I’m working my fingers to the bone writing my sequel, French Illusions: From Tours to Paris, so please bear with me while I pause my blog. I’ll check back in soon.
Linda Kovic-Skow, author of French Illusions
Grand Chateaux Of The Loire Valley
November 1, 2013 by Leave a Comment
This will be the first of three posts centering on chateaux from the Loire Valley in France. First on my list is the magnificent Chateau de Chambord.
Fun French Facts
August 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
My first French fact is a personal favorite. The bikini was invented by two different French designers in 1946. Jacques Heim invented his suit first, calling it “l’Atome.” At about the same time, his rival, Louis Reard, created a two-piece bathing suit, the “Bikini.” Reard used skywriting over the Riviera to promote his “Bikini,” and the name stuck like glue.
Indie Author? Here are my Tips for Increasing Book Sales, Gaining Twitter Followers and Acquiring “Likes” on Facebook.
August 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment
There are so many unknowns and so much to learn after you self-publish a book. Constant questions come up and answers are illusive in the beginning, especially if it’s your first attempt. What are the best sites for book promotion? How do I get more followers to my Facebook Fan Page? How can I find the best connections on Twitter? Authors want to write, but we have to understand that marketing is just as important. Fortunately, there is a wealth of information on the internet. After I published my book last fall, I searched these topics, clicked on links to blogs or discussions, read and followed their advice. Slowly, over time, I gained knowledge and my frustrations faded. Here are my best tips for indie authors when it comes to book promotion, gaining Twitter followers and acquiring Facebook FanPage “Likes.”
Book Endings Can be a Challenge
June 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment
“I would love to have known more about her future successes and how long she remained in France, her friends, her French instruction, etc. I would also like to have known the outcome of her leaving. I felt like there were missing pieces. I do hope for a sequel.” -Amazon reviewer on June 3, 2013.
Rapid-Fire Questions and Answers with Linda Kovic-Skow
May 29, 2013 by 6 Comments
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Dulce de Leche – caramel ice cream swirled together with ribbons of caramel, Mmmm. It’s not French, but it’s delicious.
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl. After years of trying to change this, I’ve finally raised my hands in the air and surrendered.
Pets? Meet My Dog, Abby
May 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Our ten-year-old Sheltie is the baby in the family. She’s also the most spoiled. Her good looks and gentle demeanor make her irresistible to almost everyone who comes in contact with her. Affectionate and loving, especially with her family, she’ll gaze and paw at you sweetly when she wants your attention.
Memoirs – A Complex Genre
April 28, 2013 by Leave a Comment
I have to admit writing French Illusions was a lot more complex than I initially imagined it would be. My diary offered a great outline, but I realized early on that I would have to change the names of people and places in my story to protect identities. This was especially true with regards to my host au pair family. Acquiring permission from them was out of the question. Totally out of the question. I mean it. Read my book and you’ll understand. Additionally, over thirty years had passed since I spoke with anyone I’d met in France. I no longer had any contact information for them.
My Five Favorite Writing Tips
April 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
My Memoir, French Illusions, took me three years and countless hours to complete. During that time, I studied and learned a lot about writing. I’m not an expert, but these are my five favorite writing tips.
1. It’s old advice, but so important. I strive to “show” readers what a character is doing rather then “tell” them.
Longing for Sunshine in Retirement? Maybe It’s Time to Get Creative
March 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Two years ago, our oldest daughter migrated to Los Angeles in search of sunshine. Last year her sister returned home from college and departed a few months later for Hawaii. When the clouds rolled into town in October and my allergies flared up again, I turned to my husband and sighed, “What about us? How soon will we be able to move to a warmer climate?”
