystery/suspense - Into the Dark

Top action/thriller - Aria's Bayou Child

Top romance - Alexa's Gold (Author Berg's Abbey Burning Love earned a second.)

Click here to Find Donan Berg novels .

In a statement, Author Donan Berg said he couldn't be prouder of his readers. "They are the most important persons," he said.  "Honors are fantastic, but the underpinning is to write for the enjoyment of readers. That, in all humility, is best. To be a part in a win/win spurs my passion to write even better."

After his statement, word was received that a new five-star review has been issued into the literature world. Read a review of Aria's Bayou Child, A Thriller at www.featheredquill.com.

Writing tip : Ask yourself why?

 Multiple writers send out samples of their work and ask for comment. The writer expects compliments. Yet, criticism is received. This can be both good and bad. The focus for you, the writer, must be:

What are you asking for?

Is it to improve your writing? 

While writers may hope all feedback helps them improve, honest readers know they walk on eggshells when they express what they see as faults in the written word they have read. Readers assume you, the writer only want praise. And, loads of it.

This presents a conundrum. Bad prose will result in fewer sales. This inflicts greater sadness to the writer after the lack of praise.

For me the analogy is like Brussel sprouts.  I like them. Majority don't. Should I say so if thus predict the answer to be received will be a negative? Probably not. Should it be so for writing?  I think not.

So, you're the writer. How do you approach this?

Consider that the reason you're asking for honest feedback is that you're still learning to be a successful writer. Ask any bronco rider: Do you expect to get tossed to the arena dirt? The answer: yes.

As a writer, do you expect to be loved by every reader?  

If the bronco rider learns with every ride, shouldn't the writer learn by every critique?

The answer: yes.

Does pride blunt the learning experience? Yes, but only if you let it.

Take every reader response in stride. Weigh it. If a reader can find fault with you as a writer, why can't you as a writer find fault with the reader. Yes, you can. But, be objective. 

Be in control of what you write. If your words have unintended consequences, learn to be more precise. If your words strike a chord, but less than you expected, amplify with a sharper focus.

It's the interchange between writer and reader that strikes a harmonious chord.

Only by interacting can the writer find the common niche. The writer's and the reader's world, as expressed by the word, is enriching and better if in sync.

Donan Berg's novel Alexa's Gold achieves 89 days as most popular.

It makes one humble.

Alexa's Gold, a romantic thriller, has achieved a record eighty-nine (89) consecutive days at the most popular novel on the Authorsden.com website. Click here to access Donan Berg's page: Authorsden.com .

In fact, four Author Donan Berg novels occupy four of the five top most popular novel spots. (December 27, 2018 Update: novels  Alexa's Gold, A Body To Bones, Abbey Burning Love, One Paper Heart. All are romances, except the mystery novel A Body To Bones.)

Alexa's Gold becomes the second Author Donan Berg novel to reach the highest pinnacle of popularity at Authorsden.com . As of December 27, Donan Berg novels are four of the top five.

The first was A Body To Bones. After rising to number one in July, 2018, A Body To Bones has in the past month challenged Alexa's Gold, rising as high as a runnerup.  Today, December 27, 2018, the former number one still ranks number two.

Both novels have free excerpts and signed copy availability at Authorsden.com .

Joining Alexa's Gold and A Body To Bones as top most popular books, all genres, are romances Abbey Burning Love and One Paper Heart.  The three romances are the top romances at Authorsden.com. Adolph's Gold, a police procedural mystery has ranked as high as number nine this December. (On December 27, it's number 12.) One Paper Heart was a 2016 Feathered Quill Gold Award First Place romance.

To all who have read either excerpts, entire stories or accessed any one of the five novels, thank you.

If you wish to enjoy these novels, there's an easy remedy.

Two Donan Berg Novels Top Popularity

Breaking News

As of  Thursday, October 18, 2018, two Donan Berg novels continue their
string of consecutive days ranked most popular. Now at twenty-one (21).

Alexa's Gold, a romantic thriller, ranks No. 1 most popular at
Authorsden.com, a literary website.

A Body To Bones, a mystery, ranks No. 2 most popular at Authorsden.com.

Both novels have maintained their top literary ranking since September 28.
Joining them October 17 at #6 is Author Berg's romance/mystery Abbey Burning Love.

Thank you all and keep up your visits to the below links.

To find more information and the rankings click here:  AuthorsDen.com .

Donan Berg's AuthorsDen.com author page is here: Donan Berg Author .

Thank you all.

For reviews of Alexa's Gold and A Body To Bones, check out prior blog posts.

Real Life Character Building

Fiction novel writers never ignore characters. Characters live and
breathe as the heart and soul of every potential masterpiece.

How does the novelist get there?

Consider this perspective; they blend in the physical attributes of hair color, body build,
eye color etcetera, but, more important, they interview their characters to gain a
deeper understanding.

They ask each character in turn, digging to get as much information as possible:

1. What life experiences have you enjoyed?

2.  What physical things have you enjoyed, even loved?

3.  What experience or physical object liberated you?

4.  What ideas and held beliefs have you outgrown?

5.  What spiritual concepts have controlled your life?

6.  What secular ideas have guided your life?

7.  What physical or emotional risks have you taken?

8.  What dangers have you avoided or courted?

9.  What sufferings have helped you grow?

10. What people shaped or influenced you life? To what degree?

Donan Berg is the author of entertaining mystery and heartwarming romance. His 2016 romance,
One Paper Heart, won the Feathered Quill Gold Award First Place for Romance. His latest is a
romantic thriller, Alexa's Gold. Ask for both at your favorite book retailer.

Alexa's Gold Book Club Discussion Topics

Alexa’s Gold

Reading Group Questions

and Topics for Discussion

1.     Do you agree with Alexa’s response to her traumatic work-related assault? Has she tried to envision what lies ahead in her life or acted with an unhealthy disregard for reality? Is her attempt at societal isolation healthy or a character frailty? Is she courageous, foolhardy, naïve, or a complicated mixture of these and other human attributes?

2.     Belinda, Alexa’s work and social friend, is definitely a secondary character. Why is Belinda’s character integral to Alexa’s journey? Does the character of Belinda represent a personality trait or traits that may be absent or conspicuously missing from Alexa’s character?

3.     What significant conflicts exist between Alexa, her mother, or her grandparents that need resolution? Does Alexa recognize the different influences on her life? Does Alexa navigate her circumstances with aplomb or defeatism? When considering her mother and grandmother, is there a spiritual influence and, if so, how significant is it?

4.     Alexa’s Gold is in some ways a typical journey story in which a person travels to a new land, has adventures, and ends up with a new perspective. There is a search for grandpa’s hidden gold. Can “gold” be defined as something other than monetary coins? What new experience or perspective enlightens Alexa?

5.     Novels generally rely on four typical archetypes, to wit, protagonist or hero; monster as either a villainous person or evil force; Anima figure which is the opposite personality the protagonist must strive to be in alignment with; and helper who aids the protagonist or listens to the protagonist and in so doing lets us understand the protagonist. Alexa is obviously the protagonist. Where do the other characters fit in?

6.     Alexa often bemoans the fact that Attorney Brad Haberkorn doesn’t tell her everything or anything, especially when it comes to her grandmother’s will. Does Alexa have a legitimate gripe? How does this relationship tug-of-war speed or slow Alexa’s and Brad’s romance? How does her son Samuel fit in? What influence does grandma exert in selecting Brad to be her attorney or grandma’s earlier life advice to Alexa?

7.     Although cooks use recipes to reach the goal of successful creations, many psychologists differ on detailing guaranteed instructions on how to live life. Is Alexa’s chore to find grandma’s recipe clue to the stashed gold coins more than a practical treasure hunt? Is the recipe symbolic? Of what? Are there any symbols in Alexa’s story?

8.     In life, people often muddle along. Are there any lessons the characters in Alexa’s Gold did not learn, but should have?

9.     If we assume Alexa did not want to become a clone of her mother, what aspect of her mother did Alexa object to? Is either materialism or crude language an inherited or cultural influence?

10.  Alexa’s journey is both emotional and physical. Where does it end? Are there any solid clues in what we know from the story to date?

Alexa’s Gold is Donan Berg’s first novel after One Paper Heart, his 2016 winner of Feathered Quill’s Gold Award First Place for Romance. Read a free Alexa’s Gold sample at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/713346.

Clarity, the writing challenge.

Writing clarity is always a challenge. It's one reason authors have editors. With humility, this writer fills both roles with herculean effort to keep them separate.

This posts harvests true-to-life examples taken from works, if not yet published, then designed to be published. In each example, see if your mind hesitates while it grasps for meaning.

I'll refuse to divulge the names of the authors and their titles. This post is for educational purposes, not shaming. If you chuckle, don't tell me.

Let's go:

Number one:  "He walked haltingly into his walker and turned it off and then sunk into his chair by the window."

Response:  Can you tell exactly what he did?  If he could walk, why the need for a walker? What do we miss? Wheelchairs are motorized, walkers generally not.

Number two:   "The master bedroom was larger, with a deck overlooking the beach and had an attached bathroom."

Response:  Wouldn't it be great if the beach had an attached bathroom? Those pesky connectors like the word "and" always send the wrong signal.

Number three: "Caroline glanced around then bent low and whispered a warning."

Response:  Punctuation can help with clarity. Wouldn't it be a faster read if the sentence said: "Caroline glanced around, bent low, and whispered a warning." Generic words always pose a problem. "Around" is one such example. What if, Caroline glanced left and right before she bent low. If she did go in a circle, the word "twirled" adds more clarity than "around."

Number four:  "Though, if I had to shoot through my purse today, I'd be madder than a hornet." She wrinkled her nose and untucked it from the pit of her arm. "It's new."

Response:  Plastic surgery, anyone? Yes, it's a difficult day when one has to untuck their nose from their armpit.  The purse would be easier.

Number five:  "Well what's wrong then?" Jackson asked, then before she had time to answer ran another question to her on its heels. "You haven't been spotted...?"

Response:  As with the previous example, body parts can be cumbersome to reference. Why not identify the other speaker with greater specificity than a pronoun? Place a period after asked. Insert "Judy's mouth gaped without a word spoken. 'You haven't been spotted...'"

Undoubtedly there's more examples in the world of writing. I'm returning to my efforts to craft words imbued with clarity so strong no reader misunderstands or has to detour into a foggy mist of vagary. My fingers are crossed for both you and me.

Donan Berg's latest literary effort is Alexa's Gold, a romance mystery with extra thrills. Click this link for to obtain a free sample of Alexa's Gold e-book , multiple e-readers supported. The trade paperback arrives at major retailers April 25, 2017.

Author Berg's 2016 First Place Gold Award romance, One Paper Heart, remains available at www.smashwords.com/books/view/553245, libraries, and major book retailers.

Alexa's Gold Arrives April 11, 2017

Author Donan Berg, 2016 Feathered Quill Romance Gold Award winner, releases his latest romance thriller on April 11, 2017.

The new novel is entitled:

Alexa’s Gold

Mystery, Romance, Thrills

 Fall in love with Alexa’s grit. She has it all: pluck, courage, stamina, and the endless farmyard gravel she waits to inherit from her Grandma. Yes, Grandpa’s buried gold coins are hers, if? Multiple BIG IFs. If she sleuths Grandma’s recipe clue. If she outwits those who would steal it. If Grandma’s lawyer fights off her mother’s will challenge.

 As a Chicago probation officer, Alexa witnesses crime firsthand. Her goal is simple: she doesn’t wish to be the lightning rod that attracts harm to her two-year-old son Samuel.

 America’s Heartland poses her biggest risk. Who does she trust? Is she safe? Will romantic love find her? And blossom?

Alexa’s Gold spins an elaborate web of unsuspected twists and turns sprung with gusto.

About the Author

Donan Berg intrigues readers with characters who battle everyday concerns to become truly heroic. He writes an addictive antidote prescription to the blues. His life’s journey has been as a journalist, corporate executive, and lawyer living in America’s heartland with roots in his native Ireland. In 2016 he won the Feathered Quill First Place Gold Award for Romance.

E-book, multiple formats, April 11, 2017 at  www.smashwords.com/books/view/713346
or at major book retailers.

Donan Berg's One Paper Heart Wins Gold

Donan Berg, author of mystery novels earning 5-star ratings, topped all 2016 Featheredquill.com romance category entries with his debut contemporary romance novel entitled One Paper Heart.

The February 2016 Featheredquill.com  Gold Award/1st Place winner announcement list can found at its website.

An excerpt of One Paper Heart appeared here in an earlier blog post. For a larger free sample click on the following link: One Paper Heart free sample .

Click here to order E-book One Paper Heart E-book $2.99

Click here to order trade paperback One Paper Heart Paperback $13.00

Book Clubs Select Adolph's Gold and One Paper Heart

A second book club has selected an Author Donan Berg novel. His police procedural mystery Adolph's Gold will be a January 2016 selection.

An excerpt of Adolph's Gold can be found at this site or a sample at www.amazon.com/Donan-Berg/e/B00799QVFI or https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/adolphs-gold/id799879942?mt=11


Author Donan Berg's debut romance novel, One Paper Heart, an excerpt which can be found at this site, has been chosen to be a book club's December, 2015 selection.

In separate news, Donan Berg earned a 5 out of 5 rating for his book critique (editing) of a client's latest novella.

Thanks.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year

From all here, may you and your loved ones enjoy a Happy 2013 Christmas Holiday in peace and gratitude, no matter how or for what reason celebrated.

May your 2014 be extra special as well. Happy New Year.

Coming soon
Expect a new blog post on or about January 2 exposing the
seven triggers for success.

Donan Berg Lands in Dixie Kane Winner's Circle

Three Novel Entries Earn Judging Accolades

Author Donan Berg landed three times in the winner’s circle at the 8th Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Contest. Announcing the results today was Nicholas Genovese, coordinator of the sponsoring Southern Louisiana Chapter of the Romance Writers of America.

In the inspirational novel category, Author Berg’s two entries, “Rosemary’s Awakening” and “Amanda,” shared a tie, both being awarded second place.

“Rosemary’s Awakening” is a fictional account of a courageous young Iowa woman’s battle to regain life and love after a competitive horse race mishap confines her to a wheelchair.

In “Amanda,” the reader follows a Chicago woman, paroled after being falsely imprisoned in Louisiana, who struggles to reclaim her life’s equilibrium, to achieve personal justice, and to find love on a journey to familiar and unexpected places.

In the novel with romantic elements category, Author Berg earned his third runner-up award with his novel entitled “Alexa.” The central character, Alexa, a single mom with a two-year-old son, lives and works in Chicago as a court probation officer. After a physical assault, she fights to restore her shattered life in an escalating, dramatic tale of murder, mystery, and rumored gold, sought by others after Alexa inherits her Iowa grandmother’s farm and searches for her grandmother’s special cookbook recipe clue that must be deciphered to reveal the gold’s buried location.

“I’m extremely honored,” said Berg. “The annual Dixie Kane competition is one of the premier writing contests in the United States. To be included among the talented and dedicated entrants who have graced and been recognized this year and in years past is a thrill.” Author Donan Berg has four murder/mystery novels and a collection of short stories, in print and electronic formats, published by DOTDON Books, Moline, IL. He’s previously, in 2010, been in the Dixie Kane winner’s circle.

His 2009 debut novel, A Body To Bones, debuted at number 27 in the top 50 most popular books, all genres, at AuthorsDen.com, an online literary community then visited monthly by more than a million authors and readers. A year later on September 19, 2010, his novel held its top 50 ranking as the 32nd most popular. His novels are in libraries nationwide, including Davenport, Iowa City, Moline, Rock Falls, and Rock Island. A Writer’s Digest judge in February 2010 said, “Donan Berg writes a nice, clear, consistently readable prose, and he manages to create a winning character in Sarah Hamilton.”

Following A Body To Bones, he’s authored The Bones Dance Foxtrot (2009), Bubbling Conflict and Other Short Stories (2010), Abbey Burning Love (2011, E-book only), and Baby Bones (2012).

The Dixie Kane Memorial Contest is named for the late New Orleans writer Linda Kay West, who wrote under the pen name of Dixie Kane. The sponsoring New Orleans chapter is a non-profit literary organization dedicated to the craft and business of writing book length fiction with a focus on romance.

Adolph's Gold by Donan Berg to be released March 13, 2014 in e-book format.

On March 13, 2014, Donan Berg's latest novel, Adolph's Gold, will be released in e-book format. As of late January it is anticipated that retailers Apple, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble will offer pre-order buying opportunities.  Readers wishing to sample this detective mystery can do so at the following link: http://www.smashwords.com/extreader/read/398225

  

Writing Contests: "A" or "E"

In specific reading genres writing contests abound. For the budding author the question may boil down to whether or not entering a specific contest is worthwhile or desireable. For this post that underlies the title: Writing Contests: "A" or "E," which has nothing to do with a grading system.

The "A" and "E" are vowel choices to go with the three consonants "P R _ Y."

Thus, with regard to writing contests are you faced with the prospect of  wanting or having to "pray" for a winning entry, or are you the "prey" for the contest's sponsors?

It's no doubt that contests try to sugar coat the benefits of entering. It's almost like the hoopla that surrounds million dollar giveaways. While the giveaways say you don't have to order to be a winner, that may be true for the initial contest, but, if you order, don't you keep receiving entries for future contests that a non-ordering person might not receive.

There are many writing contests. Romance Writers of America (RWA) sponsor two well-publicized contests, one for published works and the second for unpublished manuscripts. Mystery Writers of America sponsor awards that are primarily focused on already published works.  Literary magazines such as Nimrod and crazyhorse (Lower case is title of publication.) award prizes to unpublished short fiction. The difference the latter two have is that payment of the entry fee gives the entrant copies of the respective literary publications, at least for a year.

Paying a contest entry fee that comes with a subscription does seem more than fair. It provides the entrant with knowledge of and the ability to read and dissect the winning entries. And, intellectually compare the winners with one's personal entry without potential embarrassment.

Entering an unpublished manuscript to other venues brings forth other issues. If you've written a romance novel and don't wish to enter the national RWA contest because you believe it is not so much an organization as it is a company trying to make a profit, there are multiple romance chapters within the United States that run annual contests to make money. Yes, they may not say so explicitly, but ask the RWA whether or not they encourage chapters to run contests to support themselves and their websites and keep member dues low. In a moment of candor, the truth will come out. There is no doubt the RWA encourages chapters to run contests for entries are often given a discount for being an RWA member and some chapters mandate RWA membership for entries to be acceptable. Thus, the RWA has its own self-interest at heart.

But, whether or not that is so, what impact does this all have on the entrant deciding whether or not to enter an unpublished manuscript? The following could apply to any organization wishing to charge entry fees for unpublished manuscripts.

The chapters, populated by unpaid volunteers deserving credit for following their passion, run and obtain the judges for the unpublished manuscripts. The judges, even in a blind contest, may or may not be industry qualified. If you read the fine print, the contests say that the judges are "trained" and/or "published." Being either is not the sine qua non for possessing the requisite innate quality or acquired qualifications to judge writing or storytelling. From personal experience, after receiving the critique of judges the suggestions were implemented and the stories submitted the next year with the judge's changes. The score on one was lower and the comment was made that the writer seemed to have English as a second language. The other scores were no higher and the writing criticized for craftsmanship that had passed mustard the prior year. I took advantage of sending word of this to the judges (unidentified to me) via the contest coordinator. Guess what happened the next year?

From another contest I got scribbled comments from a judge willing to at least be honest when he or she said that he or she didn't like to read the category of the entry then being called upon to judge. Wow, you might say. If your first thought is how does this judge know what is of quality in this genre if they don't read it, welcome to the club that now has at least two members.

The preceding comment brings to light what should be obvious. The judges, being within the same chapter as the contest, know each other and are, more than likely, in the same critique groups. Even without names on the manuscripts, surely the judges can determine who wrote what.

Do entrants know these internal chapter dynamics?  Of course, not. That's information not provided outside the contest's inner circle.  Also secret is the number of entries. Is one given the criteria for judge selection. Most likely, not. Are you given information as to what book the judge authored? Likely, not. In some contests you are given a scorecard. If you check the scorecard criteria or divisions, you'll find they are very subjective. As in writing and an individual's reading preference, there's no dispute in this quarter that subjectivity is always present.

The bottom line may be whether or not winning a specific contest leads to greater glory. If the recent news is to be believed, the answer is no. New York publishers look for ways to make money (And, isn't that the same goal as the manuscript contests?) and they recently have been seeking out those
authors who've either gathered thousands of readers or sold their manuscripts by offering them online or through e-books channels.

Yes, this new technology seems to be the way of the future. As each day goes by, the glitter of boosting one to success via a writing contest seems to pale. You may disagree and find that entering a contest is a reasonable substitute for not having to or being able to adhere to your own writing deadline or going out and creating your own critique group. No one can tell you what value there is in your money. That's right and fair. Being in a writing contest winner's circle can be a great rush and this writer has had first hand experience.

Abbey Burning Love - Sample Read

Read a sample of Author Donan Berg's e-book Abbey Burning Love.

www.barnesandnoble.com/sample/read/2940012418586

Order at www.dotdonbooks.com Full-length novel 99 cents from the author who in
2013 landed three times in the 8th Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Contest sponsored by
the Southern Louisiana chapter of the Romance Writers of America.

Discussion Guide - The Bones Dance Foxtrot

Author Donan Berg's The Bones Dance Foxtrot, Second Skeleton Series Mystery, will be the featured book at CASI Book Club, Davenport, IA, in September. The following book club discussion topics have been prepared especially for them.

Book Club Discussion Questions

The Bones Dance Foxtrot by Donan Berg

1. How does protagonist Jake respond to the death of Athena? Is his response to his wife’s death realistic? If not, why? Is there any “normal” reaction to a spouse’s death?
2. For the characters, Emily, Patricia, Kate and Chief Coltraine, what is disclosed in their individual past life’s history that influences their actions? Do persons in real life always act consistent? What about Robert?
3. Jake’s occupation is as an over-the-road truck driver. Would he act different if he were employed as a person who “drove” a desk eight hours a day?
4. Prophet Jeremiah’s biblical words are quoted frequently. What do they foreshadow? If someone said it was an author’s trick to advance the story’s plot or to generate artificial suspense, would you agree or disagree? Is there a logical connection between a truck driver’s life and the fact that motels place Gideon Bibles in nightstands?
5. Within the novel, the author expends many words, including in-person point-of-view, to detail actions from a police perspective. Is that helpful, engaging or distracting?
6. Many of the characters, including Jake, participate in Emily’s local community theater. Does Patricia’s actor role foreshadow her personality or is her reality the direct opposite of the role she plays? How does Patricia’s role impact Jake, if at all?
7. Does Kate’s desire, as a widow, not to remarry square with her outward interactions with Jake? Also, is her diner veteran’s wall a true memorial or is it a business strategy?
8. Is Chief Coltraine’s gut reaction about Jake based on his experience or is it illogical for a veteran police supervisor, in a new job, to go against other department members?
9. Emily extends a hand of friendship to Jake. What motivates her? Is Jake a father figure? Is Emily just friendly to anyone who joins the acting troupe?
10. What does Emily’s hiring of Clem say about her? Does Clem impact Jake?
11. What about Jake’s quirk concerning measurements? Do you know any such person?
12. Is there humor in the story? What about Jake picking up the stuffed chickadee in his search for the stolen gold? Any other examples?
13. How important is Oscar in solving the mystery? Has the author, considering his previous novel, A Body To Bones, in which a young boy named Oscar found a skeleton, purposefully selected the name of Oscar to point to a significant discovery?
14. What role do the dances play in the story? What about the clothes worn by the dancers? What about Jake’s relationship with whom he dances? Does his treatment of his dance partners reveal anything about Jake’s personality?
15. The bank robbery is a past event happening before Jake arrives in Paradise. What ramifications impact on Jake?
16. Jake is a veteran. He talks about his military service with self-deprecation. Is there something else about his military service that has remained hidden? Could it be he didn’t even realize how service to his country could impact his actions?
17. Jake is presented with a crisis. What motivates him to react the way he does? Is it a past or recent experience or a person? Does Jake’s reaction indicate he’s more concerned about one person’s well-being or that Jake would act as he does for anyone in peril?

     Author Donan Berg's Baby Bones, Third Skeleton Series Mystery, now available in trade paperback at www.dotdonbooks.com and www.amazon.com . Earlier releases included an Ebook and Mp3 (audio) book.